Macaulay Shaheber Hatyakanda | Abir Mukherjee | Translated by Souvik Chakraborty | Bengali Thriller Novel

• Author: Abir Mukherjee
• Publisher: Bee Books
• Language: Bengali
• ISBN-10: 9391618138
• ISBN-13: 978-9391618131
• Format: Paperback
• Page Count: 406 pages

About the Book

Macaulay Shaheber Hatyakanda is the Bengali translation of the popular historical crime novel A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee. Set in 1919 colonial Calcutta, the novel follows the story of Captain Sam Wyndham, a newly arrived Scotland Yard detective, as he investigates the murder of a British official. The murdered man is found with a note warning the British to leave India or face dire consequences. The murder mystery unfolds against the backdrop of political unrest and rising tensions in the city.

Plot Overview

• Setting: Calcutta, 1919, amidst the fervor of political insurgency and the last years of British colonial rule.
• Protagonist: Captain Sam Wyndham, a former Scotland Yard detective, who arrives in Calcutta seeking a fresh start after the traumatic experiences of World War I.
• The Murder: A British official is found murdered in a filthy sewer, with a note warning the British to quit India. This mysterious and politically charged murder sets the stage for the story.
• Investigation: Wyndham teams up with Inspector Digby, a brash and arrogant officer, and Sergeant Banerjee, one of the few Indians recruited to the new CID. Together, they embark on an investigation that takes them through the opulent British mansions and the grim, dark corners of the city’s underworld.
• Challenges: With growing violence on the streets, Wyndham faces the pressure of solving the case before the political situation worsens.

Key Features

• Historical Setting: Captures the sights, sounds, and smells of colonial Calcutta, providing a vivid portrayal of the city during the early 20th century.
• Political Undertones: The novel weaves together a gripping murder mystery with the social and political tensions of the time, reflecting the unrest leading up to India's independence struggle.
• Engaging Crime Mystery: The book mixes detective work with an intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, making it a captivating read for crime fiction enthusiasts.
• Series Introduction: This novel is the start of a historical crime series featuring Captain Sam Wyndham, promising future investigations in the turbulent days of British India.

This book is ideal for readers interested in historical crime fiction, particularly set in colonial India, offering an intriguing mix of suspense, history, and culture.