Audiobook Review – The Secret Keeper of Jaipur (The Henna Artist, Book 2) by Alka Joshi, Narrated by Sneha Mathan (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Historical Fiction
Length: ‎11 hours and 8 minutes
Publisher:‎ Harlequin Audio
Release Date: June 22, 2021
ASIN: ‎‎B08SHRRZRV
Stand Alone or Series: 2nd book in the Henna Artist series
Source: Borrowed Audiobook from Library
Rating: 5/5 stars

“It’s the spring of 1969, and Lakshmi, now married to Dr. Jay Kumar, directs the Healing Garden in Shimla. Malik has finished his private school education. At 20, he has just met a young woman named Nimmi when he leaves to apprentice at the Facilities Office of the Jaipur Royal Palace. Their latest project: a state-of-the-art cinema.

Malik soon finds that not much has changed as he navigates the Pink City of his childhood. Power and money still move seamlessly among the wealthy class, and favors flow from Jaipur’s Royal Palace, but only if certain secrets remain buried. When the cinema’s balcony tragically collapses on opening night, blame is placed where it is convenient. But Malik suspects something far darker and sets out to uncover the truth. As a former street child, he always knew to keep his own counsel; it’s a lesson that will serve him as he untangles a web of lies.”

Series Info/Source: This is the second book in the Henna Artist series. I borrowed a copy of this audiobook from my library.

Audiobook Quality (5/5): The audiobook quality here was exceptional. I had no issues noticing when the story changed POV. The narrator was very pleasant to listen to and did an amazing job with character voices and with conveying emotion.

Thoughts: I loved “The Henna Artist” and I enjoyed this book just as much. This time around we jump between three POVs, but it worked incredibly well for this story. We hear from Lakshmi, Malik, and Nimmi. Lakshmi is married to Dr. Kumar and is making a living in Shimla. Malik has just finished his schooling and is heading off to Jaipur to apprentice in architecture. Before he leaves Shimla, Malik meets a young widow named Nimmi and ends up very much in love with both her and her two children.

Things start to spiral out of control when Nimmi finds out a family member is involved with gold smuggling and Lakshmi tries to step in to help her. Meanwhile Malik is dealing with his own issues in Jaipur. Everything culminates in the collapse of a state of the art cinema which ties into a number of mysteries.

This is just a perfect book. The historical setting is absolutely fascinating and completely unique. The characters are complicated and have a lot of depth but are easy to engage with. The mysteries surrounding both the cinema collapse and the gold trafficking were very well done. Additionally, you get a bit of a love story between Malik and Nimmi as well. This was just such an engaging, well done story. I loved every moment of it!

My Summary (5/5): Overall this was a very well done book that gives an interesting look into the history of the time. It has an engaging story and well done characters. If you enjoyed “The Henna Artist” I think you will enjoy this as well. If you are interested in an engaging historical fiction read set in an intriguing place and time, with an excellent mystery I would recommend this as well!