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ACP Bhavani Singh #2
The Fast and the Dead
All of Habba Galli, Shivajinagar, is disturbed when eccentric Dondi Pais empties her double-barrelled shotgun to scatter a pack of noisy mongrels on Karwa Chauth night. But their distress turns to shock the next morning when it is discovered that one stray bullet has ploughed into the skull of a sour, spiteful jeweller, leaving him quite definitely dead.
The more devout residents immediately recall how, the previous afternoon, the jeweller's wife of thirty years had broken her fast well before the appearance of the sacred Karwa Chauth moon. 'Aiyyo,' they whisper, 'she's gone and angered the Goddess!'
But several mere mortals have motives too--including rising Bollywood star Haider Sait, back in Shivajinagar to visit his widowed mother and still eager to charm Habba Galli hottie Jhoomar Rao, now newly poor, newly single and a veterinary surgeon.
By a happy coincidence, ACP Bhavani Singh is on hand to investigate. But as corpses start piling up in the bustling bazaar, will the canny old policeman be able to prove his powerful hunch--that these deaths are not accidents, or by the hand of the goddess, but a sinister case of murders-most-meticulous?
The more devout residents immediately recall how, the previous afternoon, the jeweller's wife of thirty years had broken her fast well before the appearance of the sacred Karwa Chauth moon. 'Aiyyo,' they whisper, 'she's gone and angered the Goddess!'
But several mere mortals have motives too--including rising Bollywood star Haider Sait, back in Shivajinagar to visit his widowed mother and still eager to charm Habba Galli hottie Jhoomar Rao, now newly poor, newly single and a veterinary surgeon.
By a happy coincidence, ACP Bhavani Singh is on hand to investigate. But as corpses start piling up in the bustling bazaar, will the canny old policeman be able to prove his powerful hunch--that these deaths are not accidents, or by the hand of the goddess, but a sinister case of murders-most-meticulous?
420 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2023
40 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Anuja Chauhan
11 books1,084 followersAnuja Chauhan is an Indian author and advertiser. She worked in the advertising agency, JWT India, for over 17 years. She has written 3 novels, The Zoya Factor (2008), Battle For Bittora (October 2010) and Those Pricey Thakur Girls (January 2013). All three books are romances.
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January 6, 2025The title is a piece of genius and things do not disappoint thereafter. Absolutely cracking tale of murders in a Bangalore street, with immensely lively depictions of the setting and characters, infused with social observation and some cracking dialogue. Plus a very nice romance and a genuinely unexpected but fair solution to the murder.
It's written with huge brio. I read this at the tail end of a ten hour flight and it kept me awake, entertained, and hooked, which is some sort of miracle. A massively enjoyable read: I must get the first one with this tec.
It's written with huge brio. I read this at the tail end of a ten hour flight and it kept me awake, entertained, and hooked, which is some sort of miracle. A massively enjoyable read: I must get the first one with this tec.
November 12, 2023
2.5/5
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Anuja Chauhan is a fairly decent writer, and a great storyteller but she is not the Indian Agatha Christie 🙄 Chicklit may be her niche, but mystery, not matter how cozy, certainly isn't. The plot was unnecessarily convoluted, like the K dramas (no, not the Korean kind) of the noughties. And Habba Galii for all its idiosyncrasies, could have as well been Chandni Chowk. FYI, Bengaluru doesn't celebrate Ayudha Puja on Vijay Dashmi; it is celebrated the day before as it is in the rest of the country. And despite the year round availability of watermelon in Uru, it is Ash gourd we "sacrifice". And pls pls don't get me started on 'shubodaya' and the Kanglish.
Read this if you are not looking at expending too much of your grey matter.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Anuja Chauhan is a fairly decent writer, and a great storyteller but she is not the Indian Agatha Christie 🙄 Chicklit may be her niche, but mystery, not matter how cozy, certainly isn't. The plot was unnecessarily convoluted, like the K dramas (no, not the Korean kind) of the noughties. And Habba Galii for all its idiosyncrasies, could have as well been Chandni Chowk. FYI, Bengaluru doesn't celebrate Ayudha Puja on Vijay Dashmi; it is celebrated the day before as it is in the rest of the country. And despite the year round availability of watermelon in Uru, it is Ash gourd we "sacrifice". And pls pls don't get me started on 'shubodaya' and the Kanglish.
Read this if you are not looking at expending too much of your grey matter.
June 25, 2025
been an anuja chauhan fan since i first read the pricey thakur girls more than a decade back.
though the setting could be any RWA in India, as a non Kannadiga, it brought me closer to the city i call home currently.
the plot kept me hooked, guessing and at the edge of my seat right till the end, and i absolutely loved how it was all a commentary on Indian societies - patriarchy, marriage, class, caste and religion. observations were peppered through it all, and she moved between themes of murder, a slow burn romance all with her humour and kanglish phrases.
this was unputdownable. gobbled it up in a few hours. just wish the end, the unraveling, wasn't as rushed as it was.
though the setting could be any RWA in India, as a non Kannadiga, it brought me closer to the city i call home currently.
the plot kept me hooked, guessing and at the edge of my seat right till the end, and i absolutely loved how it was all a commentary on Indian societies - patriarchy, marriage, class, caste and religion. observations were peppered through it all, and she moved between themes of murder, a slow burn romance all with her humour and kanglish phrases.
this was unputdownable. gobbled it up in a few hours. just wish the end, the unraveling, wasn't as rushed as it was.
March 23, 2024
Anuja is back with her trademark witty social commentary, review of Indian families and charming heroes.
In a typical Indian street called Habba Galli, two people are murdered. I call it a typical Indian street because - there are regular stray dog feeders and fervent dog haters who think they are a nuisance (which is what this set of people are), a single mother who doesn't care about the society, a young man trying to woo a young woman since childhood, a meek saas and rebel bahu, an old woman tended to by her righteous son and the nosy, judgy aunty.
When two people from the rabid dog hater squad (rabid is adjective for the squad) are dead, ACP Bhavani should find out who among these seemingly normal people harboured such hatred.
Anuja's take on the Indian residential welfare associations is commendable. Like her other books, this promises a laughter delight to the readers. She also brings to light the patriarchy, sexism, classism and the multitude of what is wrong with India today. If you have read anything, literally anything she has written, you would know that she isn't someone who minces her words. You might agree or disagree with her opinions but wouldn't deny that her words hit straight and strong like bullets (you got the pun).
Her language, another thing she is routinely appreciated for, is simple and Indian. Indian means that only, like how we talk daily. Got it, na?
It is her second crime novel and from a crime investigation point of view, I liked the first one more. This one didn't generate as much interest as to who could the killer be - the motives and clues were all quite plain. A crime novel should keep your brain working with theories, guesses and estimates - this one doesn't. Anuja pulls an Agatha Christie-kind of curtain raiser on the killer towards the end of the whodunnit but sadly, even that didn't evoke any thrill for me.
However, I read the 400+ pages at once for the fun part. So while I can't promise a thriller; a fun book with fun characters is what I can.
Before I conclude, as you must have heard plenty about Anuja's dashing male leads, hear it from me about her female characters in this. The young vet, the divorcee, the wife, the widow, the mother. They cry, fear, feel sad, worry, but take challenges head on despite it all. Like Indian women.
In a typical Indian street called Habba Galli, two people are murdered. I call it a typical Indian street because - there are regular stray dog feeders and fervent dog haters who think they are a nuisance (which is what this set of people are), a single mother who doesn't care about the society, a young man trying to woo a young woman since childhood, a meek saas and rebel bahu, an old woman tended to by her righteous son and the nosy, judgy aunty.
When two people from the rabid dog hater squad (rabid is adjective for the squad) are dead, ACP Bhavani should find out who among these seemingly normal people harboured such hatred.
Anuja's take on the Indian residential welfare associations is commendable. Like her other books, this promises a laughter delight to the readers. She also brings to light the patriarchy, sexism, classism and the multitude of what is wrong with India today. If you have read anything, literally anything she has written, you would know that she isn't someone who minces her words. You might agree or disagree with her opinions but wouldn't deny that her words hit straight and strong like bullets (you got the pun).
Her language, another thing she is routinely appreciated for, is simple and Indian. Indian means that only, like how we talk daily. Got it, na?
