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Delhi Disco
Neil Ramamurthy, an Indian-origin American DJ, reaches Delhi on his first trip to India. His only objective is to win back his girlfriend, Sameera, after she broke his heart in New York City on New Year’s Eve several months ago.
Sameera Kapoor is busy launching her club, Kapital, which has been shuttered since her mother dropped dead in it five years ago. Safe to say, a relationship’s not on her mind.
The way to Sameera’s heart is through her club – and its smooth launch – but as luck would have it, the road to Kapital’s launch is marred with bizarre incidents. And when everything seems to have returned to normal, an accidental death in the club sends Neil and Sameera’s world crashing down. To make matters worse, the officer-in-charge, Inspector KK, seems hell bent on making things harder for them.
As Neil maneuvers through these challenges, he finds himself entangled in a ludicrous love triangle, one which may or may not be responsible for the events at Kapital.
Who knew being a DJ came with such a huge occupational hazard?
Sameera Kapoor is busy launching her club, Kapital, which has been shuttered since her mother dropped dead in it five years ago. Safe to say, a relationship’s not on her mind.
The way to Sameera’s heart is through her club – and its smooth launch – but as luck would have it, the road to Kapital’s launch is marred with bizarre incidents. And when everything seems to have returned to normal, an accidental death in the club sends Neil and Sameera’s world crashing down. To make matters worse, the officer-in-charge, Inspector KK, seems hell bent on making things harder for them.
As Neil maneuvers through these challenges, he finds himself entangled in a ludicrous love triangle, one which may or may not be responsible for the events at Kapital.
Who knew being a DJ came with such a huge occupational hazard?
312 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2025
25 people want to read
About the author
Shikhar Goyal
1 book2 followersShikhar Goyal is an iron-and-steel entrepreneur at his day job. He has been educated at St. George’s College, Mussoorie, University of Delhi, New Delhi, and Babson College, USA. Shikhar is passionate about films, photography, public speaking, and memes. He runs a blog where he writes slice-of-life articles and also showcases his photography. Delhi Disco is Shikhar’s first rodeo as an author.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 23, 2025
Had an absolute blast reading the book! It’s very hard for me to finish books but this was such an easy & fun read!
100% recommended to everyone!
100% recommended to everyone!
April 24, 2025
Almost finished reading it. The humour caught me off guard—in the best way. It’s rare to find a crime novel that makes you laugh without losing the mystery. Loving it.
August 24, 2025
An effortless, thrilling read! The ending will come out of the blue and shock to your core.
July 17, 2025
Couldn't get past 100 pages, read like a soulless bollywood movie. the characters were all unrelatable and without any explanation i was expected to care for them somehow.
Also 30% of the book went my without a murder in a murder mystery..
Also 30% of the book went my without a murder in a murder mystery..
August 4, 2025
I loveddd reading this book! it had me hooked throughout and the ending was NOT anticipated at all, we all thought that the culprit is caught until the last page! Definitely one hell of a roller coaster i was on while i was reading it.
Loved it! Kudos to the author 💖
Loved it! Kudos to the author 💖
December 30, 2025
My Rating : 4.25 / 5
Book 063 / May2025 / Physical Arc
.
Has there ever been a book that made you trust it so much that when you finish it, it leaves you speechless? Yeap. That was how I felt when I finished this book.
.
Delhi Disco follows : Samantha, who is trying to restore the glory of her parents business-child, and Neil, her DJ ex who is here in Delhi to win her back. I loved Sam's pov, her resilience and her large personality. Meanwhile I also loved Alex's unhinged diary entries! Every character introduced makes you want to suspect them, and the way it's written, you'll never guess the mastermind behind every single mishap that's happening in the Kapital! Emily quickly became my favourite cheerleader character, and Sam was a strong fmc who managed the balance between strong and vulnerable well.
.
The book is very unassuming when you start it. The writing is simple, the characters complicated, and the prose straight forward.The insights you get on each character leaves you guessing some of the plots sooner rather than later, BUT don't believe everything you read. Because this book, while being light, definitely packs a punch when you reach those last couple chapters! The pacing picks up as you read, and the depth of secrets some characters hold is unfathomable!
