India, 1922. Perveen Mistry, the only female lawyer in Bombay, has just secured her biggest client yet: Champa Films. The movie studio is run by Subhas Ghoshal and his movie star wife, Rochana. Rochana, the biggest name in Indian cinema, needs Perveen's legal help because she's being sued for breach of contract by her previous studio.
To better understand Rochana's world, Perveen brings her best friend, Alice Hobson-Jones, to a special screening, which turns into a disaster. One of the guests is found dead, and Rochana has disappeared. To protect her clients, Perveen must investigate the murder case-- especially since her best friend seems to be keeping secrets about that night.
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I've been enjoying Sujata Massey's Perveen Mistry historical series for its sense of place, as well as for the characters, and the mysteries; however, this latest book, The Star from Calcutta, was a struggle.
I kept expecting the mystery involving the dead man to take center stage, but the story really concentrated on forbidden relationships and society's stranglehold on what was seen to be proper behavior. Coming from a completely different world, I kept chafing at all the things Perveen could and could not do in order to avoid scandal and wagging tongues as she pursued her investigation. (Thank heavens I was born when and where I was!) At that time, society's expectations were such that the Indian film industry was about the only place where women could advance. In the midst of all this, I didn't find the film studio characters very engaging either.
The Star from Calcutta is an interesting tale of how society can warp people's expectations and relationships. I just wish I'd been able to enjoy it more.
The Star from Calcutta by Sujata Massey
eISBN: 9781641295109
Soho Press © 2026
eBook, 413 pages
Historical Mystery, #5 Perveen Mistry
Rating: C+
Source: Net Galley
I'm sorry to hear that the book didn't draw you in more, Cathy. The premise sounds interesting, and I do like Sujata Massey's writing. I have to say, though, I would really chafe at those restrictions. I can see why they made you grit your teech.
ReplyDeleteThat is too bad. Do you have a favorite Massey book?
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of Sujata Massey' and Perveen Mistry. Too bad this book was disappointing. I've never liked the film industry as the backdrop in a book. That you say that was one place women could advance is interesting. I have to think about whether or not I want to read this. I always learn something from a historical novel/mystery though so may if I can access this book on libbyapp.com for free, I'll try it out.
ReplyDeleteCathy, glad to know your thoughts on this one. I have really liked the previous books in this series. However, being a devoted series reader, I know that not every book in each series suits me. Will keep your review in mind and I'll see what I think about it when I can. I will say that I have learned a lot about that part of the world during that time while reading these books. Yes, women were certainly restricted in so many ways. It's always been irritating to me the things that Perveen has not been able to do. Sigh. Again, thanks for your comments.
ReplyDeleteOne positive point about this series is that I learn about women's roles in India in the 1920s and also from Harini Nagrenda's series set in Bangladore in the same period.So if I can read this for free, I may do it, although I do believe your review.
ReplyDelete