Barbara Cleverly, The Palace Tiger

The Palace Tiger

Barbara Cleverly

Delta, August 2006, $13.00

ISBN: 0385340095

In 1922, Scotland Yard detective Joe Sandilands is staying with Governor Sir George Jardine in Simla, India when the Maharajah of Ranipur asks for some help. Sir George asks Joe to help, which he agrees to. He will accompany hunter Edgar Troop as they join a party tracking and killing a man-eating tiger preying on the villagers.

Sir George provides Joe with a rifle designed for hunting four legged animals, and a Browning M pistol used to kill the deadliest species known - two legged beasts. Upon arriving in Ranipur, Joe finds the Maharajah near death and his heir Bishan recently killed by a panther. When the next in line son dies in front of Joe, he obviously becomes suspicious of foul play, but by whom? The only one to gain with these deaths is the youngest son, a preadolescent who is the favorite of the British Empire, even as the cop wonders whether his country authorized murder.

THE PALACE TIGER is a fascinating historical mystery that brings to life 1920s India. The storyline is fast-paced and filled with action, and plenty of twists, including a shocking finish. Joe is a terrific protagonist, who feels like an outsider as he makes enquires that are resented by the Maharajah's family, especially his second wife and the local law enforcement. Readers will appreciate this powerful tale and seek out other Raj mysteries (see THE LAST KASHMIRI ROSE) by Barbara Cleverly (perfect name for this author).