Under Lock and Skeleton Key (2022)

Tempest Raj returns to her family’s specialist construction business, then finds that a body has appeared inside a supposedly long-sealed wall. Architecture and stage illusion make this an appealing entry for readers who instinctively want to inspect the building. Pandian also gives substantial room to family, food and recurring personal mysteries. Choose it for a warmer, more character-led impossible-crime series opener rather than an uninterrupted technical exercise.