The Widows of Malabar Hill By Sujata Massey

Having just won the 2019 Mary Higgins Clark award, I was very curious to read this book. Being an avid mystery and historical fiction reader, it was nice reading something that included both of these genres. I also appreciated this mystery’s fresh approach.
Set in the 1920’s Bombay, Perveen Mistry is Bombay’s first female lawyer. Earning her law degree from Oxford, Perveen is the daughter of a prominent lawyer and has joined his firm. Mistry’s Law has been appointed to execute the will of, Mr. Omar Farid. Mr. Farid was a wealthy mill owner who left behind 3 Muslim widows -who are living in full purdah . In looking into this will, Perveen finds it strange that each woman has signed over their inheritance to a charity. Perveen decides she must get to the bottom of her suspicion. While investigating this, a murder occurs! Thus…the story becomes …a murder mystery!

The Widows of Malabar Hill goes back and forth between 1921 and 1915. I found the back story of Perveen helpful in understanding the culture (as well as common Indian phrases/references) of this time period. Besides being a rich multicultural story, this story also helps one realize the need for advocating for women’s rights. All in all, I found this story an interesting mystery and great read!


Sue Nakanishi
Adult Services Librarian

Available at the Langley Adams Library