The tree bears witness by Sharath Komarraju

"The tree bears witness" by Sharath Komarraju - Another Birbal mystery!

This book is published by Westland Ltd in 2017 and has 241 pages. This is Book 2 of Birbal mysteries. 

It's the occasion of Akbar's wedding to the Rajput Princess of Amer. Cousin of the Princess and nephew of King of Amer, Sujjamal, is murdered in an orchard near mango tree in front of the guards, while there's no one else. Birbal is summoned. 

How can Sujjamal be killed by no one? Can the guards be trusted? What will this murder mystery lead to? Can Birbal save the day? Will justice be served?

An invisible killer, lack of illumination, possibility of ghost, legend of Ram-Lakshman-Sita trees, Royal politics, palace intrigue, communal colour; the story has it all.

Although the story happens in a span if two days it's pace is leisurely, owing to old times. Birbal has to walk tight rope. On one side he has to ensure that innocent is not punished and on the other he has to ensure he does not offend royals and courtiers. Birbal is now at Akbar's court for one year. He has now established himself and is in favour of Akbar.

Thr plot is not very complex. The point that occupies the mind of readers is how the murder was done rather than who did it. That is the crux. The old story of mango tree bearing witness is used in modern (well, modern of that era) sense. 

The story is interesting enough to continue reading. There are a number of editorial errors in the book (son called nephew, cousin called son etc). Such errors are definitely avoidable. 

End of story has similarities with first Book, where palace politics reins paramount. 

Why did I read this book? Book 1 was good. 

What I didn't like? Editorial mistakes. 

What did I like? How the murder happened. 

Read if you have time.