The Case of the Elusive Bombay Duck

Hall continues to delight with his witty sixth mystery featuring Indian PI Vish Puri (after The Case of the Reincarnated Client). At the outset, the 59-year-old gumshoe revels in the news that the International Federation of Private Detectives has named him 2021’s Private Detective of the Year. He prepares for a trip to London with his wife to receive the honor, but his joy is tempered when his domineering—and uninvited—mother announces that she will join them. Then India’s finance minister asks Puri to hunt for fugitive Harilal Bhatt (code name Bombay Duck), who authorities believe is hiding out in England. Bhatt’s pharmaceutical company claimed it had developed a groundbreaking cure for diabetes, but the drug proved to have fatal side effects, and the doctor fled India before he could be charged with homicide and fraud. Aware that refusing the minister’s “request” would put his career in jeopardy, Puri begrudgingly agrees, and attempts to conduct the missing person’s search in London while concealing his activities from his wife and mother. Hall adeptly enriches the story’s humor with real stakes for his nuanced characters. Alexander McCall Smith fans should check this out. Agent: Emma Parry, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc. (Mar.)