Book Review: Smoke and Ashes

When Abir Mukerjee's latest mystery featuring Captain Sam Wyndham kicks off in late 1921, India is already in midst of an upheaval. Calling for boycott of foreign clothes, in addition to clamouring for an end to British rule by staging peaceful, non-violent protests all across the country. But just as the non-cooperation movement is gaining momentum in Calcutta, becoming a thorn in British's flesh (it would end a couple of months later, with the arrest of Mahatma Gandhi on charges of sedition), the city is rocked by a series of bizarre ritualistic murders that may have its roots in a troubling event that transpired in a small village in England. As always, Wyndham's cultural blind spots are a clever narrative device for Glasgow-native Mukherjee, who uses them adroitly to further the story, while keeping us informed about the historical, political and religious matters that impinge on the investigation. Packed with atmosphere and solid thrills, Smoke and Ashes is an altogether refreshing ride backed by a great story and a distinctly compelling milieu that's endlessly exciting.