The Secret Keeper of Jaipur

In this fascinating sequel to The Henna Painter , Alka Joshi takes readers back to the sumptuous, colorful, and flavorful world of 1960s India, where power, money, and secrets abound.

Spring 1969. Lakshmi, now married to Dr. Jay Kumar, runs the Medicinal Garden in Shimla. Malik graduated from private school and, at twenty, has just met a young woman named Nimmi when he leaves the city to apprentice in the maintenance department of the Royal Palace in Jaipur. The palace's latest project: a state-of-the-art cinema.

As he roams the Pink City of his childhood, Malik soon realizes that nothing has changed. Power and money still flow seamlessly among the wealthy, and favors flow from the Royal Palace of Jaipur—if certain secrets remain buried. Growing up on the streets, Malik has always known how to keep secrets, and this will be a lesson that will serve him well as he unravels a web of lies.

In a story rich in setting, with intense characters and an engaging narrative, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur brings the struggle of a young man in search of his future.

“Joshi’s sensual descriptions of food, color, and Lakshmi’s art make this wonderful sequel to The Henna Painter well worth savoring.” — Publishers Weekly

“Alka Joshi returns with a triumphant sequel to her debut, The Henna Painter ... Her magnificent writing gives voice to the silenced while telling a compelling and powerful story.” — Pam Jenoff, author of The Secret Agents of Paris

“With lush detail, returning favorite characters, and emotional complexity, this story pleases on every level.” — Library Journal

“In this timeless story about loyalty, ambition, and love, Joshi explores what it means to create and build—from architectural marvels to the families we choose—in a way that not only endures, but inspires.” — Nancy Jooyoun Kim, New York Times bestselling author

“Joshi excels at creating strong characters, and Nimmi is no exception. [A] plaudit-worthy encore.” — Booklist

"Alka Joshi is a master storyteller. I was completely mesmerized by The Secret Keeper of Jaipur and couldn't put it down! It's a story of love, family, money, and power, told with poise, beauty, and suspense... It touched my heart and will stay with me for a long time." — Christy Lefteri, author of The Man Who Listened to the Bees