BOOK ONE: “The Case of the Missing Servant”
A New York Times Notable Crime Book.
“If Mma Ramotswe is an African Marple, Puri is an Indian Poirot: an opinionated Punjabi with an ego as great as his girth and a passion for British tailoring, malt whisky and fiery chillis … Hall combines an insider’s insight with the eclectic eye of a good foreign correspondent.” Financial Times
“An amusing, timely whodunnit … 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, captured in all its pungent, vivid glory, fascinates almost as much as the crime itself.” Entertainment Weekly
To read a synopsis and the first few pages click here
BOOK TWO: "The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing"
Vish Puri, master of disguise and lover of all things spicy, is back for a new thrilling instalment. He’s smarter, wilier and…well, larger – and he’s not taking "nai" for an answer.
‘The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing" is a first in the "annuals" of crime. "Hall has an unerring ear for the vagaries of Indian English, the Indian penchant for punning acronyms, peculiarly Indian problems ... and an obvious affection for India, warts and all ... Highly amusing." Publisher's Weekly (starred review)
"As tasty as Puri's favourite aloo parantha." Kirkus
For a synopsis click here
is the author of the Vish Puri Indian detective series and three works of non-fiction, including the highly acclaimed 'Salaam Brick Lane' and 'To the Elephant Graveyard'. You'll find details about his books, articles and reviews on this site. Leave a comment or click 
Hey was wondering if there is going to be a second novel about Vish Puri ? I loved the case of the missing servant, it was pretty enjoyable couldn’t put it down!!!!!
Hello,
I am thoroughly enjoying The Case of the Missing Servant. The flavor of India, and the historical fillups are delightful. and Vish Puri and his methods are outstandingly interesting!
As one always feels when reading a delightful mystery, I was looking forward to reading many more such offerings. Imagine my concern when I realized that this was a first and not a series. I sincerely hope you have plans to create a series! I will suggest this current offering to my friends and hope fervently that you won’t stop now. Thanks, Jay from Knoxville, Tn
I’m hooked…..PLEASE let there be another Vish Puri book in the works — please, please, please, please, please!
thoroughly enjoyed the book. combines humour and mystery my favourite. delightful characters and setting…Really really hope that there is going to be more!!! looking forward to the next..
What a great new detective. I loved the book and I hope there will be many sequels and soon.
I just finished reading ‘The Case of the Missing Servant,’ and this book is spot-on! There are many authors who are not natives of a particular country (Sujata Massey and Deborah Crombie are two who come to mind), who have captured the flavor and tone of a particular country due to having lived there for a time and studying the culture and tone of its natives. Writing a mystery book, with all of its twists and turns, and keeping true to the language and customs, is difficult. Tarquin, you have done a great job. Can’t wait to read another “Vish Puri, Most Private Investigator” sequel!
What a wonderful book. I enjoyed your characters and look foward to spending a long time with them helping to solve many a mystery in Delhi. In Canada, we have a large Punjabi community, so I know many Aunties and Mr Puri’s.
What about a movie deal? I think it would translate well.
Couldn’t put it down! Please get started on the next one! Being an Indian, I can certainly relate to the sights and sounds that are described in the book as well as the cultural quirks. And the foods were causing my mouth to water! I will be waiting impatiently for the next in the series!
A (West Delhi:)) Punjabi detective! .. Unique!!.
I always wonder, how a is ‘firang’ able to capture the local flavor so remarkably well.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Its full of charming little nuances of the Delhi Punjabi- Mummyji, Rumpi, Auntiji etc.
Being of the same breed, I could relate with situations and laughed through the book.
Eagerly waiting for the next Vish Puri adventure.
Loved the book! Can’t wait for the next one in the series!
Loved this book! Had me laughing out loud at times! It was difficult to put it down! The sights and sounds of India are captured perfectly – makes me want to visit my extended family out there! A fantastic read!
Scooped up your book at the library and was refreshingly entertained. I look forward to your second addition.
Thanks!
The Case of the Missing Servant will be discussed by our Culver City, CA Library Mystery Book group this Thursday and I’m looking forward to the discussion. You captured India the way McCall Smith captured Botswana in “No.1 Ladies Detective Agency.” I’m now a fan and look forward to “The Case of the Laughing Man.” I love Puri.
Judith Orth
After reading book two, my only question is: Is there a book there in the works?
The only problem with finding such a wonderful new series is having to wait for the next novel to follow. I’ve now read both Vish Puri tales here in the US and am looking forward to introducing him to my friends and family-in-law in Chennai!
Have just read “The Case of The Missing Servant”. What a wonderful read. Am about to start “Man Who Died Laughing”. Please write more Vish Puri adventures.
I bought a long awaited copy of “The Man Who Died Laughing” last week and just finished reading it.
Having read the first one, I expected it to be good, but it exceeded all expectations. You certainly have caught the spirit of India and infused it into the pages of that book. As I said in my last email to you, it is the continuous thread of humour that sets these books apart. One is intrigued by the murder mystery and vastly entertained by the minutiae of Vish Puri’s life and surroundings at the same time. I truly felt transported to Delhi.
You’ve got a winner here. I do hope there will be many more.
GOOD STUFF…CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT…