What do you think?
Rate this book
The Masala Chai Mystery Club: A Mystery
TBC
Audible Audio
First published July 21, 2026
About the author
M.J. Soni
1 book38 followersMJ Soni’s heartwarming debut, the Masala Chai Mystery Club, is to be released in July 2026.
It’s a murder mystery about badass diverse women, featuring a saree-wearing amateur sleuth, warm communities, and a dash of humor, and draws upon her love of the culture and cuisine of her diverse Indian, African, and American background.
She is also the author of DEFYING APARTHEID, her part-memoir about being a doctor activist in apartheid South Africa.
Book club visits are one of my favorite things to do so feel free to get in touch.
It’s a murder mystery about badass diverse women, featuring a saree-wearing amateur sleuth, warm communities, and a dash of humor, and draws upon her love of the culture and cuisine of her diverse Indian, African, and American background.
She is also the author of DEFYING APARTHEID, her part-memoir about being a doctor activist in apartheid South Africa.
Book club visits are one of my favorite things to do so feel free to get in touch.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
July 22, 2026
2.7 Stars
One Liner: This needed a better editor
Retired librarian Neeti Shah just wanted a peaceful life with her chai-loving friends, but when her childhood friend and neighbor ends up dead, and the killer’s MO is similar to their latest book club read, Neeti is worried.
Sure, Rohit was not popular and had a list of things people disliked about him. But who was angry enough to kill him? And why is a copy of Christie’s Dumb Witness beside his body? Neeti and her friends from the Masala Chai Mystery Club decide to investigate the case and find the killer. If only it were that easy!
The story comes in Neeti and Myra’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts
A cozy mystery with a cover and blurb like that is hard to resist. The premise and bare bones are good. No denying that.
The book starts with a hook (the murder) before introducing the main character, so we know the wait isn’t long. Chai and Christie’s Dumb Witness are the recurring elements in the book. Sadly, there are spoilers too, so if you are particular, you may want to read the other one first.
The MC is easy to like, so this went well in that way. The other POV came from the MC’s niece, who seemed a bit immature and all over the place. While it suits her current situation, it doesn’t help in empathizing with her.
Given the ethnicity, the cultural aspects are done well and integrated into the plot (just a quick note that even widows are advised not to leave their forehead empty. Instead of kumkum (not forbidden as some claim), women use vibhuti, chandan, or other colored bindis). Also, the translation of the Gayatri Mantra is a bit off. Not incorrect, but not accurate either.
There are a host of characters, but I managed to track them, even if some of them blended into one another. The HOA and community-related politics are dramatic and remind me of how messy things are in real life, too.
The mystery is decent, and though I guessed the killer, I didn’t know how and why.
However, the writing is the weakest link here. While its simplicity makes it a quick read, it doesn’t make the characters stand out (some do, but negatively) as such. Also, we get backstories for other characters and random dialogues that have no connection to the plot. Unless this will be a series set in the same gated community and features those people again, we don’t need too much information that distracts us from the plot.
I wish I could say the last few chapters were better, but sadly, there’s a lot of drama that feels more like it had to be there. It doesn’t compensate for the lack of action until then. It only makes the end look scattered.
The MC’s goodbye message to her dead friend was touching (though I guessed the past easily), but it is just the character telling us everything in a huge dialogue.
The book could have been much better with stricter editing. A debut work usually needs extra attention to make sure it delivers what is intended. Sadly, that doesn’t seem to have happened here. The repetition, random dialogue insertions, etc., weigh down the plot instead of elevating it.
The book has recipes at the end for chai masala, aloo tikki, and shortbread. That’s cool! It also has discussion questions.
To summarize, The Masala Chai Mystery Club has good bones, but the writing and execution need work.
Thank you, NetGalley and The Masala Chai Mystery Club, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheMasalaChaiMysteryClub
One Liner: This needed a better editor
Retired librarian Neeti Shah just wanted a peaceful life with her chai-loving friends, but when her childhood friend and neighbor ends up dead, and the killer’s MO is similar to their latest book club read, Neeti is worried.
Sure, Rohit was not popular and had a list of things people disliked about him. But who was angry enough to kill him? And why is a copy of Christie’s Dumb Witness beside his body? Neeti and her friends from the Masala Chai Mystery Club decide to investigate the case and find the killer. If only it were that easy!
The story comes in Neeti and Myra’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts
A cozy mystery with a cover and blurb like that is hard to resist. The premise and bare bones are good. No denying that.
The book starts with a hook (the murder) before introducing the main character, so we know the wait isn’t long. Chai and Christie’s Dumb Witness are the recurring elements in the book. Sadly, there are spoilers too, so if you are particular, you may want to read the other one first.
The MC is easy to like, so this went well in that way. The other POV came from the MC’s niece, who seemed a bit immature and all over the place. While it suits her current situation, it doesn’t help in empathizing with her.
Given the ethnicity, the cultural aspects are done well and integrated into the plot (just a quick note that even widows are advised not to leave their forehead empty. Instead of kumkum (not forbidden as some claim), women use vibhuti, chandan, or other colored bindis). Also, the translation of the Gayatri Mantra is a bit off. Not incorrect, but not accurate either.
There are a host of characters, but I managed to track them, even if some of them blended into one another. The HOA and community-related politics are dramatic and remind me of how messy things are in real life, too.
The mystery is decent, and though I guessed the killer, I didn’t know how and why.
However, the writing is the weakest link here. While its simplicity makes it a quick read, it doesn’t make the characters stand out (some do, but negatively) as such. Also, we get backstories for other characters and random dialogues that have no connection to the plot. Unless this will be a series set in the same gated community and features those people again, we don’t need too much information that distracts us from the plot.
I wish I could say the last few chapters were better, but sadly, there’s a lot of drama that feels more like it had to be there. It doesn’t compensate for the lack of action until then. It only makes the end look scattered.
The MC’s goodbye message to her dead friend was touching (though I guessed the past easily), but it is just the character telling us everything in a huge dialogue.
The book could have been much better with stricter editing. A debut work usually needs extra attention to make sure it delivers what is intended. Sadly, that doesn’t seem to have happened here. The repetition, random dialogue insertions, etc., weigh down the plot instead of elevating it.
The book has recipes at the end for chai masala, aloo tikki, and shortbread. That’s cool! It also has discussion questions.
To summarize, The Masala Chai Mystery Club has good bones, but the writing and execution need work.
Thank you, NetGalley and The Masala Chai Mystery Club, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheMasalaChaiMysteryClub
August 6, 2026
Check out all my reviews at: https:www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE MASALA CHAI MYSTERY CLUB by MJ Soni is an engaging debut cozy amateur sleuths murder mystery which features a cast of multi-cultural characters who come together to solve a murder in their HOA community with the added bonus of descriptions of mouth-watering food from around the world. This is a standalone cozy mystery, but I am hoping it will return as a series with the MCMC (Masala Chai Mystery Club) solving many more cases together into the future.
Neeti Shah has loved reading and books her entire life. She was the head librarian at her local library until she was forced into early retirement. While she feels rudderless without her job, and becoming a widow a few years ago, she does have her niece, Myra and nephew, Ved living with her and wonderful neighbors in her multi-cultural HOA.
As she sits on her porch with her best friend, they hear a terrible scream from across the street and rush over to see what is happening. Rohit, a friend from her childhood in India, lies dead at the bottom of his staircase with his wife nearby. Rohit was not well liked in their community and could be quite mean to his neighbors, but while everyone else feels it is an accident, Neeti feels the scene is not quite what it appears.
Neeti and her mystery loving neighbors form the Masala Chai Mystery Club and with the help of a local police officer begin to gather evidence to prove Rohit was murdered. Will they catch the killer before they strike again much closer to home?
I loved Neeti and her love of reading and books, “real” chai, and how she shared it and many flavorful dishes with her neighbors. As is common with a new cozy mystery cast of characters, especially in a community setting, it takes a bit to get names and descriptions untangled, but it is worth it for the rich cultural mixing pot in this neighborhood. This is a well written debut mystery plot full of red herrings and surprises that kept me guessing and changing my mind on the identity of the killer multiple times. I also enjoyed the homage to Agatha Christie’s The Dumb Witness.
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery read with a great new cast of characters and wonderful food and recipes to try and share.
