The Waiter by Ajay Chowdhury

​"The Waiter" by Ajay Chowdhury - Justice served?

This book is published by Harvill Secker in 2021 and has 288 pages. This is Book 1 of Kamil Khan series. 

It’s sixtieth birthday party of successful businessman Rakesh Sharma in England. Rakesh declares in the party that he will sell his company and spend time with his young wife (Neha) doing charity. Neha finds Rakesh murdered after party and calls Saibal (Rakesh’s friend and caterer of the party) who is on his way back with his family. Kamil is son of Saibal’s friend from Calcutta. Kamil was one of the the waiters at that party. In his former life he was a sub inspector in Calcutta Police.

What is a sub inspector doing in England waiting tables? Why was Rakesh murdered? Whodunit?

There are various characters in this book. Rakesh, the millionaire who is murdered. He runs a very successful company called PinRak. Neha, his Secretary turned wife, half his age. She truly loves him. Pinky, first wife of Rakesh. She has a grudge against Neha. Arjun, grown up son of Rakesh and Pinky. He doesn’t like Neha as well. Tania Raazia, an upcoming Bollywood star who also is from Calcutta. Saibal, friend of Rakesh, restaurant owner and employer of Kamil. Maya, Saibal’s wife and head chef of the restaurant. Anjoli, daughter of Saibal and Maya and Kamil’s only friend in England. Neha is her best friend. Kamil, former Sub Inspector, Calcutta Police and current waiter at Saibal’s restaurant. His past haunts him. Rehman, former chief of police of Calcutta and Kamil’s father. Maliha, a lawyer and Kamil’s former fiancée. 

The difference of this book is that there are two stories. One story happens in England and another has happened few months ago in Calcutta that resulted in Kamil waiting tables. The stories are unfurled alternately for the readers. Is there a connection? Like many murder mysteries, the story is slow, systematic and methodical. Like many murder mysteries the murderer is revealed in the last 20 pages. Like many murder mysteries a small clue cleverly buried somewhere results in the epiphany to the detective. So what’s the USP? It’s the part of story after the murderer is revealed! Here author doesn’t take the beaten path. Readers can draw their own conclusion if the Justice was served! No pun intended.

Kamil’s journey is interesting. The idealistic former sub inspector loses everything, gains something, is about to lose that something and finally learns a life lesson.

I collected one sentence for my collection of interesting sentences:

His mustache looked like an emancipated caterpillar has curled up and died in despair on his upper lip. 

Story ends with numerous possibilities for Kamil. Which of them will come true? I think Imam and Anjoli are good prospects. Guess we will have to wait till I read  Book 2 titled “The cook” that’s already published.

Why did I read this book? Blurb.  

What did I like? The end. 

What I didn't like? Pace. 

Read if you love murder mysteries.