Captain Jim and Lady Diana return to home to Bombay to find that Diana's beloved brother Adi has been accused of murdering his business partner.

In amongst this crisis, there is additional strife caused by those who shun Diana's family because of her marriage to Jim, which leads to financial issues for the Framji family.

This is an exciting addition to the continuing tales of human interactions in Victorian era India. This is the second Captain Jim and Lady Diana book I've read. I will be keeping watch for more. Very entertaining and I highly recommend this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC..

My thanks to Net Galley and St Martin's/Minotaur for allowing me this arc.

I'm going to just say this was only ok. I was not wowed. Jim and Diana were interesting characters and I enjoyed learning about the Indian/Parsi way of life but some of the terms confusing and this wasn't a page turner.

This is a well-written, entertaining, historical fiction, mystery novel. It has a likable and intelligent male protagonist, murder, an intriguing mystery, an unexpected twist, and a satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed being immersed in the vividly described locale, time period, customs, and culture. The author's notes are interesting and informative, and are truly appreciated. I especially enjoyed learning about Ms. March's touching family tradition. Many thanks to Ms. Nev March, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley, from whom I received an advanced reader copy of this wonderful novel. This is my honest opinion.

This is the fourth book in the series, set in the 1890's.

Jim and Diana return to Bombay when Diana's brother Adi is accused of a serious crime, and he comes to the USA to ask Jim to help him.

Jim begins to realize the cost that the Framji family has paid, in their Parsi community, when Jim married Diana. The family, and Jim and Diana in particular, are now on the outside of the community.

Jim investigates the crime from multiple angles, using his many disguises and his community connections. Once again, it is Diana that wants to get involved, and who manages to come up with some clever ideas to ind the real criminals.

Excellent characters, and a really interesting plot, with several side stories that all come together.I was fascinated to find that the author based many of the plot points on real historic happenings.

I enjoyed this book even more since the couple returned to India, and we get the descriptions of the lives of the people in the 1890's. I'm looking forward to the next book.

Captain Jim and Lady Diana return to Bombay to clear her brother Adi's name. Adi's business partner, Satya, has been murdered and Adi is the number one suspect. The couple is happy to be embraced by the Framjis family again but troubled by some changes that have happened in their absence. Jim's investigation is difficult as Adi is holding back information and his dead partner was keeping huge secrets. I really enjoy seeing Jim and Diana back in the folds of their loving family while fighting injustice.

I like the overall premise of the story but felt it dragged in parts but overall it was a good read Thanks
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: May 13, 2025
“The Silversmith’s Puzzle” is the fourth novel in the “Captain Jim and Lady Diana Mysteries” by award-winning author Nev March.
1894: Diana Framji’s family lost a large fortune as a result of the global economic downturn and now her beloved brother, Adi, is accused of mother. Diana and her husband, Captain Jim Agnihotri, must return to Diana’s home of Bombay so that Jim can help clear Adi’s name. But it’s been many years since Jim and Diana visited Diana’s home and the country isn’t exactly welcoming, shunning Diana and the rest of her family for Diana’s choice to marry outside of her Parsi community. Even as a private detective, it will take everything Jim has to clear Adi, and hopefully earn a positive reputation in the Parsi culture.
“Puzzle” is the fourth novel, as mentioned, and it is always difficult for me to pick up on a novel series in the middle, although it seems that that has been my lot as of late. In this case, I really would’ve liked to have read books one through three before taking this one on, as I felt disconnected with the characters and the plot.
There are many characters in this novel, some of them are obviously from previous novels in the series, but Jim is the protagonist and narrator. “Puzzle” has multiple mysteries for Jim to solve, as his investigation into the murder of Adi’s partner leads him to uncover another mystery involving forged gold statues and, although they are connected, I found the double mystery to be overwhelming. March connected the two storylines well, but I felt like one complete, organized plot would’ve held my interest for longer stretches.
Although both mysteries in “Puzzle” were solved, there was enough of a hint at the end of this novel to suggest a fifth novel is forthcoming.
The characters were likable and it was interesting to learn about Indian society during the nineteenth century. The ending was unpredictable, which I enjoyed, and there was definitely enough action to keep me engaged however something about this novel fell flat for me. I did not find myself turning the pages rapidly, or becoming deeply immersed into the novel’s plot. Maybe it was due to the fact that I had not read the previous installments but I had to push through “Puzzle”, in order to finish.

"Captain Jim Agnihotri and Lady Diana Framji return to India as they investigate a murder amidst colonial Bombay's complex hierarchy in March's fourth mystery.

