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Smoke and Ashes

The brilliant murder mystery in the award-winning crime series, from the bestselling author of Hunted

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Smoke and Ashes

Written by: Abir Mukherjee
Narrated by: Simon Bubb
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₹199 per month after 30-day trial. Cancel anytime.

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About this listen

Random House presents the audiobook edition of Smoke and Ashes by Abir Mukherjee, read by Simon Bubb.

**From the winner of the 2017 CWA Historical Dagger Award**

India, 1921. Haunted by his memories of the Great War, Captain Sam Wyndham is battling a serious addiction to opium that he must keep secret from his superiors in the Calcutta police force.

When Sam is summoned to investigate a grisly murder, he is stunned at the sight of the body: he’s seen this before. Last night, in a drug addled haze, he stumbled across a corpse with the same ritualistic injuries. It seems like there’s a deranged killer on the loose. Unfortunately for Sam, the corpse was in an opium den and revealing his presence there could cost him his career.

With the aid of his quick-witted Indian Sergeant, Surrender-not Banerjee, Sam must try to solve the two murders, all the while keeping his personal demons secret, before somebody else turns up dead.

Set against the backdrop of the fervent fight for Indian independence, and rich with the atmosphere of 1920s Calcutta, Smoke and Ashes is the brilliant new historical mystery in this award-winning series.

‘Smoke and Ashes is Abir Mukherjee's best book yet; a brilliantly conceived murder mystery set amidst political and social turmoil – beautifully crafted.’ CJ SANSOM

 Crime Fiction Historical International Mystery & Crime Mystery

Critic Reviews

Smoke and Ashes is Abir Mukherjee's best book yet; a brilliantly conceived murder mystery set amidst political and social turmoil – beautifully crafted.
[I]t is the flamboyant evocation of Calcutta that makes this such a mesmerising read (Barry Forshaw)
Well-researched and vivid in detail… [Smoke and Ashes] delights from the first page until the last. Simply superb
[W]onderfully rich and entertaining period crime series (John Williams)
Mukherjee weaves crime and history together with great skill (Antonio Senior)
[A] fine series of crime novels… tightly plotted portraits of British rule in India, exposing the prejudices shared even by decent employees of the Raj (Joan Smith)
[Mukherjee’s] skills have been delightfully honed with each novel in this gripping and thoroughly entertaining series (Nilanjana Roy)
Mukherjee, who only gets better and better with each book, has established himself as a leading historical mystery writer
Subtle and evocative tale of the last days of the British Raj
Abir Mukherjee had already proved himself a wonderful historical crime writer with his excellent first two novels. Smoke and Ashes is just as good, perhaps even better – and that’s saying something – a writer at the top of his game, as talented as the very best in the genre. The cauldron of 1920s Calcutta is described so superbly that every twist and turn wrenches your guts. Laid on top of this fabulously atmospheric background is a page-turning thriller which pits emerging South Asian nationalism against the ailing Raj. I can’t wait for the next instalment.
All stars
Most relevant
This one is bit on the action site than a typical detective work. If you are a fan of the series like me...a must read.

Another great book in this series!

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Great story line. The setting, backdrop really gels seamlessly with the story. Wonderful narration and voice modulation

Excellent

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Another fast paced whodunnit with a rich tapestry of the Indian independence movement in 1920s Calcutta, in the background. The characters are compelling in the author's signature style. None more so, than the central pair, each fallible, contrary and all the more endearing because of their imperfections. Relatable because they face difficult choices, like the ordinary people who would have lived through those turbulent times, and face the trials and tribulations of the choices they make. Once again the narration by Simon Bubb is almost flawless. He makes the story come to life! Looking forward to enjoying the next one in the series!

Nail biting narrative

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Prepare to be captivated and enthralled from start to finish as you delve into the heart-pounding world of "Smokes and Ashes." This audiobook is an exceptional example of a gripping historical thriller that effortlessly combines an intriguing plot, well-developed characters, and a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.

Truly a masterpiece. Great Narrative.

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people who are not Indians reading books with Indian accent and Indian names...I sometimes really feel should not read either or if they can't resist than please don't go into the stereotypical Indian accent!! it is really in bad taste! it sounds pompous and ignorant and full of arrogance and leave a bitter feeling for an Indian listener!!

Performance of the narrator

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