A young journalist is murdered for discovering hidden secrets in the caverns of the Taj Mahal. His widow decides to continue his work with devastating consequences.
What I think
What I liked best about this novel was that it was set in India. I love reading books about different countries, cultures and peoples. I was especially interested to learn about the character's different backgrounds and how these differences affect their daily lives.
There is a huge cast of characters in this story and they were all cleverly interwoven at various intervals within the narrative. I feel that this number could have been reduced somewhat, without compromising the story at all, and lowering the risk of confusion.
This book is a real page-turner. I found myself totally absorbed on the boat to Macau, despite my seasickness!
About the Author
Shobha Nihalani has a degree in Business and has worked as a freelance journalist, copywriter, book-keeper, teacher and salesperson. Her short stories have appeared in Hong Kong Writers Circle anthologies as well as the annual anthologies of the Women in Publishing Society. The Silent Monument is her second novel.
