The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall (Book 1)

Vish Puri, known to close friends and family as Chubby, is a portly, Punjabi private investigator in Delhi.  In his trademark Sandown caps and carefully waxed mustache, he is assisted in his investigations by his loyal associates, Facecream, Tubelight, Flush, and his driver, Handbrake. Occasionally, much to his annoyance, “Mummy” (his mother-not a nickname) interferes as well.

Vish has investigated all manner of mischief in his long and celebrated career. References to his earlier cases, such as the Case of the Laughing Peacock, are scattered thought the novel. Vish’s investigative techniques combine the ancient wisdom of his hero Chanakya and the modern technology of wiretapping. Vish is also inordinately fond of disguises which he acquires from Chatterjee & Sons, a venerable firm who outfitted the troops of the British East India Company.

In The Case of the Missing Servant, Most Private Investigators Ltd is busy with several investigations. Of top priority is clearing the name of a prominent lawyer who is accused of murdering his maidservant. 

At the same time, the firm is busy with its bread-and-butter work screening prospective marriage partners for worried parents. Usually all it takes is a little computer hacking and the talents of Facecream to unmask unsuitable young men, but the case of Mr. Mahinder Gupta is a bit different.

Missing servants and mysterious young men are routine work for Most Private Investigators Ltd,  but not without danger. As Vish waters his chili plants one morning, a goonda tries to kill him. Hai!  Can Vish solve his cases while dodging an unknown assailant?

Of course, there is never any doubt that the wily Vish will survive, and that the cases will be “conclusively solved.”

The Case of the Missing Servant mimics the traditional British murder mystery so closely as almost to be a spoof. Vish bears a remarkable resemblance to Hercule Poirot  and even employs the Belgian’s habit of bringing all the suspects together for the Big Reveal.

But Hall’s portrayal of modern India in all its tattered splendor takes this novel beyond the stereotypical who –done- it. The story zips along enhanced by the colorful characters and sprightly dialogue.  (The glossary of Hindi words and phrases includes expletives  as well as Indian cuisine.) This promises to be a wonderful series, and I look forward to the next Vish Puri mystery, The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing. (June 2010)