Book cover of Midnight at Malabar House

Book description

*** WINNER OF THE CWA SAPERE BOOKS HISTORICAL DAGGER 2021, and an INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER ***

'The leading character is the deftly drawn Persis Wadia, the country's first female detective. She's a wonderful creation and this is a hugely enjoyable book' ANN CLEEVES

'This is historical crime fiction at its best…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Midnight at Malabar House as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Nothing has transported me to another time and place so well as Khan’s book this year. I saw him at Bristol CrimeFest, a lovely and humorous man who held the attention of an entire busy room with just a few words. Khan’s charisma led me to his book, and I am so thrilled I found it. 

It is about the first female police officer in Bombay, Persis, who is called into a mystery at the turning of New Year’s Eve, 1949.

The power of Khan’s book comes in his ability to use time to create tension, the feeling it’s running…

This book has sharply etched characters and a delightfully funny voice! I love books set in Bombay, and this one does so much more than offer a deeply authentic Ambiance.

This is the first in a series, it had me eager to read the next. Bombay’s first Police officer Persis Wadia and her friend Archie Blackfinch solve a twisty mystery with a great ending.

If you love Midnight at Malabar House...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like Midnight at Malabar House?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Midnight at Malabar House.

Browse books like Midnight at Malabar House

Book cover of A Murder at Malabar Hill
Book cover of The Lost Man of Bombay
Book cover of The Bombay Prince

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,272

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Midnight at Malabar House, you might also like...

Book cover of The Year Mrs. Cooper Got Out More: A Great Wharf Novel

The Year Mrs. Cooper Got Out More by Meredith Marple,

The coastal tourist town of Great Wharf, Maine, boasts a crime rate so low you might suspect someone’s lying.

Nevertheless, jobless empty nester Mallory Cooper has become increasingly reclusive and fearful. Careful to keep the red wine handy and loath to leave the house, Mallory misses her happier self—and so…

Book cover of That First Heady Burn

That First Heady Burn by George Bixley,

Don’t mess with the hothead—or he might just mess with you. Slater Ibáñez is only interested in two kinds of guys: the ones he wants to punch, and the ones he sleeps with. Things get interesting when they start to overlap. A freelance investigator, Slater trolls the dark side of…

5 book lists we think you will like!