The Satapur Moonstone by Sujata Massey: A Brief Review

The Satapur Moonstone by Sujata Massey, May 14, 2019, Soho PressSetting: India, 1922, southeast of BombayGenre: mystery

My goodreads review:

Traveling back in time to 1922 in British India, where the Raj (the British) oversaw royal families and princely states, while allowing local religious and other traditions to continue. I learned a lot about what it might have been like then, for men,  and women as well who were living in purdah or seclusion. 

A mystery novel, with intrigue and suspense, and romance, in a unique historical setting and time period.  Perveen, a female lawyer, is sent to Satapur state to help resolve the conflicts over where the young raj is to be educated. There are conflicts between the boy's grandmother, who wants him to stay close to home, and his mother, who wants an English education for him. There have been unfortunate deaths in the family, and Parveen wonders if the young raj is in danger. 

I enjoyed this second in the Perveen Mistry series and look forward to the next.

Opening paragraph:

Perveen Mistry sighed, adjusting her hat on her sweating brow. It was six thirty in the morning, and already eighty-two degrees. Cantering around the riding ring at the Royal  Western India Turf Club, never quite keeping up with her friend Alice, was vigorous exercise. 

 Memes: First Chapter/Intros, now hosted by I’d Rather Be at the Beach; and Teaser Tuesdays hosted by The Purple Booker.

Sunday Salon: Mystery Novels Set in France and India

I got through a French novel, a thriller, in record time. Hooray! My reading in that language is getting better, with the help of the built-in dictionary in my ereader.

Un Juge Sous Surveillance

Un Juge Sous Surveillance by John La Galite, December 6, 2014, in French, borrowed through Kindle Unlimited.  The book is also published under the title, Justice Pour Tous (Kindle and paperback editions)

Setting: France and Spain

An investigating judge tries to find the truth behind two murders in one family and unwillingly involves her daughter Ines in her investigation. Thrilling and suspenseful, especially a dangerous climb in the snowy Pyrenees to reach a dead man and the evidence he carries that could condemn some in high positions.  

Timely topics, and a daring main character in the judge, Marion Lambert, made this an enjoyable reading challenge. 

On a recent visit to the library, I netted more books that I had intended to borrow! This is one I'm currently reading. 

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The Satapur Moonstone by Sujata Massey, May 14, 2019, Soho Press

Setting: India, 1922, southeast of Bombay

Genre: mystery

India's only female lawyer, Perveen Mistry, is asked to help made a decision re the education of a young crown prince in the kingdom of Satapur. She finds she has walked into a trap. (publisher)

I'm enjoying it so far, especially since there is a hint of possible romance in the remote mountain area for the main character, Perveen.

Memes: 

The Sunday Post hosted by The Caffeinated Bookreviewer. Also,  It's Monday: What Are You Reading, and the Sunday Salon,  Mailbox Monday.