Archive · 7 Aug 2026
Sikh Detective Stars in Arvind Ethan David's Debut Novel
Arvind Ethan David is a writer who loved old adventure stories like Sherlock Holmes.
When he grew up, he noticed something strange: the old stories did not have any Indian heroes.
He decided to write his own story with an Indian hero at the center.
His new book is called The Great Game.
It takes place in London in the year 1905, which is more than one hundred years ago.
The hero is a Sikh man named Balvinder "Bunny" Dev Singh, a trainee lawyer who becomes a detective by accident.
In the story, he meets famous characters like Sherlock Holmes and Winston Churchill.
The book is full of mystery and adventure, but it also asks bigger questions about fairness and how Britain treated India long ago.
It reminds us that Indian people have been part of Britain's story for a very long time.
Award-winning writer and producer Arvind Ethan David has published his debut novel, The Great Game, a historical detective thriller set in London in 1905.
The novel follows Balvinder "Bunny" Dev Singh, a Sikh trainee lawyer who becomes an accidental detective in a murder case involving AJ Raffles, Scotland Yard, a young Winston Churchill and Sherlock Holmes.
Ethan David said the idea grew from rereading classic British adventure fiction and asking "Where were all the Indians?"
The story explores empire, identity, immigration, and the complicated relationship between India and the British Empire.
The author said the book is "ultimately an entertainment," not a history book or political manifesto, while reminding readers that "we have always been here."
- Who
- Arvind Ethan David, an award-winning producer and writer, whose debut novel centers on the Sikh detective Balvinder "Bunny" Dev Singh.
- What
- The publication of The Great Game, a historical detective thriller that places an Indian hero alongside Sherlock Holmes, a young Winston Churchill and AJ Raffles.
- When
- The novel is set in 1905 and was published last month.
- Where
- The novel is set in London; the author was born in Kuala Lumpur and grew up in Britain.
- Why
- Ethan David wanted to write a mystery with an Indian hero at the center, exploring empire, identity, and Britain's relationship with India.
- Author
- Arvind Ethan David
- Book
- The Great Game
- Genre
- Historical detective thriller
- Setting
- London, 1905
- Protagonist
- Balvinder "Bunny" Dev Singh, Sikh trainee lawyer and Boer War veteran
- Featured characters
- AJ Raffles, Scotland Yard, a young Winston Churchill, Sherlock Holmes
- Inspiration
- Question "Where were all the Indians?" in classic British adventure fiction
- Publication status
- Published last month