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The Waiter

the award-winning first book in a thrilling new detective series
3.77 goodreads logo

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( 1,776 ratings, 222 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Kamil Rahman, a former Kolkata detective now working as a waiter in London's Brick Lane, finds himself drawn into a mysterious death when his boss's wealthy friend, Rakesh, is found dead in a swimming pool after an extravagant party. Called upon to investigate alongside his boss's daughter Anjoli, Kamil unravels a complex case that threatens to reopen the wounds of his troubled past in Kolkata. As their investigation deepens, so does the relationship between Kamil and Anjoli, while hidden secrets and corruption come to light, revealing a gripping tale of crime and redemption.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3700
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers who enjoy crime and thriller novels featuring complex characters, atmospheric settings, and intricate mysteries. Fans of detective fiction with a multicultural backdrop will find Kamil Rahman's story engaging and refreshing.

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Disgraced detective Kamil Rahman moves from Kolkata to London to start afresh as a waiter in an Indian restaurant. Kamil and Anjoli prove a capable team – but as the investigation progresses, Kamil struggles to keep memories of the case that destroyed his career in Kolkata at bay.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Kamil Rahman - Kolkata detective turned Brick Lane waiter has a new case on his hands...

A SUNDAY TIMES CRIME BOOK OF THE MONTH

'This detective waiter has all the ingredients for a great crime series' - Sun

'A rip-roaring mystery that's engrossing from start to finish... a refreshing and welcome addition to the world of detective fiction' - Abir Mukherjee, author of Death in the East

Kamil Rahman, disgraced detective turned waiter, is about to find himself embroiled in a case that might just change his life... for better or for worse.

Ex-detective Kamil Rahman moves from Kolkata to London to start afresh as a waiter in an Indian restaurant. But the day he caters an extravagant party for his boss's rich and powerful friend, the peace of his simple new life is shattered. The event is a success, the food is delicious, but later that evening, the host, Rakesh, is found dead in his swimming pool.

Suspicion falls on Rakesh's young and glamorous new wife, Neha, and Kamil is called to investigate for the family, with the help of his boss's daughter Anjoli. Kamil and Anjoli prove a winning team - but as the investigation progresses, and their relationship grows, Kamil struggles to keep memories of the case that destroyed his career in Kolkata at bay. Little does he know that his past will soon catch up with him in some very unexpected ways.

'An outstanding debut' - Sunday Times

'A hugely entertaining first novel, taking us from Kolkata to Brick Lane' - Ann Cleeves

'Kamil Rahman is a likeable inspector... we shall hear much more of him' - Daily Mail

'Corruption, self-interest and the considerable gap between law and justice raise their heads in The Waiter... Kamil makes an appealing narrator, haunted but gently humorous and always humane' - Guardian

Series: Detective Kamil Rahman

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781787301832

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 May 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Harvill Secker

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 233.0mm

Weight: 356g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Ajay Chowdhury, the inaugural winner of the Harvill Secker-Bloody Scotland prize, is a tech entrepreneur and theatre director. His children's book - Ayesha and the Firefish, was published in 2016 and adapted into a musical which premiered in San Francisco. The Waiter (Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month), was published in 2021, and is the first in his critically-acclaimed crime series about Detective Kamil Rahman, an ex-policeman from Kolkata who has moved to Brick Lane in London. It is being adapted for television by Moonage Pictures.The Cook (Guardian Top Crime Books of the Year) was published in May 2022 to excellent reviews and deals with the issue of homelessness. The third book in the series - The Detective (Sunday Times Top Crime Books of the Year) - is about government surveillance and AI. The Spy (Longlisted Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing), the fourth book, sees Kamil infiltrate a terrorist cell. The Shadow (A Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month) is the latest book in the series.

Also by Ajay Chowdhury

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