‘A first novel set in Delhi that offers penetrating insights into the new India.’ — NEW YORK TIMES

‘Great fun – a seething slice of the sub-continent.’ – THE TIMES

‘An amusing, timely whodunit…Hall has woven his impressive knowledge of India into a tautly constructed novel that is a highly readable introduction to the country for newcomers.’ – GUARDIAN

‘India’s Most Private Investigator uses stealth, cunning and above all discretion to turn the tables on a killer…lively and quick-paced series debut.’ – KIRKUS REVIEWS (Starred Review)

‘India, captured in all its pungent, vivid glory, fascinates almost as much as the crime itself.’ – ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

‘Entertaining…Hall combines an insider’s insight with the eclectic eye of a good foreign correspondent…. The very opposite of the “exoticism” of which this kind of fiction is often accused. Instead of escaping into “another world”, western readers are encouraged to see an unflattering reflection of their own values and desires.’ – FINANCIAL TIMES

‘A good mystery and a fun read.’ – THE DAILY NEWS (New York)

‘The stories from “the files of India’s most private investigator” make hilarious reading and also paint a vivid picture of life in a modern Indian city. It’s all great fun.’ – THE WASHINGTON TIMES

‘Hall’s mystery…is as whimsical and colorful as its cover suggests… This novel could easily have been just a playful pastiche of the traditional British mystery, but through its comic tone and ironic point of view, the novel becomes a take on justice in post-colonial India.’ – MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE

‘Tarquin Hall is a distinguished journalist and has no problem marshalling details to create a sense of what everyday life is like in Delhi: the smell of chat and kachoris seems to waft from the page, as indeed does the stench of political corruption.’ – DAILY TELEGRAPH

‘The debut of what promises to be an outstanding series… The novel is dense with atmosphere, creating a delightful mix of the exotic and familiar… An excellent, delightfully humorous mystery with an unforgettable cast of characters, The Case of the Missing Servant immediately joins the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency as representing the best in international cozies.’ – BOOKLIST (Starred Review)

‘Great fun, and full of musings on modern India.’ – CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR (Staff Pick)

‘A clever and witty little story.’ – GLOBE AND MAIL (Canada)

‘In his fiction debut, British journalist Hall – who lives in London and New Delhi – captures his second country with grace and humor… An entertaining start to a promising series.’ – LIBRARY JOURNAL (Starred Review)

‘Hall, who is based in Delhi, brings a sprawling and chaotic city wonderfully to life and has created a delightfully eccentric cast of characters to sustain the promise of a book-a-year series.’ NEWBOOKS

‘In addition to having created a marvelous literary personage in Puri…Hall has a fine grasp of the nuances of north Indian life and lingo, as well as an in-depth knowledge in a wide range of subjects…I look forward eagerly to the next Vish Puri book.’ – INDIA TODAY

‘The Case of the Missing Servant was glued to my hands from the start… Hall’s writing is refreshingly deft and he has mastered the unique syntax of middle-class Delhi English.  Most promisingly, it’s clear Vish Puri has many cases to come and more chilli pakoras to devour.’ OUTLOOK MAGAZINE (India)

‘A suspenseful gripping plot, a heavy air of mystery and lots of action woven together with thriller moments…a must read.’ – ASIAN AGE

‘Hall writes with heart and he is witty, clever and inventive, which makes this a refreshing addition to the detective genre.’ – MINT (India)

‘Vish Puri, part Hercule Poirot and part Precious Ramotswe – with a nod to Sherlock Holmes – deploys his team of undercover operatives at Delhi’s Most Private Investigators, Ltd, with shrewd skill. He’s an old fashioned, principled man not afraid of modern technology as it changes the face of India where strict class divisions and gender roles still rule. Irresistible, this quirky story should appeal to readers of every stripe, mystery and non, and it provides at least one excellent surprise as Puri cracks a case. Although this debut may seem like a riff on Smith, Puri is uniquely his own man.’ – POISONEDPEN.COM

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