complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
The narration truly bothered me since despite being an Indian story, it was being barrated by a foreigner whose pronunciation made the whole thing jarring and hard to get into the plot.

As much as Kaveri is happy about her upcoming child, she also feels cramped by her over-caring MIL's nature, and dropping the investigations for the time being is really not helping. So when a murderous trail reaches her door, she finds herself swept away in its detection as she follows the links to Coorg, murder and mayhem amidst coffee plantations and the looming shadow of a ghostly leopard complicate every angle.

Kaveri is one of my favourite protagonists, and now I feel like I have a special connection with her. Her character has been so relatable to me right from Book 1 that by now I am absolutely fond of her. The layers of mystery and the Agatha Christie-style puzzle-solving at the end were a sweet spot for me.

There is something different in the writing style this time. The story feels meticulously crafted, with all the details and no blank spaces. This time around, all my questions were answered by the end, so I was completely satisfied with the ending too.

I was listening to the audiobook as I was reading the physical copy, and let me tell you - the experience was immersive. I am only getting more and more fond of Kaveri as the series grows on me. If you are looking for a soft mystery that intensifies page by page in a historical South India setting, try it!

This is a cosy mystery set in India. It was more lighthearted than I expected in some ways, but while it has a lot of ‘cosy’ characteristics, there are also violent and misogynistic aspects to it. The wrap-up and reveal at the end were very much in the style of Agatha Christie, as is the situation of our main protagonist in her role as lady detective, although she’s not quite as charming (or as experienced) as Miss Marple.
It was an entertaining read and I always enjoy finding out more about Indian culture.
Four stars from me, with thanks to @NetGalley and @TantorAudio for an advance copy of Harini Nagendra’s latest mystery. Simone Lewis did a good job of the narration, bringing the different characters to life.
Into The Leopard’s Den released on 1 July.

This one caught me by surprise in a good way mainly because Soneela Nankani is the narrator, and let’s be honest, she can do no wrong. Her range, clarity, and ability to bring characters to life is unmatched, and she once again delivers a performance that elevates the entire story.

That said, I didn’t realize going in that this was part of a series, so I felt like I was playing a bit of catch-up in terms of context and character dynamics. If you’ve already been following the series, I imagine it would hit differently,and probably land even stronger.

Still, the writing is engaging, the setting is vivid, and the narration alone makes it worth the listen. Just maybe start from book one if you’re new to the series like I was.

*Into the Leopard’s Den* is the fourth book in the charming and thoughtful Bangalore Detectives Club series, and although this was my first read in the series, I was instantly drawn in by the characters, the historical setting, and the nuanced storytelling.

Set in 1920s India, this installment takes Kaveri to Coorg, where a mysterious murder—of an old woman found clutching Kaveri’s photograph—sets off a web of intrigue. Even while expecting her first child, Kaveri refuses to sit back. Her investigation leads her into the heart of colonial politics, social tensions, and unsettling sightings of a white leopard. Despite the many characters and moving parts, the mystery is skillfully woven and satisfying to follow.

One of the standout elements for me is how the author weaves issues of gender and colonialism into the narrative, offering both critique and hope. I especially loved how Kaveri and Ramu push back against the expectations placed on them—both as a married couple and as individuals navigating complex societal roles.

The narration by Soneela Nankani and Simone Lewis adds even more depth, capturing the heart of each character and the rich cultural backdrop. Their voices made the world feel intimate and immersive.

While you *can* start with this book, I’d recommend reading the series in order to fully appreciate the character development and emotional continuity. That said, this mystery held its own and didn’t disappoint—I’m definitely going back to listen to the previous books!

If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with heart, social commentary, and atmospheric settings, this series—and this book in particular—is well worth your time.

(3.5 ⭐ rounded off to 4)

I love a good murder mystery and this one didn't disappoint. This book takes place in 1920's India and when a woman is found murdered clutching a photo of the fmc she knows she must look into it. However, during her detective work she finds herself away from home where danger seems to be just around the corner. If you want a series that will keep you guessing until the very end than this is for you.

This was the first book that I read in the series even though it is the fourth one. I love the characters, culture, and history that the author interweaves throughout. I really like how the inequality between men and women and well as Indian and British cultures are brought out but also like how Ramu and Kaveri break the mold. I am definitely reading/listening to the rest of the series.

I love a good book with a strong female character. Set in the early 1920's in India- we follow Kaveri, a women who helps solve mysteries and murders. Currently pregnant she has taken a step back from helping people and has been feeling pretty lonely while her doctor husband is in a small town called Coorg to help with people's medical needs. When an older woman is murdered in her house clutching a photograph of Kaveri she knows she must help her get justice. This sends her on a wild goose chase to the small town of Coorg to get answers. While she is there more strange things start to happen and someone is trying to stop her from uncovering the truth.

In 1922 Bangalore, pregnant detective Kaveri reluctantly returns to sleuthing when a dying woman asks for her help. A trail of secrets leads her to Coorg, where she discovers a family feud, two vulnerable children, and a ruthless killer.

I love this series, and this novel did not disappoint. The mystery is intricately woven and filled with intriguing characters. The author does a great job of bringing the setting to life. This fourth book in the series can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading in order for maximum enjoyment.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I’m four books in and still loving the Bangalore Detectives Club series. 'Into the Leopard’s Den' takes Kaveri to Coorg, offering a fresh setting without losing the warmth and familiarity of her community in Bangalore. This is the point in a cozy mystery series where things could start to fizzle, but Harini Nagendra keeps the momentum strong. Kaveri’s growth—as an expectant mother and as a sleuth—feels natural, and her optimistic determination continues to make her a compelling lead.

If you enjoy amateur detective stories and learning about life in 1920s India, I recommend this book! And I definitely suggest reading the series in order. The writing is immersive, the historical detail fascinating, and Soneela Nankani’s narration adds extra charm. I’m eager to follow Kaveri's next adventure.

Special thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for access to this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

When an old woman is murdered while clutching Kaveri’s photograph, Kaveri, despite being pregnant, knows she must take on the case to find the killer. Clues lead her to travel to Coorg where she is asked to look into several attempts on an English coffee plantation owner’s life. Furthermore, sightings of white leopard have the locals spooked. Kaveri is sure that somehow these happenings are all connected and she is determined to find out how.

In this fourth installment of the Bangalore Detectives Club series, readers are again offered a complex mystery that requires attention. There are a lot of characters and moving parts. I love the Indian setting and have enjoyed getting to know Kaveri and her family and friends. While this novel could be read alone, I think readers will find more enjoyment if they’ve known the characters since the beginning of the series.

The narration by Soneela Nankani is very well done.

Into the Leopard's Den by Harini Nagendra was richly layered and atmospheric. Set in 1920s colonial India, the novel blends historical fiction and mystery in a thoughtful and engaging way. I loved stepping into the world of Bangalore through the eyes of Kaveri, a strong, intelligent, and endlessly curious woman who never stops pushing boundaries.

In this installment, Kaveri and her husband Ramu travel into the heart of the countryside, where a wildlife camp visit quickly turns into a murder investigation. The setting: lush, remote, and teeming with wildlife, added a whole new layer of tension to the story. I especially enjoyed the cultural and environmental details woven throughout; the scenes with the leopard and the more profound commentary on conservation were fascinating.

The mystery was well-paced, with enough twists to keep me guessing without feeling overdone. The resolution felt satisfying, and I appreciated how it tied into justice and colonial power themes. Kaveri continues to be such a compelling character: intelligent, compassionate, and quietly rebellious in all the right ways.

The audiobook narration was warm and well-suited to the story's tone, though there were a few moments when I had to rewind to catch some of the names or finer details. Still, that didn't take away from my enjoyment overall.

Into the Leopard's Den is absolutely worth your time if you enjoy historical mysteries with strong female leads, vivid settings, and just the right touch of suspense.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It is 1922 in Bangalore and an elderly lady is killed. Kaveri Murphy is pregnant and being over pampered so she agrees to investigate to fill her need for action. She will travel to Coorg and find more cases that need her attention. A coffee king, a ghost leopard and personal danger.

Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Very good characters in this well paced historically based novel. The Bangalore Detectives Club is once again in action, enjoy.

As a fan of the previous books in the series. I was delighted to get to listen to the audio version of this latest installment. The narrator did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life, and I enjoyed her Indian accent. It was very atmospheric. The story itself is an interesting historical mystery, and I felt it helped me to understand more about life in India at that time. I enjoyed reading about the main character’s family life. There were many twists and turns in solving the murders. I look forward to the continuation of the series.

1922 India, was the time when the British Empire controlled much of the globe, including India. This colonial era historical novel is unique in that it tells the story of indigenous characters, not the usual cast of British characters swanning around in the country where the locals i’ve been reduced to servants and caricatures

Into the Leopard’s Den by Harini Nagendra is a wonderfully immersive mystery set in 1922 Bangalore and Coorg, filled with suspense, atmospheric detail, and compelling characters. Kaveri Murthy’s resolve to step back from detection is quickly tested when she receives a plea for help from a dying woman clutching her photograph—a haunting start that pulls her right into the heart of danger. Nagarenda does a fantastic job weaving a multi-layered plot involving a ghostly leopard, a powerful coffee magnate, and a trail of secrets that threaten to turn deadly. Kaveri’s journey from her home confinement to the jungles of Coorg is full of tension, with each new discovery raising the stakes. I loved how the story shifts seamlessly between Bangalore and Coorg, creating a vivid sense of place and historical richness. The characters are well-developed, and the supporting cast—especially Venu and Anandi—add warmth and intelligence to the investigation. The suspense builds steadily, with enough twists and clues to keep me guessing until the final reveal. Nagarenda captures the atmosphere of colonial India beautifully, making the reader feel immersed in its sights, sounds, and shadows. While a couple of plot points felt a bit predictable, the overall pacing and intriguing mystery make Into the Leopard’s Den a satisfying and memorable read. It’s a clever blend of history, suspense, and regional mysticism that fans of historical mysteries will thoroughly enjoy. Four stars for a compelling chase to catch a cunning killer before they strike again!