A Murder in Dehradun

by Siddharth Maheshwari

New

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Suspense, India, Indian Literature, Mystery Thriller

Paperback

Published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[riyaa · Rating 1 out of 5]

MURDER MOTIVE
“i didn’t like him” that is not a good murder motive you idiot!!

BORING
this book is a knock off version of knives out(the movie). pretty bad knock off version.

REPETITIVE
the author is like a child who has recently learned a new word and so he will try to use it in every other sentence.

PREDICTABLE
i knew who the murderer was immediately after the murder took place. i think i win the amateur sleuth competition here. (a word he kept repeating in the book)

DIALOGUES
robotic dialogues. has the author ever had a real conversation with someone?

INCEST
relationship between two cousins was so unnecessary omg. totally uncalled for.

[Kriti · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Maushumi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75. This book had its moments, but honestly, a lot of it felt way too similar to the first Knives Out movie. I get that both are inspired by Agatha Christie, but some parts of the plot were just a little too close for comfort.

The writing style was a bit off for me too. The dialogue didn’t feel natural—like, who talks to their relatives in long, dry speeches about bad investments? A lot of the conversations felt like they were there just to explain things to the reader, and I think it would’ve worked better if some of it was just narrated instead.

I picked this up because I love Dehradun and thought a short book might help me get out of my reading slump. It was okay, but nothing too special.

[Raghav Sharma · Rating 1 out of 5]

Childish use of language. Artificially crafted sentences. No flow. Waste of time.

[daisy · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.75⭐️

Verdict: Below Average
Crime Scene: Dinshaw Estate
Main Offense: Lack of depth, rushed plot, disappointing execution

• The only redeemable part? Dinshaw Estate - eerie, atmospheric, and full of potential.

Why this book should be on your ‘Do Not Read’ list:
—> No character development – The cast felt like shadows-vague, flat, and forgettable.
—> Rushed ending – Just when I thought it was getting started, it was already over.
—> Misleading setting – As someone obsessed with Dehradun, I picked it up hoping for a rich backdrop. But aside from a single mention of the Doon Valley, there was nothing! Might as well have named it “Murder in Dinshaw Estate” instead.

Final Thoughts:
Despite the intriguing premise, this one left me unsatisfied and wasted my time a-lot.
Should’ve listened to the reviews.

Case Closed.
🚫🕯️📖

[Fictionandme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Name : A Murder In Dehradun
Author : Siddharth Maheshwari
Genre : Murder Mystery

My 💭:
[24/09/24 1.24 PM]

Murder mysteries like these MUST BE read on a rainy day, trust me. Thankfully, the weather gods granted me this wish 😇.

It's been soooo long since I read a good ol' closed door murder mystery, aaaaaah! Idk what is it about this genre that calms my ever turbulent soul. Being a fan of Agatha Christie mysteries since school days, I always have had a soft place for these kind of books. Author has done a brilliant job of incorporating that style in a contemporary setting without disrupting the flow.

And, a huge shout out to the author for adding that awesome Word Search puzzle at the end of the book and to @dimensions_by_sakshi for designing such beautiful character arts in the book! All of these made my reading an ✨experience✨!

The plot is really good and very heavily dependent on the characters. This book is proof how much good character writing is important for a book, be it a literary fiction or a murder mystery. Human psychology largely effects a person's intentions and actions during normal situations or at duress. So the first half of the book is set on properly constructing the characters to us, so that the second half makes sense. But impatient crackhead me kept wanting for a murder as soon the book started 😂.

The second half has A LOT of things happening, which left me reeling. Along with newbie sleuth Shehnaz, I too tried to solve the murder, but alas 😔! I didn't have a clue! To me, all the characters felt shady and equally suspicious. I even suspected the victim, can you imagine 😂? But when another unexpected twist came (not related to this murder *cough cough*), I was like that 'HUH?!' meme cat. Tbh I liked this unexpected twist better than the original murderer revelation.

Family relatives, man oh man! Always bringing unwanted trouble in our lives 😮‍💨! But it's entertaining to read it in a book, right? So blindly trust me and read this noir-like murder mystery now!

P.S. What I wouldn't give to live in a mansion in Dehradun like the one in the book 😍!

[symrn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Picked this one up because someone in the book club said it was inspired by Agatha Christie and i’m someone who eats up any trope that is inspired by Christie and her work. Loved the premise of the book being set in Dehradun, I could almost picture this grandiose villa hidden in the mountains. The premise was interesting, very first Knives Out movie coded (that movie was Christie inspired as well), however at times i felt that the book was doing too much. Unnecessary dialogues that went on for forever and the final reveal wasn’t that jaw dropping i guess, could have been better but nonetheless, a great read.

[Fiona R · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought that this book had a weak plot which was weighed down further by shockingly poor writing.

The characters are flat and uninteresting. We are told about their personalities in dry (and sometimes repetitive) descriptions rather than being shown. As a result, it is hard be invested in any of them and in the mystery at large. The process of ‘sleuthing’ gives you nothing and feels like the detective is largely relying on ‘vibe checks’ as the barometer of guilt. While the revelation(s) felt reasonable to me, they were not impactful.

Sometimes a weak plot can be salvaged but owing to the shabby writing every flaw was magnified and I found it impossible to be engaged.

[Deotima Sarkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author crafts an intelligent murder mystery with a refreshingly new twist on the whodunit genre, a la the atmospheric brilliance of Agatha Christie. Framed against snow-drenched hills of Dehradun, the Dinshaw estate-a haven of opulence-turns out to be a labyrinth of secrets and lies wherein an unthought-of fortune of 700 crore rupees turns kin ito adversaries.
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Maheshwari's tale is a wonderful mesh of mystery, with each title of the chapters artfully inspired by nursery rhymes-a subtle, unnerving touch that amplifies the tension. The mark of an author's deft hand shows in his character sketches, each one carefully done to tease the reader's imagination - all the Dinshaw's, the lawyer and the daughter and even the staff, the 13 are portrayed to the core. These vivid portrayals take you to a world where everyone has a motive, and no one is above suspicion. The scattered illustrations, in themselves, are not embellishments but part and parcel of the realization of these characters with their fear and ambition, almost to life.
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That, indeed, is the special thing about the novel: how Maheshwari places the reader in the setting of the story and the atmosphere. The storm that cuts them off and raises the chill of the tensions is almost a character. The estate—the entire nook and corner, even the darkened halls—is vividly described to produce a kind of claustrophobia that heightens the suspense. The maps, the detailed interior to that last little reader activity - the book begets you to use your mind!
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The plot thickens, and with every unfolding, the reader is made to feel that he has discovered something, but he is then so delightfully blinded by the next turn. Maheshwari reveals just the correct tempo-greatly timed, until one literally feels that the truth has been caught, another layer is torn away. The novel maintains suspense rather well, pulling one deeper into the mystery with each turn of the page, thus making it an eminently satisfying read for any mystery buff.

[Devanshi Sanghani · Rating 4 out of 5]

People often say that money buys freedom, I can tell you that it does not buy you dignity and self-worth, if anything, you are required to prove yourself all the time. After a point, all you want is routine, peaceful life.

This quote stuck the most with me when I finished reading A murder in Dehradun by Author Siddharth Maheshwari. It is indeed true that if you love reading murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, this is one such book you shouldn’t miss out on. The Dinshaw family is one wealthy family and the members earn their fair share of wealth from the trust created by their ancestors. Jahangir Dinshaw the matriarch of the family finds that one of his investment company turns into a unicorn and has lead to making wealth of 700 crores which he invests in a new trusts and distributes the wealth in such a way to sustain the wealth for the future generations. Jahangir feeling threatened by his own family members, calls his lawyer and her daughter to chart out his new will. The real mystery starts when next morning Jahangir Dinshaw is found dead after which another murder takes place. Because of the heavy storm pelting, Shehnaz Contractor is given the responsibility to find out who the killers are.

Indeed 13 suspects, one deadly secret. Is it greed that binds them, or something far more sinister? If you love reading a good murder mystery book, this is the one I would suggest. Even though I have been in a slump lately, it didn’t take me long to finish this book because it kept me hooked from the very beginning. The writing style is compelling and descriptive and all the characters have been developed in a wonderful manner. Author Siddharth Maheshwari is our Indian Agatha Christie and Shehnaz our Indian Hercule poirot. Maybe Author can come up with another book where Shehnaz busts more murder mysteries.

[Sarita Pahuja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview:
Set against the backdrop of a secluded estate in Dehradun, amidst a raging snowstorm, A Murder in Dehradun by Siddharth Maheshwari is a masterfully crafted murder mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very last page.

Plot Summary:
The Dinshaw family has gathered to review the will of Jehangir Dinshaw, the patriarch of the clan, who leaves behind a staggering inheritance of 700 crore rupees. As the family assembles at the estate, tensions run high. Old wounds resurface, and hidden secrets are on the verge of being exposed. Suddenly, amidst the chaos of a revised will, a murder takes place.

Thirteen suspects are now trapped in the house, each with a motive and each with something to hide. As the snowstorm rages on, the rule becomes clear- trust no one and suspect everyone. The plot thickens with each page, as secrets unravel and the truth becomes increasingly elusive.


The characters are richly developed, each with their own complexities and hidden motives. The twists and turns are impeccably timed, ensuring that the suspense remains palpable throughout. For fans of closed-room murder mysteries, A Murder in Dehradun promises to be an unforgettable read that will leave you breathless until the final reveal.

Rating: 4 ⭐️

[Om Kini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am someone who don’t read murder mystery often but when I do, I LOVE them.

A murder in Dehradun is set in Dehradun itself (surprise surprise) and central around Dinshaw estate (very elite family)

Jahangir, the person who does the job of carrying down the entire empire, is writing his will. He for sure knows the other 12 members in his family are after his life. The reasons maybe be personal or for monetary gains, only they know.

And more so when they gets to know one of investment resulted into a uniform and a total sum of 700 crore is to be distributed among the two family, which some think is not fair

Jahangir calls down his old lawyer turned friend along with lawyer’s daughter to seek their wisdom in these strange circumstances.

And strangely soon upon their arrival, Jahangir is murdered. And there’s raging storm outside leaving them trapped inside without any help of police. That’s when lawyer’s daughter: shehnaz who is also a crime reporter takes up the role of finding the killer or atleast maintaining the situation.

Will she be able to do it?
Who killed Jahangir? Was he actually killed?

Ngl I was soooooooo trying to find the killer. I was writing in this book like a hell, I was literally pausing and thinking but NOPE

I didn’t guessed the killer. I did guess quarter of it in a way but it was minute.

The book has a family tree, images of the characters, the whole dinshaw estate which Uk really helps in expanding your imagination and you feel like you yourself are solving it.

It was fun. I started the book and even finished it in train, on my way to clg. Is that easy going. The language is smoothhh.

This is the second book by siddharth and he didn’t disappointed me. His veil in shadows was sucha thrilling adventure. I don’t remember the plot clearly but the whole vibe I was having while reading it, just top notch.

Siddharth’s book makes you just forget you have other responsibilities. You just want to read and read and read just to know what happens next. And that’s something remarkable.

[bookiechan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨."

❄️A Murder in Dehradun, a decent murder mystery with Indian vibe. A classic rich family, big inheritance and big family, lots of tension over money and then boom the murder happens.

🔥The story starts with this super rich guy, Jahangir Dinshaw who invites his whole family to his mansion in Dehradun to talk about his will. But of course things go wrong he ends up murdered that same night during a snowstorm so nobody can leave or enter. Shehnaz, the daughter of the family lawyer who’s also a crime reporter. She starts digging around, asking questions and slowly peeling back all the family’s secrets to figure out who the murderer is. She’s not a professional sleuth or anything, just someone smart, sharp, curious and determined, with a bit of experience as a crime reporter. I liked that she wasn't trying to be Sherlock, just doing her thing with guts and curiosity, it was fun watching her unravel the truth step by step.

❄️The snowy Dehradun mansion and illustrations were really cool. Very atmospheric and mysterious. Shehnaz is a strong female lead. It’s a fast paced, light read. Lots of tension between family members over a huge inheritance. Everyone’s hiding something.

💫It’s short, fun and keeps your brain engaged without being complicated. But if you’re already deep into crime novels or thrillers and love super intricate plots, this one might feel a bit too simple. But it's a good easy to read mystery with an Indian setting and strong female lead. Think of it like a cozy murder mystery you can finish in one or two sittings on a chill weekend.

[Esha Sangada · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is an engaging thriller that immerses readers in the picturesque yet sinister backdrop of Dehradun. The plot unfolds with intriguing twists and well-crafted characters, keeping the suspense alive. However, the ending feels somewhat anticlimactic and doesn’t deliver the punch one might expect from such a gripping narrative. Overall, it’s a captivating read, but the conclusion leaves a bit to be desired.

[Aliya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping mystery rooted in the scenic calm of Dehradun, this debut novel blends suspense with emotional depth. Siddharth Maheshwari writes with clarity and purpose, drawing the reader into a story that is both thrilling and deeply human. The pacing is tight, and the narrative keeps you guessing until the final pages. What I appreciated most was the emotional layering — the story isn't just about a murder; it's about relationships, silence, and what lies beneath the surface.

[Chhavi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best part about this book was the elaborate character development! This made it possible to read the book exactly like an investigation, rather than just a flow of events. It was first of an immersive reading experience for me.

[Pretty Little Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

really interesting book!

[Chertzo Ember [s: ia]]

My friend gifted this to me for my post-birthday, (tysmm) and, I am excited to read this.

[mo's a moody reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

predictable :( i was quite excited for this one but unfortunately did not live up to its potential


P.s. the murder was committed after 93 pages of the book 🫠

[Shr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a breathtaking whirlwind of intricate plotlines and nonstop suspense. From the very first page, you are swept into a story so dynamic that every twist leaves you eager for more. The pacing is masterfully crafted, keeping your mind constantly engaged and your heart pounding in anticipation. What makes this book truly stand out is the incredible variety of characters, each one brimming with unique qualities and an undeniable presence that refuses to be overshadowed. The author has carefully built a cast where no character feels secondary or lost in the background. Instead, every individual adds their own aura, their own spark, that illuminates the story in an unforgettable way. It’s a celebration of diversity in personalities and motives, and as a reader, you can’t help but be entranced by how these vibrant characters interact, clash, and grow.Moreover, the novel’s world is rich with mysteries. As you follow the characters through their labyrinthine journeys, questions keep emerging—layers of secrets, motives, and unanswered riddles piling up. Yet, what’s most impressive is how every question is eventually answered with such finesse that you’re left in awe. The revelations are woven so seamlessly into the narrative that they feel almost inevitable, and yet they never fail to surprise.The structure of the story is a piece of art in itself. Each element, from foreshadowing to character development, is meticulously placed to create a rhythm that never breaks. There’s an exquisite balance between chaos and order, keeping you “concentrationally focused” as you attempt to piece everything together. The sense of satisfaction and closure that comes as everything unfolds is profound.This book isn’t just a story—it’s an experience, a labyrinth of imagination that promises excitement, intrigue, and deep emotional impact. A stunningly beautiful piece of art that is sure to linger in your mind long after the last page.

[Prakarsha Pilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5

Summary:

In this classic whodunnit, Jehangir Dinshaw's mysterious death before his birthday and after disclosing his will and trust allowance plans makes his own family the suspects of his murder. With a storm locking them indoors, an investigator must unravel the web of secrets and lies to uncover the truth. Inspired by Agatha Christie's style according to me, the author masterfully crafts a mind game that keeps readers engaged till the very end.

Strengths:

The author excels in crafting a compelling narrative, with lucid writing and vivid descriptions of the setting that transport readers to the stunning Doon valley and the family's estate. The characters are expertly woven, with complex motives and secrets. The plot is engaging and keep readers invested till the final reveal. The pacing is perfect, allowing the tension to build and the mystery to unfold seamlessly. The use of a familiar setting adds to the book's charm, paying homage to classic whodunnits while still feeling fresh and unique.

Review:

The author's writing is descriptive and immersive, making it easy to visualize the stunning Doon valley and the family's estate. The characters are multi-dimensional, with each one hiding secrets and lies. The investigator's questioning and the final reveal are expertly handled, reminiscent of Agatha Christie's works.

The use of a familiar setting adds to the book's charm, evoking a sense of nostalgia and comfort while still delivering a unique and engaging mystery. The author's ability to keep the reader guessing till the end is commendable.

On a jovial note, if the author happens to read this, I would love to know which crime writers inspired this book's style and presentation.

Recommendation:

I would suggest the book for any reader, though beginners may find the language difficult to comprehend at times. Be prepared for a gripping mind game!

[Akshatha ⭐ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an ok read. Reminded me of the Neeyat movie a little too much and it's very apparent that it's inspired by Agatha Christie.
I picked this up because I kept seeing this on Bookstagram and got intrigued.

There were so many names and few names even seems similar when you read about all the characters at once. I still can't tell you whose name is what with full confidence. Like who is Farrukh and who is Firdaus? Who's wife is Anahita? Who is the one with the gambling problem? Which of the wives is the artist and which is the architect? IDK.. I tried going back to the starting page to look at the family tree almost every page and to remember all this but by halfway I just gave up with names and people. And I also gave up trying to figure out the mystery and kinda started to not care. Also was there a possibility of incest? From my understanding they were cousins so ya...

The writing and dialogues were a bit off. I can't put my finger on what that is. May be since it's inspired by Agatha Christie, the dialogues were also written similar but it doesn't work because her books takes place in the UK and with Indian way of talking the writing seemed off.? That's just my guess.
Also there were some big words thrown in every page or so for no reason. Also I got sick of the term amateur sleuth.
The description of things and people's expressions seemed too dragged out.
And the drawings of the characters that were drawn by the wife of the author was a jump scare after every chapter. But that could be just a me problem. 🫣🤦‍♀️

After more than halfway through, I couldn't care and was not interested at all in the plot. I just finished the book because I wanted to finish it. The ending was not good but I was happy to finish the book.

It did have a good setting and started off well.

[Booknerds Cornerrrr · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Winning is not about not failing, but about never quitting. And so, I must persevere."

Dinshaw estate is located among the picturesque hill station of Dehradun. 🗻
Jahangir Dinshaw the eldest member, who is a wealthy businessman possesses a great collection of antique things, not for collection but for there appreciation benefits 💵
The family is gathered for an important announcement as Jahangir decides to revise his will and for the same he calls his lawyer, Bejan Contractor, and his daughter, Shehnaz and amongst it, a murder takes place. 🔪 As the story progresses many suspects come into the picture as the intriguing murder investigation takes place until the real one is found. 🤫

And I'm really bad with guessing so I wasn't able to guess it and was shocked! 😱

Are you good with guessing? Read the book and see if you're able to find the suspect beforehand
😉📕

This is such a well crafted novel; the title, the cover, the index, the character development, the plot twists everything just contributed to make the book an amazing read 📖 even maps, family chart and characters details were given in the beginning of the book which made the read a smooth experience ✨
Love how each chapter is titled with a rhyme's name, making it more intruging even at the first glance. 👶❤
The vocab used is very rich and crisp ✨love the attention to detail aspect ✨
Kept me hooked from the beginning till the end, hence def recommended!!! ⭐

Also, super gorg and amazing illustrations by Sakshi , truly very appreciated, they made the story more interesting to read❤

[Nivsreview · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has indeed 13 suspects, and one deathly secret but the plot just doesn't add upto my expectations of murder mysteries.

I personally don't like it, half through the book I was almost about to give up but then after 80 pages and literally after 80 pages I was like okay I've read till now let me just finish it and to be very honestly I only finished it not enjoyed it.

I get it the plot sets in a wealthy Indian family struggling to have good connection among their own family members, you might think the murder will be because of money but NO it's totally different, when you'll read the book you'll find the first murder was an accidental one and the second was done because of impulsive thought without any plan, so basically there were 2 murders in this Book.

The thing which I find totally boring about this book is interrogation of family members again and again, while the real truth came into light after they start fighting with eachother. + The story is set in the timezone where because of storm police can't reach the crime scene location so a journalist who happened to be there started interrogating members and solves the murder mystery herself ( maybe with a little help from her father but mostly by herself).

Well idk if you are new to thriller novels you can give it a read, this is well written especially if you're someone who likes to read about family conflicts and unraveling of family murders this is good for you, but for me I'm not a big fan of such read. So to me it was an okok read.

[Jahnvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ratings :🌟🌟🌟🌟
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Firstly I would like to thank the author @storyarkbysiddharth for sending me the copy and cherry on top it's a signed copy!! ❣️🤌🏻💌..I cannot thank you enough for the signed copy..!!
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Talking about the book , it was in my interest because I read somewhere that this book is the Indian version of Agatha Christie s novel...!!
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And it did not disappoint me...
It's a kind of story where you need to find the culprits before the story unwinds...
A story set in dehradun...👀 What a pretty suspicious location to set a murder ..oh did I say murder ??? We just found the body of - read and find out 🫣( sorry not sorry)..
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The locked door mystery where 13 people are stuck when there is a snow Strom casually flurrying outside ❄️.
And a family of 13 people who live with pure love and no intention of greediness..🫢 well I guess that's not the case here..
When the suspects of murder are in the family itself..
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And did I tell you about the 700 crore fortune..?? No - the head of the family Jahangir Dinshaw has received an unexpected 700 crore and calls his lawyer and his daughter to revise the will..!! 💵
And this is perfectly coincident with the murder...!!
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This story is perfectly situated,the location, the characters description and OHHH did I tell you this book has a caricature of each character..⛄ Cute Right!?? Only until the real culprit is catched 😶..
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Perfect read if you want to have shivers down your spine !! , ⚡
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Thank you once again @storyarkbysiddharth for sending this murder mystery to my doorsteps ..✨💌
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[Laxmi Yadav · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Murder in Dehradun"A murder that changes everything.🔪🔎❄️
By ~ @storyarkbysiddharth
Rating ~ ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars!

What happens when 13 family members are trapped inside a mansion during a deadly snowstorm... and one of them turns into a murderer? ☠️🏰
Welcome to A Murder in Dehradun — a thrilling mystery that keeps you second-guessing everyone till the very end!

The story takes place in the hills of Dehradun🏔️, where the wealthy Dinshaw family is gathered to change their will after getting a sudden fortune 700 💵. But before the ink can dry, a sudden murder shatters the peace, turning their home into a house full of secrets and fear.🏰☠️

With 13 suspects and no way to escape ❄️🚪, the tension rises every minute.
Every character has secrets, and as you turn the pages, you start doubting everyone. 🕵️‍♂️
The small details really matter, and the author does a great job of giving each character their own special traits. ✨

The writing is fast and easy to read, with enough twists to keep you hooked.⚡
I loved how the mystery kept building, making it very hard to guess who the real killer was! ⏳

I enjoyed this one a lot! overall, it was a thrilling and exciting read. 🎯

If you love a good mystery that keeps you guessing, A Murder in Dehradun is a must-read! 📚🏔️
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Happy Reading!!🏷️

#thriller #mystery #bookreview #amurderindehradun #suspense #reading #crimefiction #bookreview #thrillerreads #mysterybooks #crimefiction #suspensestory
#murdermystery #amurderindehradun
#whodunnit #bookrecommendation #pageturner #readingaddict #cozymystery #snowstormsecrets

[Harsh Tyagi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating mystery set in the scenic hills of Dehradun. The story revolves around the wealthy Dinshaw family, whose life takes a dark turn when they receive a massive fortune of 700 crore rupees. This sudden windfall brings out old secrets and leads to a shocking murder.

In order to get his will updated, Patriarch Jahangir Dinshaw calls his lawyer, and his daughter. However, the situation quickly escalates into chaos with a murder in the family. The book features 13 suspects, each with their own motives and secrets and no sooner than enough the story becomes a tense game of finding out the culprit.

Slightly slow to start, but with an immaculate choice of words, we get the introduction of each character (obviously necessary), and the setting of the story in a snowstorm-ridden Dehradun, making it even more chilling. This book gives us a brilliantly crafted murder mystery in less than 200 pages. The caricatures for each character in the book are also a good addition. The author keeps the suspense high, skillfully weaving clues throughout the plot. The riveting descriptions and setting adds to the tension, making it a gripping read from start to finish. A classic whodunnit inspired by Agatha Christie mysteries and reminiscent of Knives Out, this book is a great thriller, a captivating mystery with well-developed characters and an intriguing plot. It's a page-turner because of the engaging story.

[harsh_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Murder in Dehradun

📖 Book Review -
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Amidst the lush hills of Dehradun lies the opulent estate of the dinshaws-a family bound by legacy, torn apart by greed. When an unexpected fortune of 700 crore rupees lands in their lap, old secrets resurface, and chaos ensues.
The family patriarch Jahangir, summons his lawyer, Bejan Contractor, and his daughter, Shehnaz to revise his will. As the weather turns for the worst and a snowstorm envelops the hills, a death occurs!

“13 Suspects
One deadly secret.
Is it greed that binds them, or something far more sinister?”

This is my favourite type of murder mystery-a locked room. The suspect has nowhere to go and the guilty party must be one of them. What follows is a brilliantly twisty whodunnit with red herrings and interesting characters who all have something to hide. with the snow outside, it becomes clear that the murderer must still be in the house, and it is up to Shehnaz to figure out who it is. I am blown away by the cleverness and Shehnaz’s slueth skills.

Shehnaz goes and interviews each person one by one, which is then recorded in detail in her notes. It can get boring and repetitive to hear each person describe the same event with just a slightly different spin and in their own made up versions to twist the plot. But that’s usually over soon enough, and then we can get back to exciting parts.

The clock ticks and the suspense thickens. Trust no one. Suspect everyone.

[Afreen Khalil Inscribed Inklings · Rating 4 out of 5]

A murder in Dehradun by Siddharth Maheshwari📚

Siddharth Maheshwari’s “A murder in Dehradun” plunges readers into a gripping, atmospheric whodunit set against the backdrop of Dehradun's picturesque hills. The opulent Dinshaw estate is at the heart of the tale, with a family torn apart by secrets and greed following the unexpected inheritance of a 700 crore fortune. The narrative wastes no time in setting up the tension, with a snowstorm isolating the family and a mysterious death pushing the characters into a web of deception.

Maheshwari deftly weaves a tale of intrigue, inviting readers to scrutinize the complex personalities of 13 suspects, each one with potential motives. The novel’s claustrophobic setting enhances the suspense, as the reader is drawn deeper into the labyrinth of lies surrounding the Dinshaw family. The mystery unravels like a classic locked-room murder case, with a ticking clock heightening the stakes.

The pacing is tight, keeping readers on edge as they piece together clues alongside the characters. Maheshwari’s skill in building tension, combined with his rich character development, makes this thriller a standout in the genre. Fans of Agatha Christie or classic crime fiction will find much to love here.

“A murder in Dehradun” is a captivating read, combining a rich setting with a compelling mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

- Afreen Khalil

[Vidhya Thakkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Siddharth's writing style is exceptionally engaging and relatable. He balances light and profound elements effortlessly, making it both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. The way he maintains a brisk pace throughout the book amplifies the suspense, ensuring that you remain glued to your reading spot.

One particularly commendable aspect of Shehnaz’s characterization is her cleverness and determination. She is portrayed as a resourceful protagonist who doesn’t shy away from probing deeper, displaying a proactive approach that is inspiring amidst the chaotic circumstances. As she races against time to prevent another potential murder, her clever deductions and emotional depth resonate with readers, making her journey all the more compelling.

In all, A Murder in Dehradun is an unputdownable read, with a captivating blend of family drama and mystery that keeps you enthralled. It's a book you can rely on for a thrilling yet light-hearted experience, perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in a suspenseful narrative that’s both richly layered and fast-paced. If you're in the mood for a rollercoaster ride through a chilling mystery, this is definitely the book for you!