The Shadow by Ajay Chowdhury
I followed this series from the very beginning and absolutely love it. The fact that in this book Kamil and Anjali are working together in India, in Mumbai to be precise, at the behest of one of Kamil’s friends from his days in Mumbai makes this deliciously different from the other books in the series.
Filled with ritual killings, mythic hexes, tension and lies this is a fast paced read.
One of the things I like most about this book was the fact that we had a real insight into the Parsi Community in Mumbai and I love learning new things when reading. A fast paced and emotionally thought provoking read.

The next instalment in the Kamil Rahman series. Still recovering from being shot in The Spy, Kamil is asked to go to India to investigate a murder linked to his old friend's firm. Anjoli goes along with him and they stay at the palatial home of Kamil's friends, Darius and Zara. Zara's father is chairman of the company and although dying is still very involved. Darius is worried about a family curse which would have him die by fire on his 47th birthday the following weekend. As more murders take place, each as gruesome as the last, Kamil and Anjoli are puzzled. As always they put themselves in danger. Their relationship doesn't seem to be going any further even though they have both admitted their feelings. #netgalley #theshadow

This is an interesting read and I was gripped from the start. I found it more interesting as it was based in Mumbai which is a place I want to visit.

This is another book in the Detective Kamal Rahman series. Despite his intention to quit the Met and set up a private detective service with his friend/girlfriend Anjoli, Kamil is persuaded to delay his resignation to investigate a case involving the grisly death of a British engineer in Mumbai. Staying with the man’s employer, who also happens to be a friend, he is made aware of a curse on the man’s family, which he also gets to investigate. With established characters, and a certain amount of ambivalence still over Kamil and Anjoli’s relationship, it is an engaging and compelling read. The reader will have to wait until the next book in the series to see whether their business aspirations and relationship develop any further.

Thanks to NetGalley for the copy to read pre-publication.

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for ARC.
Former Kolkata policeman/restaurant worker/spy, now London Metropolitan Police officer, has resigned to start a detective agency with his great pal/erstwhile love interest Anjoli. He's asked to defer his finish date to head to Mumbai to look into the suspicious death of a British subject and supervise the repatriation of the victim's body to his family. He convinces Anjoli to accompany him and what ensues is a baptism of fire for both of them.
This is set in frantic Mumbai and is excellent at highlighting the inequalities and injustices of that city, just as the previous novels in the series have done for London City. At times I found it confusing, and honestly some of the plot strands are a bit - silly. However the strength of this series is the relationship of these fallible, not always lovable characters and I look forward to more.

Ajay Chowdhury’s The Shadow, the fifth instalment in the Detective Kamil Rahman series, takes us on a thrilling ride across continents, blending contemporary crime-solving with ancient legends and curses. With a gripping mystery at its core, The Shadow delves deep into the complexities of human nature, cultural beliefs, and the struggle between logic and superstition. The novel delivers a compelling balance of character development, atmospheric setting, and an engaging plot that kept me hooked until the final page.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is the partnership between Kamil Rahman and Anjoli. Their chemistry is evident from the outset, with Kamil’s analytical and methodical approach complemented perfectly by Anjoli’s intuition and quick thinking. Their rapport is natural, filled with witty exchanges and genuine concern for each other, making them a highly effective and endearing investigative team, with the added spice of a blossoming relationship.

Kamil has determined he will become a private detective after resigning from the Met, and will go into business with Anjoli. He is a man marked by his past experiences—both professional and personal—and carries the weight of his decisions with a quiet intensity. His analytical mind and dedication to justice make him an engaging lead, yet his vulnerabilities prevent him from feeling like an infallible detective archetype.

Anjoli, on the other hand, brings a vibrant energy to the narrative. She is resourceful, intelligent, and fearless, acting as both a counterbalance and a catalyst to Kamil’s more measured demeanour. She challenges him when necessary and provides much-needed levity in moments of darkness. She also has a great line in T-shirts with slogans, which she designs herself. Her presence is integral to the novel, not just as Kamil’s partner but as an equal force in unravelling the case. Together, their strengths and differences make them a formidable team, elevating the investigative elements of the book while keeping the emotional core strong.

Chowdhury’s depiction of India is rich and immersive, serving as more than just a backdrop. Mumbai is painted with striking detail—from its bustling streets and labyrinthine slums to its opulent high-rises and historical landmarks. The city’s dual nature, where modernity coexists with deep-rooted traditions and myths, mirrors the central theme of the novel—where rational investigation collides with the spectre of an ancient curse.

The setting enhances the tension in the story, with the cultural and historical layers adding depth to the mystery. Chowdhury seamlessly integrates aspects of Indian mythology and beliefs into the narrative without making them feel forced or overly exotic. Instead, they serve to highlight the complexities of belief systems and the lingering power of folklore in a contemporary world. The novel’s ability to transport the reader into this vividly realised world really enhances the storytelling.

At its core, The Shadow is a cleverly woven mystery that balances traditional detective work with elements of psychological and supernatural intrigue. The murder of a British engineer—ritualistically killed with eighteen arrows—is a chilling and intriguing premise that immediately grips the reader. As Kamil and Anjoli dig deeper, the mounting body count and the increasingly grotesque nature of the murders keep the tension high.

