Death in the Andamans

by M.M. Kaye

Book Overview

Death in the Andamans is a masterpiece of mystery and romance from one of our most beloved authors. When a violent storm lashes the tiny Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, Copper Randal barely... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312186223
• ISBN13: 9780312186227
• Release Date: January 1986
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 301 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.

Customer Reviews

One of the better mysteries, and an incredible look at Andamans

If you ever wanted to travel to the Andamans, then this is definitely the book for you - the detail of what the islands were like, and also life for the colonial ruling class, is wonderful. M M Kaye used to take copious notes of all the places she visited just in case she decided to write a book about them later - something she did about six of the places she was stationed with her husband. Most of the people she writes about are from the colonial class themselves, born in exotic places such as Kashmir, Egypt, etc. It was a world she recognised and wrote about with confidence Death in the Andamans is about Copper who is invited out to stay with her friend Valerie whose stepfather is one of the colonial administrators who lives on the island of Ross. Together they challenge if only unconciously, the reigning belle of the Island, Ruby, who is in her 30's but stagnating there because of circumstances she has created for herself. Into this stifling atmosphere Copper arrives and all around Christmas time. A christmas eve picnic to a nearby island goes horribly wrong when a storm whips up and Ferrers Shilto who is sailing back is swept away. That puts a damper on Christmas eve, but christmas is worse when his body is washed up on the shore. A cursory examination of the body cites accidental death, but a young doctor wants to look further and disappears mysteriously - later to found sewn up in the shroud the original body was in. Meanwhile Copper and Valerie hear footsteps and creeping around inside the house and are frightened by it, and by the fact no prints are ever seen despite the wet floors. Nicely timed mystery and lovely romances - several of them in fact.

A wonderfuland exotic locale for a mystery.

I had never read anything by M.M. Kaye. I have passed her books in the stores and they never seemed to jump out at me. However, this time I gave it a try and it was wonderful. First of all, it took place in the late 30's before World War II when the British were ruling India and it was chock full of characters, house, food, dances, etc., that fit right in to that period. Plus. several murders and two young girls trying to solve the murders without getting killed themselves. Just brimming with mystery and intrique.

Can't put it down murder mystery!

When was the last time you curled up on a rainy day with a good whodunit? "Death in the Andamans" is the perfect book if you enjoy the "locked door" variety of murder mystery. The plot and characters can be found in many similar books - what separates this one is the good writing. It's all there: spunky young heroine, dark enigmatic stranger, a cast of suspects - all marrooned on an island during a hurricane. The outcome - a dead body and a murderer on the loose among them. Throw in some unearthly sightings and some clever detecting and you've got yourself a nice read. M.M. Kaye is one of my top five writers. In addition to her mysteries, she also wrote historical fiction. Try "Trade Wind", "Shadow of the Moon" or "The Far Pavillions" and you'll see how talented a writer she is.

wonderful

Perhaps my favorite of M.M. Kaye's 'Death in' series. I wanted to visit the house in this book myself. All her mysteries take place in exotic locales under British rule. A favorite style of mine, the late 1930's to early 1950's. Tourists sightseeing, meeting for cocktails, planning murders, etc. All the fun British characters, without being heavy or too 'vedy vedy British'. I great read!

Absolutely enjoyable and steeped in romantic intrigue

I have borrowed it from my library a total of ten times in the last year, and still would love to buy it if it was available in Pakistan. This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever known the beauty of love and the exotic aura of international shores. And for those who have not, read this book because it simply keeps you enthralled