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Temple Hill Mystery #1
A Mumbai Murder Mystery: A Temple Hill Mystery, Book 1
The dazzling debut from your new favourite mystery writer.
Radhi returns home to Mumbai to lick her wounds after a failed relationship and a bout of writer's block, but she soon gets caught up in the tangled mystery surrounding the death of her best friend's father.
Among the rarefied circles of Mumbai's posh Temple Hill, there is nothing more tragic than loss of face—not even loss of life. Radhi's pregnant best friend Sanjana's father is found dead in his study. Everyone says it's suicide. And yet, just hours before, he was telling Sanjana that he couldn't wait to hold his grandchild in his arms. Something feels off to Radhi. Her suspicions are further raised by the surly cook and timid young maid's odd behaviour. And who did the second cup of tea on his desk belong to?
Radhi is determined to uncover the truth. But the deeper she digs beneath the diamond-studded prayer meetings and the lavishly catered ‘pure-veg' brunches, the faster she finds herself drawn into a web of festering grievances, hidden agendas and long-buried secrets. As the intense Indian summer draws to an end and the monsoon sets in, Radhi risks everything to find out the truth.
A fabulously engrossing and atmospheric crime mystery that will transport you straight to Mumbai. Fans of Faith Martin, Richard Osman, Victoria Dowd, Vaseem Khan, Ian Moore, Louise Penny, Shamini Flint and Agatha Christie will devour this brilliant, atmospheric murder mystery.
Radhi returns home to Mumbai to lick her wounds after a failed relationship and a bout of writer's block, but she soon gets caught up in the tangled mystery surrounding the death of her best friend's father.
Among the rarefied circles of Mumbai's posh Temple Hill, there is nothing more tragic than loss of face—not even loss of life. Radhi's pregnant best friend Sanjana's father is found dead in his study. Everyone says it's suicide. And yet, just hours before, he was telling Sanjana that he couldn't wait to hold his grandchild in his arms. Something feels off to Radhi. Her suspicions are further raised by the surly cook and timid young maid's odd behaviour. And who did the second cup of tea on his desk belong to?
Radhi is determined to uncover the truth. But the deeper she digs beneath the diamond-studded prayer meetings and the lavishly catered ‘pure-veg' brunches, the faster she finds herself drawn into a web of festering grievances, hidden agendas and long-buried secrets. As the intense Indian summer draws to an end and the monsoon sets in, Radhi risks everything to find out the truth.
A fabulously engrossing and atmospheric crime mystery that will transport you straight to Mumbai. Fans of Faith Martin, Richard Osman, Victoria Dowd, Vaseem Khan, Ian Moore, Louise Penny, Shamini Flint and Agatha Christie will devour this brilliant, atmospheric murder mystery.
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First published December 1, 2021
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About the author
Meeti Shroff-Shah
6 books52 followersMeeti is the author of the Temple Hill Mystery series, the first of which - The Death of Kirti Kadakia, published as A Mumbai Murder Mystery, internationally, - was longlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger in 2022 and shortlisted for the Times of India Auther Awards in 2023.
Prior to this, Meeti has also written the critically acclaimed memoir, ‘Do You Know Any Good Boys?’ – A funny guide to the Indian arranged marriage, which has been optioned for screen. Her writings have also appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Mint Lounge, cntraveller.in and The India Today.
In a previous life, Meeti worked in advertising for over sixteen years with global agencies such as DDB Mudra and Rediffusion Y&R.
Meeti writes from a little blue desk in Mumbai where she lives with her husband and daughter and a dozen temperamental houseplants.
To hear Meeti’s news, find her on Instagram or visit her website and sign up for her monthly newsletter.
Prior to this, Meeti has also written the critically acclaimed memoir, ‘Do You Know Any Good Boys?’ – A funny guide to the Indian arranged marriage, which has been optioned for screen. Her writings have also appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Mint Lounge, cntraveller.in and The India Today.
In a previous life, Meeti worked in advertising for over sixteen years with global agencies such as DDB Mudra and Rediffusion Y&R.
Meeti writes from a little blue desk in Mumbai where she lives with her husband and daughter and a dozen temperamental houseplants.
To hear Meeti’s news, find her on Instagram or visit her website and sign up for her monthly newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
December 1, 2021
Radhi returns home to Mumbai to lick her wounds after a failed relationship and a spate of writer's block, but she soon falls into the tangled mystery surrounding the death of her best friend's father.
I picked up this book because I was feeling nostalgic for India, and I'm glad I did. This is a compelling mystery with a plethora of suspects and a complex, lovable amateur detective who is determined to seek out the truth even if it hurts. The author immerses the reader in the rhythms of the daily lives of the residents of Temple Hill, showcasing a world you don't often get to visit in books. I enjoyed how Radhi and Sanjana went about solving the mystery - we can follow them and their trains of thought quite easily.
I did wish that the author did not leave some loose ends to be tied up at the very end (regarding the motives of suspects who were found not guilty) as by then I had forgotten the specifics of their interrogations - but this is a small quibble that did not affect my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, an absorbing read, and I will definitely read the next book in this series.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I picked up this book because I was feeling nostalgic for India, and I'm glad I did. This is a compelling mystery with a plethora of suspects and a complex, lovable amateur detective who is determined to seek out the truth even if it hurts. The author immerses the reader in the rhythms of the daily lives of the residents of Temple Hill, showcasing a world you don't often get to visit in books. I enjoyed how Radhi and Sanjana went about solving the mystery - we can follow them and their trains of thought quite easily.
I did wish that the author did not leave some loose ends to be tied up at the very end (regarding the motives of suspects who were found not guilty) as by then I had forgotten the specifics of their interrogations - but this is a small quibble that did not affect my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, an absorbing read, and I will definitely read the next book in this series.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 27, 2022
Somewhere between 3 and 3.5 stars.
The story is set in the fictional Temple Hill area in Mumbai which is where the richie rich Gujratis live. They have lived there for generations and everyone knows everyone. It's a closed community, but not really a united one. Reputations matter, and they matter more than anything. Except, perhaps, money.
Radhika returns to this from her stint in the US and is nursing a stalled career and a broken heart- both fodder for gossip and barbs from all sides. She is strong enough to see to it that she maintains a strong facade during the welcome home dinner party. Soon after, she gets caught up in the suicide of her best friend Sanjana's father, Kirti Kadakia. She believes that this was not suicide but murder, and both Radhika and Sanjana start nosing around. They soon realise that it had to be someone very close to Kirti and plougj ahead till Radhika discovers their identity.
