What do You think about The Palace Tiger (2005)?
Like the Charles Todd Ian Rutledge series, I've enjoyed all the Joe Sandilands books. I sometimes find it hard for him to avoid temptation with all the women throwing themselves at him, but I guess that is a gentleman of the era. I also find it hard to believe that he doesn't put his foot down and demand to be allowed to go home; he's been in India a while. However, I guess that also comes with being a gentleman--knowing and doing his duty. Besides, I wouldn't have all these great stories to read if he went home.I enjoy the writing, the atmosphere, the knowledge of India, the eye into life of the times, and learning about Joe the man.A great series; I'll be sad when I've read the last one.
—Madonna
This mystery is set in the time of the British Raj in northern India. Detective Joe Sandilands, war hero and Scotland Yard policeman is sent to witness the succession of the dying prince. Ranipur is noted for its hoard of priceless gems, an isloated expensive palace, and medieval local customs. The heirs keep dying and Joe has to find out if they have been killed, who did it and why. The many suspects range from English officials, American and Indian wives, and even a mistress. Tigers, panthers, and kraits appear as weapons as well. Interesting and a good read. The author has written several others with the same detective.
—Sandie
This is the 4th book in the Joe Sandilands mystery series, so far set in India during the time of the Raj. Sandilands is a Scotland Yard commander who, in the first book, was seconded to the British police in India to teach law enforcement techniques to the Indian police and to learn from them as well. In the 4 books he has also worked for Sir George Jardine, the governor of Bengal, travelling around India solving various mysteries and acting as Sir George's eyes and ears in outlying areas. This story finds Sandilands in Ranipur, looking into the suspicious deaths of two heirs to the throne of the prince who is also dying. As well, he is to assist if possible with tracking and killing a tiger that has been killing local people. I like the pace of the story and I've grown to like Sandilands, his detective style and his personality. The mystery is interesting and worked at methodically and this allows Barbara Cleverly to give an excellent portrayal of the region and of life in the Raj at the time. The story isn't complex but it's still an entertaining read. I will now have to find the next in the series, The Bee's Kiss, which finds Sandilands returning to London. I'm looking forward to seeing him in action in more familiar turf for him. 3.5 stars.
—Bill
