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Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra
Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra | Vaseem Khan
On the day he retires, Inspector Ashwin Chopra inherits two unexpected mysteries. The first is the case of a drowned boy, whose suspicious death no one seems to want solved. And the second is a baby elephant. As his search for clues takes him across the teeming city of Mumbai, from its grand high rises to its sprawling slums and deep into its murky underworld, Chopra begins to suspect that there may be a great deal more to both his last case and his new ward than he thought. And he soon learns that when the going gets tough, a determined elephant may be exactly what an honest man needs...
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review
CaitlinR
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Pickpick

Well, this book was just charming, and exactly what I needed during this stressful week! So glad that it starts a new series.

Inspector Chopra has been forced into retirement after a heart attack. Surprisingly, a favorite uncle bequeaths him with, of all things, a baby elephant. As Chopra struggles to confront his retirement, he cannot ignore the drowning death of a young man. As he follows clues, his elephant becomes an invaluable assistant.

JamieArc Sounds charming 😊 4mo
25 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Astroneman
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Pickpick
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Robotswithpersonality
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Pickpick

As I suspected, I am now invested in another mystery series. 🤷🏼‍♂️ What surprised me most was not the moments of silliness and fun, or even the family melodrama, but rather how sobering a look at corruption, how seedy a sprawling city underbelly Chopra's investigations and reflections reveal. The author does not hold back, and this fictionalized (?) modern Mumbai is all the more vividly alive as a result. 1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/? I'm not interested in the traditional gender roles in evidence, the focus on getting and keeping a husband, and having children (in wedlock) determining a woman's value, but Chopra's wife having a backbone even amongst the weight of these societal expectations (and a constantly complaining mother) redeems the characterization somewhat. 1y
Robotswithpersonality 3/? I was pleasantly surprised to see a flicker of transgender representation in the text, though mention of violence against transgender people, while statistically plausible, was disheartening, as was other terminology by which the transgender person was referred to which might be cultural but feels outdated/inaccurate and possibly unappreciated by that community. 1y
Robotswithpersonality 4/? Here's hoping as my reading of this series progresses from its first entry in 2015 that I see some of the improvements in minority representation one notes in contemporary fiction. 1y
Robotswithpersonality 5/? On the 'not broke, don't fix it' side:
Baby elephant side kick!
Dour detective bluffing his way through absurd circumstances with gruff demeanour even as his dignity quietly curls up and dies (see shopping mall escalator and unwilling elephant; attempted surveillance in brothel while fending off its employees)
Classic denouement where villains cheerily or dramatically reveal all aspects of crimes/dastardly plan
Pro-choice mother informing pregnant teenage daughter of the full range of options 👍🏻
1y
Robotswithpersonality 6/6 ⚠️Animal cruelty, child trafficking 1y
7 likes1 stack add5 comments
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TheEllieMo
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I am posting one book per day from my extensive to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it, I just do. Some will be old, some will be new. Don‘t judge me - I have a lot of books. Join in if you want!

#ABookADay2023

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janeycanuck
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Mehso-so

Eh. This was fine but nothing special. I won‘t continue with the series.

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majkia

Indian style cozy with a baby elephant sidekicking the retired inspector. A fun, fanciful read.

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IReadThereforeIBlog
Pickpick

The first in Vaseem Khan‘s BABY GANESHA AGENCY SERIES is a delightful cosy crime novel that includes the grit of poverty, economic change and corruption. Chopra is an interesting character, who feels increasingly anachronistic in modern India while mourning for what his country is becoming and I enjoyed his relationship with the spirited Poppy who enjoys modern developments while Ganesha brings playful whimsy. I will definitely read on.

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Christinak
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I‘m half way though this. What a cute cozy mystery! I‘m going to have to get the next book in this series.

37 likes1 stack add
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MarkoPDX
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Mehso-so

Writing this months later, I do not recall who the culprit was. I remember thinking I would probably read give the next book in the series a try someday, but that it was just so-so. I don't know if everyone would classify this as a #cozy #mystery , but it would classify it that way.

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StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego
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Bailedbailed

This is not my type of genre, therefore I could not get into it at all. But the MIL gifted it to me, so I had to give it a go. I think she thought I'd like it cuz she knows I like elephants. 🐘

audraelizabeth It reminds me of the movie operation dumbo drop. 4y
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AmyReadsAlot
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Pickpick

I had such fun reading this story! It was set in modern India and Chopra was a man who loved tradition and was rather unsettled at the modernization taking place in Mumbai. The mystery was a trail of discoveries that drew me in further and further until I was absolutely invested in finding the killer of the young man. There were also some humorous moments that had me laughing at the absurdity of what was taking place in this story.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful ❤️❤️ 5y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks It looks antique! I love antiques!!! 5y
12 likes5 comments
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Jgotham
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Pickpick

After reading this all night (while I was feeling ill) I fell in love with the baby elephant 😍. He was so cute and I can‘t wait to see more of him in future books. I liked this a lot and the main character was interesting and I liked his personality in the book. I learned a lot about Indian culture and was tempted to try Indian food for the first time after this book! Oh and it‘s on sale for $2.99 ebook

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sherryvdh
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It feels like I haven't gotten to check out Litsy in ages! I've been solo-parenting for the last 3 weeks because my husband is working a big project that requires him to be out of town Monday-Friday. It's likely going to be like this for another month or so. I haven't had much chance for physical reading either (getting in lots of audio!). I'm hoping I'll finish this one up today. I'm really enjoying it! #booked2020 #SetInIndia

Cinfhen Nice to see you!!! Glad you‘re still finding some time for reading/listening 💞💞💞 5y
30 likes2 comments
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Tiltedwhirled
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Mehso-so

This was only ok.

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Iceangel9
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Pickpick

Second half of June reading, plus the audiobook version of Helter Skelter.

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howjessicareads
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Mehso-so

India‘s answer to the No. 1 Ladies‘ Detective Agency. 🙂 #howjessreadsin2019

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Pandalibrarian
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Pickpick

This is our book club pick for this month and I‘m done ahead of time for once! I enjoyed this light, cozy mystery set in Mumbai. I loved the relationship between Chopra and Poppy. The baby elephant was an unexpected treat and made me laugh. Still picturing it going up the escalator. 🐘

19 likes1 stack add
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Read66
Pickpick

This series starter was a lot of fun - especially baby elephant Ganesh who helps Inspector Chopra keep safe while he works on solving the crime. Will definitely be back for more in the series.

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Ke633
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Starting a photo series called Random Stacks of Books in my House. Hope you enjoy this not at all serious look into the random way I have my books sorted! 😂😂

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Smrloomis
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Kindle deal for US readers (maybe others as well?) for USD 1.99. Enjoyed this cozy and not terribly complicated mystery set in Mumbai. In fact, all I remember now is the detective, his wife, and their baby elephant.

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howjessicareads
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These books are just so cute! I‘m going to have to read one based on cover alone. 😍😍 #behindthescenesatbookmans

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BookishMe
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Pickpick

Journey through #crime #mystery #thrillers continues for #LitWorld2018GB

From Vaseem Khan's upright Detective with a pet baby elephant, no less (!) - India
To another series new to me, set in Laos

BellaBookNook I read the Unexpected... and really enjoyed it. Hope you do too. 6y
BookishMe @BellaBookNook I did... Especially with the elephant's antics! I was chuckling when it was pulled up the escalator and then Poppy's pampering in the flat ;p The other Indian Detective series i enjoyed is by Tarquin Hall. Have you read 6y
BellaBookNook I am so glad you liked it! I laughed a lot too especially his relationship with his mother in law! I have not read The Case of the Man Who died Laughing. Have you read it? I do own The Case of the Missing Servant. But I haven‘t read it yet. Right now I am enjoying book and audiobooks of Silk Worm (#2). 6y
BookishMe @BellaBookNook I have read the entire series by Tarquin Hall and loved the books! The Missing Servant made me want find out more about the Partition and the aftermath. 6y
44 likes4 comments
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morgan_lionheart
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Mehso-so

This was reasonably entertaining.... The best part was, of course, the baby elephant, but he's also entirely implausible. As a mystery this isn't great, because there's a lot of focus on Chopra and his wife, and the mystery is solved pretty abruptly. I don't regret reading it, but I also wouldn't regret skipping it.

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Jen2
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Pickpick

Darling!!!

DGRachel This book was such a pleasant surprise! 6y
105 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Angeles
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Pickpick

Great love letter to Mumbai and modern India. The marriage of poppy and chopra is one of the sweetest and more romantic portraits of a mature relationship I have read in a long time. The baby elephant is just great and the audiobook narrator is perfect

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Dvmheather
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Pickpick

Baby elephant fighting crime!

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Libby1
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My traveling book has returned to me!

I truly enjoyed participating in #whodunnituk with @ScorpioBookDreams , @jhod , @DeborahSmall , @thegirlwiththebookishcandle , @Caroline2 , @TrishB , @emily_m_tubb

Thank you for returning it, @ScorpioBookDreams , and for my lovely Sherlock book. It‘s gorgeous!

ScorpioBookDreams I‘m pleased you like the Sherlock book! 💕 7y
TrishB It‘s been great fun 😁 Thanks @ScorpioBookDreams @Caroline2 yours is in the post! 7y
Caroline2 @TrishB yours arrived yesterday thanks trish! Mega chuffed to have The Dry sequel! Sorry I haven't posted a pic yet I've been really ill with the flu! 😷 7y
See All 14 Comments
Caroline2 @ScorpioBookDreams hey Racheal! Your package is wrapped and ready to go but I've been too ill to get the post office! 😔 sorry! I'll get the husband to take it Saturday! 👍🏻 7y
Caroline2 I have so enjoyed doing this whodunit by mail too! Let me know if any of you fancy doing a sequel?? 👍🏻 7y
TrishB @Caroline2 glad it arrived safely. Hope you‘re feeling better soon ❤️ I‘m up for a sequel! 7y
ScorpioBookDreams @Caroline2 don‘t worry about it. There‘s no rush. Just get well soon! 7y
ScorpioBookDreams @Caroline2 @TrishB we can find out if the others fancy doing a sequel and maybe start in May or June. 7y
Libby1 @ScorpioBookDreams , @Caroline2 , @TrishB - yes, I‘m interested, too. I have been thinking about which book I might select! 7y
ScorpioBookDreams @jhod @jenniferw88 @emily_m_tubb @DeborahSmall @thegirlwiththebookishcandle anyone else interested in another round of whodunit starting June? I can see if anyone else wants to sign up too. 7y
emily_m_tubb @ScorpioBookDreams It would be great... but having major house issues at the moment- when would be the latest I could let you know for certain? 😄 @DeborahSmall did you get your book back? 😁 7y
DeborahSmall @emily_m_tubb yes! Thank you for the Beatrix Potter notebook 😘 7y
90 likes14 comments
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ScorpioBookDreams
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Pickpick

I absolutely loved this month‘s #whodunituk and have already ordered book 1 and 2 hardbacks for my collection! I‘ll be posting this back to @Libby1 next week.

thisconstantreader This looks very interesting 😀. I‘ll be checking it out soon! 7y
Libby1 So so glad you liked it. ☺️ 7y
ScorpioBookDreams @Libby1 second one arrived today so I‘ll be reading it soon! 7y
Libby1 It‘s arrived! Thanks so much. I‘ll be posting a photo later. 💚 7y
111 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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ScorpioBookDreams
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Thank you to @Caroline2 for this month‘s #whodunituk and the goodies! I‘ve already eaten the buttons 🙊

Caroline2 I'm glad it arrived ok, sorry it's so late! It took me ages to get to the post office cause of the snow! ❄️ 🙄 7y
ScorpioBookDreams @Caroline2 don‘t worry about it. I had the same problem. 7y
81 likes1 stack add2 comments
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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

I‘ve been doing a lot of heavy reading (and thinking) lately, so this was a much-deserved treat. I was having trouble understanding the audiobook at first . . . until I realized that I had the playback speed set at 1.5 from my previous book. Oops! 1.25 was fine. Anyway, straight-as-an-arrow retired policeman Chopra spectacularly fails at retirement, aided by baby elephant Ganesh. What‘s not to like?!

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HeatherBookNerd
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#riotgrams challenge day 10: book and a beverage
The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra on my kindle along with some Earl Grey tea in my banned books mug. Happy Saturday!