It is her second crime novel and from a crime investigation point of view, I liked the first one more. This one didn't generate as much interest as to who could the killer be - the motives and clues were all quite plain. A crime novel should keep your brain working with theories, guesses and estimates - this one doesn't. Anuja pulls an Agatha Christie-kind of curtain raiser on the killer towards the end of the whodunnit but sadly, even that didn't evoke any thrill for me.
However, I read the 400+ pages at once for the fun part. So while I can't promise a thriller; a fun book with fun characters is what I can.
Before I conclude, as you must have heard plenty about Anuja's dashing male leads, hear it from me about her female characters in this. The young vet, the divorcee, the wife, the widow, the mother. They cry, fear, feel sad, worry, but take challenges head on despite it all. Like Indian women.
August 22, 2025
Big Disclaimer: I am fond of Anuja Chouhan's writing. I like her desi English writing style, her quips and things that i would have otherwise found cheesy or too much. But with her it just works somehow.
The Fast and the Dead is a humourous masala mystery novel that whisks you away to a quintessential metropolitan neighbourhood where modernity and heritage simultaneously exist. The story keeps introducing new characters with every chapter. At first I thought our protagonist was Jhoom the vet who lives in a dilapidated bunglow with her recently single mother after her father commits financial fraud and runs away. Then the story introduces Haid the breakout movie star from the same neighborhood who is nurturing a crush for Jhoom for 16 years and yet never picked up the courage to talk to her. After being away from home for 8 years he returns to his old neighborhood for a month because of movie shoot. Haid was under the impression that Jhoom married her rich boyfriend and is now happily married. He doesn't know that her fiance broke up with her when her family's fortune changed. Or that she's still living here or is single. There is a scene where they meet and he introduces himself for the first time and it was ~haye~ so filmly.
But wait, the story doesn't just revolve around the blossoming interfaith relationship between Jhoom and Haid even tho it has all the potentials to be just a tropey gender reverse romance about the big time city girl who moves back to her hometown and falls in love with a farmer or a baker. And i would have been so happy. Because I know how well Anuja Chouhan can write banter and pining and romance.
But more characters are introduced. And rather than being too much and clunky and cluttered they just fit together to paint the picture of the neighbourhood.
The main plot of the story is about the stray dogs who live in the neighborhood. Some people like them, some people hate them, some people don't care. Among the alliance of the dog-haters there's a 90 year old lady who has a cherished gun whom she calls "gunny boy". One evening the lady loses her cool and fires at the street dogs injuring one dog and killing a man. The mystery is whether it was really an incident or something more. As the murder investigation picks up pace various underlying dynamics and secrets are exposed that were hiding behind the guise of civil society.
The book is fast paced and engaging. The relationship between characters feel natural, the dialogues are smooth and overall it's a very entertaining book. full on paisa vasool. I read the first 200 page in one sitting and then wish it was longer because it's coming to an end soon. Even you as a reader start feeling like you are participating in a treasure hunt solving various clues trying to solve the mystery.
The ending could have been better but oh well. Chalta hai.
Apart from the thriller aspect and the romance the story also offers, in very subtle way, a social commentary on how in recent times social relationships have changed in cities and polarization has happened on issues like religious ties and stray dogs ( which coincidentally has become the biggest political debate in my country right now. When I picked up the book I had no idea it was about this) I thought it was a nice touch. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it. Would recommend it if you're looking for a light fun read or like masala movies
The Fast and the Dead is a humourous masala mystery novel that whisks you away to a quintessential metropolitan neighbourhood where modernity and heritage simultaneously exist. The story keeps introducing new characters with every chapter. At first I thought our protagonist was Jhoom the vet who lives in a dilapidated bunglow with her recently single mother after her father commits financial fraud and runs away. Then the story introduces Haid the breakout movie star from the same neighborhood who is nurturing a crush for Jhoom for 16 years and yet never picked up the courage to talk to her. After being away from home for 8 years he returns to his old neighborhood for a month because of movie shoot. Haid was under the impression that Jhoom married her rich boyfriend and is now happily married. He doesn't know that her fiance broke up with her when her family's fortune changed. Or that she's still living here or is single. There is a scene where they meet and he introduces himself for the first time and it was ~haye~ so filmly.
But wait, the story doesn't just revolve around the blossoming interfaith relationship between Jhoom and Haid even tho it has all the potentials to be just a tropey gender reverse romance about the big time city girl who moves back to her hometown and falls in love with a farmer or a baker. And i would have been so happy. Because I know how well Anuja Chouhan can write banter and pining and romance.
But more characters are introduced. And rather than being too much and clunky and cluttered they just fit together to paint the picture of the neighbourhood.
The main plot of the story is about the stray dogs who live in the neighborhood. Some people like them, some people hate them, some people don't care. Among the alliance of the dog-haters there's a 90 year old lady who has a cherished gun whom she calls "gunny boy". One evening the lady loses her cool and fires at the street dogs injuring one dog and killing a man. The mystery is whether it was really an incident or something more. As the murder investigation picks up pace various underlying dynamics and secrets are exposed that were hiding behind the guise of civil society.
The book is fast paced and engaging. The relationship between characters feel natural, the dialogues are smooth and overall it's a very entertaining book. full on paisa vasool. I read the first 200 page in one sitting and then wish it was longer because it's coming to an end soon. Even you as a reader start feeling like you are participating in a treasure hunt solving various clues trying to solve the mystery.
The ending could have been better but oh well. Chalta hai.
Apart from the thriller aspect and the romance the story also offers, in very subtle way, a social commentary on how in recent times social relationships have changed in cities and polarization has happened on issues like religious ties and stray dogs ( which coincidentally has become the biggest political debate in my country right now. When I picked up the book I had no idea it was about this) I thought it was a nice touch. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it. Would recommend it if you're looking for a light fun read or like masala movies
February 3, 2024
In the bylanes of Hubba Gali, our more than adept star cast (quite literally) lives. One fine evening of Karwa Chauth (or KC), due to a long running feud, Pooja Kedia just sits down and eats it all. That evening, a blunt old lady brandishing a shotgun lets loose a couple of shots at the street dogs, and one of them (supposedly) hits Sushil Kedia, he dies.
.
What follows next is a chase, several in fact. Most of them are dead forcing our ACP Bhavani Singh to put on his sherlock cap back on and follow the case closely. The tightly knit narrative, balances several side stories (including an angle of romance) while keeping up with the pace of the main driving force – the murder. @anujachauhan brilliantly takes snide jabs at long running traditions while keeping the story gen z friendly. The pacing feels a bit too fast for your typical murder mystery but somehow works positively in keeping the story fresh.
.
The characters feel straight out of a Bollywood movie – their actions, mannerisms, everything seems larger than life. And that adds the more dramatic touch to an otherwise mostly closer to life mystery.
The Fast and the Dead turns out to be a nice and fast read. Although overwhelming at first with all the character introductions, it slowly set its pace and as the mystery took hold of it, it found its element. The story kept me hooked, the narrative made me laugh and sneer at the remarks and it mostly found its mark. A satisfying read indeed.
.
.
What follows next is a chase, several in fact. Most of them are dead forcing our ACP Bhavani Singh to put on his sherlock cap back on and follow the case closely. The tightly knit narrative, balances several side stories (including an angle of romance) while keeping up with the pace of the main driving force – the murder. @anujachauhan brilliantly takes snide jabs at long running traditions while keeping the story gen z friendly. The pacing feels a bit too fast for your typical murder mystery but somehow works positively in keeping the story fresh.
.
The characters feel straight out of a Bollywood movie – their actions, mannerisms, everything seems larger than life. And that adds the more dramatic touch to an otherwise mostly closer to life mystery.
The Fast and the Dead turns out to be a nice and fast read. Although overwhelming at first with all the character introductions, it slowly set its pace and as the mystery took hold of it, it found its element. The story kept me hooked, the narrative made me laugh and sneer at the remarks and it mostly found its mark. A satisfying read indeed.
.
August 17, 2024
Anuja Chauhan serves the same fare again like that of her previous novel: A small confined setting with a bunch of characters - a lane called Habba Halli near Commercial street in Bangalore; some romance - the pair being a Bollywood star and a "brahmin" (this fact for some reason is highlighted 5-6 times) woman; and a murder that happens which is to be solved by Bhavani Singh who is on a personal visit to Bangalore.
The romance is of the candyfloss variety which fans of Anuja have come to expect I think. I personally like the understated romance of the kind that happens between Robin and Strike in Robert Galbraith novels. Habba Halli - like another reviewer had mentioned, it could be placed in any city except that the author has thrown a bit of Kannada words in to the dialogues and I couldn't tell if the mix was right or not. Again making fun of people's english pronunciation in the name of humor - didn't work for me here. And last, the murder mystery - too convoluted and all the complications explained in the last 30 or so pages while the investigation that happens prior to that was without much spark and the reader is not given much to play a guessing game.
So what is the big plus that offsets all the above quibbles: It is a breezy read and wasn't that boring and I didn't have to struggle with the book.
Rating : 3.5 stars
The romance is of the candyfloss variety which fans of Anuja have come to expect I think. I personally like the understated romance of the kind that happens between Robin and Strike in Robert Galbraith novels. Habba Halli - like another reviewer had mentioned, it could be placed in any city except that the author has thrown a bit of Kannada words in to the dialogues and I couldn't tell if the mix was right or not. Again making fun of people's english pronunciation in the name of humor - didn't work for me here. And last, the murder mystery - too convoluted and all the complications explained in the last 30 or so pages while the investigation that happens prior to that was without much spark and the reader is not given much to play a guessing game.
So what is the big plus that offsets all the above quibbles: It is a breezy read and wasn't that boring and I didn't have to struggle with the book.
Rating : 3.5 stars
July 11, 2024
Anuja Chauhan’s latest whodunnit brings with it a coincidental-comeback of the homely yet sharp ACP Bhavani Singh, who now sloves a high-profile murder at Habba Galli in Bangalore while on his trip to the city.
When old Dondi Pias shoots a few stray mongrels in a frenzy, on the dark streets on Karwa Chauth night, the entire neighborhood rattles with chaos as it kills a not so loved resident but famous jeweller Sushil Kedia. This crazy misadventure is followed by another murder making a long list of suspects for the cop from Delhi and the local police team to investigate. The newly famous actor and boy from the neighborhood Haider Sait is back home during this crazy phase to find that his childhood crush Jhoomar Rao is now single and poor unlike the old times.
Double murders, a brewing love story, crazy neighborhood gossip and history and a crazier media create the plot that’s impressive and interesting! Penned in the usual witty, observant, detailed and relatable writing style this book casually portrays society that comfortably survives and co-exists even during a crisis.
This is surely an enjoyable read, it’s uplifting by all means!
When old Dondi Pias shoots a few stray mongrels in a frenzy, on the dark streets on Karwa Chauth night, the entire neighborhood rattles with chaos as it kills a not so loved resident but famous jeweller Sushil Kedia. This crazy misadventure is followed by another murder making a long list of suspects for the cop from Delhi and the local police team to investigate. The newly famous actor and boy from the neighborhood Haider Sait is back home during this crazy phase to find that his childhood crush Jhoomar Rao is now single and poor unlike the old times.
Double murders, a brewing love story, crazy neighborhood gossip and history and a crazier media create the plot that’s impressive and interesting! Penned in the usual witty, observant, detailed and relatable writing style this book casually portrays society that comfortably survives and co-exists even during a crisis.
This is surely an enjoyable read, it’s uplifting by all means!
November 1, 2023
A 3.5 to Anuja Chauhan's latest book that I managed to finish in a few hours! It retains her trademark quirk and writing style while (largely) shifting from romance-forward to mystery forward. The premise is interesting, so simple yet unexplored and the mystery in itself is intriguing with unexpected twists.
Unlike her previous novels, the focus is on the ensemble and the mystery instead of the lead couple - Jhoomar Rao and Haider Sait, which shifts the focus away from her typical romance-style storytelling and largely sidelines it. I also felt that historically, despite having an ensemble of characters, Anuja has a great ability to highlight each character, even minor ones, and make them memorable, something I felt was missing in this book.
Unlike her previous novels, the focus is on the ensemble and the mystery instead of the lead couple - Jhoomar Rao and Haider Sait, which shifts the focus away from her typical romance-style storytelling and largely sidelines it. I also felt that historically, despite having an ensemble of characters, Anuja has a great ability to highlight each character, even minor ones, and make them memorable, something I felt was missing in this book.
March 27, 2024
Really enjoyed it ! Light read full of humour and romance
December 27, 2024
Loved that this was set in Bangalore.
December 25, 2023
ACP Bhavani is very much like your Hercule Poirot and I must commend Anuja Chauhan for closely knitting romance and mystery elements, though being an ardent fan of hers, I was definitely expecting a bit more mushy romance.
But nevertheless a good who dunnit with a tadka of romcom..
But nevertheless a good who dunnit with a tadka of romcom..
March 17, 2024
Another enjoyable story by our very own Agatha Christie. This was as engaging as Club You to Death. Definitely funny and engaging. At this point, I'm so in love with Anuja's sense of humour that I wouldn't want her to write any sob stories in the future. I loved Club You to Death more than this novel but as this is set in Bengaluru, this is close to my heart.
The characters are good, narration is excellent and the plot twist is brilliant. Maybe someone who doesn't know Kannada language might not find any fault in this but as Kannada is my mother tongue, I found the Kannada phrases a bit odd and dramatic. The native Kannada speakers don't actually speak Kannada this way. So, my dear Anuja, if you ever need any help with Kannada editing, keep in mind that you have a fan who is proficient in the language.
Nonetheless, I can't wait to read more ACP Bhavani Singh books!
The characters are good, narration is excellent and the plot twist is brilliant. Maybe someone who doesn't know Kannada language might not find any fault in this but as Kannada is my mother tongue, I found the Kannada phrases a bit odd and dramatic. The native Kannada speakers don't actually speak Kannada this way. So, my dear Anuja, if you ever need any help with Kannada editing, keep in mind that you have a fan who is proficient in the language.
Nonetheless, I can't wait to read more ACP Bhavani Singh books!
October 20, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins Publishers, India for an advance copy of The Fast and The Dead, a cosy crime thriller set in Bengaluru featuring ACP Bhavani Singh.
Elderly Dondi Pais lets off several shots at the local stray dogs. The next day it is discovered that one of those bullets has killed a local, very unpopular jeweller. There is no end of suspects in the neighbourhood, including the jeweller’s wife who broke her religious fast and a Bollywood star. ACP Bhavani Singh, on an annual honeymoon from New Delhi is drafted in to investigate the circumstances, accident or murder?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Fast and the Dead, which has an easy joie de vivre about it with a dash of humour and a strong mystery. I must admit that I struggled with some of the dialogue that uses unfamiliar language with no translation and many of the cultural references, for example Karwa Chauth, where the wife fasts for a day to ensure her husband’s longevity. Still, I’m not one to shirk a learning opportunity so the novel broadened my horizons and I didn’t mind a little displacement into the unfamiliar.
I found the investigation engrossing as Bhavani tries to unravel the motives and the relationships between the characters. It is loud and mostly cheerful, but also complicated with so many suspects and so many competing motives. I had no idea and I don’t think many readers will as the solution involves previously disclosed information put together in a lateral way. It is clever and very unexpected. I appreciated the nod to Agatha Christie in the denouement scene with all the suspects in the room and all accused until the final reveal.
This is not only a crime novel as there is a romance as well between local vet Jhoomar Rao and Bollywood star Haider Sait. I think that this may be more groundbreaking than is apparent to Westerners as he is Muslim from a poor background and she is a formerly rich Brahmin, so crosses many divides. It’s a bit soppy, but adds to the warmth of the narrative.
The Fast and the Dead is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Elderly Dondi Pais lets off several shots at the local stray dogs. The next day it is discovered that one of those bullets has killed a local, very unpopular jeweller. There is no end of suspects in the neighbourhood, including the jeweller’s wife who broke her religious fast and a Bollywood star. ACP Bhavani Singh, on an annual honeymoon from New Delhi is drafted in to investigate the circumstances, accident or murder?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Fast and the Dead, which has an easy joie de vivre about it with a dash of humour and a strong mystery. I must admit that I struggled with some of the dialogue that uses unfamiliar language with no translation and many of the cultural references, for example Karwa Chauth, where the wife fasts for a day to ensure her husband’s longevity. Still, I’m not one to shirk a learning opportunity so the novel broadened my horizons and I didn’t mind a little displacement into the unfamiliar.
I found the investigation engrossing as Bhavani tries to unravel the motives and the relationships between the characters. It is loud and mostly cheerful, but also complicated with so many suspects and so many competing motives. I had no idea and I don’t think many readers will as the solution involves previously disclosed information put together in a lateral way. It is clever and very unexpected. I appreciated the nod to Agatha Christie in the denouement scene with all the suspects in the room and all accused until the final reveal.
This is not only a crime novel as there is a romance as well between local vet Jhoomar Rao and Bollywood star Haider Sait. I think that this may be more groundbreaking than is apparent to Westerners as he is Muslim from a poor background and she is a formerly rich Brahmin, so crosses many divides. It’s a bit soppy, but adds to the warmth of the narrative.
The Fast and the Dead is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 6, 2024
Anuja brings back ACP Bhavani Singh after the events of Club You to Death and this time he moves out of the posh localities of Delhi to the hustle-bustle of Bengaluru. Written in Anuja’s classic style, the emotions and accents of our characters play a crucial role in setting the mood of the plot. I loved the fact that the story is set in an old-fashioned mohalla and the interconnectedness of the residents plays into the plot as she tells us the story. The storytelling is captivating and keeps you turning the pages as the investigation progresses and facts come to light. Another aspect I loved about the book was that Anuja balances the whodunnit as well as the romance perfectly and it adds a wonderful flavor to the story. The description of the places and people is quite vivid and you can imagine the scenes as they play out by painting a mental picture. The investigation has been explored in detail and when the reveal happens, you realise the depth of the planning that the author did while writing the book and the prowess that Anuja has in storytelling.
Coming to the characters, ACP Bhavani Singh once again stands out for me because of his quirkiness, distinctive manner of speaking and the tidbits of trivia that comes out. Another interesting character for me was that of Jhoomar Rao and how the author uses her life and profession as a critical part of the story. Anuja’s characters seem to stem from real-life people as you see a local loudmouth who prides herself in gossipmongering to the helmet-wearing filmstar to the just-married couple who bring a modern twist to the classic customs. The relatability factor plays a critical role in the book and as a reader you are sucked into the story and move around with Bhavani Singh as he unravels the threads of the events that night.
Coming to the characters, ACP Bhavani Singh once again stands out for me because of his quirkiness, distinctive manner of speaking and the tidbits of trivia that comes out. Another interesting character for me was that of Jhoomar Rao and how the author uses her life and profession as a critical part of the story. Anuja’s characters seem to stem from real-life people as you see a local loudmouth who prides herself in gossipmongering to the helmet-wearing filmstar to the just-married couple who bring a modern twist to the classic customs. The relatability factor plays a critical role in the book and as a reader you are sucked into the story and move around with Bhavani Singh as he unravels the threads of the events that night.
July 7, 2024
BOOK REVIEW:
🌃🌕🥻THE FAST AND THE DEAD👵🔫⚱️
SYNOPSIS:
The peace of the quiet neighborhood of Habba Galli gets disturbed when Dondi Pias empties her double barreled shot gun to scatter the strays, but the next morning it is surprisingly found out that a person has too fallen victim to her impulsive shotout. Sushil Kedia, who is always topped, the list of the most hated of most of the Habba Galli residents. But the superstitious crowd goes awry on the freshly widowed wife for breaking her fast before the moonrise. But without the divine intervention, some mortals might also have the motives too including the rising Bollywood star Haider Sait, who is here to meet his widowed mother and also to woo his childhood crush Jhoomar Rao the freshly bankrupted Veterinary. ACP Bhavani Singh happens to be present to investigate the case. But when the bustling bazaar starts piling up with bodies, the old man's hunch of the entire plot not being an accident, neither a divine intervention but an obvious case of murder seems true.
MY REVIEW:
I was waiting to get my hands over this for a long time after reading the first of Anuja Chauhan's ACP Bhavabi Singh mysteries. One thing I can see is the her way of pulling out the most unexpected murderer from the bunch of suspects and the theories leading to it makes you seem like a fool to miss so much of details or not even thinking of such possibilities. This one was okay, though, but the love angle was not necessary at all. The entire plot line reflects the very life of a middle-class Indian with unsatisfied parents, meek wives, women finding their power, gossip monger aunties, close knit community, jilted love angle and more. I have always loved Anyja Chauhan's way of framing a tale, and no doubt this one seems somewhat to stand up to that level.
🌃🌕🥻THE FAST AND THE DEAD👵🔫⚱️
SYNOPSIS:
The peace of the quiet neighborhood of Habba Galli gets disturbed when Dondi Pias empties her double barreled shot gun to scatter the strays, but the next morning it is surprisingly found out that a person has too fallen victim to her impulsive shotout. Sushil Kedia, who is always topped, the list of the most hated of most of the Habba Galli residents. But the superstitious crowd goes awry on the freshly widowed wife for breaking her fast before the moonrise. But without the divine intervention, some mortals might also have the motives too including the rising Bollywood star Haider Sait, who is here to meet his widowed mother and also to woo his childhood crush Jhoomar Rao the freshly bankrupted Veterinary. ACP Bhavani Singh happens to be present to investigate the case. But when the bustling bazaar starts piling up with bodies, the old man's hunch of the entire plot not being an accident, neither a divine intervention but an obvious case of murder seems true.
MY REVIEW:
I was waiting to get my hands over this for a long time after reading the first of Anuja Chauhan's ACP Bhavabi Singh mysteries. One thing I can see is the her way of pulling out the most unexpected murderer from the bunch of suspects and the theories leading to it makes you seem like a fool to miss so much of details or not even thinking of such possibilities. This one was okay, though, but the love angle was not necessary at all. The entire plot line reflects the very life of a middle-class Indian with unsatisfied parents, meek wives, women finding their power, gossip monger aunties, close knit community, jilted love angle and more. I have always loved Anyja Chauhan's way of framing a tale, and no doubt this one seems somewhat to stand up to that level.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2024
This story set in Bangalore locality, where stray dogs are hurting by locals and people living in the locality are devious, opportunistic, revengeful, hateful and have skeleton inside there cupboards. But festival of Karwa chauth brings a new colour to locatily, and that is colour red of murder for the resident, Sushil kedia, and later during investigation for Charu.
95 years old Dondi Pais brought out her shotgun to dissipate a pack of street dogs while karwa chauth is going on.When she shot, one of the dogs Roganjosh got hit and got badly injured, another hit to Sushil Kedia direct in the head that everyone assumed first when his body was discovered, because he live right across the street from Dondi Pais.
ACP Bhavani Singh who is on honeymoon with wife Shalini, holidaying in Habba Galli at the time, is requested by the local police to help crack the case.As Bhavani along with the local police Naik meets the Kedia family and the residents of Habba Galli, he realizes everyone had some motto to kill Sushil as he was disliked by everyone around him.
The highlight of the book is the wit and humor that is filled all through, even in the most crucial situations.
The first half with all the characters being introduced moves at a very fast pace, while the second half drag a little when ACP Bhavani speaks to all the neighbors and some information seems repetitive. But the pre-climax and climax bring so many unexpected twists that the reader will not realize when the story ended.
The story has romance of Haider and Jhoomar Rao, hate of family members towards each other in Kedia family. Treacherous forbidden love of Sparsh and Devika. Group cadre for stray dog lovers and haters . Veterinary doctor and mother bond and neighbours review towards each other make this a beautiful story
95 years old Dondi Pais brought out her shotgun to dissipate a pack of street dogs while karwa chauth is going on.When she shot, one of the dogs Roganjosh got hit and got badly injured, another hit to Sushil Kedia direct in the head that everyone assumed first when his body was discovered, because he live right across the street from Dondi Pais.
ACP Bhavani Singh who is on honeymoon with wife Shalini, holidaying in Habba Galli at the time, is requested by the local police to help crack the case.As Bhavani along with the local police Naik meets the Kedia family and the residents of Habba Galli, he realizes everyone had some motto to kill Sushil as he was disliked by everyone around him.
The highlight of the book is the wit and humor that is filled all through, even in the most crucial situations.
The first half with all the characters being introduced moves at a very fast pace, while the second half drag a little when ACP Bhavani speaks to all the neighbors and some information seems repetitive. But the pre-climax and climax bring so many unexpected twists that the reader will not realize when the story ended.
The story has romance of Haider and Jhoomar Rao, hate of family members towards each other in Kedia family. Treacherous forbidden love of Sparsh and Devika. Group cadre for stray dog lovers and haters . Veterinary doctor and mother bond and neighbours review towards each other make this a beautiful story
December 2, 2023
The residents of Habba Galli in Shivajinagar are all shocked to see Dondi Pais shoot a few canines on Karwa Chauth night. Was it her age, anger or her mental status that made her do it?
It isn’t just the canines that have a bullet plunged in them though. One of the residents who by profession was a jeweller of a bad nature is also dead. One more resident turns up dead then. What did Dondi Pais do? What did Dondi Pais give birth to? A chain of murders? Was it purposeful? Or did she do it at all? Read the book to find out.
Book number two in the ACP Bhavani Singh series, The Fast and the Dead by Anuja Chauhan takes us through the lanes of Habba Galli and their chaotic and diverse set of residents. One family has a rising Bollywood actors who has a crush on the Habba Galli vet Jhoomar Rao, recently divorced and on the brinks of poverty. Others have a mother son duo, a family of jewellers and what not. Suspicions are on all but you won’t know the suspense till the end.
I enjoyed Anuja Chauhan’s writing style but at times it got a tad too descriptive. This book is not just a murder mystery but had elements of romance too. I found that distracting from the murder mystery. Moreover, the character of ACP Bhavnani Singh seemed off to me in terms of his dialogue and the way he investigates. The reader is guided through the entire informal murder investigation and it seems as if its going nowhere but then the ACP does the final revelation in which he has known about the murderer all along. This did not add up to me to be honest. Surely, the plotting of the murder/s had been done very well but it surely could have been executed well in the writing. I was quite impressed with the revelation.
Overall, it was an interesting book and I would like to read more by Anuja Chauhan.
It isn’t just the canines that have a bullet plunged in them though. One of the residents who by profession was a jeweller of a bad nature is also dead. One more resident turns up dead then. What did Dondi Pais do? What did Dondi Pais give birth to? A chain of murders? Was it purposeful? Or did she do it at all? Read the book to find out.
Book number two in the ACP Bhavani Singh series, The Fast and the Dead by Anuja Chauhan takes us through the lanes of Habba Galli and their chaotic and diverse set of residents. One family has a rising Bollywood actors who has a crush on the Habba Galli vet Jhoomar Rao, recently divorced and on the brinks of poverty. Others have a mother son duo, a family of jewellers and what not. Suspicions are on all but you won’t know the suspense till the end.
I enjoyed Anuja Chauhan’s writing style but at times it got a tad too descriptive. This book is not just a murder mystery but had elements of romance too. I found that distracting from the murder mystery. Moreover, the character of ACP Bhavnani Singh seemed off to me in terms of his dialogue and the way he investigates. The reader is guided through the entire informal murder investigation and it seems as if its going nowhere but then the ACP does the final revelation in which he has known about the murderer all along. This did not add up to me to be honest. Surely, the plotting of the murder/s had been done very well but it surely could have been executed well in the writing. I was quite impressed with the revelation.
Overall, it was an interesting book and I would like to read more by Anuja Chauhan.
February 16, 2024
“The family that kills together, sticks together.”
Anuja Chauhan's "The Fast and the Dead" is like curling up with a warm cup of chai on a lazy afternoon. The novel seamlessly weaves together charm, quirkiness, and a dash of murderous intrigue, showcasing Chauhan's expertise in blending witty dialogues and eccentric characters with the vibrant tapestry of every desi mohalla.
ACP Bhavani Singh is back again as our very own desi Poirot, skillfully navigating the bustling bazaars of Bangalore to unravel a murder that sends ripples through the entire Habba Gali. The plot unfolds amidst delightful chaos, with eccentric characters boasting unique motives and backstories that captivate readers, creating an atmosphere where each personality is endearing.
However, much like a cozy blanket that falls slightly short of covering your toes, the ending reveals the mystery in a somewhat anticlimactic manner. Yet, within the quirks lies a heartwarming portrayal of Indian women, gracefully embracing both feminism and flaws, coupled with Chauhan's signature creation of heartthrob men with cute butts.
The love story of Jhoomar and Haider, though filled with years of pining, feels a bit rushed, deserving a more nuanced evolution. Nevertheless, the book's charm lies in the perfect combination of mystery, romcom meet-cute, and desi quirkiness, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
In the end, "The Fast and the Dead" envelops readers in its quirky writing style, creating a page-turning and wholesome reading experience. So, grab a blanket, settle into your favorite reading nook, and let the delightful chaos of Habba Gali transport you to a world where mysteries unfold amidst the warmth of endearing characters and clever dialogues.
Anuja Chauhan's "The Fast and the Dead" is like curling up with a warm cup of chai on a lazy afternoon. The novel seamlessly weaves together charm, quirkiness, and a dash of murderous intrigue, showcasing Chauhan's expertise in blending witty dialogues and eccentric characters with the vibrant tapestry of every desi mohalla.
ACP Bhavani Singh is back again as our very own desi Poirot, skillfully navigating the bustling bazaars of Bangalore to unravel a murder that sends ripples through the entire Habba Gali. The plot unfolds amidst delightful chaos, with eccentric characters boasting unique motives and backstories that captivate readers, creating an atmosphere where each personality is endearing.
However, much like a cozy blanket that falls slightly short of covering your toes, the ending reveals the mystery in a somewhat anticlimactic manner. Yet, within the quirks lies a heartwarming portrayal of Indian women, gracefully embracing both feminism and flaws, coupled with Chauhan's signature creation of heartthrob men with cute butts.
The love story of Jhoomar and Haider, though filled with years of pining, feels a bit rushed, deserving a more nuanced evolution. Nevertheless, the book's charm lies in the perfect combination of mystery, romcom meet-cute, and desi quirkiness, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
In the end, "The Fast and the Dead" envelops readers in its quirky writing style, creating a page-turning and wholesome reading experience. So, grab a blanket, settle into your favorite reading nook, and let the delightful chaos of Habba Gali transport you to a world where mysteries unfold amidst the warmth of endearing characters and clever dialogues.
November 24, 2023
Before anything, I'll confess I have been an Anuja fan ever seen I read 'The Zoya Factor' more than a decade ago. I have always pre-ordered all her books and annoyed everyone around me by continuosly talking about her and re reading all her books multiple times till date.
However, this was the first time I have absolutely struggled to finish an AC novel. The characters were too repetitive and the arc for everyone was quite similar to 'Club you to Death'. I mean for example Cookie Katoch is Charu Tomar here. Ganga is Pooja Kedia. Even Kashi is Haider here. As for the female leads, is it just me or are all the girls after Tinka ( be it Bambi or Jhoomar) similar? There seems to be nothing different among the 3 girls. (Probably only the era they were born in). Whereas all FL before them, be it Zoya, Jinni, Dabbu or even Bonu were absolutely different personalities. You felt that they were 4 different people.
And I didn't get the killer at all in this one. I mean it got over in a paragraph, with no proper motive or explanation and a lot of loose points.
However my biggest complaint is hands down the romance, the weakest among all the 7 books. One of the many reasons I had been a fan of AC was for her romance, the tensionnnnn among the leads and of course their natural chemistry. But I barely gave any damn about Haider & Jhoomar. They never made me care about them in the slightest, nor did I miss them when they weren't there in the book.
Basically quite a disappointing one for me.
Also Ms Chauhan, if you ever read this, pleaseeeee pleaseeee enough with the experimentation and please bring back the magic of your earlier books, your forte.
However, this was the first time I have absolutely struggled to finish an AC novel. The characters were too repetitive and the arc for everyone was quite similar to 'Club you to Death'. I mean for example Cookie Katoch is Charu Tomar here. Ganga is Pooja Kedia. Even Kashi is Haider here. As for the female leads, is it just me or are all the girls after Tinka ( be it Bambi or Jhoomar) similar? There seems to be nothing different among the 3 girls. (Probably only the era they were born in). Whereas all FL before them, be it Zoya, Jinni, Dabbu or even Bonu were absolutely different personalities. You felt that they were 4 different people.
And I didn't get the killer at all in this one. I mean it got over in a paragraph, with no proper motive or explanation and a lot of loose points.
However my biggest complaint is hands down the romance, the weakest among all the 7 books. One of the many reasons I had been a fan of AC was for her romance, the tensionnnnn among the leads and of course their natural chemistry. But I barely gave any damn about Haider & Jhoomar. They never made me care about them in the slightest, nor did I miss them when they weren't there in the book.
Basically quite a disappointing one for me.
Also Ms Chauhan, if you ever read this, pleaseeeee pleaseeee enough with the experimentation and please bring back the magic of your earlier books, your forte.
December 17, 2023
Full review on my blog:
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2023/12/bo...
In Habba Galli of Shivajinagar, Bengaluru on the auspicious evening of Karwa Chauth, as the women eagerly waited for the moon to show up to break their day-long fast, ninety-five-year-old Dondi Pais brought out her shotgun to dissipate a pack of street dogs.
While the six bullets she shot did hit one of the dogs Roganjosh, injuring it badly, unaware to everyone who witnessed this rage of Dondi Pais, Sushil Kedia the rich owner of Kedia group of jewellery shops is also hit direct in the head, while he was working on few jewellery designs in his atelier, right across the street from Dondi Pais.
As Sushil’s family discovers his dead body the next morning, ACP Bhavani Singh who is on his annual honeymoon with wife Shalini, coincidentally holidaying in Habba Galli at the time, is requested by the local police to help crack the case.
As Bhavani along with the local police Naik meets the Kedia family and the residents of Habba Galli, he realizes everyone had some motto to kill Sushil as he was disliked by everyone around him. Haider Sait the upcoming Bollywood actor who is known for his techniques of method-action, is one of the prime suspects. Is Sushil’s death an accident caused by Dondi Pais or is it a preplanned murder forms the rest of the story.
When the story begins with focus on Dondi Pais and her Gunny boy, the Pilla party who loved the strays and an opposition group who hated these dogs to an extent they could as well kill the strays, the reader may not understand significance of these details, but such minor details shared by the author at the beginning add up to the mystery as the story unfolds.
The first half with all the characters being introduced moves at a very fast pace, while the second half drag a little when ACP Bhavani speaks to all the neighbors and some information seems repetitive. But the pre-climax and climax bring so many unexpected twists that the reader will not realize when the story ended.
The highlight of the book is hands-down the wit and humor that is filled all through, even in the most humorous situations. The funny accents and mannerisms each character carries are well designed by the author. The setup of Habba Galli will bring back fond memories of the times most of us lived in neighborhoods where everyone knew everyone around, unlike the present apartment culture.
However, the love story between Haider and Jhoomar Rao takes back seat in the middle of all the drama happening with other characters. The author maintains the suspense well, as the narration keeps the reader on edge, while guessing the culprit. Also, the author gives equal importance to every person in Habba Galli without confusing the reader which is rare in books with multiple characters.
Pick this one this holiday season, to read a cozy story of a vibrant neighborhood with characters of all sorts of quirks.
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2023/12/bo...
In Habba Galli of Shivajinagar, Bengaluru on the auspicious evening of Karwa Chauth, as the women eagerly waited for the moon to show up to break their day-long fast, ninety-five-year-old Dondi Pais brought out her shotgun to dissipate a pack of street dogs.
While the six bullets she shot did hit one of the dogs Roganjosh, injuring it badly, unaware to everyone who witnessed this rage of Dondi Pais, Sushil Kedia the rich owner of Kedia group of jewellery shops is also hit direct in the head, while he was working on few jewellery designs in his atelier, right across the street from Dondi Pais.
As Sushil’s family discovers his dead body the next morning, ACP Bhavani Singh who is on his annual honeymoon with wife Shalini, coincidentally holidaying in Habba Galli at the time, is requested by the local police to help crack the case.
As Bhavani along with the local police Naik meets the Kedia family and the residents of Habba Galli, he realizes everyone had some motto to kill Sushil as he was disliked by everyone around him. Haider Sait the upcoming Bollywood actor who is known for his techniques of method-action, is one of the prime suspects. Is Sushil’s death an accident caused by Dondi Pais or is it a preplanned murder forms the rest of the story.
When the story begins with focus on Dondi Pais and her Gunny boy, the Pilla party who loved the strays and an opposition group who hated these dogs to an extent they could as well kill the strays, the reader may not understand significance of these details, but such minor details shared by the author at the beginning add up to the mystery as the story unfolds.
The first half with all the characters being introduced moves at a very fast pace, while the second half drag a little when ACP Bhavani speaks to all the neighbors and some information seems repetitive. But the pre-climax and climax bring so many unexpected twists that the reader will not realize when the story ended.
The highlight of the book is hands-down the wit and humor that is filled all through, even in the most humorous situations. The funny accents and mannerisms each character carries are well designed by the author. The setup of Habba Galli will bring back fond memories of the times most of us lived in neighborhoods where everyone knew everyone around, unlike the present apartment culture.
However, the love story between Haider and Jhoomar Rao takes back seat in the middle of all the drama happening with other characters. The author maintains the suspense well, as the narration keeps the reader on edge, while guessing the culprit. Also, the author gives equal importance to every person in Habba Galli without confusing the reader which is rare in books with multiple characters.
Pick this one this holiday season, to read a cozy story of a vibrant neighborhood with characters of all sorts of quirks.
January 30, 2024
This book had many strengths but also many weaknesses. Anuja Chauhan’s wit and wordplay were at full force in this book and the characters and sceneries were richly described, making the reading experience highly immersive. She always manages to capture the quintessential but idiosyncratic essence of different Indian personalities, in all their mirth. As a Bangalorean who loves this city, I was delighted to read about the places I know and love. Why I had visited the Queen Victoria statue in Cubbon Park just this past weekend! The book was illuminating - after a quick Google search, I learnt the meaning of a new initialism (KLPD!), that there are raging debates on the presence of street dogs in RWAs, and that the 4pm hunger is the most debilitating when fasting. I was also on tenterhooks for the killer and their motivations to be revealed- the plot was intricate with many threads and moving pieces making it impossible (at least for me) to deduce the answer. And what a surprising yet pleasing answer it was!
Now, to discuss the shortcomings - the dialogue in this book felt very much like a North Indian boomer was writing it. The dialogue of youth, let alone Bangalorean youth felt forced and unnatural. As a Bangalorean, I felt the chill maadis were great but too many (though I concede that that may be the Whitefield-residing, non-Kannadiga, international-school-educated Bangalorean in me). I am certain as a 25 year old though, that young people do not use “TBH” when talking to their parents. Having read and loved all of her previous books, I feel Anuja Chauhan can have better, more realistic, and less ‘try-hard’ dialogue.
Now, to discuss the shortcomings - the dialogue in this book felt very much like a North Indian boomer was writing it. The dialogue of youth, let alone Bangalorean youth felt forced and unnatural. As a Bangalorean, I felt the chill maadis were great but too many (though I concede that that may be the Whitefield-residing, non-Kannadiga, international-school-educated Bangalorean in me). I am certain as a 25 year old though, that young people do not use “TBH” when talking to their parents. Having read and loved all of her previous books, I feel Anuja Chauhan can have better, more realistic, and less ‘try-hard’ dialogue.
July 14, 2024
“Basically, everybody at the Crime Branch agrees that when ACP Bhavani Singh starts to exude that nuclear-level sympathy and attentiveness, he is like a latest-model Dyson for the soul. The interrogatee gives a heave and a hiccup, and then woooosh, out comes all the dirt: fears, secrets, childhood crushes and the places where the bodies are buried.”
When eccentric Dondi Pais empties her double-barrelled shotgun to scatter a pack of noisy mongrels on Karwa Chauth night, all of Habba Galli, Shivajinagar, is disturbed. Their distress turns to shock when the next morning a jeweller is found dead with a stray bullet in his skull.
By a happy coincidence, ACP Bhavani Singh is on hand to investigate but as corpses start piling up in the bustling bazaar, will the canny old policeman be able to prove his powerful hunch—that these deaths are not accidents but a sinister case of murders-most-meticulous?
The ACP Bhavani Singh series is meant to be about cosy mysteries which come with a little romance on the side. Jhoomar and Haidar, with their fragile emotions and strong egos, trying to reclaim their lost chance is perhaps the sweetest love story I’ve read in a while.
Chauhan’s USP lies in her inimitable knack of combining a pure desi vibe with language favoured by Gen Z, creating a refreshing perspective. She does not shy away from bringing in local flavours in generous doses with which she creates a dramatic setup of masaledar manoranjan in prodigious proportions.
This romance-comedy-murder-mystery with a deliciously twisted plot and at the very top of its game on entertainment value, The Fast and the Dead is as marvellous and quirky as it can get.
When eccentric Dondi Pais empties her double-barrelled shotgun to scatter a pack of noisy mongrels on Karwa Chauth night, all of Habba Galli, Shivajinagar, is disturbed. Their distress turns to shock when the next morning a jeweller is found dead with a stray bullet in his skull.
By a happy coincidence, ACP Bhavani Singh is on hand to investigate but as corpses start piling up in the bustling bazaar, will the canny old policeman be able to prove his powerful hunch—that these deaths are not accidents but a sinister case of murders-most-meticulous?
The ACP Bhavani Singh series is meant to be about cosy mysteries which come with a little romance on the side. Jhoomar and Haidar, with their fragile emotions and strong egos, trying to reclaim their lost chance is perhaps the sweetest love story I’ve read in a while.
Chauhan’s USP lies in her inimitable knack of combining a pure desi vibe with language favoured by Gen Z, creating a refreshing perspective. She does not shy away from bringing in local flavours in generous doses with which she creates a dramatic setup of masaledar manoranjan in prodigious proportions.
This romance-comedy-murder-mystery with a deliciously twisted plot and at the very top of its game on entertainment value, The Fast and the Dead is as marvellous and quirky as it can get.
November 26, 2023
Well, about time! The next in the murder series from Anuja Chauhan came finally by and I so love the cover- colourful, yet grim for those who have read the book.
The best part of Anuja’s books are the sketch of her myriad characters and the awesome dialogues she gives them. Feels hai yaar.
The book features ACP Bhavani Singh from the previous book Club you to Death. He is in Bangalore for a wedding trip that also doubles up as his annual honeymoon (good idea).
The book unfolds with the quirky scene of the old and weird Dondi Pais doing a demo of her old shotgun during its annual cleaning during Ayusha puja. (Nice these south festivals get featured in a book now!)
Cut to the holier than thou festival of Karva chauth where the ladies are being one another’s conscience keepers and helping them maintain or rather stopping them from breaking their fast lest their husbands pop off in an untimely fashion.
On the other hand there is Jhoomer whose smile lit up the place like a jhoomer who is a vet in Bangalore and runs a pretty dilapidated clinic with questionable facilities. She and her mother are poor not the khandani poor kinds but the newly poor types and therefore retain their snob quotient quite adeptly.
There is a silent admirer in the scene who is now a rising movie hero. I am glad he is Bollywood star (though of unconventional looks ) and so there is some hope that he is handsome because in south the villains are more handsome
Read more at https://itchingtoread.blogspot.com/20...
The best part of Anuja’s books are the sketch of her myriad characters and the awesome dialogues she gives them. Feels hai yaar.
The book features ACP Bhavani Singh from the previous book Club you to Death. He is in Bangalore for a wedding trip that also doubles up as his annual honeymoon (good idea).
The book unfolds with the quirky scene of the old and weird Dondi Pais doing a demo of her old shotgun during its annual cleaning during Ayusha puja. (Nice these south festivals get featured in a book now!)
Cut to the holier than thou festival of Karva chauth where the ladies are being one another’s conscience keepers and helping them maintain or rather stopping them from breaking their fast lest their husbands pop off in an untimely fashion.
On the other hand there is Jhoomer whose smile lit up the place like a jhoomer who is a vet in Bangalore and runs a pretty dilapidated clinic with questionable facilities. She and her mother are poor not the khandani poor kinds but the newly poor types and therefore retain their snob quotient quite adeptly.
There is a silent admirer in the scene who is now a rising movie hero. I am glad he is Bollywood star (though of unconventional looks ) and so there is some hope that he is handsome because in south the villains are more handsome
Read more at https://itchingtoread.blogspot.com/20...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2024
This book tries to do a lot of things and in my opinion manages to do it almost perfectly. It is a murder mystery set in the backdrop of Bangalore and current socio-political situation of India. The author has taken a liberal approach in voicing her opinions and I for one is onboard with it. We have feminists but flawed women, a woman treated unequally by her peers and unable to rise above it, she had sunk into it, a woman subdued by the men of her family and recently finding her voice, a typical orthodox obnoxious sexist man (the villain), a feminist man who dotes his mother and harbours a childhood crush for years (every girls’ dream man), a meek man with no ambition and under the thumb of his wife, an unmarried man selflessly taking care of his aged mother, a man who is almost feminist and a spoilt boy of a wealthy family. Including such eccentric characters have given voices to many issues we can see in each and every Indian household and I think the author has been able to incorporate social commentary in a very witty, entertaining and engaging way. It was quite fun seeing the characters engage in conversations that opened discussions on independence of women, divorce, love, faith and stereotypes against caste and religion.
Coming to the mystery, it was quite nicely done. There was enough suspense, blood, hatred, motives, twist and turns to keep the readers hooked. The romance sub plot was also like heart skipping beats. It was a breezing no brainer read, really good for unwinding after a long hectic week.
Coming to the mystery, it was quite nicely done. There was enough suspense, blood, hatred, motives, twist and turns to keep the readers hooked. The romance sub plot was also like heart skipping beats. It was a breezing no brainer read, really good for unwinding after a long hectic week.
December 31, 2023
Typical Anuja Chauhan - if you've read enough of her by now you know how it goes. I like to think of her as a more self-aware Karan Johar-equivalent of Indian literature where the plot is set in pretty elite, upper-class households, but it can also bring in some of those ground level sensibilities of a Zoya Akhtar movie by knowing where that household fits in to the larger society. And this is done through a masala book which combines drama, romance, a whodunnit, some social commentary, humour and everything else you could think of. This is probably the high bar for frothy, fun, chick-lit and as close to 'literary' as you can get there. Chetan Bhagat with better writing, and a deeper plot (and I mean that in a good way!). Just don't expect anything grittier or deeper...
The main character - ACP Bhavani Singh we have met previously in Lutyens Delhi. He is now on holiday in Bangalore which is why our story moves here. As someone has pointed out - Bengaluru is really just a plot device to give a new setting and place to write about. The characters are pretty similar to the previous one in the series, and with some changes, this could be set anywhere in urban India. I found the whodunnit explanation a bit hurried and weird, felt it was a twist for the sake of it and not something set up very well.
Regardless this is a fun and super breezy read. Anuja Chauhan uses language amazingly and really brings out the Indian-ness in Indian English writing like no one else can - both in language, the settings (flowers, outfits, food, weather, art and so on) so I always appreciate the cultural experience. It is not as high on history as a Baaz or romance as the Thakur Girls (in fact I found that element a bit underdeveloped), but as long as you're along to just unwind and enjoy the ride it will serve you well...
The main character - ACP Bhavani Singh we have met previously in Lutyens Delhi. He is now on holiday in Bangalore which is why our story moves here. As someone has pointed out - Bengaluru is really just a plot device to give a new setting and place to write about. The characters are pretty similar to the previous one in the series, and with some changes, this could be set anywhere in urban India. I found the whodunnit explanation a bit hurried and weird, felt it was a twist for the sake of it and not something set up very well.
Regardless this is a fun and super breezy read. Anuja Chauhan uses language amazingly and really brings out the Indian-ness in Indian English writing like no one else can - both in language, the settings (flowers, outfits, food, weather, art and so on) so I always appreciate the cultural experience. It is not as high on history as a Baaz or romance as the Thakur Girls (in fact I found that element a bit underdeveloped), but as long as you're along to just unwind and enjoy the ride it will serve you well...
February 16, 2024
This is an entertaining read from Anuja Chauhan, bringing together a disparate group of suspicious characters, and weaving out of their motives a promising whodunit.
The reader is introduced to certain cultural traditions that they may be unfamiliar with, including that of the Hindu festival of Karva Chauth, where wives fast in order to ensure that their husbands are blessed with health and longevity.
Needless to say, the husbands are never expected to fast, or give a second thought to their wives' health or longevity. Nevertheless, any wife who fails to fulfill her duties is considered disrespectful, and will be blamed if anything whatsoever subsequently happens to her husband.
Usually though, nobody expects the punishment to be as dire as a bullet. But that is what appears to have killed the jeweller - whose wife coincidentally broke her fast too early.
The problem is, he was not well liked, so there is a whole bunch of suspects who could be considered good for having played a part in it.
Now Inspector Bhavani Singh must unravel the mystery against the backdrop of torrid romance, filmi shenanigans and the complex web of relationships in Shivajinagar, where even the street dogs can be heard howling their opinions amidst the melee of everyday Indian life...
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The reader is introduced to certain cultural traditions that they may be unfamiliar with, including that of the Hindu festival of Karva Chauth, where wives fast in order to ensure that their husbands are blessed with health and longevity.
Needless to say, the husbands are never expected to fast, or give a second thought to their wives' health or longevity. Nevertheless, any wife who fails to fulfill her duties is considered disrespectful, and will be blamed if anything whatsoever subsequently happens to her husband.
Usually though, nobody expects the punishment to be as dire as a bullet. But that is what appears to have killed the jeweller - whose wife coincidentally broke her fast too early.
The problem is, he was not well liked, so there is a whole bunch of suspects who could be considered good for having played a part in it.
Now Inspector Bhavani Singh must unravel the mystery against the backdrop of torrid romance, filmi shenanigans and the complex web of relationships in Shivajinagar, where even the street dogs can be heard howling their opinions amidst the melee of everyday Indian life...
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
February 17, 2024
In my initial journey into the author's literary realm, I was genuinely captivated. Although the story commenced with a gradual introduction of characters and their lives, the narrative found its stride after the initial fifty pages. The detailed characterizations at the outset seamlessly wove into the evolving story, creating a well-balanced narrative.
This murder mystery, deviating from the conventional serious tone, injected a refreshing blend of humor and colloquial language, transforming it into an entertaining and approachable read. Beyond the conventional suspense-thriller components, the book intricately explores various human attributes and relationships. It delves into the challenges faced by a single mother, the dynamic life of a working woman, the dilemmas of a homemaker, and the poignant sacrifice of a middle-aged single man forgoing the pleasures of having a family.
The narrative unfolds within a family that shares a common business, providing a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of love and concern for both stray dogs and pets. The revelation of the murderer, reminiscent of Poirot's distinctive style, infuses a Bollywood-esque masala and humor into this Indian murder mystery. Altogether, it stands out as a fantastic choice for readers seeking a quick, engaging, and multifaceted experience.
This murder mystery, deviating from the conventional serious tone, injected a refreshing blend of humor and colloquial language, transforming it into an entertaining and approachable read. Beyond the conventional suspense-thriller components, the book intricately explores various human attributes and relationships. It delves into the challenges faced by a single mother, the dynamic life of a working woman, the dilemmas of a homemaker, and the poignant sacrifice of a middle-aged single man forgoing the pleasures of having a family.
The narrative unfolds within a family that shares a common business, providing a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of love and concern for both stray dogs and pets. The revelation of the murderer, reminiscent of Poirot's distinctive style, infuses a Bollywood-esque masala and humor into this Indian murder mystery. Altogether, it stands out as a fantastic choice for readers seeking a quick, engaging, and multifaceted experience.
December 13, 2023
Name : The Fast and The Dead
Author : Anuja Chauhan
Genre : Cosy murder mystery
My 💭 :
Woohoo, now that's what I call a perfect masala murder mystery! My last 2 days' reading was worth it 🙌.
Whenever a murder mystery plot is set in a homely neighborhood full of middle aged aunties, I know it will be a very colorful read. Yes, the first 66 pages or so seemed a bit too slow for me because I don't enjoy slow pace. But then, there was lot of unwanted details for setting the tone of the book as well as introducing the characters to us. So yeah I got bored in the first leg. But if you are a detail oriented reader, then you might enjoy it. Then the murder took place and I couldn't stop reading the book.
The plot being a whodunnit murder mystery and the characters being very very interesting and obsessed with the local dogs made my reading experience 10x better. I was the local dog lover of my neighborhood when I was little, so I really connected with vet Jhoomar. She and all the women characters were just 🤌🤌. So strong and feisty and willful. Ignoring the overuse of the GenZ abbreviations, I loved the forward minded nature of the story. I mean, this is the first book by an Indian author that I am reading who has used gender fluidity for one of the characters. I'm so happy to see that finally heteronormative ideals are taking a backseat in literature.
There is a verrrry sweet love story that develops between two important characters and I lived for it! Their flirting made me feel nostalgic for my real experiences (blush) and kinda made me realise that maybe I don't know flirting properly at all. Ah perks of being a socially awkward girl :(
Everytime I read about a different culture in a book, I really enjoy the newness I feel after learning about them, but tbh I don't know whether I'll enjoy living there myself. I'm too much accustomed to my own culture sadly. But I really enjoyed the Bangalore neighborhood culture and my office team members being mostly from there, I get the idea that they REALLY like working and not remaining idle. I mean why else did ACP Bhavani say yes to this investigation on his honeymoon 😂?
By the time I was almost at the end of the book, I realised why I was liking the writing so much. The multi layered ending revelation and the twists gave me the distinct feeling of reading a Hercule Poirot mystery. Yes, ACP Bhavani and his techniques quite reminded me of my favourite detective 〰️.
Cosy murder mystery lovers, this is a must read for you all 😺!
Author : Anuja Chauhan
Genre : Cosy murder mystery
My 💭 :
Woohoo, now that's what I call a perfect masala murder mystery! My last 2 days' reading was worth it 🙌.
Whenever a murder mystery plot is set in a homely neighborhood full of middle aged aunties, I know it will be a very colorful read. Yes, the first 66 pages or so seemed a bit too slow for me because I don't enjoy slow pace. But then, there was lot of unwanted details for setting the tone of the book as well as introducing the characters to us. So yeah I got bored in the first leg. But if you are a detail oriented reader, then you might enjoy it. Then the murder took place and I couldn't stop reading the book.
The plot being a whodunnit murder mystery and the characters being very very interesting and obsessed with the local dogs made my reading experience 10x better. I was the local dog lover of my neighborhood when I was little, so I really connected with vet Jhoomar. She and all the women characters were just 🤌🤌. So strong and feisty and willful. Ignoring the overuse of the GenZ abbreviations, I loved the forward minded nature of the story. I mean, this is the first book by an Indian author that I am reading who has used gender fluidity for one of the characters. I'm so happy to see that finally heteronormative ideals are taking a backseat in literature.
There is a verrrry sweet love story that develops between two important characters and I lived for it! Their flirting made me feel nostalgic for my real experiences (blush) and kinda made me realise that maybe I don't know flirting properly at all. Ah perks of being a socially awkward girl :(
Everytime I read about a different culture in a book, I really enjoy the newness I feel after learning about them, but tbh I don't know whether I'll enjoy living there myself. I'm too much accustomed to my own culture sadly. But I really enjoyed the Bangalore neighborhood culture and my office team members being mostly from there, I get the idea that they REALLY like working and not remaining idle. I mean why else did ACP Bhavani say yes to this investigation on his honeymoon 😂?
By the time I was almost at the end of the book, I realised why I was liking the writing so much. The multi layered ending revelation and the twists gave me the distinct feeling of reading a Hercule Poirot mystery. Yes, ACP Bhavani and his techniques quite reminded me of my favourite detective 〰️.
Cosy murder mystery lovers, this is a must read for you all 😺!
January 11, 2024
The Fast and the Dead by Anuja Chauhan made me laugh, giggle, and sit on the edge until I finished it.
In Habba Galli, a murder takes place where Sushil Kedia is found dead. His wife, Pooja Kedia who kept the karwa chauth fast for her husband, broke it before time. Rumors are that because she broke the fast, God punished her by killing her husband.
ACP Bhavani is assigned this case and he dutifully investigates the case, leaving no stone unturned. But it seems like that not just one but two murders had to take place in the Habba Galli, taking away the mental peace of the people living there.
I had difficulty in start of this book but from the 3rd chapter, I got the hold of the story. From there, it became really difficult to put it down before I finished it. The Author's writing had so many fun elements that I really enjoyed. Desi drama, movie and tv references, slangs and many more relatable things were there in the story.
I had predicted the killer earlier and it came to be true. However, I didn't find the motive of the killer that thrilling. So, if you just want to read a light Desi murder drama then you should read it for the fun. If you want an intense or unpredictable climax, then this is not the book for you.
In Habba Galli, a murder takes place where Sushil Kedia is found dead. His wife, Pooja Kedia who kept the karwa chauth fast for her husband, broke it before time. Rumors are that because she broke the fast, God punished her by killing her husband.
ACP Bhavani is assigned this case and he dutifully investigates the case, leaving no stone unturned. But it seems like that not just one but two murders had to take place in the Habba Galli, taking away the mental peace of the people living there.
I had difficulty in start of this book but from the 3rd chapter, I got the hold of the story. From there, it became really difficult to put it down before I finished it. The Author's writing had so many fun elements that I really enjoyed. Desi drama, movie and tv references, slangs and many more relatable things were there in the story.
I had predicted the killer earlier and it came to be true. However, I didn't find the motive of the killer that thrilling. So, if you just want to read a light Desi murder drama then you should read it for the fun. If you want an intense or unpredictable climax, then this is not the book for you.
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