What do you think?
Rate this book
A Jane Wunderly Mystery #6
Homicide in the Indian Hills
Intrepid American newlywed Jane Wunderly learns that tigers aren’t the only dangers lurking in 1920s India, when a murder in a popular resort town threatens to destabilize the local government and undermine the resistance movement for Indian self-rule . . .
Ooty, 1927: Accompanying Mr. Redvers on an assignment to Ootycamund to quell revolutionary rumblings, Jane finds there’s more than meets the eye to India’s Queen of Hill Stations. Ooty’s lush tea plantations and tranquil gardens barely conceal its secrets--scandalous affairs, political sabotage, and a mounting anti-colonial movement. Even Redvers intends to subvert his official mission in Ooty, by arranging a series of clandestine meetings with local resistance leaders. But it’s not until the shocking death of a British national that Jane and Redvers are truly drawn into Ooty’s deepest shadows.
Jane’s suspicions that the death is more than a tragic accident are soon confirmed, but word of a murder could stoke Ooty’s simmering tensions into a full boil. Navigating corrupt local officials, festering personal vendettas, and a complicated network of bureaucratic entanglements that lead to the top tiers of government, Jane and Redvers edge closer to the truth…and its deadly consequences. Someone is willing to spill blood to protect their interests, will Jane become just another of Ooty’s darkest secrets?
Ooty, 1927: Accompanying Mr. Redvers on an assignment to Ootycamund to quell revolutionary rumblings, Jane finds there’s more than meets the eye to India’s Queen of Hill Stations. Ooty’s lush tea plantations and tranquil gardens barely conceal its secrets--scandalous affairs, political sabotage, and a mounting anti-colonial movement. Even Redvers intends to subvert his official mission in Ooty, by arranging a series of clandestine meetings with local resistance leaders. But it’s not until the shocking death of a British national that Jane and Redvers are truly drawn into Ooty’s deepest shadows.
Jane’s suspicions that the death is more than a tragic accident are soon confirmed, but word of a murder could stoke Ooty’s simmering tensions into a full boil. Navigating corrupt local officials, festering personal vendettas, and a complicated network of bureaucratic entanglements that lead to the top tiers of government, Jane and Redvers edge closer to the truth…and its deadly consequences. Someone is willing to spill blood to protect their interests, will Jane become just another of Ooty’s darkest secrets?
432 pages, Hardcover
Published March 25, 2025
60 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
March 28, 2025
The Simon Commission existed. Lord Irwin was Viceroy during this time period. Lala Lajpat Rai was brutally beaten during a protest demonstration against the Simon Commission in Lahore in 1928 and died of his injuries. The family line of the Maharajah of Travancore stll exists, though Gretchen Beetner is ficticious. Jane Wunderly becomes more annoying with each passing novel; I honestly do not care if she wears the navy silk or the dark green silk or the kitten heel t-straps or the brown oxfords. The grammar and vocabulary leave much to be desired--fabulous editors notwithstandng. The first novel in the series was quite wonderful, and even the next two weren't bad; it's been downhill ever since. One can only hope that even with the pressure of churning out a book a year the next one will be better.
May 23, 2025
A bit of mid-series plot fatigue going on here, but otherwise an enjoyable read.
This has been a pretty good series overall, if a bit thin in detail and atmosphere. The mysteries are generally well plotted, which is technically true in this installment as well, though it felt a bit flattened out and generic, as.is unfortunately common once mystery series of this style get 5-6 books in.
I come to mysteries like this mostly for atmosphere and historical detail, and this series has been a bit up and down in that regard, though I’ve never gotten enough of that out of any of the Wunderly books to really feel satisfied. I loved the setting for this one in theory, but was frustrated by how little visual and cultural detail we get. It’s mostly political atmosphere that serves the plot and endless mentions of how spicy the food is.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This has been a pretty good series overall, if a bit thin in detail and atmosphere. The mysteries are generally well plotted, which is technically true in this installment as well, though it felt a bit flattened out and generic, as.is unfortunately common once mystery series of this style get 5-6 books in.
I come to mysteries like this mostly for atmosphere and historical detail, and this series has been a bit up and down in that regard, though I’ve never gotten enough of that out of any of the Wunderly books to really feel satisfied. I loved the setting for this one in theory, but was frustrated by how little visual and cultural detail we get. It’s mostly political atmosphere that serves the plot and endless mentions of how spicy the food is.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
June 6, 2025
Jane and Redvers go to India! A sorta honeymoon, except Redvers is on Official Business.
Entertaining enough. I ended up skimming most of it.
I like these characters and the mysteries are always interesting.
And the setting (time and place) was interesting.
Entertaining enough. I ended up skimming most of it.
I like these characters and the mysteries are always interesting.
And the setting (time and place) was interesting.
April 6, 2025
I truly enjoy this series - it's one of my top ten favorites, and thankfully, with this new book, that feeling remains the same.
Marriage has not softened Jane and her keen senses and acerbic wit remain intact, which is absolutely refreshing. So many fantastic MC's lose their spunk and vivacity once the author marries them off and I am grateful that is not the case here.
This outing finds Jane and Redvers in India, in the midst of the growing anger/resistance to British rule and there is much unrest. They become embroiled in a particularly gruesome [and personal] murder, and the unrest around them just adds to the mystery. The mystery is crisp, the characters full-bodied and there were moments where I felt I was right there in India with them. The only thing I didn't love was the ending/reveal that felt very rushed to me and also fell a bit flat. Otherwise, this was an excellent read; the research that the author obviously does really adds to these stories and makes them as good as they are - I imagine how much fun it is to research these amazing times and locations [it really does show in the stories]; this ginormous history lover is so grateful for that.
I really enjoy Sarah Zimmerman's narration of these books; she handles the various accents/voices deftly and really makes for an enjoying and engaging listening experience. I highly recommend listening to both this fabulous book AND the whole series!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Erica Ruth Neubauer, Sarah Zimmerman - Narrator, Kensington Publishing/Kensington and RB Media/Recorded Book for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
Marriage has not softened Jane and her keen senses and acerbic wit remain intact, which is absolutely refreshing. So many fantastic MC's lose their spunk and vivacity once the author marries them off and I am grateful that is not the case here.
This outing finds Jane and Redvers in India, in the midst of the growing anger/resistance to British rule and there is much unrest. They become embroiled in a particularly gruesome [and personal] murder, and the unrest around them just adds to the mystery. The mystery is crisp, the characters full-bodied and there were moments where I felt I was right there in India with them. The only thing I didn't love was the ending/reveal that felt very rushed to me and also fell a bit flat. Otherwise, this was an excellent read; the research that the author obviously does really adds to these stories and makes them as good as they are - I imagine how much fun it is to research these amazing times and locations [it really does show in the stories]; this ginormous history lover is so grateful for that.
I really enjoy Sarah Zimmerman's narration of these books; she handles the various accents/voices deftly and really makes for an enjoying and engaging listening experience. I highly recommend listening to both this fabulous book AND the whole series!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Erica Ruth Neubauer, Sarah Zimmerman - Narrator, Kensington Publishing/Kensington and RB Media/Recorded Book for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2025
Danger in the Hills!
Jane Wunderly and the delicious Englishman Redvers are now married and in India as part of Redvers’ job as a secret agent with the British Government. Actually he’s a spy. It is supposedly their honeymoon but when an english woman Jane has admired, Gretchen Beetner, is attacked by a tiger Jane’s shocked. Except something’s off. Jane and Redvers view Gretchen’s body at the morgue. This was no tiger attack Gretchen had been shot.
India is in the throes of changing governing procedures. Redvers is attending a political conference at the hill station Ooty, (Ootacmund) in southern India.
Their investigations will lead them into dark territory, uncovering corruption, scandals, poisonings and murder.
A lively mystery with wonderful leading characters.
A Kensington ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Jane Wunderly and the delicious Englishman Redvers are now married and in India as part of Redvers’ job as a secret agent with the British Government. Actually he’s a spy. It is supposedly their honeymoon but when an english woman Jane has admired, Gretchen Beetner, is attacked by a tiger Jane’s shocked. Except something’s off. Jane and Redvers view Gretchen’s body at the morgue. This was no tiger attack Gretchen had been shot.
India is in the throes of changing governing procedures. Redvers is attending a political conference at the hill station Ooty, (Ootacmund) in southern India.
Their investigations will lead them into dark territory, uncovering corruption, scandals, poisonings and murder.
A lively mystery with wonderful leading characters.
A Kensington ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
March 18, 2025
I love this series! I find Jane and Redvers to be a fascinating couple who share their love of travel (necessitated by his work) and mysteries, making for highly enjoyable and educational stories. I loved the setting of India as they struggle with their need for independence and the depiction of the residents, both Indian and British in these surroundings. The thought of a tiger pouncing is terrifying but all too real; I read another story about it last year. Highly recommend this series for well-crafted mysteries with great characters and political intrigue in various parts of the globe.
I received a copy from #NetGalley, #KensingtonPublishing, and #RBMedia for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley, #KensingtonPublishing, and #RBMedia for an honest review.
April 1, 2025
Our favorite newlywed sleuth, Jane Wunderly, is back—this time traveling through India with her husband, the ever-enigmatic spy, Redvers. Set against the backdrop of growing resistance to British colonial rule, this installment is rich with intrigue, political tensions, and characters with compelling motives.
As someone with several friends and colleagues from India, I appreciate historical fiction that offers a deeper cultural context. Even though this is a mystery, it provides an engaging glimpse into the era’s complexities. Jane and Redvers continue to be a dynamic investigative duo, and I love how emotionally connected I feel to their characters. I can’t wait to see where their next adventure takes them!
The audiobook experience was elevated by Sarah Zimmerman’s outstanding narration—her voice is perfectly suited to the role, bringing both depth and charm to the story.
Special thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for providing a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
As someone with several friends and colleagues from India, I appreciate historical fiction that offers a deeper cultural context. Even though this is a mystery, it provides an engaging glimpse into the era’s complexities. Jane and Redvers continue to be a dynamic investigative duo, and I love how emotionally connected I feel to their characters. I can’t wait to see where their next adventure takes them!
The audiobook experience was elevated by Sarah Zimmerman’s outstanding narration—her voice is perfectly suited to the role, bringing both depth and charm to the story.
Special thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for providing a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
July 12, 2025
An easy, light mystery with wholesome main characters.
March 27, 2025
Ooty, 1927: Accompanying her new husband Redvers on an assignment to Ootacamund to quell revolutionary rumblings, Jane finds there’s more than meets the eye to India’s Queen of Hill Stations. Ooty’s lush tea plantations and tranquil gardens barely conceal its secrets—scandalous affairs, political sabotage, and a mounting anti-colonial movement. But it’s not until the shocking death of a British national that Jane and Redvers are truly drawn into Ooty’s deepest shadows.
The sixth book in the series & to full appreciate it I’d recommend reading in order. I love Jane & Redvers, how they complement each other & bring out the best. A very well written interesting book with very good descriptions & of course the couple can’t resist investigating Gretchen’s death. Of course there are twists & turns & once again I was left guessing. Roll on book seven & I wonder where the intrepid couple will journey next
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The sixth book in the series & to full appreciate it I’d recommend reading in order. I love Jane & Redvers, how they complement each other & bring out the best. A very well written interesting book with very good descriptions & of course the couple can’t resist investigating Gretchen’s death. Of course there are twists & turns & once again I was left guessing. Roll on book seven & I wonder where the intrepid couple will journey next
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
June 25, 2025
This is the 6th book in the Jane Wonderly Mystery series. Jane and Redvers are married and are in India. This trip is a combination honeymoon and work. When a woman they met on the train turns up dead, Jane can’t let it go. She must find out what happened and why, thereby placing herself and her new husband in danger.
