What do you think?
Rate this book
Reema Ray Mysteries #1
The Masala Murder
REEMA RAY, PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR AND FOOD WRITER
She didn’t set out to become Calcutta’s expert in infidelity cases, but that is where her detective agency has taken her. When the deceit gets too much, she finds a welcome distraction – and a means to pay the bills – by becoming a food critic for a magazine. And since she once dreamed of becoming a pastry chef, she doesn’t mind much, does she? But what really turns her on is solving a juicy mystery.
Her worlds collide when a gourmet provisions supplier she had once profiled ends up dead under suspicious circumstances. She might be rusty, but her food-obscured nose can still sniff out a murder, and she decides to launch her own investigation. Then her ex-boyfriend shows up at her doorstep when he finds himself being treated as prime suspect in the kidnapping of his own wife! Suddenly, Reema is handling not one but two cases. With no access to official evidence, she relies on the meddling group of do-gooders she has dubbed the Calcutta Crime-Fighter’s Club.
If all this wasn’t trouble enough, the alluring Shayak Gupta turns up around every corner, and while she can’t seem to resist him, she doesn’t believe a word he says either.
This first Reema Ray mystery follows a comical ride through Calcutta – as Reema comes to terms with her feelings about the men in her life while whipping up delicious meals and being beset by criminals and the police alike!
She didn’t set out to become Calcutta’s expert in infidelity cases, but that is where her detective agency has taken her. When the deceit gets too much, she finds a welcome distraction – and a means to pay the bills – by becoming a food critic for a magazine. And since she once dreamed of becoming a pastry chef, she doesn’t mind much, does she? But what really turns her on is solving a juicy mystery.
Her worlds collide when a gourmet provisions supplier she had once profiled ends up dead under suspicious circumstances. She might be rusty, but her food-obscured nose can still sniff out a murder, and she decides to launch her own investigation. Then her ex-boyfriend shows up at her doorstep when he finds himself being treated as prime suspect in the kidnapping of his own wife! Suddenly, Reema is handling not one but two cases. With no access to official evidence, she relies on the meddling group of do-gooders she has dubbed the Calcutta Crime-Fighter’s Club.
If all this wasn’t trouble enough, the alluring Shayak Gupta turns up around every corner, and while she can’t seem to resist him, she doesn’t believe a word he says either.
This first Reema Ray mystery follows a comical ride through Calcutta – as Reema comes to terms with her feelings about the men in her life while whipping up delicious meals and being beset by criminals and the police alike!
- GenresMystery
292 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Madhumita Bhattacharyya
6 books49 followersAuthor of The Masala Murder and Dead in a Mumbai Minute. Sometimes journalist, occasional wanderer, often lazy lout. Mother to a toddler and a crazy dog. Working on Reema Ray mystery #3.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 12, 2016
As a proud Bengali, I love three things: (i) food, (ii) mystery, and (iii) Kolkata. Therefore, when a book came up that promised to involve ALL of them, also featuring a heroine who, if not exactly kick-ass, promised to break several stereotypes plaguing mystery literature, I was practically drooling. And then....
Explaining all the reasons that reduced my enthusiasm rather considerably, as I progressed with the story, would reveal too many spoilers. But let me succinct in stating my position.
1. This is a fast read, laced with wit & self-deprecating humour.
2. The storytelling in the first part was brusque, and entirely befitting a thriller.
3. When the backstories started tumbling out, the narrative lost its pace.
4. In trying to develop sexual tension (tribute to Remington Steele?) around our protagonist, the narrative became farcical, with the readers being able to see things that our gal, despite all her training etc. couldn't see.
5. The solution to the mystery didn't follow the fair play concept, since information that hadn't been shared with the readers, were used to resolve the issues.
6. The ending was overdrawn and utterly replete with every possible cliche that can be lifted from all the rom-com type stuff that they show in American channels.
Now you may ask, why am I saying all these things if I'm happy giving only three stars to the book. In reply, I request you to read the first line again. A book, which deals with food, Kolkata, and murder, is like a waistline-challenging roll, and therefore, I would be waiting for another adventure of Reema Ray, our protagonist.
Explaining all the reasons that reduced my enthusiasm rather considerably, as I progressed with the story, would reveal too many spoilers. But let me succinct in stating my position.
1. This is a fast read, laced with wit & self-deprecating humour.
2. The storytelling in the first part was brusque, and entirely befitting a thriller.
3. When the backstories started tumbling out, the narrative lost its pace.
4. In trying to develop sexual tension (tribute to Remington Steele?) around our protagonist, the narrative became farcical, with the readers being able to see things that our gal, despite all her training etc. couldn't see.
5. The solution to the mystery didn't follow the fair play concept, since information that hadn't been shared with the readers, were used to resolve the issues.
6. The ending was overdrawn and utterly replete with every possible cliche that can be lifted from all the rom-com type stuff that they show in American channels.
Now you may ask, why am I saying all these things if I'm happy giving only three stars to the book. In reply, I request you to read the first line again. A book, which deals with food, Kolkata, and murder, is like a waistline-challenging roll, and therefore, I would be waiting for another adventure of Reema Ray, our protagonist.
December 23, 2012
By Madhumita Bhattacharya. Grade B+
Reema Ray, private investigator and food writer. She didn’t set out to become Calcutta’s expert in infidelity cases, but that is where her detective agency has taken her. When the deceit gets too much, she finds a welcome distraction – and a means to pay the bills – by becoming a food critic for a magazine. But what really turns her on is solving a juicy mystery.
Her worlds collide when a gourmet provisions supplier she had once profiled ends up dead under suspicious circumstances. She might be rusty, but her food -obscured nose can still sniff out a murder, and she decides to launch her own investigation. Then her ex-boyfriends shows up at her doorstep when he finds himself being treated as a prime suspect in the kidnapping of his wife!
The Masala Murder
Suddenly, Reema is handling not one but two cases. With no access to official evidence, she relies on the meddling group of do-gooders she has dubbed the ‘Calcutta Crime Fighters Club.’ If all this wasn’t enough, the alluring Shayak Gupta turns up around every corner, and while she cant seem to resist him, she doesn’t believe a word he says either.”
Set in the bustling town of Kolkata (NOT Calcutta, as the author has used), is the story of a young 20-something girl fighting against all odds because she wants to become a detective. Juggling two jobs, that of a private investigator and a food critic, Reema Ray, the protagonist is shown as a woman who is independent and completely able to take her of her own needs.
In the midst of writing an article, or rather reviewing a Chinese Restaurant, when she stumbles upon the death of a gourmet provisions supplier, who is widely disliked in the city, she sniffs out the possibility of foul play. To add to her complications, her ex-boyfriend lands up on her doorstep because he is a prime suspect in the kidnapping of his wife, and he desires Reema’s help to clear his name. And not to forget the oh-so-tempting Shayak Gupta, who invariably turns up wherever Reema is, and is the prime love interest in her life.
The mystery part of the story has been nicely handled. Reema, being an amateur detective has been shown to snoop around within her limitation of not having access to official information. It does not go overboard with technical jargon of detective stuff. The secondary cast of characters – Mrs. Ray, Chef Abhimanyu, Inspector Uncle Kumar and her Reema’s go-to friend Devika – have been nicely described and are completely in sync with Reema’s life, though they do not leave much of an impact on you that you would remember them. And as any event situated in Kolkata, the landmarks, Park Street and Flurys (which do serve delectable pastries!) are mentioned.
The story is a bit slow at certain places, especially in the romance sector. It lacks the corny lines that is loved by all in any chick-lit novel. Shayak Gupta has been described as a ‘dark brooding’ man, with whom there are certain conceptual errors in the book, and the one that stood out the most in my mind was the rampant use of ‘Calcutta’, because it is no longer that.
However, overall it is an enjoyable book, and a good one-time read.
Originally reviewed at http://vaultofbooks.com/
Reema Ray, private investigator and food writer. She didn’t set out to become Calcutta’s expert in infidelity cases, but that is where her detective agency has taken her. When the deceit gets too much, she finds a welcome distraction – and a means to pay the bills – by becoming a food critic for a magazine. But what really turns her on is solving a juicy mystery.
Her worlds collide when a gourmet provisions supplier she had once profiled ends up dead under suspicious circumstances. She might be rusty, but her food -obscured nose can still sniff out a murder, and she decides to launch her own investigation. Then her ex-boyfriends shows up at her doorstep when he finds himself being treated as a prime suspect in the kidnapping of his wife!
The Masala Murder
Suddenly, Reema is handling not one but two cases. With no access to official evidence, she relies on the meddling group of do-gooders she has dubbed the ‘Calcutta Crime Fighters Club.’ If all this wasn’t enough, the alluring Shayak Gupta turns up around every corner, and while she cant seem to resist him, she doesn’t believe a word he says either.”
Set in the bustling town of Kolkata (NOT Calcutta, as the author has used), is the story of a young 20-something girl fighting against all odds because she wants to become a detective. Juggling two jobs, that of a private investigator and a food critic, Reema Ray, the protagonist is shown as a woman who is independent and completely able to take her of her own needs.
In the midst of writing an article, or rather reviewing a Chinese Restaurant, when she stumbles upon the death of a gourmet provisions supplier, who is widely disliked in the city, she sniffs out the possibility of foul play. To add to her complications, her ex-boyfriend lands up on her doorstep because he is a prime suspect in the kidnapping of his wife, and he desires Reema’s help to clear his name. And not to forget the oh-so-tempting Shayak Gupta, who invariably turns up wherever Reema is, and is the prime love interest in her life.
The mystery part of the story has been nicely handled. Reema, being an amateur detective has been shown to snoop around within her limitation of not having access to official information. It does not go overboard with technical jargon of detective stuff. The secondary cast of characters – Mrs. Ray, Chef Abhimanyu, Inspector Uncle Kumar and her Reema’s go-to friend Devika – have been nicely described and are completely in sync with Reema’s life, though they do not leave much of an impact on you that you would remember them. And as any event situated in Kolkata, the landmarks, Park Street and Flurys (which do serve delectable pastries!) are mentioned.
The story is a bit slow at certain places, especially in the romance sector. It lacks the corny lines that is loved by all in any chick-lit novel. Shayak Gupta has been described as a ‘dark brooding’ man, with whom there are certain conceptual errors in the book, and the one that stood out the most in my mind was the rampant use of ‘Calcutta’, because it is no longer that.
However, overall it is an enjoyable book, and a good one-time read.
Originally reviewed at http://vaultofbooks.com/
March 22, 2013
I love cosy mysteries , and this book was a delight to read. My grouse has always been that there aren't enough cosy mysteries by Indian writers , and Madhumita probably heard my whining and decided to write this book ;-0 . The best in this genre IMHO is Tarquin Hall's Vish Puri Series( Mma Ramotswe is a strong contender too , but not as fun as Vish Puri ) . Though Madhumita's protagonist comes nowhere close to Vish Puri, Reema is a good contender. I love the concept of a struggling Private Investigator who takes up food writing because her practice isn't doing too well. She is mostly bombarded with matrimonial background check cases and takes to writing movie reviews and food reviews . Then , she stumbles upon two cases ( one a kidnapping and another a murder ) and cannot get herself to stay away from either ..
Plot-wise , I didn't think it was anything spectacular , as one of the two cases was really easy to figure out right from the beginning . The other case wasn't ok and one doesn't get the satisfaction of slowly working things out as layer upon layer of mystery is peeled open to reveal a stunning answer . No, this book is not going to be one of that kind. Infact , Madhumita takes her time to even get into the first case ( almost 60 -75 odd pages) . But that could be because this book is envisioned as first in a series of several books and Reema's background and her circumstances in life is delved into in detail.
I can totally see myself wanting to pick up the next in the series mainly to see what happens to Reema next. But Madhumita has done a great job of painting character sketches of people .Of course one cannot compare Madhumita's Reema to Alexander Mccall's Mma Ramotswe and her peculiar brand of home-grown justice .But Reema is sure to flourish in her own way. There is a strong chick-lit flavour to this book as the book is narrated in first person. Now I know a few people who feel that crime fiction in first person is amateurish but I am not one of those people. First person account of an investigation somehow is perfect for a book like this where the investigator's circumstances is as important as the crime investigation.
The last few books that I've read have been by Bengalis ( and two of them called Madhumita!) , and I can't but think about the rich literary landscape of Calcutta that has been the honing ground for so many authors.
Overall , a charming read. Don't look for crazy plots or nail-biting speed. This one is meant to be savoured. Perfect for a sunny ,lazy sunday afternoon.
July 14, 2016
I liked the book moderately. It's an easy-to-read, reasonably well written book. The too much information of the sleuth's life sort of made sense at the end. Still more chick-lit than detective fiction. Both the mysteries failed to excite.
I have the writer's next book in this series. Hoping for better luck next time.
I have the writer's next book in this series. Hoping for better luck next time.
April 28, 2014
Brilliant debut - builds up quite a head of suspense before dispelling it deftly. The characters are also most believable
February 16, 2018
The First of the Reema Ray series , a woman detective how exciting right and the woman obviously is a Bong and the complete book is based in Calcutta . She is tall willowy with corkscrew hair (how lovely) and the plot is good . She meets the maverick man of her life Shayak Gupta here . It is fast paced , grabs your attention , and oyu can read it in one go which i did .
Liked the book
Liked the book
February 26, 2020
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
I enjoyed it enough to go ahead and buy the remaining two books in the series. This was a well-written book, especially for an Indian-authored whodunit.
I guessed both the mysteries very early on, but that didn't take away from the story for me, since it had a lot of moving parts and characters that kept the novel interesting throughout.
I enjoyed it enough to go ahead and buy the remaining two books in the series. This was a well-written book, especially for an Indian-authored whodunit.
I guessed both the mysteries very early on, but that didn't take away from the story for me, since it had a lot of moving parts and characters that kept the novel interesting throughout.
September 11, 2017
Good indeed! Interesting protagonist who actually thinks.
September 25, 2018
A very good first attempt I must say. Kept me guessing on identify of the murderer till the end.
September 3, 2024
A very good blend of character development of the protagonist, good and bad sides of the profession, food reviewing as well as exploring the romantic side of her life- all along her dedication to follow her passion and the uncertainty when confronted by choices we face in our everyday life, that might have an upstanding effect on our life forever and ever. A good read indeed!
October 17, 2012
Women detectives. I think I have read about them a couple of times before. I am closely reminded of Alexander McCall Smith’s stories on the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. But The Masala Murder does not come anywhere close.
Set in the bustling town of Calcutta/ Kolkata call it what you may. It is spiced and peppered with ‘Bengaliness ‘. A lone girl struggling against the odds. Why? Because she wants to become a private investigator(PI). So while you are not assailed by the smell of cakes and other delectable cuisine, we see the heroine Reema Ray juggling two professions , that of a writer and a PI. Well, the job of a food critic is just to help keep the house running.
Author Madhumita too like her protagonist shares this love for food and crime. In fact she got her inspiration to write this crime fiction novel in Shanghai which she believes is a perfect place to set a crime story . And like many Calcutta –loving Bengalis Madhumita too cannot do without bringing in the famous landmarks of the city like Flurry’s and the Park Street.
Coming back to the story Reema while in the midst of writing an article for the magazine stumbles across a death of a gourmet exporter and surely her nose for crime smells more than just a case of food poisioning. And to make matters worse he was a not on the favourite list of many of the people in the restaurant business. Now this wasn’t enough her ex- boyfriend comes to seek help to find his wife who has been kidnapped and he suspects his father-in-law behind this. Torn between the two cases, a mysterious stranger following her every move and the thought of being kicked out her rented apartment makes Reema’s work all the more difficult. So whether Reema manages to get her men is what forms the rest of the story.
For an author making her debut Madhumita has a lot to learn. The story lacks pace but is interesting in places. She has quite efficiently managed to mingle the gastronomical journey while chasing murderers down Kolkata’s streets.
Set in the bustling town of Calcutta/ Kolkata call it what you may. It is spiced and peppered with ‘Bengaliness ‘. A lone girl struggling against the odds. Why? Because she wants to become a private investigator(PI). So while you are not assailed by the smell of cakes and other delectable cuisine, we see the heroine Reema Ray juggling two professions , that of a writer and a PI. Well, the job of a food critic is just to help keep the house running.
Author Madhumita too like her protagonist shares this love for food and crime. In fact she got her inspiration to write this crime fiction novel in Shanghai which she believes is a perfect place to set a crime story . And like many Calcutta –loving Bengalis Madhumita too cannot do without bringing in the famous landmarks of the city like Flurry’s and the Park Street.
Coming back to the story Reema while in the midst of writing an article for the magazine stumbles across a death of a gourmet exporter and surely her nose for crime smells more than just a case of food poisioning. And to make matters worse he was a not on the favourite list of many of the people in the restaurant business. Now this wasn’t enough her ex- boyfriend comes to seek help to find his wife who has been kidnapped and he suspects his father-in-law behind this. Torn between the two cases, a mysterious stranger following her every move and the thought of being kicked out her rented apartment makes Reema’s work all the more difficult. So whether Reema manages to get her men is what forms the rest of the story.
For an author making her debut Madhumita has a lot to learn. The story lacks pace but is interesting in places. She has quite efficiently managed to mingle the gastronomical journey while chasing murderers down Kolkata’s streets.
November 8, 2016
An okayish fast paced detective novel, with Reema Rai, the 26 year old lady detective struggling to keep up her practice and meanwhile temping as a foodie writer to support herself. Suddenly she gets embroiled in 2 unconnected cases: kidnapping of her ex-boy friend's wife, where the chief suspect is the ex-be...and sudden death of a prominent spice exporter, who was well hated by all, including his wife. She encounters a hostile police officer and a dashing mystery man in the course of her quests. At the end of the book she finds closure to both her cases, and gets some direction in life.
A good book to while away some leisure time.
A good book to while away some leisure time.
November 20, 2016
First of all, it was a decent attempt for a debut novel. But as a reader of crime and mystery novel, this was not at all good. The author in trying to complicate the plot lost herself. The biggest spoiler for me was the fillers, complete unnecessary small talks just to increase the pages. More fillers than substance. By halfway it became torturous but i continued till the end just to check how far it goes in torturing. I think what i have learnt from this book is "What not to do in writing a novel". The first three chapters were enough to stop reading.
Hope she does better in her other books.
Hope she does better in her other books.
November 22, 2012
I feel that one of the most difficult books to write is a mystery novel. Considering that I'll have to say that it is a very nice novel from a first time writer. The story line was good and even the mystery case was nice. But what I didn't like about the book is that for a detective novel it lacked details and in some places it didn't feel very convincing. All in all, I'll say it is a good book for light reading, but if you are a die hard mystery novel fan you won't find it very interesting.
November 22, 2012
part mystery and part chick lit (and i don't mean that in a bad way) it's a nice fun read. Other readers have commented that the book might lack pace -- I'd say that it makes up for its lack of pace with its cosy feel. Food critic and PI Reema Ray, who along with martial art moves can also make a mean mille feuille, is a character to love and watch out for. A first in the series, it sets the tone for the sequel, which one wishes would hurry and come out soon.
October 30, 2012
Its interesting book to read in mystery genre. But I felt the way the beginning started suddenly due to background description for the main character Reema Ray, the detective and the Food writer, the book made me slow done, otherwise book is interesting.
July 20, 2013
Feeling curious after reading every page..its a great book.
August 9, 2016
At points it makes you happy, but at times disappoints you. But it sure is gripping. The only problem is that it becomes a bit predictable towards the end if you have a lot of detective novels.
November 19, 2012
one of my good read!
January 17, 2014
Nope. Don't fall for all that enticing back-of-the-book story. This is terrible and boring.
August 22, 2015
A chic lit murder mystery set in Calcutta..fast paced story and pretty interesting as well..
April 7, 2014
Light, fun detective fare based in Calcutta
November 2, 2014
good end with boring start
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews