Death of a Lesser God

In the fourth thriller of the Malabar House series, Death of a Lesser God continues the intricate narrative woven by Vaseem Khan. Set against the backdrop of post-colonial India, Inspector Persis Wadia finds herself embroiled in a murder case that unearths the lingering scars of a tumultuous past.

The Plot

As tensions rise, James Whitby stands on the brink of execution for the murder of lawyer Fareed Mazumdar. His father, a staunch arch-colonialist, demands a fresh inquiry into the case, propelling Persis and Scotland Yard's Archie Blackfinch to Calcutta. Their investigation reveals unsettling connections to the murder of an African-American G.I. during the riots of 1946, a crime steeped in both racial and political complexities.

The novel deftly navigates the intricate social fabric of a country grappling with its identity. Khan's writing is both evocative and precise, painting a vivid picture of the era while exploring themes of justice, colonial legacy, and the intersection of race and power.

Themes

• Justice and Injustice: The pursuit of truth in a fractured society.
• Colonial Legacy: The impact of colonialism on contemporary relationships.
• Identity: The struggle for self-definition in a changing world.

"Khan's ability to weave historical detail with gripping narrative is unparalleled." - Literary Review

Fans of Khan's previous works, as well as readers who appreciate the likes of Abir Mukherjee or Vaseem Khan's earlier novels, will find Death of a Lesser God a compelling addition to their reading list.