annieb123's Review of A Small Case for Inspector Ghote? (An Inspector Ghote Mystery)

by H. R. F. Keating

In his proud new position in the prestigious Bombay Police Crime Branch Inspector Ganesh Ghote sees his career finally take off with the prospect of only the most high profile murders to investigate. Unfortunately the Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr. Ramprasade Divekar has other ideas and chooses to keep Ghote busy with the interminable paperwork of Bandobast Duty. Waiting to be given his first case, Ghote doesn't expect to find it planted in his waste bin. Wrapped in newspaper, which features the face of a prominent politician and stuffed into an old shopping bag, there is stark evidence of a murder fitted to his capabilities. But ACP Divekar dismisses the murder as plainly altogether unsuitable for a Crime Branch investigation, ordering Ghote to dispose of such evidence. Feeling that no murder should go overlooked, Ghote makes a promise to himself, and later to his steadfast wife, Protima, to investigate on his own, possibly risking his entire police career. His enquiries take him all over sprawling Bombay as he hunts for a man who has stolen just such an old shopping bag.
But then he is suddenly given that longed-for case, the murder of a young university researcher already inefficiently investigated by the local police. It may be only a small case, but can Ghote solve it and keep as well the promise he has made to himself?

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

A Small Case for Inspector Ghote? is the 26th (and final) book in the classic Inspector Ghote series by H.R.F. Keating. Originally published in 2009, this reformat and re-release by Severn House is 288 pages and will be available in ebook format (other editions available in most formats).

I've enjoyed Keating's books for decades and it's really nice to see these classic stories being re-released for a new audience. This is a very gentle book with a slow pace and meandering but intelligent main character. I have read other reviewers saying that Inspector Ghote's investigations will appeal to fans of Alexander McCall Smith and lovers of the old Columbo TV series and I can definitely see the similarities, but I think, respectfully, that H.R.F. Keating brings a unique pacing and sensibility to the cozy mystery. The inspector is very much inside his own head for much of the narrative and his internal monologues are whimsical and occasionally enlightening.

The setting (Bombay) provides atmosphere and exotic interest. This book explores the schisms between the classes/castes in India and is quite melancholy in places showing, as it does, the difference in importance and value placed on the lives of the poor vs. the wealthy. This would be a perfect read for a gentle train ride or cabin weekend.

Four stars. I am so pleased to see Severn House taking these up and re-releasing them.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

A Small Case for Inspector Ghote? (An Inspector Ghote Mystery)

by H. R. F. Keating

Reviewed by annieb123 on Feb 2, 2020

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