BLACK RIVER

Sharmila Devar's smooth narration is perfectly matched to this evocative mystery set in rural north India and the slums of Delhi. When the body of Chand's young daughter is found hanging from a tree outside their village, the religion of the main suspect raises the profile of the case. For that reason, local police officers Ombir Singh and Bhim Sain are joined by a senior police officer from Delhi, who heads the investigation. Devar uses her strong characterization skills to bring alive a wide cast of characters, highlighting the different personalities that cause tensions to build throughout the investigation and capturing the emotions of the bereaved family. Her perfect timing keeps the plot flowing as it weaves between timeframes. The narration creates an engaging and thought-provoking experience. K.J.P. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2025]