Midnight at Malabar House

By Vaseem Khan,

Book cover of Midnight at Malabar House

Book description

*** WINNER OF THE CWA SAPERE BOOKS HISTORICAL DAGGER 2021, and an INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER ***

'The leading character is the deftly drawn Persis Wadia, the country's first female detective. She's a wonderful creation and this is a hugely enjoyable book' ANN CLEEVES

'This is historical crime fiction at its best…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Midnight at Malabar House as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Nothing has transported me to another time and place so well as Khan’s book this year. I saw him at Bristol CrimeFest, a lovely and humorous man who held the attention of an entire busy room with just a few words. Khan’s charisma led me to his book, and I am so thrilled I found it. 

It is about the first female police officer in Bombay, Persis, who is called into a mystery at the turning of New Year’s Eve, 1949.

The power of Khan’s book comes in his ability to use time to create tension, the feeling it’s running…

This book has sharply etched characters and a delightfully funny voice! I love books set in Bombay, and this one does so much more than offer a deeply authentic Ambiance.

This is the first in a series, it had me eager to read the next. Bombay’s first Police officer Persis Wadia and her friend Archie Blackfinch solve a twisty mystery with a great ending.

Want books like Midnight at Malabar House?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Midnight at Malabar House.

Browse books like Midnight at Malabar House

Book cover of A Murder at Malabar Hill
Book cover of The Bombay Prince
Book cover of The Lost Man of Bombay

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,187

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in India, Mumbai, and Scotland Yard?

India 483 books
Mumbai 37 books
Scotland Yard 25 books