Historical

The Shadows of Men

The Shadows of Men

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  • Create Date：2021-11-11 00:51:40
  • Update Date：2025-09-07
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  • Author：Abir Mukherjee
  • ISBN：1787300595
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Summary

'Vivid and brutal' Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month

'Abir Mukherjee is doing something uniquely different in the crime genre。。。breathtaking' Peter May， Sunday Times bestseller， on The Shadows of Men

Calcutta， 1923。 When a Hindu theologian is found murdered in his home， the city is on the brink of all-out religious war。 Can officers of the Imperial Police Force， Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee track down those responsible in time to stop a bloodbath？

Set at a time of heightened political tension， beginning in atmospheric Calcutta and taking the detectives all the way to bustling Bombay， the latest instalment in this 'unmissable' （The Times） series presents Wyndham and Banerjee with an unprecedented challenge。 Will this be the case that finally drives them apart？

'An engaging， evocative thriller that captures the heat of Indian nights and heady days of a bygone era， without being sentimental or simplistic' Janice Hallett， bestselling author of The Appeal

' The Shadows of Men finds the always reliable Crime Writers' Association Dagger Award-winner Abir Mukherjee on fine form' Financial Times

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PRAISE FOR THE WYNDHAM AND BANERJEE SERIES

'An exceptional historical crime novel' C。J。 Sansom

'A thought-provoking rollercoaster' Ian Rankin

'Cracking。。。 A journey into the dark underbelly of the British Raj' Daily Express

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Reviews

Jamie Canaves ，

This is one of the few series that I wait in anticipation for and read as soon as I can get my hands on the newest release。 Even if I was bored with historical mystery （I am not）， I would still be reading this series。 I think that while many series stick to keeping things familiar–which makes sense from the view of readers wanting to find comfort from what they have returned for–I love that this series has really allowed the characters to grow and evolve。 For that reason I do recommend you start This is one of the few series that I wait in anticipation for and read as soon as I can get my hands on the newest release。 Even if I was bored with historical mystery （I am not）， I would still be reading this series。 I think that while many series stick to keeping things familiar–which makes sense from the view of readers wanting to find comfort from what they have returned for–I love that this series has really allowed the characters to grow and evolve。 For that reason I do recommend you start at the beginning with A Rising Man， although it isn’t a must in that you won’t be lost in this book since it’s all explained。Set in 1920s Calcutta， during British rule， we get two points of view in alternating chapters。 Both are officers with the Imperial Police Force but they are very different: Captain Sam Wyndham is a former Scotland Yard detective and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee is one of the first Indians on the force。 The book begins with Banerjee accused of murder。 Raising the stakes even higher， he’s accused of the murder of a religious Hindu leader。 Not only does he need to prove that he’s innocent to save his own life， but he needs to stop the ethnic violence that will come from a religious leader being murdered。You get a whodunnit murder mystery–if not Banerjee， then who？–but also the contrasting personalities and POVs of Wyndham and Banerjee， along with the race against time based on the political situation and Banerjee being imprisoned for murder that makes this a huge page-turner to get lost in。 --from Book Riot's Unusual Suspects newsletter: https://link。bookriot。com/view/56a820。。。 。。。more

Mary Picken ，

I have loved each and every one of the Wyndham/Banerjee books， and The Shadows of Men is no exception to that。 What I especially love about them is that they are both illuminating and entertaining。 Abir Mukherjee writes well; his books have an excellent flow with tension， drama and atmosphere， but most of all shine with such vivid characterisation。But。。let’s come back to the atmosphere for a second。 Mukherjee draws you in to this India。 A place of strife， conflict and so many contradictions。 A p I have loved each and every one of the Wyndham/Banerjee books， and The Shadows of Men is no exception to that。 What I especially love about them is that they are both illuminating and entertaining。 Abir Mukherjee writes well; his books have an excellent flow with tension， drama and atmosphere， but most of all shine with such vivid characterisation。But。。let’s come back to the atmosphere for a second。 Mukherjee draws you in to this India。 A place of strife， conflict and so many contradictions。 A place where 5，00O rupees is not enough but 5 rupees is too many。 A place where the British domination of the Raj is a colonial disgrace， robbing the country of its riches all the while claiming to be the bringers of ‘civilisation’ all while their knowledge of Indian culture – such as that typified by the Bengali poet and philosopher Tagore – the first non-European winner of the Nobel Prize for literature in 1913 – was non-existent。The Shadows of Men is set in 1923 and the edges of colonial rule are crumbling。 Ghandi is in prison。 Protest is growing， insurrection is fermenting and the streets are alive with protest。 It is for the Imperial Police Force to try and keep order， even as the streets erupt in a fury of dissent and riots are never far away。 In Mukherjee’s Calcutta， you can feel the tension rising and you know that the position of Sam Wyndham’s colleague and right hand man， Surendranath Banerjee is going to be tested more than ever before。One of the delights of this series is that you can see Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee growing in confidence， alongside the growing confidence of Mukherjee’s writing which is now very skilled indeed。 Embedded in his fascinating storytelling， his pitch perfect descriptions of the times and various factions in Indian politics， there is also a delightful， wicked humour。In a departure from previous books， The Shadows of Men is told from the perspectives of both Wyndham and Banerjee and what a fascinating insight that delivers！ Sam has come to appreciate and trust Surendranath like a brother， but it has been a slow won progress and the rest of the British have no more time for Surendranath and his Indian colleagues than to use them for their own ends。So when Surendranath is given a secret commission to follow Gulmohamed by Lord Charles Taggart， Police Commissioner – a commission that is both dangerous and ignores the difficulties Banerjee must face in carrying out this task – it’s not surprising that it does not end well。Banerjee is arrested for murder and arson and knowing that his days are numbered unless he can clear his name， he absconds and reaches out to Sam for help。Together Surendranath and Sam set out to discover who is behind the murder of a Hindu theologian and religious leader， Prashant Mukherjee and what has become of the man Surendranath Banerjee was tasked with following。Sam relies on his good friend Annie Grant to offer help and the trail leads them into rural territory and finally to Bombay where it becomes all too clear that someone is hell bent on stirring up religious factionalism。 But to what ends？The contrast between the bubbling cauldron of poverty and the opulent wealth on display is beautifully explored in the differences between the various areas and peoples they visit。 In Bombay， staying at the behest of Annie Grant’s friend， the beautiful and wealthy Parsee Ooravis Colah， they attend the races where they meet the businessman Cyrus Irani， who is not the only one who is not who he appears to be。 Abir Mukherjee does a fantastic job of reminding us that India is a country of more than one religion and that there are upper and lower castes and all of this plays into a multi-layered and fascinating plot that is truly both edge- of -the- seat gripping and fantastically brought to life。But the star of this book is Surendranath Banerjee。 Not only do you get to hear his perspective directly， you are also treated to his inner monologues and become privy to his thoughts about everything he is facing。 Surendranath Banerjee， in the top three in his class， well-educated but always under-estimated has had an affectionate and mutually appreciative relationship with Sam Wyndham。 They have become comrades in arms， but the struggles that Surendranath has seen Sam through have given heft to their relationship and perhaps for the first time you see very clearly that Surendranath is the stronger one in this partnership。Verdict: Abir Mukherjee has reached a critical point in India’s history seen through the eyes of this pair and I am on tenterhooks to see where he will take us next。 This is top class historical fiction with beautifully detailed oil painting- rich characterisation and atmosphere so thick you could drown in it。 I learn a lot from these books too which is a genuine delight for me。 Buy it。 READ THE SERIES。 Highly， highly recommended。 。。。more

Anne ，

Over the past twelve months I've begun to read more and more historical fiction， and have especially enjoyed historical crime stories。 Whilst I have read the first two of this series， I missed the last two novels， but was determined to catch up and find out just how Sam and Suren have fared over time。 Once again， this talented author transports his readers effortlessly back to India of the past。 This story is set in 1923， a time of uprising and disruption， the English are still prominent in the Over the past twelve months I've begun to read more and more historical fiction， and have especially enjoyed historical crime stories。 Whilst I have read the first two of this series， I missed the last two novels， but was determined to catch up and find out just how Sam and Suren have fared over time。 Once again， this talented author transports his readers effortlessly back to India of the past。 This story is set in 1923， a time of uprising and disruption， the English are still prominent in the country， but the majority of the disquiet is caused by the rival Hindu and Muslim gangs。 The country is teetering on the edge of a religious war。 Mukherjee tells this story through Sam's voice， as usual， but this time， the reader also sees things through the eyes of Suren， this adds such depth to the story， as the reader is not led only by the views of our somewhat jaded and often rogue Englishman。 Suren's voice is passionate and proud， he's a determined man and justice is his main aim， especially when it's his own justice。 Throughout the story， Suren is on the run。 Despite the fact that he's a member of the police and has worked alongside Sam and the others for some time， the fact that he's Indian makes him easier to accuse。 Especially as he's admitted that he was the person who set fire to a house 。。。。 however， he had nothing to do with the murder of the man whose body was found in the house。 Suren is sure that he knows what happened， but this is both a religious and a political matter， and it soon becomes clear that there are many people involved here。 To pin the murder on Suren would be useful for many。Sam Wyndham has overcome many personal hurdles whilst serving in India， he's hit bottom but he's making his way back up and he knows for sure that Suren didn't kill that man。 Can he overcome his reputation， and clear Suren's name？Abir Mukherjee has such a wonderful way with words。 There are passages within this story that are just outstanding， and my copy is littered with turned-down corners， marking these out。 The voices that he creates for his characters are flawless and I especially loved his paragraph， as told by Suren: "It is， I have learned， easy to misjudge the momentum of things in the dark。 The train did not seem to be travelling at any great velocity， but contact with the ground soon disabused me of that particular notion。 I landed badly and at great speed， promptly lost my footing and tumbled head first down a gravel bank until a fortuitously placed peepul tree broke my momentum。"Whilst The Shadows of Men is undoubtedly a fast-paced and thrilling crime thriller， it is also an evocative and detailed study of the history of India。 I learnt so much and spent a long time on Google afterwards， finding out more and seeking out photographs。 I love to learn from fiction， and Mukherjee is one of our most entertaining teachers today。 Written with wry humour at times， this is engaging and quite exceptional story telling。 This reader was certainly left wanting more and I hope that there's another in the series。 Highly recommended。 。。。more

Kate: The Quick and the Read ，

This was one of my most anticipated novels of 2021 - I have absolutely loved all the mysteries featuring Captain Sam Wyndham and his partner， Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee set in Colonial India during the 1920s。 This is the fifth book in the series and is out on 11th November。Mark that date in your diaries because you're going to need a copy of this one！The plot opens explosively - a prominent Hindu theologian is murdered and Sergeant Banerjee arrested for the crime。 The killing sparks riots ac This was one of my most anticipated novels of 2021 - I have absolutely loved all the mysteries featuring Captain Sam Wyndham and his partner， Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee set in Colonial India during the 1920s。 This is the fifth book in the series and is out on 11th November。Mark that date in your diaries because you're going to need a copy of this one！The plot opens explosively - a prominent Hindu theologian is murdered and Sergeant Banerjee arrested for the crime。 The killing sparks riots across Calcutta between Hindus and Muslims and Captain Sam Wyndham is thrown into the case of his life - one that has impossibly high political stakes and determines the fate of his partner。This book had all the things I've come to expect - indeed， all the things that mark it out as top-level historical fiction。 The sense of setting in time and place is beautifully done - we move from the slums of Calcutta to bustling Bombay， from posh hotels to seedy opium dens， from police stations to opulent private apartments。 All this is done seamlessly with historical and local detail woven into the narrative， I had no real idea about the tensions between Hindus， Muslims and the British in Colonial India - yet I do now， with no sense that I've been fed a dry history lesson。 The plotting is also clever and the story genuinely tense。 Previous books have focused more on the British Captain Wyndham， but this novel brings Sergeant Banerjee to the fore in alternate chapters to Sam''s narration。 It's really fabulous to hear Banerjee's voice so vividly and experience his perspective。 Gone is the man referred to by the Anglicised name of Surrender-Not and instead we have Surendranath Banerjee - an Indian man who increasingly struggles with his place in the police force run by the oppressive British in 1920s India， The subtleties of his character are explored beautifully and there is real character progression from previous books。As a British reader， it is horrifically eye-opening to read about the entrenched racism within the period of the Raj。 The fact that Sam's life in India is so different to Surendranath's is evident throughout - from the way they are treated， their expectations， the places they can go - and it is shocking。 Mukherjee presents all this in a matter-of-fact way that really got under my skin - it's an uncomfortable reading experience at times， exactly as it should be。 All this makes the book sound weighty and serious。 In some ways it is， but Mukherjee also adds some excellent comic touches that keep the book entertaining and enjoyable。 I laughed out loud at Wyndham having to take directions from his hostage in the unfamiliar city streets and there were lots of bits that were warm and affectionate and humorous， especially in the relationship between Sam and Surendranath。 I liked that this book had some interesting female characters too - Colonial India was really all about male power and status， so it was good that two women in particular come to the foreground in the novel。 They appear as well-rounded characters too， not just plot devices - so top marks from me on that front！I honestly could write forever about this book - it managed to balance being page-turningly exciting， engaging and humorous， but also deeply thought-provoking。 Wyndham， Banerjee and Colonial-era politics now have a permanent position in my brain - and Banerjee in my heart！Thanks to NetGalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

John Hall ，

I love this series and it just goes from strength to strength with this novel being particularly great in that it gives Surendranath Banerjee a greater role in the proceeding and the interaction between Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Banerjee is a delight as always。 The novel starts off with the Commissioner Taggart summoning Suren to his office to give him the poisoned chalice of tailing a political suspect and compiling a report of what he is up to in Calcutta。 When a Hindu man is found dead I love this series and it just goes from strength to strength with this novel being particularly great in that it gives Surendranath Banerjee a greater role in the proceeding and the interaction between Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Banerjee is a delight as always。 The novel starts off with the Commissioner Taggart summoning Suren to his office to give him the poisoned chalice of tailing a political suspect and compiling a report of what he is up to in Calcutta。 When a Hindu man is found dead and Suren is arrested for murder it falls to Sam to rescue his friend and colleague as Taggart is out of action and Military Intelligence are not being particularly helpful。 Set against the background of British rule in India in the 1920's and increasing native unrest with the usual humour and captivating drama with travel around India as the novel progresses this series is both a wonderful mystery and a first class window into another world。 It is always best to start with the first in the series which is A Rising Man and then read the series in order but they are brilliant and one of the best crime series out there。 。。。more

Shannon ，

We’re back with Sam Wyndham and Surendranath Banerjee for our fifth instalment of 20’s Indian detective fiction and it’s a two hander。 Exciting。 Suren has been arrested for a crime he only partially committed and the authority that ordered him on the job has been inconveniently knocked out by a bomb blast before Suren can be cleared， Suren already under suspicion is blamed for the bomb and goes on the run。 Only Sam can help him but he can’t be seen to be helping him。 This was great。 One of the m We’re back with Sam Wyndham and Surendranath Banerjee for our fifth instalment of 20’s Indian detective fiction and it’s a two hander。 Exciting。 Suren has been arrested for a crime he only partially committed and the authority that ordered him on the job has been inconveniently knocked out by a bomb blast before Suren can be cleared， Suren already under suspicion is blamed for the bomb and goes on the run。 Only Sam can help him but he can’t be seen to be helping him。 This was great。 One of the main draws of these books has been the evolution of Surendranath as he has gone from devoted Empire man to someone who questions everything。 In this book it’s the first time we hear from him directly so we get a closer look at what goes on his mind and his unfiltered observations about dearest Sam。 Which are of course brilliant。 It is all about the boys we do get Annie for a bit but mostly just so Sam can sponge off her which she obligingly lets him do for no apparent reason。 Annie is probably the weakest character in the book she’s a bit watercolour。 I don’t know what she wants or why she bothers with Sam because we never actually hear much from her。 She’s a sigh and an eyeroll。 The boys and the history hold everything together and I hope Suren doesn’t get lead astray in Paris and is back soon。 。。。more

Lesley ，

4。25⭐️Sam Wyndham #5Having read book #2 and enjoyed the gentle pace and feel of 1920’s India I was looking forward to this book。 The book cover is very relevant。 This starts as Suren’s story although it’s told from Sam’s and Suren’s POV in alternating chapters。 Suren has got himself in a right old pickle and arrested after going on a mission on the orders of Lord Taggart。 The situation is serious but the way that they both relate the story parts of it have me chuckling。 Their thought processes a 4。25⭐️Sam Wyndham #5Having read book #2 and enjoyed the gentle pace and feel of 1920’s India I was looking forward to this book。 The book cover is very relevant。 This starts as Suren’s story although it’s told from Sam’s and Suren’s POV in alternating chapters。 Suren has got himself in a right old pickle and arrested after going on a mission on the orders of Lord Taggart。 The situation is serious but the way that they both relate the story parts of it have me chuckling。 Their thought processes as much as what they say， it’s a pithy sense of humour。 This book is set at a time of heightened political tension and the imminent threat of an all out religious war。 It takes the reader from Calcutta to Bombay。 The feel is a little grittier as a result。 The language and description immediately transports the reader to a bygone era。 Historical fiction isn’t my usual go to genre， it took me a little while to settle into the more formal stilted language style， but then I was whisked off with Sam and Suren into an adventure in Colonial India。 I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in this world。 There was no shortage of tension as Suren managed to bounce from one crisis to another。 I really enjoyed the format of alternating chapters giving Suren a bigger role and voice。 There were a few times that I felt it drifted off course a little。 It added cultural seasoning， but I didn’t feel the the need for。 There was a snippet of a political history lesson again too， which I wasn’t so interested in。 It’s a gentle easy read on the cosy side of the crime spectrum。 I especially enjoyed the humour which I felt was increased from the previous book I read。 A favourite quote， ‘the dead were dead and the living had fled’ 。。。more

Paromjit ，

Abir Mukherjee's latest is a cracking addition to his superb historical fiction series set during the British Raj in India， charting the cracks as they emerge in their colonial rule。 It is 1923， Gandhi has been imprisoned， and the British are willing to do whatever it takes to break the protest movement as they stoke the flames of religious conflicts， aiming to divide and rule。 As a result， with local elections imminent， tensions are explosive， Calcutta is burning， and there are out of control r Abir Mukherjee's latest is a cracking addition to his superb historical fiction series set during the British Raj in India， charting the cracks as they emerge in their colonial rule。 It is 1923， Gandhi has been imprisoned， and the British are willing to do whatever it takes to break the protest movement as they stoke the flames of religious conflicts， aiming to divide and rule。 As a result， with local elections imminent， tensions are explosive， Calcutta is burning， and there are out of control riots， leaving the streets littered with the bodies of the dead。 For the first time， we are given the perspective of Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee， along with Captain Sam Wyndham of the Imperial Police Force in Calcutta。 This is critical in giving us an insight in how the British viewed 'the natives'， their ignorance of the differences between the people they govern over is all too obvious， not something that worries them， a fact they appear to take great pride in。 Suren finds himself given a secret assignment by the Commissioner Lord Taggart that sees him arrested for the murder of a Hindu theologian， Prashant Mukherjee， he is innocent but facing the hangman's noose。 Feeling he has no choice， he escapes， going on the run to try and clear his name。 Sam and Suren have developed a close friendship in their time as police officers， it hasn't always been easy， but it has led to the two of them now living together。 Whilst Sam may have found it difficult to discard his colonial mindset， there is no way he is not going to help Suren， despite the dangers it brings him。 Aiding and abetting the two of them is Annie Grant， and events conspire in them taking a plane to Bombay to continue their murder investigation。 Here they encounter the wealthy Parsee Ooravis Colah， and a businessman， Cyrus Irani， where little is as it appears in a case dripping with political intrigue。Suren's perspective， as he finds himself slowly losing the last remaining embers of his trust and belief in the British， mirrors the bigger picture in India， British hypocrisies are becoming all too clear， their claims to be ruling for the good of India are wearing thin， their cruelties， ruthlessness， and real purpose of sucking the country dry are all too apparent。 This means Suren's actions at the end are all too understandable as the British see him as a dispensable scapegoat whose life can be extinguished without a thought， his service and loyalty meaning nothing to them。 This atmospheric and tense addition to this historical series does a terrific job in capturing the turbulent history of an India on the inexorable path to independence。 I cannot wait to see where the author takes the series next。 I can see this appealing to historical fiction and to crime and mystery readers。 Highly recommended。 Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC。 。。。more

Elaine Tomasso ，

I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK， Vintage for an advance copy of The Shadows of Men， the fifth novel to feature Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee of the Calcutta police。The novel opens in 1923 with Suren as he’s known under arrest for arson and the murder of a Hindu theologian。 How he got there and how he and Sam set about proving his innocence against a backdrop of religious and political tension are the basis of the novel。I thoroughly enjoyed The Shadows I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK， Vintage for an advance copy of The Shadows of Men， the fifth novel to feature Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee of the Calcutta police。The novel opens in 1923 with Suren as he’s known under arrest for arson and the murder of a Hindu theologian。 How he got there and how he and Sam set about proving his innocence against a backdrop of religious and political tension are the basis of the novel。I thoroughly enjoyed The Shadows of Men， which is a thrilling adventure set in a time of upheaval。 The novel is told alternately by Suren and Sam in the first person and this works extremely well with their contrasting personalities， experiences and world view giving the reader a broader take on events and a better idea of the politics involved。First and foremost the novel is an adventure with both characters escaping dangerous situations by the skin of their teeth and a certain amount of nous。 It is both tense and thrilling and very well done， so I found myself emotionally invested in the outcome。 How Suren came to be in the situation in the first place lies in the politics of British Rule and their contempt for the “natives”。 He makes for an easy scapegoat and means that they， the authorities， don’t have to wade into the murky politics of Hinduism v Islam。The novel is very atmospheric with the simmering tensions of independence， which the British want to stop， and the racial conflict， which the British want to exploit， ready to erupt。 I felt that I could feel this tension and understand the politics of both sides。 Probably because I’m a product of my time I have no sympathy for the Brits in India。 Hindsight is wonderful as we all know what was to come， but I think the author does a great job of placing the reader in the moment。Sam Wyndham is not your typical colonialist。 Obviously he has his moments where his thoughts are less than respectful， but on the whole he’s more open to seeing Indians as people。 Surendranath Banerjee is in an invidious position。 As a sergeant he should command respect， but as an Indian not so much。 Nevertheless he is an optimist with a normally sunny disposition and a good line in humour， being especially trenchant on Sam’s colonial opinions and failings。 He’s perhaps not so sunny in this novel for obvious reasons but he’s still a breath of fresh air。The Shadows of Men is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending。 。。。more

Claire Stibbe ，

I was thrilled to be offered a copy of The Shadows of Men as I hadn’t read anything by this author before。 Although this is book 5 in the series， it reads as a standalone and certainly didn’t undermine my reading experience in the least。 Set in Raj-era India， you can bet your last rupee， this author is one of the best to bring historical details about colonial Calcutta to life。We are thrust into the life of Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee， who takes us back to 1923 and the “eternal shroud of indu I was thrilled to be offered a copy of The Shadows of Men as I hadn’t read anything by this author before。 Although this is book 5 in the series， it reads as a standalone and certainly didn’t undermine my reading experience in the least。 Set in Raj-era India， you can bet your last rupee， this author is one of the best to bring historical details about colonial Calcutta to life。We are thrust into the life of Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee， who takes us back to 1923 and the “eternal shroud of industrial smog” of Calcutta。 In his humble way， he navigates British rule （gentlemen’s clubs and cricket grounds） and although some scenes of entitlement are cringe worthy， they are strikingly accurate for the period。 There are so many descriptions I loved， not to mention internal monologue and observations which， at times， made me laugh out loud。 For example: “How was I to explain to Lord Taggart that， while we all might look the same to him， a Hindu following Gulmohamed into the Muslim parts of town would stick out as much as he would at a meeting of the Women’s Institute。” To see life through his eyes was a privilege， and the author’s voice served to make me feel as if I was in safe and dependable hands。 The doggedly determined Captain Sam Wyndham， whose dry British wit and eternal optimism seems to drive him to the root of the problem。 No matter what challenges he faces， you can’t help having complete faith in his skill。 The pressures between upper and lower castes and Hindus and Muslims continues to escalate， and with Banerjee in a jam， Wyndham’s day just got worse。 How will he ever reinstate Banerjee’s freedom？ By putting himself in harm’s way to save his backside， that’s how。 The case takes him to Bombay and again， beautiful descriptions abound。 I was treated to vivid characters; Miss Colah， Cyrus Irani， Cecily Parsons， and I particularly enjoyed the Englishmen armed with a drink and a cigar， “the brave men of the King’s Own Bombay Gin drinkers” — another dazzling display of brilliant writing。 You can’t shy away from the haves and the have nots， the sheer opulence in contrast to the simplicity of everyone else。 But crammed between these sweat inducing layers is the suspense， and I couldn’t read to the end fast enough。Sam Wyndham and Surrender-not Banerjee are one of the most unique crime duos I’ve come across in a long time。 I hope they will continue for many books to come。 Many thanks to the author and to Harvill Secker， Vintage and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book。 。。。more

Angie Boyter ，

I have read two other books in this series， and my favorite aspect of them is the setting， physical， social， and historical。 Like most Americans， my knowledge of this time in Indian history is very limited， and Mukherjee does his usual excellent job of informing me beautifully， as I drink in the scenery of the country and the conflicts within Indian society as well as between the Indians and the British。 The plot takes a back seat to the setting during most of the first half of the book， althoug I have read two other books in this series， and my favorite aspect of them is the setting， physical， social， and historical。 Like most Americans， my knowledge of this time in Indian history is very limited， and Mukherjee does his usual excellent job of informing me beautifully， as I drink in the scenery of the country and the conflicts within Indian society as well as between the Indians and the British。 The plot takes a back seat to the setting during most of the first half of the book， although it certainly raises interesting problems for Wyndham and even more so for Banerjee。 They get some help from the charming Annie Grant and her Parsee friend Ooravis Colah， women with the right connections。 In the course of the book， both Wyndham and Banerjee disappointed me with some pretty stupid actions （or lack of actions） ， most of them minor， but I am still puzzling over the startling move at the beginning by Banerjee， whose attempt to avoid a societal threat succeeds only in creating a very personal threat to himself and to his and Wyndham’s careers。 The earlier books I have read in this series are narrated by Wyndham， but this book alternates between Wyndham and Banerjee’s point of view。 This has the advantage of letting us see Banerjee’s perspective in a way that we could not in earlier books。 Hearing Banerjee’s thoughts sets the reader up well for a rather surprising turn at the end， but the alternating narratives makes the book a bit harder to follow， especially since the point of view does not change with every chapter but sometimes includes several chapters in the same voice。 The Shadows of Men provides interesting food for thought for fans of the Wyndham-Banerjee partnership but is not a good place to begin the series。 I recommend new readers begin with A Rising Man and proceed along this award-winning series in order。I received an advance review copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher。 。。。more

Emma ，

4。5 starsAbir Mukherjee is an author who grows and grows in confidence and daring。 The path he has taken to lead his characters， and his readers， to the point where this novel can be told from two POVs， Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee， is incredible。 I wonder if this was his plan all along。 Having Suren's voice is a joy， but I can't help but wonder if this series would have been as popular if it had been this way from the start。 Sam's journey in accepting the equal humanit 4。5 starsAbir Mukherjee is an author who grows and grows in confidence and daring。 The path he has taken to lead his characters， and his readers， to the point where this novel can be told from two POVs， Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee， is incredible。 I wonder if this was his plan all along。 Having Suren's voice is a joy， but I can't help but wonder if this series would have been as popular if it had been this way from the start。 Sam's journey in accepting the equal humanity of his fellow police officer， one which began with not even attempting to say his name correctly， is also ours。 It has forced me to ask questions of myself and my reading choices。 Would I have still chosen this series if it had been only Suren from the start？ I don't know。 But having walked this path with Sam， I know that even without him and despite my love for him as a character， I could and would continue if he were gone。 Banerjee is more than enough。In this instalment， the double POV allows the author to build tension through what is thought vs what is said and done， using each man's choices to further both the plot and to build the relationship between them。 It is skilfully done， the duo well supported by fascinating new minor characters as well as the usual eccentric crew。 While book 4 remains my favourite， The Shadows of Men is a novel written by an author at the height of his powers。 I can't wait to see where he takes us next。ARC via Netgalley 。。。more

Janette ，

This is the fifth book in the series featuring Captain Wyndham and Sergeant Banerjee in colonial India in the late 1920’s and I think it’s the best one yet。 Tensions are rising as India begins to move towards independence。 Sam and Suren are in Calcutta when Suren is given a top secret task to perform。 As a result of this， he becomes the prime suspect in a murder case。 To prove his innocence， he and Sam have to ask their old friend Annie Grant for help。 The case is complicated and directly linked This is the fifth book in the series featuring Captain Wyndham and Sergeant Banerjee in colonial India in the late 1920’s and I think it’s the best one yet。 Tensions are rising as India begins to move towards independence。 Sam and Suren are in Calcutta when Suren is given a top secret task to perform。 As a result of this， he becomes the prime suspect in a murder case。 To prove his innocence， he and Sam have to ask their old friend Annie Grant for help。 The case is complicated and directly linked to the political turmoil in the country and for a long while neither they or the reader can see where things are leading。 The book is full of historical detail which is essential to the plot and never feels like a history lesson but makes the story seem very real。 There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot and Suren becomes a master of disguise as he tries to keep one step ahead of those seeking him as well as trying to prove his innocence。 I love the way that the chapters alternate between the viewpoints of Sam and Suren。 This gives us a much stronger insight into Suren’s feelings than in previous books in the series and is a definite improvement。 I loved the ending which I felt was a great resolution to this story。 This was a brilliant book and I am grateful to Net Galley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Ali Mack ，

Once again Abir Mukherjee takes us back to colonial India with the fifth outing for Captain Sam Wyndham and his sergeant Surendranath Banerjee。Suren is in a spot of bother having undertaken a secret mission for the commissioner， Lord Taggart - so secret that he was forbidden to discuss it with Sam。 That changes when Suren is arrested。 He's been found in suspicious circumstances with a dead body， and soon absconds as an arrest warrant is issued in his name。 Suren turns to Sam for help and it's up Once again Abir Mukherjee takes us back to colonial India with the fifth outing for Captain Sam Wyndham and his sergeant Surendranath Banerjee。Suren is in a spot of bother having undertaken a secret mission for the commissioner， Lord Taggart - so secret that he was forbidden to discuss it with Sam。 That changes when Suren is arrested。 He's been found in suspicious circumstances with a dead body， and soon absconds as an arrest warrant is issued in his name。 Suren turns to Sam for help and it's up to the two of them to investigate exactly has what happened and to clear Suren's name。In a great touch， the story is told from the point of views of both Sam and Suren with the narrative threads moving nicely between the two， and adding some wonderful insight into Suren's character。A great addition to the series - these stories do get better and better。 。。。more

Maria ，

Sam & Surendranath are two of my favourite fictional characters and I was excited to receive my copy of this book - a new release from Abir Mukherjee is a reason to book your comfy reading spot and settle down for a great read。 The Shadows of Men is the fifth book in the hugely popular Wyndham and Banerjee detective series。 Set in colonial India， from 1919， the books have catalogued the adventures of our heroes during a time of heightened police unrest。 Now in 1923， tensions are worsening as ele Sam & Surendranath are two of my favourite fictional characters and I was excited to receive my copy of this book - a new release from Abir Mukherjee is a reason to book your comfy reading spot and settle down for a great read。 The Shadows of Men is the fifth book in the hugely popular Wyndham and Banerjee detective series。 Set in colonial India， from 1919， the books have catalogued the adventures of our heroes during a time of heightened police unrest。 Now in 1923， tensions are worsening as elections loom and Mukherjee expertly describes the atmosphere， giving the reader a real insight into life ad the turmoil of the era。 Mukherjee does not hestitate to detail （via Suren） the hyppo-critical and amoral dealings of the British leaders。 And helps us to understand and sympathise with emotions left by Sam and Suren。 Unlike the previous books， The Shadows of Men is told from two points of view - Sam Wyndham and Surendranath Banerjee's as we learn of Surendranath's arrest and the murder of a local religious leader。 By providing two viewpoints， the author has given us the opportunity to view the events from Suren's perspective and how he must struggle to save his country。 As I've mentioned， the background in certainly vivid and fascinating but for me， the best part of the novels is the relationship between are heroes and especially how we see them grow。 Sam in particular is starting to understand that the actions of the leaders are not always taken with consideration for the pains of the locals。 Sam also tends to prescribe to the 'unemotional' and 'stiff upper lip' stereotype but is slowly learning to show his emotions and interact with his more emotional colleague。 A 5 star read， The Shadows of Men made me both laugh and cry and I'm very eagerly awaiting the next installment。 。。。more

Angela Thompson ，

The Shadows of Men by Abir MukherjeeI have to start by saying I had not come across this series before not heard of the author Abir Mukherjee ， and I have definitely missed out ！The Shadows of Men is the fifth outing in a series about Captain Sam Wyndham & Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee。 Set in colonial India in 1923。I'm not usually a fan of this type of book / era in time and place ， but I'm now a fan of this one。Abir Mukherjee manages to transport you back to the time ， and the prose in the bo The Shadows of Men by Abir MukherjeeI have to start by saying I had not come across this series before not heard of the author Abir Mukherjee ， and I have definitely missed out ！The Shadows of Men is the fifth outing in a series about Captain Sam Wyndham & Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee。 Set in colonial India in 1923。I'm not usually a fan of this type of book / era in time and place ， but I'm now a fan of this one。Abir Mukherjee manages to transport you back to the time ， and the prose in the book gives you a real insight to the feel ， sights ， and sounds of what it must have felt living there。。Part crime ， part mystery， full of atmosphere ， and throw in the religious tensions and inter gang warfare ， and you have yourself a great read。Do I feel I've missed out by not reading the previous adventures of this duo ？ Yes and I fully plan to put that to right 。 。。。more

Nic ，

The Shadows of Men is the 5th outing for Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee， an immensely enjoyable historical crime series set in India as the Empire wobbles。 At the start of this adventure we join Surendranath who is in serious trouble。 Apparently exiled from his role in the Imperial Police and fighting for his freedom。 Trouble is the order of time， as religious tensions spill over into violence in Calcutta and prominent leaders find themselves in danger。 Both Sam and Suren The Shadows of Men is the 5th outing for Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee， an immensely enjoyable historical crime series set in India as the Empire wobbles。 At the start of this adventure we join Surendranath who is in serious trouble。 Apparently exiled from his role in the Imperial Police and fighting for his freedom。 Trouble is the order of time， as religious tensions spill over into violence in Calcutta and prominent leaders find themselves in danger。 Both Sam and Surendranath find themselves struggling to unravel who is the puppet master behind the troubles and how best to ensure Surendranath’s liberty can be restored。 Abir Mukherjee has created an absolutely scintillating series。 The first outing， A Rising Man， was a Waterstones pick and a New Blood choice at the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival。 Every book since has been excellent and has pushed boundaries in quality， plot and character development。 The Shadows of Men is a fantastic read， drawing on politics， religious tensions and pulling the reader to India as changes become increasingly inevitable。 This would work well as a stand-alone but the series is well worth reading in its entirety。 Thanks to Harvill Secker， Vintage and Netgalley for an ARC。 。。。more

Surjit Parekh ，

My thoughts about Abir Mukherjee’s brilliant nail-biting，hard-hitting，5th book in the historical crime thriller， award winning series，The Shadows Of Men has a highly engaging plot and murder mystery suspense that turns out to be so powerful that it’s bound to shake you to your core。 The Shadows Of Men grips you from start to finish which is incredible。Author Abir Mukherjee yet again delivers yet another great masterpiece，that is not only its written so well，but the fast moving suspense and actio My thoughts about Abir Mukherjee’s brilliant nail-biting，hard-hitting，5th book in the historical crime thriller， award winning series，The Shadows Of Men has a highly engaging plot and murder mystery suspense that turns out to be so powerful that it’s bound to shake you to your core。 The Shadows Of Men grips you from start to finish which is incredible。Author Abir Mukherjee yet again delivers yet another great masterpiece，that is not only its written so well，but the fast moving suspense and action thrills scenes will leave you breathless。In The Shadows Of Men see’s the return of the iconic team duo of Captain Sam Wyndham and Surrendra Not Banerjee， for yet another adventure and this time Surendra Nath Banerjee is takes the central stage，which is incredible and Captain Sam Wyndham is always brilliant as always。 In The Shadows Of Men the story begins in Calcutta， 1923。When a Hindu theologian is found murdered in his home， the city is on the brink of all-out religious war。 Can officers of the Imperial Police Force， Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee track down those responsible in time to stop a bloodbath？Set at a time of heightened political tension， beginning in atmospheric Calcutta and taking the detectives all the way to bustling Bombay， the latest instalment in this ‘unmissable’ （The Times） series presents Wyndham and Banerjee with an unprecedented challenge。 Will this be the case that finally drives them apart。 The events in Calcutta takes the two iconic detective’s from Calcutta to Bombay to find the real killer was brilliant。 Author Abir Mukherjee has again nailed it with this one which deserves appreciation，for the way he has written the story and the characters is fascinating。 The Shadows Of Men，is a well written and well plotted extraordinary thought provoking mystery thriller，that grips you right from the very first page till you reach the end。 The Shadows Of Men is indeed a masterpiece，another blockbuster in the making and another feature in Abir Mukherjee’s cap。I would like to say thank you to Author Abir Mukherjee， Anna L Redman from Vintage books for kindly sending me a gifted copy for me to read and review this spectacular my all time favourite series。This is Abir Mukherjee’s best one yet。⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 。。。more

Reference

google book https://www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&q=The Shadows of Men

hathitrust digital library https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/ls?q1=The Shadows of Men&field1=ocr&a=srchls&ft=ft&lmt=ft

The British Library https://bll01.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?query=any,contains,The Shadows of Men&tab=LibraryCatalog&search_scope=Not_BL_Suppress&vid=44BL_INST:BLL01&lang=en&offset=0