The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall is the first book in the Vish Puri detective series, featuring the Indian private investigator Vishwanath "Vish" Puri. The novel is a modern, light-hearted yet intricately plotted mystery set in contemporary Delhi, India. The crux of the story lies in Vish Puri’s investigation into the disappearance of a young servant girl, Mary, who vanishes from her employer's house under mysterious circumstances. As Vish digs deeper into the case, he uncovers a much darker and more complex web of deception, social injustice, and family secrets.

Key Points:

1. The Disappearance: The story begins with the disappearance of Mary, a servant working for a wealthy family in Delhi. Mary is accused of stealing money from her employer, but she denies the accusation and vanishes without a trace. The employer, a wealthy but eccentric man named Dr. Suresh, asks Vish Puri to investigate the matter. Mary’s sudden disappearance and the conflicting reports about her character make her a mysterious figure, and Vish Puri takes on the case with his characteristic confidence and skill.

2. Vish Puri – The Detective: Vish Puri is a private investigator, often described as India's answer to Sherlock Holmes. He is a complex character—clever, observant, and meticulous, but also prone to overindulgence in food and drink. Vish Puri's investigative methods are often unconventional, relying on his network of informants, his sharp intuition, and his understanding of the Indian social fabric. He runs his own detective agency, Most Private Investigators, and has a strong team that helps him in solving cases. His team includes Rumpi, a brilliant assistant, and Facecream, a skilled tracker.

3. Social Issues and Class Division: One of the central themes of the novel is the stark class divide in Indian society, particularly the treatment of servants and the disparities between the lives of the rich and the poor. As Vish investigates Mary's disappearance, he becomes aware of the systemic exploitation and abuse faced by domestic workers in India. Mary’s plight is not just about a missing servant, but also about the power dynamics in a society where the poor are often powerless and voiceless.

4. The Investigation Unfolds: As Vish delves into the case, he uncovers many layers of family secrets, lies, and corruption. He learns that the household where Mary worked had its own dark history, and there are multiple suspects, including a jealous lover, a suspicious employer, and an abusive family dynamic. Vish also investigates the background of Mary’s life and her ties to the wider domestic servant community, which plays a crucial role in unraveling the truth.

5. The Twist and Resolution: The story’s resolution involves uncovering the true reason behind Mary’s disappearance. Vish Puri’s investigation reveals that the disappearance was not a simple case of theft but was tied to a much larger and more sinister conspiracy, involving exploitation, manipulation, and a hidden truth about the family’s past. By the end of the book, Vish Puri’s methods lead to the revelation of the true culprit and the uncovering of long-buried family secrets.

6. Humor and Social Commentary: The Case of the Missing Servant combines detective fiction with humor and social commentary. The book offers sharp insights into modern Indian society, touching on topics such as corruption, the power of money, and the relationships between different social classes. The tone is light-hearted at times, particularly with Vish Puri’s interactions with his team and his penchant for using unconventional investigative tactics, but the underlying themes of class inequality and social injustice give the story depth.

Conclusion:

The crux of The Case of the Missing Servant is the unraveling of a complex case that highlights both the personal and social dynamics at play in modern Indian society. Vish Puri, with his sharp mind and unconventional methods, solves a case that initially seems straightforward but becomes a commentary on exploitation, social stratification, and the hidden lives of domestic workers. The story blends a traditional detective story with contemporary issues, providing both a satisfying mystery and a deeper reflection on modern India’s social fabric.