This is a book that has everything. History, romance, mystery and a sense of being in India during the end of the British Raj. Most of all it is highly imaginative and extremely colourful. The descriptions of places, of food, of customs and events is compelling. Spoilt and inebriated Maharajas, snake charmers and mystic sadhus all add to the appeal of an exceptional saga. The introduction of an immoral secret service agent and a god who is learning to be a deity - into the cast of characters - is fascinating. No matter how much you liked all the other books about India in the last few decades, I guarantee this one will not disappoint.