The novel successfully maintains a tight pace, with the duo uncovering layers of deception, hidden motives, and unexpected connections. One of the novel’s strengths is how it weaves together the present-day investigation with the subplot of Kamil’s old friend seeking help with a supposed curse. The intersection of these two narratives raises questions about fate, fear, and the psychological power of belief.

Despite their strong detective skills, Kamil and Anjoli are not infallible. They make misjudgements, follow false leads, and struggle with their own biases. Kamil, particularly, finds himself torn between his rational approach and the unsettling implications of the so-called curse. Anjoli, while sharp, sometimes pushes too hard, leading to complications. However, these missteps add realism to their characters—after all, real detectives don’t always get things right on the first try! The twists in the plot are well-executed, with surprises that feel earned rather than contrived.

Chowdhury maintains a brisk yet immersive pace throughout the novel. The tension builds steadily, with each revelation pushing the investigation forward while keeping the reader engaged. The chapters are well-structured, offering a blend of action, dialogue, and introspection, ensuring that the story never stagnates. Flashbacks and subplots are seamlessly woven into the narrative, adding depth without detracting from the central mystery. The pacing strikes a fine balance—neither too rushed nor too slow—allowing the suspense to simmer while keeping the pages turning rapidly.

Verdict: The Shadow is a gripping, intelligent, and atmospheric mystery that delivers on all fronts. Kamil and Anjoli’s partnership is the beating heart of the novel, their dynamic making the investigation compelling and emotionally engaging. The setting is richly depicted, adding authenticity and depth to the story. The mystery itself is layered, unpredictable, and satisfying, with enough twists to keep readers guessing until the very end. Ajay Chowdhury has crafted a novel that is not only a terrific detective story but also an exploration of culture, belief, and the human psyche. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to Kamil Rahman’s world, The Shadow is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a smart, immersive, and thought-provoking crime novel.

I liked this new novel, having read the last one in the series. The characters are still strong, but I didn’t love it as much as the last one. The setting was well described.

The Shadow by Ajay Chowdhury is another book in the Detective Kamil Rahman police series. This time Kamil and Anjoli his partner travel to Mumbai to try to solve a family curse and take a body back to England.
Unfortunately they also end up involved in a killing spree and intrigue, with deaths, secrets and lies interrupting their stay in Mumbai.
Recommended

On the cusp of resigning from the Metropolitan Police, Kamil is sent to Mumbai to repatriate the body of a British engineer who has been murdered. As the man was working from Mehta and Sons, a company run by an old friend, Kamil and Anjoli are invited to spend time with the family. However not is all as it seems because in addition to trying to solve the killing, the pair are also trying to save Darius from the curse that has followed his family for three generations.
This is another ‘awayday’ episode in the series but is still really strong. Here the theme is around faith but focusing on Parsi, and also the transformation of Mumbai into a heaving metropolis and the contrast with the lives of the poor. As ever the action is slick and the flaws of the characters are explored in detail. It’s a confident piece of writing and a cracking police procedural.

Book five in this series doesn’t’ disappoint. The root of the investigative part of the story is not just good as a whodunnit but also an education in how religion, community and family are essentially intertwined. All this is set against the personal backdrop of the relationship between the two main characters who it seems are cleanly meant to be but something just keeps them on the edge of making that step. Plenty of scope for book six.

Ajay Chowdhury delivers another gripping, atmospheric thriller with The Shadow. Detective Kamil Rahman’s latest case takes him back to Mumbai, where a string of gruesome murders—starting with a British engineer found pierced by eighteen arrows—pulls him into a tangled web of revenge, superstition, and corruption.

The book brings Mumbai to life in vivid detail, from its bustling streets to the stark realities of the slums, immersing the reader in both its beauty and its brutality. Kamil and his sharp-witted partner Anjoli make for an engaging duo, and their dynamic adds both depth and moments of levity to the dark and twisted mystery at hand. The interplay between the supernatural elements—an ominous family curse—and the stark reality of cold-blooded murder keeps the tension high and the pages turning.

Chowdhury masterfully balances action, suspense, and character development, leading to a satisfyingly neat finish that ties up the mystery while leaving the reader eager for more.

An impressive mystery with layers across family and business intrigue, magic, curses and even romance. Very well written and with an interesting Mumbai setting for London based detective Kamil Rahman, Pacey with lots of action - the bodies add up! My first Chowdhury read, but not the last.

"Tomorrow was Sunday. Darius's birthday. In twenty-four hours, she would know if the curse was real."

Book five of the Anglo-Indian Kamil Rahman detective series see him, fellow investigator and love interest, Anjoli Chatterjee travel to Mumbai. There they investigate the murder of a friend Darius's colleague and his chilling family curse.

I love this series, partly for the characters and partly for the culture (including the mouth-watering cuisine) and settings (I always learn so much, this time about Parsi culture) and also for the mysteries. Start with book one, The Waiter and you won't regret it!

