Blood Moon Over Bengal

Rating:
Summary: A must read for all Romantic Suspense readers!
Review: Blood Moon Over Bengal

Prejudice digs deep in its sack of tricks to doom the relationship of Elizabeth and Nigel.

State of Bengal, 1932.

Elizabeth Mainwarring, heiress to a cheep station in New Zealand, lands her plane in Calcutta, on a military runway, for a last go at mending relations with her estranged father, Colonel Andrew Mainwarring, (C.O.) commanding officer of the post.

No sooner has she vacated her plane that a crossed security officer, Major Nigel Covington-Singh intercepts her. This Major breathes military protocol, and they quickly clash over breached security measures. Meanwhile the confrontation insidiously promises a future relationship.

Separately, both are strongly discouraged in pursuing a relationship as the British officers and wives on the post consider the Major, of mixed race, beneath their station. Despite this fact, it is well known that handsome Nigel would be a catch to a couple of uppity wives.

Half English and half Indian, Nigel feels that Elizabeth is his superior as per the local prejudice, and primarily out of reach -- her being the daughter of his commanding officer.

Having spent her teens and adult life in Britain, Elizabeth is too modern to let prejudice govern her relations. But unbeknownst to her, the dashing officer is an Indian prince! When she does find out ... Elizabeth feels unworthy of such a relationship. Nigel would never contemplate a future with her, on a sheep farm of all places! Thus updated on the politics and his family status, her relationship with Nigel becomes strained.

Meanwhile Nigel seeks a promotion and to be considered for one he must resolve a slew of murders, which has put the post in total panic with the ladies. The killer has killed Indian women but recently has targeted British women, who venture outside their own race. Nigel knows that the "Bengal Killer" has now targeted Elizabeth despite their rare appearances together.

The dangerous flavor of India's jungles mixed with the political climate will provide readers a read they soon won't forget.

The author's cast of characters is superbly done. I found myself caring in `one way or another' for all of them.

And, having served in the military myself, I must say that the author is bang on with the dependant's way of life - rumor mill and all. Kudos to the author.

The mystery never stops. The ongoing relationships within the cast of characters will thrill you, literally. The prejudice is well presented. The forbidden love enthralling.

Kudos to the author. Looking for more...Miss McKendrick Pippin.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Read
Review: Blood Moon Over Bengal is a wonderful book filled with suspense and sexual tension. It's a must read for all Romantic Suspense readers. I'm looking forward to more books from Morag McKendrick Pippin in the near future.

Rating:
Summary: British Colonial India comes to life!
Review: Ever since watching the Masterpiece Theater dramatization of Paul Scott's Raj Quartet AKA The Jewel in the Crown, I've been interested in British Colonial India. So when I stumbled onto this book which takes place in the waning years of the British Raj (specifically 1932 Calcutta) I wouldn't have missed it! Murder mystery, imperialism, prejudice and forbidden love all combine for an enjoyable and interesting debut for this new author. Those who loved Scott's romance between English-educated Indian Hari Kumar and British born and raised Daphne Manners may also enjoy this story.

"Modern girl" Elizabeth Mainwarring has just recently inherited millions in addition to a sheep station in New Zealand on the death of her beloved mother. Elizabeth was born in India but her mother left her controlling, dictatorial, military man father when she was a child using malaria as her public reason for returning to England with her daughter. Now on her way to her inherited property in New Zealand, Elizabeth drops in (quite literally!) on her father's military compound in India to attempt reconciliation.

Major Nigel Covington-Singh is what is unkindly referred to in Brit circles, a "cheechee" or "blacky-white" meaning he is half Indian and half English. And even though his father is the Maharaja of Kashmir and his grandfather was the English Duke of Avesbury, he cannot escape the prejudice of the British with whom he works and lives among. When several Brahmin (Indian upper-class) women are savagely murdered Nigel is given the task of investigating the murders.

When his commanding officer's estranged daughter shows up quite unexpectedly, it shakes Nigel's world as he is very attracted to her. Unfortunately, there are two very good reasons that he cannot pursue her: one, she is the daughter of his boss; two, an English woman would be ruined if she consorted with an Indian man - no matter how exalted his family tree. It just is not done. But Elizabeth cannot understand such prejudice and Nigel cannot resist her and so a discreet (and steamy) romance begins. Things escalate when English women begin numbering among the killer's victims - especially women who have "consorted" with Indian men. Which makes it all the more imperative to keep their relationship under wraps and could put Elizabeth in danger. Can Nigel find the killer before another Englishwoman dies?

This is really more historical murder mystery than romance novel but I still enjoyed it as I love the setting and period in which the story takes place. If you are looking primarily for a romance, there may not be enough here for you. The murder mystery was well done as the author set up several plausible suspects and it took me a good while to figure out whodunit. And the author really brings India and the period to life for the reader. But I must say that toward the end she throws in a few unnecessary complications and sometimes she went on too long in describing fairly minor characters or situations and I found myself skimming. But I did enjoy this story and will likely check out her next book which will be set in WWII London. A promising new author.


Rating:
Summary: fine historical tale
Review: In 1932 near Calcutta, Elizabeth Mainwaring lands her plane in a forbidden zone. Half-breed major Nigel Covington-Singh lectures her until he learns she is the daughter of his Commander. Still he warns her to be careful as the British are not very popular in Bengal.

Elizabeth finds herself very attracted to Nigel. He reciprocates, but knows that any relationship between them is dangerous for both of them as this is considered taboo. Nigel is also concerned how the British authorities have ignored the serial killing of natives until one of their own is murdered. Struggling to resolve his love for Elizabeth with her safety while trying to solve a series of homicides yet remain a good soldier, Nigel is pulled in numerous ways that leave unsure what to do.

BLOOD MOON OVER BENGAL is more a historical tale than a romance although there is an exciting star-crossed lovers' sub-plot. The story line enables the audience to look deeply into Bengal society in 1932 in which the native caste system has a British top loaded onto the hierarchal pyramid. The mystery is intriguing more in terms of the light it shines on the era. Fans of historical tales with romantic and mystery underpinnings will appreciate this fine look back.

Harriet Klausner


Rating:
Summary: Blood Moon Over Bengal - A must read for all readers
Review: In an exotic locale, prejudice digs deep in its sack of tricks to doom an attraction between Elizabeth and Nigel.

State of Bengal, 1932.

Elizabeth Mainwarring, heiress to a cheep station in New Zealand, lands her plane in Calcutta, on a military runway, for a last go at mending relations with her estranged father, Colonel Andrew Mainwarring, (C.O.) commanding officer of the post.

No sooner has she vacated her plane that a crossed security officer, Major Nigel Covington-Singh intercepts her. This Major breathes military protocol. They clash over breached security measures. Meanwhile the confrontation insidiously promises a future relationship.

Separately, both are strongly discouraged in pursuing a relationship as the British officers and wives on the post consider the Major, of mixed race, beneath their station. Despite this fact, it is well known that handsome Nigel would be a catch to a couple of uppity wives.

Half English and half Indian, Nigel feels that Elizabeth is his superior as per the local prejudice, and primarily out of reach -- her being the daughter of his commanding officer.

Having spent her teens and adult life in Britain, Elizabeth is too modern to let prejudice govern her relations. But unbeknownst to her, the dashing officer is an Indian prince! When she does find out ... Elizabeth feels unworthy of such a relationship. Nigel would never contemplate a future with her, on a sheep farm of all places! Thus updated on the politics and his family status, her relationship with Nigel becomes strained.

Meanwhile Nigel seeks a promotion and to be considered for one he must resolve a slew of murders, which has put the post in total panic with the ladies. The killer has killed Indian women but recently has targeted British women, who venture outside their own race. Nigel knows that the "Bengal Killer" has now targeted Elizabeth despite their rare appearances together.

The dangerous flavor of India's jungles mixed with the political climate will provide readers a read they soon won't forget.

The author's cast of characters is superbly done. I found myself caring in 'one way or another' for all of them.

And, having served in the military myself, I must say that the author is bang on with the dependant's way of life - rumor mill and all. Kudos to the author.

The mystery never stops. The ongoing relationships within the cast of characters will thrill you, literally. The prejudice is well presented. The forbidden love enthralling.

Kudos to the author. Looking for more...Miss McKendrick Pippin.

Rating:
Summary: I loved it!
Review: Set in Calcutta, State of Bengal, 1932. Elizabeth Mainwarring was en route to New Zealand, where she has a sheep station and land full of oil. However, before she finally settles down in New Zealand, Elizabeth stops in Calcutta to visit her estranged father, Colonel Andrew Mainwarring, in hopes of mending the breach. The area is already in disarray due to several recent murders.

Major Nigel Covington-Singh is the youngest of the Maharaja of Kashmir's three sons. Even though he is a prince and an officer, the British officers and wives consider him beneath them in station. Nigel is a "wog", half English and half Indian. That does not mean that those snobbish wives do not try to seduce Nigel though. The man is very handsome. Nigel is part of the team investigating the "Bengal Killer". The killer has killed many Indian women already. Recently the killer began targeting the British women, but only those who have been with men outside their own race.

Elizabeth and Nigel cannot help the attraction they feel for each other. Elizabeth is too modern to care what others will think of her for dating Nigel, but feels as though she is not worthy of an Indian Prince. Interestingly enough, Nigel feels that she is his superior. The biggest problem they face, though, is the killer. And the killer now has Elizabeth penned as his next target.

***** This mystery-thriller has the taste of a Regency romance with the dangerous flavor of India's jungles mixed in. The only thing missing was the glorious ball rooms of London. But the majestic ball rooms of Bengal are just as breathtaking! The author set a murder mystery AND thriller plot during a volatile time in Bengal history. At this time, Bengal was still going for Home Rule (self government). The author added in several secondary characters that I could not help but care for. Fiona, Elizabeth's friend and companion, is but one example. I never found myself growing bored either. The mystery is ongoing, the thrills are non-stop, and there are lots of scandalous opportunities presenting themselves for my entertainment. Very well done! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.