Homicide in the Indian Hills by Erica Ruth Neubauer

 

Bringing all the ritual, the romance and the grandeur of the British Raj, this story though a mystery murder, was evocative of Ootacamund in 1927. The British were in power and they wanted to hang on to it as much as possible. The independent movement had started and it would only gain momentum with the years and there would be protests and bloodshed galore before India gained her Independence.

This story dealt with British government officials bickering for power, and doing everything they could to prevent Indians having any say in formulating legislation. Redvers and Jane newly married have arrived in Ooty. Redvers job is to smooth the way for formulating laws advantageous to the British and keeping India very much in their grip. Redvers and Jane do not believe this is the right thing to do. In the midst of this two murders take place one of a British citizen who is very partial to Indian independence, and the secretary to the Governor.

Trying to find out not just who the murderer is, but also the motive for the murders is important. Besides this, there are plenty of behind the scene activity both political and personal and the couple want to see justice served despite the official coverup.

Very descriptive of the workings, the attitudes of British officers and how the Indians had to almost debase themselves to survive in this era are part of the story.

Sent by Kensington Publishing for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

An additional novella at the end of this story, set in a snowy Christmas themed holiday where Redvers and Jane try to protect Redvers father from a bigamist, was a lovely story in itself.