PETER CUTHBERT HAD BEEN MEANING to visit his cousin Beatrice in Spain for years but like so many promises to himself, he pushed them aside due to lack of time, money, work commitments, or because he had not been able to organise and coordinate the trip with other matters. In February 2008, he finally made the trip to see her.
When he and his wife Janet subsequently visit India on holiday, a chance mention of a museum in Barrackpore revives dormant memories of a Grandfather who died mysteriously in India during World War One and Cuthbert embarks on a surprising voyage of discovery.
‘Thank you for a great story! Nicely paced, with a wonderful sense of place and culture. Intrigue and adventure all woven together with a clear sense of mystery.’ Ronita Sinha
Imagine stalking a tiger amid the steamy mangroves of the Sunderbans forest or sitting in a yellow taxi inching your way through a dense urban setting crowded with vendor stalls, beggars, and sacred cows, under plush palm trees and the smell of curry permeating the air.
Scenes like these enrich a fast-paced plot of adventure and family intrigue in Richard Baker’s vibrant new novel, A Grave In Kolkata, set in India’s former capital of the British Raj, Kolkata, formally called Calcutta.
Peter Cuthbert and his wife Janet decide, for different reasons, to visit India in the company of a colourful group of compatriots under the watchful eye of Global Tours’ guide Sumit Bannerjee.
Janet is interested in touring and experiencing Indian culture, while Peter is more interested in investigating the mysterious circumstances surrounding his grandfather’s death while serving in the British Army in early 20th century India. With only sketchy family stories and old newspaper articles to go on, Peter occasionally jumps off the tour bus in search for clues in dusty libraries, impersonal government buildings, graveyards and abandoned palaces.
Along the way, Global Tours takes the Cuthberts’ and their tour group on its own adventure that covers the gamut of destinations in India’s West Bengal state; spanning elegant architectural landmarks to trackless, remote wilderness.
Baker’s keen sense of observation and thorough research enhances his story with an abundance of information about the sub-continent with all its beauty, grandeur, and chaos. If you enjoy armchair travelling at its best, A Grave In Kolkata will have you turning pages trying to keep up with Peter and Janet’s adventures.
Available now on Amazon as an e-book for Kindle readers. Click here.
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