#bookandabeverage #day10
@bookriot

Carolyn11215 LOVE that mug! 7y
HeatherBookNerd @Carolyn11215 it was a gift. I love it too! 7y
53 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Caroline2
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Ohh massive thank you to the lovely @TrishB for all my goodies with the final #whodunit book. How yummy are those golden chocolate balls?! 😱🤤😋

TrishB There‘s definitely one more! As I have the next one already. Think March is the last one 😁 glad you liked the choccies 💕 7y
Libby1 I hope you‘ll like this book! 7y
ScorpioBookDreams Yes there's one more then back to original littens! 7y
Caroline2 @TrishB whey, glad to hear there's one more!! I've really enjoyed doing the whodunit books! 7y
Caroline2 @Libby1 it's sounds charming! I've never read a cozy mystery before so I'm looking forward to it! 👍🏻 7y
61 likes5 comments
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Smrloomis
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Pickpick

Cozy #mystery set in #Mumbai with a retired police officer and a baby elephant 🐘

CoffeeK8 That‘s the most interesting 1-sentence summary I‘ve read in a long time! 7y
Smrloomis @CoffeeK8 thanks 😄 I really enjoyed it. 7y
92 likes4 stack adds3 comments
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Smrloomis
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Started this yesterday. So far, so good!

84 likes1 stack add
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TrishB
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Mehso-so

This was the next #whodunnituk and when writing my comments in the notebook I am definitely out of line with my fellow readers who all loved it! I didn‘t hate it - it was a nice afternoon read - nice/cosy, hence the so-so.
As I have written in the book for my fellow readers I won‘t write further here 😁

Bambolina_81 I agree. Nice enough but not very exciting. 7y
Verity I think I have this on my tbr shelf somewhere... 7y
DeborahSmall I actually dreaded reading this as I‘m not into cosy mysteries in the slightest. I think because I read shortly after so much shitiness it was a nice heartwarming read,but it‘s definitely not the type of book I‘d go out my way to read. X 7y
Ke633 I agree.. Good not great. Probably will not read more from this series. 7y
TrishB @DeborahSmall Sometimes books come at a certain time and are unexpected and very welcome! There has certainly been a variety in #whodunnituk 😁 7y
116 likes5 comments
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TrishB
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@thegirlwiththebookishcandle thank you for the next #whodunnituk and the gorgeous card - it did arrive before Christmas I just forgot to post!
@Caroline2 your next one will be in the post this week hopefully - start of next week at the latest!!

thegirlwiththebookishcandle Thanks Trish, sorry im so late in seeing this too 7y
133 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Ke633
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Doing some reading this morning.. #JoinIn Not usually alone on Christmas morning but that‘s just how it worked out this year.. that‘s ok! My #tbr list is going to get some loving..

alisiakae Great pic! Enjoy the time crossing some books off your TBR list! 😊📚 7y
emmaturi I have read this book, nice story! 7y
41 likes2 comments
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jenniferw88
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🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️

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Ke633
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Can we all just agree that book mail is the best mail? #bookhaul #bookmail #ravenclaw The book mark is from an Etsy shop called Bibliophile Prints.. 😍😍

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jenniferw88
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Pickpick

Yippee! #LitsyAtoZ completed ✅ @BookishMarginalia

I can see this being India's version of the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency series - which I also enjoy!

5 ⭐

TK-421 Congratulations on completing the challenge! 👏👏👏 7y
DGRachel Congratulations! 7y
Texreader Fantastic!!! 7y
See All 13 Comments
BookishMarginalia Woohoo! 😍 7y
Annl 👍 7y
night_shift Congrats! 🎉 (I don't think I'm going to finish mine thus year. Still have all the odd letters left. I think next year I'll do book title instead of author's last name!) 7y
Andrew65 Well done! 🎉🍾🥂🎊 7y
Daisey Congrats!! 🎉 7y
megt Congrats! 7y
SilversReviews Congrats!! 7y
bentchbites Wow! Congrats! I'm gonna do this next year! :) 7y
Jas16 🙌🏽🙌🏽 7y
114 likes1 stack add13 comments
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jenniferw88
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I love this image of Ganesha & Chopra! 🤣🐘❤️🤣🐘❤️

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jenniferw88
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🤣🤣🤣 Loving the next #whodunituk (this is one of many favourite quotes) and enjoying the elephant section dividers! 🐘🐘🐘

TricksyTails Love the little 🐘💙 7y
78 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Mindelan
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My mom sent me this book yesterday, and it was very welcome after a lousy day at work! I‘m getting started on my lunch break and I am SO DOWN for whatever Uncle Bansi is up to with this elephant.

6 likes1 stack add
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Smrloomis
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Kindle deal... I haven‘t read this but it‘s definitely on my TBR.

DGRachel I loved it! 7y
Smrloomis @DGRachel 👍🏽 7y
49 likes1 stack add2 comments
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DeborahSmall
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Pickpick

Finished this last night. Not usually a book I would have chosen for myself but was part of our #whodunnituk. Thoroughly enjoyed it, will definitely be picking up a copy for myself and his other 2 ❤️📚

Tanisha_A The cover! 😍 7y
Tanisha_A I love elephants! 7y
Smangela I love the title and the cover... it‘s one that just makes me want to crack it open! 7y
See All 8 Comments
TrishB Shall look forward to it - have found new authors with #whodunnituk. 7y
DGRachel I got both my mom and grandma hooked on this series. Mom said Gramma laughed so much reading this one that she HAD to read it to see what was so entertaining. 😊 7y
drokka I loved this book. I need to read the other two since I already own them. 7y
DeborahSmall @Tanisha_A @Smangela @TrishB @DGRachel @drokka definitely a pleasant surprise and very entertaining 💕 7y
bedandabook I‘ve heard so many good things about this book. Bumping it up my TBR now, thanks. 7y
76 likes4 stack adds8 comments
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DeborahSmall
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Cosy mysteries aren‘t normally my thing but I‘m loving this months #whodunnituk had a lovely walk in town this morning. ❤️📚

DGRachel I loved that one. I have the next two in the series but haven‘t had a chance to read them yet. 7y
DeborahSmall @DGRachel I think I‘ll be buying myself a copy and the next 2. So surprised that I‘m enjoying it so much! 7y
Libby1 I see the Castle! 7y
See All 10 Comments
DeborahSmall @Libby1 it was a lovely sunny morning for a change! 7y
eanderson That‘s a pretty picture!!! Enjoy!!! (edited) 7y
Sarah83 Gorgeous view 😍 7y
LeahBergen That looks gorgeous! 💕 7y
Cathythoughts Stunning new pic 💫 7y
bedandabook I‘ve heard good things about this book. Lovely photo! 7y
TrishB I'll look forward to this one 👍 7y
79 likes10 comments
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Matilda
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The I-don't-cuddle goat changes her tune once a year after the vet.

Notafraidofwords My boyfriends dog doesn't like to cuddle either. What's up with that. 7y
Matilda @Notafraidofwords I ended up with an angry goat trapped inside a dog 😂 7y
55 likes2 comments
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emily_m_tubb
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"He lifted up the tail and examined Ganesha's behind"

I can't help but laugh at just how accurate this is! ?

RowReads1 🤣🐘 7y
Jess_Read_This 🤣Sounds like quite a year! 7y
27 likes2 comments
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emily_m_tubb
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Day 1 of #AwesomeAutumnBooks and #FallIntoBooks #TBR #SeptemberMostAnticipated
@Jess7 @RealLifeReading

This is the second book for #whodunituk... Can't wait to get stuck in!

DGRachel This was a great book! 7y
drokka Excellent book! 7y
Crinoline_Laphroaig I have the first one in my stacks. Looking forward to it. 7y
Libby1 I hope you like it! 7y
24 likes1 stack add4 comments
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jhod
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Pickpick

Finished on my train up North with a nice (plastic) glass of rose! #whodunituk @Libby1 Coming to you next @emily_m_tubb

emily_m_tubb Can't wait! I'm hoping to finish The Secret Place this weekend, love it so far 😃 7y
Libby1 I hope you like it, @jhod and @emily_m_tubb ! It is a little lighter than the other titles... 😬 7y
46 likes2 comments