Chikkamma Tours (Pvt.) Ltd: A Bibliomystery

by Unmana

About the Book
A FAT LESBIAN PARTNERS WITH A BOSS SHE IS CRUSHING ON TO INVESTIGATE THE MURDER OF A BOOKSTORE OWNER IN BANGALORE.
When the owner of the bookshop above Chikkamma Tours gets stabbed to death in the building, grumpy, book-obsessed, wise-cracking, whisky-drinking Nilima jumps at the opportunity to play amateur detective. What's more, it seems like the perfect excuse to get close to her alluring boss Shwetha. But to successfully investigate the murder, Nilima also needs to learn to work with her annoying colleague Poorna and with Inspector Sharmila Lamani, who is in a relationship with Nilima's ex-girlfriend.
Braving the incessant rain, a local gangster and sundry other shady characters, as well as the police, who seem intent on charging an innocent man, Nilima, Shwetha and Poorna are soon hot on the trail of the murderer.
A deliciously bookish mystery set in Bengaluru, Chikkamma Tours (Pvt.) Ltd is the very best kind of cosy novel, featuring wry humour, keen observations of city life and a cast of colourful characters.

About the Author
Unmana lives in Mumbai with their husband. Their short stories have been nominated for the Best of the Net and the Deodar Prize. Chikkamma Tours (Pvt.) Ltd is their first full-length novel.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, LGBT, Queer, Murder Mystery, Crime

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2024

Reviews

[maahi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imagine visiting your favourite bookstore which you’ve gone to for years now only to find out that that shop owner has been mysteriously murdered in his own shop, turning the whole area into a crime scene — that is exactly the premise for Chikkamma Tours which promises to take its readers through a journey of Bangalore with bits of literature, art and history lore sprinkled throughout the book.

I picked up this book because of its Indian setting and nerdy, queer main character — Nilima. As Nilima navigates her way at her new job and slowly unravels pieces of her past, you get a glimpse into how openly queer people live and survive in the country and the relationships that come and go along the way. I liked that the book was subtly able to explore that despite being a murder mystery at its core.

However, I had my fair share of problems with Chikkamma Tours. I thought that the book failed to create any thrilling moments, barring one at the climax of the book, which made it hard to feel excited about anything. I was really intrigued by the bookish setting and was expecting it to be emotionally packed but it fell flat on that front. To further the plot, the author moulded the characters in a way that did not seem logical after a point and I did not understand why the employees at the Tour company were so dead set on solving the murder mystery (they were willing to put their jobs aside, even lose their jobs for this…). Unfortunately, I also did not feel much for the relationship between Nilima, Shweta and Poorna. But Nilima’s crush on Shweta was sort of cute actually so I enjoyed that part!

Overall, this is a good read if you’re just starting out with reading murder mysteries or if you need a break from reading a lot of intense, thrilling books; Chikkamma Tours is an easy and fast read in that regard. (I feel like my bar for murder mystery books was set too high because of Keigo Higashino books, and as someone who doesn’t read murder mysteries too often, I end up expecting exactly that level of thrill each time.)

Thank you to Tandem Collective and Westland Books for sending me an advance copy of this book and for letting me be a part of the Readalong.

[Areeb Ahmad (Bankrupt_Bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so so good! I am really hoping it turns into a series.

[Amy's Book Cafe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chikkamma Tours (Pvt.) Ltd is one of my favourite books of the year so far and I am 100% sure that it's going to be in my top books of the year list too. It's a murder mystery set in Bangalore and it primarily features Nilima, who works at a tour agency. When she finds the stabbed body of the owner of the bookstore above her office, she along with her boss Shwetha, on whom she has a crush, and her colleague Poorna with whom she has a one sided rivalry decide to investigate. 

This is the perfect book for the rainy season. I have never been to Bangalore but the descriptions by the author made it very easy for me to imagine the city. I love the atmosphere that the author managed to create. I loved the way it is written; the writing style, the pacing, the way the mystery unfolded. However, the best part has to be character development. The way we slowly get to know more about not only Nilima but also Shwetha and Poorna was so interesting and pure perfection. The sparks between Nilima and Shwetha worked like a cherry on top of an already delicious cake. I can't recommend this enough.

[Shreya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in a reading slump till I picked this up, and from the first page it felt like I was in a familiar world of murder mysteries. It is such a comforting read for mystery fans, and even more so if you’re familiar with Bangalore, then the book unfolds like a movie in your head.

Perfect for a long journey or a vacation.

[Debasmita B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate it when the cover ends up being the best thing about a book.

I really wanted to like this book. A queer, down-on-luck detective story? In a bookstore? A very promising premise. But it's like the author jumped straight from there and kept going into an endless pit of plot arcs, with extraordinary leaps of faith and logic jumping from one to another. Not that this is a bad book by a far shot, but it falls short on so many different levels it feels annoying as a reader.

There is no consistency in how the characters are portrayed, and their lifestyle. People are living beyond their means, without it being addressed. They are doing random sidebar stuff that doesn't add up. There is somehow no class consciousness when the book is putting together everything in one set piece. There is an almost-scene about the lead eating a bacon sandwich while sitting with a Muslim friend. I nearly expected it to be a thing because why else was this unnecessary detail about the food added? Turns out, it was simply an unnecessary detail. And this happens a lot throughout.

Also, who was even the target audience? The book behaves like children's literature at times, other times being fairly serious. It takes a borderline fantastical approach to Indian law and society, which I can overlook for the most part, but by the end it turns comically ridiculous. The dialogues and conversations are trite. Everything is too convenient. The two people supposed to have some chemistry don't have any at all. Instead, there is sexual tension of everyone with literally everyone else. The mystery solves itself and the 'detectives' are merely vessels for the author to put out the next resolution on paper and to us, the reader.

There are high points, like a really well sketched out character, the third lead, who binds the book and the titular Chikkamma Tours Pvt Ltd together and I wished she had been given something more to do. There is also a very sensitive backstory to the lead, and the book doesn't absolve her of her own snobbery. In another lifetime, it could have been a great fiction book by itself because the murder mystery only serves to drag it down.

Fin. Likely last book of the year.

[Kriti Dalmia · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Book Review: Chikkamma Tours Pvt. Ltd by Unmana

If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with a bookish twist, "Chikkamma Tours Pvt. Ltd" by Unmana is a great read! Set in the city of Bengaluru, this debut novel weaves a delightful tale of murder, mystery, and a dash of romance.

When the owner of the bookshop above Chikkamma Tours is found murdered, Nilima, a grumpy, book-obsessed amateur detective, seizes the chance to solve the crime. Nilima, along with her attractive employer Shwetha and her unpleasant colleague Poorna, navigates a web of secrets and dubious people. The incessant rain and the police, who seem intent on charging an innocent man, add to the suspense.

Nilima is a relatable protagonist with her love for books and her witty, sarcastic demeanor. The dynamic between her, Shwetha, and Poorna adds depth and humor to the story. I liked their banter and at the same time the support for each other, which shows loyalty, friendship and a helping attitude. The characters were diverse, which is definitely a plus point.

The bustling streets of Bengaluru and the cozy bookshop create a vivid backdrop that draws you into the narrative. The plot is well-crafted with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end.

I liked how everything unfolded with also giving us a glimpse of more to come. I can't wait to read more of this world.

I am glad to have been part of Tandem Global Readalong.

[Aneesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy fiction set in cities that I know, with locations and situations that feel familiar. Unfortunately, the actual mystery of the plot felt contrived and I was not convinced of the protagonist's chemistry with her boss. Still, this was a fun and easy read.

[Chloe Noland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the Bangalore setting and overall tone of this 'bibliomystery,' or a murder-detective story set in a bookstore. The wise-talking Nilima, who has a crush on her boss, hopes to solve the mystery and also perhaps get closer to her colleague in the process. The crime takes place in the bookstore directly above their shop, which sells private tours of the city, giving the women key access to the murderer's path. There are a few red herrings, more than a few awkward moments between Nilima and her boss Shwetha, and an overwhelmingly busy city background that keeps spilling over into the action (I think Nilima hurts her arm or shoulder at least twice by falling off a scooter or getting punched). Beneath all this action also lies the untold story of Nilima's coming out to her family and the trauma she's endured, which is softly hinted at throughout. The quiet pain of the characters -- from the circumstances of the murder, when revealed, to the other suspects, and the victim themselves -- all permeated the story and made it more nuanced than a traditional 'noir' type of detective story.

[dipshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful book brings together so many elements which I adore: a cozy mystery, a story partially set in a bookshop, and a vivid backdrop of India, specifically Bangalore.

The narrative follows Nilima,our queer protagonist, as she tries to solve the murder of a local bookshop owner. Nilima works alongside two other people at a boutique travel agency, Chikkamma tours, which is located just below the bookshop. After discovering the owner's body, the three of them find themselves irresistibly drawn into the mystery and decide to investigate on their own. So, we get to see the quirky antics of these amateur detectives as they try to follow the suspects and piece together the clues.

I especially enjoyed how well-developed the main characters were, setting the perfect foundation for future installments featuring them.

This one also had me going on a nostalgic trip, with the mention of all the places of Bangalore peppered in it.

I definitely recommend this book, if you are looking for a cozy murder mystery.

4.5⭐

I read this as a part of #chikkmmatoursreadalong.
Thank you @tamdemcollectiveglobal × @westlandbooks for the arc copy.

[Nandini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indians love reading and writing about mysteries and amateur detectives. There are too many of them and not all of them work. Even if they do, there is often a sameness about them.

This one by Unmana is different and delicious, to be read in the garden basking in the winter sun, a steaming tea cup in hand. I however decided not to wait for winter.

We have a tour agency run by women, straight and lesbian, who drive around and drink whisky, we have a bookstore in Bangalore, we have Assamese protagonists (Unmana grew up in Assam), Bengali household helps speaking bengali, we have a murder. What is not to like? For me, all the more! If you are reminded of Miss Marple or Miss Precious, know that Unmana intended precisely that.

[ishhreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chikkamma Tours Pvt. Ltd takes you to beautiful banglore through eyes of author. More than a murder mystery it was literary fiction blended up of queer identity with murder twist.

Nilima, who is a grumpy person, also a book lover. Shewtha, the boss and Founder of Chikkamma Tours. Poorna, is another person who works along with these two. All three found a dead body , in the upstairs of their office. They all three take up the work of solving the mystery. It was so interesting to know who might be the culprit behind to kill the owner of the bookstore.


I loved everything about this book because it has spoken about my Fav city Bengaluru ❤️. Also I loved those two girls Shwetha and Nilima. It was fun and yet so surreal to read about my fav place through this book. If u love mystery with blend of literary then go ahead to read it.

[Harini Sankar · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The setting of this book in the heart of Bangalore was done very well and the overall premise of the book about a lesbian in her mid thirties solving a crime in a bookstore with her friends, drew me to this book. But the central theme of it being a whodunnit fell through as the ending was quite the letdown. The characters were amazing, the writing nicely done but I think this book could’ve been so much more. I’d like to read more from Unmana, hopefully their next book nails it.

[Nilesh Bhojani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy mysteries are my absolute go-to; I devour Christie books like comfort food whenever I'm feeling under the weather. But one thing that often bothers me is that characters in cozy mysteries can be a bit too stereotypical. That's why I am so thrilled by Unmana’s "Chikkamma Tours (Pvt.) Ltd." - it manages to keep all the charm and fun of a cozy mystery while creating truly three-dimensional characters with distinct personalities, human flaws, and loveable quirks. It has everything I love... a captivating murder mystery, a backdrop of books and bookshops, work friendships, and an endearingly awkward and quirky ensemble cast.

Full disclosure, I'm a bit biased. I was lucky enough to read this book long before it was published, and even after multiple reads, I can confidently say it gets even better each time. You'll notice fun little details you might have missed the first time around, and Nilima's character just becomes more and more adorable.

If you're a fan of amateur sleuths, murder mysteries, books about books (or bookshops), witty banter, queer stories, or glimpses into Bangalore/Indian urban life - you'll likely adore this book. And if you're someone who doesn't read often and hasn't quite found your niche yet... well, start here!

[Idea Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s been awhile since I read a cosy mystery so I’m a bit rusty on the genre’s tropes. Let me start with what I did like.

1. It’s written by a non-male author. It’s getting to be like food for me and in first taste, I can tell whether an offering carries the histories of survival & resilience or has the bland flavour of no-consequences white male entitlement. It’s also by an Indian author, someone I’ve met before and know slightly. It makes the book s0 much more wholesome in that ghar ka khana vs mall food court generic garbage.

2. It’s set in Bangalore, a city I enjoy without knowing it well enough to notice any differences from my experience and the world of the book. I remember growing up with Enid Blyton books and imagining places like Cornwall or Picadilly Square completely in terms of making them up in my mind. This book brings me sweet encounters like recognition in someone’s eyes across the room when I read ‘Sandal Soap Factory Metro Station’ and the like.

3. And finally, most important of all, it is centered around the female life experience. The gender normal of most stories (including women-centric genres like cosy mysteries) has male characters with the power to drive plot twists and rarely passes the Bechdel test (or a version of it for books). That gender normal is flipped over in this story with all major characters on the good folks side being female, including the investigating police officer. The suspects are many and almost all male. True, this may feel unnecessarily skewed but I’m willing to let this conceit hold after decades of white male supremacy in stories (see point 1).

Now to things that could have been done better. There will be spoilers beyond this point. And also, I made it to the end of the book in one night and with no great effort so I’d put these are development areas rather than flaws in the book.

It’s immediately obvious who the author’s favorite influences are considering she names several chapters in homage to Alexander McCall Smith books. The protagonist is also heavily modelled, pun unintended on the cheerful ladies of his No.1 Detective series. But the similarity stops there.

Nilima doesn’t enjoy the financial stability of Mma.Ramotswe or Isabel Dalhousie. She’s navigating the chaos of 2010s Bangalore, not the amiable desert air of Botswana or the crisp upper-crust suburbania of Scotland. She is fleshed out the best, with a tragic backstory of familial discrimination and currently accessorised with a cigarette and a love of books. She is desperately lonely and occasionally blunders on the sterotype of short-haired, prickly, fat lesbian.

Shwetha was a bit harder for me to imagine beyond a rather formulaic ‘beautiful siren’ of gossamer dupattas and diaphanous skin. It wasn’t till the second half of the book that her arc picked up and became less manic pixie dream boss and more real person with her own complex motivations.

Poorna I initially imagined as an airhead Instagram influencer type but she turned out to be a take-no-prisoners Greta Thunberg kind of Gen Zer. The about-face on the attitude to this character weakened Nilima making her seem like an unreliable narrator. The book does ride rather closely on her point of view. I think the story suffers a bit by its author’s love of McCall-Smith since it tries to suggest the kind of camaraderie that came naturally to Mma.Ramotswe and Mma.Makutsi between Nilima and her colleagues but it falls short.

The great thing about women-centric books is when they explore the range of emotions and motivations that characters go through; so rare in books by male authors that often focus more on actions and one-upmanship. I do enjoy watching the dynamic between these three women unfold. It’s also fascinating to watch how Nilima, Shweta and Poorna navigate conversations with other women outside this trio - the suspects, the inspector and others. Our conversations define who we are being and the place we see for ourselves in the world. I wish this book had focussed more on these.

The murder storyline felt a bit like an annoying appendage dogging the women as they navigate this world. The plot itself was astonishingly simple and the approach to solving it felt haphazard and luck-based rather than the controlled unraveling that a good cosy mystery can do. Perhaps it wouldn’t have been as interesting a book to read had the characters not needed to focus on something this dramatic. Still, the murder plot vis-a-vis the character arcs didn’t mesh well enough. I really only read the book because I wanted to know what was going on with each person, rather than whodunnit.

I say this because the book is being called a Bibliomystery but this story could just as well have happened anywhere else and the detective could well have been a hobby biker instead of a bibliophile. There was no real relevance to the murder in a bookstore and nothing much to Nilima being an enthusiatic reader. The sole nugget I found was when Nilima says she always looks as what books people own to tell her more about them. I didn’t see that echoed anywhere else in the book. True, books have become more private as we view them through screens. How does someone who struggles to fit into the world use this fast-failing technique to navigate then?

In sum, the characters of Chikkamma Tours (Pvt.) Ltd left me intrigued enough to want to learn more about their lives. I’m not quite as sure I’m interested in watching them solve another murder. Mma.Ramotswe may well be an exception in being a women’s drama series masquerading as detective fiction.

[Sulagna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Chikamma Tours Pvt Ltd. A small quaint office providing obscure tours in the city of Bangalore, run by three women — Swetha, Nilima and Poorna. Our protagonist Nilima is a blue-haired raging lesbian who has a fat crush on her boss Swetha, and she does not get along with her co-worker Poorna. When the owner of the bookstore above their office is discovered murdered in a pool of blood, Swetha takes it upon herself to solve the case. Nilima, taking up this brilliant chance to get closer to Swetha decides to join the sleuthing. Along the way, even Poorna gets involved and Nilima realises that she's not that unlikeable. The trio forms a close bond and their office becomes a tour agency by day and detective agency by night (or during non-office hours).

Chikamma Tours Pvt Ltd is an ingenious murder mystery. It's much more than a murder mystery actually. It incorporates Nilima's queer identity and gives the murder plot a brilliant touch. While she is dealing with her own self-esteem issues about herself and her job, her love for books and her innovative ideas for the case are brought out. While she feels it's her boss who is more smart while questioning the suspects, Nilima's shows her own weird charms throughout the book.

Also loved the way the author incorporates the city of Bangalore in the book. From the weather to its iconic locations which made me quite nostalgic, Bangalore becomes another character in this book. Even though it's a murder mystery, the book is not devoid of some melodrama. The ending felt a bit lukewarm, however, the way the trio solves the case kept me hooked until the very last chapter.

The book sets a precedent to what could be a series of more books where the tour agency becomes a full fledged detective agency and I'm soooo ready for it!

[Anusuya Sarkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Name- “Chikkamma Tours (Pvt.) Ltd”
Author- Unmana
Publisher- @westland_books
Genre- Thriller
Pages- 250
.
“Growing up, Jane Eyre had been Nilima’s favourite book, and she had modelled herself on that lady’s brooding moroseness. It had seemed natural, therefore, to covet not the brightly coloured, Bollywood-influenced, embellished clothes her peers wanted but Jane’s small wardrobe of colourless dresses.”
This book is a beautiful bookish mystery set in Bengaluru, Chikkamma Tours (Pvt.) Ltd is the most suitable kind of cosy crime/thriller novel, featuring humour, observation particularly of city life and a cast of various interesting characters. The main protagonist is Nilima, annoyed almost about everything and a booklover who is accepting her new job as a tour guide for Chikkamma Tours. Shwetha is her boss and Poorna, her colleague, unites with her as close associates which adds on to the plot with their own shells like Shwetha’s bossy charm and Poorna’s smooth elegance. The book has intense description of Bangalore- from the famous places to its weather and the unpleasant rain filled with chaos. It is an adventure of a book lover Nilima in uncovering the death mystery of Jagat Desai, a bookshop owner. The main themes of the story are- friendship, loyalty and the ultimate meaning of happiness. But to successfully investigate the murder, Nilima also learned how to work with her irritating colleague Poorna and with inspector Sharmila Lamani, who was in a relationship with Nilima’s ex-girlfriend.
And the last bonding which is being shown between Nilima and Shwetha is just so sweet. According to me it’s a very warm, cozy bookish thriller and apt to read in the autumn evening with a cup of coffee. 🍁
.
Thanks to @tandemcollectiveglobal and @westland_books for hosting this amazing readalong. ❤️
Review- 4.5

[Saritha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book. Murder mystery, set in Bengaluru, marketed as a bibliomystery, featuring a queer protagonist. Great cover design.

While it does read like the first of a series featuring Nilima Deka, it didn't work for me.

A bibliomystery by definition, requires that the world of books be used as more than a setting, it needs to have clues or secrets related to books. This book could have been set, as a friend observed, in a furniture shop, and it wouldn't change much.

While I found Nilima Deka interesting, the most honest words in this book was in her backstory. She doesn't quite own the page. We are mostly told about her attraction to her boss, Shwetha, we are not shown it. And yes, I realise it is a big deal. to have a queer protagonist in an Indian murder mystery.

Bengaluru is depicted rather well from the perspective of an outsider who is still learning to live in it. The constant threat of rain and the traffic are part of the narrative. But perhaps some of the hyperlocal non-language references that would have enriched this book, were either missing or edited out to appeal to those whose idea of Bangalore is pubs, weather and traffic. I'm not sure how Bangalore readers feel about this aspect.

And the mystery is solved in a rather basic manner (the red herrings were decent).

Do publishers realise that the average reader has reading options outside of Indian authors? And the competition for this book is the plethora of mysteries from across the world.

Unmana is a good writer, and keeps the pace steady through the book. But this could have been a better book with a little more investment of time, insight and editorial effort.

[Deamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cue this, you are a detective fiction lover, you have covered a lot of bases, maybe even ready to even solve a crime mystery on your own and surprise surprise you are the first to come across a dead body. The mystery behind it is so electrifying that you are hooked on solving it. Well, this book covers this adventure of a book lover Nilima in uncovering the death mystery of Jagat Desai, a bookshop owner (extra plus).

Nilima, our main MC, is queer, not Indian skinny, and has the typical attributes of a quintessential Indian girl with baggage. This becomes another highlight to the book, as the plot of finding the murderer unfurls, her layers are unfurled along, making it quite a unique read.

And the book covers the first hoops and loops aka struggles a first time detective goes through, which makes it a very realistic book to read. Also, Shwetha, her boss, and Poorna, her colleague, join her as sidekicks which add on to the plot with their own layers like Shwetha's boss charm and Poorna's fluidity.

I think the only con I felt was, layers unfurling of Nilima and Shwetha sometimes confused the focus a bit, like the book was racing to a mystery, but then pace used to slow down for the layers, that it took time to process what was happening.

The backdrop based in Bangalore was another nice touch to the book. I enjoyed reading this one.

Book Recommendation - Definitely.

[Bibliophileverse · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Chikkamma Tours (Pvt.) Ltd' by Unmana is an engaging bibliomystery set in a bookstore, perfect for first-time mystery readers. The plot is medium-paced, though it occasionally feels stretched. However, the story captivates from the start, with well-woven complexities and surprising characters like Nilima and Shweta. Unmana masterfully guides readers through a journey filled with sharp twists, keeping the suspense alive while maintaining simplicity.

One of the book’s standout features is its setting, taking place in the vibrant city of Bangalore. For readers unfamiliar with the location, like myself, it feels like an immersive tour of the city. The backdrop enhances the narrative, making the reader feel like they’re exploring new places alongside the characters. While the pace could be a bit slow for seasoned mystery lovers, the book’s charm lies in its accessible writing and atmospheric setting, ideal for those looking to ease into the mystery genre.

Discover the world of 'Chikkamma Tours (Pvt.) Ltd,' where mysteries unravel amid the bustling streets of Bangalore and a bookstore full of secrets.

Read more at https://bibliophileverse.blogspot.com...

[Mili Das · Rating 3 out of 5]

When an adult person wants to live alone independently and take responsibility for her own life, wants to learn and live life independently Indian parents call it childish behaviour, they say, come home don't be fooled; and irony is still the parents want their children to take their responsibility, an adult woman needs parents confirmation to get room in a girl's hostel!! Such upside-down thinking style, and they do call it cultural ethics!!

Living separately and taking responsibility is foolish here!!! But in other countries it's utmost adulthood and parents feels proud...

This book raised such questions which needs to be answered...

Anyway, let's come to the book, Three girls started their business venture with a boutique travel agency and one day a murder happened in their office building. A Bookshop owner gets killed mysteriously and evokes detective genes in these three girls brains.

It says it's a murder mystery but I would say it's a queer fiction or women's fiction laced with murder mystery theme. Unmana tried to present a thought like thunder bolt with a blend of cozy detective mystery plot.

The mystery storyline was completely disoriented, felt out of track when author portrayed the queer friendship between Neelima, Swetha and Purnima, it deprived the plot, the lack of thrilling elements makes the book loosening its grip but I understand what author wanted to transpire and really kudos to bringing such thought provoking elements.

The book is miserable with a lot of characters which makes reading a tough exercise and lacking thrilling elements in a baffled story line is a killer. The book always feels like a hard try to make an interesting novel which is lost into a thousand thoughts.
For me it's an okayish book 3. 4 /5⭐

[Nandini Reddy Dayal · Rating 2 out of 5]

A murder of a bookstore owner piques the curiosity of an employee of a travel agency, in the same building as the bookstore, who decides that she wants to solve the mystery. Her colleagues and boss from the travel agency intrigued by the case decide to join in.

Sounds fun right? Yeah I thought so too when I got the book. But it wasn't. Other than the front cover review by the authors writing coach equating their characters to those created by Alexander McCall Smith and the character in the story being constanrly referenced to as Miss Marple, there was nothing about Nilima Deka that even hinted at her being a detective. She was a mess. Detectives are intuitive, brilliant, odd and even rude but they are not an emotional pile of self doubt that was the very definition of Nilima Deeka. Why the author chose to mix Nilima's insecurities about her being lesbian and her detective work - two separate things but in this instance they are a tangled mess.

I had so much hope for this book. I had loved the Bangalore detective series, and I was hoping this would be another one to relish. But it grated heavily on my patience.

[Bookofy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chikkama tour is a murder Mystery sets amidst the chaos of Bengaluru city. This book not only talks about a Mystery but weave the murder mystery with the threads of lgbtq ,love , friendship ,family ,colourful characters and wry humor.

Chikkamma tour pvt ltd is a company manage by shwetha . Nilima and poorna are employees . But it's not wrong to say they are friends . On monday Chikkamma ladies are working ,and Nilima goes upstairs to find a book but found Mr. Jagat the owner of bookshop lying in the pool of blood ,Nilima got shocked .
Nilima wants to solve this murder because police charge an innocent man for the murder. How will she solve this mystery, what will she do when her life is in danger ,will she able to solve this mystery ?

This bibliomystery is an engaging read with strong plot with a real life setting of bengaluru , strong character and a gripping story ,makes this book a perfect read .

🔪🔪Read this if you like 🔪🔪

✨️murder
✨️ bookish mystery
✨️ strong queer character
✨️Bengaluru virtual tour
✨️ strong plot

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive this book all the way in Australia - I ordered from Midland the Bookshop and it arrived so quickly, thank goodness.

Chikamma Tours (Pvt.) Ltd takes you on a vivid journey through Bangalore. It follows Nilima, a fat lesbian with feelings for her boss Shwetha, at the tour agency they work at. Stumbling across a body in the bookshop upstairs, Nilima has to partner with her boss and colleague Poorna to solve the crime!

This was such an engaging read, and kept me on the edge of my seat - I couldn't guess whodunit. I loved it not only because it kept me guessing, but because it features so many well-rounded women characters.

It's not always easy to find detective stories with queer characters at the forefront, and for those unfamiliar with Indian literature like myself, it painted a wonderfully interesting picture of Bangalore and its culture (and food!)

I would heartily recommend to any reader who loves a good bibliomystery - or any mystery - and is keen to try something fresh and unique.

[Nandagopal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Albeit without the jaw dropping cliffhangers and the gasp-inducing end reveal typical to a murder mystery, Unmana takes their time in fleshing out each individual character in ‘Chikkamma’ - coupled with the familiar setting of Bangalore, the whole gamut of quirky characters feel relatable. The story progresses in a slightly-faster-than-a-snail pace but feels more realistic and similar to an actual investigation.

My only qualm is the title - I was led to believe that a ‘bibliomystery’ would have hidden references to famous mystery novels and authors that the protagonist explores to crack her own murder investigation. Apart from a handful of mentions peppered throughout the story and the central setting of the bookstore, the references were very few and far between (or so subtle that it went over my head). That being said, I would still recommend this to anyone looking for a slice of life murder mystery.

[Oviya · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5*

this was fun and sweet. there were some annoying plot continuity issues in places where the author tried to build suspense by hinting at a clue but later, not making the connection clear enough or clarifying too late, so that previous, in between events felt vague or like the suspense. or cloak and daggers were unnecessary for this specific clue or water.

i enjoyed it more as i went on and can see that this was their debut but if this series continues, I would definitely pick it up. the story was compelling; I appreciated the kinds of characters drawn up and how.

the protagonist often got on my nerves with her moodiness and abrasiveness but I can try to accept them as part of her character development. the grounding for her trust issues, particularly as explained after her fall felt weak to me.

really enjoyed the queer element and how it was just part of the story. overall, very enjoyable

[Dhara Pandya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story revolves around three ladies

1)Shweta , divorced, boss lady literally in the sense who owns the chikkammma tours ( Pvt) Ltd in Banglore which conducts art/ walking/cultural/ private tours for foreigners or whoever is interested!
2) Poorna - Employee , sincere , 23 years old, obedient & from conservative family
3) Nilima - The FMC, Lesbian from Assam, settling in banglore, staying in budget , in between jobs

It begins with the murder of Jaydip Desai (The owner of the bookstore) in the same commercial building. Everybody in the building but obvious falls in the line of police suspects

How the case unfolds slowly , how the three of them rack their head to solve the case using routine mundane things with a pinch of wit along the way.

It got a bit draggy in the middle but surely picked up pace towards the end.
The author has ended the book clearly with an intent for a sequel rather series just like Alexander McCall smith’s The No1 ladies detective !

3/5✨!

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was enchanted by the blurb. A biliomystery set in Bangalore, featuring a female queer detective. What more could I ask for? If I was very greedy, I would have also asked for walking tours in one of my favourite cities and for a plethora of book references, both of which the book had. I should have been one of my top books of the year, but while I liked the book immensely, I was slightly underwhelmed by the actual mystery. I am a fan of the "classic mystery", and while well written, this one didn't strictly follow format. There was a plethora of details each of which one could relate to but very few of them turned out to be proper clues, and other clues were revealed without sufficient foreshadowing. The other thing that was slightly unclear was why the detectives were so invested in solving the mystery when they had other things (like saving the business) that they should have worried about more.
But, if you look at the book not as a bibliomystery, but as a novel where the crime serves as the excuse to tell a story with quirky but entirely believable characters bumbling their way through life, you really love the book.
Nillima is an openly homosexual woman who has a huge crush on her gorgeous employer who may or may not be bisexual. Her backstory of how her family couldn't bring themselves to accept her sexual preference, her struggle to assert her identity and her relationship with her ex-lover was well done. I'd love to see more of the slightly clumsy, slightly foolhardy, and entirely empathetic character- custom made skirts with pockets and all. Both her co-workers were also well etched out. But I found it slightly hard to believe that all three of them lacked the class consciousness that most Indians of their kind suffer from.
Bangalore, the city, kept showing up as a character and showed us many of her sides- the one visible to a native, the one encountered by a recent migrant, the one reserved for tourists and many others.
I love books to have chapter titles (rather than just numbers), and I wondered why the titles seemed oddly familiar. Each is inspired by the title of some of my all time favourite mystery novels!
I would certainly recommend this book to people who love contemporary fiction, especially fiction set in India with queer characters.

[shriya · Rating 3 out of 5]

i’d heard great things about chikkamma from folks at the bookstore and otherwise too, which made me pick it up! i loved the all-women cast, set in bangalore (there’s even a nod to marathahalli and whitefield). the book is filled with bookish references that made me smile.

that said, the small twists and red herrings didn’t feel very convincing, and the conflicts sometimes lacked weight. the middle sections, though rich in detail, felt a bit dragged out.

still, i’d recommend it if you’re looking for a simple murder mystery rooted in the comfort of your own city, where the houses feel familiar and you know the curve of the roads and the breeze that follows the rain, brought to life by a lovely cast.

[Manali Pawar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lives of Nilima, Shweta, and Poorna take an unexpected turn when a murder occurs in the same building as their office, Chikamma Tours (Pvt) Ltd. Nilima, a passionate bibliophile who fancies herself an amateur detective, begins to dig deeper into the mystery, together with Shweta and Poorna. Together, they unravel clues and ultimately solve the case. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Bangalore, the story introduces readers to various captivating locations around the city. With a bibliomystery that unfolds in a bookstore, the novel offers an engaging and immersive experience. The fluid writing and well-developed characters with some queerness make this a must-read for mystery lovers.

[Shamaine Rebello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unmana’s - Chikkamma Tours (Pvt.) Ltd: A Bibliomystery is an intriguing mix of mystery, humor, and suspense, centering around Nilima, an inquisitive protagonist who can’t resist the chance to play amateur detective. When the owner of a bookshop located above Chikkamma Tours is shockingly found stabbed to death, Nilima finds herself drawn into a web of secrets, motives, and hidden connections in this thrilling crime novel.

Unmana’s storytelling shines with vivid, atmospheric descriptions and a tight, suspenseful plot that keeps readers guessing. Chikkamma Tours (Pvt.) Ltd., is a delightful page-turner, blending the charm of a cozy mystery with the thrill of a classic whodunit.