.
There wasn't much of a murder mystery element to the plot in terms of tension, high stakes or investigation wise, but it still makes you wonder about the piece you are missing from the puzzle ! I really liked the way the story flowed and wrapped up, and that one plot-twist I never saw coming in that last chapter! I suspected one character to be involved along with the one we were already suspecting, but the ending still managed to shock me ! Especially that change in POV for the epilogue added such a huge emotional impact, and now I'm grappling at empty air trying to figure out the aftermath of that revelation! Poor Sam.. If you are a fan of light murder mysteries with an amazing plot-twist , then this is a perfect weekend afternoon read for you!
.
.
Thank you so much @penguinindia for the gifted physical copy of the book!
Book 063 / May2025 / Physical Arc
.
Has there ever been a book that made you trust it so much that when you finish it, it leaves you speechless? Yeap. That was how I felt when I finished this book.
.
Delhi Disco follows : Samantha, who is trying to restore the glory of her parents business-child, and Neil, her DJ ex who is here in Delhi to win her back. I loved Sam's pov, her resilience and her large personality. Meanwhile I also loved Alex's unhinged diary entries! Every character introduced makes you want to suspect them, and the way it's written, you'll never guess the mastermind behind every single mishap that's happening in the Kapital! Emily quickly became my favourite cheerleader character, and Sam was a strong fmc who managed the balance between strong and vulnerable well.
.
The book is very unassuming when you start it. The writing is simple, the characters complicated, and the prose straight forward.The insights you get on each character leaves you guessing some of the plots sooner rather than later, BUT don't believe everything you read. Because this book, while being light, definitely packs a punch when you reach those last couple chapters! The pacing picks up as you read, and the depth of secrets some characters hold is unfathomable!
.
There wasn't much of a murder mystery element to the plot in terms of tension, high stakes or investigation wise, but it still makes you wonder about the piece you are missing from the puzzle ! I really liked the way the story flowed and wrapped up, and that one plot-twist I never saw coming in that last chapter! I suspected one character to be involved along with the one we were already suspecting, but the ending still managed to shock me ! Especially that change in POV for the epilogue added such a huge emotional impact, and now I'm grappling at empty air trying to figure out the aftermath of that revelation! Poor Sam.. If you are a fan of light murder mysteries with an amazing plot-twist , then this is a perfect weekend afternoon read for you!
.
.
Thank you so much @penguinindia for the gifted physical copy of the book!
May 17, 2025
When I first had Delhi Disco in my hands, the cover caught my eye immediately, the disco ball gleaming like a mischievous promise of chaos and charm. It sets the right tone for what turns out to be a quirky, fast-paced story full of unpredictable turns.
Shikhar Goyal’s debut novel throws us into a vivid Delhi nightscape. Neil Ramamurthy, an Indian-origin American DJ arrives in Delhi to win back his ex-girlfriend, Sameera, who ended their relationship in New York months earlier. Sameera is preoccupied with reopening her nightclub, Kapital, which has remained closed since her mother’s sudden death there five years ago. Hoping to reconnect through helping her, Neil gets involved in the club’s chaotic relaunch, which is riddled with bizarre incidents. Just as things begin to settle, an accidental death at the club upends everything, pulling Neil into a tangled love triangle and deeper trouble than he anticipated.
The writing is energetic and cinematic, sometimes bordering on the theatrical, but I didn’t mind that. It suits the drama of the setting and the emotionally charged stakes. The author clearly has a strong visual sense, and that translates into some memorable scenes.
For a debut, Delhi Disco is gutsy, fun, and refreshingly unafraid to mix melodrama with genuine moments of insight. I would call it promising, and definitely worth the read for a story where love, loss, and loud music collide in unexpected ways.
Shikhar Goyal’s debut novel throws us into a vivid Delhi nightscape. Neil Ramamurthy, an Indian-origin American DJ arrives in Delhi to win back his ex-girlfriend, Sameera, who ended their relationship in New York months earlier. Sameera is preoccupied with reopening her nightclub, Kapital, which has remained closed since her mother’s sudden death there five years ago. Hoping to reconnect through helping her, Neil gets involved in the club’s chaotic relaunch, which is riddled with bizarre incidents. Just as things begin to settle, an accidental death at the club upends everything, pulling Neil into a tangled love triangle and deeper trouble than he anticipated.
