BOOK: The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing by Tarquin Hall

The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing by Tarquin Hall, 325 pages

ongoing series: book 2 From the Files of Vish Puri, Most Private Investigator.

Private Detective Vish Puri, aka Chubby, loves a challenge. I think he fancies himself a Hercule Poirot-type detective, which is probably why I am enjoying this series so much, being a big Poirot fan.

The mystery that Chubby takes on here, helping the police behind the scenes, is the death of a well-known guru de-bunker. The mystical is brought into the story, as the de-bunker was killed by a vision of an ancient god of death, all of which was recorded. Is it a fine line between a miracle and magic?

The mystery itself is the least of the story. Puri's operatives are given much back story, and although it has only been two books, I sense there is much more to be learned about Facecream and Tubelight. Puri is also a big eater, and the descriptions of what he eats, make a reader's mouth water. Present day Dehli, and India, is presented with all its warts and the conflicts between present and past, tradition and progress. But the best part of the books is Mummy, who manages to do some detecting each time. When the neighbourhood 'kitty' party is robbed, Mummy-ji and Chubby's wife decide to look into it themselves. It's clear where Puri gets his talents. Her behind the scenes investigating are the best.

Next up: The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken, set to be released June 26, 2012 (according to Indigo.ca). Mmm, butter chicken, my favorite!