Thank you to the author, Random House UK, Vintage | Harvill Secker and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is the fifth in a series, and after reading the fourth I was eager to read this one. Kamil, a young policeman who is unhappy with the way his career is progressing, is thinking about branching out in a detective agency with Anjoli, his friend (and romantic interest). His superiors on the force convince him to go to India to shadow the Indian police investigating the murder of a British engineer, and organize repatratrion of the body. Kamil agrees to go as long as Anjoli is allowed to accompany him. The two of them make a great team, complementing each other's strengths. The mystery itself is dark, with dangerous and violent elements, and rot at its core, which they discover as they persevere to find answers. The setting of Mumbai is great, and the story has lots of twists and turns - the characters are well-drawn and the descriptions vivid. The supernatural element was not my cup of tea, but is certainly part of the culture. I once again learned much about India's culture and ethnic/religious groups.

After a bruising encounter with a terrorist group, Detective Kamil Rahnam has decided to hand in his resignation to the Met and set up his own detective agency with his friend Anjoli. But when his boss asks him to go to India to investigate the murder of a British engineer who was found with eighteen arrows stuck in his body, Kamil agrees to take the case, as long as Anjoli can accompany him.

When Kamil is sent to Mumbi to recover the body of a British man, his friend Anjoli goes with him. Kamil meets up with his old fried Darius and gets drawn into the investigation. I liked Kamil and Anjoli, not only are they in a will they/won't they relationship, they work well together. This is a well-written, twisted read with well-developed characters. This book could be read as a standalone.

Published 13th March 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUk #Vintage and the author #AjayChowdhury for my ARC of #TheShadow in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one. Book #5 in the Kamil Rahman series but can be read as standalone.
An action packed, gripping, suspenseful read full of intrigue and well drawn characters. I like Kamil and Anjoli as they work well as a partnership, maybe a possibility of romance between them too.
It’s very well written, with vivid descriptions of the city of Mumbai, adding depth to the story. The twists keep you engaged and turning the pages.
Overall, an enjoyable and entertaining read. Definitely recommend if you enjoy reading this genre.
With thanks to #NetGallery #RandomHouseUk for an arc of #TheShadow in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 13 March 2025.

I blooming love this series, this book being the fifth staring Kamil Rahman who has had a bit of a colourful life since relocating to the UK. Which you can read all about in books one through four as per usual series rules!
We start this chapter of his life with him trying to put his notice in to the Police as he and Anjoli are going to set up their own detective agency. This idea is scuppered when he is instead called into his boss's office to be told that he has been requested to travel to India to oversee the investigation of the death of an English engineer, and to accompany his body upon repatriation. The request has come from his old friend Darius Mehta. But when he gets there, accompanied by Anjoli, he finds out that there is a lot more going on than just the death of Peter Bell. Darius also has his own issues, namely that of a curse stemming back from the 1947 riots following Independence Day, whereupon the Mehta family descendants will all die on their 47th birthday. His father and grandfather both fulfilling said curse, and his 47th coming in the next few days.
It's all a bit convoluted and interconnected and, on occasion, quite brutal. It's also rather funny which helps the book from getting too dark. Anjoli's tee-shirts being one source of this! But anything that confuses along the way is well explained by the time you get to the end. Giving the occasional light-bulb moment along the way. With twists and turns aplenty, and with no additional waffle or padding, it also gets on with itself very well indeed.
It was lovely to be able to leave Brick Lane, and travel over to India to get to know the country a bit through the book. It's a place I would love to go to, and watch cricket there, and I do find its traditions and history fascinating, especially the culture, beliefs, and indeed as described so well in this book, the cuisine!
But it was the story that I loved the most. And the way that Kamil and Anjoli went about investigating that held my attention so well. Confusing me for the most part, I was running around in circles along with Kamil for quite a lot of the time, trying to work out what was going on. And when it was all revealed I sat back in awe as I never saw that coming.
All in all, a cracking addition to another of my favourite series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

What I loved about this story - book 5 in the series - is that it is set in Mumbai and the author vividly describes the city to those who have never been there, from its abject poverty to the entitled 'old monied' Indians. The historian in me liked to read about the former times of the city and how it ended up with such a diverse culture. Add to that the murders of a few people, an ancient curse and the ongoing saga of Kamil and Anjoli, and you have a great page turning book. For me personally, the best one in the series so far...

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review.

Another cracking read from Ajay Chowdhury, this one set in Mumbai but with our trusty detective and his sidekick/love interest, Anjoli. Apart from the interesting storyline we also get a potted history of life since Partition for rich and poor and for Parsis, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. I was particularly invested in this book as I’m currently in Goa, having been in Mumbai earlier and a plan to return there for a few days before our homeward flight. I’m impressed that each book, although having communal characters could be read as a stand-alone. I’m already looking forward to reading the next one!

Having read all the books in this series so far, this one did not disappoint. It also offered up a change of scenery moving to the slums of Mumbai and away from the streets of London. Our favourite characters are back and their relationship, both professional and personal is as complicated as ever. Called in to solve a murder and a curse there are twists and turns and murders and slayings with awesome ferocity. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reader copy.