The Widows of Malabar Hill
India

The Widows of Malabar Hill

by Sujata Massey

Freedom & Resistance Mystery Fiction 2018

Summary

Set in Bombay in 1921, The Widows of Malabar Hill introduces Perveen Mistry, one of India’s first female lawyers. Educated in England and working in her father’s legal practice, Perveen encounters an unusual inheritance case involving three Muslim widows who live in seclusion and communicate with the outside world through male representatives. When she discovers inconsistencies in the documents governing their late husband’s estate, she begins to suspect that the women may be vulnerable to manipulation or exploitation. Her investigation becomes more dangerous when a murder draws her deeper into the case. Alongside the mystery, Perveen’s own experiences reveal the limitations placed on women in colonial Indian society, particularly in matters of marriage, education, and professional independence. Massey combines historical detail with a compelling detective story, exploring women’s rights, religious traditions, and the pursuit of justice in a changing society.

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Country
India
Asia
About the author
Sujata Massey
Sujata Massey

Sujata Massey is an American novelist best known for her historical mystery fiction exploring South Asian history, cultural identity, and women’s lives. Born in England to parents of Indian heritage, she grew up in the United States and worked as a journalist before becoming a full-time writer. Her novels often combine historical detail, social commentary, and compelling mysteries to illuminate the experiences of women navigating restrictive social conventions. She is particularly renowned for the Perveen Mistry series, beginning with The Widows of Malabar Hill (2018), which follows one of India’s first female lawyers in 1920s Bombay as she investigates crimes involving women whose lives are constrained by purdah. The series explores colonial India, gender inequality, religious diversity, and the legal challenges faced by women. Massey also wrote the Rei Shimura mystery series, featuring a Japanese-American antiques dealer in Japan. Through meticulously researched historical settings and strong female protagonists, her fiction brings overlooked histories to life while examining the intersections of identity, justice, and independence.

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Details
Published
2018
Author
Sujata Massey