As usual, this book revolves around an exotic location. The politics of the era are front and center, along with the atrocities that accompanied them. There are a good number of suspects and clues, and a fitting resolution. The characters are colorful and interesting. However, I found this story a bit too detailed and long-winded. The novella was fun and unexpected.
I enjoy this series, but I must admit that this wasn’t my favorite book in the series.
As usual, this book revolves around an exotic location. The politics of the era are front and center, along with the atrocities that accompanied them. There are a good number of suspects and clues, and a fitting resolution. The characters are colorful and interesting. However, I found this story a bit too detailed and long-winded. The novella was fun and unexpected.
I enjoy this series, but I must admit that this wasn’t my favorite book in the series.
May 20, 2025
Sarah Zimmerman is excellent. I found this series because of her. I've read them all, and I don't remember Jane being as irritating in the few couple books. She comes across as a bit flighty in this one too sadly. Jane's constant inability to stay aware of her surroundings doesn't feel like Jane. So. Much. Navel gazing. The author's editors need to reign in the unnecessary levels of details too. If you're not going to utilize the random thing you're describing later in the story, it doesn't require description. Although using her shawl as a reason for them to be out wandering and then wearing it to attend a meal at the governor's mansion would have been a good detail to use if she needed others to become suspicious of Jane and Redvers. She uses the excuse, and Jane wears a shawl later. They're not used together as a plot device. I think I'm done with Jane. Too bad because I adore Redvers.
September 23, 2025
Jane and Redvers are off on their "honeymoon" in India. Well, Redvers is spying at a political conference/council and jane has tagged along. There's quickly a murder to keep Jane busy investigating, when she isn't worrying about being eaten by a tiger or ruminating about how the British refuse to eat the delicious Indian food.
Really a lot of this one took place inside jane's head, and I found many of her thoughts repetitive. Parts of the mystery were interesting, but for the most part this was one of my least favorites of the series. I'll pick up the next when it comes out, but hope that the series picks up steam.
Really a lot of this one took place inside jane's head, and I found many of her thoughts repetitive. Parts of the mystery were interesting, but for the most part this was one of my least favorites of the series. I'll pick up the next when it comes out, but hope that the series picks up steam.
March 12, 2025
Jane Wunderly and her new husband, Redvers, are in India on their way through the mountains to a meeting to which up in the mountains. They meet a very interesting woman, Gretchen, in the train. Gretchen is also an English diplomat who is going to the same meeting, and Jane finds her very interesting. It turns out that Gretchen is staying in the same house and they get better acquainted. Gretchen is also involved in the meetings which Redvers is also involved. It appears that many British are not in favor of granting India the right to govern itself, and Gretchen is very much in favor of granting India it's rights. When they hear that Gretchen was killed by a Tiger walking back the to house after a meeting in the Governor's house, Jane is sure that Gretchen wouldn't have walked back by herself and she and Redvers go to the hospital and manage to see the body. Alhough there are some tears in her clothes, they can see that her body was not mauled by a tiger but she was shot in her face a close range. Soon, Jane is known as a busybody, and she might be in danger as well, and she gets some nasty letters. Then, she finds that Redvers is also at risk.
Will Jane and Redvers manage to get back to England alive? This was an exciting and clever story, and at the end there was a short Christmas story about Jane and Redvers. I thank Net Galley and Kensington Books for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.
Will Jane and Redvers manage to get back to England alive? This was an exciting and clever story, and at the end there was a short Christmas story about Jane and Redvers. I thank Net Galley and Kensington Books for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.
March 27, 2025
Another fabulous installment in this series. I love how Jane and Redvers just get more comfortable and stronger together. They trust each other implicitly and do not waste time trying to talk each other out of the opinions and decisions. I love how passionate they are about people's freedoms and their support of decolonization. This book is so cozy and I loved the descriptions of the delicious food and the beautiful setting. Though I wasn't so shocked by the reveal, I really enjoyed following along the sleuthing and the danger and action at the end had me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to see where else they go!
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC; my review and thoughts are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC; my review and thoughts are my own.
September 29, 2025
I sadly couldn't get into this book though I enjoyed the previous books in the series.
March 21, 2025
Location: Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India 🇮🇳
Conclusion: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was probably my favourite mystery out of the series to date. I read all the books and this one was the most engaging and best written one of all. I liked how Redvers and Jane investigated together and I found the setting very interesting in addition. The cast was compiled of English and Indian characters which I appreciate. All in all if you enjoy mysteries and would like to read a series where every book is set in a different country so far, look no further than the Jane Wunderly mysteries.
Characters:
- Jane: is again a good main character and I appreciate her independence and sharp mind. I liked how she never stopped asking questions and was determined to find her friend’s murderer.
- Redvers: is a good 2nd main character and I like how he cares for Jane but supports her in her sleuthing. He very much has part in the investigation this time which was nice.
What I liked: the mystery and the setting.
What I disliked: I can’t pinpoint it, but nothing major.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. (AD-PRODUCT)
Conclusion: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was probably my favourite mystery out of the series to date. I read all the books and this one was the most engaging and best written one of all. I liked how Redvers and Jane investigated together and I found the setting very interesting in addition. The cast was compiled of English and Indian characters which I appreciate. All in all if you enjoy mysteries and would like to read a series where every book is set in a different country so far, look no further than the Jane Wunderly mysteries.
