I didn't realize at first this was a long running series. Ghote is a retiring sort, but does comes across as a classic detective in these crime stories.

I really enjoyed reading this book,the mystery kept me guessing until the I was able to finish the book in one day

Set in India after Independence, an American philanthropist is found poisoned late one night. Inspector Ghote is sent to investigate. There are plenty of red herrings and blind alleys, but the solution seemed pretty obvious to me. Of slightly more interest is the sub-plot of Ghote coming to terms with the victims philanthropy, what it means, and how ihe might incorporate it into his life.

Charity begins at home

Inspector Ghote investigates the death of a philanthropic American, killed, it seems, by arsenic. The dead man had funded and managed a refuge for homeless boys in Bombay and his charitable generosity inspires Ghote to question his own conscience.

This is another genial, well written entry to the series, and while the ultimate denouement to the mystery is rather perfunctory and actually not that surprising, there Is much to enjoy along the way, not least the Greek chorus of street wise boys who live in the home, a rascally Sikh gangster full of charm and not least Ghote’s put upon but clever and resourceful wife.

I think this series is ending and I'm glad. This second book just made me annoyed and saddened as Inspector Ghote struggled.

Not my typical cozy. Arsenic poisoning of an American millionaire has Inspector Ghote trying to solve this in just twenty-four hours. Interaction between Ghotes and the orphans is realistic and what keep me reading. Plot dragged some in several spots. Not a series I would continue to read though others may find it interesting.

The re-issuing of Keating's Inspector Ghote series finds the reader being drawn into Ghote's world of 1960s and 1970s India. For those with a penchant for classic crime set outside of the UK or USA, these are well worth re-discovering. I managed to pick up two books in the series, though it was a pity I could not find more, especially the earlier ones.

"Inspector Ghote's Good Crusade" includes some engaging characters and twists in plot that will leave readers guessing. Who is lying and who is the real killer? Ghote investigates the murder of a high-profile American philanthropist in this slow-moving tale. It combines a cozy mystery read with aspects of police procedurals. Ghote reminded me of other bumbling detectives such as Columbo, as he ultimately gets to the root of the problem. The novel is emblematic of the time in which it was written. While I did not really feel engaged with the characters or story line, it was a humorous and atmospheric read.

I received this novel from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Inspector Ghote is called to a murder scene. A multi-millionaire has died from arsenic poisoning. He knows nothing about arsenic but he knows this will be a big case. As he investigates, his list of suspects grows...

Severn House and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It has been published snd you can get a copy now.

There were two men who had access to the building. One of them is a known killer. That's who his boss wants to charge with the murder. But he says he didn't do it and Ghote believes him. He finds the food is left in a building that is accessible by anyone. Did they poison the food? He talks to the boys. They don't tell him much.

He spends a lot of time trying to make sense of the clues he has but it doesn't seem to do much good. He's going in circles. Then he remembers a statement that was made. That might be why he was killed.

Ghote does get his murderer but it takes a lot of hard work...

A beautifully evocative story of post-partition India, with a charismatic detective hero. It really is a different world from modern crime fiction and although it may seem dated by today's standards the imagery and depth of characters make it an engrossing and completely escapist read. Inspector Ghote is the detective we'd all like to have investigating a crime in our neighbourhood - honest, persistent and humane.

This is a review for both Inspector Ghote's Good Crusade & A Small Case... since my rating and sentiments are the same for both. The betrayal of another culture was interesting, and the plots reveal themselves gradually. These are evenly, slow plotted stories that are clean and with broad appeal that are well written and a little dated. Solid mysteries that are a good bet for readers seeking a laid back story.

Thanks very much for the review copy!!

This is the second book I read in this series and I liked it as it's an engrossing and entertaining story.
The cast of characters, the vivid background and a well crafted plot are elements that made me liked it.
It's a good read, recommended.
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. What a good old fashioned sort of mystery story, I really liked the main character. Would recommend

Food For Thought For Ghote.....
A high profile case of arsenic poisoning gives Inspector Ganesh Ghote of the Bombay CID food for thought. Whilst the Inspector harbours secret thoughts of great success and prolific fame upon solving the case the reality is that he really knows very little about the method in this particular instance and furthermore cannot rely upon any of the apparant witnesses in the case. Enjoyable reading with delightful characterisation and laced with gentle humour.

Ganesh Ghote's tribulations!

I'm becoming increasingly fond of Southern Asian detective novels. This Inspector Ganesh Ghote novel, first published in 1966, is set in Bombay (now Mumbai) and despite the dated outlook still has arresting appeal.
An American philanthropist has been murdered and Ghote of the Bombay C.I.D., must find the culprit whilst struggling with his desire to charge his bete noir, criminal Amrit Singh.
Throughout Ghote is challenged by the idea of care and charity, with understanding the street wise boys who are part of the Frank Masters Foundation for the Care of Juvenile Vagrants, and with the pressure from above to reach a conclusion even if it means framing a lesser employee or Amrit.
His home life, his relationship with his wife Protima, comes under scrutiny and we start to see a fuller exposition about who Ghote is. The consideration of the refrigerator becomes a subtle, yet telling anecdote about the man Ghote is.
I found the way Ghote worked the case through despite the many problems that are placed in his path fascinating.

A Severn House ARC via NetGalley

Inspector Ghote’s Good Crusade is a classic mystery from 1966. Set in India, it is only the second entry in the long-running series.

Inspector Ghote of the Bombay Criminal Investigation Division is investigating a murder. The victim was a rich American philanthropist. He died of arsenic poisoning at his home for juvenile vagrants. Was the murderer the bossy Dr. Diana Upleigh? The facilities’ lone social worker, Mr. Chatterjee? The drug dispenser, Sonny Carstairs, who held the only key to the room where the arsenic was stored? The obsequious cook of the possibly tainted beef curry only the victim ate? The German housekeeper, Fraulein Glucklich, who claimed a swami as her alibi? Or the famous gangster, Amrit Singh, who if found guilty, could make Ghote’s career? The Inspector slowly begins to eliminate suspects with the help of one of the vagrant residents.

The mystery is short and the pacing is languid in the style of most older mysteries. It is interesting to see how “unmodern” people were at the type. All the people have stereotypical characteristics. Americans are brash. Indians are either brazen criminals or submissive with no middle ground evident except with Inspector Ghote himself.

If you are in the mood for the relative calm of a cozy but also want a police procedural, Inspector Ghote’s Good Crusade is the perfect choice. 3 stars.

Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Frank Masters, an American millionaire and philanthropist has been killed by arsenical poisoning at his Masters Foundation. Inspector Ghote is put in charge of the investigation.
Unfortunately the story really didn't engage my attention. The characters nor the story were that interesting

Inspector Ghote's Good Crusade is the second book in the classic Inspector Ghote series by H.R.F. Keating. Originally published in 1966, this reformat and re-release by Severn House is 224 pages and will be available in ebook format (other editions available in most formats).

I've enjoyed Keating's books for decades and it's really nice to see these classic stories being re-released for a new audience. This is a very gentle book with a slow pace and meandering but intelligent main character. I have read other reviewers saying that Inspector Ghote's investigations will appeal to fans of Alexander McCall Smith and lovers of the old Columbo TV series and I can definitely see the similarities, but I think, respectfully, that H.R.F. Keating brings a unique pacing and sensibility to the cozy mystery.

The story development and denouement aren't in any way shocking or unexpected, and to be fair, I think they would have seemed a lot more unexpected during their original release period. He has been copied and there have been a lot of homages in the intervening 50+ years since it was written.

No violence, one murder, clean language, appealing and gently paced. This would be a perfect read for a gentle train ride or cabin weekend.

Four stars. I am so pleased to see Severn House taking these up and re-releasing them.