I found the mystery somewhat average and unlike many mysteries and thrillers where i can't turn the pages fast enough, i had to will myself to sit and finish this one. This is a not the kind of mystery where the author plays (mostly) fair with the reader and presents all the clues. A lot of it was not revealed till the end when a lot was disclosed. Having said that, i will read the next book in the series, if the writer chooses to write one.
The story is set in the fictional Temple Hill area in Mumbai which is where the richie rich Gujratis live. They have lived there for generations and everyone knows everyone. It's a closed community, but not really a united one. Reputations matter, and they matter more than anything. Except, perhaps, money.
Radhika returns to this from her stint in the US and is nursing a stalled career and a broken heart- both fodder for gossip and barbs from all sides. She is strong enough to see to it that she maintains a strong facade during the welcome home dinner party. Soon after, she gets caught up in the suicide of her best friend Sanjana's father, Kirti Kadakia. She believes that this was not suicide but murder, and both Radhika and Sanjana start nosing around. They soon realise that it had to be someone very close to Kirti and plougj ahead till Radhika discovers their identity.
I found the mystery somewhat average and unlike many mysteries and thrillers where i can't turn the pages fast enough, i had to will myself to sit and finish this one. This is a not the kind of mystery where the author plays (mostly) fair with the reader and presents all the clues. A lot of it was not revealed till the end when a lot was disclosed. Having said that, i will read the next book in the series, if the writer chooses to write one.
December 9, 2021
Radhi Zaveri returns to her Temple Hill home after being gone for some time. She's anxious to see most of her family and especially her best friend, Sanjana.
She is shocked to learn that Sanjana's father has committed suicide ... at least that's what the police say. But Radhi has her doubts. For one, suicide is less tragic than the loss of face. Sanjana's father had much to live for ... most especially the future birth of his grandchild.
As a writer, Radhi is determined to get at the truth. But the more she investigates, she more she finds herself immersed in long-buried secrets and hidden agendas.
This well-written novel is full of Indian culture, religious beliefs, and social context. The plot is intriguing, the story line swirling around deftly drawn characters. The only problem I had was pronouncing the names and locations, but that was not a deterrent to immersing myself into a suspense from start to finish.
This is the first of what seems to be a fascinating series. I look forward to seeing what happens next in the life of Radhi Zaveri. I especially want to learn more about the culture in India and its people. I really appreciated the inclusion of the glossary of Indian Language.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Promotions // Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
She is shocked to learn that Sanjana's father has committed suicide ... at least that's what the police say. But Radhi has her doubts. For one, suicide is less tragic than the loss of face. Sanjana's father had much to live for ... most especially the future birth of his grandchild.
As a writer, Radhi is determined to get at the truth. But the more she investigates, she more she finds herself immersed in long-buried secrets and hidden agendas.
This well-written novel is full of Indian culture, religious beliefs, and social context. The plot is intriguing, the story line swirling around deftly drawn characters. The only problem I had was pronouncing the names and locations, but that was not a deterrent to immersing myself into a suspense from start to finish.
This is the first of what seems to be a fascinating series. I look forward to seeing what happens next in the life of Radhi Zaveri. I especially want to learn more about the culture in India and its people. I really appreciated the inclusion of the glossary of Indian Language.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Promotions // Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 27, 2022
I really liked this.
December 15, 2021
When a family patriarch is found dead in wealthy Temple Hill apparently having committed suicide, writer Radhika “Radhi” Vareli, newly returned from New York and recuperating from a failed relationship, writer’s block and anxiety, begins questioning the police’s verdict when she notices some odd things and inconsistent statements.
Digging into the various alibis is easier as she is a longtime, trusted friend of the family, and in particular one of the man’s children, Sanjana, pregnant deeply grieving her father’s death, and unable to accept the verdict of suicide.
I picked this book on a whim, and found it entertaining. The status obsession, casual cruelty, misogyny, and nosiness of the family members and their neighbours in the apartment complex all rang true from my memories of the community I grew up in. The mystery had plenty of suspects, with credible motives, and I enjoyed puzzling my way through the alibis. I also liked seeing a slice of contemporary Mumbai’s affluent Jain community, but what I found particularly fun about this book was reading about the mouthwateringly yummy snacks and meals everyone was eating. I kept having the munchies while reading this enjoyable debut.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Joffre Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Digging into the various alibis is easier as she is a longtime, trusted friend of the family, and in particular one of the man’s children, Sanjana, pregnant deeply grieving her father’s death, and unable to accept the verdict of suicide.
I picked this book on a whim, and found it entertaining. The status obsession, casual cruelty, misogyny, and nosiness of the family members and their neighbours in the apartment complex all rang true from my memories of the community I grew up in. The mystery had plenty of suspects, with credible motives, and I enjoyed puzzling my way through the alibis. I also liked seeing a slice of contemporary Mumbai’s affluent Jain community, but what I found particularly fun about this book was reading about the mouthwateringly yummy snacks and meals everyone was eating. I kept having the munchies while reading this enjoyable debut.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Joffre Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
December 9, 2021
This is a mystery in a setting new to me and it is both riveting and refreshing!
Radhi has been living in the metropolis of New York but, on the heels of a failed relationship and writer’s block, she returns home to Mumbai where her late parents’ apartment is waiting for her in Temple Hills. Before she even has time to settle in, her friend’s father dies but all is not as it seems. Determined to get to the truth, Radhi and pregnant Sanjana determine to delve deep to find out what actually happened – and not what appears to have happened. In this rich neighbourhood where position and power is everything, they will have their work cut out for them!
This is a really good mystery which had me suspecting almost everyone – except, of course, the guilty! I know next to nothing about Mumbai and the cultural references had me enthralled; the social hierarchy is quite mesmerising and very entertaining! Amidst the traditional values, Radhi is a young woman who is independent and treading water between two worlds, and the author has created a whole bunch of fascinating and – mostly – charismatic characters. Really well written, there is always something happening which made this a very hard book to set aside when real life came calling! I’m delighted that this is the first in a series and I will certainly be on the lookout for the second novel. An absolutely terrific read and one I’m very happy to recommend. 5* – and well worth each and every one!
Radhi has been living in the metropolis of New York but, on the heels of a failed relationship and writer’s block, she returns home to Mumbai where her late parents’ apartment is waiting for her in Temple Hills. Before she even has time to settle in, her friend’s father dies but all is not as it seems. Determined to get to the truth, Radhi and pregnant Sanjana determine to delve deep to find out what actually happened – and not what appears to have happened. In this rich neighbourhood where position and power is everything, they will have their work cut out for them!
This is a really good mystery which had me suspecting almost everyone – except, of course, the guilty! I know next to nothing about Mumbai and the cultural references had me enthralled; the social hierarchy is quite mesmerising and very entertaining! Amidst the traditional values, Radhi is a young woman who is independent and treading water between two worlds, and the author has created a whole bunch of fascinating and – mostly – charismatic characters. Really well written, there is always something happening which made this a very hard book to set aside when real life came calling! I’m delighted that this is the first in a series and I will certainly be on the lookout for the second novel. An absolutely terrific read and one I’m very happy to recommend. 5* – and well worth each and every one!
July 24, 2022
I enjoyed this book and liked seeing life in another country.
January 26, 2022
A mystery by a debut author set in Southeast Asia with an engaging amateur detective seemed just the thing when I was perusing books and looking for a new mystery. Not long after delving into Temple Hill the posh Mumbai neighborhood, getting a description of life, food, and people, and then a possible murder to tickle my fancy, I had no doubt that I would be enjoying A Mumbai Murder Mystery to the hilt.
A Mumbai Murder Mystery introduces ‘Radhi’ Zaveri. She lived a decade in NYC and has returned to the home her deceased parents left her to lick her wounds after a relationship goes sour and her writing muse dries up and to figure out who she is when back in her traditional culture. Her welcome home seems all she could expect until she learns her pregnant best friend is absent from the party and Sanjana’s irascible father, Kirti, has just committed suicide. Only, Radhi knows this man and, along with Sanjana, is highly skeptical of the suicide verdict. Her insider track with the family has her spotting evidence that doesn’t add up especially near the dead man and she finds herself stepping into an investigative role alongside her friend who refuses to believe her strong-willed parent would end things like that.
As with many books set in a different country, I have hopes that culture, society, religion, and culinary elements will play a strong role in the setting and background, that dialogue and characters will jive with the setting, and I can immerse myself in a different place. Since the author was writing from her own knowledge, this turned out to be the case and the Jain neighborhood of Temple Hill came to life for me. People on the social rise and a tight-knit place where everyone knew each other’s business. Life, careers, religion, and oh glorious food were prominent.
Radhi turned out to be a delightful detective heroine. She needs a new start and really needs to get her writing back on track. Even her health and mental health has let her down. Radhi is experiencing an identity crisis of sorts when she feels she is straddling two worlds represented by her as the woman back in NYC and her the woman in Mumbai. I liked seeing her get back in stride and find a new start in her home city and among those she knows. I like that this will be a series so there will be more of Radhi and the people of Temple Hill.
As to the mystery, I really didn’t try to solve it. I was caught up in all that was going on so I was content to look over Radhi and Sanjana’s shoulders as they put together Kirti’s life and movements leading up to his death. I thought the mystery was well-written and concluded moderately well. As this is a debut, I can only see these getting better. It felt more cozy than thriller as to tone and the way this was also Radhi’s story.
All in all, it hit the spot and I was well-pleased with trying something new. Recommend to cozy mystery fans who like a diversity-rich setting and an amateur sleuth.
A Mumbai Murder Mystery introduces ‘Radhi’ Zaveri. She lived a decade in NYC and has returned to the home her deceased parents left her to lick her wounds after a relationship goes sour and her writing muse dries up and to figure out who she is when back in her traditional culture. Her welcome home seems all she could expect until she learns her pregnant best friend is absent from the party and Sanjana’s irascible father, Kirti, has just committed suicide. Only, Radhi knows this man and, along with Sanjana, is highly skeptical of the suicide verdict. Her insider track with the family has her spotting evidence that doesn’t add up especially near the dead man and she finds herself stepping into an investigative role alongside her friend who refuses to believe her strong-willed parent would end things like that.
As with many books set in a different country, I have hopes that culture, society, religion, and culinary elements will play a strong role in the setting and background, that dialogue and characters will jive with the setting, and I can immerse myself in a different place. Since the author was writing from her own knowledge, this turned out to be the case and the Jain neighborhood of Temple Hill came to life for me. People on the social rise and a tight-knit place where everyone knew each other’s business. Life, careers, religion, and oh glorious food were prominent.
Radhi turned out to be a delightful detective heroine. She needs a new start and really needs to get her writing back on track. Even her health and mental health has let her down. Radhi is experiencing an identity crisis of sorts when she feels she is straddling two worlds represented by her as the woman back in NYC and her the woman in Mumbai. I liked seeing her get back in stride and find a new start in her home city and among those she knows. I like that this will be a series so there will be more of Radhi and the people of Temple Hill.
As to the mystery, I really didn’t try to solve it. I was caught up in all that was going on so I was content to look over Radhi and Sanjana’s shoulders as they put together Kirti’s life and movements leading up to his death. I thought the mystery was well-written and concluded moderately well. As this is a debut, I can only see these getting better. It felt more cozy than thriller as to tone and the way this was also Radhi’s story.
All in all, it hit the spot and I was well-pleased with trying something new. Recommend to cozy mystery fans who like a diversity-rich setting and an amateur sleuth.
November 28, 2021
This is a wonderfully described read set in India with lots of references to food-I might just need the recipes- they sound delicious! Radhi is an author and has come home as she is suffering writer's block. Her best friend is expecting and her father is then found dead. The police think it is suicide as he took several tablets but something about the scene doesnt appear quite right to Radhi and she takes it on herself as an outsider to try and find out more about what happened that day. The more she tries to find out the more questions she finds she needs to get answers to.
This is a cozy type murder as it revolves around a few families. There are some “ familiar” terms (of endearment) in the asian culture which some may not be familiar with but these are soon learnt with the aid of a kindle. This is a debut novel and is incredibly well written. There is a good plot and although familiar with some asain traditions/culture/food I learnt a little along the way which I enjoy- everyday is a school day! A thoroughly enjoyable well written debut read.
This is a cozy type murder as it revolves around a few families. There are some “ familiar” terms (of endearment) in the asian culture which some may not be familiar with but these are soon learnt with the aid of a kindle. This is a debut novel and is incredibly well written. There is a good plot and although familiar with some asain traditions/culture/food I learnt a little along the way which I enjoy- everyday is a school day! A thoroughly enjoyable well written debut read.
December 22, 2021
Great story
What an enchanting and enthralling read. I’m an Anglo Aussie but have many Indian friends, and have had many encounters with Indians across a range of social and business circumstances; and I know those people!!! Before this book I had never been to Mumbai, but I have now. And as for the food descriptions, I’m sure I’m 5kg heavier now! Totally wonderful. Can’t wait for the next Temple Hill mystery.
What an enchanting and enthralling read. I’m an Anglo Aussie but have many Indian friends, and have had many encounters with Indians across a range of social and business circumstances; and I know those people!!! Before this book I had never been to Mumbai, but I have now. And as for the food descriptions, I’m sure I’m 5kg heavier now! Totally wonderful. Can’t wait for the next Temple Hill mystery.
July 20, 2022
Good find
This book had relentless pace ,maybe reflecting life in mumbi. It was interesting, complex and intriguing. The wide variety of a continuous array of food delicacies ,spoke of a culture steeped in tradition , still reigning strong in a modern world. I look forward to a sequel or further adventures of these characters.
This book had relentless pace ,maybe reflecting life in mumbi. It was interesting, complex and intriguing. The wide variety of a continuous array of food delicacies ,spoke of a culture steeped in tradition , still reigning strong in a modern world. I look forward to a sequel or further adventures of these characters.
January 6, 2023
Somewhat of a mixed bag for me. Some of the deductions are brilliant and on the other hand the book is a little tedious in parts. Also, I am not in favour of a whodunit that abruptly halts the flow of events in places so only the protagonist is aware of the goings on, and the reader is purposely kept in the dark.
December 13, 2021
I read a lot of mysteries, so I'm always on the lookout for something different and fresh, so when I read the synopsis for A Mumbai Murder Mystery, I knew I had to read it.
The story follows Radhika 'Radhi' Zaveri who, after the end of her relationship and severe writer's block, has moved back to her home of Temple Hill after ten years in New York. It's not long before she finds herself caught up in the mystery. Her friend Sanjana's father has supposedly committed suicide, but Sanjana is not convinced, nor is Radhi. The pair start to dig and find themselves navigating many lies, that you wonder whether they are actually going to find out the truth!
A Mumbai Murder Mystery is a well written and cleverly plotted debut which I throughly enjoyed!
I loved the character of Radhi. She's riddled with anxiety at being back home after so long, but she's still got that dogged determination that makes a good amateur sleuth.
I absolutely love the way Indian culture, Hindu practices and all that glorious sounding food was incorporated into the novel, giving it that extra layer of authenticity and taught me a few things along the way too. There's also a handy little glossary at the end with all the Indian words that are scattered through the novel.
I particularly enjoyed the gossipy atmosphere of Temple Hill, where reputation is everything and everybody seems to know everybody else's business.
I would say this is more on the cozy side, so if you like your mysteries without too much violence, I would highly recommend this book.
I can't wait to read more from Meeti Shroff-Shah!
The story follows Radhika 'Radhi' Zaveri who, after the end of her relationship and severe writer's block, has moved back to her home of Temple Hill after ten years in New York. It's not long before she finds herself caught up in the mystery. Her friend Sanjana's father has supposedly committed suicide, but Sanjana is not convinced, nor is Radhi. The pair start to dig and find themselves navigating many lies, that you wonder whether they are actually going to find out the truth!
A Mumbai Murder Mystery is a well written and cleverly plotted debut which I throughly enjoyed!
I loved the character of Radhi. She's riddled with anxiety at being back home after so long, but she's still got that dogged determination that makes a good amateur sleuth.
I absolutely love the way Indian culture, Hindu practices and all that glorious sounding food was incorporated into the novel, giving it that extra layer of authenticity and taught me a few things along the way too. There's also a handy little glossary at the end with all the Indian words that are scattered through the novel.
I particularly enjoyed the gossipy atmosphere of Temple Hill, where reputation is everything and everybody seems to know everybody else's business.
I would say this is more on the cozy side, so if you like your mysteries without too much violence, I would highly recommend this book.
I can't wait to read more from Meeti Shroff-Shah!
May 25, 2024
Enjoyed a lot more than I expected to
February 12, 2022
Interesting Insight into Culture
I enjoyed this book, as much for the unmasking of a murderer, as for the insights into the culture of the wealthy in Mumbai.
I enjoyed this book, as much for the unmasking of a murderer, as for the insights into the culture of the wealthy in Mumbai.
December 13, 2021
Salivatingly good
I enjoyed collecting the clues to the murder along with the protagonists but it was the setting that enthralled me. The way of life, and family dynamics but most of all the food. I would love to try all of it, so appetising.
I enjoyed collecting the clues to the murder along with the protagonists but it was the setting that enthralled me. The way of life, and family dynamics but most of all the food. I would love to try all of it, so appetising.
December 9, 2023
You know that tick we readers get from time to time, a brain itch that looks for a very specific kind of a book - a book that you want to enjoy without the intensity of thought or the unravelling of your mind - A comfortable bask in the sun or wrapped in a warm blanket kind of a book that takes your thoughts of life?
If your answer is yes to the above - you should probably pick this up!
And if you do, you’ll find an interesting story about a murder in Bombay. You’ll also find familiarity in the words as something that you might have experienced or seen. You’ll also find characters from your life being transcribed in real time. You’ll also find a source of enjoyment.
But above all, what you will find and love is yourself salivating to the numerous dishes that Meeti deliciously describes!
You should release a companion cookbook to all the lovely dishes you’ve described Meeti!
Pick it up, try to solve and bonus points if you like me solved it within the first 100 pages of the book! Happy Reading bookworms!
If your answer is yes to the above - you should probably pick this up!
And if you do, you’ll find an interesting story about a murder in Bombay. You’ll also find familiarity in the words as something that you might have experienced or seen. You’ll also find characters from your life being transcribed in real time. You’ll also find a source of enjoyment.
But above all, what you will find and love is yourself salivating to the numerous dishes that Meeti deliciously describes!
You should release a companion cookbook to all the lovely dishes you’ve described Meeti!
Pick it up, try to solve and bonus points if you like me solved it within the first 100 pages of the book! Happy Reading bookworms!
August 4, 2022
This murder mystery reeks of upper class north Indian privilege. The stench is so bad that the many fluff chapters on the affluent Gujarati community are such a waste of time, and the descriptions mildly disgusting.
Perhaps it could have been written as an observation of said community instead.
The author's writing style doesn't agree with me, with multiple repetitive, paragraphs that hint at a clue but doesn't reveal them, resulting in a meaningless excerpt that doesn't really contribute to the story.
Having said that, the twist was pleasant. Kudos on building the characters in such a way that the reader never knows what's coming. Although I personally think the clue that led to the twist could have been better.
Perhaps it could have been written as an observation of said community instead.
The author's writing style doesn't agree with me, with multiple repetitive, paragraphs that hint at a clue but doesn't reveal them, resulting in a meaningless excerpt that doesn't really contribute to the story.
Having said that, the twist was pleasant. Kudos on building the characters in such a way that the reader never knows what's coming. Although I personally think the clue that led to the twist could have been better.
September 4, 2024
Decent enough mystery, with a lot of red herringy masala thrown in but some things pissed me off:
(1) How house-help is depicted (of course they steal, of course the maid is hooking up with the man Friday) and how South Bombay elites treat them
(2)The female protagonist is a modern, emancipated woman which is evident from the fact that she’s a divorcee, smokes heavily and drinks like a fish. Lol
(3) Lost opportunity of truly depicting South Bombay old money families with a dash of satire thrown in (done to perfection by Kevin Kwan in the CRA trilogy). It appears as if the author knows these families intimately and might even be one of them, but is incapable of writing meaningfully about them
(1) How house-help is depicted (of course they steal, of course the maid is hooking up with the man Friday) and how South Bombay elites treat them
(2)The female protagonist is a modern, emancipated woman which is evident from the fact that she’s a divorcee, smokes heavily and drinks like a fish. Lol
(3) Lost opportunity of truly depicting South Bombay old money families with a dash of satire thrown in (done to perfection by Kevin Kwan in the CRA trilogy). It appears as if the author knows these families intimately and might even be one of them, but is incapable of writing meaningfully about them
January 2, 2022
Couldn't get into it. (spoiler alert)
Reading all the 5 star reviews, I was expecting to be transported to India - and I was, but it felt more like "The Real Housewives of Mumbai". I found no likeable characters, and this was reinforced when I decided I couldn't finish, and skipped to the end - when the murderer was revealed, the family of the victim decided not to tell the police, because it would disgrace and inconvenience them. Ugh.
Reading all the 5 star reviews, I was expecting to be transported to India - and I was, but it felt more like "The Real Housewives of Mumbai". I found no likeable characters, and this was reinforced when I decided I couldn't finish, and skipped to the end - when the murderer was revealed, the family of the victim decided not to tell the police, because it would disgrace and inconvenience them. Ugh.
July 30, 2022
About half way through the story I just did not want to read anymore. As much as I enjoy Indian based stories, the tedium of the one setting and lack of activity just bored me. Everything happens on one apartment complex and there is virtually no activity whatsoever aside from conversations. It just was not my sort of story.
June 11, 2024
This was so fun!! The whole mystery was built up really well and the end was perfectly looped!
September 5, 2022
How do I convince every crime and drama lover to read this book? It isn't everyday that I read books where I presume myself in the characters' family.
The story is set in the extravagant community of Temple Hill. In Sea Mist Apartments, to be precise. Kirti Kadakia is found dead in what seems like a suicide. He is survived by a wife, two sons, a daughter and grandchildren. His daughter Sanjana is bestfriends with Radhika, our lead character. Radhika became extremely close to the Kadakia family after her own parents passed away. She knew that Kirti uncle wasn't someone to die by suicide. She amd Sanjana set out to investigate the murder mystery.
The story is set in a rich community. Not the benz-car rich. The ask-my-servant-to-get-me-a-fruit rich. The squanderous lives in the high-rise societies never fail to amuse me. Because one knows that nothing is perfect there except the money. Or, the money isn't perfect either?
The story has quite an assembly of characters but as I progressed, it wasn't a task to remember them or their relations. I love how the characters are relatable and familiar to an average reader (sparing their lavishness) - the son who argues with the father about finances, the DIL who doesn't want the MIL dictating her life, the middle-class woman finding the elite meetings suffocating and the annoying matchmaking aunties. Almost each character's antics are hilarious and interesting. It also slightly brushes the classism and casteism of the well-off and how less they care about those who aren't as fortunate.
Radhika Zaveri aka Radhi, the main character, is quite unique. She is a divorcee who is seeing a therapist. She has moved from New York to India after about a decade to be closer to home. She is also in the process of writing a book as she has been a prolific writer already. It was fun to watch her modern and independent self navigate among the sexist and orthodox bunch that is her family. We all need to absorb how she dodges the irksome conversations that are inevitable in social gatherings. I am not going into the descriptions of other important characters because there are too many.
Now, having read scores of crime novels, I naturally tend to make my own theory of who is the murderer, why and how. I did make guesses in this one too but not seriously. I only wanted to know what was brewing in the author's brain and how. I was sure that whatever I was thinking would be miniscule compared to the author's.
The english is vehement with a little higher vocabulary. The narration is vivid and classy but doesn't bore you for a bit. You have to believe me when I say that I never, for once, checked which page I am on. I finished the 284 pages in one go. This is the kind of story to keep you awake till dawn.
We need more well-balanced crime stories like this. Not too much drama; not raining clues on the lead character; not too short; ideal pace according to the plotline.
There is not a thing I didn't like about this book. My TBR intentionally has more books by Indian women because I feel they are terribly underrated. This is one book that can give you adrenaline rush and puffy eyes and aching hands (unless you are reading the ebook) so why isn't it popular already? Another reason for reading Indian women is the relatability I spoke about earlier. They write what most of us have been through, making reading all the more pleasant and enjoyable.
Speaking of which, the characters are all a closely-knit Gujarati Jain business community. Though I am completely unaware of them, I felt that the author gave ample details about their habits, culture and food.
If the author writes another book in this genre, consider me in.
The story is set in the extravagant community of Temple Hill. In Sea Mist Apartments, to be precise. Kirti Kadakia is found dead in what seems like a suicide. He is survived by a wife, two sons, a daughter and grandchildren. His daughter Sanjana is bestfriends with Radhika, our lead character. Radhika became extremely close to the Kadakia family after her own parents passed away. She knew that Kirti uncle wasn't someone to die by suicide. She amd Sanjana set out to investigate the murder mystery.
The story is set in a rich community. Not the benz-car rich. The ask-my-servant-to-get-me-a-fruit rich. The squanderous lives in the high-rise societies never fail to amuse me. Because one knows that nothing is perfect there except the money. Or, the money isn't perfect either?
The story has quite an assembly of characters but as I progressed, it wasn't a task to remember them or their relations. I love how the characters are relatable and familiar to an average reader (sparing their lavishness) - the son who argues with the father about finances, the DIL who doesn't want the MIL dictating her life, the middle-class woman finding the elite meetings suffocating and the annoying matchmaking aunties. Almost each character's antics are hilarious and interesting. It also slightly brushes the classism and casteism of the well-off and how less they care about those who aren't as fortunate.
