Title: The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra
Author: Vaseem Khan
First published August 13, 2015
297 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780316386821 (ISBN10: 0316386820)
Rating: 3.75
Overview
Meet Inspector Ashwin Chopra, a dedicated police officer who has just retired from the force. But his retirement is anything but peaceful.
On the day he retires, he receives an unexpected inheritance – a baby goat and a mysterious case. As he tries to solve the case, he discovers that it is more complex than he had initially thought.
Along the way, he finds himself navigating the bustling streets of Mumbai, from the luxurious high rises to the crowded slums. With the help of his new four-legged friend, Chopra is determined to solve the case and uncover the truth.
Will he be able to crack the case with the help of his new companion? Find out in The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra.
About the Author
Vaseem Khan is a talented writer known for his engaging crime series that take place in India. He has written two popular series, the Baby Ganesh Agency and the Malabar House historical crime novels.
His debut book, The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra, became a Times bestseller and has been translated into 15 different languages. The book introduced Inspector Chopra, a member of the Mumbai police force, and his partner, a cute baby elephant.
The second book in the series even won a prestigious Shamus Award in America.
In recognition of his literary talent, Vaseem received the Eastern Eye ACTA (Arts, Culture and Theatre Award) for Literature in 2018. Though born in London, Vaseem spent ten years in India working as a management consultant.
Since 2006, he has been affiliated with University College London’s Jill Dando Institute of Security and Crime Science.
Vaseem’s latest series, set in Bombay in 1950, introduces Persis Wadia, India’s first female police detective. The first book in the series, Midnight at Malabar House, promises to be an exciting read.
Editoral Review
The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra, written by Vaseem Khan and first published on August 13, 2015, is a captivating book that follows the life of retired Inspector Ashwin Chopra. Set in Mumbai, India, the novel is a delightful blend of mystery, humor, and cultural insight.
The author, Vaseem Khan, is a British author who was born in Mumbai. He worked in the communications industry for over ten years before becoming a full-time writer.
This experience shows through his writing, as his understanding of the communication and customs of Mumbai shines through in the book. Inspector Chopra, the protagonist of the novel, is portrayed as a determined detective who has refused to be bogged down by corruption in the police force.
After retirement, he inherits an unexpected and rather unusual gift a baby elephant. This sets the stage for an unexpected adventure, as Chopra finds himself juggling the role of detective and caring for a pachyderm.
The story is set against the vibrant and bustling backdrop of Mumbai, with the citys vibrant culture and complicated social issues providing an excellent contrast to the light-hearted humor of the story. The characters in the novel, ranging from Chopras wife, to a cast of colorful suspects, are well-crafted, adding a depth of realism to the fictional world created by Khan.
The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra is a great book, with an engaging plot that is full of twists and turns. The story moves along at a good pace, keeping the readers attention throughout.
The characters are well-developed, with each having their own unique quirks and personalities that flesh out the story even more. One of the key strengths of the book is the way it navigates through the complex issues confronting contemporary India.
Khan does an excellent job of weaving in social commentary, including aspects of corruption in the police force, division between rich and poor, and the role of tradition in modern India.
Khan shows a clear love for Mumbai and its people, as he expertly portrays scenes of the city, including street life, food, and customs.
Additionally, his use of humor adds a light touch to the story, giving readers moments of levity amidst the sometimes darker themes. That being said, there are a few areas where the book could be improved.
Some of the characters can be somewhat one-dimensional, with certain plot points feeling somewhat predictable. Additionally, some readers may feel that the relationship between Chopra and the baby elephant overshadows the mystery aspect of the novel.
Despite these minor shortcomings, The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra is a delightful read, full of humor, heart, and mystery. Fans of Alexander McCall Smith’s No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series will find much to enjoy in this book, as they share a similar light-hearted approach to the mystery genre.
Overall, The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra is highly recommended for anyone looking for an engaging and entertaining read. Vaseem Khan has crafted a charming novel that combines humor, mystery, and cultural insight in a way that is both delightful and enlightening.
