What do you think?
Rate this book
Party to a Crime
Founder of a highly valued start-up, Karan Chopra is young, famous and unpredictable. He is also missing, last seen at his birthday party seven days ago.
Investigators try to make sense of testimonies from four people close to Karan.
Karan’s wife Maya is in a loveless marriage that she portrays as anything but. Is that all she’s hiding?
Karan’s deputy Abhinav is madly in love—just not with his own wife. Who is he scared of?
Mohit recently joined Karan’s company. Why did Karan fire him?
Venkatesh is one of Karan’s oldest friends. Why did he leave so early?
Everyone was at the party, and everyone is lying. What are they guilty of?
Investigators try to make sense of testimonies from four people close to Karan.
Karan’s wife Maya is in a loveless marriage that she portrays as anything but. Is that all she’s hiding?
Karan’s deputy Abhinav is madly in love—just not with his own wife. Who is he scared of?
Mohit recently joined Karan’s company. Why did Karan fire him?
Venkatesh is one of Karan’s oldest friends. Why did he leave so early?
Everyone was at the party, and everyone is lying. What are they guilty of?
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2024
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 1, 2024
Book : Party to a Crime
Author: Rohithari Rajan
Review:
First thing first I would like to thank @rupa_publications for accidentally sending the book to me. As it turned out to be an amazing read.
The story is a murder mystery, a rich and famous start-up owner is missing and found dead after a couple of days of his birthday. 4 suspects Wife, deputy of the start-up, a very close friend and a guy who was thrown out of the company just a few days ago.
The book is written in the form of a case study where each chapter is labelled as the date and name of the person whose interrogation happens. The book is easy to read fast paced and not for a single page slows down. It's a quick fast read.
" We were trying to look into a missing person tip-off, and that became a murder investigation. But now we are trying to unravel a drugs ring and also spot corporate fraud.i am telling you, Shukla, silly masala movie we have been reduced to!"
And that's what you will think you are reading, it might become an Shot OTT series in future who knows, for me I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I dived into the book with no expectations but it surprised me. And I am happy that I started reading as soon as it arrived.
The only thing I may say I did not like is that the end of the book. Iean it was a claver ending but too claver of you ask me. A little over doing I can say. Overall I really want people to read this book who want a fast paced easy reading murder mystery.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Author: Rohithari Rajan
Review:
First thing first I would like to thank @rupa_publications for accidentally sending the book to me. As it turned out to be an amazing read.
The story is a murder mystery, a rich and famous start-up owner is missing and found dead after a couple of days of his birthday. 4 suspects Wife, deputy of the start-up, a very close friend and a guy who was thrown out of the company just a few days ago.
The book is written in the form of a case study where each chapter is labelled as the date and name of the person whose interrogation happens. The book is easy to read fast paced and not for a single page slows down. It's a quick fast read.
" We were trying to look into a missing person tip-off, and that became a murder investigation. But now we are trying to unravel a drugs ring and also spot corporate fraud.i am telling you, Shukla, silly masala movie we have been reduced to!"
And that's what you will think you are reading, it might become an Shot OTT series in future who knows, for me I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I dived into the book with no expectations but it surprised me. And I am happy that I started reading as soon as it arrived.
The only thing I may say I did not like is that the end of the book. Iean it was a claver ending but too claver of you ask me. A little over doing I can say. Overall I really want people to read this book who want a fast paced easy reading murder mystery.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 9, 2024
The night began with the usual pretenses of excitement. I arrived at the party expecting, if nothing else, a bit of chatter to break the monotony. Instead, I found myself in a room full of people whose personalities felt as flat as the drinks being served. The conversations swirled around me, all superficial.
I could feel the weight of boredom settling in, draping over me like a heavy coat. I scanned the room for someone, anyone, to connect with, but no one stood out. It was supposed to be the kind of gathering where laughter flows as freely as wine.
Then I noticed something odd. The host, who was known for their vibrant personality, was missing. Not missing like they had stepped out for a moment, but absent—entirely. No one seemed to care. People went about their forced small talk, oblivious, too full about themselves.
What follows is a half-hearted investigation led by detectives who appear as weary as the party itself. The questioning is repetitive, going in circles as the detectives struggle to break through the walls of apathy and self-obsession that have been built by the guests.
A murder is announced.
Small gasps of surprise that dies down soon. Despite the gravity of the crime, no one offers any insight or concern—just the same lifeless answers. The story loops through a tedious routine, as the investigation makes no real progress.
In the end, the murder case is "solved" but without fanfare or satisfaction. The conclusion feels as dull and flat as the party itself, echoing the emptiness of the lives of those involved. The murder may have been an isolated event, but the true crime, the novel suggests, is the soul-sucking existence of those who are too wrapped up in themselves to care about anything beyond their immediate bubble.
And I happened to a reluctant guest to this Party to a Crime.
I could feel the weight of boredom settling in, draping over me like a heavy coat. I scanned the room for someone, anyone, to connect with, but no one stood out. It was supposed to be the kind of gathering where laughter flows as freely as wine.
Then I noticed something odd. The host, who was known for their vibrant personality, was missing. Not missing like they had stepped out for a moment, but absent—entirely. No one seemed to care. People went about their forced small talk, oblivious, too full about themselves.
What follows is a half-hearted investigation led by detectives who appear as weary as the party itself. The questioning is repetitive, going in circles as the detectives struggle to break through the walls of apathy and self-obsession that have been built by the guests.
A murder is announced.
Small gasps of surprise that dies down soon. Despite the gravity of the crime, no one offers any insight or concern—just the same lifeless answers. The story loops through a tedious routine, as the investigation makes no real progress.
In the end, the murder case is "solved" but without fanfare or satisfaction. The conclusion feels as dull and flat as the party itself, echoing the emptiness of the lives of those involved. The murder may have been an isolated event, but the true crime, the novel suggests, is the soul-sucking existence of those who are too wrapped up in themselves to care about anything beyond their immediate bubble.
And I happened to a reluctant guest to this Party to a Crime.
October 22, 2024
20th Book of 2024
After reading couple of non-fictions, it was obvious that I will be picking up a fiction to enjoy a story. I got my hands upon a murder-mystery published by Rupa Publications and it didn’t take me twice to start reading it. I just completed reading Rohithari Rajan’s 285-pages novel named “Party to a Crime”. It’s a murder mystery based upon the death of a young entrepreneur and startup founder, Karan. The news has become the sensation and hence the investigation is paced upon to identify the murderer as soon as possible to provide the answer to the nation.
The book has been planned and drafted very well. I must say that the idea of telling the whole investigation set-up not from the Investigators’ angle but from the multiple suspects’ angle gave the book its high that it needed. It was fun reading how the four characters named in the synopsis of the book tells their version of their history with Karan, their involvement on the party night, what they did before and after the party etc. It is fun reading their versions as it seems we are reading short stories where the characters are interconnected with each other.
The book is narrated in a very friendly manner with short chapters which clearly makes it easy for readers to complete the whole book within one or two sittings despite it being of almost 300 pages. I still believe that author could have easily sliced the book by 50-pages. Few sections were definitely stretched and unwanted scenes are detailed which makes it boring to read the investigators’ expressions and thoughts between the interesting twists and turns being shared by the suspects. Similarly, the conversations with the characters sound very bland at times with no expressions whatsoever. Even when the death is revealed to them, their normal response irritates the excited reader within you who was expecting a reaction.
The way investigations take place where it’s being done on different days where each day opens a new layer of story keeps us hooked to the book. It helps keeping the book become a perfect page-turner. The story just doesn’t describe about the party scenes but about the human nature as well because the purpose why each of them could have been involved in this crime has a tendency and trait attached to their personality.
Author has described the whole party scene very descriptively which helps the readers visualize how the whole venue must be and even the party happenings as well. Rohithari never sounds like a new author at any junction of this book. His writing capabilities are amazing. In the pre-climax, the way he starts unfolding the whole thing amazes the readers by his presence of mind. His thoughtfulness in writing and crafting this story tells about his writing and imaginative skills.
I just felt that the climax could have been more happening. I felt that author tried writing this book as a script for an OTT series getting inspired by the new thrillers available on these video platforms. It felt like I am watching it as a series rather than a novel. It could have been better if there was a better conversation with the guilty at the end of the book. Similarly, I felt that the investigation part has no meaning in the story at all as the investigators just doesn’t do anything great to solve this mystery. It’s just the author’s narration that brings us to the answer of the whole puzzle. I wish author could have handled this part well.
Overall, this is definitely a great book to enjoy on a weekend at home. You will not miss going out at all. I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5.
Thanks!
WRITING BUDDHA
After reading couple of non-fictions, it was obvious that I will be picking up a fiction to enjoy a story. I got my hands upon a murder-mystery published by Rupa Publications and it didn’t take me twice to start reading it. I just completed reading Rohithari Rajan’s 285-pages novel named “Party to a Crime”. It’s a murder mystery based upon the death of a young entrepreneur and startup founder, Karan. The news has become the sensation and hence the investigation is paced upon to identify the murderer as soon as possible to provide the answer to the nation.
The book has been planned and drafted very well. I must say that the idea of telling the whole investigation set-up not from the Investigators’ angle but from the multiple suspects’ angle gave the book its high that it needed. It was fun reading how the four characters named in the synopsis of the book tells their version of their history with Karan, their involvement on the party night, what they did before and after the party etc. It is fun reading their versions as it seems we are reading short stories where the characters are interconnected with each other.
The book is narrated in a very friendly manner with short chapters which clearly makes it easy for readers to complete the whole book within one or two sittings despite it being of almost 300 pages. I still believe that author could have easily sliced the book by 50-pages. Few sections were definitely stretched and unwanted scenes are detailed which makes it boring to read the investigators’ expressions and thoughts between the interesting twists and turns being shared by the suspects. Similarly, the conversations with the characters sound very bland at times with no expressions whatsoever. Even when the death is revealed to them, their normal response irritates the excited reader within you who was expecting a reaction.
The way investigations take place where it’s being done on different days where each day opens a new layer of story keeps us hooked to the book. It helps keeping the book become a perfect page-turner. The story just doesn’t describe about the party scenes but about the human nature as well because the purpose why each of them could have been involved in this crime has a tendency and trait attached to their personality.
Author has described the whole party scene very descriptively which helps the readers visualize how the whole venue must be and even the party happenings as well. Rohithari never sounds like a new author at any junction of this book. His writing capabilities are amazing. In the pre-climax, the way he starts unfolding the whole thing amazes the readers by his presence of mind. His thoughtfulness in writing and crafting this story tells about his writing and imaginative skills.
I just felt that the climax could have been more happening. I felt that author tried writing this book as a script for an OTT series getting inspired by the new thrillers available on these video platforms. It felt like I am watching it as a series rather than a novel. It could have been better if there was a better conversation with the guilty at the end of the book. Similarly, I felt that the investigation part has no meaning in the story at all as the investigators just doesn’t do anything great to solve this mystery. It’s just the author’s narration that brings us to the answer of the whole puzzle. I wish author could have handled this part well.
Overall, this is definitely a great book to enjoy on a weekend at home. You will not miss going out at all. I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5.
Thanks!
WRITING BUDDHA
October 10, 2024
"It's the little things that define a party, you know what I mean?"
- Rohithari Rajan, Party to a Crime
Karan Chopra, the ed-tech magnate of Padhlo.com, is known for his erratic behavior. His birthday party was dull, in his own standards. Additional Director Venu Menon who has two years to retire and Deputy Director Vinay Shukla are assigned to find Karan who went missing from his own party. The duo managed to narrow down the pool of suspects from eighteen to four. After the first round of questioning, when they come into conclusion that indeed there were skeletons tumbling out of the closet, they cross question the four suspects.
The multiple person pov and the pacy narrative plunges you into the scene of crime, almost as if helping Additional Director and Deputy Director. The presentation of the book is aesthetic, as if you are going through a crime file or watching the testimonies of suspects on TV. I really liked how the pov seamlessly transitioned from first person to third person. The chapters are short, concise and crisp urging you to finish the book in a single sitting. It would have been better if the narrative was more descriptive and more gruesome just like the crime-thrillers, I prefer. Menon and Shukla were portrayed to be the Indian version of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The characters that was well fleshed out was Maya, who with her peculiar way of articulating sentences made quite an impression. The literary references infused Menon’s character with greater depth and complexity
The climax reminded me of Death on the Nile where the testimonies were inconsistent thereby convicting the killers. The twist in the end, was just old wine in a new bottle.
“All the dull, monotonous police work, all the analyses and the diligence of multiple testimonies, all the interrogations...all this was just post-fact running around that wouldn't impact the life already lost.”
- Rohithari Rajan, Party to a Crime
Karan Chopra, the ed-tech magnate of Padhlo.com, is known for his erratic behavior. His birthday party was dull, in his own standards. Additional Director Venu Menon who has two years to retire and Deputy Director Vinay Shukla are assigned to find Karan who went missing from his own party. The duo managed to narrow down the pool of suspects from eighteen to four. After the first round of questioning, when they come into conclusion that indeed there were skeletons tumbling out of the closet, they cross question the four suspects.
The multiple person pov and the pacy narrative plunges you into the scene of crime, almost as if helping Additional Director and Deputy Director. The presentation of the book is aesthetic, as if you are going through a crime file or watching the testimonies of suspects on TV. I really liked how the pov seamlessly transitioned from first person to third person. The chapters are short, concise and crisp urging you to finish the book in a single sitting. It would have been better if the narrative was more descriptive and more gruesome just like the crime-thrillers, I prefer. Menon and Shukla were portrayed to be the Indian version of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The characters that was well fleshed out was Maya, who with her peculiar way of articulating sentences made quite an impression. The literary references infused Menon’s character with greater depth and complexity
The climax reminded me of Death on the Nile where the testimonies were inconsistent thereby convicting the killers. The twist in the end, was just old wine in a new bottle.
“All the dull, monotonous police work, all the analyses and the diligence of multiple testimonies, all the interrogations...all this was just post-fact running around that wouldn't impact the life already lost.”
November 3, 2024
The book is a crime thriller where the investigators are presented with versions of one night when the crime occurs. The author paints a picture of the events through the 4 primary suspects and as the book progresses, the stories develop, slowly peeling off layers of the true sequence of events that had occurred. The writing of the book is engaging and keeps you hooked till the last page as you uncover the truth. Another aspect of the book that stood out for me was how the author uses multiple rounds of interrogation to unravel the layers of the truth, and after each interrogation, you try and figure out the truth. It is almost as if the investigators were playing two truth and lie with the investigation. However, while the book has its positives, there are a few things that dampened the reading experience a little bit. First and foremost was the typesetting and the book quality. There are a few locations where the font size and style are inconsistent, especially on the first page, and that is a dampener. Secondly, the book becomes repetitive in the events because of the interviews, and the tone becomes a bit drab towards the end. The climax was nicely written and I liked how it was written. The way the means, motive and mastermind were revealed was quite fun.
Coming to the characters, the book is driven through the character development. I loved the manner in which the characters have been introduced and detailed out. The manner in which their motives are revealed one-by-one was impressive. Another aspect of character development that was good was that of Menon and Shukla. As investigators, I liked that they have been given their individuality as well as quirks that are an integral part of the story, especially the part about Menon’s coffee. The two characters that definitely stood out for me were that of Venky and Maya and the brilliance stands out especially when the big reveal happens.
Coming to the characters, the book is driven through the character development. I loved the manner in which the characters have been introduced and detailed out. The manner in which their motives are revealed one-by-one was impressive. Another aspect of character development that was good was that of Menon and Shukla. As investigators, I liked that they have been given their individuality as well as quirks that are an integral part of the story, especially the part about Menon’s coffee. The two characters that definitely stood out for me were that of Venky and Maya and the brilliance stands out especially when the big reveal happens.
September 26, 2024
The book is of fiction genre. As the title suggests it belongs to suspense thriller genre. I am a huge fan of that genre so I picked it up. I will briefly summarise my views here trying to avoid spoilers. Karan Chopara, the protagonist of the story, is a young 35 years old, startup sensation, unicorn founder and Multimillionaire. He was last seen at his birthday party, seven days ago. The book starts with CBI headquarters, Day 6 of investigation. One thing I would like to mention here is author has written the story day wise as well as perspective or POV of important characters of the book. I loved that idea. That is really good for readers and definitely for the beginners who want to read this genre. That also shows that author is really thorough with the minute details of his story. Venu Menon and Vinay Shukla brought 18 people for questioning. It started with Maya, Karan’s wife. Maya was hosting the party. They did questioning and every possible angle like pulling up invite list of the party. Maya was stuck in loveless marriage. The story focuses on mainly Maya, Abhinav, Mohit and Venky’s perspective. It shifts between flashbacks and recent scenarios. They all are lated to Karan some or the other way. But further discussion will lead to spoilers. There are other interesting characters also. I liked the plot. How thoroughly author has plotted it. I felt forensic details could have been more deep. The language of the book is lucid so that everyone can pick it up. There are lots of twists and turns that keeps the book interesting. Overall good one.
November 5, 2024
Party to a Crime is a murder mystery by Rohithari Ranjan that unfolds right after the mysterious death of young and rich start-up founder Karan Chopra, who was found dead within hours after his lavish birthday party. The inquiry narrows down to four suspects: Karan's wife Maya, his deputy Abhinav, old friend Venky, and a former employee, Mohit, who was fired recently. Each chapter brings out the perspectives, and the intricacies and suspense deepen.
.
The narrative structure gives a sense of momentum and immersion as each character's viewpoint unfolds through short, tightly-paced chapters. The story almost reads like a TV series, where each interrogation becomes a new episode that keeps building tension and raises questions about Karan's relationships and motives.
.
Ranjan brings out the party scene and its opulence, the complex social dynamics of corporate rivalry, secrets, and personal vendettas. Each suspect's account brings motives and vulnerabilities to the surface, reflecting both suspense and a keen understanding of human nature.
.
While the climax might not be so emotionally impacting as it would have been, and the role of the investigators a bit passive, it still is a page-turner with surprise twists. This book is well suited to anyone looking for a lighthearted mystery thriller with great potential to make a successful film.
.
The narrative structure gives a sense of momentum and immersion as each character's viewpoint unfolds through short, tightly-paced chapters. The story almost reads like a TV series, where each interrogation becomes a new episode that keeps building tension and raises questions about Karan's relationships and motives.
.
Ranjan brings out the party scene and its opulence, the complex social dynamics of corporate rivalry, secrets, and personal vendettas. Each suspect's account brings motives and vulnerabilities to the surface, reflecting both suspense and a keen understanding of human nature.
.
While the climax might not be so emotionally impacting as it would have been, and the role of the investigators a bit passive, it still is a page-turner with surprise twists. This book is well suited to anyone looking for a lighthearted mystery thriller with great potential to make a successful film.
September 28, 2024
Name : Party To A Crime
Author : Rohithari Rajan
Genre : Investigative suspense
My 💭:
[28/09/24 8.20 PM]
A good investigative suspense thriller written by an Indian author? Count me in!
Guys, honestly, I have never read a book with this many twists and turns. Omg my head is reeling 😵💫!
Okay, so, a start up CEO gets murdered in his birthday party and the story takes us on the interrogation of the 4 primary suspects. Via this interrogation we get to know about the psychology and nature of these 4 people and the victim, and basically they are proof of how much manipulative humans can be 😳. Like seriously, so many inconsistencies in their statements and so so so many lies - it baffled me as well the investigators in the story. They even made up the identity of one person, can you imagine? 🤯
I loved loved loved reading this book and racking my brain up trying to understand who's lying and who's telling the truth. It was like anything can happen at any time. Honestly, I was sitting on edge the entire time!
I had a very entertaining Saturday because of this book!
Author : Rohithari Rajan
Genre : Investigative suspense
My 💭:
[28/09/24 8.20 PM]
A good investigative suspense thriller written by an Indian author? Count me in!
Guys, honestly, I have never read a book with this many twists and turns. Omg my head is reeling 😵💫!
Okay, so, a start up CEO gets murdered in his birthday party and the story takes us on the interrogation of the 4 primary suspects. Via this interrogation we get to know about the psychology and nature of these 4 people and the victim, and basically they are proof of how much manipulative humans can be 😳. Like seriously, so many inconsistencies in their statements and so so so many lies - it baffled me as well the investigators in the story. They even made up the identity of one person, can you imagine? 🤯
I loved loved loved reading this book and racking my brain up trying to understand who's lying and who's telling the truth. It was like anything can happen at any time. Honestly, I was sitting on edge the entire time!
I had a very entertaining Saturday because of this book!
November 13, 2024
"A gripping whodunit, 'Party to a Crime' masterfully unravels the tangled web of secrets and lies surrounding Karan Chopra's disappearance. Four suspects, each with hidden agendas, keep readers guessing. With twisty plotlines, complex characters, and surprising revelations, this thriller will keep you on the edge. Author skillfully crafts suspense, exploring themes of deception, love, and power. A page-turner that will keep you hooked until the very end.
February 20, 2026
There were a lot of twist and turns to this plot of the story. However when you get to one stage you start seeing the bigger picture and finally understanding who was the mastermind. Interesting read!
January 9, 2025
"Party to a Crime" by Rohithari Rajan is a thrilling masterpiece that breaks the mold of conventional crime stories. The plot revolves around a murder investigation led by two CBI officials, who interrogate four suspects, each with a potential motive. The story unfolds over a week, filled with suspense, surprises, and twists that keep you guessing.
Rajan's writing is engaging and immersive, making it hard to put the book down. The narrative is told from multiple viewpoints, adding depth and complexity to the mystery. The characters are well-developed, each evoking curiosity, sympathy, and sometimes irritation. The investigation process is depicted with sharpness and realism, capturing the frustrations and triumphs of the senior cops.
The book's subtle humor and vivid descriptions make the characters and their emotions come alive. The language is natural and free-flowing, with a touch of jargon that fits the setting perfectly. As the story progresses, the reader feels like they are piecing together a giant jigsaw puzzle, with the final image both surprising and satisfying.
"Party to a Crime" is not just a read-and-shelve book; it's a 'make-everyone-read-it' book. A must-read for thriller fans!
Rajan's writing is engaging and immersive, making it hard to put the book down. The narrative is told from multiple viewpoints, adding depth and complexity to the mystery. The characters are well-developed, each evoking curiosity, sympathy, and sometimes irritation. The investigation process is depicted with sharpness and realism, capturing the frustrations and triumphs of the senior cops.
The book's subtle humor and vivid descriptions make the characters and their emotions come alive. The language is natural and free-flowing, with a touch of jargon that fits the setting perfectly. As the story progresses, the reader feels like they are piecing together a giant jigsaw puzzle, with the final image both surprising and satisfying.
"Party to a Crime" is not just a read-and-shelve book; it's a 'make-everyone-read-it' book. A must-read for thriller fans!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews