The Mistress of Bhatia House (A Perveen Mistry Novel)
The Mistress of Bhatia House is fourth in Massey’s mystery series set in 1920s India with Bombay’s first female lawyer as the main character. Massey’s depiction of daily life is precise and rich. Given how much of this world is likely to be new to readers, Massey must bring it to life in detail. Occasionally this necessary information feels bulky, but given the depth required, Massey shows mastery of this inherent challenge. The Mistress of Bhatia House develops a complicated plot involving a range of crimes and a compelling cast of villains and victims—sorting out which is which is a significant part of the book’s appeal. However, Massey’s vivid portrayal of the social limitations on women offers the most intensely arresting element. Massey’s “sleuth” is deprived of practicing law fully as she was trained to do. For example, it is illegal for her to address a judge in court. She must hire a man to present her cases in court.
Watching lawyer Perveen Mistry navigate the strictures placed around her, without stepping outside the bounds of socially acceptable behavior, draws the reader’s sympathy and admiration. This theme is also portrayed through other women from the lowest social standing to that of a princess. Early in the novel, women’s lowly status is summed up by the one female obstetrician’s comment, “A female baby is born… the mother is told that her daughter didn’t survive. But the truth is, she’s a baby nobody can afford.” The multi-layered plot keeps the reader guessing and enjoyably engaged, and the overarching theme regarding women’s lives brings an unusually poignant emotional depth.
