From Publishers Weekly
The 19th Inspector Ghote novel finds the lovable Indian detective embroiled in an academic cheating scandal, under pressure from his superiors and vexed by pressing domestic business. When a final exam paper is circulated throughout Bombay's Oceanic College prior to the test, Ghote is sent to investigate, only to find his prime suspect in a coma, having tried to commit suicide (Or was it a murder attempt?). Suddenly the inspector finds himself dealing with a surplus of suspects, a student protest, a harassed professor and a kidnapping, all the while attempting to placate his impatient boss and successfully handle his strong-willed wife, Protima. The warmly sparring relationship between Ghote and Protima sets the tone for this novel, which ambles along to a pleasant conclusion. Ghote remains a valuable comic invention--funny but not bumbling, with just the right level of confidence in his limited abilities.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Keating's Bombay police inspector Ghote, dignified, imperturbable, respected, and feared, faces what appears to be a straightforward, even simple case: determine who's responsible for stealing examination papers at Kampur College. After all, an inspector with Ghote's experience and skills can surely cajole answers from a few unruly students. But when Ghote visits the campus, he finds corruption, scandal, and chaos everywhere--students cheat openly, professors take bribes to look the other way, administrators are oblivious, and the trustees are engaged in an open power struggle. Luckily, Ghote is an astute, persistent chap, and soon the thief is behind bars, the students are behaving respectfully, and the case is solved. Keating is an immensely talented author who has delighted fans for decades with his wonderfully witty Inspector Ghote. His latest, the nineteenth in the series, doesn't disappoint. The plot is engaging, the solution intriguing, the setting exotic, and best of all, Ghote is funnier, wiser, and more appealing than ever. A worthy addition to every mystery collection.
Emily Melton
