The Crows Of Agra | Book Review

At a Glance....

Title:The Crows Of Agra

Author: Sharath Komarraju

Publisher: Amazing Reads

Pages:218

Genre : Mystery / Fiction

Format : Paperback

ISBN :9-788192-910956

This is an Akbar- Birbal mystery, a book that I had purchased long back.I took this along with me on a road trip and read it all through the way , snatching a few minutes here and there to see where the story was going!

I like historical fiction and I was sure this one wouldn't disappoint me. The author was new to me but the term 'Birbal Mystery was enough to encourage me to read on.

At the very beginning, the note from the author states that this is a work of fiction and should not be related to history!It can be called a murder mystery with a historical flavor or simply a murder mystery.This being said, it is easier to accept the twists and turns in the story!

The story takes placein Agra in the 16th century where Akbar has no inking on what is going on in his empire. 

Bairam khan, who has been gaurding the throne is also said to have been ganging up with other rulers to dethrone Akbar and ascent the throne to rule Agra.Maham Anga ,Akbars foster mother and her son Adham Khan, Empress Ruquiya who has not been able to bear a heir to the throne, Salima, the wife of Bairam khan,who is said to be in love with Akbar, Akbar's elderly aunt Gulbadan are some of the main characters in this book along with Mahesh Das / Birbal .

Akbar meets Mahesh Das when he is captured by a group of dacoits ,Mahesh Das cleverly saves Akbar and takes him to the palace.

Bairam Khan is murdered and there starts Mahesh Das's investigation in finding out who the killer is.

In the end, he solves the mystery and Akbar is very much happy to see his way of investigation and asks him to continue to be with him as his eyes and ears of the palace.

My view on the book:

It is fast paced,especially after Biram Khans death and Akbar asking Mahesh Das to investigate. 
There are some incidents that are fictional yet add a nice layer to the story.
It is written in simple language.
You can get a good glimpse of the Moghul Era and the ways of the King and the people.
All in all it is a quick and easy read that can be finished in one sitting.




Linking this to:

1. 52 books in 52 weeks
2. Mount TBR Reading Challenge
3. Review Writing Challenge
4. Wild Goose chase Reading Challenge for the key word- Species of a bird.

Until next post....