Historical Mysteries

He's dispatched by his friend, Governor Sir George Jardine, to unofficially look into the deaths of two of the Maharaja of Ranipurâ's sons; his cover reason for going is to help hunt down a tiger that's been picking off villagers. So while the book ends with the tiger hunt it's actually the story of Joe learning the palace ins and outs as he tries to determine - with no official standing - why the maharaja's sons have died, both in bizarre situations. Joe quickly makes friends with the youngest son, the apparent heir, who, feeling his life is in danger can be at rest no place in the palace, but for reasons of his own feels safe around Joe. Of course the palace ins and outs are completely fascinating - especially the culture of the wives who live their lives more or less "offstage" in what amounts to a virtual, though gilded, prison for them. Of course, a group of women living together jockey for power in the most insidious ways, and Cleverly's penetrating look at their world is one that would make any woman glad to be born in the later part of the twentieth century.

As with any Cleverly novel, there are layers within layers - the glittering facade of jeweled wealth hides the mind of a Maharaja who knows making money on the stock market might be more profitable; the tiger on the loose is responsible for many deaths, but not all deaths; and while the stock market may beckon, a snake or a panther is still an effective weapon. The uncoiling of this story is a delicious one, and for any fan of India, elephants, Maharajas or simply wonderful stories, this book is an absolute do not miss. Cleverly gets better and better with each novel - I can't wait for the next installment in the ongoing saga of Joe Sandilands of Scotland Yard.