Assignment: Nepal [Format Kindle]

It didn't take me even twenty pages to fall for Irene Adler. By page twenty I told myself I wouldn't even care if this book didn't develop a plot--I'd keep reading it just for the enjoyment of Irene's self-deprecating humor and her acute and amusing commentary on the people (and the macaw) in her life. Happily, "Assignment: Nepal" isn't short on plot either--all in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Adler, named for "the only woman to outsmart Sherlock Holmes," is an anthropologist with a taste for adventure who hoped her doctorate would open doors. ("It had opened doors, all right. Classroom doors.") Her former academic advisor Dr. Herbert--who reminds her of Lewis Carroll's White Rabbit, but who may not be as scattered as he seems--convinces her to visit a fellow anthropologist and former classmate in Nepal.

Something fishy is going on in Nepal, although Dr. Herbert is less than forthcoming about exactly what he wants her to investigate. Irene is bored enough with academic life--and flush enough from her poker-playing--to take the bait anyway. What follows is an enjoyable travelogue-cum-mystery, involving Nepalese politics and culture, Hindu religious practices, and most of all, people.

The book itself is the collaborative effort of two authors writing under the assumed single name of J.A. Squires, and I hope someday to read an interview about their writing process. To create such a strong narrative voice with two people at the helm is a noteworthy accomplishment indeed. Wherever the lines may have been between the two author's separate contributions, the result is a seamless product--and (tantalized by the implied promise of the word "series" in reference to this stand-alone book) I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment.

Assignment: Nepal reminded me of John LeCarre's way of telling a story. The more I read the less I understood what was going on. The main character, Irene Adler, had the same problem. She was sent off to Nepal to "figure out what was going on," with no real guidance as to "what was going on about what." She is surrounded by many characters: eccentric, exotic, mysterious, slightly crazy, dangerous ... and two who are dead, one recently, the other many years in the past. All of this is submerged in the culture of Nepal, which adds another element of uncertainty about on-going events.

The two authors are the perfect mix for this story. An anthropologist provides reality to world the characters are immersed in. A skilled author presents the tale in a highly readable form that keeps the reader's attention. In spite of the convoluted story line, I didn't get lost in the tale. And I finally found out how to play Texas Hold 'Em (and realized I'll be better off if I avoid the game.)

One minor quibble: as the story comes to a conclusion and all is revealed to the reader, one character and the protagonist talk about the facts and work everything out. The story could have gone on for another chapter or two if the facts became clear through action instead of talk. That's a minor quibble, go ahead and read the book. You'll enjoy it.

I requested this story to review.

The reason i wanted to read this story is because of the lead characters name. I'm a fan of Sherlock Holmes, so i recognized the name of Irene Adler as being the only woman to best Sherlock.

Assignment Nepal, is a adventure story featuring a woman who is a blend of Indiana Jones and another adventurers. She is given a task by a former professor, and she leaves her witty parrot and a man that she has a complicated relationship with and goes to Nepals.

J.A. Squires creates a realistic and vivid protray of Nepal. It's obvious that they have a deep love for the city and create a world that the reader can picture with the utmost clarity. They handle action well, there is a particular scene in a market that was so well written i felt i was swept away into the action and the crowd.

i, for one, am looking forward to reading more from this writing duo.