THE MASALA CHAI MYSTERY CLUB by MJ Soni is an engaging debut cozy amateur sleuths murder mystery which features a cast of multi-cultural characters who come together to solve a murder in their HOA community with the added bonus of descriptions of mouth-watering food from around the world. This is a standalone cozy mystery, but I am hoping it will return as a series with the MCMC (Masala Chai Mystery Club) solving many more cases together into the future.
Neeti Shah has loved reading and books her entire life. She was the head librarian at her local library until she was forced into early retirement. While she feels rudderless without her job, and becoming a widow a few years ago, she does have her niece, Myra and nephew, Ved living with her and wonderful neighbors in her multi-cultural HOA.
As she sits on her porch with her best friend, they hear a terrible scream from across the street and rush over to see what is happening. Rohit, a friend from her childhood in India, lies dead at the bottom of his staircase with his wife nearby. Rohit was not well liked in their community and could be quite mean to his neighbors, but while everyone else feels it is an accident, Neeti feels the scene is not quite what it appears.
Neeti and her mystery loving neighbors form the Masala Chai Mystery Club and with the help of a local police officer begin to gather evidence to prove Rohit was murdered. Will they catch the killer before they strike again much closer to home?
I loved Neeti and her love of reading and books, “real” chai, and how she shared it and many flavorful dishes with her neighbors. As is common with a new cozy mystery cast of characters, especially in a community setting, it takes a bit to get names and descriptions untangled, but it is worth it for the rich cultural mixing pot in this neighborhood. This is a well written debut mystery plot full of red herrings and surprises that kept me guessing and changing my mind on the identity of the killer multiple times. I also enjoyed the homage to Agatha Christie’s The Dumb Witness.
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery read with a great new cast of characters and wonderful food and recipes to try and share.
April 25, 2026
This feel-good mystery, perfect for fans of Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series, is a great choice for a comfy, sunny weekend. Its main character Neeti, a retired librarian who finds it hard to adjust to this new chapter in her life, is suddenly thrown into a whirlwind of chaos when Rohit, her neighbour and friend from a previous chapter in her life, suddenly dies in mysterious circumstances. Nearly nobody agrees when she suggests he might have been murdered, and she's even more hard-pressed to find someone who actually feels sorry that he's dead, but Neeti feels like she owes it to Rohit to find out the truth.
The characters in this debut novel are introduced a bit haphazardly, as if being piled one on top of another, which results in a tangly mess of people to wade through right at the beginning and makes the story unnecessarily difficult to follow at first. Some of them could also either be fleshed out a bit more, in order to make them less one-dimensional, or left out altogether because they don't seem to contribute that much to the story. After a couple pages of growing pains, however, the book continues to evolve at a rather steady pace, with just enough juicy hints peppered throughout to keep you intrigued and motivated. Some of the clues, especially in the beginning, are hammered home a bit too insistently and would benefit from the "show, don't tell" rule, but the balance evens out in the second half of the book.
The atmosphere of this soft-boiled mystery made me think of the universe Louise Penny has created in her novels set in Three Pines. As far as plot twists and mystery reveals are concerned, the main culprit is not difficult to guess if you are carefully following along and have a couple of similar books under your belt. The whodunnit, however, is hardly the point of the story here, as is often the case with books of this subgenre, and mainly rounds up a lovely story.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and M.J. Soni for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The characters in this debut novel are introduced a bit haphazardly, as if being piled one on top of another, which results in a tangly mess of people to wade through right at the beginning and makes the story unnecessarily difficult to follow at first. Some of them could also either be fleshed out a bit more, in order to make them less one-dimensional, or left out altogether because they don't seem to contribute that much to the story. After a couple pages of growing pains, however, the book continues to evolve at a rather steady pace, with just enough juicy hints peppered throughout to keep you intrigued and motivated. Some of the clues, especially in the beginning, are hammered home a bit too insistently and would benefit from the "show, don't tell" rule, but the balance evens out in the second half of the book.
The atmosphere of this soft-boiled mystery made me think of the universe Louise Penny has created in her novels set in Three Pines. As far as plot twists and mystery reveals are concerned, the main culprit is not difficult to guess if you are carefully following along and have a couple of similar books under your belt. The whodunnit, however, is hardly the point of the story here, as is often the case with books of this subgenre, and mainly rounds up a lovely story.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and M.J. Soni for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Read
February 24, 2026I devoured this delightful cozy mystery! It is twisty and turny, with frothy chai, and sweet and savory snacks! I need more like yesterday, thank you! As an Indian American (whose mother's last name is Shah), the snacks spoke to my childhood, the chai reminded me of my ba, and I laughed out loud at Ved wanting chai (why didn't he get chai-dood [a glass of milk with a tiny drop of chai])? As a librarian, a mother, and a lover of cozy mysteries this spoke to me at every turn, if the next one has Neeti crocheting, I might think the author is channeling my life =)
#TheMasalaChaiMysteryClub #NetGalley
#TheMasalaChaiMysteryClub #NetGalley
June 8, 2026
When unpopular condo community president Rohit is found dead at the foot of his stairs and his wife is far too quick to want him cremated, retired librarian Neeti Shah and her closest friends take it upon themselves to investigate. Neeti, a long-time friend of Rohit’s, knows something is amiss, but not even a message from the victim, delivered via library book, can convince the police chief of foul play—until another neighbor turns up dead. Soni aces the tricky task of juggling a large cast of characters—including the victim’s beloved dog—while planting clues that will keep readers guessing. With wit, finesse, and a nod to classic whodunits, The Masala Chai Mystery Club is irresistible.
February 11, 2026
2,5 ⭐️
I love stories about retired women who become detectives :D
I often read books with a very similar cast when it comes to cozy mysteries, that's why I loved the diverse cast in this one.
I particularly liked Neeti, but I didn't like her niece so much.
Sadly, the writing didn`t quite work for me. It was very easy to read, and the plot had potential, but the writing style was very choppy and the pacing a bit slow, and I couldn't really get into the flow of the narrative.
Thank you, NetGalley, for this arc.
I love stories about retired women who become detectives :D
I often read books with a very similar cast when it comes to cozy mysteries, that's why I loved the diverse cast in this one.
I particularly liked Neeti, but I didn't like her niece so much.
Sadly, the writing didn`t quite work for me. It was very easy to read, and the plot had potential, but the writing style was very choppy and the pacing a bit slow, and I couldn't really get into the flow of the narrative.
Thank you, NetGalley, for this arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Think The Thursday Murder Club, but with masala chai, Indian family dynamics, and characters who carry their past as well as their wrinkles.
The Masala Chai Mystery Club by M.J. Soni is a warm, charming cozy mystery with real character depth—and it’s genuinely funny at times, veering into almost slapstick humor.
It was one of those... just one more chapter. Worth the read
Thanks to netgalley who let me read it in exchange for an honest review
The Masala Chai Mystery Club by M.J. Soni is a warm, charming cozy mystery with real character depth—and it’s genuinely funny at times, veering into almost slapstick humor.
It was one of those... just one more chapter. Worth the read
Thanks to netgalley who let me read it in exchange for an honest review
July 15, 2026
3.5 🌟
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
When her childhood friend and neighbor is found dead at the bottom of the stairs, Neeti cannot accept the police's conclusion that it was an accident. Together with her best friend Peggy, Peggy’s husband Laurence and her cousin Myra, she forms the Masala Chai Mystery Club. They decide to launch their own investigation to unmask Rohit’s killer.
This cozy mystery is inspired by Agatha Christie. The pacing is on the slower side. At first, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the large cast of characters and the shifts in time, though everything fell beautifully into place as the story progressed. The resolution took me by surprise and the final chapter provided a lovely, necessary conclusion that helped me understand Neeti’s persistence in uncovering the truth.
Beyond the mystery, the book explores important themes such as the loss of a partner, aging, finding one’s place again after (early) retirement and the enduring impact of parental expectations in a warm and relatable way.
The book features numerous Shakespeare quotes and descriptions of dishes: for me, these felt a bit too intrusive, frequently pulling me out of the story rather than adding to it.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
When her childhood friend and neighbor is found dead at the bottom of the stairs, Neeti cannot accept the police's conclusion that it was an accident. Together with her best friend Peggy, Peggy’s husband Laurence and her cousin Myra, she forms the Masala Chai Mystery Club. They decide to launch their own investigation to unmask Rohit’s killer.
