Dollycas’s Thoughts

Mr. Redvers has been sent on an assignment to Ootacamund (Ooty), India, of course, his bride Jane Wunderly accompanies him with it sort of being a honeymoon. It is a beautiful place with serene gardens and flourishing tea plantations, which Jane hopes to visit and enjoy while Redvers does his best to stop revolutionary plans within the government.

On the train ride to Ooty, Jane and Redvers meet Gretchen Beetner, a British woman who is a member of the Indian National Congress. India is under British rule, and there is great unrest, so she would be in some of the meetings with Redvers. She and Jane became quick friends, and she was able to give them information and news about happenings in the region. Gretchen felt very safe traveling about town, but then news came of her demise. Said to be a terrible accident, Jane and Redvers fear it was murder.

The newlywed couple is right in the middle of all the bureaucracy and sabotage as they do their best to get to the truth. Could this be Jane and Redvers’ last adventure?

I was immediately drawn into this story by the descriptions of Redvers and Jane’s train ride across the countryside. The steam train on a narrow track over narrow stone bridges on the mountainside. Jane was keeping her eyes on the inside of the car while I would have been gazing out the window at all the things to see. There were also detailed descriptions of the villas, gardens, and tea plantations that I enjoyed. I was surprised by all the British food served when Jane, Redvers, Gretchen, and others preferred the wonderful Indian cuisine.

I love the relationship between Jane and Redvers. Jane gets more independent and confident every day, but with her curiosity and intellect, that can be a bad thing. She had her assignments every day. Being a little nervous about the wildlife and not a fan of the modes of transportation, she strived to keep up her part of the investigation. Redvers attended his meetings, but there was time for them to do a little covert sleuthing. I appreciated their social consciousness and their support of the resistance/decolonization. They truly complement each other and make a great team.

Ms. Neubauer introduced a vast cast of English and Indian characters. They were detailed and unique: from the officials to the servants to the wives, mistresses, townspeople, and even a prince, making them easy to remember. They added an authentic feel to the region and timeframe.

The mystery was very intriguing as it encompassed much more than the death. The struggle for Indian independence was palpable. Jane and Redvers followed some of the clues alone, and there was a frightening threat possible everywhere they went. Their whole trip was one ordeal after another. The twist at Gretchen’s funeral sent things in another direction and stirred things up. Jane received a deadly warning. Then Redvers goes missing as everything is coming to a head for an exciting search and reveal.

You can tell the author did a lot of research for this story. India in 1927 was a hotbed of unrest, and she fictionalized it while staying true to history. She also piqued my interest in knowing more about the faraway country and its history.

Homicide in the Indian Hills is an excellent historical mystery with well-crafted characters, a complicated mystery in a troubled time, set in a beautiful region of the world. Readers are taken on a virtual vacation to India with a bird’s-eye view of a well-plotted and well-written mystery. It was a Perfect Escape!

Jane and Redvers, freshley married, are on their way to India. Redvers is on assignment because their are rumors of a revolution. There are definitely tensions in Ooty but Jane wonders whether they are really coming from the sources that the government believes. In fact, there are many British nationals who may be working for the same cause. But then a body turns up, supposedly killed by a tiger. Jane is suspicious since this particular person had lived in the area for decades and it was unlikely that they would have been out when they knew the tiger might be nearby.
The more they dig, the more they uncover leading up to an ending that is... well, dramatic.

Three and a half stars
Jane Wunderly #4
This book came out March 25, 2025
Follows Secrets of a Scottish Isle
ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

Erica Neubauer gets Jane Wunderley, now Jane Redvers, involved in 1927 Indian politics of the British Raj in Homicide in the Indian Hills. Redvers is commissioned to support a revision of Indian laws according to a British Commission. Gretchen, a supporter of Indian self rule, is murdered, with an effort to make it look like a tiger attack. Jane and Redvers turn their eyes to finding the murderer. Then the secretary of the governor is killed and made to look like suicide. Clues are coming out and they are getting to close to the answer Great sense of place and characters.

BOOK: HOMICIDE IN THE INDIAN HILLS
AUTHOR: ERICA RUTH NEUBAUER
PUB DATE: MARCH 2025
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REVIEW- 2.8stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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THINGS I LIKED
1. The FMC, Jane, was okay and tenacious.
2. The relationship between the FMC and her husband, Redvers
3. Redvers was a good man and an even better husband
4. The setting was realistic enough, it showed how wrong British colonialism is.
5. It's in a series, and I was not confused at all
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THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
1. The mystery and solving of the case was kinda boring, long, and slow. Unfortunately, I didn't it
2. It felt like the culprit was just revealed suddenly. There was no build-up.
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I didn't really like this book, but I liked the characters.

3.75

I have been a fan of Jane and Redvers since the first book came out and I could not wait to get my hands on it. It takes place in colonial India, a place and time that intrigues me? Even better. However…

This review has a big *asterisk* on it. One of my biggest complaints of this book is that all of the action was happening in the first half of the book and then the mystery was solved at around 60%. What’s the big deal? I just did not understand how everything could be happening so soon and early conclusions always mean red herrings. How many other scenarios could they uncover with so much left in the book? My whole experience was colored by the awkward pacing. In the last book, I was 80% through before Jane was really starting to put things together.

And the reason for the extra pages? A free extra Christmas novella. Well, okay. That could be a nice addition. I started in and wondered what the name of the last Christmas novella was, the one that came out a year and a half ago. After looking and comparing titles, I realized this was the same one that I had paid for back in 2023 and fit into the storyline between books four and five.

If your copy may not have this and if so please regard.

Now to the novel… Jane Wonderly and her husband Redvers are on a work trip honeymoon. That’s an oxymoron though the hills of India give it a little bit of a pass. I enjoyed hearing about this place caught in the days of the Raj, when Gandhi was protesting the British presence elsewhere in India. I’ve known that there are cooler mountain places in India and was happy to read about it here because the heat in India is its own character and I can feel hot just thinking about the temperatures. I thought I remembered Redvers saying he would take her name in order two get away from his, which she definitely wasn’t going to take. He is back to introducing himself as Redvers, though many assume he’s Mr. Wonderly. Being actually married, rather than just pretending so they can share a room, is an interesting new dynamic. Jane is largely on her own, as “the Crown”, has sent her husband to oversee some advance meetings for other meetings where the British delegation will decide for the Indian people if they can have their own power.

There’s a lot of walking going on and I could almost visualize the map, which wouldn’t have been a bad idea for the front of the book. Some excess repetition in the movements and the issues with the pacing probably augmented that as I thought there would be so much more of it filling at least another quarter of a book. I do feel that some characters that become important are underdeveloped previously in the book making it hard to pivot to parallel storyline.Still, there’s a bunch of Jane and Redvers time and it’s enjoyable.

I do have to say, I prefer the audiobooks but it wasn’t available to me yet. I’m sure that impacted my impression. I could hear the narrator as Jane in my head while reading it. She does a great job.


Thank you to Erica Ruth Neubauer, NetGalley, and Kensington Publishing for providing me with a free advanced copy of this ebook for my unbiased review.
#HomicideintheIndianHills #NetGalley

I love Erica Ruth Neubauer's mysteries as they made me travel in time and space. Well researched, entertaining solid mystery featuring fleshed out characters.
They're always a treat
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I truly enjoy this series - it's one of my top ten favorites, and thankfully, with this new book, that feeling remains the same.

Marriage has not softened Jane and her keen senses and acerbic wit remain intact, which is absolutely refreshing. So many fantastic MC's lose their spunk and vivacity once the author marries them off and I am grateful that is not the case here.

This outing finds Jane and Redvers in India, in the midst of the growing anger/resistance to British rule and there is much unrest. They become embroiled in a particularly gruesome [and personal] murder, and the unrest around them just adds to the mystery. The mystery is crisp, the characters full-bodied and there were moments where I felt I was right there in India with them. The only thing I didn't love was the ending/reveal that felt very rushed to me and also fell a bit flat. Otherwise, this was an excellent read; the research that the author obviously does really adds to these stories and makes them as good as they are - I imagine how much fun it is to research these amazing times and locations [it really does show in the stories]; this ginormous history lover is so grateful for that.

I really enjoy Sarah Zimmerman's narration of these books; she handles the various accents/voices deftly and really makes for an enjoying and engaging listening experience. I highly recommend listening to both this fabulous book AND the whole series!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Erica Ruth Neubauer, Sarah Zimmerman - Narrator, Kensington Publishing/Kensington and RB Media/Recorded Book for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

I'm always excited to read a new Jane Wunderly mystery, and Homicide in the Indian Hills did not disappoint! Once again Jane and Redvers cannot stay in one place for long, and in this adventure they are off to India where both intrigue and murder await! As usual danger lurks behind every corner, and also as usual I was on the edge of my seat during the entire book. Beautiful scenery, well-written characters, exotic locale, and a fun whodunit - 5 stars and I can't wait for the next in the series. Thanks, Erica Ruth Neubauer, for creating such fabulous characters! :-)

This is my first read of a book in the series and it was very enjoyable. The mystery was very good as I expected but the setting makes a nice change from the normal with the vibrant culture and scenery of India shining through as its set in 1927 close to the end of British colonisation and also covers all the issues raised with that. I will be going back to check out the earlier stories as I enjoyed this one so much, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Bringing all the ritual, the romance and the grandeur of the British Raj, this story though a mystery murder, was evocative of Ootacamund in 1927. The British were in power and they wanted to hang on to it as much as possible. The independent movement had started and it would only gain momentum with the years and there would be protests and bloodshed galore before India gained her Independence.

