These Kate Shackleton stories get better and better. The characters are fleshed out and enjoyable. The plotting is clever and full of twists and turns. And there's just enough droll British humour to keep me smiling. ( )

An Indian Maharajah visits the Yorkshire estate of the Duke of Devonshire to go hunting. His horse comes back without him in the evening and the next day one of the grooms who had accompanied him in the morning is found drowned in the river. Kate Shackleton is asked to investigate on behalf of the Government.

A good twisty tale. The author has a way of making even minor characters come alive so that the reader wonders what happened to them after the events in the novel. ( )

Kate Shackleton is asked to join the search for an Indian maharajah who went missing while hunting on a duke’s estate in Yorkshire; it is necessary to be as quiet about this situation as possible, so as not to ruffle the waters of the relationship between the Empire and its crown jewel of India. When she discovers the body in a place already ostensibly searched, Kate realizes that there are far deeper waters here than she expected - not least the fact that the government needs a simple, non-controversial solution…. It may have slipped the minds of modern readers that England held onto India as a part of its empire until after the end of World War II, although by the mid 1920s, when this story is set, the nationalist cause is gaining credence. I liked the way that Ms. Brody brings in the intricacies of that political situation without letting it bog the story down; instead, we are given a contrast between the opulence of the Princes of India and the squalor of workers on an English estate. Along, of course, with interesting characters, disappearing jewels and complicated family ties. This is the fifth book in the series, although I think it could be read as a stand-alone. I’m enjoying this series a lot, recommended. ( )

These mystery series would probably make more sense if I stuck to one series and also read them in order. ( )

Another splendidly researched and written outing for amateur detective Kare Shackleton. This time she tackles a very sensitive matter regarding the disappearance of an Indian prince. I cannot recommend this series highly enough for all fans of historical crime who don't wish to park their brains beforehand. Gripping, intelligent and fun. ( )