Characters:
- Jane: is again a good main character and I appreciate her independence and sharp mind. I liked how she never stopped asking questions and was determined to find her friend’s murderer.
- Redvers: is a good 2nd main character and I like how he cares for Jane but supports her in her sleuthing. He very much has part in the investigation this time which was nice.
What I liked: the mystery and the setting.
What I disliked: I can’t pinpoint it, but nothing major.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. (AD-PRODUCT)
May 15, 2025
Okay but not great. Ironically my ebook version also contains a novella, "Murder Under the Mistletoe" which was much better than this book!
February 12, 2025
First, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was really excited to get this ARC, as I have read all the other volumes in the series. This one lived up to the style of the other books, which was a relief, as I was not as much of a fan of the book before this one. This, though, was a return to form for the series: an exotic locale, a twisty murder, and Jane and Redvers working as a team. Though it took a while to ramp up to speed, the book had one of the most exciting endings of the series so far. If you enjoy relatively cozy period-piece mysteries set in globe-trotting locations, this is a good series for you.
You could easily read this as a standalone. It doesn't require you to come in with much prior knowledge; however, it is a good series overall and I would suggest starting at the beginning.
I was really excited to get this ARC, as I have read all the other volumes in the series. This one lived up to the style of the other books, which was a relief, as I was not as much of a fan of the book before this one. This, though, was a return to form for the series: an exotic locale, a twisty murder, and Jane and Redvers working as a team. Though it took a while to ramp up to speed, the book had one of the most exciting endings of the series so far. If you enjoy relatively cozy period-piece mysteries set in globe-trotting locations, this is a good series for you.
You could easily read this as a standalone. It doesn't require you to come in with much prior knowledge; however, it is a good series overall and I would suggest starting at the beginning.
January 16, 2025
3.75 stars
The further adventures of intrepid Jane Wunderley and her new husband Redvers. Having read previous series entries would provide background and enjoyment.
These newlyweds are a bit surprised to find themselves married as they both have baggage and didn't expect to take the plunge, but they are quite simpatico and give each other a lot of space, especially considering the historical time period of the 1920s. Redvers is involved in clandestine ops for the Crown, and Jane is incurably nosy where mysterious murders are concerned.
Redvers has an assignment in India, trying to smooth the way for a British commission. But his heart isn't really in it, as both he and Jane are sympathetic to Indian independence. He is questioning his future employment.
Jane meets a new friend, a British widow who is respected by all and has served in various capacities. But when the woman's body is discovered, ostensibly due to a tiger attack, Jane and Redvers investigate and soon find out there is a fabrication of lies.
These are fun reads with independent characters and a fair amount of history. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The further adventures of intrepid Jane Wunderley and her new husband Redvers. Having read previous series entries would provide background and enjoyment.
These newlyweds are a bit surprised to find themselves married as they both have baggage and didn't expect to take the plunge, but they are quite simpatico and give each other a lot of space, especially considering the historical time period of the 1920s. Redvers is involved in clandestine ops for the Crown, and Jane is incurably nosy where mysterious murders are concerned.
Redvers has an assignment in India, trying to smooth the way for a British commission. But his heart isn't really in it, as both he and Jane are sympathetic to Indian independence. He is questioning his future employment.
Jane meets a new friend, a British widow who is respected by all and has served in various capacities. But when the woman's body is discovered, ostensibly due to a tiger attack, Jane and Redvers investigate and soon find out there is a fabrication of lies.
These are fun reads with independent characters and a fair amount of history. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 19, 2025
Jane and Redvers travel to India in this latest Jane Wunderly mystery. I enjoyed the vivid setting of Ooty, where the Raj decamps during the hot summers. When a new, interesting British friend is murdered, Jane and Redvers dive into unraveling the mystery, trying to uncover who had the motive and means to commit the crime.
This series has always been great because of the rich locations and the witty banter, but the last two books were missing what has set this series apart from others. While I appreciated the rich descriptions and atmospheric settings, the last few plots have felt underwhelming. It seemed like the story needed more depth and intrigue to keep me fully engaged. Without a stronger, more engaging plot, the series is starting to lose its spark for me. I hope the next installment brings back the excitement and mystery I once loved. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This series has always been great because of the rich locations and the witty banter, but the last two books were missing what has set this series apart from others. While I appreciated the rich descriptions and atmospheric settings, the last few plots have felt underwhelming. It seemed like the story needed more depth and intrigue to keep me fully engaged. Without a stronger, more engaging plot, the series is starting to lose its spark for me. I hope the next installment brings back the excitement and mystery I once loved. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2024
Newlyweds Jane and Redvers travel to India in 1927 on behalf of the British government; Redvers has been tasked with meeting with India's opposition leaders prior to a political conference. They begin to investigate a mysterious death and try to learn whether the victim was murdered for political or personal reasons (or maybe both?). An interesting look at British politics in India towards the end of its colonization of the country. The story was slowed a bit by numerous scenes of Jane walking various places to question witnesses and suspects. The interplay between Redvers and Jane is delightful, although Jane seems to know surprisingly little about the man she married. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 23, 2025
I'm always excited to read a new Jane Wunderly mystery, and Homicide in the Indian Hills did not disappoint! Once again Jane and Redvers cannot stay in one place for long, and in this adventure they are off to India where both intrigue and murder await! As usual danger lurks behind every corner, and also as usual I was on the edge of my seat during the entire book. Beautiful scenery, well-written characters, exotic locale, and a fun whodunit - 5 stars and I can't wait for the next in the series. Thanks, Erica Ruth Neubauer, for creating such fabulous characters! :-)
April 26, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Mr. Redvers has been sent on an assignment to Ootacamund (Ooty), India, of course, his bride Jane Wunderly accompanies him with it sort of being a honeymoon. It is a beautiful place with serene gardens and flourishing tea plantations, which Jane hopes to visit and enjoy while Redvers does his best to stop revolutionary plans within the government.
On the train ride to Ooty, Jane and Redvers meet Gretchen Beetner, a British woman who is a member of the Indian National Congress. India is under British rule, and there is great unrest, so she would be in some of the meetings with Redvers. She and Jane became quick friends, and she was able to give them information and news about happenings in the region. Gretchen felt very safe traveling about town, but then news came of her demise. Said to be a terrible accident, Jane and Redvers fear it was murder.
The newlywed couple is right in the middle of all the bureaucracy and sabotage as they do their best to get to the truth. Could this be Jane and Redvers’ last adventure?
I was immediately drawn into this story by the descriptions of Redvers and Jane’s train ride across the countryside. The steam train on a narrow track over narrow stone bridges on the mountainside. Jane was keeping her eyes on the inside of the car while I would have been gazing out the window at all the things to see. There were also detailed descriptions of the villas, gardens, and tea plantations that I enjoyed. I was surprised by all the British food served when Jane, Redvers, Gretchen, and others preferred the wonderful Indian cuisine.
I love the relationship between Jane and Redvers. Jane gets more independent and confident every day, but with her curiosity and intellect, that can be a bad thing. She had her assignments every day. Being a little nervous about the wildlife and not a fan of the modes of transportation, she strived to keep up her part of the investigation. Redvers attended his meetings, but there was time for them to do a little covert sleuthing. I appreciated their social consciousness and their support of the resistance/decolonization. They truly complement each other and make a great team.
Ms. Neubauer introduced a vast cast of English and Indian characters. They were detailed and unique: from the officials to the servants to the wives, mistresses, townspeople, and even a prince, making them easy to remember. They added an authentic feel to the region and timeframe.
The mystery was very intriguing as it encompassed much more than the death. The struggle for Indian independence was palpable. Jane and Redvers followed some of the clues alone, and there was a frightening threat possible everywhere they went. Their whole trip was one ordeal after another. The twist at Gretchen’s funeral sent things in another direction and stirred things up. Jane received a deadly warning. Then Redvers goes missing as everything is coming to a head for an exciting search and reveal.
You can tell the author did a lot of research for this story. India in 1927 was a hotbed of unrest, and she fictionalized it while staying true to history. She also piqued my interest in knowing more about the faraway country and its history.
Homicide in the Indian Hills is an excellent historical mystery with well-crafted characters, a complicated mystery in a troubled time, set in a beautiful region of the world. Readers are taken on a virtual vacation to India with a bird’s-eye view of a well-plotted and well-written mystery. It was a Perfect Escape!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Mr. Redvers has been sent on an assignment to Ootacamund (Ooty), India, of course, his bride Jane Wunderly accompanies him with it sort of being a honeymoon. It is a beautiful place with serene gardens and flourishing tea plantations, which Jane hopes to visit and enjoy while Redvers does his best to stop revolutionary plans within the government.
On the train ride to Ooty, Jane and Redvers meet Gretchen Beetner, a British woman who is a member of the Indian National Congress. India is under British rule, and there is great unrest, so she would be in some of the meetings with Redvers. She and Jane became quick friends, and she was able to give them information and news about happenings in the region. Gretchen felt very safe traveling about town, but then news came of her demise. Said to be a terrible accident, Jane and Redvers fear it was murder.
The newlywed couple is right in the middle of all the bureaucracy and sabotage as they do their best to get to the truth. Could this be Jane and Redvers’ last adventure?
I was immediately drawn into this story by the descriptions of Redvers and Jane’s train ride across the countryside. The steam train on a narrow track over narrow stone bridges on the mountainside. Jane was keeping her eyes on the inside of the car while I would have been gazing out the window at all the things to see. There were also detailed descriptions of the villas, gardens, and tea plantations that I enjoyed. I was surprised by all the British food served when Jane, Redvers, Gretchen, and others preferred the wonderful Indian cuisine.
I love the relationship between Jane and Redvers. Jane gets more independent and confident every day, but with her curiosity and intellect, that can be a bad thing. She had her assignments every day. Being a little nervous about the wildlife and not a fan of the modes of transportation, she strived to keep up her part of the investigation. Redvers attended his meetings, but there was time for them to do a little covert sleuthing. I appreciated their social consciousness and their support of the resistance/decolonization. They truly complement each other and make a great team.
Ms. Neubauer introduced a vast cast of English and Indian characters. They were detailed and unique: from the officials to the servants to the wives, mistresses, townspeople, and even a prince, making them easy to remember. They added an authentic feel to the region and timeframe.
The mystery was very intriguing as it encompassed much more than the death. The struggle for Indian independence was palpable. Jane and Redvers followed some of the clues alone, and there was a frightening threat possible everywhere they went. Their whole trip was one ordeal after another. The twist at Gretchen’s funeral sent things in another direction and stirred things up. Jane received a deadly warning. Then Redvers goes missing as everything is coming to a head for an exciting search and reveal.
You can tell the author did a lot of research for this story. India in 1927 was a hotbed of unrest, and she fictionalized it while staying true to history. She also piqued my interest in knowing more about the faraway country and its history.
Homicide in the Indian Hills is an excellent historical mystery with well-crafted characters, a complicated mystery in a troubled time, set in a beautiful region of the world. Readers are taken on a virtual vacation to India with a bird’s-eye view of a well-plotted and well-written mystery. It was a Perfect Escape!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
April 9, 2025
3.75
I have been a fan of Jane and Redvers since the first book came out and I could not wait to get my hands on it. It takes place in colonial India, a place and time that intrigues me? Even better. However…
This review has a big *asterisk* on it. One of my biggest complaints of this book is that all of the action was happening in the first half of the book and then the mystery was solved at around 60%. What’s the big deal? I just did not understand how everything could be happening so soon and early conclusions always mean red herrings. How many other scenarios could they uncover with so much left in the book? My whole experience was colored by the awkward pacing. In the last book, I was 80% through before Jane was really starting to put things together.
