REVIEW:

Alka Joshi’s debut novel, 2020’s The Henna Artist, had the benefit of Ms. Reese Witherspoon shining her book club sunshine upon it, resulting in almost 80,000 ratings on Goodreads to date. Here’s hoping all those readers follow its characters to this second installment in a planned trilogy… even if a celebrity’s logo isn’t slapped on its front cover this time.

What I loved most about The Henna Artist was its protagonist Lakshmi, who I found to be a wonderful example of a strong, independent, resilient woman. I was so pleased to discover that The Secret Keeper of Jaipur doesn’t shift its focus completely away from her, even if it picks up many years later and integrates the secondary character of Malik more prominently in its storyline. Don’t get me wrong, Malik is a treat. But for me Lakshmi is the bread and butter.

I did find the action of this follow up to be more external and adventurous, as the characters here deal with gold smuggling and a scandal involving a collapsed theater. Fortunately, Joshi’s writing never makes any of this action feel too over the top. Readers just get easily swept away in the vibrant sights and sounds of late 1960s India.

As I mentioned in my review for The Henna Artist, this trilogy has already been optioned for a TV series starring Freida Pinto that is being described as a lush production akin to an “Indian Downtown Abbey.” I look forward to that, along with the third and final book!

I received a printed advance readers copy from Harlequin/Mira Books, which includes an index of characters, a glossary of terms, and even a few recipes. Those who might prefer the audiobook format though can find both The Henna Artist and The Secret Keeper of Jaipur on the Hoopla library app for immediate download.

PUBLISHER SYNOPSIS:

It’s the spring of 1969, and Lakshmi, now married to Dr. Jay Kumar, directs the Healing Garden in Shimla. Malik has finished his private school education. At twenty, he has just met a young woman named Nimmi when he leaves to apprentice at the Facilities Office of the Jaipur Royal Palace. Their latest project: a state-of-the-art cinema.

Malik soon finds that not much has changed as he navigates the Pink City of his childhood. Power and money still move seamlessly among the wealthy class, and favors flow from Jaipur’s Royal Palace, but only if certain secrets remain buried. When the cinema’s balcony tragically collapses on opening night, blame is placed where it is convenient. But Malik suspects something far darker and sets out to uncover the truth. As a former street child, he always knew to keep his own counsel; it’s a lesson that will serve him as he untangles a web of lies.

In New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi’s intriguing new novel, henna artist Lakshmi arranges for her protégé, Malik, to intern at the Jaipur Palace in this tale rich in character, atmosphere, and lavish storytelling.