In 1894 colonial India, Lady Diana's family has lost their fortune in a global financial slump, but even worse, her brother Adi is accused of murder. Desperate to save him from the gallows, Captain Jim and Lady Diana rush back to Bombay. However, the traditional Parsi community finds Jim and Diana's marriage taboo and shuns them.

The dying words of Adi’s business partner, a silversmith, are perplexing. As Captain Jim peels back the curtains on this man's life he finds a trail of unpaid bills, broken promises, lies and secrets. Why was the silversmith so frantic for gold, and where is it? What awful truth does it represent?

Set in lush, late-Victorian India, Captain Jim and Diana struggle with the complexities of caste, tradition, and loyalty. Their success and their own lives may depend on Diana, who sacrificed her inheritance for love. Someone within their circle has the key to this puzzle. Can she find a way to reconnect with the tight community that threw them aside?"

I more than a little obsessed with colonial India...

I so enjoyed being back in the company of Jim, Diana, and the rest of the Framji family. The mystery was very satisfying and I found it very hard to put the book down. This is the fourth volume of the Captain Jim and Lady Diana series. As usual, Jim is brave, honorable, and not afraid to admit when he doesn’t know something. Diana is intelligent, kind and able to provide a new point of view when unraveling a crime comes to a standstill.

Nev March has developed her characters so well that they do seem real. As always she includes informative details about the Parsi religion that I find interesting. I’m looking forward to the next book. By the way, I do recommend reading them in order.

Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy. This is my honest review.

Nev March’s 4th book in the series continues the story of Jim and Diane as they travel back to Bombay. Adi, Diane’s brother is accused of murder. Jim does his best to solve the case and free his brother in law.

I liked that we return to where it all started. I enjoyed the call backs to the first book, still my favorite of the series. March continues to build on the story arcs of our protagonists from each book.

Ultimately, while I enjoyed it, I wasn’t as enamored as I was reading book 1 and 3. The ending teases for a future entry, which I look forward to see what happens next.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

4.5 / 5.0 stars

It is September of 1894. Jim and Diana left Boston a few weeks before and have arrived at Liverpool, England where they meet up with her brother, Adi who had sent an urgent telegram asking them to come. Adi divulges that he has been accused of murdering his business partner in Bombay and has fled to England. He fears becoming a scapegoat in the matter. If anyone can help him, he believes that it is Jim. So back to Bombay they all travel with the hope of reclaiming Adi's good name.

Author Nev March spins a wonderful tale, filled with adventure, mystery, and a touch of romance. The writing is excellent and highly descriptive. In this installment of the Captain Jim and Lady Diana Mystery series, one is swept away to colonial Bombay, India. The air is moist and hot. The gardens are lush and their blooms glorious. Nev March's rich understanding of India social ranking, delicate international diplomacy, classism of the 1890s, and history of the day is beautifully rendered. The way in which she writes dialogue among people of differing cultures and class is insightful and delivers a strong understanding of why things ultimately had to change.

The story was thoroughly captivating and I eagerly await the next book in series as it makes its way into the world.

I am grateful to publisher Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.


Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: May 13, 2025
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-1250348036

Thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur and NetGalley for this free ARC in return for my honest review.

Nev March is one of my favorite authors, Here we are on the 4th book of her Captain Jim and Lady Diana series and are back where it all began, Victorian Era India. A charming couple who are shunned when they return to India because Lady Diana is a Parsi and Jim was an of an Indian woman and British father - the castes may not mix!! And the caste system is part of this mystery, as Jim tries to clear his brother-in-law of the murder charge filed against him. Things look dire, as witnesses are bribed, caste issues keep people from giving evidence, and Jim is even forced go help clear up a robbery at the Indian Mint in order for people to assist his efforts on behalf of his brother-in-law.
I love this series as it transports me effortlessly to India and provides marvelous look at the times, places and people living there in the midst of the Victorian Era. Even though it is book 4, you need not have read the first 3 to thoroughly enjoy this new installment of Captain Jim and Lady Diana.. Well done Nev!!!! 4.5****

The Silversmith’s Puzzle by Nev March

Our narrator, Jim, is an Anglo-Indian detective in the 1890s who sets out to free his brother-in-law from a murder charge in Mumbai. Adi is accused of killing Satya, his business partner in a silversmith business.

Mr. March has created a web of mystery for Jim in this story. Finding the real killer is daunting, but Jim persists. There are many characters and most play a role to help Jim.

There are several explanations of Indian life and culture, which I really enjoyed. One of these is that Jim married above his station. This has caused a social rift for his pure blooded Indian wife and her family .