Radhika Zaveri aka Radhi, the main character, is quite unique. She is a divorcee who is seeing a therapist. She has moved from New York to India after about a decade to be closer to home. She is also in the process of writing a book as she has been a prolific writer already. It was fun to watch her modern and independent self navigate among the sexist and orthodox bunch that is her family. We all need to absorb how she dodges the irksome conversations that are inevitable in social gatherings. I am not going into the descriptions of other important characters because there are too many.
Now, having read scores of crime novels, I naturally tend to make my own theory of who is the murderer, why and how. I did make guesses in this one too but not seriously. I only wanted to know what was brewing in the author's brain and how. I was sure that whatever I was thinking would be miniscule compared to the author's.
The english is vehement with a little higher vocabulary. The narration is vivid and classy but doesn't bore you for a bit. You have to believe me when I say that I never, for once, checked which page I am on. I finished the 284 pages in one go. This is the kind of story to keep you awake till dawn.
We need more well-balanced crime stories like this. Not too much drama; not raining clues on the lead character; not too short; ideal pace according to the plotline.
There is not a thing I didn't like about this book. My TBR intentionally has more books by Indian women because I feel they are terribly underrated. This is one book that can give you adrenaline rush and puffy eyes and aching hands (unless you are reading the ebook) so why isn't it popular already? Another reason for reading Indian women is the relatability I spoke about earlier. They write what most of us have been through, making reading all the more pleasant and enjoyable.
Speaking of which, the characters are all a closely-knit Gujarati Jain business community. Though I am completely unaware of them, I felt that the author gave ample details about their habits, culture and food.
If the author writes another book in this genre, consider me in.
December 10, 2021
Posh Temple Hill in Mumbai is normally a peaceful place, full of Jains who believe that all life is precious. Successful novelist Radhika (Radhi) Zaveri has returned home after the end of her relationship with a much older man and is struggling with anxiety, indigestion, insomnia and hasn’t written a word in months. She plans to open up the apartment of her late parents and take up residence there, making a new start for herself after a decade away in the US. At the welcome party thrown by her sister Madhavi, she notices that her best friend since childhood Sanjana, a paediatric surgeon who is five months pregnant, is nowhere to be seen. When she visits Sanjana the next day a terrible shock lies in store for her. Sanjana’s father Kirti Kadakia appears to have committed suicide, taking pills and suffocating himself. Immediately Radhi can’t believe her ears. This normally tough and argumentative man just wouldn’t do that! What on earth could have happened to make him do such a terrible deed? As Radhi and Sanjana delve a little deeper, it appears that Kirti spoke to many people on the day of his death and had problems he was hiding, and the circumstances of his death start to seem suspicious. Radhi and Sanjana are determined to get to the bottom of what happened to Kirti that day, now convinced that he must have been murdered. Slowly and surely they start to peel away the lies and get to the truth. So just how many worried people are keeping secrets and do they have anything to do with Kirti’s death? And how far will they go to cover up and save face in a world where appearance and status is everything?
There are many twists and red herrings to fool the reader as the author weaves a vivid and colourful tale set in a fascinating world full of affluent people with chauffeurs, food sellers and servants, where old world values mix and often go head-to-head with newer and more modern ways of living. As the back stories to some of the characters were explained, I found I had a much greater empathy with some who appeared not too likeable at first sight. I very much enjoyed this first story in a new series. It gave me a wonderful insight into a world very different from my own, and a greater understanding of their ways, traditions and customs. The use of Indian words gave the story a great feeling of authenticity where I could really visualise all the characters, and the book has a helpful glossary at the end of the book for those unfamiliar with any of them. I also had a lot of fun researching recipes for some of the many mouth-watering recipes mentioned! I look forward to the next Temple Hill Mystery. 5*
There are many twists and red herrings to fool the reader as the author weaves a vivid and colourful tale set in a fascinating world full of affluent people with chauffeurs, food sellers and servants, where old world values mix and often go head-to-head with newer and more modern ways of living. As the back stories to some of the characters were explained, I found I had a much greater empathy with some who appeared not too likeable at first sight. I very much enjoyed this first story in a new series. It gave me a wonderful insight into a world very different from my own, and a greater understanding of their ways, traditions and customs. The use of Indian words gave the story a great feeling of authenticity where I could really visualise all the characters, and the book has a helpful glossary at the end of the book for those unfamiliar with any of them. I also had a lot of fun researching recipes for some of the many mouth-watering recipes mentioned! I look forward to the next Temple Hill Mystery. 5*
December 14, 2021
If there’s one thing that I like doing, it’s discovering new authors. Meeti Shroff-Shah is certainly a new author for me. I read the synopsis for ‘A Mumbai Murder Mystery’ and it certainly sounded like an interesting read and then some. So without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down for what proved to be one hell of a read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Mumbai Murder Mystery’ but more about that in a bit.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘A Mumbai Murder Mystery’. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I knew two things- one: that I would thoroughly enjoy the story and two: that I would find it difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I was correct on both counts. I found the story very intriguing and I loved that this book was set in a country that I am not too familiar with. In that respect I felt as though not only was I enjoying the story but I was also learning something about a country and its culture. I found it difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. In that respect reading this book became addictive. I had my own theories as to what was going to happen and I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered down the totally wrong path altogether. The pages turned increasingly quickly as I made my way through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘A Mumbai Murder Mystery’ and I had to say farewell to the characters. I found ‘A Mumbai Murder Mystery’ to be a gripping and informative read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘A Mumbai Murder Mystery’ is superbly written. In fact I had trouble believing that it was a debut novel as the writing style is so confident and polished. The author certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be a compelling story. Meeti clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the way in which she talks about them. She describes them so vividly and realistically that they seem just as real as you and I. Reading ‘A Mumbai Murder Mystery’ felt like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Meeti’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Mumbai Murder Mystery’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Meeti’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘A Mumbai Murder Mystery’. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I knew two things- one: that I would thoroughly enjoy the story and two: that I would find it difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I was correct on both counts. I found the story very intriguing and I loved that this book was set in a country that I am not too familiar with. In that respect I felt as though not only was I enjoying the story but I was also learning something about a country and its culture. I found it difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. In that respect reading this book became addictive. I had my own theories as to what was going to happen and I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered down the totally wrong path altogether. The pages turned increasingly quickly as I made my way through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘A Mumbai Murder Mystery’ and I had to say farewell to the characters. I found ‘A Mumbai Murder Mystery’ to be a gripping and informative read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘A Mumbai Murder Mystery’ is superbly written. In fact I had trouble believing that it was a debut novel as the writing style is so confident and polished. The author certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be a compelling story. Meeti clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the way in which she talks about them. She describes them so vividly and realistically that they seem just as real as you and I. Reading ‘A Mumbai Murder Mystery’ felt like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Meeti’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Mumbai Murder Mystery’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Meeti’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
July 10, 2025
4.5 stars
I read this particularly because it took place in India. I’ve been there but it’s such a huge country that I didn’t learn much about it at all in my mere three and a half weeks. It’s interesting that there are many similarities to our way of life even though so much is different. It was also interesting learning about their views on marriage. Her divorce was the worst thing in the world to her family, not to be talked about, but a couple of other people talked about their divorces like it was no big deal. I was surprised when one very traditional couple who had a “encouraged” marriage still had separate money.
