The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey

A look in on the lives of women in India during the 1920's.  For the most part, men controlled women's lives.   Even though Perveen Mistry had graduated law school at Oxford, she struggled to be accepted as a lawyer in Bombay. 

While completing paperwork to settle the estate of one of the firms clients, she realizes that something is amiss.  She is determined to speak with the man's three widows and verify their true intentions with regard to their inheritances.  Most lawyers at that time would never consider speaking with widows who lived in seclusion and would deal only with their designated agent.  What a unique opportunity for Perveen to represent these women and ensure that their wishes were honestly protected.

I really enjoyed this novel.  Author Sujata Massey has created a strong female character in Perveen.  She does have her flaws such as her failed marriage which continues to haunt her.

By intertwining the story of her marriage and the plight of the widows, I was kept on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would be revealed next.  Alice, her school friend from Oxford, was a brilliant inclusion.  She helped add balance and realism to the story.  Even with her family's elevated status in India, she was still limited as a woman in what she could do and where she could go.

This is an excellent start to a new series.  I can imagine many avenues that Perveen and Alice have yet to explore.  This story should appeal to those looking for a legal mystery, but also to those wanting to read about a strong woman with the will to make change.

I received and advanced readers copy from Soho Press in exchange for an honest review. 

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