Alka Joshi

It’s the spring of 1969, and Lakshmi, now married to Dr. Jay Kumar, directs the Healing Garden in Shimla. Malik has finished his private school education. At twenty, he has just met a young woman named Nimmi when he leaves to apprentice at the Facilities Office of the Jaipur Royal Palace. Their latest project: a state-of-the-art cinema.

Malik soon finds that not much has changed as he navigates the Pink City of his childhood. Power and money still move seamlessly among the wealthy class, and favors flow from Jaipur’s Royal Palace, but only if certain secrets remain buried. When the cinema’s balcony tragically collapses on opening night, blame is placed where it is convenient. But Malik suspects something far darker and sets out to uncover the truth. As a former street child, he always knew to keep his own counsel; it’s a lesson that will serve him as he untangles a web of lies.

In New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi’s intriguing new novel, henna artist Lakshmi arranges for her protégé, Malik, to intern at the Jaipur Palace in this tale rich in character, atmosphere, and lavish storytelling.

A Novel

The Secret Keeper of Jaipur

Not as good as the first book, and I found Nimma very unlikable as a character. The previous book felt well planned and this one did not.

Syrina Akbari

A NEW NOVEL BY THE AUTHOR OF THE HENNA ARTIST, A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK "Captivated me from the first chapter to the last page." —Reese Witherspoon on The Henna Artist In New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi’s intriguing new novel, henna artist Lakshmi arranges for her protégé, Malik, to intern at the Jaipur Palace in this tale rich in character, atmosphere, and lavish storytelling. It’s the spring of 1969, and Lakshmi, now married to Dr. Jay Kumar, directs the Healing Garden in Shimla. Malik has finished his private school education. At twenty, he has just met a young woman named Nimmi when he leaves to apprentice at the Facilities Office of the Jaipur Royal Palace. Their latest project: a state-of-the-art cinema. Malik soon finds that not much has changed as he navigates the Pink City of his childhood. Power and money still move seamlessly among the wealthy class, and favors flow from Jaipur’s Royal Palace, but only if certain secrets remain buried. When the cinema’s balcony tragically collapses on opening night, blame is placed where it is convenient. But Malik suspects something far darker and sets out to uncover the truth. As a former street child, he always knew to keep his own counsel; it’s a lesson that will serve him as he untangles a web of lies.

Suzanne

Twelve years after the events of The Henna Artist, Lakshmi and Malik are living in Shimla, in northern India. Malik is in love, but goes to Jaipur to please Lakshmi. But a building collapses and the reasons behind it draw the characters from the first book together again.

I loved seeing Malik as a young adult, ad sinking into this world again.

Cheri McElroy

Twelve years after the events of The Henna Artist, Lakshmi and Malik are living in Shimla, in northern India. Malik is in love, but goes to Jaipur to please Lakshmi. But a building collapses and the reasons behind it draw the characters from the first book together again.

I loved seeing Malik as a young adult, ad sinking into this world again.

A NEW NOVEL BY THE AUTHOR OF THE HENNA ARTIST, A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK "Captivated me from the first chapter to the last page." --Reese Witherspoon on The Henna Artist In New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi's intriguing new novel, henna artist Lakshmi arranges for her protégé, Malik, to intern at the Jaipur Palace in this tale rich in character, atmosphere, and lavish storytelling. It's the spring of 1969, and Lakshmi, now married to Dr. Jay Kumar, directs the Healing Garden in Shimla. Malik has finished his private school education. At twenty, he has just met a young woman named Nimmi when he leaves to apprentice at the Facilities Office of the Jaipur Royal Palace. Their latest project: a state-of-the-art cinema. Malik soon finds that not much has changed as he navigates the Pink City of his childhood. Power and money still move seamlessly among the wealthy class, and favors flow from Jaipur's Royal Palace, but only if certain secrets remain buried. When the cinema's balcony tragically collapses on opening night, blame is placed where it is convenient. But Malik suspects something far darker and sets out to uncover the truth. As a former street child, he always knew to keep his own counsel; it's a lesson that will serve him as he untangles a web of lies.

Emily Harris

** spoiler alert **
           Loved this sequel to The Henna Artist! After the 1st book, I was definitely interested to learn more about Malik and this story was focused around him mostly. At the beginning I found myself forgetting a lot of the characters and storylines from the 1st... but Alka Joshi did a truly amazing job at summarizing the past storylines within the sequel at the appropriate times to jog our memory..without anything being too redundant or out of place. 

Also loved that Lakshmi still had chapters dedicated to her perspective (the others were for Malik & Nimmi), since she is still a beloved character. The story is set 12 years later, so she is now married to Dr. Kumar who we were introduced too at the end of book #1 and still very much a sister figure to Malik. 

As for the overall reason behind the collapse I wouldn't say it was too shocking of a discovery, but it was interesting and enjoyable to see Malik putting the pieces together. Maybe it was tooooo much of a coincidence that Lakshmi also came across the same bricks.. but hey, made for a good story!! 

Can't wait for the 3rd book - apparently coming out in 2022!

Sharon :)

The follow up to the Henna Artist was a little slower than I expected. I'm a sucker for little tidbits and insights into the lives of characters after the epilogue is written. This book offers exactly that. 
All the well loved characters from the first book made another appearance along woth some new ones. Overall, good read. 

Shawna Gavas

This was the perfect sequel to The Henna Artist! Alka Joshi has such a beautiful way with words, making me feel like I was physically visiting India.

I love that she merged our old favorite characters, Lakshmi and Malik, with new characters and the story left me pleased with how their lives turned out.

There was a mystery woven through this novel as well which I really enjoyed!

I look forward to seeing what Alka Joshi will have in store for us next!

The Secret Keeper of Jaipur A Novel

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