The story was good but I guessed the culprit about halfway through. The detective work was excellent and I felt it was realistic that there wasn’t a police officer there telling them to let him do his job and stay out of his way. The police didn’t have time to care for a suicide. Although a bag over the head is a very unusual suicide method. It sounded like murder to me immediately. At the last moment your body wants to live and your brain is likely to have your hands pull the bag apart.
I didn’t like the ending. I understood why it went the way it did up to a point but I would have been terrified and that was never considered.
It’s fascinating that they were Jains. Usually characters in/from India are Hindu. I didn’t know it was a big and affluent community. I thought it was small. I only saw one Jain temple on my trip. There were like 100 steps leading up to the entrance. I was also menstruating and you weren’t supposed to enter a temple at that time of the month. I respected that (and the stairs were daunting) so I didn’t go in. My sister did, though, and had a tour and discussion with a very nice monk. But there weren’t any other tourists there. It enforced my idea that it wasn’t a big religion. The book went into some detail about the religion which I appreciated. I knew about some Indians not eating root vegetables and now I know why. It was really interesting.
There was some head hopping and I didn’t like the number of POVs. The story was usually in the main character’s head but occasionally in someone else’s. I think it was to build suspense that maybe this was the killer but I would have preferred the story without those breaks.
I recently read a book that took place in Thailand. The author kept telling the reader that such and such was Thai, constantly comparing them to non-Thais. It felt like an anti-American primer on Thailand (Even though I’m from the U.S., I don’t have a problem with people being anti-American but that book was just dumb.) This book was so refreshing as they just had the reader figure out what was Indian. The only thing that was described were some Jain religious customs that did need to be explained as even people from India might need to know. But it was subtle and most of it was shown rather than told.
I’m not sure if I’ll read the next one. I liked it but I listen to my books in audio right now and without seeing them, the names were hard to follow. So I missed a lot of the nuances.
The narrator was very good. I think her Indian accent was excellent. He Mr voices weren’t quite as varied, though, and most of her sentences ended on a downturn sound-wise.
I read this particularly because it took place in India. I’ve been there but it’s such a huge country that I didn’t learn much about it at all in my mere three and a half weeks. It’s interesting that there are many similarities to our way of life even though so much is different. It was also interesting learning about their views on marriage. Her divorce was the worst thing in the world to her family, not to be talked about, but a couple of other people talked about their divorces like it was no big deal. I was surprised when one very traditional couple who had a “encouraged” marriage still had separate money.
The story was good but I guessed the culprit about halfway through. The detective work was excellent and I felt it was realistic that there wasn’t a police officer there telling them to let him do his job and stay out of his way. The police didn’t have time to care for a suicide. Although a bag over the head is a very unusual suicide method. It sounded like murder to me immediately. At the last moment your body wants to live and your brain is likely to have your hands pull the bag apart.
I didn’t like the ending. I understood why it went the way it did up to a point but I would have been terrified and that was never considered.
It’s fascinating that they were Jains. Usually characters in/from India are Hindu. I didn’t know it was a big and affluent community. I thought it was small. I only saw one Jain temple on my trip. There were like 100 steps leading up to the entrance. I was also menstruating and you weren’t supposed to enter a temple at that time of the month. I respected that (and the stairs were daunting) so I didn’t go in. My sister did, though, and had a tour and discussion with a very nice monk. But there weren’t any other tourists there. It enforced my idea that it wasn’t a big religion. The book went into some detail about the religion which I appreciated. I knew about some Indians not eating root vegetables and now I know why. It was really interesting.
There was some head hopping and I didn’t like the number of POVs. The story was usually in the main character’s head but occasionally in someone else’s. I think it was to build suspense that maybe this was the killer but I would have preferred the story without those breaks.
I recently read a book that took place in Thailand. The author kept telling the reader that such and such was Thai, constantly comparing them to non-Thais. It felt like an anti-American primer on Thailand (Even though I’m from the U.S., I don’t have a problem with people being anti-American but that book was just dumb.) This book was so refreshing as they just had the reader figure out what was Indian. The only thing that was described were some Jain religious customs that did need to be explained as even people from India might need to know. But it was subtle and most of it was shown rather than told.
I’m not sure if I’ll read the next one. I liked it but I listen to my books in audio right now and without seeing them, the names were hard to follow. So I missed a lot of the nuances.
The narrator was very good. I think her Indian accent was excellent. He Mr voices weren’t quite as varied, though, and most of her sentences ended on a downturn sound-wise.
December 6, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of A Mumbai Murder Mystery, the first novel set in the Temple Hill area of Mumbai to feature writer Radhi Zaveri.
Rhadi has returned to Temple Hill with a broken heart and writer’s block, but her return is marred by the suicide of her best friend, Sanjana’s father. Or is it suicide? Rhadi and Sanjana aren’t so sure.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Mumbai Murder Mystery, which is a cosy mystery with a warm, vibrant atmosphere. The novel is told entirely from Rhadi’s point of view, so the reader knows what she knows and can guess along with her. I failed miserably so the reveal was a surprise to me, but fairly obvious when explained.
I like the author’s approach to the plot. There is no sensational reveal or big development, instead it is a steady accumulation of small facts and discoveries, which together lead to the unassailable, if not provable, truth.
In some ways, however, the plot takes second place to the world of Temple Hill. The denizens are rich and place appearance above everything else as the most important value in their lives, so unlike the Templehill area of my hometown. Their interactions are fascinating, but maybe not so different from rich enclaves the world over and that’s a guess, not being part of that rarified world. I was equally fascinated by the Indian lifestyle and food that the author depicts. It is a rich atmosphere and the author makes no apologies or offers any explanations for it. I didn’t get some of the terms used although frequent use gave me an idea, like I think didi means sister. I didn’t find it annoying I think it added to the rich tapestry of life in a foreign country.
I like Rhadi, who is a mixture of Indian and western cultures. She has plenty of neuroses, but also the smarts to battle them and this novel sees her come to terms with the tragedy of her past and set out towards a brighter future. I’m looking forward to following her journey.
A Mumbai Murder Mystery is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Rhadi has returned to Temple Hill with a broken heart and writer’s block, but her return is marred by the suicide of her best friend, Sanjana’s father. Or is it suicide? Rhadi and Sanjana aren’t so sure.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Mumbai Murder Mystery, which is a cosy mystery with a warm, vibrant atmosphere. The novel is told entirely from Rhadi’s point of view, so the reader knows what she knows and can guess along with her. I failed miserably so the reveal was a surprise to me, but fairly obvious when explained.
I like the author’s approach to the plot. There is no sensational reveal or big development, instead it is a steady accumulation of small facts and discoveries, which together lead to the unassailable, if not provable, truth.
In some ways, however, the plot takes second place to the world of Temple Hill. The denizens are rich and place appearance above everything else as the most important value in their lives, so unlike the Templehill area of my hometown. Their interactions are fascinating, but maybe not so different from rich enclaves the world over and that’s a guess, not being part of that rarified world. I was equally fascinated by the Indian lifestyle and food that the author depicts. It is a rich atmosphere and the author makes no apologies or offers any explanations for it. I didn’t get some of the terms used although frequent use gave me an idea, like I think didi means sister. I didn’t find it annoying I think it added to the rich tapestry of life in a foreign country.
I like Rhadi, who is a mixture of Indian and western cultures. She has plenty of neuroses, but also the smarts to battle them and this novel sees her come to terms with the tragedy of her past and set out towards a brighter future. I’m looking forward to following her journey.
A Mumbai Murder Mystery is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 23, 2022
allow me to begin with some personal back story on how i ended up picking up this book in particular.
just before going on a week long vacation to leh i characteristically fell sick and when sick, one never wants to read philosophy. a fast paced entertaining book works best and fortunately the death of kirti kadakia delivered.
the book is set amidst the high society of temple hill, where our protagonist, radhika - a writer - has just come back from the states after a terrible end to a relationship which affected both her mental health and her career.
she happens to realise a couple of days after being back that her closest friend hasn’t reached out to her and chooses to give her a visit. it’s during this visit that the story truly unfolds. her friend’s father, kirti kadakia is dead. the state in which the man was found suggests suicide but the two friends suspect foul play.
as radhika moves into her parent’s old house which is in the same building as that of the kadakia’s she decides to help out her friend and puts on her nancy drew cap.
food is integral to the story as the book unravels several food items from within the jain and gujarati community. in fact a food item is also evidence to this suspected murder. any guesses on which dish was used to kill kirti kadakia?
there are instances where you’ll take well estimated guesses on who the murderer may be but you’ll never really be sure until the very end. the experience of reading it was like watching a murder mystery tv series and i wouldn’t be surprised if a tv adaption is on its way.
full of twists and turns and revelations which keep you on your toes, @meetishroffshah packs a punch with a masaledaar bollywood ending.
i am glad i chose the death of kirti kadakia to keep me company while resting and recovering, so do i recommend? yes.
thank you @bloomsburyindia for sending across a review copy which I enjoyed thoroughly.
just before going on a week long vacation to leh i characteristically fell sick and when sick, one never wants to read philosophy. a fast paced entertaining book works best and fortunately the death of kirti kadakia delivered.
the book is set amidst the high society of temple hill, where our protagonist, radhika - a writer - has just come back from the states after a terrible end to a relationship which affected both her mental health and her career.
she happens to realise a couple of days after being back that her closest friend hasn’t reached out to her and chooses to give her a visit. it’s during this visit that the story truly unfolds. her friend’s father, kirti kadakia is dead. the state in which the man was found suggests suicide but the two friends suspect foul play.
as radhika moves into her parent’s old house which is in the same building as that of the kadakia’s she decides to help out her friend and puts on her nancy drew cap.
food is integral to the story as the book unravels several food items from within the jain and gujarati community. in fact a food item is also evidence to this suspected murder. any guesses on which dish was used to kill kirti kadakia?
there are instances where you’ll take well estimated guesses on who the murderer may be but you’ll never really be sure until the very end. the experience of reading it was like watching a murder mystery tv series and i wouldn’t be surprised if a tv adaption is on its way.
full of twists and turns and revelations which keep you on your toes, @meetishroffshah packs a punch with a masaledaar bollywood ending.
i am glad i chose the death of kirti kadakia to keep me company while resting and recovering, so do i recommend? yes.
thank you @bloomsburyindia for sending across a review copy which I enjoyed thoroughly.
October 8, 2022
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
A Mumbai Murder Mystery is an engaging and very well written crime mystery and the first book in the Temple Hill series by Meeti Shroff-Shah. Released 9th Dec 2021 by Joffe Books, it's 284 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. The protagonist is likable and real, despite her very privileged upbringing. Coming back home to India (and her gossipy and unsympathetic family friends and acquaintances after personal upheaval) is a huge and unwanted change which she navigates with humor and a little face-saving mistruth here and there.
There is a warmth and humor in the writing which appealed to me and the clever plotting and mystery reminded me in some ways of Richard Osman, although it's not at all derivative. The author is quite adept at descriptive prose and the food, clothing, and settings are written superbly.
Four stars. I'm definitely engaged in the series and looking forward to finding out what comes next.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
A Mumbai Murder Mystery is an engaging and very well written crime mystery and the first book in the Temple Hill series by Meeti Shroff-Shah. Released 9th Dec 2021 by Joffe Books, it's 284 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. The protagonist is likable and real, despite her very privileged upbringing. Coming back home to India (and her gossipy and unsympathetic family friends and acquaintances after personal upheaval) is a huge and unwanted change which she navigates with humor and a little face-saving mistruth here and there.
There is a warmth and humor in the writing which appealed to me and the clever plotting and mystery reminded me in some ways of Richard Osman, although it's not at all derivative. The author is quite adept at descriptive prose and the food, clothing, and settings are written superbly.
Four stars. I'm definitely engaged in the series and looking forward to finding out what comes next.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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