One of the key features of this book is that it introduces readers to a fascinating heroine: Perveen Mistry is the first woman lawyer in Bombay. She is a clever woman full of wisdom and determination. When she is called on behalf of Champa Films, she is introduced to the exciting, but rather dangerous world of silent movies. It turns out that Perveen should solve two crimes: the murder of a film censor and a disappearance of the lead actress Rochana.

What makes this novel outstanding is the talent of the author in combining the glamorous and the grim aspects of reality. With all the luxury of film studios and parties of high society, there are always such things as blackmail, deceit, and other shady business. In this way, the author brings the history of silent films to life.

The pacing is unhurried but engrossing. Rather than racing through the mystery, Massey allows the story to move at a leisurely pace, allowing time for readers to understand the social milieu of colonial India, gender roles, and the cultural clash of modernism and tradition. The rainy setting of the story lends a certain gravity to the plot development.

But what makes the story truly outstanding is its emotional undercurrent. The personal problems of Perveen, such as her affair and friendship with Alice, give the plot an extra layer of intrigue and intensity. But rather than serving merely as a subplot, these threads become essential elements of the narrative.

While the slow pace may seem like a drawback for those expecting an adrenaline-fueled thriller, for fans of character-driven mysteries, this element becomes a strength of the novel.

Verdict:

The Star from Calcutta is a beautifully crafted mystery novel that offers more than a whodunit.