This story dealt with British government officials bickering for power, and doing everything they could to prevent Indians having any say in formulating legislation. Redvers and Jane newly married have arrived in Ooty. Redvers job is to smooth the way for formulating laws advantageous to the British and keeping India very much in their grip. Redvers and Jane do not believe this is the right thing to do. In the midst of this two murders take place one of a British citizen who is very partial to Indian independence, and the secretary to the Governor.

Trying to find out not just who the murderer is, but also the motive for the murders is important. Besides this, there are plenty of behind the scene activity both political and personal and the couple want to see justice served despite the official coverup.

Very descriptive of the workings, the attitudes of British officers and how the Indians had to almost debase themselves to survive in this era are part of the story.

An additional novella at the end of this story, set in a snowy Christmas themed holiday where Redvers and Jane try to protect Redvers father from a bigamist, was a lovely story in itself.

This is my top favorite historical cozy mystery series. This book is another winning installment in the series. The characters are great and book is so well-plotted with lot of adventure, I highly recommend it!

Another fabulous installment in this series. I love how Jane and Redvers just get more comfortable and stronger together. They trust each other implicitly and do not waste time trying to talk each other out of the opinions and decisions. I love how passionate they are about people's freedoms and their support of decolonization. This book is so cozy and I loved the descriptions of the delicious food and the beautiful setting. Though I wasn't so shocked by the reveal, I really enjoyed following along the sleuthing and the danger and action at the end had me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to see where else they go!

Ooty, 1927: Accompanying her new husband Redvers on an assignment to Ootacamund to quell revolutionary rumblings, Jane finds there’s more than meets the eye to India’s Queen of Hill Stations. Ooty’s lush tea plantations and tranquil gardens barely conceal its secrets—scandalous affairs, political sabotage, and a mounting anti-colonial movement. But it’s not until the shocking death of a British national that Jane and Redvers are truly drawn into Ooty’s deepest shadows.
The sixth book in the series & to full appreciate it I’d recommend reading in order. I love Jane & Redvers, how they complement each other & bring out the best. A very well written interesting book with very good descriptions & of course the couple can’t resist investigating Gretchen’s death. Of course there are twists & turns & once again I was left guessing. Roll on book seven & I wonder where the intrepid couple will journey next
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

3 1/2 stars. A complicated mystery set in the 1920s when a council is set to convent to decide on how many, if any, rights indigenous people will have to vote on the governing of India. Jane and Redvers, newly weds, go to Ootycamund on Redvers assignment to help quell rebellion before the commission even arrives. Politics, ambition, backdoor deals and spying are the order of the day. But during the course of all this maneuvering, a British national with well-known sympathizes for home rule in India is murdered even though people try to label it a tiger attack. Jane is determined to find the truth but can she and Redvers survive nature and the more dangerous human who are just as determined to have things their way.

This is a well written story with lots of real history about the atrocities of British rule in India, the struggles for Indian rule without British influence and those struggling to keep the British in control. There is also a complex mystery with people with various motives who leave the reader guessing to near the end of who is responsible. You might think oh, this is way to early to reveal the murder and think there is a lot more coming, but that might not be true because there is an additional bonus of a novella included.

Although it is a well researched and crafted mystery that describes with great enthusiasm the vibrant culture and beauty of India and its culture, it isn't one of my favorites because of all the the very heavy burden of the activities of the British during the imperial age. Yes, it is good to know about them--this isn't the first I've ever read about it--but it does make it depressing. So, if you were in the mood for something just light, this may not be for you. I will say the novella has the much more of the cozy feeling you might have been expecting.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. This title is the latest in the Jane Wunderly series and features Jane and Redvers post-wedding traveling to India for one of his government assignments. I love how the book opens with the description of the train trip from the lower elevations in India to one of the lush mountain areas; it really sets the stage for the locale of this book. India is at a crossroads where the British Raj wants to surpress further pushes for Indian independence and self-determination and locals are arguing with each other on what the right path forward. Redvers's assignment is to help quelle dissent ahead of a visit by a British delegation that is looking at reforming Indian law. Unfortunately, a former member of the Indian National Congress is found dead shortly after they arrive in what at first appears to be a tiger attack, but upon further investigation, is clearly the result of foul play. Jane insists on being involved in the investigation because she felt a kinship with the deceased woman. Of course, Jane and Redvers soon find themselves in danger and forced to try and stay one step ahead of a murderer or become victims themselves.