This cozy mystery is inspired by Agatha Christie. The pacing is on the slower side. At first, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the large cast of characters and the shifts in time, though everything fell beautifully into place as the story progressed. The resolution took me by surprise and the final chapter provided a lovely, necessary conclusion that helped me understand Neeti’s persistence in uncovering the truth.
Beyond the mystery, the book explores important themes such as the loss of a partner, aging, finding one’s place again after (early) retirement and the enduring impact of parental expectations in a warm and relatable way.
The book features numerous Shakespeare quotes and descriptions of dishes: for me, these felt a bit too intrusive, frequently pulling me out of the story rather than adding to it.
August 5, 2026
🫖 The Masala Chai Mystery Club 🫖
(( Spoiler- Free ARC Review ))
Title- The Masala Chai Mystery Club
Author- MJ Soni
Genre- Mystery
Trope City-
🫖 Recently Retired Librarian FMC
🫖 Found Family
🫖 Neighborhood Watch Vibes
🫖 HOA on steroids
🫖 Childhood Secrets
The Masala Chai Mystery Club is the cutest, coziest little murder mystery! I enjoyed this one so much. Retired Librarian Neeti Shah is famous for her perfected Masala Chai. She and her friends run on her chai and friend time. Suddenly, tragedy strikes their neighborhood. Neeti and her neighbors smell more than just her perfectly brewed chai. They create their own detective agency to prove that the death of their neighbor Rohit was not natural, nor was it an accident. Each neighbor and character brings so much personality to this story. They’re charming, genuine, aging gracefully, filled with wisdom and more than anything, they look out for each other. Solving a murder mystery that grows exponentially helps Neeti feel a sense of purpose after the loss of her husband and her lifelong job as a librarian.
I want to extend a huge thank you to my Book Sparks Family and MJ Soni for my gifted copy. This was so fun. 🫶🏻
(( Spoiler- Free ARC Review ))
Title- The Masala Chai Mystery Club
Author- MJ Soni
Genre- Mystery
Trope City-
🫖 Recently Retired Librarian FMC
🫖 Found Family
🫖 Neighborhood Watch Vibes
🫖 HOA on steroids
🫖 Childhood Secrets
The Masala Chai Mystery Club is the cutest, coziest little murder mystery! I enjoyed this one so much. Retired Librarian Neeti Shah is famous for her perfected Masala Chai. She and her friends run on her chai and friend time. Suddenly, tragedy strikes their neighborhood. Neeti and her neighbors smell more than just her perfectly brewed chai. They create their own detective agency to prove that the death of their neighbor Rohit was not natural, nor was it an accident. Each neighbor and character brings so much personality to this story. They’re charming, genuine, aging gracefully, filled with wisdom and more than anything, they look out for each other. Solving a murder mystery that grows exponentially helps Neeti feel a sense of purpose after the loss of her husband and her lifelong job as a librarian.
I want to extend a huge thank you to my Book Sparks Family and MJ Soni for my gifted copy. This was so fun. 🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have mixed feelings about this book. The storyline is fairly simple but at places it feels rushed and at others it feels repetitive and longer. Certain descriptions were not needed and I wasn’t able to connect with the characters. However it was an entertaining read that did keep me going.
August 7, 2026
Interesting look at how much pull an HOA really has in everyday life. I enjoyed the interactions between the members of the mystery club but felt that the writing didn’t work for me; it was too simplistic for what it was trying to convey and lost me, particularly when it came to the various characters, who weren’t developed enough for me to distinguish between them at times. The mystery was easy to figure out, and I found my mind wandering throughout the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the review copy.
August 11, 2026
Charming. Lighthearted.
A chai-filled cosy mystery, featuring a retired librarian, a mystery-loving bookclub, some amateur sleuthing and of course murder.
This was a fast and fun audiobook listen. The narration by Deepa Samuel works so well for this story, the setting and characters.
This could be a great book club read.
A chai-filled cosy mystery, featuring a retired librarian, a mystery-loving bookclub, some amateur sleuthing and of course murder.
This was a fast and fun audiobook listen. The narration by Deepa Samuel works so well for this story, the setting and characters.
This could be a great book club read.
July 23, 2026
3.5 stars.
I had a little trouble staying focused with this one.
I had a little trouble staying focused with this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*copy received from Net Galley*
The author seems to be a huge fan of Agatha Christie books and so am I. The story is an homage to a popular Christie novel and has a great concept overall. However, the execution lacked the deftness of a Christie novel. It would be more suited as a shorter, punchier mystery. The characters were mildly interesting, there were parts of the story that could've been cut out with a sharper focus on the detective.
All in all, my 3 stars means an average rating, not good, not bad.
The author seems to be a huge fan of Agatha Christie books and so am I. The story is an homage to a popular Christie novel and has a great concept overall. However, the execution lacked the deftness of a Christie novel. It would be more suited as a shorter, punchier mystery. The characters were mildly interesting, there were parts of the story that could've been cut out with a sharper focus on the detective.
All in all, my 3 stars means an average rating, not good, not bad.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a fun, cozy mystery read. The pacing was a little slow at times, but I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and continued to build as it went. There were plenty of suspects thrown into the mix, just enough to make you feel confident in your guess… only to second-guess yourself later. I also loved the cultural dynamics woven throughout the story. It added so much charm and made the reading experience feel fresh and engaging.
The focus leaned more toward questioning motives and relationships rather than hardcore detective work, but I still appreciated how Soni tied in family tension, friendship, and community. Some moments genuinely made me laugh, while others hit a more emotional note, and overall it felt well balanced. It’s an easy, comforting read, though I do wish there had been a bit more traditional sleuthing involved.
Neeti Shah, a retired librarian, is ready for a quiet life with her chai-loving friends until a neighbor and childhood friend turns up dead, with a murder scene eerily similar to her book club’s latest Agatha Christie read. Determined to uncover the truth, Neeti teams up with the Masala Chai Mystery Club to investigate, but as more bodies appear and tensions rise, the stakes grow higher. It’s cozy, clever, and full of heart.
Thank you Net Gallery for the ARC.
Rating: 4⭐
Tropes: Cozy mystery, amateur sleuths, found family, bonding over tea, cultural dynamics
The focus leaned more toward questioning motives and relationships rather than hardcore detective work, but I still appreciated how Soni tied in family tension, friendship, and community. Some moments genuinely made me laugh, while others hit a more emotional note, and overall it felt well balanced. It’s an easy, comforting read, though I do wish there had been a bit more traditional sleuthing involved.
Neeti Shah, a retired librarian, is ready for a quiet life with her chai-loving friends until a neighbor and childhood friend turns up dead, with a murder scene eerily similar to her book club’s latest Agatha Christie read. Determined to uncover the truth, Neeti teams up with the Masala Chai Mystery Club to investigate, but as more bodies appear and tensions rise, the stakes grow higher. It’s cozy, clever, and full of heart.
Thank you Net Gallery for the ARC.
Rating: 4⭐
Tropes: Cozy mystery, amateur sleuths, found family, bonding over tea, cultural dynamics
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"The Masala Chai Mystery Club" by Mj Soni is a solid cozy mystery set in a fictional coastal New England town. The references to Agatha Christie in the blurb and to Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club made me pick up the book, as I am a sucker for Agatha Christie–esque mystery novels.
Written in the third person, the book follows retired Indian librarian Neeti Shah, who was forced to retire from the library she managed and now suffers from an existential crisis. Her husband has passed away, her two children have moved away, and she lives with her niece and her niece’s child. She needs to find a hobby to occupy her, and when a much-hated neighbor, who also happens to be a childhood friend, is killed, she suspects foul play. Together with her friends and her niece, she investigates the death, which the police deemed natural. Thus, the Masala Chai Mystery Club is born. A mysterious death, intriguing clues, and a lot of masala chai make this an engaging tale, even if the execution isn’t always smooth.
Overall, I liked the story. Themes of friendship, family, loss, community, loneliness, being adrift after losing a job, finding new routines and meaning, and reaffirming one’s identity beyond work are interwoven throughout the book. I loved the diverse cast, the cultural elements, the homage to Agatha Christie’s The Dumb Witness, and the mystery itself. I also liked the twists, and I didn’t figure out who the perpetrator(s) were, which is always a good thing.
The characters are developed well enough that you are quickly pulled in and start to care about them. I liked Neeti, but I found her niece to be too hasty and quick to misinterpret things. Another favorite character of mine was the dog, and I appreciated the nod to the dog in Agatha Christie’s The Dumb Witness. I also liked the parallel between the plot and Christie’s novel.
This is a debut novel, and it shows. There is a lot of potential here. The “bones” of the story are good, and there are a few twists along the way, but the execution needs improvement. I really wanted to like this book more. The concept was intriguing, and the characters were interesting, but the writing didn’t quite work for me. It felt stiff and didn’t really flow. Despite the issues I had with the writing, I kept reading because the plot itself was engaging, and I genuinely wanted to know how the mystery would be resolved.
In addition, there are some side threads about the histories of certain characters that have no real bearing on the plot. I felt they were there to make a point and could have been avoided. All in all, while I enjoyed the book, I rate it 3 out of 5 stars. It isn’t a bad book; it just needs a bit of editing and fine-tuning. Fans of cozy mysteries and readers simply looking for a light read will likely enjoy it as long as the writing isn’t a dealbreaker for them.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2026...
Written in the third person, the book follows retired Indian librarian Neeti Shah, who was forced to retire from the library she managed and now suffers from an existential crisis. Her husband has passed away, her two children have moved away, and she lives with her niece and her niece’s child. She needs to find a hobby to occupy her, and when a much-hated neighbor, who also happens to be a childhood friend, is killed, she suspects foul play. Together with her friends and her niece, she investigates the death, which the police deemed natural. Thus, the Masala Chai Mystery Club is born. A mysterious death, intriguing clues, and a lot of masala chai make this an engaging tale, even if the execution isn’t always smooth.
Overall, I liked the story. Themes of friendship, family, loss, community, loneliness, being adrift after losing a job, finding new routines and meaning, and reaffirming one’s identity beyond work are interwoven throughout the book. I loved the diverse cast, the cultural elements, the homage to Agatha Christie’s The Dumb Witness, and the mystery itself. I also liked the twists, and I didn’t figure out who the perpetrator(s) were, which is always a good thing.
The characters are developed well enough that you are quickly pulled in and start to care about them. I liked Neeti, but I found her niece to be too hasty and quick to misinterpret things. Another favorite character of mine was the dog, and I appreciated the nod to the dog in Agatha Christie’s The Dumb Witness. I also liked the parallel between the plot and Christie’s novel.
This is a debut novel, and it shows. There is a lot of potential here. The “bones” of the story are good, and there are a few twists along the way, but the execution needs improvement. I really wanted to like this book more. The concept was intriguing, and the characters were interesting, but the writing didn’t quite work for me. It felt stiff and didn’t really flow. Despite the issues I had with the writing, I kept reading because the plot itself was engaging, and I genuinely wanted to know how the mystery would be resolved.
In addition, there are some side threads about the histories of certain characters that have no real bearing on the plot. I felt they were there to make a point and could have been avoided. All in all, while I enjoyed the book, I rate it 3 out of 5 stars. It isn’t a bad book; it just needs a bit of editing and fine-tuning. Fans of cozy mysteries and readers simply looking for a light read will likely enjoy it as long as the writing isn’t a dealbreaker for them.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2026...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This charming first mystery definitely follows recent and familiar tropes, but the telling of the story and the characters in it are so delightful, I didn’t mind in the least. Set in an upscale condo development, the main character is recently retired – and widowed – librarian Neeti Shah. She lives with her niece Myra and her adorable son, Ved. As the book opens, Neeti is alerted by a scream across the road, and hurries over to find her neighbor dead at the foot of his stairs, victim of an apparent fall. Neeti is not so sure.
His wife, who discovered the body, is quickly joined by a local doctor, and the two of them quickly determine that not only must the man be cremated as soon as possible, but his beloved dog Yolo must be put down. Horrified, Neeti quickly agrees to take the dog, hoping to stave off his senseless killing. While she mourns the death of her neighbor, he wasn’t much liked in the community – he was known to be brash and unpleasant.
Neeti heads home with the dog – to the delight of her great nephew – and quickly assembles a group of neighbors to discuss the crime, and ultimately, to try and solve it. They dub themselves “The Masala Chai Mystery Club.” It’s quite reminiscent of the Marlowe murder club as well as other recent books by Michelle Cullen, Freya Sampson, and Fergus Craig, but it’s no less appealing here.
A big reason are the characters. Neeti herself is a charmer, making her chai tea and wearing lovely sarees which she describes for the reader. She and her niece get along fine though some sudden tension develops between them, and the contrast of Neeti trying to find a place for herself after retirement and widowhood, and Myra trying to find a place for herself as a young single mom is a powerful and resonant one. It’s almost like a romance with a misunderstanding that comes up halfway through the narrative – you know these two will work it out, the question in not when but how.
The other characters that stand out are her neighbor Peggy and her Shakespeare quoting husband, who, though diagnosed with Parkinson’s, always has an appropriate quotation for every occasion. Thandi, a woman from South Africa who fears the police, is another standout. Much like Osman’s Thursday Murder Club books, a female cop is drawn into the proceedings despite herself. Unlike her blowhard boss, the cop, like Neeti, thinks she’s looking at a murder.
Neeti and the dead man also have a backstory, one that makes her appreciate him despite his unpleasant quirks. The reveal of this backstory is both moving and unexpected. The mystery part of the story is also well handled, with some quite suspenseful parts of the story making the pace of the novel a swift and enjoyable one. The clues uncovered by the team are clever and well laid out, and Soni beautifully introduces her story with a reference to Christie’s Dumb Witness. Clue: the dog plays a part in the proceedings. This is a truly enjoyable and well written debut.
His wife, who discovered the body, is quickly joined by a local doctor, and the two of them quickly determine that not only must the man be cremated as soon as possible, but his beloved dog Yolo must be put down. Horrified, Neeti quickly agrees to take the dog, hoping to stave off his senseless killing. While she mourns the death of her neighbor, he wasn’t much liked in the community – he was known to be brash and unpleasant.
Neeti heads home with the dog – to the delight of her great nephew – and quickly assembles a group of neighbors to discuss the crime, and ultimately, to try and solve it. They dub themselves “The Masala Chai Mystery Club.” It’s quite reminiscent of the Marlowe murder club as well as other recent books by Michelle Cullen, Freya Sampson, and Fergus Craig, but it’s no less appealing here.
A big reason are the characters. Neeti herself is a charmer, making her chai tea and wearing lovely sarees which she describes for the reader. She and her niece get along fine though some sudden tension develops between them, and the contrast of Neeti trying to find a place for herself after retirement and widowhood, and Myra trying to find a place for herself as a young single mom is a powerful and resonant one. It’s almost like a romance with a misunderstanding that comes up halfway through the narrative – you know these two will work it out, the question in not when but how.
The other characters that stand out are her neighbor Peggy and her Shakespeare quoting husband, who, though diagnosed with Parkinson’s, always has an appropriate quotation for every occasion. Thandi, a woman from South Africa who fears the police, is another standout. Much like Osman’s Thursday Murder Club books, a female cop is drawn into the proceedings despite herself. Unlike her blowhard boss, the cop, like Neeti, thinks she’s looking at a murder.
Neeti and the dead man also have a backstory, one that makes her appreciate him despite his unpleasant quirks. The reveal of this backstory is both moving and unexpected. The mystery part of the story is also well handled, with some quite suspenseful parts of the story making the pace of the novel a swift and enjoyable one. The clues uncovered by the team are clever and well laid out, and Soni beautifully introduces her story with a reference to Christie’s Dumb Witness. Clue: the dog plays a part in the proceedings. This is a truly enjoyable and well written debut.
