First published 2015
William Avery languishes as a young British soldier in the stifling heat of 1837 India, his military career stalled in endless colonial campaigns. When he pairs with Jeremiah Blake, a secretive political operative who has adopted local customs and speaks multiple Indian languages, their mission seems straightforward: locate a vanished writer. Blake thrives on puzzles that others abandon, and his talent for disguises makes him invaluable for navigating India's complex social landscape. Their search pulls them deeper into dangerous territory as they encounter the Thuggee cult, a secretive religious movement that practices ritual murder. The investigation becomes deadlier when they discover the brutal methods used by British authorities to crush the cult. Avery must navigate not only the physical dangers of their quest but also his growing doubts about the imperial system he serves. Blake's unconventional methods and cultural adaptability clash with Avery's military training, yet their partnership becomes essential for survival. What began as a simple missing person case transforms into a confrontation with the violent realities of colonial rule and religious extremism.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, mystery, 19th-century
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fish-out-of-water, odd-couple
Setting: India
Period: 1837
570 pages · Hardcover · Thorndike Press
Content warnings: colonialism, violence