Kolkata Noir
By Tom Vater
Tom Vater wrote the three novellas in Kolkata Noir during his Indo-European Art residency in Kolkata. He brings that vibrant city’s energy and the contrast between opulence and poverty while relating three slices of life for a police Inspectress and a British consultant.
Vater’s trio of novellas show the rapidly changing society in the city now known as Kolkata. The first novella offers a murder mystery set in 1999 Calcutta. A prominent businessman’s body was found stuffed into a crate. His wife, her British lover, and his brother were all suspects. Inspectress Madhurima Mitra was set up to fail in this high-profile case by her sexist colleagues. She meets Becker, who has met the British lover before and helps in the investigation. By the time the crime is solved, the two share a deep connection.
The second novella is set in 2019 Kolkata. Becker was hired to bring back two British teens who have run away to Kolkata and are trying to get rich by claiming to know the whereabouts of Mother Teresa’s gold. He again crosses paths with Madhu as she’s investigating a kidnapping related to the boys’ scheme. Becker and Madhu work together to extract the boys and apprehend Kolkata’s underworld thugs who have their sights set on the boys.
The third novella is set in 2039 Killkata. Global warming has turned Kohlkata into a flooded, lawless city. Becker returns to Kolkata to rescue Madhu, only to discover her husband has been kidnapped. Kolkata has two precious airline tickets originally intended for Becker to reunite Madhu with her daughter in Scotland. Does anyone use those precious tickets to escape the flood? If so, who uses them? And what happens to those who remain in India?
Vater’s inspirations are obvious – noir fiction and Kolkata. He beautifully weaves them together as he unveils Becker and Madhu’s surroundings. He doesn’t need many words to develop interesting characters in lively backdrops. I enjoyed Vater drawing me into the story and wanting to see his vision. He has a gift for providing settings that puts readers right into the story, even people like me who have never been to India. Previous exposure to Indian culture is not necessary to enjoy Kolkata Noir.
@tomvater beautifully weaves noir fiction and Kolkata together to draw readers into a fascinating set of novellas called Kolkata Noir. @BlackthornTours #KolkataNoir Click To Tweet
If you enjoy literature set in India, then check out Tom Vater’s luscious Kolkata Noir. If you enjoy character stories set over an extended period of time, then check out Tom Vater’s reflective Kolkata Noir. If you enjoy noir fiction, then check out Tom Vater’s riveting Kolkata Noir.
Oh, just check out Tom Vater’s Kolkata Noir.
Thanks to Blackthorn Book Tours or providing a copy of the book.
