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The Strangler Vine
The Strangler Vine | M. J. Carter
44 posts | 41 read | 85 to read
A FINALIST FOR THE EDGAR AWARD FOR BEST NOVEL A WASHINGTON POST NOTABLE BOOK OF 2015 LONGLISTED FOR THE BAILEYS WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2014 Set in the untamed wilds of nineteenth-century colonial India, a dazzling historical thriller introducing an unforgettable investigative pair. India, 1837: William Avery is a young soldier with few prospects except rotting away in campaigns in India; Jeremiah Blake is a secret political agent gone native, a genius at languages and disguises, disenchanted with the whole ethos of British rule, but who cannot resist the challenge of an unresolved mystery. What starts as a wild goose chase for this unlikely pair--trying to track down a missing writer who lifts the lid on Calcutta society--becomes very much more sinister as Blake and Avery get sucked into the mysterious Thuggee cult and its even more ominous suppression. There are shades of Heart of Darkness, sly references to Conan Doyle, that bring brilliantly to life the India of the 1830s with its urban squalor, glamorous princely courts and bazaars, and the ambiguous presence of the British overlords--the officers of the East India Company--who have their own predatory ambitions beyond London's oversight. From the Hardcover edition.
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CaitlinR
The Strangler Vine | M. J. Carter
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If you like historical mysteries, don‘t miss this one. William Avery, a young British soldier and Jeremiah Blake, who works for but does not trust the East India Company are sent on a quest to find Xavier Mountstuart. We are given wonderful depictions of 19th century colonial India. We meet bandits, princes, and holy men. The Thuggee cult looms large and we meet those that work to suppress them, or do they? Not sold yet? There are Tigers!

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Liatrek
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Absolutely Fascinating book! I enjoyed the dynamic between Blake and Avery and their views on India‘s people and culture and The East India Companies rule. It was important to see both sides and it allowed growth for both characters in journey. I‘ve visited India twice and I always enjoy reading books set there. I‘m definitely going to read the next book in the series.

DGRachel Just a heads up, the next book is set back in England. I still enjoyed it, in part because I love the audiobook narrator, but I was disappointed by the change of setting. 4y
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Liatrek
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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My audio book for this week. I‘m absolutely loving these audio book deals on Chirp 😊

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TheEllieMo
The Strangler Vine | M. J. Carter
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marleed Those colors! 5y
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Dogearedcopy
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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🎧 This is a historical novel with elements of mystery and adventure: A young officer of the British East India Company is assigned to accompany (and spy on) an older company man as they both set out on a mission of political intrigue, spy craft, a tiger hunt and, exotic landscapes...

Audiobook narrator, Alex Wyndham does credibly well (I‘d be willing to listen to the next book in this series)

📷:Coat of Arms: British East India Company

Crazeedi Want to read this one! 5y
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Dogearedcopy
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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🎧 Set in 1830s India during the time of England‘s Colonial power as manifested through the British East India Company, this mystery starts off with a disillusioned young officer sent to deliver a message from the Government House to another British man “gone native.”
Alex Wyndham is a new-to-me narrator that I wasn‘t sure of at the start; but when he slid effortlessly into the lines of the British soldier and made him come “alive,” I was sold!

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charl08
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Pickpick

Good distracting sickroom reading!

RidgewayGirl Get well soon! 5y
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vivastory
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Isaiah Quintabe & Dodson, Adelia & Mansur, Blake & Avery. Sometimes I think that the mystery genre was invented to pair an investigative duo who seem to have #nothingincommon
#SeptemberDanes
@Cinfhen @Kalalalatja

Kalalalatja True! 6y
Cathythoughts Beautifully done post 💙 6y
Cinfhen Clever ❣️❣️❣️ 6y
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Linsy
The Strangler Vine | M. J. Carter
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DGRachel I loved this one and that‘s a great cover! 6y
ReadZenRites Gorgeous photo!😊💕 6y
KatieCarpenter Pretty cover! 6y
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ImpliedNonsense Love the display! 💕 6y
erzascarletbookgasm This cover and this photo! 👌 6y
Linsy @ReadZenRites @InTheGutter @erzascarletbookgasm Thanks! I‘m getting a little obsessed with flowers... 6y
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BookishMe
The Strangler Vine | M. J. Carter
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#strangler #CoolBooks
Stories set in colonial India, especially in the past centuries are always fascinating for me. This is especially thrilling with jungle escapades.

Linsy This was a fun book! Exactly what I was thinking. And that cover!!! 😍 6y
BookishMe @Linsy Haha! 👌🏾👌🏾I was wondering what other title caught your eye to include it for this month ;D 6y
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BookaholicNatty
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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I just picked this book up at the thrift store. Anyone read it?

cj82487 Love the cover 😍 6y
Oblomov26 Yes - if you are interested in the Raj and/or the Thugee it is quite brilliant. Think Sherlock Holmes meets Kim in India 6y
ElleSkel That cover!😍😍 6y
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MamaGina Yes! Loved it too!🤓 6y
Herschelian There is another excellent, older, novel about Thugee - ‘The Deceivers‘ by John Masters. All his books set in India are first class, he wrote ‘The Night Runners of Bengal‘ which is a fantastic book about the Indian Mutiny. 6y
Crazeedi This book looks interesting 6y
blithebuoyant That cover looks VERY V.C. Andrews 😂 I was s little startled at first and then I actually read it. 6y
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Linsy
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Linsy
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Hoping this strangler vine business is not just a metaphor. #currentlyreading #mounttbr #coverlove

SusanInTiburon I‘ve been meaning to read this one for forever. Thanks for the reminder! (Pretty copy!) 6y
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MamaGina
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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I‘m enjoying this one so far even though one of the main characters is immature and unlikeable. I‘m looking forward to the serious attitude adjustment I‘m certain is coming his way🤓

mabell That's what I think when I read Dickens - I know a comeuppance is imminent. 😀 6y
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vivastory
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Pickpick

A historical thriller featuring an unlikely pair. William Avery, a dissatisfied yet unquestionably loyal soldier, is ordered to accompany & monitor Jeremiah Blake on a mission to track down a missing poet in India. Blake, a former member of the East India Company, has gone native & his reasons for agreeing to the mission are complicated. I really enjoyed this, the first in a trilogy. 👇

vivastory I found the narrative as compelling as the setting & the dynamic between Blake & Avery is fresh & unpredictable. I will definitely be reading more of the series. 6y
ApoptyGina69 I‘ve only read the first so far, but I have the next two. Can‘t wait!! 6y
vivastory @ApoptyGina69 don't you want to frame the covers? I love them! 6y
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LeahBergen I‘ve been curious about this series. 👍🏻 6y
ApoptyGina69 @vivastory I know! I‘m very pleased that I have the three in hardback with the beautiful dust jackets. #BlakeandAvery! 📚👍 6y
ApoptyGina69 @LeahBergen big thumbs up for vol. 1 for sure. Next 2 will@be read soon! 6y
RohitSawant Great review! I'm a bit torn about this. I'm sure I'd enjoy the suspenseful aspect, but having recently watched Dr. Tharoor's speech at the Oxford Union (after which I added his books on colonialism to my Wishlist) where he spoke of reparations, in sentiment as opposed to monetary, for colonial horrors, I don't know if I'm in the mindset for this anytime soon, even if it tells a good story w/o exoticizing/glorifying the era, does that make sense? 6y
vivastory @rohit-sawant It makes sense. It definitely doesn't glorify the era, in fact it is quite critical of it. I can see why you might want to wait 6y
RohitSawant @vivastory I'm hoping I'll like it as well when I do pick it up. Hope my previous comment didn't come across as putting a damper on your enjoyment of the book b/c that wasn't my intention! Tharoor's speech is still fresh, & I've been thinking a lot about representation & the western lens for an essay I'm tinkering with after watching Hari's Apu documentary & the want of diversity, even in my own work, so my reaction was tinged by it all. 6y
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DGRachel
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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The last of my personal #bookmail for the year. Aren‘t they beautiful? All used from 3rd party sellers on Amazon, but in great shape. The tagged book is even signed! 😍

