Lead Review (Murder in Moonlit Square)
- Book: Murder in Moonlit Square
- Location: Delhi
- Author: Paul Waters
11th February 2026
Murder in Moonlit Square by Paul Waters, Mystery set in Delhi.
“Across the lane to his left was a jalebi seller stirring his brass pot on the far side of the lane. Back the other way, beyond the hotel entrance, Avtar heard the intensity of horns and shouting sharply increase. A cow had wandered into the traffic…”
At the quietly classy Delhi Haveli a body has been found. It is clear there has been foul play. Things then escalate because it is initially assumed to be the body of a pilgrim from Pakistan, who has missed his group bus tour back home. The police are involved and a single missing man raises the potential terrorist threat given the skirmishes and killings that regularly take place between the two countries.
Avtar Mehta is the manager of the prestigious hotel and a serendipitous encounter with Sister Agatha, a Catholic nun living in the city, leads to a delightful – and unlikely -pairing of sleuthing companions. They bond over a cheeky cigarette and are soon putting their heads together to work out what is going on.
The police take a very dim view of all the events unfolding at the hotel and there is a real threat that they might close
it. They even threaten to install a spy in the hotel to monitor what is going on. Avtar is a good employer and will go the extra mile to protect his staff from being laid off. Sister Agatha, meanwhile, has several plans up her abundant sleeves, and as they each pursue different avenues, the situation becomes ever more critical.
The author has composed a nice mystery, that is gently instructive about Delhi and Partition, choosing to highlight the consequences of a cursorily drawn line in 1947 upon individuals into present day, forcing Muslims North into the new country of Pakistan and Hindus into India. Many left everything they had behind, many were killed.
He also wonderfully and fondly evokes Delhi, a city of contrasts, smells, mad traffic, and pollution and poverty. The hotel is a stone’s throw from Chandni Chowk (which means moonlight square) and the vibrance of the area is well captured.There are interesting small details that are really transportive. Would you, for example, know the difference between aam ka achar and aam ki chutney? Luckily, the staff members at the Delhi Haveli do!
A delightfully told story with a wonderfully created and evocative backdrop. Definitely one to pick up if you are heading to Delhi; and even if you are not and fancy reading it from the comfort of your armchair.
Tina for the TripFiction Team
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