Read
July 9, 2026The Masala Chai Mystery Club is a wonderfully charming, cleverly plotted, and thoroughly entertaining cozy mystery that blends humor, friendship, community, and suspense into a story that is impossible to put down. M.J. Soni delivers an engaging whodunit filled with memorable characters, intriguing twists, and plenty of heart, creating a mystery that will delight both longtime cozy mystery fans and readers discovering the genre for the first time.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its unforgettable cast of characters. Neeti Shah is an instantly likable protagonist whose intelligence, compassion, and determination make her a joy to follow. Her close-knit group of chai-loving friends brings warmth, wit, and lively chemistry to every chapter, transforming each investigation into an entertaining collaboration built on trust, friendship, and shared curiosity.
The mystery itself is exceptionally well constructed. The suspicious death of a universally disliked neighbor immediately captures the reader's attention, while the clever literary connection involving Agatha Christie's The Dumb Witness adds an extra layer of intrigue. As new clues emerge and additional suspects and victims appear, the story steadily builds suspense without ever sacrificing the lighthearted charm that defines the best cozy mysteries.
Another standout feature is the richly developed sense of community. The neighborhood feels vibrant and authentic, populated by distinctive personalities whose relationships, histories, and secrets add depth to the investigation. The story skillfully balances humor and tension, allowing readers to enjoy the camaraderie of the mystery club while remaining fully invested in uncovering the truth behind the crimes.
M.J. Soni's writing is engaging, accessible, and full of personality. The dialogue is lively, the pacing is expertly handled, and the vivid descriptions create an inviting atmosphere that makes readers feel as though they are sharing a warm cup of masala chai alongside Neeti and her friends. The combination of clever plotting and heartfelt storytelling keeps the pages turning from beginning to end.
Beyond the mystery itself, The Masala Chai Mystery Club celebrates friendship, lifelong learning, community, resilience, and the joy of bringing people together through shared passions. These uplifting themes give the novel an emotional warmth that perfectly complements its suspenseful storyline, making it a memorable addition to the cozy mystery genre.
Overall, The Masala Chai Mystery Club is a delightful and thoroughly satisfying mystery that combines clever storytelling, lovable characters, engaging humor, and an irresistible sense of community. M.J. Soni has crafted an outstanding debut that promises hours of entertainment while leaving readers eager for the next adventure. I highly recommend this charming novel to fans of cozy mysteries, book clubs, amateur sleuths, and anyone who enjoys mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable characters.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its unforgettable cast of characters. Neeti Shah is an instantly likable protagonist whose intelligence, compassion, and determination make her a joy to follow. Her close-knit group of chai-loving friends brings warmth, wit, and lively chemistry to every chapter, transforming each investigation into an entertaining collaboration built on trust, friendship, and shared curiosity.
The mystery itself is exceptionally well constructed. The suspicious death of a universally disliked neighbor immediately captures the reader's attention, while the clever literary connection involving Agatha Christie's The Dumb Witness adds an extra layer of intrigue. As new clues emerge and additional suspects and victims appear, the story steadily builds suspense without ever sacrificing the lighthearted charm that defines the best cozy mysteries.
Another standout feature is the richly developed sense of community. The neighborhood feels vibrant and authentic, populated by distinctive personalities whose relationships, histories, and secrets add depth to the investigation. The story skillfully balances humor and tension, allowing readers to enjoy the camaraderie of the mystery club while remaining fully invested in uncovering the truth behind the crimes.
M.J. Soni's writing is engaging, accessible, and full of personality. The dialogue is lively, the pacing is expertly handled, and the vivid descriptions create an inviting atmosphere that makes readers feel as though they are sharing a warm cup of masala chai alongside Neeti and her friends. The combination of clever plotting and heartfelt storytelling keeps the pages turning from beginning to end.
Beyond the mystery itself, The Masala Chai Mystery Club celebrates friendship, lifelong learning, community, resilience, and the joy of bringing people together through shared passions. These uplifting themes give the novel an emotional warmth that perfectly complements its suspenseful storyline, making it a memorable addition to the cozy mystery genre.
Overall, The Masala Chai Mystery Club is a delightful and thoroughly satisfying mystery that combines clever storytelling, lovable characters, engaging humor, and an irresistible sense of community. M.J. Soni has crafted an outstanding debut that promises hours of entertainment while leaving readers eager for the next adventure. I highly recommend this charming novel to fans of cozy mysteries, book clubs, amateur sleuths, and anyone who enjoys mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
MJ Soni’s cozy mystery cleverly intertwines the charm of amateur sleuths with a deep reverence for the golden age of detective fiction. When a much-despised neighbour, Rohit, is found dead at the bottom of a staircase with a copy of Agatha Christie’s Dumb Witness nearby, the novel immediately anchors its narrative in literary tribute. In Christie's classic, the "dumb witness" is Bob, a dog who can't speak but holds the physical clue to the crime. Soni beautifully mirrors this symbolism, suggesting that the truth often hides in plain sight, trapped within silent objects and unvoiced community secrets that only the observant can decode. This literary choice also serves as a brilliant nod to Christie’s own formidable background. During World War I, Christie served as a nurse and later as a dispenser in Torquay, where she studied extensively for the Society of Apothecaries examination. This firsthand training gave her a profound, precise knowledge of poisons, so the lethal dosages, chemical compounds, and the symptoms—a terrifyingly accurate expertise that she spun into a legendary writing career, and which echoes through the methodical, high-stakes investigation of Soni's modern-day sleuths.
Driven by a sense of debt to her friend, retired librarian Neeti Shah enlists her tea-loving, mystery-obsessed companions to form the Masala Chai Mystery Club. This dynamic brilliantly reflects the real-world phenomenon of armchair detectives and amateur sleuth clubs who, throughout history, have used their diverse backgrounds to crack cold cases. From ordinary citizens pouring over archives to community groups noticing discrepancies local law enforcement overlooked, civilian networks have frequently provided the fresh eyes needed to solve complex disappearances and murders. Psychologically, ordinary folks are drawn to the mystery genre because it has organised chaos, justice prevailing, and rational intellectual puzzles. However, Soni balances this cozy intellectual pursuit with the stark, chilling dangers of neighbourhood sleuthing. When ordinary citizens play detective, the threat is intimate; investigation strips away the safety of proximity.
Driven by a sense of debt to her friend, retired librarian Neeti Shah enlists her tea-loving, mystery-obsessed companions to form the Masala Chai Mystery Club. This dynamic brilliantly reflects the real-world phenomenon of armchair detectives and amateur sleuth clubs who, throughout history, have used their diverse backgrounds to crack cold cases. From ordinary citizens pouring over archives to community groups noticing discrepancies local law enforcement overlooked, civilian networks have frequently provided the fresh eyes needed to solve complex disappearances and murders. Psychologically, ordinary folks are drawn to the mystery genre because it has organised chaos, justice prevailing, and rational intellectual puzzles. However, Soni balances this cozy intellectual pursuit with the stark, chilling dangers of neighbourhood sleuthing. When ordinary citizens play detective, the threat is intimate; investigation strips away the safety of proximity.
August 6, 2026
Thanks to BookSparks and Crooked Lane Books for the review copy.
"Retired librarian Neeti Shah was hoping for a restful life with her chai-loving friends, but when the body of a neighbor, a childhood friend of Neeti's, turns up dead and the killer’s MO is similar to that of Neeti's most recent book club read, things start to get out of control.
When Neeti hears a commotion at a neighbor’s house, she finds Rohit’s body sprawled across the bottom of the staircase with Agatha Christie’s The Dumb Witness nearby. Blackmailing his neighbors, threatening them with lawsuits, and calling them by nasty nicknames were only some of the hateful things that made him so disliked. But were they angry enough to kill?
Neeti is indebted to her old friend, and she's determined to find his killer. But she can't do it alone, so she enlists her mystery-loving friends, the Masala Chai Mystery Club, to get to the bottom of the murder.
But Neeti and her club members need to be careful. As more bodies turn up and more suspects start to appear, they’ll need to find the killer before they end up in hot water!"
M.J. Soni's debut novel is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries - lots of interesting, quirky characters, plot twists you won't expect and - bonus - recipes! Yes, there's the recipe for the Masala Chai spice mix at the end of the book, along with a couple of other recipes that use it, including this spiced shortbread - perfect to enjoy as you power through the book with a cup of tea!
Full disclosure, cozy mysteries are not a genre I tend to choose often, but I enjoyed reading this one. It's a quick read with short chapters and though at the start, it feels like there are a lot of characters, they are easy to keep track of and the majority of the characters have interesting back stories with some depth.