Mdargusch Such a nice set! 6y
Beck9lol What a score! Beautiful 😍 6y
Louise Gorgeous, ornate covers! Great finds! 6y
Kalalalatja Ooooo lucky you! Pretty covers 👌 6y
RaimeyGallant Pretty! 6y
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DGRachel
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Absolutely loved this book. The narrator is fantastic. The story was well-written, with great characters, plenty of mystery, tension, and plot twists. I enjoyed the historical setting, as well, and look forward to more books with Blake and Avery. Thanks to @TobeyTheScavengerMonk for recommending this!

Lcsmcat Love the cover! 6y
ApoptyGina69 Loved it too! I have not yet read the next one 6y
DGRachel @ApoptyGina69 The same narrator does all three according to Audible, so I‘m seriously considering using my credit, but I kind of want to own physical copies of the books too. #dilemma 6y
vivastory There ought to be framed poster featuring all 3 covers. Your review reminded me to read it (although I said the same after @TobeyTheScavengerMonk excellent review). I think I will make a point of reading it next 6y
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MrBook
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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#TBRtemptation post 1! #AllHallowsReadBookExchange edition! This is the 1st installment in the Avery & Blake series. Calcutta, 1837. East India Company favorite, Xavier Monstuart, and the unlikely duo of William Avery and Jeremiah Blake are sent out to find him. The questions mount, which come to involve a murderous Kali-worshipping cult! #blameLitsy #blameMrBook 😎

Gina Oh my gosh I want to frame that cover 6y
DGRachel I‘m listening to this on audio right now. So good!! 6y
Christy2318 Good read! 6y
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TobeyTheScavengerMonk
The Strangler Vine | M. J. Carter
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#ThisIsNotAmerica This is India, 1837, in the callous grip of the East India Company. A Watson/Holmes-esque duo (who start out at odds) are tasked with finding the awesomely-named poet Xavier Mountstuart, who disappeared while researching the cult of Thugee.

Lush descriptions, a flawless narrator, some twists I saw coming and some I did NOT which had me pounding my steering wheel and shouting expletives. Highly recommended on audio. #SeptemBowie

TobeyTheScavengerMonk Thanks for the recommendation @Seshat I'm totally down for the next 2 books. 7y
vivastory I'm super tempted to read this one next 7y
GatheringBooks well-played! :) 7y
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TobeyTheScavengerMonk @vivastory It starts out kind of slow, but it's the good kind of slow that really builds the world and the time period. When the plot kicks in, it does so hardcore. 7y
ValerieAndBooks Wow looks very intriguing! Is this actually part of a series? 7y
ValerieAndBooks I‘ll look to see if my library has it! 7y
TobeyTheScavengerMonk @Jabberwocky This was awesome on audio too! 6y
Jabberwocky Ooooooooooooooooo 6y
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TobeyTheScavengerMonk
The Strangler Vine | M. J. Carter
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This mystery had been pretty laid back, with lush descriptions of the Indian countryside, food, and culture, then...

TIGER ATTACK!!! So mega-intense it had me sweating.

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TobeyTheScavengerMonk
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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This is my current listen from a recommendation by @Seshat ages ago. The narrator sounds SO much like Fassbender with his Magneto accent that I headcast him in the role of William Avery, and I think Mark Strong would make a great Jeremiah Blake, the Holmes to Avery's Watson.

