Asking Questions

Asking Questions follows Chief Inspector Ghote of the Bombay Police as he investigates two seemingly unrelated cases. He must determine if a wealthy businessman's wife is at risk from enemies while also looking into the theft of a small sum from a youth hostel. Ghote navigates through various levels of Indian society, from affluent businessmen to college students to rickshaw drivers. His method involves patient, persistent questioning as he pieces together the truth behind both mysteries. The narrative moves between the cosmopolitan sections of 1970s Bombay and its working-class neighborhoods, presenting a portrait of a city in transition. Inspector Ghote faces pressure from his superiors and obstacles from uncooperative witnesses as he pursues his investigations. The book examines themes of class division and the challenge of maintaining personal integrity within a complex bureaucracy. Through its dual mysteries, it raises questions about truth, justice, and moral responsibility in modern India.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of H. R. F. Keating's overall work: Readers appreciate Keating's Inspector Ghote character as a unique voice in detective fiction - a humble, thoughtful Indian police inspector dealing with both crimes and bureaucracy. Many readers note the authentic portrayal of Mumbai's culture and social dynamics, despite Keating not visiting India until after writing several books in the series. What readers liked: - Complex mysteries with cultural insights - Ghote's personality and moral struggles - Dry humor and social commentary - Detailed descriptions of daily life in India What readers disliked: - Slow pacing in some books - Cultural representations feel dated in later readings - Some plot resolutions lack dramatic impact Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 3.7/5 across series Amazon: 4.1/5 average "The Perfect Murder" rates highest at 4.3/5 Common reader comment: "Keating crafts an endearing protagonist in Ghote while avoiding cultural stereotypes." Multiple reviews note the books work best when viewed as character studies rather than traditional police procedurals.

Writing the Novel by Lawrence Block A step-by-step examination of novel construction from initial concept through plotting, characterization, and final draft.

Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell The text breaks down storytelling mechanics into specific techniques for building tension, creating character arcs, and constructing plot points.

Writing Crime Fiction by H.R.F. Keating A companion work from the same author that applies his questioning methodology to the specific challenges of mystery and crime writing.

Fiction Writer's Workshop by Josip Novakovich The book presents a systematic approach to fiction writing through exercises, analysis, and practical instruction in narrative craft.

The Art of Fiction by John Gardner This text examines the fundamental elements of fiction writing through detailed analysis of literary examples and technical instruction.

🔍 H. R. F. Keating wrote this guide to detective fiction while already famous for his Inspector Ghote mysteries set in Mumbai, India. 📚 The book was part of the "Writers' Guides" series published by Allison & Busby in 1986, aimed at helping aspiring mystery writers craft better stories. 🎯 Keating emphasizes the importance of "fair play" in detective fiction - ensuring readers have access to the same clues as the detective. ✍️ Despite writing this how-to guide, Keating admitted he often broke his own rules in his novels, proving that writing guidelines are flexible rather than absolute. 🏆 The author was uniquely qualified to write this guide, having served as the crime fiction critic for The Times of London and as Chairman of the Crime Writers Association.