<b>The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra</b>- Khan 3 stars

[Jgrace]

The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra- Khan
Audio performance by Garewal
3 stars

This is the first book of a mystery series set in contemporary India. Poor health forces Inspector Ashwin Chopra to retire early. On his last day of work, he inherits a baby elephant from an eccentric uncle. When the Inspector observes that his incompetent replacement is making no effort to investigate the apparent drowning suicide of a young man, Chopra proceeds to solve the sordid case with baby elephant in tow.

I thought this would be a humorous, low key mystery along the lines of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. And, it is in many ways. It's also a cynical look at corruption in the Indian justice system. Unfortunately, the humor fell flat for me. I was too concerned about the abuse of the poor baby elephant. The ridiculous nature of an experienced detective tailing a criminal while leash leading an elephant was tedious. It’s possible that the series will improve, but I’m not inspired to read the next one.