# The Case of the Missing Servant

By Tarquin Hall · Vish Puri, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/the-case-of-the-missing-servant-e77f7cd1/

Delhi private investigator Vish Puri usually checks the backgrounds of prospective spouses. A lawyer accused of killing his maid gives him a more demanding job: find the missing woman. Puri deploys his undercover team while his mother pursues whoever has been shooting at her son.

## What makes it funny?

Puri attacks a forbidden box of pakoras, then removes the grease, chutney and suspicious breath that could betray him to his wife. He gives concealing a snack the care of a surveillance operation.

### The comedy at work

Puri's professional dignity is easy to puncture. His employees must call him Boss; his family calls him Chubby. Even during a stakeout, he finds time to admire his tailored safari suit.

### Try this if…

A good match for readers who enjoy a capable detective with conspicuous vanities and an ensemble of undercover operatives. Delhi's changing social hierarchies and corrupt bureaucracy give the investigation a setting with more to consider than the puzzle.

### Good to know

Murder and an attempt on Puri's life sit alongside the domestic jokes. His mother's investigation also carries on against his instructions.

## What to expect

- Genre: Crime & thriller · Mystery
- On the shelf: Cozy mystery · Private eye & detective
- Kind of humor: Situational comedy
- Format: Novel
- Length: 336 pages
- Published: 2009

## More in Vish Puri

- Book 2: The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing

## A few distinguishing details

- An investigator who specializes in prospective marriage partners
- A mother who refuses to leave detection to her son

## Sources & further reading

- Publisher: [The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall at Simon & Schuster](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Case-of-the-Missing-Servant/Tarquin-Hall/9781439172377)
- Book information: [Bibliographic record](https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/tarquin-hall/case-of-missing-servant.htm)
- Review: [Kirkus review](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/tarquin-hall/the-case-of-the-missing-servant)
- Publisher: [Publisher and opening chapter](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Case-of-the-Missing-Servant/Tarquin-Hall/9781439172377)