The Greatest "India, Mystery" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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India

The "India" category for books encompasses a wide range of literature that explores the history, culture, and society of India. This includes works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry that delve into the country's rich traditions, religions, and customs, as well as its political and economic landscape. From classic novels like "A Passage to India" to contemporary works that examine modern India, this category offers readers a diverse and fascinating glimpse into one of the world's most complex and captivating nations.

Mystery

The Mystery genre is a category of books that typically involves a crime, puzzle, or enigma that needs to be solved by the protagonist or a group of characters. These books often feature suspenseful and thrilling plotlines, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end. Mystery novels can range from cozy mysteries, which are lighter and more lighthearted, to hard-boiled detective stories, which are darker and more gritty. Overall, the Mystery genre is a popular and diverse category of books that appeals to readers who enjoy solving puzzles and uncovering secrets.

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  1. 1. The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

    "The Moonstone" is a detective novel that revolves around a large, valuable yellow diamond that was stolen from an Indian temple and is now in England. The diamond is bequeathed to a young woman on her eighteenth birthday, but is stolen that same night. The novel follows the investigation of the theft, which is complicated by a series of confusing events and false leads. The resolution involves the unraveling of a tangled web of deception, crime, and colonial guilt.

  2. 2. Someone Like You by Roald Dahl

    "Someone Like You" is a collection of dark and twisted short stories that explore the depths of human nature. From tales of revenge and deceit to stories of unexpected twists and turns, this book delves into the sinister side of humanity, leaving readers questioning their own morals and beliefs. With Dahl's signature wit and mastery of storytelling, each narrative is a captivating and unsettling journey into the complexities of the human psyche.

  3. 3. The Murder Of The Maharajah by H. R. F. Keating

    Set against the backdrop of British India, the book revolves around the investigation of the death of a wealthy and despotic Indian prince. The Maharajah, known for his opulent lifestyle and cruel treatment of subjects, is found dead under mysterious circumstances during a hunting party at his palace. The task of unraveling the truth falls to an experienced British police officer, who must navigate through a web of deceit, colonial tensions, and a long list of suspects with motives for murder. As the investigation unfolds, it exposes the intricate complexities of power, privilege, and the dark underbelly of the Raj.

  4. 4. The Widows Of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey

    Set in 1920s Bombay, "The Widows of Malabar Hill" follows Perveen Mistry, the city's first female lawyer, as she navigates a complex case involving the inheritance of three widows. When a wealthy Muslim man dies, leaving behind a vast estate, Perveen becomes entangled in a web of deceit, family secrets, and cultural traditions. As she unravels the truth, Perveen must confront her own personal demons and challenge societal norms to seek justice for the widows.

  5. 5. Djinn Patrol On The Purple Line by Deepa Anappara

    Set in a sprawling slum in India, this novel follows nine-year-old Jai and his friends as they embark on a quest to find a missing classmate. As children in their community continue to disappear, Jai takes it upon himself to become a detective, determined to uncover the truth. Faced with poverty, corruption, and a society that disregards their plight, Jai and his friends navigate the complexities of their surroundings while grappling with their own fears and dreams. Through their eyes, the book explores themes of innocence, resilience, and the harsh realities of life in a marginalized community.

  6. 6. Love And Longing In Bombay by Vikram Chandra

    "Love And Longing In Bombay" is a collection of five interconnected stories set in the bustling city of Bombay. Each story explores themes of love, loss, and longing, as characters navigate their way through the complexities of relationships and the challenges of modern life. From a detective investigating a mysterious disappearance to a struggling actor caught in a web of deceit, these stories offer a glimpse into the diverse lives and emotions of Bombay's inhabitants. With richly drawn characters and evocative descriptions of the city, the book captures the essence of Bombay and delves into the universal experiences of love and longing.

  7. 7. Smoke And Ashes by Abir Mukherjee

    In "Smoke And Ashes," readers are transported to 1920s Calcutta, where Captain Sam Wyndham, a British police detective, finds himself embroiled in a complex investigation amidst the political turmoil of India's struggle for independence. Battling his personal demons and opium addiction, Wyndham discovers a body with a gruesome wound, leading him into the dark underbelly of the city and a conspiracy that threatens not just his life but the very fabric of British rule in India. As he navigates through a maze of lies, betrayals, and dangerous ideologies, Wyndham must rely on his sharp instincts and the help of his loyal friends to solve the case and prevent chaos from engulfing the city. This gripping narrative masterfully combines historical detail with a compelling mystery, exploring themes of colonialism, justice, and redemption.

  8. 8. The Calcutta Chromosome by Amitav Ghosh

    "The Calcutta Chromosome" by Amitav Ghosh is a captivating science fiction novel that intertwines the stories of Antar, a computer programmer in New York, and Murugan, a former employee of the British Indian Medical Service in Calcutta. As Antar delves into the mysterious disappearance of Murugan, he becomes immersed in a complex web of history, science, and conspiracy. The book explores themes of time travel, medical research, and the pursuit of knowledge, taking readers on a thrilling journey through the streets of Calcutta and the depths of the human mind.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download