The Next Best Book Club discussion

This is an unoffical group read where the winners of "The Case of the Missing Servant" contest (and anyone else who has read the books, or wishes to read along) can discuss the book as they read along.

Tarquin Hall will be joining us the week of June 28th to participate in the discussion and answer any questions you have about this book, and it's sequel, which goes on sale today The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing: From the Files of Vish Puri, Most Private Investigator.

So who has started reading??

I've read, and laughed my socks off. I've never been to India, so Hall's book was a real gem for me. His latest, Case of the Man Who Died Laughing, published today!

I'm on Chapter 6 right now. Anyone else start yet?

I read this a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. Loved the descriptions of India and the terrific characters.

Up to Ch 13. I am enjoying the story, it's very engaging; although the switching between the mystery and Indian history/information (which is sometimes lengthy) can be distracting. Both are interesting though.

There is some subtle humor instilled, which I enjoy (rather than the laugh out loud kind of humor).

One thing to note, there are a couple places where the language (or situation) is adult oriented. I felt it was unnecessary to include this as the author could have used other methods to build the character or situation, and it seemed out of place with the rest of the writing (perhaps that is why it stood out so starkly). Because of this, I would not recommend to my kids. It's unfortunate because I believe young adults would enjoy this story as well as adults.

I've completed the novel. The second half, in my opinion, had better transitions between the story and the history/culture. Hopefully that will continue into his second book.

I liked the story, the dialog, and the characters. I think Puri could be distinct enough to gather a following. There is an immediate association with Poirot at first, but he proceeds on his own path as the novel continues. I even thought I detected a bit of Columbo in him once or twice.

I did feel like there was some information withheld toward the end of the story that came out during the 'solution' of the mystery, and felt a bit left out, and I was confused why one of his operatives was watching for someone that Puri already had tied up, so to speak. I'd like to hear other opinions on this... perhaps I missed something.

Ron, I want to thank you for reading the book and taking the time to share your thoughts on it!

I just finished reading this and I did enjoy it. I did feel a little bit like Puri was a mix of Poirot and Holmes since he like them had such a big ego and deservedly so. I especially liked the character of Mummy and how intrepid she was in figuring out who tried to kill Puri.

I found it interesting how while the tone of the novel was light, the view of India was often dark and depressing. Reminded me a little of The White Tiger in its honesty.

I'm about 1/3 through the book and am enjoying it.
I like the characters of Puri and Mummy, the dialect and the coloquial use of English in the dialogue. The mention of the food makes me hungry and longing to visit an Indian restaurant.
Puri's detective techniques are interesting and I'm having fun trying to determine what he's doing and why.
I'm also enjoying the bits of Indian history that are tucked in here and there.
I can't comment on Puri's resemblance to Poirot or Holmes. I've only read one Poirot book and no Holmes books. Physically, I can see a resemblence to Poirot but the rest will have to wait and see. For now I'm just enjoying the ride.

I am really enjoying this novel. I have about 60 pages to go, and things are really ramping up! I hope to be done tonite.

Please join me in welcoming Tarquin Hall to the group. He will be popping in throughout the week to discuss the novel with us.

Let's get things started by posting questions for him.

Who wants to get it going?

Tarquin,

"The Case of the Missing Servant" was your fiction debut. What differences were there between writing your previous books and this one?

Do your fans tend to comment on your characters use of the English language?

I've put To the Elephant Graveyard and Salaam Brick Lane: A Year in the New East End on my TBR list. They sound fascinating (Elephant Graveyard sounds rather sad, too).
With these 2 books being based on your life, how much of Vish Puri's world is based on the life you live when you're in India?

Vish Puri seems to be standing between the old India and the new India. Having lived in India yourself, do you find there are many people who embrace both the old and the new? How is this embracing of the new India changing the Culture of family and home? Or is it?

Hi Petra. I haven't found that there's a huge difference between writing fiction and non-fiction because I'm writing about today's Delhi and so much of what I write comes straight out of my notebook. A good example would be the bit in 'Died Laughing' when Puri goes to the Shadipur slum. I went there to see the place for myself and met and interviewed some of India's street magicians. So the description you get is as real as it gets. Many of the characters in the books are also drawn from real people. I have spent a good deal of time with real Delhi detectives and if you were to meet them you would see a lot of similarities - their boastfulness, large appetites, the way they use undercover operatives and disguises. But I have also added characteristics from other people I know. Puri's love of street food is taken from my good fried Rishi who has a very… well, healthy appetite.

As for Old/New India... India’s changing – and then again it isn’t. Basically you’ve got a middle class now as large as the middle class of Europe. Some 300 million plus people. And then you have more than 700 million others living on less than two US dollars a day, and most of them are actually on less than a dollar a day. So you’re getting a lot of wealth creation in the cities – with sprawling suburbs with shopping malls and luxury gated communities and golf courses. And you have poverty on a scale the likes of which you can’t find anywhere else in the world. The one thing that isn’t changing, though, is the belief system. Ostentation might be on the rise – nowadays it’s OK to show off your wealth if you’re rich – but the Divine rules all. I can’t emphasize enough how different the belief system is in this part of the world (in other words South Asia and the Middle East). We in the West have come to believe that the intellect rules, that we are in control of everything we do. But in the East it’s God, Alllah, Vishnu that rules every aspect of people’s lives.

Many people in the West seem to have got the impression that India is shedding its values and traditions now that it’s economy is booming. And it’s true that all the new wealth, office jobs and shopping malls are altering landcsape and some aspects of life in the major cities and towns. But the past ten years has seen a massive Hindu revival. The coffers of godmen, gurus and ashrams are swollen with contributions from the growing middle classes. Unlike their counterparts in the West, software developers and call centre workers flock to temples. They spend lavishly on ceremonies – everything from weddings to having their new cars blessed by priests – and consult with astrologers. At the same time, the message from the Hindu ‘church’ has altered. Wealth creation and ostentation are being condoned. As well as spiritual guidance, gurus now offer self-help-style advice on how to deal with stress at work and how to stop your children from becoming addicted to computer games. In this second book, I wanted to reflect this trend and to get across the fact that Indian remains a deeply religious and superstitious society.

Vis-à-vis the family, I would say that in the cities some families are beginning to change. You do hear of old people getting left out in the cold. And the way people are getting married is changing – or rather young people are starting to chose spouses and then getting their parents’ permission (and some of them hire detectives just to be sure). But overall the extended family structure in which everyone is involved in everyone else’s decisions/lives remains in tact.

Thanks for your interest and do let me know if you have any more questions...

Hi Tarquin,

It's great to have you here, this is a rare opportunity to meet with an author. I really enjoyed reading the book. (It preempted Collins' Moonstone, which I am now back to.) I plan to read Died Laughing also. If Puri develops a following, do you have hopes for a long running series?

<To anyone who has not read the book: Spoiler follows>


One event which I had a comment about was at the end of the story. Facecream was keeping watch in the back garden for an individual who had been locked in the trunk of Puri's car since that afternoon. At the point when the individual was exposed, I wondered why Facecream had not been called off... then I expected there to be a scene about it. Perhaps Puri politely telling an exasperated Facecream that he was sorry, but he forgot to send word to her. Unless maybe I missed something.

Thanks!

Ron

Ron, I'd be interested to hear what Tarquin has to say about that since you raised the question.

My impression was that Facecream was keeping a watch out on her own initiative. Trying to protect herself and Puri, with Puri not realizing she was out there...

Hi Lori, I don't have the book here right now, but I believe Puri sent the message to her (through Tubelight) that afternoon.

This is great, being able to ask these kinds of questions.

Hi Tarquin, The Case of the Missing Servant was tonight's book for my in person book group and it was unanimously enjoyed. Many members of our group have lived in or traveled extensively in India and they confirmed that you have captured modern day India and the Punjabi culture perfectly.

Hi Ron. Sorry for not getting back to you earlier. I travelled to San Diego today and just did an event/signing at a fantastic bookshops called 'Mysterious Galaxy'.

In answer to your question... I probably should have made it a bit clearer but Puri is unable to get a message to Facecream and Tubelight so they are under the impression that the murderer is still at large.

Hi to you, too, Donna. That's so great to hear!! I do hope you enjoy 'Dieg Lauging' as well. And the third, which by the way I've just signed a contract for (actually I've signed for two more books). It's going to be called 'The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken.' You heard it here first folks!

By the way I'm back to New York tomorrow (been away from my one year old son for ten whole days now and can't wait to see him) so you might not hear form me again until tomorrow early evening. Do keep your questions coming, though. This is great fun.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are warm, interesting and alive. They're like old friends.
I'm looking forward to The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing: From the Files of Vish Puri, Most Private Investigator. I'm glad that you'll be continuing the series. I'll look forward to future visits with Vish Puri.
Thanks for answering my questions above.
I've just got to ask....what does one do with a stolen polo elephant? My curiosity was peaked at the mention of the names of some of Puri's former cases and this one (The Case of the Stolen Polo Elephant) sounded interesting. Where do you put a stolen elephant? Now that I know Puri a little bit, I'm sure that tale would be very interesting. Puri comes to us as an already established Private Detective with an illustrious past.
Thank you for a very entertaining story!

Hi again Petra. Sorry for not getting back to you ealier today. I got to New York yesterday evening from San Diego and then came down to Raleigh, NC today for a holiday. Hooray!

As to polo elephants... I really have no idea where you would hide a stolen polo elephant. Or even an ordinary elephant for that matter. But then that's the fun of writing fiction. Or should I say the challenge? When I wrote 'Died Laughing' all I had was the setting for the murder and the title and it all developed from there. I take my inspiration from Stephen King who says he makes it up as he goes along in his excellent book 'On Writing'.

I guess the polo elephant could be taken by a travelling circus? Lured away with sugar cane, perhaps? Or even booze. Elephants love a drink after all!

I hope you had a good visit with your family. I read above that you hadn't seen your son in awhile. It's nice to get home again.
I was just kidding about a real & actual location to hide an elephant. I just thought it was a great title for a case and could lead to lots of fun in solving. I do find it humorous the elephants like booze.
It's interesting that you start with a title only and let the story develop on its own. The writing process must be frustrating and/or remarkable at times.
I have one last question and then I'll leave it for others.
When Puri travels to find Mary, he & his driver run into some rebels, the Naxilites (??..I don't have my book with me at the moment). The driver states that the rebellions will continue and grow because the Poor now see what the Rich have (and what they're missing out on)....cars, land, houses. Puri reflects that "the genie has been let out of the bottle". Could you explain more about this? I thought that this exchange between Puri and the driver stood out and that perhaps it insinuated something more.
The Poor have always known what they're missing out on. The Rich can't but help show what they have as most of it is materialistic. Is "the genie" the influx of Poor to the Middle Class as they gather wealth? You state above that the Middle Class of India is growing and that there are still many, many in the Lower Class wanting/waiting to make that transition.
Once a genie is out of the bottle, he can't be returned easily. Is the insinuation that country will continue to advance and become "rich" now that that trend has started?

Hi again Petra. Yes we've been having lots of fun thanks. Off to the outer banks of NC today which I'm really looking forward to. I'm not sure if we're going to have internet access out there so this might be the last time I check in for a while...

I slightly differ with what you're saying in that the wealth gap in India has grown much, much wider in the past few years. You have many more people with money and, crucially, it has become fashionable to demonstrate your wealth in public. Up until the 90s wealthy Indians were very careful to disguise the fact that they had money. (I remember visiting the homes of incredibly wealthy people in Bombay and they all lived in very sparsely furnished apartments and drove terrible cars). There were a couple of reasons for this. One, they were always wary of the tax man. And two, it was considered vulgar - in much the same way as ostentation used to be considered vulgar in Britain. When Puri says the 'genie is out the bottle' he means that the poor are catching on because they can see very clearly now how the other half lives.

Hope that helps. And do keep in touch! Vish Puri is now on Facebook.