So far this murder mystery set in 1830s India is extremely enjoyable. #HeadCasting #CurrentListen

MrBook Added! 😁 7y
Seshat Oooooh. I love "head casting." It is my second favorite mental game, after "what would I do if I won the lottery." 7y
Seshat And I agree with your choices! 7y
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TheBookDream Your head casting and reference to Holmes/Watson has landed this on the must read. 7y
TheBookDream I didn't even look at the plot, just "MINE" 7y
DGRachel Narrator sounds like Michael Fassbender? SOLD! 7y
Avanders lol I reacted the same as @TheBookDream 7y
BeckyLeJ I love, love, love this book! So fabulous! 7y
vivastory Fassbender as younger Magneto is one of my favorite X-Men performances. I can't wait to see him in The Snowman 7y
rabbitprincess Mmmmmmmm Michael Fassbender 😍 7y
minkyb I can watch/listen to Fassbender do just about anything! 7y
Seshat Oh, yes! I agree. I'm so glad you're enjoying it! 6y
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TobeyTheScavengerMonk
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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When I got the call the Thursday before summer ended that I would be at 3 schools a day instead of 2, I felt #UnderPressure but so far the #Changes have been okay, even though the nightmare road between schools 1 and 2 has its own creepy nickname, "the Ridges".

Between leaving home and getting back I'm driving almost an hour and a 1/2, so WAY more audiobook time, plus I get to see this view every day and I'm working with great kids.

#SeptemBowie

tjwill More audiobook time is a great way to look on the bright side! I was just thinking that about my longer commute this school year. Good luck with your new schools! 7y
Dogearedcopy More audiobook time is always a good thing! 😉 7y
Cinfhen I'm glad it's working out! 7y
Marchpane That's a beautiful view 💕 7y
ValerieAndBooks Busy!! But I know you've got this! 7y
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capriciousreader
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Sunday night plans in motion.

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Shazzer
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
Pickpick

Okay it was the cover that attracted me. Set in India in 1830s. A famous poet goes missing. Blake and Avery are thrown together to find him. It's a case of opposites having to work together. Throw in class snobbery, thuggee gangs, assassination attempts, it's a boys adventure story. The whole time I was reading it I was was thinking BBC drama adaption and who would I cast in the roles 😀

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thehooksbookscorner
The Strangler Vine | M. J. Carter
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What a treat!!

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MarriedtoMrT
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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I have pretty much no interest in reading this but the cover! 😍😍 It calls to me.

Mc_cart_ny That is a great cover! Although, I agree it doesn't quite sound like my cup of tea. 7y
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bookishkai
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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#showyourstack for the #springcleaningreadathon I just signed up, and I don't know how much I'll actually be able to read since I have an epic honey-do list to get through before our vacation, but I've got a print book for daytime, an audiobook for working around the house, and an ebook for nighttime reading.

BibliophileMomma I'm hoping to read American War this Readathon too. 👍🏼 7y
Born.A.Reader I almost forgot I had that one! My tbr since receiving this has all but hidden it from view! 😂 Think I'll add it to mine too! 7y
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Oblomov26
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Pickpick

Well I think that I have found how to appreciate mysteries- audio books, and this one was damned good. Set in India in the 1830's, a officer of the East India Company is sent with an agent of questionable background to investigate what happened to a famous poet who disappeared up country. A tale of thuggee, betrayals with a Watson and Holmes team, the Holmes character being a mixture with Kipling's Kim. Remarkably historically accurate.

CrowCAH Sounds interesting! 7y
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Seshat
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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A very good audiobook, tea, and almond cookies. #litsypartyofone

TobeyTheScavengerMonk Ummm... this sounds awesome. 7y
Seshat @TobeyTheScavengerMonk It totally is. 7y
TobeyTheScavengerMonk Important question: Does the narrator have an accent? 7y
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Seshat It is even better than the other excellent historical fiction mystery written by another British lady with mad history credentials, The Great Stink. I highly recommend both. You'll love them, @TobeyTheScavengerMonk 7y
Seshat Yes, @TobeyTheScavengerMonk The narrator is very good and gives different British accents for the two main characters. 7y
45 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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BookishMe
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Waiting is not a chore with a book!

GatheringBooks super agree! 7y
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BookishMe
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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The horrifying suspense...
Respect the wild, always #marchintoreading #currentlyreading #currentread #nowreading

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BookishMe
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Can't decide which to take along for the short commute... So both go into the bag!

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BookishMe
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Since Sunday night, it's been mostly rest, remedies and reading.
Completing 2 books, The Hobbit & Partners in Crime, were the only comfort during the wheezy coughs and sleepless nights.

Recovering somewhat despite the fatigue. Will continue to read until I feel better

KarenUK Feel better soon 💐💕 7y
BookishMe @KarenUK thank yous 💞💞 7y
LauraBeth Hope you feel better soon 💕💕 7y
BookishMe @LauraBeth thanks so much 💞💞 7y
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BookishMe
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Began my work weekend with this... #weekendread #nowreading #marchintoreading

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StaceyKondla
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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#FunFridayPhoto This is my book that starts with the first letter of my name that is on my enormous TBR pile. I was sucked in by that gorgeous cover and I still haven't read it 😬 @Liberty

CherylDeFranceschi It's on mine, too. It came very highly recommended. 7y
Grrlbrarian Fascinating, well-plotted, and deeply engrossing - I loved it. Go for it, ladies! 👍 7y
StaceyKondla @Grrlbrarian - thank you! I'll try to bump it up. It's just that my TBR pile is soooooo enormous 😩 7y
Texreader Beautiful cover and now on my way too long tbr list. It looks good. 7y
Grrlbrarian I feel your pain! Trying to work in the next in the series now! 7y
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Pasaal
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
Pickpick

I'm a sucker for books set in India and I like mysteries, so this was a very enjoyable read for me. It is set in India in the time of the Raj. The only weakness was the abrupt, unsatisfying ending.

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LouiseM
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Really enjoyed this - the level of research about India in the early 19thC was evident in the rich detail, and the precarious relationship between the main characters, although a little formulaic in the early sections of the book, developed nicely. The story itself is somewhere between Sherlock Holmes and Indiana Jones, with plenty of intrigue, jewels and flashing swords. Recommended.

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ApoptyGina69
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter

I love any and all books about adventures in India. The next one is out where the characters return to London. Called The Infidel Stain.

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Soscha
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
Pickpick

This ended up being a serendipitous companion read to Flashman. Very well-done with interesting historical details. It's the first in a series involving the characters Blake & Avery, who have a little Sherlock & Watson vibe. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

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SarahBZ
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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An excellent addition to the great tradition of detective partnerships filled with intrigue and adventure I could not put it down even late into the night.

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BookishFeminist
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Bedtime reading 🌙✨ One of my favorite book covers from last year. Been itching to read it ever since I saw it. Not sure what to think about the story yet. I'm about a third of the way through and it's moving slowly. #ReadWomen

sleuthsandspies Her covers are awesome! I've been eyeing The Infidel Stain, but I can't bring myself to buy it yet. Looking forward to your review! 8y
Reese_Pearly.Pages I read it last year, it does feel slow towards the middle. It was an enjoyable read towards the end. ☺️ 8y
BookishFeminist @Reese_Pearly.Pages I felt the same way. It was one of those rare occasions where I didn't regret spending the time finishing a book when I felt like quitting halfway through. 😊 8y
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BeckyLeJ
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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We did our celebratory stuff yesterday, which means I get to spend my Sunday with this first in a new series!

Ubergeekygirl Love the cover, I'm gonna have to look into this one. 8y
PutnamKatie Loved this book!! The sequel is out next week! 8y
BeckyLeJ The picture doesn't even do the cover justice. It's so bright! Easily my favorite cover design in some time. And the book is living up to the promise! 8y
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LyndseyReads
The Strangler Vine | M.J. Carter
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Up next: 19th century India! Mystery! Intrigue! Can't wait.