The reader will get no clues or hints of the killer until the end, which becomes very busy and, I believe, a setup for his next book. I look forward to that. 5 stars

Interesting book, however it was a bit long and drawn out in some parts. The setting descriptions were interesting and well written. A good addition to the series.

As a fan of the previous books, I was happy to get the opportunity to read an advance copy of this latest installment in the series, thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. This book is told from the POV of the husband, Jim, who is half British and half Indian. Since most books like this are written from the wife's point of view, this was a welcome change. I was happy to see the couple return to India, since I am interested in the cultural differences there. They work to clear Diana's brother of a murder charge, and there were many twists and turns on the way to an unexpected end.
There were many topics covered including prejudice and racism, the legal system, the caste system and more. It was very atmospheric, making me feel like I went back in time to this place in India. I also enjoyed Jim's references to Sherlock Holmes (who I happen to have just been reading) and Shakespeare. I particularly liked the family and community dynamics during a very stressful time. Although this book could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the previous books, especially the first in the series. Fans of the series will be happy to read more about the characters.

The 4th book in this historic mystery series … and while the reader would probably get more out of it if they had read the other 3, I think this could be an intriguing and understandable standalone.
1890’s American India and Britain are the settings for the series and the majority of this book take place in Bombay. The main characters of the series are: Captain Jim - a current PI, former British army member, Bombay Constabulary officer, Anglo-Indian,in his early 3o’s who’s father is an unknown Englishman who was raised as an orphan from an early age AND. Diana Framji - Bombay born, British educated daughter of a wealthy Parsis family expected to marry within her religion and class. In previous books (but explained in this one), these two fell in love, married and moved to America mainly because, although Diana’s family have accepted the marriage, Bombay Parsi society doesn’t.
In The SIlversmith’s Puzzle, Jim receives an urgent telegram from Diana’s brother, Adi, who is also like a brother to him. The couple travel to Britain to rendezvous with Adi and find he’s on the run from the murder of his business partner in India. He’s scared that he’s going to be arrested for the murder but is being cagey with Jim and Diana about all the details of the incident. They convince him to return with them to India so that Jim can try to find out who really killed the man, clear Adi’s name and remove some the stigma from his family and their business. Diana’s parents are thrilled that all 3 have returned but Jim and Diana aren’t so lucky. Most of Parsi society shows their disdain for the couple and social engagements are cancelled. The murder at the heart of the book takes MANY twists and turns and involves a large cast of characters from colonial Raj administrators, high and low caste Indians…generous people, criminals and beggars. The story also weaves in interesting info about the onerous taxation system imposed by the British in India, the many restrictions of the caste system and the overall bad impact of the Raj on India and its people. Jim and Diana love and respect each other and work together to help Adi stay out of the executioners noose. .

I loved this latest installment in Nev March's series. Ango-Indian Jim Agnihotri and his Parsee wife Lady Diana Framji return to Bombay when her brother is accused of murdering his business partner. Very atmospheric, and a clever mystery to solve. I do hope that Jim and Diana remain in Bombay because I prefer that setting, but the author writes so well I will follow her characters anywhere.

Im sorry to say that I did not enjoy this read. It was just too long until the murderer was discovered. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for granting me this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. #TheSilversmith’sPuzzle, #NetGalley, #Goodreads.

This is a continuation of the story centered on Captain Jim Agnihotri and Lady Diana Framji now in 1894 as they return to a part of India where her brother has been accused of the murder of his business partner and desperately needs their help. Their work is hampered by perceptions of their alliance and rules/etiquette in the Parsi culture. As usual they dig deep each in their own way to do what is needed to find the truth. I absolutely loved the first three in this series, so don't expect an unbiased review.
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected digital galley from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Pub Date May 13, 2025
#TheSilversmithsPuzzle by @nevmarch #CaptainJimandLadyDianaMysteriesBk4 @stmartinspress @minotaur_books #mystery #detective #booktok #crimenovel #murderinoldbombay #HistoricalNovel #Parsiculture #castesystem #investigation #mystery #NetGalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @waterstones ****Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk @kobo #thriller #suspense

Nev March’s fourth mystery takes Captain Jim Agnihotri and Lady Diana Framji back to Bombay, India, to investigate a murder. This time, the case is personal, as Lady Diana’s brother is accused of murdering his business partner. As Captain Jim delves deeper into the case, the trail leads him closer to a possible family connection. I found the story captivating and full of fascinating characters. But for me, all the Indian words muddled my ability to follow the storyline. I could not keep straight if the words were character names, locations, objects, clothing, or names of dishes.