The Shadows of Men

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

Award-winning writer Abir Mukherjee is back with another brilliant mystery novel in the Raj-era Wyndham and Banerjee series.

*A SUNDAY TIMES BOOKS OF 2021 PICK*

Calcutta, 1923

When a Hindu theologian is found murdered in his home, the city is on the brink of all-out religious war. Can officers of the Imperial Police Force, Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee track down those responsible in time to stop a bloodbath?

Set at a time of heightened political tension, beginning in atmospheric Calcutta and taking the detectives all the way to bustling Bombay, the latest instalment in this 'unmissable' (The Times) series presents Wyndham and Banerjee with an unprecedented challenge. Will this be the case that finally drives them apart?

© Abir Mukherjee 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Critics Review

Captivating, moving and exciting, it's historical fiction at its finest
Sunday Express
Another compelling, thoughtful and atmospheric episode in this fine series
Mail on Sunday
Abir Mukherjee is doing something uniquely different in the crime genre. His evocation of 1920s India under British occupation is breathtaking. He takes you there with luscious strokes of his pen and a dry wit, keeping you on the edge of your seat as he spins his tale.
Peter May, Sunday Times bestselling author
I loved the slick dovetailing of the dual narrative and the sharp, humorous writing...An engaging, evocative thriller that captures the heat of Indian nights and heady days of a bygone era, without being sentimental or simplistic. For me, the murder mystery and historical elements were perfectly woven together.
Janice Hallett, author of Sunday Times bestseller The Appeal on The Shadows of Men
Abir Mukherjee's terrific crime novels are set in India in the 1920s. The Shadows of Men is vivid and brutal
Sunday Times, Crime Book of the Month
The Shadows of Men displays all Mukherjee's usual brio, comic timing and eye for historical colour. It is a crime story, but also the tale of Banerjee's reckoning with himself and his involvement in the British Raj, a regime he increasingly despises. Thought-provoking, page-turning and immersive.
The Times
Once again, Mr Mukherjee tells a captivating tale with an intricate plot, compelling characters, wry humour and diverse range of locations.
Economist
The Shadows of Men is a fabulous read - exciting, moving and highly entertaining.
Ajay Chowdhury, author of THE WAITER

This brilliant mingling of real history and fictional invention kicks off a series that does for the Raj what Philip Kerr did for the Reich

The Times, on A Rising Man
The pacing and twists are among the author's best work. This is a sterling example of a riveting whodunit plot coupled with a vivid portrayal of a seminal historical moment.
Publishers Weekly, starred review

User Reviews

Book 5.0
Narration 5.0
5.0
5.0
Another excellent audiobook by Abir Mukherjee, very well written and top notch narration. This series of books has become a favourite with me. This one keeps up the high standard of the previous books. The only problem I have is that I get through them so quickly. Also we'll done Xigxag for making them available.
Moneyslane 05/12/2025

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