And the reason for the extra pages? A free extra Christmas novella. Well, okay. That could be a nice addition. I started in and wondered what the name of the last Christmas novella was, the one that came out a year and a half ago. After looking and comparing titles, I realized this was the same one that I had paid for back in 2023 and fit into the storyline between books four and five.
If your copy may not have this and if so please regard.
Now to the novel… Jane Wonderly and her husband Redvers are on a work trip honeymoon. That’s an oxymoron though the hills of India give it a little bit of a pass. I enjoyed hearing about this place caught in the days of the Raj, when Gandhi was protesting the British presence elsewhere in India. I’ve known that there are cooler mountain places in India and was happy to read about it here because the heat in India is its own character and I can feel hot just thinking about the temperatures. I thought I remembered Redvers saying he would take her name in order two get away from his, which she definitely wasn’t going to take. He is back to introducing himself as Redvers, though many assume he’s Mr. Wonderly. Being actually married, rather than just pretending so they can share a room, is an interesting new dynamic. Jane is largely on her own, as “the Crown”, has sent her husband to oversee some advance meetings for other meetings where the British delegation will decide for the Indian people if they can have their own power.
There’s a lot of walking going on and I could almost visualize the map, which wouldn’t have been a bad idea for the front of the book. Some excess repetition in the movements and the issues with the pacing probably augmented that as I thought there would be so much more of it filling at least another quarter of a book. I do feel that some characters that become important are underdeveloped previously in the book making it hard to pivot to parallel storyline.Still, there’s a bunch of Jane and Redvers time and it’s enjoyable.
I do have to say, I prefer the audiobooks but it wasn’t available to me yet. I’m sure that impacted my impression. I could hear the narrator as Jane in my head while reading it. She does a great job.
Thank you to Erica Ruth Neubauer, NetGalley, and Kensington Publishing for providing me with a free advanced copy of this ebook for my unbiased review.
#HomicideintheIndianHills #NetGalley #JaneWunderly
I have been a fan of Jane and Redvers since the first book came out and I could not wait to get my hands on it. It takes place in colonial India, a place and time that intrigues me? Even better. However…
This review has a big *asterisk* on it. One of my biggest complaints of this book is that all of the action was happening in the first half of the book and then the mystery was solved at around 60%. What’s the big deal? I just did not understand how everything could be happening so soon and early conclusions always mean red herrings. How many other scenarios could they uncover with so much left in the book? My whole experience was colored by the awkward pacing. In the last book, I was 80% through before Jane was really starting to put things together.
And the reason for the extra pages? A free extra Christmas novella. Well, okay. That could be a nice addition. I started in and wondered what the name of the last Christmas novella was, the one that came out a year and a half ago. After looking and comparing titles, I realized this was the same one that I had paid for back in 2023 and fit into the storyline between books four and five.
If your copy may not have this and if so please regard.
Now to the novel… Jane Wonderly and her husband Redvers are on a work trip honeymoon. That’s an oxymoron though the hills of India give it a little bit of a pass. I enjoyed hearing about this place caught in the days of the Raj, when Gandhi was protesting the British presence elsewhere in India. I’ve known that there are cooler mountain places in India and was happy to read about it here because the heat in India is its own character and I can feel hot just thinking about the temperatures. I thought I remembered Redvers saying he would take her name in order two get away from his, which she definitely wasn’t going to take. He is back to introducing himself as Redvers, though many assume he’s Mr. Wonderly. Being actually married, rather than just pretending so they can share a room, is an interesting new dynamic. Jane is largely on her own, as “the Crown”, has sent her husband to oversee some advance meetings for other meetings where the British delegation will decide for the Indian people if they can have their own power.
There’s a lot of walking going on and I could almost visualize the map, which wouldn’t have been a bad idea for the front of the book. Some excess repetition in the movements and the issues with the pacing probably augmented that as I thought there would be so much more of it filling at least another quarter of a book. I do feel that some characters that become important are underdeveloped previously in the book making it hard to pivot to parallel storyline.Still, there’s a bunch of Jane and Redvers time and it’s enjoyable.
I do have to say, I prefer the audiobooks but it wasn’t available to me yet. I’m sure that impacted my impression. I could hear the narrator as Jane in my head while reading it. She does a great job.
Thank you to Erica Ruth Neubauer, NetGalley, and Kensington Publishing for providing me with a free advanced copy of this ebook for my unbiased review.
#HomicideintheIndianHills #NetGalley #JaneWunderly
May 18, 2025
I enjoyed this! I feel like this one was VERY detailed on the time and place of its setting and very rooted in politics. That is very much a plus for me, but it definitely is a bit more of a dry or cerebral read than Danger on the Atlantic or Intrigue in Istanbul.
There is a moderate amount of Jane / Redvers, but I feel like Erica has really avoided the pitfall of sacrificing the mystery for the romantic relationship. I was satisfied with the clues, the pacing, and the reveal.
As always, I was happy with the richly detailed description of the setting!
I would recommend this and will pick up the next one in the series.
This next bit is an irrelevant tangent that just struck me while I was reading.
Politics. I do think it's a little bit of a cop out to have every major character in a historical novel be a progressive without any details. It strains credulity that a man with a wealthy background in the 1920s, like Redvers, is in favor of women's reproductive rights just like that. How did he come to feel that way? I would have been more invested if Redvers had been oblivious to the barriers women faced and Jane educated him and their relationship was strengthened. Rather than what happened, essentially Jane being like, "You're in favor of this, right?" and he is.
Likewise, everyone that is remotely a main or even major supporting character favors Indian self-rule and castigates the British Raj. Of course, but these things existed because NOT everyone at the time felt that way. It just beggars belief that 90% of a British hill station is secretly for complete Indian independence. Lady Goshen is just the most despicable character (rude, condescending, liar, , snob, etc.) and is also a racist, which can completely track, but it's like something out of a children's book. Where are the characters that share Jane's interests, that are friendly and a confidant for the investigation, but Jane realizes hold more standard views about the British rule over India, and so she is forced to try to convince them or drop the relationship? It would be more compelling I think to show that people that we have come to love and respect can be revealed to also hold outdated, racist, sexist, etc. views, and it could be moving / meaningful to read about how we reckon with that.
That was long-winded, and it's not like I want to read books about racists and chauvinists, but I feel like Erica really made a point to make the characters participate in very direct conversations about it, "well, of course I believe that" and I think the book could have had more substance and depth if we had seen a character seeing the propaganda, transforming their beliefs, or even Jane having to do the hard thing and sever a relationship over political stances.
/end rant.
I gave 5 stars because ultimately this DID satisfy for what I've come to expect from the series, I feel like the above is maybe just a problem I have with historical fiction in general.
There is a moderate amount of Jane / Redvers, but I feel like Erica has really avoided the pitfall of sacrificing the mystery for the romantic relationship. I was satisfied with the clues, the pacing, and the reveal.
As always, I was happy with the richly detailed description of the setting!
I would recommend this and will pick up the next one in the series.
This next bit is an irrelevant tangent that just struck me while I was reading.
Politics. I do think it's a little bit of a cop out to have every major character in a historical novel be a progressive without any details. It strains credulity that a man with a wealthy background in the 1920s, like Redvers, is in favor of women's reproductive rights just like that. How did he come to feel that way? I would have been more invested if Redvers had been oblivious to the barriers women faced and Jane educated him and their relationship was strengthened. Rather than what happened, essentially Jane being like, "You're in favor of this, right?" and he is.
Likewise, everyone that is remotely a main or even major supporting character favors Indian self-rule and castigates the British Raj. Of course, but these things existed because NOT everyone at the time felt that way. It just beggars belief that 90% of a British hill station is secretly for complete Indian independence. Lady Goshen is just the most despicable character (rude, condescending, liar, , snob, etc.) and is also a racist, which can completely track, but it's like something out of a children's book. Where are the characters that share Jane's interests, that are friendly and a confidant for the investigation, but Jane realizes hold more standard views about the British rule over India, and so she is forced to try to convince them or drop the relationship? It would be more compelling I think to show that people that we have come to love and respect can be revealed to also hold outdated, racist, sexist, etc. views, and it could be moving / meaningful to read about how we reckon with that.
That was long-winded, and it's not like I want to read books about racists and chauvinists, but I feel like Erica really made a point to make the characters participate in very direct conversations about it, "well, of course I believe that" and I think the book could have had more substance and depth if we had seen a character seeing the propaganda, transforming their beliefs, or even Jane having to do the hard thing and sever a relationship over political stances.
/end rant.
I gave 5 stars because ultimately this DID satisfy for what I've come to expect from the series, I feel like the above is maybe just a problem I have with historical fiction in general.
March 26, 2025
A complicated mystery set in the 1920s when a council is set to convent to decide on how many, if any, rights indigenous people will have to vote on the governing of India. Jane and Redvers, newly weds, go to Ootycamund on Redvers assignment to help quell rebellion before the commission even arrives. Politics, ambition, backdoor deals and spying are the order of the day. But during the course of all this maneuvering, a British national with well-known sympathizes for home rule in India is murdered even though people try to label it a tiger attack. Jane is determined to find the truth but can she and Redvers survive nature and the more dangerous human who are just as determined to have things their way.
This is a well written story with lots of real history about the atrocities of British rule in India, the struggles for Indian rule without British influence and those struggling to keep the British in control. There is also a complex mystery with people with various motives who leave the reader guessing to near the end of who is responsible. You might think oh, this is way to early to reveal the murder and think there is a lot more coming, but that might not be true because there is an additional bonus of a novella included.
Although it is a well researched and crafted mystery that describes with great enthusiasm the vibrant culture and beauty of India and its culture, it isn't one of my favorites because of all the the very heavy burden of the activities of the British during the imperial age. Yes, it is good to know about them--this isn't the first I've ever read about it--but it does make it depressing. So, if you were in the mood for something just light, this may not be for you. I will say the novella has the much more of the cozy feeling you might have been expecting.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
This is a well written story with lots of real history about the atrocities of British rule in India, the struggles for Indian rule without British influence and those struggling to keep the British in control. There is also a complex mystery with people with various motives who leave the reader guessing to near the end of who is responsible. You might think oh, this is way to early to reveal the murder and think there is a lot more coming, but that might not be true because there is an additional bonus of a novella included.
Although it is a well researched and crafted mystery that describes with great enthusiasm the vibrant culture and beauty of India and its culture, it isn't one of my favorites because of all the the very heavy burden of the activities of the British during the imperial age. Yes, it is good to know about them--this isn't the first I've ever read about it--but it does make it depressing. So, if you were in the mood for something just light, this may not be for you. I will say the novella has the much more of the cozy feeling you might have been expecting.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
March 24, 2025
In this sixth outing Jane Wunderly and her now husband, Redvers, travel to India. This is 1927 and India has two factions working in the country, one to keep it under British Colonial rule and the other to become independent. Redvers is there on behalf of the crown. As the newlyweds travel to Ootacamund, usually shortened to Ooty, a resort town in the hills of India, they meet a woman on the train, Gretchen Beetner. Gretchen was a member of the Indian National Congress. It turns out that the three of them are staying at the same place. Gretchen is found dead and the first assumption is that she was killed by a tiger. Redvers and Jane go to examine the body and find that while her clothes do have tears, her body has only surface scratches, not deep marks that a tiger's claw would make. Redvers finds upon examination that she was shot. Who would want to kill Gretchen and why? Who has the influence to pass this murder off as a tiger attack? Not long after, there is another death, is this death related? The police are corrupt and of no help, so it is up to Jane and Redvers to investigate. Threatening notes are sent to stop the investigation.
This is an engaging story. Erica Ruth Neubauer does a wonderful job of describing India in 1927. It is obvious that she has conducted extensive research. The plot moves along to a satisfying conclusion. I love the playful conversations between Jane and Redvers, they are great characters. This can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the entire series and seeing how Jane and Redvers met and following as their relationship grows.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Kensington, for an ARC. The review is my own.
This is an engaging story. Erica Ruth Neubauer does a wonderful job of describing India in 1927. It is obvious that she has conducted extensive research. The plot moves along to a satisfying conclusion. I love the playful conversations between Jane and Redvers, they are great characters. This can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the entire series and seeing how Jane and Redvers met and following as their relationship grows.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Kensington, for an ARC. The review is my own.
March 20, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and RB Media digital copy of this book and audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Homicide in the Indian Hills is the 6th outing for Jane Wunderly and her new husband, Redvers. The globe-trotting couple are in India this time around. They meet this interesting woman named Gretchen on the train who is a diplomat, heading to the same meeting in the mountains that Jane and Redvers are going to. (Redvers has some sort of hush-hush governmental job that’s never fully explained, adding to the intrigue of this series.)
Jane is anxious to get to know Gretchen better, and it turns out they are staying at the same place. It turns out that many Britains do not want to give India the right to govern themselves; Gretchen is most assuredly in favor of giving the Indians their rights.
Shortly thereafter, terrible news arrives. Gretchen was killed by a tiger while walking back to the house after a meeting at the governor’s house. Jane is devastated, and she and Redvers go to the hospital, managing to take a look at Gretchen’s body. It’s obvious she was not mauled by a tiger but rather shot in the face at close range!
Jane and Redvers do what they always do–they investigate the murder of Gretchen, but it seems that someone is putting up roadblocks. Will they make it out of India alive? You’ll just have to read the book to find out!
As with previous volumes, this Jane Wunderly mystery was narrated by Sarah Zimmerman, who does an excellent job, as usual. I would definitely dive into another book narrated by Zimmerman as she has a pleasing voice and creates distinctive characters.
Homicide in the Indian Hills is the 6th outing for Jane Wunderly and her new husband, Redvers. The globe-trotting couple are in India this time around. They meet this interesting woman named Gretchen on the train who is a diplomat, heading to the same meeting in the mountains that Jane and Redvers are going to. (Redvers has some sort of hush-hush governmental job that’s never fully explained, adding to the intrigue of this series.)
Jane is anxious to get to know Gretchen better, and it turns out they are staying at the same place. It turns out that many Britains do not want to give India the right to govern themselves; Gretchen is most assuredly in favor of giving the Indians their rights.
Shortly thereafter, terrible news arrives. Gretchen was killed by a tiger while walking back to the house after a meeting at the governor’s house. Jane is devastated, and she and Redvers go to the hospital, managing to take a look at Gretchen’s body. It’s obvious she was not mauled by a tiger but rather shot in the face at close range!
Jane and Redvers do what they always do–they investigate the murder of Gretchen, but it seems that someone is putting up roadblocks. Will they make it out of India alive? You’ll just have to read the book to find out!
As with previous volumes, this Jane Wunderly mystery was narrated by Sarah Zimmerman, who does an excellent job, as usual. I would definitely dive into another book narrated by Zimmerman as she has a pleasing voice and creates distinctive characters.
January 17, 2025
I was excited to receive an advanced reader copy of Homicide in the Indian Hills, by Erica Ruth Neubauer as I find India in the early 20th Century fascinating. This is the 6th book in the Jane Wunderly Mystery series, but it is the first that I have read. Reading the series in order would greatly enhance your enjoyment.
Jane Wunderly and her new husband, Redvers, have traveled to India where he will complete a mission for the British government. Jane is in the dark concerning her new husband's job and finances, which I found odd. Why does a smart widow tie herself to a man she doesn't know that much about? Love is the answer, their relationship was close and sweet to read.
Jane is involved in a great deal of introspection over the danger India presents and over her husband's job security. I would have liked less of that and more about the rigors Britain put the Indian population through. I was surprised to learn that tigers still roamed the mountainous area in 1927. The political climate and social rules were so interesting.
I will look for the backlist and read more in this series. I would recommend this book to others who enjoy historical mystery, cozy mystery, colonial India, and to those who enjoy a dash of romance with their mystery/suspense.
Thank you #NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing for the requested ARC. This is an unbiased review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
****Coming 25March2025****
#HomicideintheIndianHills
Jane Wunderly and her new husband, Redvers, have traveled to India where he will complete a mission for the British government. Jane is in the dark concerning her new husband's job and finances, which I found odd. Why does a smart widow tie herself to a man she doesn't know that much about? Love is the answer, their relationship was close and sweet to read.
Jane is involved in a great deal of introspection over the danger India presents and over her husband's job security. I would have liked less of that and more about the rigors Britain put the Indian population through. I was surprised to learn that tigers still roamed the mountainous area in 1927. The political climate and social rules were so interesting.
I will look for the backlist and read more in this series. I would recommend this book to others who enjoy historical mystery, cozy mystery, colonial India, and to those who enjoy a dash of romance with their mystery/suspense.
Thank you #NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing for the requested ARC. This is an unbiased review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
****Coming 25March2025****
#HomicideintheIndianHills
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews