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A murder in broad daylight. A city steeped in secrets.
When Riya Mehta, the Assistant Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the first Parsee woman to rise so high, is gunned down at the Gateway of India, investigative journalist Kabir Joshi is drawn into a web of corruption, betrayal, and power.
As monsoon rains batter Mumbai, Kabir must untangle a conspiracy that winds through old money, new politics, and a city that never sleeps. From hidden meetings at Jimmy Boy to shadows cast by the Tower of Silence, nothing is what it seems.

"Death in the Rain" is Book 1 in the Kabir Joshi & Ananya Rao mystery series.

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2025

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About the author

Andrew D. Levine

3 books75 followers
Andrew D. Levine was born in New York and studied at universities in both New Jersey and England during the turbulent Vietnam War era. After graduating, he built a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant, working in Boston before spending 30 years in New York City, ultimately becoming a partner at a major CPA firm.

Despite his demanding profession, Levine nurtured a lifelong passion for travel. As a boy, he collected stamps and dreamed of visiting the distant lands they depicted—a dream he fulfilled through decades of international adventures with his wife.

Now turning to fiction, Levine debuts with Death in the Rain, the first book in the Kabir Joshi detective series. Books 2 and 3 are now published, named Bombay Reckless and Silent Auction Murder, in order.

He currently resides in Forest Hills, NY, in a home filled with souvenirs from his travels, along with his golf and scuba diving gear—reminders of his enduring love for exploration.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
Profile Image for Katrina Zarubinski.
413 reviews7 followers
September 15, 2025
Captivating read

The protagonists of this gripping mystery are Kabir Joshi, an investigative journalist, and Inspector Ananya Rao of the Mumbai police. Kabir is shaken when Riya Mehta — his former colleague and now a promising, incorruptible politician — is found dead. While the official word points to suicide, Kabir doesn’t believe it. Determined to find the truth, he launches his own investigation, soon joined by Ananya Rao. Together, they uncover a conspiracy running through an “elite” circle of power — a group so corrupted and seemingly indestructible that even justice struggles to reach them.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is its setting. The rainy monsoon in Mumbai isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing part of the story. The pounding rain, the crowded streets, the traffic, and the constant noise all heighten the tension, creating mood and urgency that perfectly complement the mystery.

If there is one critique, it’s the overuse of certain lines in the early chapters — phrases like “this is something bigger than it seems” appear a bit too often and could have been trimmed back. However, once the action kicks in, the pacing sharpens, and the story becomes nearly impossible to put down.

Overall, Death in the Rain is a compelling first entry in the Kabir Joshi & Ananya Rao Mystery series. The combination of Kabir’s investigative instincts and Ananya’s grounded police work makes for a dynamic partnership. I’m genuinely excited to read more about their future collaborations.
Profile Image for Elena .
22 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2025
Death in the Rain is one of those rare thrillers that manages to be both fast-paced and deeply atmospheric. From the shocking assassination of Riya Mehta to the murky corridors of power that Kabir Joshi and Ananya Rao must navigate, every chapter pulled me deeper into a world where truth and lies blur against the backdrop of Mumbai’s monsoon-soaked streets.

What really stood out to me was the vivid sense of place. The descriptions of the Gateway of India, Jimmy Boy café, and even the Tower of Silence gave the book such a haunting, cinematic quality. I could practically hear the rain pounding on the city and feel the unease building with each revelation. The setting isn’t just scener, it shapes the tension and the characters themselves.

Kabir is not your typical journalist-hero; he’s vulnerable yet relentless, and I found myself rooting for him even when the odds seemed impossible. Ananya Rao is equally compelling tough, intelligent, and refreshingly real. Together, their chemistry brought balance to the darker elements of the plot.

The mystery itself is cleverly layered. Just when I thought I had figured out the conspiracy, the story swerved in another direction, and the final reveal was both satisfying and thought-provoking. Beneath the suspense, there’s also a sharp commentary on politics, corruption, and power in modern India, which added weight without slowing down the narrative.

In short, this is a gripping, atmospheric noir thriller that kept me turning the pages late into the night. If you enjoy intelligent mysteries that are as immersive as they are thrilling, Death in the Rain deserves a spot on your shelf.
Profile Image for Lydia.
30 reviews4 followers
October 8, 2025
A friend recommended Death in the Rain, saying it reminded her of old-school noir fused with modern Indian grit and she was absolutely right. From the first chapter, I was drawn into the mystery surrounding Riya Mehta’s death. The contrast between the official “suicide” story and Kabir Joshi’s instincts immediately sets up a world where nothing can be taken at face value. The dynamic between Kabir and Ananya Rao is electric; both are haunted by their own pasts, yet united by a shared sense of justice. The writing captures Mumbai as both breathtaking and brutal the rain feels almost like a character itself, cleansing and suffocating at once. Every twist lands perfectly, and every revelation peels back another layer of deceit. The climax had me sitting upright, unable to blink until it was done. This is intelligent crime fiction at its finest a perfect blend of pace, atmosphere, and emotion.
8 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2025
Death in the Rain is everything I want in a mystery novel—tense, atmospheric, and emotionally sharp. From page one, the monsoon-soaked streets of Mumbai felt alive, almost like another character in the story. The pacing was tight, the writing crisp, and the tension never let up.

Kabir Joshi, the cynical journalist with a sharp mind, and Ananya Rao, the no-nonsense police inspector, are a phenomenal duo. Their dynamic is rich with unspoken tension and respect, and I found myself rooting for them as they waded through layers of corruption, secrets, and danger. The murder they investigate is brutal and haunting, but it’s the unraveling of the why that makes this book so addictive.

What stood out to me most was how authentically the author captured the spirit of Mumbai—its chaos, its beauty, its darkness. You feel the humidity, hear the honking, and smell the chai from roadside stalls. Andrew D. Levine didn’t just write a mystery—he built a world, and I couldn’t put it down.

If you're a fan of fast-paced thrillers with real emotional depth and a strong sense of place,
Profile Image for Maissy Reads.
61 reviews11 followers
August 29, 2025
Riveting, atmospheric, and utterly unputdownable! Death in the Rain is a masterfully written mystery that drops you right into the heart of Mumbai during the monsoon. The assassination of Riya Mehta at the Gateway of India is shocking enough, but what follows is a tense, layered investigation full of corruption, betrayal, and secrets lurking in every corner of the city.

Kabir Joshi is a sharp, compelling protagonist, and Levine brings Mumbai alive with rich detail from political backrooms to rain-soaked streets. The twists are clever, the pacing relentless, and the atmosphere unforgettable.

A brilliant start to the Kabir Joshi & Ananya Rao series, I can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Vera Ashford.
12 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2025
“A slow burn that builds into an emotional storm.”
If you're looking for a fast-paced, action-heavy thriller—this isn't that. But if you want something deeper, something that simmers and builds with tension until it crashes into a powerful climax, this is exactly the book. The pace lets you soak in the atmosphere, connect with the characters, and reflect on the themes of guilt, redemption, and truth. By the time I hit the final chapters, I was completely wrecked—and I mean that in the best way. Five stars, without hesitation.
Profile Image for Sarah.
14 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2025
I didn’t just read the mystery—I felt the stakes.”
Most mystery books give you plot twists. Death in the Rain gives you emotional weight. Every scene carried tension, not just because of the case, but because of what was at stake personally for the people involved. I found myself truly caring—not just about the victim, but about how the investigation affected the characters mentally and emotionally. You don’t often get that kind of emotional realism in crime fiction, and that’s what made this a standout 5-star read for me..
Profile Image for Lillian.
9 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2025
“It’s the silence between the rain drops that hits hardest.”
What makes this story powerful isn’t just the crime—it’s everything around the crime. The quiet grief, the tension between characters, the memories that resurface like ghosts. The rain is constant in the book, but so is the sense of emotional drowning. You don’t just read this—you feel the weight of it all. It's rare to find a book that is both atmospheric and emotionally intelligent. This one nails it. 5 stars, no question.
Profile Image for Emmy Brasfield .
37 reviews3 followers
June 19, 2025
“Atmosphere So Thick You Can Smell the Rain”
Levine’s writing immerses you in the sights, smells, and sounds of Mumbai like few authors can. This isn’t just a murder mystery—it’s a sensory experience. The rain becomes a metaphor throughout the novel, reflecting grief, corruption, and renewal. As a reader, I felt transported to monsoon-drenched streets and smoky teahouses. It’s a perfect marriage of atmosphere and tension, and I devoured it in two sittings.
Profile Image for Emily Hoover.
47 reviews5 followers
June 19, 2025
“A Pair of Investigators Worth Rooting For”
Kabir Joshi and DI Ananya Rao are one of the best duos I’ve encountered in mystery fiction. Kabir’s disillusioned journalist persona balances beautifully with Ananya’s methodical determination. Their growing mutual respect, tension, and hints of backstory made them feel like real people. You don’t just read about them—you live with them. Five stars because I miss them already.
Profile Image for Drey.
23 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2025
“Politically Charged, Ethically Complex, Deeply Engaging”
Levine doesn’t spoon-feed you. The story forces readers to grapple with real political and ethical dilemmas—suicide, caste discrimination, historical guilt. The layers of the plot unfold like a well-buried dossier. At times, it made me uncomfortable, but that’s the point. It’s a bold book that trusts its readers. It earns every one of its five stars.

Profile Image for Christiana Maxwell.
7 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2025
“It’s not just a mystery, it’s a meditation on pain.”
Yes, it’s a crime novel. Yes, there’s a murder and a case to solve. But more than that, this book explores how people carry trauma. How we hide from our past. How we try to redeem ourselves even when we don’t think we deserve it. There were moments I had to pause—not because the plot was confusing, but because the writing hit me so deeply. I felt seen. And that’s something I never expected from a detective novel. Easily one of the most moving books I’ve read this year
Profile Image for Sabine Traeder.
31 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2025
“A thriller with a soul.”
I didn’t expect to feel so emotionally connected to a murder mystery, but Death in the Rain caught me off guard—in the best way. Yes, the plot is tight and suspenseful, but what really earned my five stars was the emotional undercurrent. The grief, the moral gray areas, the tension between duty and conscience—all of it felt real. Kabir’s internal conflict and Ananya’s quiet strength kept me invested far beyond the central case. This is storytelling with both heart and bite.

Profile Image for Regina Kate.
98 reviews8 followers
June 19, 2025
“More than a whodunit—it's a portrait of identity.”
Levine treats his characters with real nuance. The novel probes what it means to belong, to face communal legacies, and to navigate modern corruption. The murder mystery is compelling, yes—but it’s the thoughtful exploration of identity that stayed with me days after reading
Profile Image for Christiana Maxwell.
12 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2025
Every time I thought I figured it out… I didn’t.”
This story is a masterclass in misdirection. Every clue felt like it mattered, and just when I thought I had the killer pegged, the story shifted. I was so invested, I found myself going back to re-read certain parts just to double-check the clues I missed. It’s rare to find a mystery that plays fair with the reader while still managing to surprise them. That’s why it’s 5 stars for me—it respected my intelligence and still blew my mind.
Profile Image for Claire Sophie.
11 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2025
“If this were a movie, I’d already be in line for the premiere.”
Reading Death in the Rain felt like watching a beautifully shot noir thriller. The pacing, the dialogue, the mood—it’s all so cinematic. I could see the dim streetlights, hear the splash of footsteps, feel the tension in every whispered conversation. And the way the mystery unraveled? Brilliant. I kept thinking, “Why hasn’t Netflix picked this up yet?” It’s easily a 5-star read and would make a phenomenal film or series.
Profile Image for Eleanor Whitmore.
9 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2025
“Dark, beautiful, and completely unforgettable.”
There’s a poetry to the writing in this book that I didn’t expect. It’s dark and moody, yes, but it’s also filled with raw, haunting beauty. The way Levine writes about guilt and redemption—it’s almost lyrical. This book isn’t flashy or over-the-top. It’s subtle. Smart. And it creeps under your skin. I finished it two days ago and I still can’t stop thinking about that final chapter. Definitely one of those rare reads that stays with you.
Profile Image for Janice Williams.
5 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2025
“A thinking person’s thriller.”
I love a good thriller, but what made this one stand out is how intelligent it was. Nothing felt spoon-fed or overly dramatic. The story respected the reader. It made me think—about justice, about morality, about how far we go to protect the people we love. And yet, it never lost the suspense. That balance between emotional depth and plot-driven momentum is so hard to strike, and this book nailed it. Five well-earned stars.
Profile Image for Andrea.
54 reviews6 followers
June 17, 2025
Kabir Joshi and Ananya Rao are my new favorite detective duo.
What I loved most about Death in the Rain was the chemistry between the leads. Kabir's journalistic instincts and Ananya’s quiet resolve made their interactions feel real, not like stereotypes. Their personal struggles make them human—relatable and flawed but admirable. I want a Netflix series based on these two, yesterday! The mystery was gripping, but it was the characters that made this a five-star read for me.

20 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2025
“Finally, a noir that gets the Indian context right.”
I’ve been waiting for a book like this. So many thrillers set in India lean on clichés or exoticize the setting, but Death in the Rain is authentic, respectful, and deeply rooted in its location. The Parsee cultural angle was especially unique—it added mystery and richness to the story. This is India noir done with style and sincerity. Five stars without hesitation.
Profile Image for Juliette Gabriel.
32 reviews8 followers
June 17, 2025
“From the first page, I was walking through Mumbai in the rain.”
What made me give this book five stars wasn’t just the story—it was the atmosphere. The way Levine writes the monsoon, the traffic jams, the smells of the city, and the heartbeat of Mumbai—it’s literary teleportation. I read this on a quiet weekend, and when I finished, I felt like I’d traveled and come back changed. Few books do that.
Profile Image for Sandra Sampson.
39 reviews5 followers
June 17, 2025
Support this series now—because it’s going to blow up.”
You know that feeling when you discover a book or author before they go big? That’s what this feels like. Death in the Rain is smart, gripping, and totally original. If you love supporting emerging authors who actually deliver quality, this is your moment. I’ve already pre-ordered the next book and recommended this to everyone I know. If you're hesitating—don't.
Profile Image for Felix bill.
35 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2025
“I could see every frame like a movie in my mind.”
Andrew D. Levine has a visual style of writing that made me feel like I was right there—smelling the rain-soaked air, navigating Mumbai traffic, and tiptoeing through conspiracy. The pacing is sharp, the dialogue crisp, and the scenes immersive. I finished this book in two sittings, and I’m already craving more from the series.
Profile Image for John Mark.
38 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2025
I honestly can’t believe this is a debut. The plot is tight, elegant, and never bloated—there's no filler. Every chapter advances the story or deepens character development. Levine writes with the confidence of someone who's been doing this for decades. If you like books by John Grisham or Stieg Larsson, Death in the Rain is right up your alley.
20 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2025
“I thought I had it figured out... I was wrong.”
I read a lot of crime fiction, and I can usually sniff out the twist. Not here. The plot twisted at just the right moments, and each time I thought, “Oh, that’s clever.” The final act had me flipping back pages to see what I missed. That satisfying feeling when a twist works perfectly and makes sense? This book nails it.
Profile Image for Anna.
27 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2025
A very solid debut. The setting of Mumbai during the monsoon comes through vividly, and the mix of politics, corruption, and personal stakes felt grounded and believable. The pacing is steady rather than breakneck, which I appreciated because it gave the characters room to breathe. Kabir and Ananya make for an interesting duo, and I’m curious to see how their dynamic develops in future books. Overall, a satisfying start to a new series.
Profile Image for Scarlett.
34 reviews8 followers
September 27, 2025
While I wouldn’t call this a fast-paced thriller, the story held my attention throughout. The mix of political conspiracy and noir elements works nicely, and the cultural details give it a unique identity compared to more generic mysteries. It’s the kind of book that grows on you as you read, and by the end, I wanted more time with the characters. A strong beginning for what could become a memorable series.
24 reviews5 followers
September 28, 2025
Indian mafia

A murder is quickly ruled a suicide. The police are corrupt. Lunar decides to investigate. There are what seem to this American some logical errors. Good reading,dispute that, though there are overly detailed areas in my opinion.
Profile Image for Rpratt.
11 reviews7 followers
June 11, 2025
A gripping and atmospheric debut set in monsoon-drenched Mumbai, Death in the Rain delivers sharp characters, smart twists, and a vivid sense of place. Kabir Joshi and Inspector Ananya Rao make a compelling team, and Levine’s writing is confident and immersive. A must-read for fans of thoughtful, culturally rich crime fiction.
4 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2025
Kabir Josh, isn't your regular journalist, he's bravery and will to go deep in finding the truth is something I admire. I absolutely love this book. was even wishing the book should not finish. great Job Andrew Levine this is absolutely amazing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews

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