The Secret Keeper of Jaipur: A Journey of Self-Discovery, Resilience and Courage Amid the Glamour and Intrigue of Jaipur's Royal Court (The Jaipur Trilogy, 2)

By Alka Joshi

In New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi’s intriguing new novel, henna artist Lakshmi arranges for her protégé, Malik, to intern at the Jaipur Palace in this tale rich in character, atmosphere, and lavish storytelling. This novel builds on the characters seen in THE HENNA ARTIST, a Reese’s book club pick!

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Published Jun 21, 2022

384 pages

Average rating: 7.71

180 RATINGS

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What Bookclubbers are saying about this book

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Readers say *The Secret Keeper of Jaipur* is a captivating sequel that transports readers to India’s vibrant culture and royal intrigue. Reviewers agr...

Lorenia Aguirre
Jul 02, 2026
10/10 stars
WOW WOW I really loved her books. Could not put them down wanted to keep reading to learn more. I read the first book while on vacation and then by mistake started reading the third book but I noticed that I had pieces missing from the story so went back and realized I had missed the second book. They are all excellent. Amazing author truly takes you back in time and transports you with words to exactly where story takes place. Although different this second book was for me still a page turning book that I would read again. If you like history and learning about other countries or new things this worth your time. Loved it!!!
J Pierce
Mar 10, 2026
10/10 stars
This is a wonderful sequel to The Henna Artist. It is so interesting to be immerse in India and finding out what all the characters did from the last book. It is beautifully written and takes you to India where you enjoy the food, culture and a bit of danger.
almuyo
Feb 15, 2026
10/10 stars
Delectable

Lakshmi is the sensible, clever heroine whose life, set 12 years apart from The Henna Artist, is just as mesmerizing to follow. There’s suspense, unexpected twists and details, and the imagery are always painted so beautifully with words.

Alka Joshi, you did it again.
Mary Pat Holt
Feb 05, 2026
6/10 stars
I was really forward to reading this book because I liked The Henna Artist so much but I just found it ok. It is definitely a sequel to The Henna Artist and I believe I heard there is a 3rd book in this trilogy. Thank goodness for the list of characters; I referred to this often. I felt like much of the beginning of the book was reviewing The Henna Artist. There are so many characters-thought I was reading an Indian soap opera.
This book picks up 12 years later and all the same characters are just living their lives. There is a new love interest for Malik; Nimmi (very small bit in THA) and Lakshmi is still his mentor/friend. The Secret Keeper really revolves around Malik and his apprenticeship at the Royal Jewel Cinema in Jaipur. Lakshmi and her husband Jay and Nimmi are back in Shimla when the balcony at the cinema collapses on opening night. Malik becomes a real life detective and starts investigating what really caused the collapse.
It is a nice story, not a thriller, not really suspenseful either. It is well written but I was just dragging to read it.
Caroline D'cruz
Dec 29, 2025
10/10 stars
If you have read "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi and if you fell in love with Aunty bosses charming, obedient and faithful helper Malik, then "The secret keeper of Jaipur" is the book you should read next.

Set in the backdrop of Shimla and Jaipur, the secret keeper of Jaipur revolves around 20 year old Malik, who leaves his life and love (which he finds in a girl named Nimma in shimla) to apprentice at the Facilities Office of the Jaipur Royal Palace. Their latest project: a state-of-the-art cinema. But when a balcony at the cinema collapses and the blame is directed towards manu, Malik along with Lakshmi is all set to uncover truth.

The secret keeper of Jaipur is as well written as Alka Joshi The Henna Artist. Through this book, Alka Joshi has also highlighted the gold laws of India as well as how it was smuggled into the country at that time. The plot of the story is very easy to figure out, which makes it an easy read. The characters are all familiar except for Nimma (Malik's lady love) and her 2 children.

A book I recommend if you loved The Henna Artist.

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