Twelve storyline years have passed since the ending of Alka Joshi‘s wonderful debut novel, The Henna Artist. This book picks up at that time, with Lakshmi still working in Shimla, now as the Director of the Lady Reading Healing Garden. She is now married to Dr. Jay Kumar, physician at the Lady Reading Hospital and Director of the Community Clinic. Her sister Radha has married her husband Pierre and moved to Paris. Her assistant Malik has graduated the prestigious Bishop Cotton School for Boys and is now an apprentice with Singh-Sharma Construction, headed by Samir Singh.

The book opens with the catastrophic collapse of the balcony on opening night at the Royal Jewel Cinema in Jaipur, constructed by Malik’s employers. An investigation is launched and Malik plays a key role in determining who is responsible. Lakshmi, supportive as always, travels 11 hours by train to Jaipur to assist Malik and ply her royal connections to help save the job and reputation of Manu Agarwal, her dear friend Kanta’s husband, who also works there.

A significant storyline is the smuggling of gold after the restrictive Gold Act is enacted in India. Malik‘s love interest, Nimmi, a recent widow with two young children, figures prominently in this storyline. Returning with significant roles are Ravi Singh and his mother Parvati, and Maharani Latika and the dowager Maharani Indira. Several new characters are also introduced.

As with The Henna Artist, this book gives the reader an informed look at the culture of India, this time including much more about Shimla which is in the Himalayas. A delightful read, full of color, fragrance, atmosphere, and suspense. The conclusion is a satisfying one.

It is not necessary to have read The Henna Artist prior to this, the second in a series of three books, because the author does an excellent job of filling in the backstory. However, reading the first book will give a more fitting introduction. Looking forward to the third book, due in 2022, which will center on Radha and her life in Paris. Highly recommended! ?

Thank you to the author and publisher for an advance reader’s copy. (Publication date: June 22, 2021).