I always enjoy the mystery and the twists and turns in this series and this book is no different. What really set this one apart and made it my favorite of the series to date is the setting of India during this period including the political intrigue. I felt the author did a good job of giving the reader an understanding of the political situation during this time and I liked seeing things through Jane's perspective. While she didn't just assume that British rule was for the benefit of the Indians, but instead saw the many ways that it had failed them and continued to fail them. The secondary characters are well fleshed out and definitely added to the story. I look forward to see where Jane and Redvers travel to next.

In this sixth outing Jane Wunderly and her now husband, Redvers, travel to India. This is 1927 and India has two factions working in the country, one to keep it under British Colonial rule and the other to become independent. Redvers is there on behalf of the crown. As the newlyweds travel to Ootacamund, usually shortened to Ooty, a resort town in the hills of India, they meet a woman on the train, Gretchen Beetner. Gretchen was a member of the Indian National Congress. It turns out that the three of them are staying at the same place. Gretchen is found dead and the first assumption is that she was killed by a tiger. Redvers and Jane go to examine the body and find that while her clothes do have tears, her body has only surface scratches, not deep marks that a tiger's claw would make. Redvers finds upon examination that she was shot. Who would want to kill Gretchen and why? Who has the influence to pass this murder off as a tiger attack? Not long after, there is another death, is this death related? The police are corrupt and of no help, so it is up to Jane and Redvers to investigate. Threatening notes are sent to stop the investigation.

This is an engaging story. Erica Ruth Neubauer does a wonderful job of describing India in 1927. It is obvious that she has conducted extensive research. The plot moves along to a satisfying conclusion. I love the playful conversations between Jane and Redvers, they are great characters. This can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the entire series and seeing how Jane and Redvers met and following as their relationship grows.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Kensington, for an ARC. The review is my own.

This latest in the series - which is also easily enjoyed as a standalone- sees American Jane and her new husband Redvers, who does clandestine missions for the Crown, in India where tensions are running high in the tea growing Hill country. They met Gretchen, a British woman, on the train to the station and Jane enjoyed her company. But then Gretchen is killed, not by a tiger as it was alleged but by a human. But who? Jane's investigation takes a scary edge when the villain threatens her. I've enjoyed this series not just for the mysteries (which take place in atmospheric locales) but also for the relationship between Jane and Danvers. Each installment has seen progress in that area. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Oh- and no spoilers- the mystery is good.

Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and RB Media digital copy of this book and audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Homicide in the Indian Hills is the 6th outing for Jane Wunderly and her new husband, Redvers. The globe-trotting couple are in India this time around. They meet this interesting woman named Gretchen on the train who is a diplomat, heading to the same meeting in the mountains that Jane and Redvers are going to. (Redvers has some sort of hush-hush governmental job that’s never fully explained, adding to the intrigue of this series.)

Jane is anxious to get to know Gretchen better, and it turns out they are staying at the same place. It turns out that many Britains do not want to give India the right to govern themselves; Gretchen is most assuredly in favor of giving the Indians their rights.

Shortly thereafter, terrible news arrives. Gretchen was killed by a tiger while walking back to the house after a meeting at the governor’s house. Jane is devastated, and she and Redvers go to the hospital, managing to take a look at Gretchen’s body. It’s obvious she was not mauled by a tiger but rather shot in the face at close range!

Jane and Redvers do what they always do–they investigate the murder of Gretchen, but it seems that someone is putting up roadblocks. Will they make it out of India alive? You’ll just have to read the book to find out!

As with previous volumes, this Jane Wunderly mystery was narrated by Sarah Zimmerman, who does an excellent job, as usual. I would definitely dive into another book narrated by Zimmerman as she has a pleasing voice and creates distinctive characters.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Erica Ruth Neubauer for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Homicide in the Indian Hills coming out March 25, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I haven’t read all of the books in the series. I read the two books before this one. I am really loving the series. Jane is a bright, interesting character. I think the setting is rich with history. There were a lot of factors in this book. I enjoy the backstory. The plot was really good and I loved the mystery. I would definitely check out more books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy historical mysteries!

I was very excited to see I had been approved for the next installment in a favorite series.

Jane and Redvers travel to India in this latest Jane Wunderly mystery. I enjoyed the vivid setting of Ooty, where the Raj decamps during the hot summers. When a new, interesting British friend is murdered, Jane and Redvers dive into unraveling the mystery, trying to uncover who had the motive and means to commit the crime.

This series has always been great because of the rich locations and the witty banter, but the last two books were missing what has set this series apart from others. While I appreciated the rich descriptions and atmospheric settings, the last few plots have felt underwhelming. It seemed like the story needed more depth and intrigue to keep me fully engaged. Without a stronger, more engaging plot, the series is starting to lose its spark for me. I hope the next installment brings back the excitement and mystery I once loved. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.