Thrilling, intense, and impossible to put down. Ajay Chowhury’s The Shadow delivers a fast-paced ride through the streets of India, offering a gripping mystery wrapped in a cultural perspective that feels refreshing.

From the very first chapter, the novel establishes itself as a true page-turner. The tension builds steadily, with each twist pulling the reader deeper into a world where secrets lurk in the shadows. The vivid descriptions of India add a richness to the story, making it more than just a crime thriller—it’s an exploration of place, politics, and identity, set against an ever-present undercurrent of danger.

That said, some moments stretch credibility. There are plot twists that feel just a little too convenient, and some character decisions left me questioning their logic. But, in the grand scheme of things, realism isn't always the priority in a book designed to thrill. And The Shadow definitely delivers on that front.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Especially for readers who enjoy a novel that keeps them guessing until the final page. While some aspects might require a suspension of disbelief, the intense pacing and immersive setting make this a compelling read.

Not a bad book per se, but increasingly in the series I am losing interest in the newer entries. Sadly, this didn't improve matters either. Too much of superfluous information which bogs down the plot.

The Shadow by Ajax Chowdhury is a well-crafted, suspenseful novel that kept me hooked from the beginning. The atmosphere is tense and immersive, with a strong sense of mood that pulls you into the story. The pacing is solid, and the plot unfolds in a way that maintains intrigue without feeling rushed, along with vivid descriptions of Mumbai.

Chowdhury’s writing is confident and engaging, with enough twists to keep things unpredictable. The characters are well-developed, and the central mystery is both compelling and satisfying.

Overall, a strong read that fans of police procedurals or dark crimes will likely enjoy. it’s a memorable and well-executed story that’s definitely worth picking up.

The Shadow, the fifth instalment in the Detective Kamil Rahman series, I have read all the books that have come before and have enjoyed them all The shadow is no different.
This is a great read and the chemistry between Rahman and Anjoli continues to sizzle as our detectives find themselves in Mumbai to shadow the investigation into the murder of a British Engineer.

This is a great series and one I urge everyone to read, the writing is good and as the story unfolds you want to continue to turn the page and at the end of the day that's what it is all about.
Exciting and fast paced a real page turner.

This novel represents the fifth instalment in the Kamil Rahman series – and for the sake of readers who love the novels, such as myself, I hope Chowdhury does not run out of ideas to take this series further and further!

I have loved each of the previous four Kamil Rahman novels and could not wait to start this thriller, in which the setting is no longer London’s Brick Lane, but instead the teeming Indian city of Mumbai. It is here that Met Detective Rahman is sent to investigate the murder of a British engineer, and to repatriate his body. There is a personal connection, as the murdered man had been employed by one of Kamil’s friends. There is also a romantic personal connection, as it looks as if Rahman’s friend Anjoli, who accompanies him to India, is getting closer to him. Although these ingredients make this novel very much different from the former books in the series, all other ingredients for an enjoyable read are there.

I wish to thank you to the publishing house Harvill Secker and to NetGalley for the free digital ARC that allowed me to read and review this superb thriller.

An intriguing read which is skilfully written .
This is a great addition to the series and the calibre of the stories just gets better .
Kahmil Rahman is a detective with the Met police he is very disillusioned and decides to resign and become a partner in a detective agency .
Whilst handing in his resignation is superior as got one last job for him.
The job involves travelling to India looking into the murder of a British engineer.
The engineer was killed with eighteen arrows , is it a ritual killing ?
Kahmil takes on the job and Anjoli accompanies him.
What follows is a story of loyalty, pride , greed and gruesome murders.
The writing is a joy to read .
A unique series that never disappoints.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage .

It is another compelling read in the Kamil Rahman series. Much of the action takes place in Mumbai, immersing you in the ethos of this vibrant community. The crimes are dark and ritualistic, and the journey to discover the motives and perpetrators is menacing and twisty. Kamil and Anjoli are characters you invest in, and their complex connection develops a little more in this story. I like the mystical element, the many motives, suspects and twists, and the evocative setting of this crime fiction.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I love Ajay's books and have read all the work in the series so far. This is a brilliant edition to the series, while this also works well as a standalone.

I love Anjoli and Kamil, and the setup in India is a brilliant change. I loved the setting of Mumbai and the elements of the cases. They are both equally interesting and gripping. Especially the creep factor in them. Absolutely recommend the book and the series!

Thank you Random House UK, Vintage and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.

The fifth book in the Kamil Rahman series and this time the action moves to India where Anjoli joins Kamil in the hunt for the killer. Once again Ajay has given us a complex plot which is really easy to read and moves along at a great pace. I urge anyone who hasn’t read any of these books to dive into the series. You won’t be disappointed.