The writing is energetic and cinematic, sometimes bordering on the theatrical, but I didn’t mind that. It suits the drama of the setting and the emotionally charged stakes. The author clearly has a strong visual sense, and that translates into some memorable scenes.
For a debut, Delhi Disco is gutsy, fun, and refreshingly unafraid to mix melodrama with genuine moments of insight. I would call it promising, and definitely worth the read for a story where love, loss, and loud music collide in unexpected ways.
June 10, 2025
Delhi Disco by Shikhar Goyal was an absolute rollercoaster—and I genuinely loved every second of it.
What starts off as a fun, easygoing rom-com quickly evolves into something much deeper and far more thrilling. The story begins with Neil Ramamurthy, a DJ who moves from New York to Delhi in an attempt to win back his ex, Sameera. At first, you think you’re in for a light-hearted, second-chance love story—but what unfolds is so much more layered and unexpected.
As the plot progresses, the tone shifts beautifully. It moves from playful romance to gripping mystery, then delves into suspense, crime, and hidden secrets—all while keeping a light, quirky undertone alive. That balance is what makes Delhi Disco so unique. It doesn’t lose its charm even when the stakes get higher.
The characters feel real, flawed, and memorable. I found myself emotionally invested in Neil and Sameera’s journey, especially as things started to spiral and you realize nothing is as simple as it seems. The pacing is excellent—it keeps you flipping through the pages effortlessly. And just when you think you’ve figured out where it’s going, the last 10 pages throw a curveball that leaves you stunned (in the best way!).
It’s one of those books that starts as a comfort read and ends up being a complete page-turner. I absolutely loved the blend of genres, the energy of Delhi as a backdrop, and the emotional depth that sneaks up on you.
If there’s ever a part 2, I’ll be the first to grab it. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys love stories with unexpected twists, vibrant city settings, and a plot that refuses to stay in one box.
What starts off as a fun, easygoing rom-com quickly evolves into something much deeper and far more thrilling. The story begins with Neil Ramamurthy, a DJ who moves from New York to Delhi in an attempt to win back his ex, Sameera. At first, you think you’re in for a light-hearted, second-chance love story—but what unfolds is so much more layered and unexpected.
As the plot progresses, the tone shifts beautifully. It moves from playful romance to gripping mystery, then delves into suspense, crime, and hidden secrets—all while keeping a light, quirky undertone alive. That balance is what makes Delhi Disco so unique. It doesn’t lose its charm even when the stakes get higher.
The characters feel real, flawed, and memorable. I found myself emotionally invested in Neil and Sameera’s journey, especially as things started to spiral and you realize nothing is as simple as it seems. The pacing is excellent—it keeps you flipping through the pages effortlessly. And just when you think you’ve figured out where it’s going, the last 10 pages throw a curveball that leaves you stunned (in the best way!).
It’s one of those books that starts as a comfort read and ends up being a complete page-turner. I absolutely loved the blend of genres, the energy of Delhi as a backdrop, and the emotional depth that sneaks up on you.
If there’s ever a part 2, I’ll be the first to grab it. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys love stories with unexpected twists, vibrant city settings, and a plot that refuses to stay in one box.
August 1, 2025
Shikhar Goyal 's Delhi Disco started with a compelling premise of hotel business and high profile murder mystery which is quite underrated and crispy. I liked the detailed description of the business part, rivalry between hotels, how media plays a big part in these business, and professional competition added spicy subplot to the main story line with an unflinching bold tone.
It's a story of Sameera's dream project, she wants to relaunch Kapital after her mother's accidental demise, Neil Ramamurthy an Indian origin American DJ reaches Delhi on his first trip to India. His only objective is to win back his girlfriend, Sameera, after she broke his heart in New York City on New Year’s Eve several months ago.
Sameera Kapoor is busy launching her club, Kapital is her only dream now she is oblivious to the world around her. And a psychological thriller begins with some dairy entries.
I knew the killer still I finished the book because I wanted to know how he confessed or how the clues unfolded, I was expecting something chilling, dramatic scene that reveal the culprit but the ending was rushed and quite frankly it was flat. Could have been better.
It's a story blended with psychological thriller aspects with a dash of light romance that creates a relaxing enjoyable vibes. And I liked the characters, very relatable, reflects today's generation readers'lives but it would be better if the author wrote them with little depth.
However I enjoyed the book except that ending part.
It's a story of Sameera's dream project, she wants to relaunch Kapital after her mother's accidental demise, Neil Ramamurthy an Indian origin American DJ reaches Delhi on his first trip to India. His only objective is to win back his girlfriend, Sameera, after she broke his heart in New York City on New Year’s Eve several months ago.
Sameera Kapoor is busy launching her club, Kapital is her only dream now she is oblivious to the world around her. And a psychological thriller begins with some dairy entries.
I knew the killer still I finished the book because I wanted to know how he confessed or how the clues unfolded, I was expecting something chilling, dramatic scene that reveal the culprit but the ending was rushed and quite frankly it was flat. Could have been better.
It's a story blended with psychological thriller aspects with a dash of light romance that creates a relaxing enjoyable vibes. And I liked the characters, very relatable, reflects today's generation readers'lives but it would be better if the author wrote them with little depth.
However I enjoyed the book except that ending part.
December 24, 2025
If described simply: you, but directed by Karan Johar and Rohit Shetty together.
Extremely Bollywood-coded - dramatic, loud, flashy, and unapologetically filmy.
Highly predictable for most parts, following familiar tropes and setups.
The only real surprise comes at the end: two Joe Goldberg–type characters in one story - one obvious, one completely unexpected.
Not deep, not layered, and definitely not mysterious - and it doesn’t try to be.
Reads like a leisure book you pick up when you don’t want a “high” from reading, just momentum.
Feels like watching a Bollywood movie you know is brain rot… but you still watch till the end.
Fast-paced, entertaining, and easy to finish in one go.
Best thought of as a Bollywood comic in book form rather than a serious novel.
Perfect for readers looking for something light, fun, and filmy - not for those seeking depth or complexity.
Extremely Bollywood-coded - dramatic, loud, flashy, and unapologetically filmy.
Highly predictable for most parts, following familiar tropes and setups.
The only real surprise comes at the end: two Joe Goldberg–type characters in one story - one obvious, one completely unexpected.
Not deep, not layered, and definitely not mysterious - and it doesn’t try to be.
Reads like a leisure book you pick up when you don’t want a “high” from reading, just momentum.
Feels like watching a Bollywood movie you know is brain rot… but you still watch till the end.
Fast-paced, entertaining, and easy to finish in one go.
Best thought of as a Bollywood comic in book form rather than a serious novel.
Perfect for readers looking for something light, fun, and filmy - not for those seeking depth or complexity.
January 10, 2026
Before I start my review, I'd like to genuinely apologise to the author because this isn't going to be a favorable review, but hopefully constructive.
I picked up the book for two reasons - it was by an Indian author and the title read very compelling. Unfortunately that's where the good things ended. The story in itself isn't too bad, nothing to write home about, but not too bad. It's the treatment of the characters and the lack of research that did not sit right with me. Also, the twist at the end is just unnecessarily brought in to spice things up.
Not one character is consistent, there is painfully little about the hotel business to lend some credibility to the story, and the motivations of the characters also do not make sense a lot of times.
I do hope the author improves in his next one.
I picked up the book for two reasons - it was by an Indian author and the title read very compelling. Unfortunately that's where the good things ended. The story in itself isn't too bad, nothing to write home about, but not too bad. It's the treatment of the characters and the lack of research that did not sit right with me. Also, the twist at the end is just unnecessarily brought in to spice things up.
Not one character is consistent, there is painfully little about the hotel business to lend some credibility to the story, and the motivations of the characters also do not make sense a lot of times.
I do hope the author improves in his next one.
June 5, 2025
It’s such a fun and exciting read. An absolute page-turner.
It’s the kind of book that if you pick it up at night, you are definitely staying up all night the finish reading. The writing is sharp and immersive, with a captivating narrative that pulls you right into the heart of Delhi’s nightlife.
Even if you’re not typically into murder mysteries, this one might just convert you. The plot is twisty without being confusing, and the characters are vivid. It’s got everything from drama to mystery.
A perfect summer read!
It’s the kind of book that if you pick it up at night, you are definitely staying up all night the finish reading. The writing is sharp and immersive, with a captivating narrative that pulls you right into the heart of Delhi’s nightlife.
Even if you’re not typically into murder mysteries, this one might just convert you. The plot is twisty without being confusing, and the characters are vivid. It’s got everything from drama to mystery.
A perfect summer read!
January 3, 2026
A Fast-Paced Nightlife Thriller That Hits a Flat Note
It's a light, quick read; bollywood-ish or masala coded book to pass the time
on a commute, this might work, but don't expect too much depth!
It lacks the descriptive flair needed to truly immerse the reader. At times, the pacing and the introduction of "Inspector KK" gave me the distinct feeling of a Crime Patrol episode. It has that same procedural, slightly sensationalist energy, focusing more on the events than the atmosphere.
The conclusion felt predictable. Instead of a pulse-pounding finale, it was an anti-climax that felt flat.
The book cover is fantastic. It perfectly captures high-energy nightlife vibe and is easily what drew me to the book in the first place. It looks great on a shelf!
It's a light, quick read; bollywood-ish or masala coded book to pass the time
on a commute, this might work, but don't expect too much depth!
It lacks the descriptive flair needed to truly immerse the reader. At times, the pacing and the introduction of "Inspector KK" gave me the distinct feeling of a Crime Patrol episode. It has that same procedural, slightly sensationalist energy, focusing more on the events than the atmosphere.
The conclusion felt predictable. Instead of a pulse-pounding finale, it was an anti-climax that felt flat.
The book cover is fantastic. It perfectly captures high-energy nightlife vibe and is easily what drew me to the book in the first place. It looks great on a shelf!
July 23, 2025
don't know, other reviews are paid or not, but any experienced thriller reader, should not like this type of shit. it's a total over-hyped bullshit! if anyone want to know '101 know-how of discotheque', then this book can be purchased. otherwise, there is no such roller-coaster mystery material, as the book claimed.
August 13, 2025
Delhi Disco was an entertaining, well-paced read. It did not drag. Not once. The characters grew on me, and the creepy psychological thriller element filled me with a sense of dread throughout. I can't remember any Indian thriller novel that did that to me.
Without straying into spoiler territory, I'll just say that the twist reinforced my belief in both the story and the author, especially when everything was falling neatly in place.
Without straying into spoiler territory, I'll just say that the twist reinforced my belief in both the story and the author, especially when everything was falling neatly in place.
April 25, 2025
Delhi Disco is a fantastic read which I devoured in just a day and a half! It’s one of those rare books which grabs you from the very first page! With every chapter there was a new twist & turn! Best part of this read was I could see it all unfolding in my head like a full blown Bollywood film! Shikhar Goyal has done a wonderful job with this book and would recommend everyone to grab a copy asap!
April 24, 2025
An absolute treat to read. The writing was simple and crisp, the authors way of writing emojis was particularly interesting, took me back to the initial Internet days. All in all the book delivers what it says mischief, murder and mayhem.
April 24, 2025
Delhi Disco: A murder mystery set on the stage of an Indian disco. This book was mysterious, hilarious, and full of heart. One of the rare books that I have read in one sitting. Looking forward to what the author brings next.
May 24, 2025
As a family member, I’m immensely proud — but as a reader, I’m even more impressed. Delhi Disco is not just a promising debut; it’s a confident, compelling novel that deserves a place on every mystery lover’s shelf. I can’t wait to see what Shikhar writes next.
April 24, 2025
This book reads like a Hindi movie you didn’t know you needed. Fast-paced, funny, and completely unpredictable. I couldn’t put it down.
May 3, 2025
Unpredictable and so easy to read. I flew through it in a day.
June 14, 2025
A fun thriller with comedic relief and okayish plot.
November 20, 2025
Its the absolute worst. It is SO BAD.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews