A novel that is both historical fiction and a mystery is very appealing, indeed.

I enjoyed experiencing a bit of India as it was in 1975, through Danny Jacob’s eyes. He’s a young journalist, attempting to cover the news from India at a critical time for its democracy, which lends this story some relevance to our own times. The story is written in a simple, straight forward way that seems most appropriate for a journalist.

Since this is a mystery, I will avoid any big reveals. Suffice it to say, Danny inadvertently puts himself in a couple or three dicey situations, depending on how one goes about counting. He’s got his job, social contacts, and a romantic entanglement. It turns out, all of them involve risks. Danny is definitely living dangerously.

Danny Jacobs is an extremely likable character, who has previously reported from Vietnam. That is, he is no stranger to danger or getting by in foreign lands. For that reason, I did find his naivete about a couple things to be incredible, even if his mind is fogged with the love of a certain woman. Another character, Willy, a wealthy Belgian man who befriends him, also seems to act in surprising ways. Meanwhile, I feel that the most intriguing character in this story was Sushmilla, Willy’s girlfriend. Her backstory and motives seem realistic, her actions explainable. I enjoyed the plot, even if I also feel that it was wrapped up a pinch too tidily.

I enjoyed the plot, even if I also feel that it was wrapped up a pinch too tidily. The author poured his love of India into this novel, while also showing parts of its society that made Danny deeply uncomfortable. Bombay Monsoon is a smart and thoughtful story that I admire, and would recommend. Thank you so much to Oceanview Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this. I’m glad I did.