The Shadow by Ajay Chowdhury
I followed this series from the very beginning and absolutely love it. The fact that in this book Kamil and Anjali are working together in India, in Mumbai to be precise, at the behest of one of Kamil’s friends from his days in Mumbai makes this deliciously different from the other books in the series.
Filled with ritual killings, mythic hexes, tension and lies this is a fast paced read.
One of the things I like most about this book was the fact that we had a real insight into the Parsi Community in Mumbai and I love learning new things when reading. A fast paced and emotionally thought provoking read.

The next instalment in the Kamil Rahman series. Still recovering from being shot in The Spy, Kamil is asked to go to India to investigate a murder linked to his old friend's firm. Anjoli goes along with him and they stay at the palatial home of Kamil's friends, Darius and Zara. Zara's father is chairman of the company and although dying is still very involved. Darius is worried about a family curse which would have him die by fire on his 47th birthday the following weekend. As more murders take place, each as gruesome as the last, Kamil and Anjoli are puzzled. As always they put themselves in danger. Their relationship doesn't seem to be going any further even though they have both admitted their feelings. #netgalley #theshadow

This is an interesting read and I was gripped from the start. I found it more interesting as it was based in Mumbai which is a place I want to visit.

This is another book in the Detective Kamal Rahman series. Despite his intention to quit the Met and set up a private detective service with his friend/girlfriend Anjoli, Kamil is persuaded to delay his resignation to investigate a case involving the grisly death of a British engineer in Mumbai. Staying with the man’s employer, who also happens to be a friend, he is made aware of a curse on the man’s family, which he also gets to investigate. With established characters, and a certain amount of ambivalence still over Kamil and Anjoli’s relationship, it is an engaging and compelling read. The reader will have to wait until the next book in the series to see whether their business aspirations and relationship develop any further.

Thanks to NetGalley for the copy to read pre-publication.

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for ARC.
Former Kolkata policeman/restaurant worker/spy, now London Metropolitan Police officer, has resigned to start a detective agency with his great pal/erstwhile love interest Anjoli. He's asked to defer his finish date to head to Mumbai to look into the suspicious death of a British subject and supervise the repatriation of the victim's body to his family. He convinces Anjoli to accompany him and what ensues is a baptism of fire for both of them.
This is set in frantic Mumbai and is excellent at highlighting the inequalities and injustices of that city, just as the previous novels in the series have done for London City. At times I found it confusing, and honestly some of the plot strands are a bit - silly. However the strength of this series is the relationship of these fallible, not always lovable characters and I look forward to more.

Ajay Chowdhury’s The Shadow, the fifth instalment in the Detective Kamil Rahman series, takes us on a thrilling ride across continents, blending contemporary crime-solving with ancient legends and curses. With a gripping mystery at its core, The Shadow delves deep into the complexities of human nature, cultural beliefs, and the struggle between logic and superstition. The novel delivers a compelling balance of character development, atmospheric setting, and an engaging plot that kept me hooked until the final page.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is the partnership between Kamil Rahman and Anjoli. Their chemistry is evident from the outset, with Kamil’s analytical and methodical approach complemented perfectly by Anjoli’s intuition and quick thinking. Their rapport is natural, filled with witty exchanges and genuine concern for each other, making them a highly effective and endearing investigative team, with the added spice of a blossoming relationship.

Kamil has determined he will become a private detective after resigning from the Met, and will go into business with Anjoli. He is a man marked by his past experiences—both professional and personal—and carries the weight of his decisions with a quiet intensity. His analytical mind and dedication to justice make him an engaging lead, yet his vulnerabilities prevent him from feeling like an infallible detective archetype.

Anjoli, on the other hand, brings a vibrant energy to the narrative. She is resourceful, intelligent, and fearless, acting as both a counterbalance and a catalyst to Kamil’s more measured demeanour. She challenges him when necessary and provides much-needed levity in moments of darkness. She also has a great line in T-shirts with slogans, which she designs herself. Her presence is integral to the novel, not just as Kamil’s partner but as an equal force in unravelling the case. Together, their strengths and differences make them a formidable team, elevating the investigative elements of the book while keeping the emotional core strong.

Chowdhury’s depiction of India is rich and immersive, serving as more than just a backdrop. Mumbai is painted with striking detail—from its bustling streets and labyrinthine slums to its opulent high-rises and historical landmarks. The city’s dual nature, where modernity coexists with deep-rooted traditions and myths, mirrors the central theme of the novel—where rational investigation collides with the spectre of an ancient curse.

The setting enhances the tension in the story, with the cultural and historical layers adding depth to the mystery. Chowdhury seamlessly integrates aspects of Indian mythology and beliefs into the narrative without making them feel forced or overly exotic. Instead, they serve to highlight the complexities of belief systems and the lingering power of folklore in a contemporary world. The novel’s ability to transport the reader into this vividly realised world really enhances the storytelling.

At its core, The Shadow is a cleverly woven mystery that balances traditional detective work with elements of psychological and supernatural intrigue. The murder of a British engineer—ritualistically killed with eighteen arrows—is a chilling and intriguing premise that immediately grips the reader. As Kamil and Anjoli dig deeper, the mounting body count and the increasingly grotesque nature of the murders keep the tension high.

The novel successfully maintains a tight pace, with the duo uncovering layers of deception, hidden motives, and unexpected connections. One of the novel’s strengths is how it weaves together the present-day investigation with the subplot of Kamil’s old friend seeking help with a supposed curse. The intersection of these two narratives raises questions about fate, fear, and the psychological power of belief.

Despite their strong detective skills, Kamil and Anjoli are not infallible. They make misjudgements, follow false leads, and struggle with their own biases. Kamil, particularly, finds himself torn between his rational approach and the unsettling implications of the so-called curse. Anjoli, while sharp, sometimes pushes too hard, leading to complications. However, these missteps add realism to their characters—after all, real detectives don’t always get things right on the first try! The twists in the plot are well-executed, with surprises that feel earned rather than contrived.

Chowdhury maintains a brisk yet immersive pace throughout the novel. The tension builds steadily, with each revelation pushing the investigation forward while keeping the reader engaged. The chapters are well-structured, offering a blend of action, dialogue, and introspection, ensuring that the story never stagnates. Flashbacks and subplots are seamlessly woven into the narrative, adding depth without detracting from the central mystery. The pacing strikes a fine balance—neither too rushed nor too slow—allowing the suspense to simmer while keeping the pages turning rapidly.

Verdict: The Shadow is a gripping, intelligent, and atmospheric mystery that delivers on all fronts. Kamil and Anjoli’s partnership is the beating heart of the novel, their dynamic making the investigation compelling and emotionally engaging. The setting is richly depicted, adding authenticity and depth to the story. The mystery itself is layered, unpredictable, and satisfying, with enough twists to keep readers guessing until the very end. Ajay Chowdhury has crafted a novel that is not only a terrific detective story but also an exploration of culture, belief, and the human psyche. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to Kamil Rahman’s world, The Shadow is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a smart, immersive, and thought-provoking crime novel.

I liked this new novel, having read the last one in the series. The characters are still strong, but I didn’t love it as much as the last one. The setting was well described.

The Shadow by Ajay Chowdhury is another book in the Detective Kamil Rahman police series. This time Kamil and Anjoli his partner travel to Mumbai to try to solve a family curse and take a body back to England.
Unfortunately they also end up involved in a killing spree and intrigue, with deaths, secrets and lies interrupting their stay in Mumbai.
Recommended

On the cusp of resigning from the Metropolitan Police, Kamil is sent to Mumbai to repatriate the body of a British engineer who has been murdered. As the man was working from Mehta and Sons, a company run by an old friend, Kamil and Anjoli are invited to spend time with the family. However not is all as it seems because in addition to trying to solve the killing, the pair are also trying to save Darius from the curse that has followed his family for three generations.
This is another ‘awayday’ episode in the series but is still really strong. Here the theme is around faith but focusing on Parsi, and also the transformation of Mumbai into a heaving metropolis and the contrast with the lives of the poor. As ever the action is slick and the flaws of the characters are explored in detail. It’s a confident piece of writing and a cracking police procedural.

Book five in this series doesn’t’ disappoint. The root of the investigative part of the story is not just good as a whodunnit but also an education in how religion, community and family are essentially intertwined. All this is set against the personal backdrop of the relationship between the two main characters who it seems are cleanly meant to be but something just keeps them on the edge of making that step. Plenty of scope for book six.

Ajay Chowdhury delivers another gripping, atmospheric thriller with The Shadow. Detective Kamil Rahman’s latest case takes him back to Mumbai, where a string of gruesome murders—starting with a British engineer found pierced by eighteen arrows—pulls him into a tangled web of revenge, superstition, and corruption.

The book brings Mumbai to life in vivid detail, from its bustling streets to the stark realities of the slums, immersing the reader in both its beauty and its brutality. Kamil and his sharp-witted partner Anjoli make for an engaging duo, and their dynamic adds both depth and moments of levity to the dark and twisted mystery at hand. The interplay between the supernatural elements—an ominous family curse—and the stark reality of cold-blooded murder keeps the tension high and the pages turning.

Chowdhury masterfully balances action, suspense, and character development, leading to a satisfyingly neat finish that ties up the mystery while leaving the reader eager for more.