Much like an Agatha Christie, there are a number of suspects and I enjoyed exploring all the possible scenarios. I will say that the end surprised me with a twist I didn't see coming, and, like a good cozy mystery, it had a warm, fuzzy ending.
A feel-good read that's perfect for the summer!
3.5 stars
"Retired librarian Neeti Shah was hoping for a restful life with her chai-loving friends, but when the body of a neighbor, a childhood friend of Neeti's, turns up dead and the killer’s MO is similar to that of Neeti's most recent book club read, things start to get out of control.
When Neeti hears a commotion at a neighbor’s house, she finds Rohit’s body sprawled across the bottom of the staircase with Agatha Christie’s The Dumb Witness nearby. Blackmailing his neighbors, threatening them with lawsuits, and calling them by nasty nicknames were only some of the hateful things that made him so disliked. But were they angry enough to kill?
Neeti is indebted to her old friend, and she's determined to find his killer. But she can't do it alone, so she enlists her mystery-loving friends, the Masala Chai Mystery Club, to get to the bottom of the murder.
But Neeti and her club members need to be careful. As more bodies turn up and more suspects start to appear, they’ll need to find the killer before they end up in hot water!"
M.J. Soni's debut novel is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries - lots of interesting, quirky characters, plot twists you won't expect and - bonus - recipes! Yes, there's the recipe for the Masala Chai spice mix at the end of the book, along with a couple of other recipes that use it, including this spiced shortbread - perfect to enjoy as you power through the book with a cup of tea!
Full disclosure, cozy mysteries are not a genre I tend to choose often, but I enjoyed reading this one. It's a quick read with short chapters and though at the start, it feels like there are a lot of characters, they are easy to keep track of and the majority of the characters have interesting back stories with some depth.
Much like an Agatha Christie, there are a number of suspects and I enjoyed exploring all the possible scenarios. I will say that the end surprised me with a twist I didn't see coming, and, like a good cozy mystery, it had a warm, fuzzy ending.
A feel-good read that's perfect for the summer!
3.5 stars
July 30, 2026
This was so much more than a cozy mystery.
I was completely hooked from the start, invested not only in solving the murder but in the ragtag team of amateur detectives at its heart. Every character felt wonderfully developed, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way, my heart pounding during the story's most suspenseful moments.
What really elevated this book for me, though, was the way it treated the victim. Although almost everyone considered him an awful person (leaving no shortage of suspects), the story never let him become just another unlikeable murder victim. Through the protagonist—and the quiet hints of a shared childhood history—I found myself empathizing with him and hoping he would receive the justice he deserved.
That history, when finally revealed, absolutely shattered me. It was a beautifully written, heartbreaking moment that made the entire story even more meaningful. I 100% cried.
The mystery itself was immensely satisfying. I loved forming theories along the way, getting some right and plenty wrong, and the ending delivered exactly what I was hoping for. Equal parts cozy, suspenseful, and deeply emotional, this was an unforgettable read.
The audiobook narration deserves its own standing ovation—or, at the very least, its own paragraph. The solo narrator was absolutely incredible, seamlessly juggling a large cast of distinct voices, several challenging accents (just ask Matt Damon how he feels about nailing the South African accent), and every emotional beat the story demanded. Deepa Samuel brought so much warmth, humor, tension, and heart to these characters that I was completely captivated from beginning to end. I was so enthralled by her performance that I listened to nearly the entire audiobook in one sitting. If you're debating between formats, I can't recommend the audiobook highly enough.
I was completely hooked from the start, invested not only in solving the murder but in the ragtag team of amateur detectives at its heart. Every character felt wonderfully developed, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way, my heart pounding during the story's most suspenseful moments.
What really elevated this book for me, though, was the way it treated the victim. Although almost everyone considered him an awful person (leaving no shortage of suspects), the story never let him become just another unlikeable murder victim. Through the protagonist—and the quiet hints of a shared childhood history—I found myself empathizing with him and hoping he would receive the justice he deserved.
That history, when finally revealed, absolutely shattered me. It was a beautifully written, heartbreaking moment that made the entire story even more meaningful. I 100% cried.
The mystery itself was immensely satisfying. I loved forming theories along the way, getting some right and plenty wrong, and the ending delivered exactly what I was hoping for. Equal parts cozy, suspenseful, and deeply emotional, this was an unforgettable read.
The audiobook narration deserves its own standing ovation—or, at the very least, its own paragraph. The solo narrator was absolutely incredible, seamlessly juggling a large cast of distinct voices, several challenging accents (just ask Matt Damon how he feels about nailing the South African accent), and every emotional beat the story demanded. Deepa Samuel brought so much warmth, humor, tension, and heart to these characters that I was completely captivated from beginning to end. I was so enthralled by her performance that I listened to nearly the entire audiobook in one sitting. If you're debating between formats, I can't recommend the audiobook highly enough.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What to do when you know someone was murdered and no one believes you...
That's what drove Neeti and her friends to form The Masala Chai Mystery Club when their Homeowner's Association President is found dead. I was attracted to this story because of the diversity of the characters. I also liked that it was a group sleuthing, each with their own speciality, reminiscent of The Thursday Murder. That being said, I have not yet connected with them.
Widowed and retired, Neeti is not sure who she is anymore and where she fits in. Niece Myra is the same, but on the other end, just starting out and not sure who she is. Sweet Ved is sometimes caught in the middle.
At times, I felt there was too much going on. I got a little lost at one point, but luckily in the next few pages, I got back on track. I absolutely loved the description of Neeti's sarees. They sounded absolutely gorgeous.
With all the references to Agatha Christie's The Dumb Witness, I need to read it next. The book club had been discussing the book. If you love The Bard and someone who always has the right quote, then you adore Lawrence: Neeti's friend, neighbor, ex-prosecutor, Peggy's husband, and Parkinson's Disease fighter.
I was very glad that more information about Neeti and Rohit's past was given. I would have loved to know more about Rohit in his early years. Throughout, we were reminded how complex people are, not all good, not all bad.
Though I struggled at times to keep up and continue, I am glad I completed this book. I didn't see a designation that this was book 1 of a series, but it definitely reads like one. I want more.
Thank you, #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks, for the opportunity for the early read.
Happy Reading!
That's what drove Neeti and her friends to form The Masala Chai Mystery Club when their Homeowner's Association President is found dead. I was attracted to this story because of the diversity of the characters. I also liked that it was a group sleuthing, each with their own speciality, reminiscent of The Thursday Murder. That being said, I have not yet connected with them.
Widowed and retired, Neeti is not sure who she is anymore and where she fits in. Niece Myra is the same, but on the other end, just starting out and not sure who she is. Sweet Ved is sometimes caught in the middle.
At times, I felt there was too much going on. I got a little lost at one point, but luckily in the next few pages, I got back on track. I absolutely loved the description of Neeti's sarees. They sounded absolutely gorgeous.
With all the references to Agatha Christie's The Dumb Witness, I need to read it next. The book club had been discussing the book. If you love The Bard and someone who always has the right quote, then you adore Lawrence: Neeti's friend, neighbor, ex-prosecutor, Peggy's husband, and Parkinson's Disease fighter.
I was very glad that more information about Neeti and Rohit's past was given. I would have loved to know more about Rohit in his early years. Throughout, we were reminded how complex people are, not all good, not all bad.
Though I struggled at times to keep up and continue, I am glad I completed this book. I didn't see a designation that this was book 1 of a series, but it definitely reads like one. I want more.
Thank you, #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks, for the opportunity for the early read.
Happy Reading!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed this very cute cozy mystery which drew a lot of influence from Agatha Christie (specifically the book Dumb Witness) although the setting is a community on Long Island and features a mix of characters respectively from India, South Africa, and elsewhere, and the local HOA features prominently.
Neeti is a retiree who has been forced out of her job as a librarian due to local budget cuts. She’s feeling adrift due to that and the relatively recent death of her husband. Her niece Myra and Myra’s son Dev live with her, however life isn’t too livened up until her difficult neighbor, Rohit is found dead. Myra teams up with her family and neighbors and a sympathetic cop to solve the mystery with the help of the book Dumb Witness which is left at the crime scene as a major clue. Of course Rohit also has a dog who is rescued by Neeti similar to Bob the dog in the Christie book.
The plot was a typical cozy mystery with wacky characters and featured multiple view points which usually is interesting, but in this case didn’t actually add much. There also seemed to be a lot of plot filler which was the crew just going around interviewing people which got a little tedious. There was also a big reveal which had the potential to have much more of an emotional impact but fell flat.
That said, the book was fun, cute, the characters were interesting, and I always love a cozy mystery that incorporates a food/drink element (in this case masala chai!!). I also appreciated the Christie homage without this being a ripoff of the original book. If this becomes a series I hope it finds its footing.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This review is my honest opinion.
Neeti is a retiree who has been forced out of her job as a librarian due to local budget cuts. She’s feeling adrift due to that and the relatively recent death of her husband. Her niece Myra and Myra’s son Dev live with her, however life isn’t too livened up until her difficult neighbor, Rohit is found dead. Myra teams up with her family and neighbors and a sympathetic cop to solve the mystery with the help of the book Dumb Witness which is left at the crime scene as a major clue. Of course Rohit also has a dog who is rescued by Neeti similar to Bob the dog in the Christie book.
The plot was a typical cozy mystery with wacky characters and featured multiple view points which usually is interesting, but in this case didn’t actually add much. There also seemed to be a lot of plot filler which was the crew just going around interviewing people which got a little tedious. There was also a big reveal which had the potential to have much more of an emotional impact but fell flat.
That said, the book was fun, cute, the characters were interesting, and I always love a cozy mystery that incorporates a food/drink element (in this case masala chai!!). I also appreciated the Christie homage without this being a ripoff of the original book. If this becomes a series I hope it finds its footing.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This review is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book, although a fun read, is a little slow to start. I was quite excited to read this one because the title made it sound so fun. I was expecting little jokes here and there and, you know, not a lot of seriousness honestly. But this book was somewhat serious. Neeti Shah, our dear protagonist, is a retired librarian who suffers from an existential crisis like it is her job now. She cannot seem to settle into an idle life.
So when her next-door neighbour and childhood friend Rohit dies, it becomes a good hobby to occupy her. Thus, the Masala Chai Mystery Club comes into being.
Overall, it is a good story. The themes of family and loneliness and, of course, fraud are well explored. The cast is quite diverse, and it is not pushed to the point where it becomes annoying that they are. It is subtle, but you can see it. The references to Agatha Christie’s Dumb Witness and the fact that I could not figure out who the killer was until the very last second are, of course, good things.
The characters are well-developed, and you are intrigued by their actions. I liked Neeti as a character, but she was a bit too fast at making conclusions. I also really liked the dog, which plays a major role in solving the case. I liked how the story drew connections to Christie’s work as well.
This is a debut novel, and it does show. There is a lot of room for improvement. The foundation of the story is strong, and there are a few twists, but the buildup needs to improve. I really, really wanted to like the book more, and that may have affected my expectations of the author. Sometimes the writing felt a bit stiff and unflowing. Despite these issues, I kept reading because the plot was very interesting and I genuinely wanted to know how it would be resolved.
It is not a bad book. It just needs that little sparkle on top. All in all, a good cosy mystery and a light read.
So when her next-door neighbour and childhood friend Rohit dies, it becomes a good hobby to occupy her. Thus, the Masala Chai Mystery Club comes into being.
Overall, it is a good story. The themes of family and loneliness and, of course, fraud are well explored. The cast is quite diverse, and it is not pushed to the point where it becomes annoying that they are. It is subtle, but you can see it. The references to Agatha Christie’s Dumb Witness and the fact that I could not figure out who the killer was until the very last second are, of course, good things.
The characters are well-developed, and you are intrigued by their actions. I liked Neeti as a character, but she was a bit too fast at making conclusions. I also really liked the dog, which plays a major role in solving the case. I liked how the story drew connections to Christie’s work as well.
This is a debut novel, and it does show. There is a lot of room for improvement. The foundation of the story is strong, and there are a few twists, but the buildup needs to improve. I really, really wanted to like the book more, and that may have affected my expectations of the author. Sometimes the writing felt a bit stiff and unflowing. Despite these issues, I kept reading because the plot was very interesting and I genuinely wanted to know how it would be resolved.
It is not a bad book. It just needs that little sparkle on top. All in all, a good cosy mystery and a light read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed reading The Masala Chai Mystery Club. It was light-hearted, cosy, and thoroughly entertaining. The story follows Neeti, a retired librarian, and her friends as they attempt to solve a murder in their locality.
The characters were diverse and distinct, and I loved each of them. The writing was easy to read and immersive. I also liked how Neeti and Rohit's backstory was revealed at the end. There were subtle themes of racism and how women are looked down on in the story, which I appreciated.
There were a lot of snack items mentioned in this book—a looooooot. And just when I thought there couldn't possibly be any more food, along came biriyani. I'm not usually a biriyani person, but now I really need to eat some. 😋🥲
This was such a fun read, and I might be a little biased. As much as I enjoy weird and unsettling stories, I also have a soft spot for cosy ones like this. I'll probably end up getting a copy to reread someday.
The best way to read this book is surely at teatime with a cup of chai. 😁
Also, Myra was a very interesting choice of name. 🤭 (No offence to all the real Myras out there.)
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"A kind of Stockholm Syndrome took hold of her, where books written in English by English colonizers were more appealing than those by Indian authors and in Indian languages."
The characters were diverse and distinct, and I loved each of them. The writing was easy to read and immersive. I also liked how Neeti and Rohit's backstory was revealed at the end. There were subtle themes of racism and how women are looked down on in the story, which I appreciated.
There were a lot of snack items mentioned in this book—a looooooot. And just when I thought there couldn't possibly be any more food, along came biriyani. I'm not usually a biriyani person, but now I really need to eat some. 😋🥲
This was such a fun read, and I might be a little biased. As much as I enjoy weird and unsettling stories, I also have a soft spot for cosy ones like this. I'll probably end up getting a copy to reread someday.
The best way to read this book is surely at teatime with a cup of chai. 😁
Also, Myra was a very interesting choice of name. 🤭 (No offence to all the real Myras out there.)
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2026
The Masala Chai Mystery Club was written in a way to be accessible to so many audiences. Deepa Samuel took MJ Soni’s prose, gave it life, and wove it into the coziest of mysteries. By the end, I felt like I should refer to the protagonist as Neeti Auntie.
Neeti Shah began the book as a fairly recently widowed librarian who was being forcibly retired, due to budget concerns. The powers that be in her town decided that the new replacement library could be hired at a fraction of what they were paying the well-seasoned librarian that they had in Neeti.
Neeti had opened her home to her niece and grand-nephew when they found themselves down on their luck, which suited the recently widowed Neeti well.
Unfortunately for everyone in Neeti’s neighborhood, the local HOA was very intrusive and cliquey. When one of the HOA members was found unresponsive at the bottom of his stairs, Neeti and her band of friends set out to figure out what happened.
This became the birth of the Masala Chai Mystery Club (The MCMC, for short).
All of the antics followed, including everyone being suspected of committing the crime, and everyone’s dirty laundry was eventually aired.
Soni’s ability to keep the mood light and cozy was remarkable, and I am so looking forward to the next installment, hoping that there will be more MCMC shenanigans in the future!
Thank you to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for this lovely unputdownable audio ARC!
Neeti Shah began the book as a fairly recently widowed librarian who was being forcibly retired, due to budget concerns. The powers that be in her town decided that the new replacement library could be hired at a fraction of what they were paying the well-seasoned librarian that they had in Neeti.
Neeti had opened her home to her niece and grand-nephew when they found themselves down on their luck, which suited the recently widowed Neeti well.
Unfortunately for everyone in Neeti’s neighborhood, the local HOA was very intrusive and cliquey. When one of the HOA members was found unresponsive at the bottom of his stairs, Neeti and her band of friends set out to figure out what happened.
This became the birth of the Masala Chai Mystery Club (The MCMC, for short).
All of the antics followed, including everyone being suspected of committing the crime, and everyone’s dirty laundry was eventually aired.
Soni’s ability to keep the mood light and cozy was remarkable, and I am so looking forward to the next installment, hoping that there will be more MCMC shenanigans in the future!
Thank you to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for this lovely unputdownable audio ARC!
August 7, 2026
There is something so soothing about a mature, no-nonsense, competent woman who takes charge of a mismanaged situation. And retired librarian Neeti Shah was exactly that. Neeti lives in a small community with a dramatic HOA, gossipy neighbors, and a murder mystery on her hands. Joining forces with her neighbors, Neeti is determined to get answers and hold the responsible people accountable.
This story had all the classic retirees-solve-a-murder ingredients. Neeti is the logical and methodical leader. Peggy is the quirky best friend with her husband, Lawrence, who provides the pearls of wisdom. Myra and her son are the young blood, and Megan the police officer is their inside source. Together, this motley crew recruits even more neighbors as Megan secretly works against her captain’s orders.
Overall, this book was exactly what I expected. There were some classic twists, several red herrings, and an overall cozy mystery atmosphere, which was all ideal for me. There were some moments where it felt like there were too many cooks in the kitchen, specifically in group settings. The characters would be discussing the plot at hand, and after pages of conversation, an additional character would join the dialogue with no introduction, giving me a jumpscare. Other than that, the book flowed and the plot kept me fully engrossed.
If you’re looking for a book to pique your interest, introduce you to a band of lovable characters, and encourage you to drink more chai, this is a perfect pick!
Thanks to BookSparks for the free book in exchange for an honest review!
This story had all the classic retirees-solve-a-murder ingredients. Neeti is the logical and methodical leader. Peggy is the quirky best friend with her husband, Lawrence, who provides the pearls of wisdom. Myra and her son are the young blood, and Megan the police officer is their inside source. Together, this motley crew recruits even more neighbors as Megan secretly works against her captain’s orders.
Overall, this book was exactly what I expected. There were some classic twists, several red herrings, and an overall cozy mystery atmosphere, which was all ideal for me. There were some moments where it felt like there were too many cooks in the kitchen, specifically in group settings. The characters would be discussing the plot at hand, and after pages of conversation, an additional character would join the dialogue with no introduction, giving me a jumpscare. Other than that, the book flowed and the plot kept me fully engrossed.
If you’re looking for a book to pique your interest, introduce you to a band of lovable characters, and encourage you to drink more chai, this is a perfect pick!
Thanks to BookSparks for the free book in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advanced copy in exchange for a review
As a fan of mysteries and cozy books, I've recently discovered that those two can coexist in the same book, and The Masala Chai Mystery Club is one of them.
Rohit was not beloved in the community, and everyone considered him not a good person, so when he dies and someone says he died of an accident, everyone decides to take it at face value.
Neeti is a retired librarian, who just couldn't help but feeling that her childhood friend Rohit's death was not due to a heart attack. After discovering a clue that Rohit left especially for her, she recruits her best friend Peggy and her husband Laurence, as well as her niece Myra and they do their own investigation. Thus, the Masala Chai Mystery Club was born.
I liked the strong relationships and the sense of community and found family in the book. The characters are diverse and each show part of their culture through food. The pacing is quite slow, but it takes time to allow us to get to know the characters and sit with them for a bit.
While the vibes are great, the execution of the whole mystery could be improved more.
I liked the Agatha Christie reference, and how this book pays homage to Dumb Witness. This is good for a debut novel, and definitely makes me want to keep an eye out for the other books M.J. Soni puts out.
As a fan of mysteries and cozy books, I've recently discovered that those two can coexist in the same book, and The Masala Chai Mystery Club is one of them.
Rohit was not beloved in the community, and everyone considered him not a good person, so when he dies and someone says he died of an accident, everyone decides to take it at face value.
Neeti is a retired librarian, who just couldn't help but feeling that her childhood friend Rohit's death was not due to a heart attack. After discovering a clue that Rohit left especially for her, she recruits her best friend Peggy and her husband Laurence, as well as her niece Myra and they do their own investigation. Thus, the Masala Chai Mystery Club was born.
I liked the strong relationships and the sense of community and found family in the book. The characters are diverse and each show part of their culture through food. The pacing is quite slow, but it takes time to allow us to get to know the characters and sit with them for a bit.
While the vibes are great, the execution of the whole mystery could be improved more.
I liked the Agatha Christie reference, and how this book pays homage to Dumb Witness. This is good for a debut novel, and definitely makes me want to keep an eye out for the other books M.J. Soni puts out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"We all could've been better people if life had given us the right opportunities at the right time. But life is selfish and unpredictable."
3.5/5. Although I don't read a whole lot of mystery books, I found this story quite fun. The dynamic between the members of the Chai Masala Mystery Club was endearing, and the whole "small neighbourhood" setting was nicely painted. I like how the story mostly remained grounded, although I did cringe at a few scenes and characters, but that is totally due to personal preference.
I was a little confused by the POV switch from Neeti to Myra, which was unexpected to me and not evenly distributed throughout the book. I get that it gives the readers more insight into the plot, but I wonder if it was truly necessary considering the omnipresent storytelling. I also felt that some things were repeated a little too many times —mostly Neeti's guesses and clues. I believe that we can give the readers more credit for remembering details about the investigation.
As always, I appreciated the bits that shone a light on discrimination and various social issues. This really was an enjoyable read, with an overall good pace in my opinion. I thought it was lovely of the author to share Chai recipes at the end of the book. The cover illustration is very pretty and colourful! If I may add something as a graphic designer, I don't think that the title design looks very polished, nor does it help reading the letters.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for the ARC.
3.5/5. Although I don't read a whole lot of mystery books, I found this story quite fun. The dynamic between the members of the Chai Masala Mystery Club was endearing, and the whole "small neighbourhood" setting was nicely painted. I like how the story mostly remained grounded, although I did cringe at a few scenes and characters, but that is totally due to personal preference.
I was a little confused by the POV switch from Neeti to Myra, which was unexpected to me and not evenly distributed throughout the book. I get that it gives the readers more insight into the plot, but I wonder if it was truly necessary considering the omnipresent storytelling. I also felt that some things were repeated a little too many times —mostly Neeti's guesses and clues. I believe that we can give the readers more credit for remembering details about the investigation.
As always, I appreciated the bits that shone a light on discrimination and various social issues. This really was an enjoyable read, with an overall good pace in my opinion. I thought it was lovely of the author to share Chai recipes at the end of the book. The cover illustration is very pretty and colourful! If I may add something as a graphic designer, I don't think that the title design looks very polished, nor does it help reading the letters.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What first caught my eye about The Masala Chai Mystery Club was its colourful cover - a woman in a saree, sipping tea - which instantly stood out to me. The idea of a mystery club led by Neeti, a retired librarian, her niece, and fellow neighbours solving a murder sounded fun, quirky, and exactly the kind of mystery I was in the mood for.
Very quickly, this light-hearted neighbourhood mystery drew me in, with each character seemingly having their own possible motive. I actually ended up finishing this over the weekend and found it to be such a comical, cosy, and enjoyable read. The characters felt clearly defined, each with their own distinct voice, interests, and personalities.
I especially loved the blend of modern-day life with rich cultural touches - from history and clothing to food, and of course…masala chai!
This was the perfect palate cleanser between the darker thrillers I’ve been reading lately, and I can definitely see this becoming a series. I’d happily follow the Masala Chai Mystery Club on another case…perhaps one while away on holiday?
If you’re looking for a murder mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously, full of warmth, humour, and vibrant culture, this one may be for you.
Thank you @netgalley, @crookedlanebooks and @mjsoniauthor for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed here are my own.
Very quickly, this light-hearted neighbourhood mystery drew me in, with each character seemingly having their own possible motive. I actually ended up finishing this over the weekend and found it to be such a comical, cosy, and enjoyable read. The characters felt clearly defined, each with their own distinct voice, interests, and personalities.
I especially loved the blend of modern-day life with rich cultural touches - from history and clothing to food, and of course…masala chai!
This was the perfect palate cleanser between the darker thrillers I’ve been reading lately, and I can definitely see this becoming a series. I’d happily follow the Masala Chai Mystery Club on another case…perhaps one while away on holiday?
If you’re looking for a murder mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously, full of warmth, humour, and vibrant culture, this one may be for you.
Thank you @netgalley, @crookedlanebooks and @mjsoniauthor for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed here are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews