The Waiter

From the winner of the Harvill Secker-Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Award comes a unique debut from Ajay Chowdhury.

Kamil Rahman: Kolkata detective turned Brick Lane waiter has a new case on his hands . . .

Disgraced detective Kamil Rahman moves from Kolkata to London to start afresh as a waiter in an Indian restaurant. But the day he caters a birthday party for his boss’s friend, his simple new life becomes rather complicated. The event is a success, the food is delicious, but later that evening the multi-millionaire host, Rakesh, is found dead in his swimming pool. The police declare it an accident, but Rakesh’s wife Neha is adamant it is murder.

Kamil's colleague Ava is accused of the crime, and Kamil takes it upon himself to investigate, with the help of his boss's daughter Anjoli. Kamil and Anjoli prove a capable team – but as the investigation progresses, Kamil struggles to keep memories of the case that destroyed his career in Kolkata at bay. . . and his past will soon catch up with him.

'A hugely entertaining first novel for lovers of  crime fiction, taking us from Kolkata to Brick Lane.'
ANN CLEEVES

‘From the mean streets of Kolkata to the kitchens of Brick Lane…this is a rip-roaring mystery that’s engrossing from start to finish. Kamil Rahman is…a refreshing and welcome addition to the world of detective fiction. One of my favourite reads of the year.’
ABIR MUKHERJEE