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Temple Hill Mystery #2
A Matrimonial Murder
The thrilling second book in the Temple Hill Mystery series!
A Matrimonial Murder takes us back to the bustling Temple Hill neighbourhood of Mumbai where fat-cat businessmen conduct high-powered deals while their pampered wives toil behind the scenes, leveraging gossip and innuendo.
Sarla Seth, the owner of the most prestigious matrimonial bureau in town, has been receiving threatening messages. In her thirty years of matchmaking, she's left behind a few unhappy clients and jealous competitors, though surely none of them would wish her actual harm? But when an employee is found murdered in the office, a shocked Sarla is forced to admit that things at her beloved Soul Harmony may not be that harmonious after all.
Award-winning novelist Radhi Zaveri is at Soul Harmony researching a book on arranged marriages when she stumbles upon the body of the murdered woman and gets caught up in the drama that unfolds. While the police begin their investigation, Radhi's conversations with staff and clients give rise to worrying questions. As she hunts for answers, Radhi consults astrologers, goes on arranged dates and discovers
that marriage on Temple Hill is deadly serious business.
A Matrimonial Murder takes us back to the bustling Temple Hill neighbourhood of Mumbai where fat-cat businessmen conduct high-powered deals while their pampered wives toil behind the scenes, leveraging gossip and innuendo.
Sarla Seth, the owner of the most prestigious matrimonial bureau in town, has been receiving threatening messages. In her thirty years of matchmaking, she's left behind a few unhappy clients and jealous competitors, though surely none of them would wish her actual harm? But when an employee is found murdered in the office, a shocked Sarla is forced to admit that things at her beloved Soul Harmony may not be that harmonious after all.
Award-winning novelist Radhi Zaveri is at Soul Harmony researching a book on arranged marriages when she stumbles upon the body of the murdered woman and gets caught up in the drama that unfolds. While the police begin their investigation, Radhi's conversations with staff and clients give rise to worrying questions. As she hunts for answers, Radhi consults astrologers, goes on arranged dates and discovers
that marriage on Temple Hill is deadly serious business.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2024
139 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Meeti Shroff-Shah
6 books51 followersMeeti is the author of the Temple Hill Mystery series, the first of which - The Death of Kirti Kadakia, published as A Mumbai Murder Mystery, internationally, - was longlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger in 2022 and shortlisted for the Times of India Auther Awards in 2023.
Prior to this, Meeti has also written the critically acclaimed memoir, ‘Do You Know Any Good Boys?’ – A funny guide to the Indian arranged marriage, which has been optioned for screen. Her writings have also appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Mint Lounge, cntraveller.in and The India Today.
In a previous life, Meeti worked in advertising for over sixteen years with global agencies such as DDB Mudra and Rediffusion Y&R.
Meeti writes from a little blue desk in Mumbai where she lives with her husband and daughter and a dozen temperamental houseplants.
To hear Meeti’s news, find her on Instagram or visit her website and sign up for her monthly newsletter.
Prior to this, Meeti has also written the critically acclaimed memoir, ‘Do You Know Any Good Boys?’ – A funny guide to the Indian arranged marriage, which has been optioned for screen. Her writings have also appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Mint Lounge, cntraveller.in and The India Today.
In a previous life, Meeti worked in advertising for over sixteen years with global agencies such as DDB Mudra and Rediffusion Y&R.
Meeti writes from a little blue desk in Mumbai where she lives with her husband and daughter and a dozen temperamental houseplants.
To hear Meeti’s news, find her on Instagram or visit her website and sign up for her monthly newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 12, 2024
Real props the the author for crafting such a well planned mystery!!! Loved every bit of it. Loved the social commentary. The little red herrings were well sprayed out. It was a fun little quick read that completely pulled me into the story from page 1!!!
February 13, 2024
NetGalley/Publishers have got to be better when promoting a second book in a series! I had no idea until I started reading and it said it was book 2.
That being said! Due to the nature of mystery series like this one, I think missing out on one is fine because I didn't feel like I was missing very much, though I will most likely go back to read that one because I enjoyed this one so much. It's fun! A cozy mystery set in Mumbai, there's so many descriptions of culture and food and people, it's already interesting based on that. Our main character Radhi is a great main character and the author Meeti Shroff-Shah is so good at balancing the mystery, characterization and story. Really enjoyed this and I'm excited read more form the author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
That being said! Due to the nature of mystery series like this one, I think missing out on one is fine because I didn't feel like I was missing very much, though I will most likely go back to read that one because I enjoyed this one so much. It's fun! A cozy mystery set in Mumbai, there's so many descriptions of culture and food and people, it's already interesting based on that. Our main character Radhi is a great main character and the author Meeti Shroff-Shah is so good at balancing the mystery, characterization and story. Really enjoyed this and I'm excited read more form the author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2024
I recently finished reading this cozy murder mystery A Matrimonial Murder. I hadn't read the first book of the Temple Hill Mystery series so I was a little apprehensive of whether I would get the nuances and references in this book. I am glad to say that I faced no difficulties at all in enjoying this book despite that. The novel follows Radhi Zaveri, an award-winning novelist who finds herself entangled in a real-life mystery while researching for a book on arranged marriages at Soul Harmony, a prestigious matrimonial bureau run by Sarla Seth.
Sarla, known for her expertise in pairing couples, receives a series of threatening messages that escalate when one of her employees is found dead in the office. Radhi, initially there for her research, becomes deeply involved in unraveling the mystery. Her investigation is not just a journey through potential suspects but also a deep dive into the contrasting worlds of traditional and modern Indian society.
I enjoyed the cultured depiction of Mumbai, bringing the bustling city and its unique various nuances to life. It was also immense fun getting to know how a matrimonial agency operates. However, while the setting and characters are well-crafted, the mystery element could definitely have been a bit more complex and a little more fast-paced.
Nevertheless, It is wonderful to see how immensely the Indian murder mystery genre is growing. I cannot wait to read the first book in the Temple Hill series, The Death of Keerti Kadakia. For those of you who enjoy cozy mysteries, give this series a try for sure.
Sarla, known for her expertise in pairing couples, receives a series of threatening messages that escalate when one of her employees is found dead in the office. Radhi, initially there for her research, becomes deeply involved in unraveling the mystery. Her investigation is not just a journey through potential suspects but also a deep dive into the contrasting worlds of traditional and modern Indian society.
I enjoyed the cultured depiction of Mumbai, bringing the bustling city and its unique various nuances to life. It was also immense fun getting to know how a matrimonial agency operates. However, while the setting and characters are well-crafted, the mystery element could definitely have been a bit more complex and a little more fast-paced.
Nevertheless, It is wonderful to see how immensely the Indian murder mystery genre is growing. I cannot wait to read the first book in the Temple Hill series, The Death of Keerti Kadakia. For those of you who enjoy cozy mysteries, give this series a try for sure.
May 21, 2024
⭐Qotd⭐
Would you consider getting married through a matrimonial agency/sites ?
🎀Favourite Quote🎀
//Some stories, they just end without you finding out what happened.//
💭My Thoughts💭
A Matrimonial Murder" by Meeti Shah Shroff, the second book in the Temple Hill Mystery series, is set in Mumbai, where tt follows the protagonist, Radhi Zaveri, as she investigates the murder of a matchmaker from Soul Harmony, a well-known marriage bureau. Radhi is a novelist who was researching arranged weddings for her next novel when she gets entangled in the investigation.
This murdèr mystery will give you a lot of insights on what goes behind the curtains while arranging a good match for a person. All the struggles they encounter while matchmaking and the consequences when it's not a perfect match. In the beginning, while reading the story, I thought that there were a lot of unnecessary scenes and clues, probably to distract us from the main culprit, but at the end, when the murderer was revealed, everything made sense. I have to say the culprit was the last person I expected, which made the plot even more interesting. The story also reveals that marriage in the elite circle is indeed a very serious business. Personally, I didn't know so much happened in matchmaking, so this story was really informative and made me respect these agencies a lot. I need to read more such desi mystery books. Cozy mysteries with such clever plots as this deserve all the attention
Overall, the novel paints a vivid picture of modern Indian society and the complexity of matchmaking in general, making it an appealing read for lovers of cozy mysteries.
Would you consider getting married through a matrimonial agency/sites ?
🎀Favourite Quote🎀
//Some stories, they just end without you finding out what happened.//
💭My Thoughts💭
A Matrimonial Murder" by Meeti Shah Shroff, the second book in the Temple Hill Mystery series, is set in Mumbai, where tt follows the protagonist, Radhi Zaveri, as she investigates the murder of a matchmaker from Soul Harmony, a well-known marriage bureau. Radhi is a novelist who was researching arranged weddings for her next novel when she gets entangled in the investigation.
This murdèr mystery will give you a lot of insights on what goes behind the curtains while arranging a good match for a person. All the struggles they encounter while matchmaking and the consequences when it's not a perfect match. In the beginning, while reading the story, I thought that there were a lot of unnecessary scenes and clues, probably to distract us from the main culprit, but at the end, when the murderer was revealed, everything made sense. I have to say the culprit was the last person I expected, which made the plot even more interesting. The story also reveals that marriage in the elite circle is indeed a very serious business. Personally, I didn't know so much happened in matchmaking, so this story was really informative and made me respect these agencies a lot. I need to read more such desi mystery books. Cozy mysteries with such clever plots as this deserve all the attention
Overall, the novel paints a vivid picture of modern Indian society and the complexity of matchmaking in general, making it an appealing read for lovers of cozy mysteries.
July 15, 2025
Don’t expect a groundbreaking thriller but rather a comfortable mystery and you won’t be disappointed. I love reading such no-nonsense fiction mysteries. The social commentary was all too familiar, and the characters were done well too. Kudos to the author for setting up the environment skilfully!
April 8, 2024
After a suggestion by her agent/friend to write about arranged marriages and matchmaking services, Radhi contacts Sarla Seth, who runs the most successful and well known matchmaking service in the Temple Hill area of Mumbhai, Soul Harmony. Sarla is a wealthy woman with a big personality, a strong-will and stylish, and was a close friend of Radhi's deceased mother. Sarla loves her "niece", and opens her business up to Radhi’s scrutiny. Sarla looks forward to Radhi's essays about matrimonial services, but also sees this as an opportunity to use the upcoming book as promotional material for her business. She also gets Radhi to agree to going through the process herself to provide her future readers with the author’s point of view.
All looks well, but Radhi quickly finds out that Sarla and her business partner Kiran have been receiving threatening messages in the form of a nasty notes, each accompanied by a tarot card.
Radhi cannot not look aside, and decides she'll not only write her book, but she'll investigate who might have it out for Soul Harmony. The list of suspects is not small, as there are a few disgruntled staff members, a competitor, and a few unhappy parents for whom the unions resulting from using Soul Harmony resulted either in failed engagements or divorces, both of which are seen as black marks against the young women using the service, and against Soul Harmony's vaunted reputation. Then, to everyone's shock, the private investigator employed by Soul Harmony is murdered, and the police officer in charge of the case immediately dismisses anything Radhi has to say about what she knows and has discovered.
In contrast to the positive progress Radhi is making with her investigation, she is dreaming persistently about the car crash that killed her parents years earlier. Radhi has unfortunately not resumed her therapy since moving back to Temple Hill, and is drinking and smoking too much as a coping mechanism. She also begins writing a mystery novel, based on what happened to her in her first investigation (book one).
Radhi discovers lots of unpleasant truths about the relationships amongst staff and the business partners, and eventually discovers the person(s) behind the threatening notes and the murder.
I enjoyed this, even though I have no patience for arranged marriage and all it entails. Radhi again proves to be a good observer and empathetic, though she does find her eyes opened about all that engaging a matrimonial service entails for one's privacy and potential success in finding a mate.
I appreciated that Radhi is still processing, or attempting to process, her feelings about the loss of her parents. Her unwillingness to confront and deal with her feelings felt real, as well as her increased consumption of alcohol and unwillingness to take any possible romantic relationships deeper.
Author Meeti Shroff-Shah again provides insight on Mumbhai's complexity, from its economic disparities, to its cultures, giving us a sense of the city's vibrancy and colour. And the food! Oh my goodness, I was so hungry reading this book, as the variety of meals and snacks Radhi ate were mouthwatering in their descriptions.
I hope Radhi returns to deal with a new situation.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Joffe Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
All looks well, but Radhi quickly finds out that Sarla and her business partner Kiran have been receiving threatening messages in the form of a nasty notes, each accompanied by a tarot card.
Radhi cannot not look aside, and decides she'll not only write her book, but she'll investigate who might have it out for Soul Harmony. The list of suspects is not small, as there are a few disgruntled staff members, a competitor, and a few unhappy parents for whom the unions resulting from using Soul Harmony resulted either in failed engagements or divorces, both of which are seen as black marks against the young women using the service, and against Soul Harmony's vaunted reputation. Then, to everyone's shock, the private investigator employed by Soul Harmony is murdered, and the police officer in charge of the case immediately dismisses anything Radhi has to say about what she knows and has discovered.
In contrast to the positive progress Radhi is making with her investigation, she is dreaming persistently about the car crash that killed her parents years earlier. Radhi has unfortunately not resumed her therapy since moving back to Temple Hill, and is drinking and smoking too much as a coping mechanism. She also begins writing a mystery novel, based on what happened to her in her first investigation (book one).
Radhi discovers lots of unpleasant truths about the relationships amongst staff and the business partners, and eventually discovers the person(s) behind the threatening notes and the murder.
I enjoyed this, even though I have no patience for arranged marriage and all it entails. Radhi again proves to be a good observer and empathetic, though she does find her eyes opened about all that engaging a matrimonial service entails for one's privacy and potential success in finding a mate.
I appreciated that Radhi is still processing, or attempting to process, her feelings about the loss of her parents. Her unwillingness to confront and deal with her feelings felt real, as well as her increased consumption of alcohol and unwillingness to take any possible romantic relationships deeper.
Author Meeti Shroff-Shah again provides insight on Mumbhai's complexity, from its economic disparities, to its cultures, giving us a sense of the city's vibrancy and colour. And the food! Oh my goodness, I was so hungry reading this book, as the variety of meals and snacks Radhi ate were mouthwatering in their descriptions.
I hope Radhi returns to deal with a new situation.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Joffe Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
March 24, 2024
This was an interesting murder mystery with a lot of Indian culture twists. I like how it delved into the ongoing discussions about marriage and class opportunities.
June 4, 2024
Fun, quick. I liked the first one in the series better. Perhaps because the character, her background etc were all established in the first book. This one didn’t add much more to her character than was already known, which would have been quite interesting to dig deeper into. The mystery was satisfying but a bit simplistic.
June 14, 2024
Loved this fast-paced whodunnit - a worthy sequel to the The Death of Kirti Kadakia. it's got more of the wonderful world building elements - sharp characters, a colourful world and hunger-inducing food spreads. The MC Radhi settles better into her author-detective self and strides across the pages of the book. Must- read!
April 21, 2025
Introduction: A Cozy Crime with Complex Shadows
In A Matrimonial Murder, Meeti Shroff-Shah offers a delightful whodunnit set in the elite suburb of Temple Hill, a fictional but unmistakably posh Mumbai neighbourhood. Beneath the familiar tropes of the amateur sleuth and the mysterious murder lies a richly observed portrait of Indian society, one that echoes with historical tensions, class dynamics, and the psychological burdens of tradition. Shroff-Shah’s novel is a thoughtful blend of suspense, satire, and social commentary, revealing a web of secrets as colorful and intricate as the city in which it is set.
The Matchmaker as Cultural Archetype: A Historical Lens:
The matchmaker is one of the most enduring figures in Indian cultural history. Not simply a facilitator of romance, she often serves as the guardian of community values, caste boundaries, and patriarchal power. In A Matrimonial Murder, Sarla, the formidable matchmaker of Temple Hill, is both a modern entrepreneur and a traditionalist in disguise. Her business is not just about pairing two people; it is about upholding an entire worldview, one rooted in notions of compatibility, family honor, and social mobility.
Historically, arranged marriages in India have been less about love and more about alliances. This legacy finds nuanced expression in the novel. The matchmaking industry, depicted in all its opulence and anxiety, is a symbol of cultural continuity amid change. Boxes of tissue, delicate snacks, and folded charts of biodata are not mere props; they are instruments in a quiet war of status, aspiration, and conformity.
Mumbai as Character: A Social and Economic Landscape:
Mumbai in A Matrimonial Murder is not just a setting but a living, breathing character. The city is depicted as a mosaic of aspiration and contradiction, where wealth and poverty exist cheek by jowl, and where modernity wrestles with tradition on every street corner. Temple Hill, fictional though it may be, is instantly recognizable as a bastion of upper-class privilege and gated comfort. Radhi Zaveri, the novel's protagonist, moves through this city with a keen eye and a slightly weary heart. A thirty-something divorcee who has lived in the U.S., she carries the stigma of being "modern" in a culture that often equates modernity with moral danger. Yet her outsider status is precisely what allows her to notice the cracks others overlook. Her economic privilege gives her access to rooms where secrets hide behind sequined curtains and between spoonfuls of biryani.
Criminology and the Nature of the Murder:
The murder at the center of the novel is not one of passion or randomness, but one steeped in resentment, jealousy, and long-standing grievances. This aligns well with criminological studies on homicides within closed communities, where emotional proximity often amplifies motives. The assistant’s body is found next to a heavy bronze statue of the Nataraja, an image that is both symbolic and ironic. Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, represents creation and destruction — a fitting metaphor for a murder hidden within the choreography of social rituals.
The narrative peels back layers of motive with the deftness of a psychological thriller. Every suspect is someone who has participated in the spectacle of matchmaking — jilted lovers, jealous rivals, clients whose dreams were dashed. The motives are all deeply human: rejection, envy, betrayal, loneliness. These are not criminals in the traditional sense but ordinary people pushed into extraordinary acts by the social and emotional structures they inhabit.
Radhi is not a detective by profession, but she is deeply observant, intuitive, and empathetic. Her motivations are not rooted in justice alone but in a personal quest for meaning and belonging. Psychology tells us that sleuths in cozy mysteries often reflect the reader’s own curiosity and moral compass. Radhi embodies this archetype but also subverts it. She does not merely solve the crime; she processes it, absorbs it, and is changed by it.
Her interactions with other characters often carry a therapeutic quality. She listens more than she interrogates. She reflects more than she accuses. In many ways, she is a vessel for the community's unspoken griefs and unresolved tensions. Her investigations become a mirror through which others see their own guilt, fear, and desire.
Philosophy and the Ethics of Secrets:
At its core, A Matrimonial Murder is a novel about secrets — who gets to keep them, who gets to reveal them, and what the cost of truth really is. From a philosophical perspective, the novel engages with the ethics of knowledge and disclosure. Is it always right to tell the truth? Do all secrets deserve exposure? Or are some lies necessary for social cohesion?
The matchmaking business thrives on curated truths — selective disclosure, flattering omissions, and polished facades. The murder shatters this ecosystem, forcing characters to confront the unvarnished realities beneath their manicured lives. In doing so, the novel asks whether transparency is a virtue or a threat in a society built on appearances.
Pop Culture and Intertextual Echoes:
A Matrimonial Murder is a distinctly Indian novel, but it echoes global traditions in crime fiction. There are traces of Agatha Christie in the ensemble cast of suspects and the genteel setting. Radhi herself could be seen as a millennial Miss Marple, combining old-school intuition with a contemporary flair. The novel also draws subtle influence from Indian cinema, particularly the socially sharp films of Hrishikesh Mukherjee or the subversive family dramas of Zoya Akhtar.
The use of food, fashion, and domestic settings as narrative tools recalls popular Bollywood tropes, but Shroff-Shah deploys them with wit and subversion. A meal becomes a clue. A saree becomes a disguise. The house becomes both sanctuary and prison. In this way, the novel becomes a palimpsest of Indian pop culture, where the familiar is continually reimagined.
Ethical Underpinnings and Moral Ambiguity:
There are no purely evil characters in A Matrimonial Murder. Even the murderer, when revealed, elicits a degree of sympathy. This ethical ambiguity is one of the novel’s strengths. It avoids the black-and-white morality of pulp thrillers and instead opts for the more nuanced moral landscape of real life. Everyone has a motive. Everyone has a past. And everyone, it seems, has something to hide.
By refusing to vilify its characters, the novel invites the reader into a more empathetic form of judgment. This aligns with modern ethical thinking, which emphasizes context, circumstance, and systemic influence over simplistic notions of good and evil.
Conclusion: A Murder of Manners, A Mirror to Society:
A Matrimonial Murder is more than a mystery; it is a mirror. It reflects not only the anxieties of modern Indian society but also the deep cultural continuities that shape love, marriage, and identity. Meeti Shroff-Shah writes with warmth, intelligence, and just the right dose of sarcasm, crafting a story that entertains even as it enlightens.
In Radhi, we find a protagonist worth following — not because she solves crimes, but because she understands people. Her journey through Mumbai’s glittering, gossip-laden, occasionally murderous world is not just an investigation but an inquiry into the nature of truth, tradition, and transformation.
Whether you come for the mystery or the marriage drama, you’ll stay for the richly woven world that Shroff-Shah has created. A Matrimonial Murder is a triumph of genre-blending, offering the pleasures of detective fiction while illuminating the complexities of the society it portrays.
In A Matrimonial Murder, Meeti Shroff-Shah offers a delightful whodunnit set in the elite suburb of Temple Hill, a fictional but unmistakably posh Mumbai neighbourhood. Beneath the familiar tropes of the amateur sleuth and the mysterious murder lies a richly observed portrait of Indian society, one that echoes with historical tensions, class dynamics, and the psychological burdens of tradition. Shroff-Shah’s novel is a thoughtful blend of suspense, satire, and social commentary, revealing a web of secrets as colorful and intricate as the city in which it is set.
The Matchmaker as Cultural Archetype: A Historical Lens:
The matchmaker is one of the most enduring figures in Indian cultural history. Not simply a facilitator of romance, she often serves as the guardian of community values, caste boundaries, and patriarchal power. In A Matrimonial Murder, Sarla, the formidable matchmaker of Temple Hill, is both a modern entrepreneur and a traditionalist in disguise. Her business is not just about pairing two people; it is about upholding an entire worldview, one rooted in notions of compatibility, family honor, and social mobility.
Historically, arranged marriages in India have been less about love and more about alliances. This legacy finds nuanced expression in the novel. The matchmaking industry, depicted in all its opulence and anxiety, is a symbol of cultural continuity amid change. Boxes of tissue, delicate snacks, and folded charts of biodata are not mere props; they are instruments in a quiet war of status, aspiration, and conformity.
Mumbai as Character: A Social and Economic Landscape:
Mumbai in A Matrimonial Murder is not just a setting but a living, breathing character. The city is depicted as a mosaic of aspiration and contradiction, where wealth and poverty exist cheek by jowl, and where modernity wrestles with tradition on every street corner. Temple Hill, fictional though it may be, is instantly recognizable as a bastion of upper-class privilege and gated comfort. Radhi Zaveri, the novel's protagonist, moves through this city with a keen eye and a slightly weary heart. A thirty-something divorcee who has lived in the U.S., she carries the stigma of being "modern" in a culture that often equates modernity with moral danger. Yet her outsider status is precisely what allows her to notice the cracks others overlook. Her economic privilege gives her access to rooms where secrets hide behind sequined curtains and between spoonfuls of biryani.
Criminology and the Nature of the Murder:
The murder at the center of the novel is not one of passion or randomness, but one steeped in resentment, jealousy, and long-standing grievances. This aligns well with criminological studies on homicides within closed communities, where emotional proximity often amplifies motives. The assistant’s body is found next to a heavy bronze statue of the Nataraja, an image that is both symbolic and ironic. Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, represents creation and destruction — a fitting metaphor for a murder hidden within the choreography of social rituals.
The narrative peels back layers of motive with the deftness of a psychological thriller. Every suspect is someone who has participated in the spectacle of matchmaking — jilted lovers, jealous rivals, clients whose dreams were dashed. The motives are all deeply human: rejection, envy, betrayal, loneliness. These are not criminals in the traditional sense but ordinary people pushed into extraordinary acts by the social and emotional structures they inhabit.
Radhi is not a detective by profession, but she is deeply observant, intuitive, and empathetic. Her motivations are not rooted in justice alone but in a personal quest for meaning and belonging. Psychology tells us that sleuths in cozy mysteries often reflect the reader’s own curiosity and moral compass. Radhi embodies this archetype but also subverts it. She does not merely solve the crime; she processes it, absorbs it, and is changed by it.
Her interactions with other characters often carry a therapeutic quality. She listens more than she interrogates. She reflects more than she accuses. In many ways, she is a vessel for the community's unspoken griefs and unresolved tensions. Her investigations become a mirror through which others see their own guilt, fear, and desire.
Philosophy and the Ethics of Secrets:
At its core, A Matrimonial Murder is a novel about secrets — who gets to keep them, who gets to reveal them, and what the cost of truth really is. From a philosophical perspective, the novel engages with the ethics of knowledge and disclosure. Is it always right to tell the truth? Do all secrets deserve exposure? Or are some lies necessary for social cohesion?
The matchmaking business thrives on curated truths — selective disclosure, flattering omissions, and polished facades. The murder shatters this ecosystem, forcing characters to confront the unvarnished realities beneath their manicured lives. In doing so, the novel asks whether transparency is a virtue or a threat in a society built on appearances.
Pop Culture and Intertextual Echoes:
A Matrimonial Murder is a distinctly Indian novel, but it echoes global traditions in crime fiction. There are traces of Agatha Christie in the ensemble cast of suspects and the genteel setting. Radhi herself could be seen as a millennial Miss Marple, combining old-school intuition with a contemporary flair. The novel also draws subtle influence from Indian cinema, particularly the socially sharp films of Hrishikesh Mukherjee or the subversive family dramas of Zoya Akhtar.
The use of food, fashion, and domestic settings as narrative tools recalls popular Bollywood tropes, but Shroff-Shah deploys them with wit and subversion. A meal becomes a clue. A saree becomes a disguise. The house becomes both sanctuary and prison. In this way, the novel becomes a palimpsest of Indian pop culture, where the familiar is continually reimagined.
Ethical Underpinnings and Moral Ambiguity:
There are no purely evil characters in A Matrimonial Murder. Even the murderer, when revealed, elicits a degree of sympathy. This ethical ambiguity is one of the novel’s strengths. It avoids the black-and-white morality of pulp thrillers and instead opts for the more nuanced moral landscape of real life. Everyone has a motive. Everyone has a past. And everyone, it seems, has something to hide.
By refusing to vilify its characters, the novel invites the reader into a more empathetic form of judgment. This aligns with modern ethical thinking, which emphasizes context, circumstance, and systemic influence over simplistic notions of good and evil.
Conclusion: A Murder of Manners, A Mirror to Society:
A Matrimonial Murder is more than a mystery; it is a mirror. It reflects not only the anxieties of modern Indian society but also the deep cultural continuities that shape love, marriage, and identity. Meeti Shroff-Shah writes with warmth, intelligence, and just the right dose of sarcasm, crafting a story that entertains even as it enlightens.
In Radhi, we find a protagonist worth following — not because she solves crimes, but because she understands people. Her journey through Mumbai’s glittering, gossip-laden, occasionally murderous world is not just an investigation but an inquiry into the nature of truth, tradition, and transformation.
Whether you come for the mystery or the marriage drama, you’ll stay for the richly woven world that Shroff-Shah has created. A Matrimonial Murder is a triumph of genre-blending, offering the pleasures of detective fiction while illuminating the complexities of the society it portrays.
February 8, 2024
ADVANCED KINDLE READER COPY
A confession - I gave up on this tale, not because it wasn't an entertaining read, not because it wasn't well written...I gave up because I found that I couldn't engage with the characters or the setting...I simply didn't care enough to continue past the first five chapters...the main locus for the crimes - a marriage arranging business - is not something I'm interested in; that might have helped turn my attention away.
To my mind this was a chick-lit crime drama (I had an interesting discussion about this over the weekend with a friend who wanted to convince me that the genre was reserved for feminine love stories rather than murder but as a 67 year old born again (sounds better than divorced) bachelor I knows what I knows...and it wasn't for me...I told her that my reading of the definition would allow for an Indian Nancy Drew - we agreed to differ.
I am a big fan of India related literature - I'm working my way through William Dalrymple's four book history of the East India Company and the development of the sub-continent, I've read and re-read A Suitable Boy and even, in years gone by, ploughed my way through The Far Pavilions, but I couldn't work up any enthusiasm for the over privileged heroine of this Temple Hill Mystery (this is the second outing of Ms Meeti Shroff-Shah's Mumbai based series).
I found myself Googling too many clothing and food items for comfort - had I been more invested in where the story was going then maybe that would have been a pleasure but it wasn't...and I've down graded my rating accordingly...but I am aware that for the right audience this will surely be worthy of at least one more star...
A confession - I gave up on this tale, not because it wasn't an entertaining read, not because it wasn't well written...I gave up because I found that I couldn't engage with the characters or the setting...I simply didn't care enough to continue past the first five chapters...the main locus for the crimes - a marriage arranging business - is not something I'm interested in; that might have helped turn my attention away.
To my mind this was a chick-lit crime drama (I had an interesting discussion about this over the weekend with a friend who wanted to convince me that the genre was reserved for feminine love stories rather than murder but as a 67 year old born again (sounds better than divorced) bachelor I knows what I knows...and it wasn't for me...I told her that my reading of the definition would allow for an Indian Nancy Drew - we agreed to differ.
I am a big fan of India related literature - I'm working my way through William Dalrymple's four book history of the East India Company and the development of the sub-continent, I've read and re-read A Suitable Boy and even, in years gone by, ploughed my way through The Far Pavilions, but I couldn't work up any enthusiasm for the over privileged heroine of this Temple Hill Mystery (this is the second outing of Ms Meeti Shroff-Shah's Mumbai based series).
I found myself Googling too many clothing and food items for comfort - had I been more invested in where the story was going then maybe that would have been a pleasure but it wasn't...and I've down graded my rating accordingly...but I am aware that for the right audience this will surely be worthy of at least one more star...
February 29, 2024
Short review. A very conveniently solved murder mystery with a lot of unnecessary personal details of the protagonist to fill up pages. Also why does everything the characters eat have to be described as it were listed on a delicacy on a 5-star hotel menu. "Stir friend spiced potatoes gently fried in a delicious batter made from chickpea flour, served with mint and tamarind chutneys!"
March 21, 2024
The story centers on Radhi, a heartbroken writer grappling with creative block, who moves back to Bombay after spending 10 something years in NY.
Radhi, a wealthy orphan, with an elder sister, raised by relatives, finds herself back in the gilded cage that is Temple Hill - an affluent neighborhood, where appearances reign supreme. (think Pali Hill or any of the SoBo areas - if you’re from Bombay you know what I'm talking about). Just as Radhi was settling into the rhythms of the Temple Hill society, she finds herself drawn into the puzzling death of her best friend's father. A yearning for truth, propels her to get to the bottom of this mystery that everyone including the police has written off as a murder. And as Radhi follows along her investigation, she feels the familiar embrace of life & inspiration. The second book closely follows the theme of the first one, wherein Radhi once again finds herself in the middle of a mysterious death at a premier match-making agency. As Radhi becomes the de facto investigator, she eventually starts writing & finishes a manuscript.
The author has managed to create a fictional world of Temple Hill rich with descriptive imagery and strong side characters. The subculture of the elite are perfectly portrayed. While the mysteries aren't bone chilling, they have quite a charm to it. If you like cozy mysteries, you will like these - Think escapist weekend read, perfect for a beach or a long flight. While the narrative glides by smoothly, I yearned for a deeper exploration of Radhi's psyche. Having lived in the states for a decade, I couldn't quite reconcile her seemingly effortless transition back to India. There's a layer left unmined that could have added emotional heft. Radhi’s character though, is real, vulnerable, funny, and ok at times it left me feeling a little bit of wannabe types - but i’d love to see how her character develops in the upcoming books. Overall, it's been a fun & charming read. Also, if you’re nostalgic about Bombay - as I am - this could be your next read!
Radhi, a wealthy orphan, with an elder sister, raised by relatives, finds herself back in the gilded cage that is Temple Hill - an affluent neighborhood, where appearances reign supreme. (think Pali Hill or any of the SoBo areas - if you’re from Bombay you know what I'm talking about). Just as Radhi was settling into the rhythms of the Temple Hill society, she finds herself drawn into the puzzling death of her best friend's father. A yearning for truth, propels her to get to the bottom of this mystery that everyone including the police has written off as a murder. And as Radhi follows along her investigation, she feels the familiar embrace of life & inspiration. The second book closely follows the theme of the first one, wherein Radhi once again finds herself in the middle of a mysterious death at a premier match-making agency. As Radhi becomes the de facto investigator, she eventually starts writing & finishes a manuscript.
The author has managed to create a fictional world of Temple Hill rich with descriptive imagery and strong side characters. The subculture of the elite are perfectly portrayed. While the mysteries aren't bone chilling, they have quite a charm to it. If you like cozy mysteries, you will like these - Think escapist weekend read, perfect for a beach or a long flight. While the narrative glides by smoothly, I yearned for a deeper exploration of Radhi's psyche. Having lived in the states for a decade, I couldn't quite reconcile her seemingly effortless transition back to India. There's a layer left unmined that could have added emotional heft. Radhi’s character though, is real, vulnerable, funny, and ok at times it left me feeling a little bit of wannabe types - but i’d love to see how her character develops in the upcoming books. Overall, it's been a fun & charming read. Also, if you’re nostalgic about Bombay - as I am - this could be your next read!
February 3, 2024
Our heroine, Radhi, is writing a book about arranged marriages in Mumbai's posh Temple Hill district, and stumbles upon a murder. At the same time, her personal life goes through twists and turns and learn more and more about who she is and how she sees herself. Strikingly, nearly all the protagonists in the book are women, and very strong women at that. The story also deftly presents the continuous tension between traditional India, with its aunties, arranged marriages, and traditional women roles, and the modern one, where women might not want to get married, divorce, and refuse to have children. In the background to all this, there is an ode to Mumbai culture and its food, as well as a poignant critique of the social tension in that society.
What I liked most about the book was the fact it was super fun to read and experience. I can't say it was overly complex or "important", but I thouroughly enjoyed it, and actually, as per the blurb, genuinely struggled to put it down. It reminded me most of Agatha Christie - perhaps not at her best, but definitely at her most fun. The author draws a lot from Christie, and even mentions her in the book itself. This is perhaps the closest in style to Christie I've ever read, albeit with a bit more romance (similar, perhaps, to the Tommy and Tuppence books), and more social criticism (which I found important).
The writing was extremely well paced, and the various storylines woven together nicely to create one whole. Nothing felt forced to me. While I can't comment on the veracity of describing the world the book takes place in, to me it felt genuine, rich, and interesting.
I recommend it to anyone who likes Agatha Christie, and anyone who's interested in contemporary India, and is perhaps tired of reading about its underbelly.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.
What I liked most about the book was the fact it was super fun to read and experience. I can't say it was overly complex or "important", but I thouroughly enjoyed it, and actually, as per the blurb, genuinely struggled to put it down. It reminded me most of Agatha Christie - perhaps not at her best, but definitely at her most fun. The author draws a lot from Christie, and even mentions her in the book itself. This is perhaps the closest in style to Christie I've ever read, albeit with a bit more romance (similar, perhaps, to the Tommy and Tuppence books), and more social criticism (which I found important).
The writing was extremely well paced, and the various storylines woven together nicely to create one whole. Nothing felt forced to me. While I can't comment on the veracity of describing the world the book takes place in, to me it felt genuine, rich, and interesting.
I recommend it to anyone who likes Agatha Christie, and anyone who's interested in contemporary India, and is perhaps tired of reading about its underbelly.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.
February 3, 2024
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of A Matrimonial Murder, the second novel set in the fictional Temple Hill area of Mumbai to feature writer Radhi Zaveri.
Radhi has been asked by her agent to write a book about arranged marriages, so she contacts her mother’s friend, Sarla Seth, who runs a matchmaking agency for insight. She has hardly started when one of the employees is bludgeoned to death in her office, so she puts aside the writing in favour of investigating.
I enjoyed A Matrimonial Murder, which is a fun read with a warm, vibrant atmosphere and plenty of descriptions of yummy sounding food. It is told entirely from Radhi’s point of view, so the reader can guess along with her, well, not this reader as I had no idea.
The plot is fairly traditional with just about every character hiding secrets and thus having a motive for murder. Radhi spends her time interviewing these suspects and trying to formulate a solution. All the clues are there, but it takes an aha moment to clarify her thoughts and set a trap. Only once the trap is sprung is the killer’s identity revealed. None of it is rocket science, but it’s fun to see the motives uncovered and work on the puzzle.
The novel is set in the richer part of Mumbai, where reputation is everything and probably the only place that can afford a matchmaker. It seems like an old fashioned world, but I don’t know rich, so who knows. Radhi married for love and is divorced, oh the shame, whereas the agency seems to take pains to match couples. I found it fascinating.
I wish that Radhi was a more carefree protagonist. She is filled with angst and forever second guessing herself. There are historical reasons for this, but if she let loose a bit both she and the reader would have even more fun. At least the emails from her agent, George, provide some humour.
A Matrimonial Murder is a good read that I can recommend.
Radhi has been asked by her agent to write a book about arranged marriages, so she contacts her mother’s friend, Sarla Seth, who runs a matchmaking agency for insight. She has hardly started when one of the employees is bludgeoned to death in her office, so she puts aside the writing in favour of investigating.
I enjoyed A Matrimonial Murder, which is a fun read with a warm, vibrant atmosphere and plenty of descriptions of yummy sounding food. It is told entirely from Radhi’s point of view, so the reader can guess along with her, well, not this reader as I had no idea.
The plot is fairly traditional with just about every character hiding secrets and thus having a motive for murder. Radhi spends her time interviewing these suspects and trying to formulate a solution. All the clues are there, but it takes an aha moment to clarify her thoughts and set a trap. Only once the trap is sprung is the killer’s identity revealed. None of it is rocket science, but it’s fun to see the motives uncovered and work on the puzzle.
The novel is set in the richer part of Mumbai, where reputation is everything and probably the only place that can afford a matchmaker. It seems like an old fashioned world, but I don’t know rich, so who knows. Radhi married for love and is divorced, oh the shame, whereas the agency seems to take pains to match couples. I found it fascinating.
I wish that Radhi was a more carefree protagonist. She is filled with angst and forever second guessing herself. There are historical reasons for this, but if she let loose a bit both she and the reader would have even more fun. At least the emails from her agent, George, provide some humour.
A Matrimonial Murder is a good read that I can recommend.
January 20, 2024
Arranged marriages are nothing new in India, and within the exclusive Temple Hill community, "perfect" matches are highly sought after. Sarla Seth has
run the most popular marriage bureau in Mumbai and her expertise and talent is unmatched. Radhi Zaveri has recently returned to Temple Hill, where she grew up, from the US. She has planned to write a book about the arranged marriage business in India. She has no idea of the mystery she will become engrossed in when a murder occurs at Sarla's office.
This book definitely kept me engrossed and had me guessing at every turn. I will say, however, I really dislike learning that a book is part of a series after I start reading. I personally avoid detective series' because I hate when there are things left unanswered. That said, the main plot and mystery of this story is solved and completed at the end, so don't let that stop you from reading. I just dislike not getting closure on everything, especially about the main character, and the suggestion that I need to keep reading to know more. It's a turn-off for me. I wish the authors and publishers would be more transparent about a book being part of a series.
I didn't really feel any connection to the main character, possibly because I felt I didn't know her well enough (again, the need to read other books in a series is the issue). There were so many other characters to keep up with that I had to keep reminding myself who was who. The ending, while it did wrap up everything, fell a bit flat for me. I was just happy it was over because I was at the point that I just wanted it solved. While I would love to learn more about Radhi and how her personal life plays out, this was just a bit much for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
run the most popular marriage bureau in Mumbai and her expertise and talent is unmatched. Radhi Zaveri has recently returned to Temple Hill, where she grew up, from the US. She has planned to write a book about the arranged marriage business in India. She has no idea of the mystery she will become engrossed in when a murder occurs at Sarla's office.
This book definitely kept me engrossed and had me guessing at every turn. I will say, however, I really dislike learning that a book is part of a series after I start reading. I personally avoid detective series' because I hate when there are things left unanswered. That said, the main plot and mystery of this story is solved and completed at the end, so don't let that stop you from reading. I just dislike not getting closure on everything, especially about the main character, and the suggestion that I need to keep reading to know more. It's a turn-off for me. I wish the authors and publishers would be more transparent about a book being part of a series.
I didn't really feel any connection to the main character, possibly because I felt I didn't know her well enough (again, the need to read other books in a series is the issue). There were so many other characters to keep up with that I had to keep reminding myself who was who. The ending, while it did wrap up everything, fell a bit flat for me. I was just happy it was over because I was at the point that I just wanted it solved. While I would love to learn more about Radhi and how her personal life plays out, this was just a bit much for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 3, 2024
A Matrimonial Murder is the second book in the author's contemporary Temple Hill mystery series, and at times I felt that it would have been better had I read the first book (A Mumbai Murder Mystery) beforehand. However, I felt that way not because I was getting lost among the characters and the story, I felt it would have given me a slightly better understanding of the main character and her backstory.
Radhi has money. She's driven around Mumbai by her chauffeur, and she's found herself the subject of gossip in the rarefied air of the (fictional) Temple Hill district of Mumbai. After all, she's a thirty-year-old divorcee; she's had a white boyfriend, and... she's lived in the United States! Her sister Madhavi is a treasure even though Madhavi does have the mother-in-law from hell, a woman filled with feelings of entitlement and all the old prejudices that should have died lonely deaths years ago.
I enjoyed following Radhi around because of the in-depth look she gave me of present-day Mumbai and the detailed look at the matrimonial business of arranged marriages. I could see the clothing, wonder at the boxes of brightly-colored, patterned tissues, and feel my mouth water at the descriptions of all the food. For armchair traveling sleuths who love to learn about the cultures of other countries, A Matrimonial Murder is a treat.
The book also has a strong mystery that kept me guessing. Unfortunately, it also did something that really annoys me. What was it? Several times, Radhi found an important piece of the puzzle, and instead of sharing it with readers, she kept it to herself until the reveal at the end. Do writers do this because they think sharing the clues will help readers solve the mystery too soon, or are they wanting to play Agatha Christie and gather everyone in a room so the main character can Reveal All? For whatever reason, it annoys me because Christie could do it without being so obvious.
Strong mystery. Marvelous sense of place. An interesting main character. Something tells me that I'll be visiting Radhi in Mumbai again in the future. I just hope she starts sharing the clues she finds.
(Review copy courtesy of Net Galley)
Radhi has money. She's driven around Mumbai by her chauffeur, and she's found herself the subject of gossip in the rarefied air of the (fictional) Temple Hill district of Mumbai. After all, she's a thirty-year-old divorcee; she's had a white boyfriend, and... she's lived in the United States! Her sister Madhavi is a treasure even though Madhavi does have the mother-in-law from hell, a woman filled with feelings of entitlement and all the old prejudices that should have died lonely deaths years ago.
I enjoyed following Radhi around because of the in-depth look she gave me of present-day Mumbai and the detailed look at the matrimonial business of arranged marriages. I could see the clothing, wonder at the boxes of brightly-colored, patterned tissues, and feel my mouth water at the descriptions of all the food. For armchair traveling sleuths who love to learn about the cultures of other countries, A Matrimonial Murder is a treat.
The book also has a strong mystery that kept me guessing. Unfortunately, it also did something that really annoys me. What was it? Several times, Radhi found an important piece of the puzzle, and instead of sharing it with readers, she kept it to herself until the reveal at the end. Do writers do this because they think sharing the clues will help readers solve the mystery too soon, or are they wanting to play Agatha Christie and gather everyone in a room so the main character can Reveal All? For whatever reason, it annoys me because Christie could do it without being so obvious.
Strong mystery. Marvelous sense of place. An interesting main character. Something tells me that I'll be visiting Radhi in Mumbai again in the future. I just hope she starts sharing the clues she finds.
(Review copy courtesy of Net Galley)
May 27, 2024
What a witty witty book! A Matrimonial Murder by Meeti Shroff-Shah takes a peek into the Indian arranged marriage scene and places a murder right into the heart of it.
Radhi Zaveri, a famous novelist, gets entangled in a murder at Soul Harmony— Temple Hill's best place for Gujarati arranged marriages. On the day she visits the office of Soul Harmony, an employee dies. Sarla ben, who single-handedly built this bureau with her hard-earned trust and respect from the community, employs a number of people. Some of them harbour dislike towards her for various reasons. Not to forget, some of her clientele as well. From astrologers to private investigators, there are many people behind these successful unions. And it's not an easy business. Especially in a community where everyone's life is public.
This book has a beautifully arranged plot just like Sarla arranges marriages. Radhi has her own demons from her past that adds flovour to the books. And there are such clues laid out throughout the book for the readers to connect and put two and two together.
I did not just like the mystery part of the book. But also everything else that comes with it. The intricacies of arranged marriage, the class difference and the boomer mentality that still persists in Indian communities are all fabulously displayed and talked about in the book.
This book was such an engaging and entertaining read. The writing, the pace, the characters, and the story makes this book a whole package. I simply loved reading it. And I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries.
Radhi Zaveri, a famous novelist, gets entangled in a murder at Soul Harmony— Temple Hill's best place for Gujarati arranged marriages. On the day she visits the office of Soul Harmony, an employee dies. Sarla ben, who single-handedly built this bureau with her hard-earned trust and respect from the community, employs a number of people. Some of them harbour dislike towards her for various reasons. Not to forget, some of her clientele as well. From astrologers to private investigators, there are many people behind these successful unions. And it's not an easy business. Especially in a community where everyone's life is public.
This book has a beautifully arranged plot just like Sarla arranges marriages. Radhi has her own demons from her past that adds flovour to the books. And there are such clues laid out throughout the book for the readers to connect and put two and two together.
I did not just like the mystery part of the book. But also everything else that comes with it. The intricacies of arranged marriage, the class difference and the boomer mentality that still persists in Indian communities are all fabulously displayed and talked about in the book.
This book was such an engaging and entertaining read. The writing, the pace, the characters, and the story makes this book a whole package. I simply loved reading it. And I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries.
June 13, 2024
A Matrimonial Murder by Meeti Shroff Shah is a compelling addition to the genre of Indian crime fiction. Set in the fictional Temple Hill in Mumbai, the story delves into the intricate world of arranged marriages and community-based matrimonial services in India. The protagonist, Radhi, a heartbroken writer grappling with a creative block, returns to Bombay after spending a decade in New York. Intent on documenting the dynamics of matrimony bureaus and their influence on the community, Radhi's research for her book about arranged marriages in Mumbai's posh Temple Hill district leads her to stumble upon a heinous murder in the marriage bureau.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its well-drawn characters. Radhi, our protagonist, stands out as a refreshingly strong female lead. Shah’s depiction of Mumbai, particularly the affluent Temple Hill area, is opulent. Shah also perfectly captures the contrast and divide between the affluent and the poor, painting a comprehensive picture of the city's social strata. This is especially evident in the meticulous details of how matrimonial bureaus find the right match for perpetual bachelors or spinsters, often relying on the intimate knowledge of household help who are privy to the inner workings of their employers' lives.
Apart from the tantalizing mystery that makes the book unputdownable, Meetali’s ability to infuse humor into tense situations adds a unique flavor to the narrative. The diversity of Gujarati culture is captured through the various mouth-watering cuisnies and it’s fusions.
Beyond the central mystery, A Matrimonial Murder explores themes of tradition versus modernity, the pressures of societal expectations, and the hidden dynamics of power within families. Shah's insightful commentary on the matrimonial industry clubbed with a murder mystery plotline is thouroughly engaging! However I definitely would’ve preferred the ending to go in a different direction cause the climax was a bit too typical for my taste But yes! I would love to get my hands on the first book of to cozy up on another rainy weekend.
September 17, 2024
This book is meta-fiction, women empowering, breaking and challenging the stereotypical kind of story.
Radhika, an upcoming writer coming out of writer's block after a long time and chose to write about matrimonial agency and detective story around it. For that she came to India after her divorce from her husband over compatibility issues.
She joined her God mother figure Sarla ji for that and started her work but soon things became serious as the private detective of the agency got killed in the office. While uncovering the case many things came to light and not just the employees but partners have differences and grudges but instead of talking it out they want to scare and make them run out of Town.
Although the author gave away the suspense when she talked about every employee's past and story except the culprits. At one point you might confuse it with Zarna and Apla stories because their stories were not convincing but the balance of character is the author handled the best and quite a pace of story that makes it look good.
In conclusion, i say the society's view towards a broken relationship should need to change, characters like Madhavi's mother-in-law should be restricted to not to speak ill about others lives and do something productive, characters like Kiran and Renuka should communicate more to clear the misunderstanding instead of holding grudges against people.
Radhika, an upcoming writer coming out of writer's block after a long time and chose to write about matrimonial agency and detective story around it. For that she came to India after her divorce from her husband over compatibility issues.
She joined her God mother figure Sarla ji for that and started her work but soon things became serious as the private detective of the agency got killed in the office. While uncovering the case many things came to light and not just the employees but partners have differences and grudges but instead of talking it out they want to scare and make them run out of Town.
Although the author gave away the suspense when she talked about every employee's past and story except the culprits. At one point you might confuse it with Zarna and Apla stories because their stories were not convincing but the balance of character is the author handled the best and quite a pace of story that makes it look good.
In conclusion, i say the society's view towards a broken relationship should need to change, characters like Madhavi's mother-in-law should be restricted to not to speak ill about others lives and do something productive, characters like Kiran and Renuka should communicate more to clear the misunderstanding instead of holding grudges against people.
January 15, 2024
A woman writing a book on arranged marriages becomes more entangled with the industry than originally planned, as a murder finds her investigating everyone from the top to bottom rungs of both the company, and society as a whole.
Though this was the second book in a series, I was able to enjoy it without having read the first. The recurring characters were given enough context to at least give the reader an idea of their relationships to each other. While the supporting characters are quite interesting, the main character fell a bit flat for me and I never got a real handle on her personality. The mystery itself was satisfying, and neither too obvious nor too unexpected.
There are many instances of non-English words sprinkled throughout the story, some of which have very little context, which can take you a little out of the book if you aren’t very familiar with the culture, clothing, and food of Mumbai. Despite this, the descriptions of the city and its people are rich and vibrant, painting a clear picture for the reader to imagine. A lot of the book focuses on the ins and outs of arranged marriages, and I left with a much more nuanced view of them.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC. This is my honest review.
3/5 A murder mystery set against the remarkably cutthroat business of arranged marriage.
Though this was the second book in a series, I was able to enjoy it without having read the first. The recurring characters were given enough context to at least give the reader an idea of their relationships to each other. While the supporting characters are quite interesting, the main character fell a bit flat for me and I never got a real handle on her personality. The mystery itself was satisfying, and neither too obvious nor too unexpected.
There are many instances of non-English words sprinkled throughout the story, some of which have very little context, which can take you a little out of the book if you aren’t very familiar with the culture, clothing, and food of Mumbai. Despite this, the descriptions of the city and its people are rich and vibrant, painting a clear picture for the reader to imagine. A lot of the book focuses on the ins and outs of arranged marriages, and I left with a much more nuanced view of them.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC. This is my honest review.
3/5 A murder mystery set against the remarkably cutthroat business of arranged marriage.
March 23, 2024
Book Review: A Matrimonial Murder by Meeti Shroff-Shah
Rating: 3 stars
In A Matrimonial Murder by Meeti Shroff-Shah, readers are taken on a journey into the intriguing world of Temple Hill's top matchmaker, where the discovery of a body next to a statue of the god of dance sets off a chain of events that Radhi must solve. The question arises: was the assistant the intended victim, or was it her boss, Sarla?
The author, Meeti Shroff-Shah, crafts a vivid and descriptive setting in Temple Hill, bringing the location to life with incredible detail. The side characters are strong and add depth to the story, enriching the narrative with their own secrets and motives.
However, while the setting and characters shine, the mystery itself falls a bit flat. The plotline left me wanting more depth and complexity in the solving of the crime. Additionally, the pacing of the story is slow, which might deter readers seeking a more fast-paced read.
In conclusion, A Matrimonial Murder offers a captivating backdrop and interesting characters, but the mystery aspect may not fully deliver for some readers. If you enjoy a leisurely unraveling of secrets in a richly described setting, this book may be the perfect match for you.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 3 stars
In A Matrimonial Murder by Meeti Shroff-Shah, readers are taken on a journey into the intriguing world of Temple Hill's top matchmaker, where the discovery of a body next to a statue of the god of dance sets off a chain of events that Radhi must solve. The question arises: was the assistant the intended victim, or was it her boss, Sarla?
The author, Meeti Shroff-Shah, crafts a vivid and descriptive setting in Temple Hill, bringing the location to life with incredible detail. The side characters are strong and add depth to the story, enriching the narrative with their own secrets and motives.
However, while the setting and characters shine, the mystery itself falls a bit flat. The plotline left me wanting more depth and complexity in the solving of the crime. Additionally, the pacing of the story is slow, which might deter readers seeking a more fast-paced read.
In conclusion, A Matrimonial Murder offers a captivating backdrop and interesting characters, but the mystery aspect may not fully deliver for some readers. If you enjoy a leisurely unraveling of secrets in a richly described setting, this book may be the perfect match for you.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
January 1, 2024
In a culture where marriage is often viewed as a cure-all for everything from being infatuated with the wrong person to having a drug habit, a good matchmaker really is worth her weight in gold (no pun intended). And Sarla the savant knows it.
But when the best-known matchmakers in the Temple Hill area of Bombay start receiving threatening notes, they are inevitably concerned about how it might affect business if the news gets out. Luckily for Sarla, she can rely on the services of Radhi, who is currently shadowing the matchmakers for an article. Because what is a journalist, after all, but a professional snoop?
This is a reasonably interesting cosy mystery, but it does play the exotic card a trifle heavy-handedly. That said, it brings to life the vibrant surroundings of Temple Hill and some aspects of life in urban India. It also shades in a few unexpected aspects to the characters - even after one feels that one has already got to know them. Radhi, in particular, is very relatable. Overall, an entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But when the best-known matchmakers in the Temple Hill area of Bombay start receiving threatening notes, they are inevitably concerned about how it might affect business if the news gets out. Luckily for Sarla, she can rely on the services of Radhi, who is currently shadowing the matchmakers for an article. Because what is a journalist, after all, but a professional snoop?
This is a reasonably interesting cosy mystery, but it does play the exotic card a trifle heavy-handedly. That said, it brings to life the vibrant surroundings of Temple Hill and some aspects of life in urban India. It also shades in a few unexpected aspects to the characters - even after one feels that one has already got to know them. Radhi, in particular, is very relatable. Overall, an entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
February 8, 2024
Temple Hill Mystery series is an excellent mystery series that mixes strong and well plotted mysteries with the personal life of Radhi Zaveri, a writer who recently came back from USA.
Temple Hill is a fictional posh area of Mumbai where Radhi, a member of a rich family lives.
This is the second in this series and it's even better than the first one as it mixes observation on the cut throat world of machtmaking agencies, social observation and a main character who is living between different world.
The mystery is gripping, kept me hooked and fell in love in with the atmosphere and the characters.
I had fun and wish I could travel to Mumbai and visit the places.
There's plenty of twists and I couldn't guess the culprit. The author sometimes does not reveal the clues but this didn't make me love less this story.
This can be read as a stand alone but all the series is worth reading.
Highly recommended
Many thanks to Joffe Books and Books 'n' All Promotions for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
Temple Hill is a fictional posh area of Mumbai where Radhi, a member of a rich family lives.
This is the second in this series and it's even better than the first one as it mixes observation on the cut throat world of machtmaking agencies, social observation and a main character who is living between different world.
The mystery is gripping, kept me hooked and fell in love in with the atmosphere and the characters.
I had fun and wish I could travel to Mumbai and visit the places.
There's plenty of twists and I couldn't guess the culprit. The author sometimes does not reveal the clues but this didn't make me love less this story.
This can be read as a stand alone but all the series is worth reading.
Highly recommended
Many thanks to Joffe Books and Books 'n' All Promotions for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
February 12, 2024
Have you binged on Indian Matchmaking airing on Netflix? If you have, A Matrimonial Murder by Meeti Shroff-Shah would be an excellent choice for a cozy mystery read. Add in a whodunit scenario to that series, and this book would be created.
This book is a second in the series, and though this one can be read as standalone, reading the first one would be better to understand the life of the main character. Radhi, our main character, wants to know the ins and outs of the arranged marriages of India. She is helped by Sarla, who runs her own marriage bureau and is Radhi's foster mom of sorts. Did Radhi bargain for a little more than expected?
This is a perfect book for readers who like cozy mysteries and want to learn about Indian cultures and traditions. I loved how the author portrayed the reality of situations in India. The only thing I would say is that the reader is completely unaware of a lot of things going on. I would have liked a little bit of clue on those, but again, it's a personal preference.
Thank you, Joffe Books, for this book.
This book is a second in the series, and though this one can be read as standalone, reading the first one would be better to understand the life of the main character. Radhi, our main character, wants to know the ins and outs of the arranged marriages of India. She is helped by Sarla, who runs her own marriage bureau and is Radhi's foster mom of sorts. Did Radhi bargain for a little more than expected?
This is a perfect book for readers who like cozy mysteries and want to learn about Indian cultures and traditions. I loved how the author portrayed the reality of situations in India. The only thing I would say is that the reader is completely unaware of a lot of things going on. I would have liked a little bit of clue on those, but again, it's a personal preference.
Thank you, Joffe Books, for this book.
March 16, 2024
This is a second in a series, but I actually didn’t know it until I had read for awhile and then it said it was book 2.
This is a cute & cozy mystery set in Mumbai, where there are so many descriptions of what it’s like there, the food & how the people are as well. I haven’t read anything set in Mumbai before, so I was intrigued whenever I kept reading it.
Radhi, is writing a book about arranged marriages & she contacts one of her mom’s friends who runs a dating/matching making agency for some insight for her book. She barely got started whenever she finds one of her employees bludgeoned to death in HER office.
Throughout the story, we see the continuous tension between traditional India, with its aunties, arranged marriages, and traditional women roles as well as the more modern one, where women might not want to get married at all and/or choose to have children.
I loved the strong women in this book & how mostly all of the women in this book are protagonists. The book was very well paced & I plan on going back to read the first one!
This is a cute & cozy mystery set in Mumbai, where there are so many descriptions of what it’s like there, the food & how the people are as well. I haven’t read anything set in Mumbai before, so I was intrigued whenever I kept reading it.
Radhi, is writing a book about arranged marriages & she contacts one of her mom’s friends who runs a dating/matching making agency for some insight for her book. She barely got started whenever she finds one of her employees bludgeoned to death in HER office.
Throughout the story, we see the continuous tension between traditional India, with its aunties, arranged marriages, and traditional women roles as well as the more modern one, where women might not want to get married at all and/or choose to have children.
I loved the strong women in this book & how mostly all of the women in this book are protagonists. The book was very well paced & I plan on going back to read the first one!
March 28, 2024
I love detective stories and chose this one from my Kindle unlimited account. I was disappointed in this book. I never felt like I knew enough about the main character though there were many, many references to her “guilt” over her parents’ death. In the best detective series, each book somehow manages to give insight into the main character so you can really understand and enjoy the thinking of the detective without having to start with the first book. I did not know that this was not a first in the series. Too much time spent on describing food and clothes that were interesting at first but got in my way of following the story. A little hard to keep track of who was who until well into the book. I did learn a bit more about arranged marriages through the story telling.
I would give this a 2.5 if I could. There were many times when I wanted to put the book down but I almost never do that and made myself finish it. Too many good books out there so this will be the only one in this series that I will read.
I would give this a 2.5 if I could. There were many times when I wanted to put the book down but I almost never do that and made myself finish it. Too many good books out there so this will be the only one in this series that I will read.
February 10, 2024
This is the second in series and it is every bit as interesting as the first! Radhi Zaveri is a writer who recently came back from USA after the divorce and is currently shadowing the matchmakers for an article. When Radhi finds the private investigator associated with the matrimony bureau dead, she gets involved with the investigation while vividly depicting the foods, attire, homes, vicinity, and the curiosities of people's societal prejudices.
Made me smarter! It's especially interesting for those of us who have little understanding of life a very busy city in India. People are the same everywhere (and so are the gossipmongers), but the cultural differences (and names!) are like the flavors of the foods the author tantalizes us with. The mystery plot is well done and full of interesting characters, twists, and red herrings (but I still get hung up on the foods!). Loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Made me smarter! It's especially interesting for those of us who have little understanding of life a very busy city in India. People are the same everywhere (and so are the gossipmongers), but the cultural differences (and names!) are like the flavors of the foods the author tantalizes us with. The mystery plot is well done and full of interesting characters, twists, and red herrings (but I still get hung up on the foods!). Loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
February 15, 2024
First of all thank you so much to NetGalley and Joffee books for giving me an advanced reader copy of this book to review.
I tried really hard to stay invested in this book because there were some really cool and intriguing parts of this story. The only issue was that around 50-60% I almost DNF’d (Did Not Finish) because at that point it had such a slow slump, I wasn’t invested in who the killer was, and was still very lost in a lot of the verbiage and terms. That being said, I pushed through and am glad I did. I think there’s a lot of potential here. It’s a very interesting premise and I love a cute cozy mystery. The murder itself wasn’t interesting enough, though, and I thought the main character’s romance needed work. I loved some of the elements, and thought some of it needed work. I loved the dynamic of the main character telling off the intrusive older women, and the caring auntys, and the sister relationship. Overall, I give this book a solid 3/5.
I tried really hard to stay invested in this book because there were some really cool and intriguing parts of this story. The only issue was that around 50-60% I almost DNF’d (Did Not Finish) because at that point it had such a slow slump, I wasn’t invested in who the killer was, and was still very lost in a lot of the verbiage and terms. That being said, I pushed through and am glad I did. I think there’s a lot of potential here. It’s a very interesting premise and I love a cute cozy mystery. The murder itself wasn’t interesting enough, though, and I thought the main character’s romance needed work. I loved some of the elements, and thought some of it needed work. I loved the dynamic of the main character telling off the intrusive older women, and the caring auntys, and the sister relationship. Overall, I give this book a solid 3/5.
June 4, 2024
An exquisite tale of murder and humour that combines the modern life of Mumbaikars. With a vivid cast of characters, the plot is set up at an elite marriage bureau 'Soul Harmony'. But the harmony is all lost with the discovery of a dead body that complicates the matters of arranged marriage research, that brought Radhi here in the first place.
The world buildup is done really well with descriptive scenes. There was also a regional touch of Gujarati lifestyle that was explored at length in this book, which accompanied by witty dialogue and murder mystery laid an entertaining backdrop for this story. The story is a fun ride with an ample amount of twists while solving the mystery and keeping readers suspecting every other character with motives to do the deed.
Read this if you are looking for an ethnic cozy murder mystery that entertains you while also provoking your thoughts on our culture.
The world buildup is done really well with descriptive scenes. There was also a regional touch of Gujarati lifestyle that was explored at length in this book, which accompanied by witty dialogue and murder mystery laid an entertaining backdrop for this story. The story is a fun ride with an ample amount of twists while solving the mystery and keeping readers suspecting every other character with motives to do the deed.
Read this if you are looking for an ethnic cozy murder mystery that entertains you while also provoking your thoughts on our culture.
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