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The Figure in the Fog
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July 12, 2026
If you love legal dramas, courtroom thrillers, or crime TV shows, this book deserves a spot on your TBR. From the very first page, it had me hooked. It genuinely felt like I was watching a gripping legal series unfold scene by scene. 🎬⚖️
What fascinated me the most is that the story is inspired by the real case State of Orissa v. Ram Bahadur Thapa (AIR 1960 Ori 161). In this case, a Nepali servant fatally struck village women with a khukuri after genuinely mistaking them for ghosts in the darkness near an abandoned aerodrome. The Orissa High Court acquitted him under Section 79 of the Indian Penal Code, holding that he had acted under a mistake of fact in good faith. That real-life case alone was enough to capture my curiosity. 👀
Naturally, I Googled the case and read all the details before starting the book. I was eager to see how the author would adapt such an extraordinary case into fiction and she did it brilliantly. The execution was incredible, and I couldn't stop turning the pages to see how everything would unfold. 👏✨
Being a practicing lawyer with fifteen years of experience, Manini Brar brings authenticity to every courtroom scene. Her writing is engaging, sharp, and immersive. There are a few Hindi-English conversations throughout the book. As a South Indian who understands Hindi, I didn't find them difficult to follow. 😊
The book also left me thinking. As readers, it's easy to say that whoever commits a crime must face the consequences. But from a lawyer's perspective, their duty is to defend their client within the boundaries of the law. Still, at the end of the day, justice must be served. ⚖️❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A gripping legal thriller that felt like binge-watching a courtroom drama!
What fascinated me the most is that the story is inspired by the real case State of Orissa v. Ram Bahadur Thapa (AIR 1960 Ori 161). In this case, a Nepali servant fatally struck village women with a khukuri after genuinely mistaking them for ghosts in the darkness near an abandoned aerodrome. The Orissa High Court acquitted him under Section 79 of the Indian Penal Code, holding that he had acted under a mistake of fact in good faith. That real-life case alone was enough to capture my curiosity. 👀
Naturally, I Googled the case and read all the details before starting the book. I was eager to see how the author would adapt such an extraordinary case into fiction and she did it brilliantly. The execution was incredible, and I couldn't stop turning the pages to see how everything would unfold. 👏✨
Being a practicing lawyer with fifteen years of experience, Manini Brar brings authenticity to every courtroom scene. Her writing is engaging, sharp, and immersive. There are a few Hindi-English conversations throughout the book. As a South Indian who understands Hindi, I didn't find them difficult to follow. 😊
The book also left me thinking. As readers, it's easy to say that whoever commits a crime must face the consequences. But from a lawyer's perspective, their duty is to defend their client within the boundaries of the law. Still, at the end of the day, justice must be served. ⚖️❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A gripping legal thriller that felt like binge-watching a courtroom drama!
July 16, 2026
"How do you defend a boy who confessed to killing something that doesn't exist?"
Now that's how you open a book.
The Figure in the Fog starts with an irresistible premise and quickly proves it's much more than a courtroom thriller.
Delhi lawyer Malti Jakhar is about to walk away from litigation when she's asked to defend Gola Pitthan, a young tribal boy who claims he killed a djinn. Strange? Of course. But the deeper Malti digs, the clearer it becomes that this case isn't about proving whether a djinn exists - it's about understanding the people who believe it does.
As the investigation unfolds, the story explores folklore, tribal traditions, land rights, politics and the hidden biases that more often than not, shape justice. Every chapter peels back another layer, making the mystery as thought-provoking as it is intriguing.
The real standout, though, is Malti. Sharp, grounded and willing to question every detail, she's the kind of protagonist you genuinely want to follow into another case.
My only gripe is that it takes a little while for the actual plot and the drama to commence. This isn't a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller, but a slow-burning legal mystery that rewards your patience with rich storytelling.
If you enjoy mysteries with substance, strong characters and plenty to think about long after the final page, this one is well worth picking up.
Thank you, @juggernaut.in for this review copy.
Rated: 3.75/5
Now that's how you open a book.
The Figure in the Fog starts with an irresistible premise and quickly proves it's much more than a courtroom thriller.
Delhi lawyer Malti Jakhar is about to walk away from litigation when she's asked to defend Gola Pitthan, a young tribal boy who claims he killed a djinn. Strange? Of course. But the deeper Malti digs, the clearer it becomes that this case isn't about proving whether a djinn exists - it's about understanding the people who believe it does.
As the investigation unfolds, the story explores folklore, tribal traditions, land rights, politics and the hidden biases that more often than not, shape justice. Every chapter peels back another layer, making the mystery as thought-provoking as it is intriguing.
The real standout, though, is Malti. Sharp, grounded and willing to question every detail, she's the kind of protagonist you genuinely want to follow into another case.
My only gripe is that it takes a little while for the actual plot and the drama to commence. This isn't a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller, but a slow-burning legal mystery that rewards your patience with rich storytelling.
If you enjoy mysteries with substance, strong characters and plenty to think about long after the final page, this one is well worth picking up.
Thank you, @juggernaut.in for this review copy.
Rated: 3.75/5
June 29, 2026
An incredible read. The kind of unputdownable and challenging fiction we need more of. I would force every student and individual, across disciplines, to read it if I could. It’s witty, funny, sobering and complex all at the same time. It simultaneously infuriated and inspired me, and is the first book I’ve finished in a long time, that too in just two sittings.
The author has done a brilliant job indeed. The book is engaging and readable across age groups. Without exaggeration, it’s up there with the likes of Khaled Hosseini for me. It's a true masterpiece considering the way the author weaves grave contemporary issues into the story with ease and humour, while ensuring none of their heft, gravitas or impact is lost.
All in all, a very engaging read that brought me out of a reading slump. So glad I didn’t have to put any thought into picking it up, being a regular reader of the author’s slice of life column called The Obiter Truth published on Bar and Bench - I rightly knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. Should definitely be on everyone's reading list!
The author has done a brilliant job indeed. The book is engaging and readable across age groups. Without exaggeration, it’s up there with the likes of Khaled Hosseini for me. It's a true masterpiece considering the way the author weaves grave contemporary issues into the story with ease and humour, while ensuring none of their heft, gravitas or impact is lost.
All in all, a very engaging read that brought me out of a reading slump. So glad I didn’t have to put any thought into picking it up, being a regular reader of the author’s slice of life column called The Obiter Truth published on Bar and Bench - I rightly knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. Should definitely be on everyone's reading list!
July 31, 2026
I picked up The Figure in the Fog expecting a mystery, but I never imagined the story would unfold the way it did. Long after I finished the last page, I kept thinking about one question: Who really creates the monsters we fear?
One of the most fascinating aspects of the novel is the idea of the Djnn. What begins as a belief passed down through generations gradually transforms into something far more unsettling. The book brilliantly explores how stories, fear, and repeated narratives can shape perceptions to the point where an ordinary human being is eventually seen as something inhuman. It made me wonder how often history is written by those with power, while the other side quietly disappears.
The transformation of the forest community was equally thought-provoking. Their traditions were rooted in nature, finding divinity in rivers, forests, and every living thing. Watching those beliefs slowly change through outside influence into idol worship, temple rituals, and practices that were never originally theirs was both fascinating and disturbing. It felt like a commentary on how cultures evolve, and sometimes lose themselves, when manipulated for someone else's agenda.
The courtroom scenes were another highlight. Malti's arguments never relied on theatrics. Instead, they carefully peeled back layers of assumptions, making every cross-examination engaging. Whether justice truly prevails or not almost becomes secondary because the novel reminds us that narratives often outlive facts.
I also loved the old bard's storytelling. Through his recollections, we witness how years of political interference, fear, and carefully crafted propaganda can turn lifelong friendships into bitter rivalries. It is unsettling because it doesn't feel like a story confined to fiction. It reflects how societies can be divided when people benefit from creating an "other."
On a lighter note, Chandan Pal's English had me smiling throughout the book. His dialogues reminded me of people I've met in real life, making his character feel wonderfully authentic. And yes, Malti's reference to Rachel Zane and Mike Ross made me want to finally start watching Suits!
I initially read just 5 to 10 pages a day, but somewhere along the way, the story quietly pulled me in. I ended up finishing the rest in a single sitting because I simply had to know what happened next.
My only small suggestion would be to provide translations for some of the Hindi phrases. While they add authenticity, brief translations would make the novel even more accessible to readers unfamiliar with the language.
The Figure in the Fog is much more than a mystery. It is a compelling exploration of memory, identity, politics, and the stories societies choose to preserve. It reminds us that traditions can change, friendships can become enmities, and sometimes the scariest figures in the fog are the ones we create ourselves.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the novel is the idea of the Djnn. What begins as a belief passed down through generations gradually transforms into something far more unsettling. The book brilliantly explores how stories, fear, and repeated narratives can shape perceptions to the point where an ordinary human being is eventually seen as something inhuman. It made me wonder how often history is written by those with power, while the other side quietly disappears.
The transformation of the forest community was equally thought-provoking. Their traditions were rooted in nature, finding divinity in rivers, forests, and every living thing. Watching those beliefs slowly change through outside influence into idol worship, temple rituals, and practices that were never originally theirs was both fascinating and disturbing. It felt like a commentary on how cultures evolve, and sometimes lose themselves, when manipulated for someone else's agenda.
The courtroom scenes were another highlight. Malti's arguments never relied on theatrics. Instead, they carefully peeled back layers of assumptions, making every cross-examination engaging. Whether justice truly prevails or not almost becomes secondary because the novel reminds us that narratives often outlive facts.
I also loved the old bard's storytelling. Through his recollections, we witness how years of political interference, fear, and carefully crafted propaganda can turn lifelong friendships into bitter rivalries. It is unsettling because it doesn't feel like a story confined to fiction. It reflects how societies can be divided when people benefit from creating an "other."
On a lighter note, Chandan Pal's English had me smiling throughout the book. His dialogues reminded me of people I've met in real life, making his character feel wonderfully authentic. And yes, Malti's reference to Rachel Zane and Mike Ross made me want to finally start watching Suits!
I initially read just 5 to 10 pages a day, but somewhere along the way, the story quietly pulled me in. I ended up finishing the rest in a single sitting because I simply had to know what happened next.
My only small suggestion would be to provide translations for some of the Hindi phrases. While they add authenticity, brief translations would make the novel even more accessible to readers unfamiliar with the language.
The Figure in the Fog is much more than a mystery. It is a compelling exploration of memory, identity, politics, and the stories societies choose to preserve. It reminds us that traditions can change, friendships can become enmities, and sometimes the scariest figures in the fog are the ones we create ourselves.
July 17, 2026
The Figure in the Fog Manini Brar
"How do you defend a boy who confessed to killing something that doesn't exist?"
.
That single question is enough to pull you into The Figure in the Fog, but what follows is far richer than a conventional courtroom thriller.
Delhi lawyer Malti Jakhar is preparing to leave litigation behind when she is handed an unusual brief: defend Gola Pitthan, a young tribal boy who has confessed to murdering a djinn. While the confession sounds absurd on paper, Malti soon realizes that dismissing it as superstition would mean ignoring the world Gola comes from. As she travels into the forests inhabited by the Pitthan community, the case transforms from a legal battle into an exploration of belief, identity and power.
The mystery is never simply about whether a djinn exists. Instead, it asks what happens when deeply rooted folklore collides with modern law. Every witness, every statement and every piece of evidence forces Malti to question whether justice can truly be served without understanding the culture that shaped the accused. As the investigation deepens, the novel also exposes a darker landscape where land rights, tribal politics, administrative interests and institutional biases quietly influence the direction of the trial. The crime itself is only the surface; beneath it lies a story about who gets to control the narrative and whose voices are conveniently ignored.
What I enjoyed most was Malti herself. She isn't written as a larger-than-life crusader but as a lawyer willing to challenge her own assumptions. Her legal reasoning grounds the story, while her curiosity keeps the investigation moving at a measured, satisfying pace. By the end, it feels as though this is only the first chapter in Malti Jakhar's journey, and she has all the makings of a memorable recurring protagonist.
Manini Brar delivers a legal mystery that is as much about the stories people believe as the truths they choose to bury.
"How do you defend a boy who confessed to killing something that doesn't exist?"
.
That single question is enough to pull you into The Figure in the Fog, but what follows is far richer than a conventional courtroom thriller.
Delhi lawyer Malti Jakhar is preparing to leave litigation behind when she is handed an unusual brief: defend Gola Pitthan, a young tribal boy who has confessed to murdering a djinn. While the confession sounds absurd on paper, Malti soon realizes that dismissing it as superstition would mean ignoring the world Gola comes from. As she travels into the forests inhabited by the Pitthan community, the case transforms from a legal battle into an exploration of belief, identity and power.
The mystery is never simply about whether a djinn exists. Instead, it asks what happens when deeply rooted folklore collides with modern law. Every witness, every statement and every piece of evidence forces Malti to question whether justice can truly be served without understanding the culture that shaped the accused. As the investigation deepens, the novel also exposes a darker landscape where land rights, tribal politics, administrative interests and institutional biases quietly influence the direction of the trial. The crime itself is only the surface; beneath it lies a story about who gets to control the narrative and whose voices are conveniently ignored.
What I enjoyed most was Malti herself. She isn't written as a larger-than-life crusader but as a lawyer willing to challenge her own assumptions. Her legal reasoning grounds the story, while her curiosity keeps the investigation moving at a measured, satisfying pace. By the end, it feels as though this is only the first chapter in Malti Jakhar's journey, and she has all the makings of a memorable recurring protagonist.
Manini Brar delivers a legal mystery that is as much about the stories people believe as the truths they choose to bury.
July 20, 2026
As someone who enjoys watching courtroom dramas, The Figure in the Fog turned out to be a fascinating read. It begins with the unusual case of a young tribal boy who claims to have killed a djinn, but what unfolds is less about the supernatural and more about the beliefs, histories and systems that shape our understanding of truth and justice.
As Delhi lawyer Malti Jakhar travels deeper into the world of the Pitthan community, the novel slowly expands beyond the courtroom. Manini Brar explores folklore, tribal identity, land rights and institutional prejudice without allowing any one theme to overwhelm the mystery.
Beyond the mystery, it's the supporting cast that gives the novel its warmth. Brijendu, the overachiever who is Malti's competitor; Guneet, the best friend who never stops rooting for her; and Chandan Pal, the experienced clerk who keeps both the practice and its young lawyer grounded, all feel like people you could meet in real life. As a student of law, I particularly enjoyed the references to real Indian legal cases. They're easy to look up and add another layer of context to the story.
One aspect that didn't entirely work for me was Chandan Pal's heavily accented English. While it adds authenticity to his character, some of his dialogues were difficult to navigate and occasionally interrupted the flow of reading.
For a debut, The Figure in the Fog is an assured blend of legal fiction, mystery and social commentary. While the case reaches its conclusion, Malti's journey feels like it's only just beginning. I closed the book hoping this wouldn't be the last time we see her, because she's the kind of protagonist who makes you want to return, not just for another mystery, but to see how she grows with each one.
As Delhi lawyer Malti Jakhar travels deeper into the world of the Pitthan community, the novel slowly expands beyond the courtroom. Manini Brar explores folklore, tribal identity, land rights and institutional prejudice without allowing any one theme to overwhelm the mystery.
Beyond the mystery, it's the supporting cast that gives the novel its warmth. Brijendu, the overachiever who is Malti's competitor; Guneet, the best friend who never stops rooting for her; and Chandan Pal, the experienced clerk who keeps both the practice and its young lawyer grounded, all feel like people you could meet in real life. As a student of law, I particularly enjoyed the references to real Indian legal cases. They're easy to look up and add another layer of context to the story.
One aspect that didn't entirely work for me was Chandan Pal's heavily accented English. While it adds authenticity to his character, some of his dialogues were difficult to navigate and occasionally interrupted the flow of reading.
For a debut, The Figure in the Fog is an assured blend of legal fiction, mystery and social commentary. While the case reaches its conclusion, Malti's journey feels like it's only just beginning. I closed the book hoping this wouldn't be the last time we see her, because she's the kind of protagonist who makes you want to return, not just for another mystery, but to see how she grows with each one.
July 31, 2026
3.5/5⭐️
Imagine defending someone accused of murdering a djinn.
That’s the impossible case Delhi-based lawyer Malti Jakhar finds herself taking on. As she moves from the corridors of the Jhilmil District Court to the forests of Pitthoo in search of the truth, it becomes increasingly clear that reality is far more unsettling than the folklore surrounding it.
As the mystery unfolds, the book slowly begins to ask much bigger questions. About fear. About how fear turns into hatred, fuels the desire for supremacy, and creates the fear of the “other.” About how it is passed down across generations. How something false or made up, repeated like songs of glory or folklore, can slowly transform into blind belief and eventually be accepted as truth — until people no longer question what is right or wrong because they’ve been told the same story all their lives.
I genuinely couldn’t believe where this story was going. And when the truth finally unfolds, you realise that reality had been disguised as folklore, superstition, and murky politics all along. It leaves you questioning not just the events in the book but also the world we’re witnessing around us today.
The courtroom proceedings are engaging without feeling overwhelming, and because the author is a lawyer herself, the legal aspects feel authentic while remaining accessible. Chandan Pal was easily one of my favourite characters, adding just the right amount of humour to balance the tension.
If you enjoy courtroom dramas, legal mysteries, and stories where folklore, politics, and truth collide, The Figure in the Fog is worth picking up. The fact that it’s inspired by a real-life case from Odisha makes it even more compelling.
Imagine defending someone accused of murdering a djinn.
That’s the impossible case Delhi-based lawyer Malti Jakhar finds herself taking on. As she moves from the corridors of the Jhilmil District Court to the forests of Pitthoo in search of the truth, it becomes increasingly clear that reality is far more unsettling than the folklore surrounding it.
As the mystery unfolds, the book slowly begins to ask much bigger questions. About fear. About how fear turns into hatred, fuels the desire for supremacy, and creates the fear of the “other.” About how it is passed down across generations. How something false or made up, repeated like songs of glory or folklore, can slowly transform into blind belief and eventually be accepted as truth — until people no longer question what is right or wrong because they’ve been told the same story all their lives.
I genuinely couldn’t believe where this story was going. And when the truth finally unfolds, you realise that reality had been disguised as folklore, superstition, and murky politics all along. It leaves you questioning not just the events in the book but also the world we’re witnessing around us today.
The courtroom proceedings are engaging without feeling overwhelming, and because the author is a lawyer herself, the legal aspects feel authentic while remaining accessible. Chandan Pal was easily one of my favourite characters, adding just the right amount of humour to balance the tension.
If you enjoy courtroom dramas, legal mysteries, and stories where folklore, politics, and truth collide, The Figure in the Fog is worth picking up. The fact that it’s inspired by a real-life case from Odisha makes it even more compelling.
July 13, 2026
I finished this one in two sittings, which tells you most of what you need to know. It's a genuine page-turner: engaging from the start and hard to put down once you're in. I was compelled to keep reading, and the story rewarded that pull the whole way through.
What makes it work is the writing at ground level. The dialogue crackles, and the use of dialect gives the exchanges real texture and life — you can hear these people talking. It grounds the story and pulls you further in.
The heart of the book, though, is the central duo: the main lead and her clerk. Together they make for a wonderfully interesting pair, and the interplay between them carries the whole thing.
What elevates it further are the political themes and layers running through the story. They add a real sense of intrigue, giving the plot depth and keeping you guessing about where things are heading. The courtroom drama genuinely pulls you in — the tension of the case, the back-and-forth, the stakes all combine to keep you turning pages. It also helps that the author is a practising lawyer herself and that first-hand experience lends the story a refreshing truth, an authenticity you can feel in the way the legal world is drawn.
It's simply a very good story — well told, briskly paced, and satisfying. I would highly recommend it.
What makes it work is the writing at ground level. The dialogue crackles, and the use of dialect gives the exchanges real texture and life — you can hear these people talking. It grounds the story and pulls you further in.
The heart of the book, though, is the central duo: the main lead and her clerk. Together they make for a wonderfully interesting pair, and the interplay between them carries the whole thing.
What elevates it further are the political themes and layers running through the story. They add a real sense of intrigue, giving the plot depth and keeping you guessing about where things are heading. The courtroom drama genuinely pulls you in — the tension of the case, the back-and-forth, the stakes all combine to keep you turning pages. It also helps that the author is a practising lawyer herself and that first-hand experience lends the story a refreshing truth, an authenticity you can feel in the way the legal world is drawn.
It's simply a very good story — well told, briskly paced, and satisfying. I would highly recommend it.
July 22, 2026
It is a mind-blowing legal thriller that blends realism with courtroom drama in a thought-provoking and entertaining way. Something that talks about law, society, resilience and intensity through an Indian lens. The story begins with a young lawyer who is determined to carve her own path to success, different from the conventional route of a law firm. She sets up her own practice, accompanied by two other people, i.e. her clerk and assistant. The character of Malti is created very authentically, which is resilient, flawed, witty, and also sparring and conceding just like we are, and that makes us relate to her so much more. Then, there is a young man from a tribe in UP who believes he has killed a Dijnn. But later, he discovers that it was a human and not a djinn. Now, this bizarre case with a courtroom battle that exposes the blend of superstition, prejudice, injustice and whatnot through the plot. One of the strengths of the book that I felt was the originality of the story and the flow of its tone. The author talks about some heavy topics yet ensures there is still wit and humour, so it does not turn overwhelming for the reader, which is something I loved so much. If you want to read something that is witty and drama-filled, that shines light on social realities and darker explorations, then you might enjoy reading this.
August 3, 2026
Recently, I had the pleasure of reading Manini Brar’s hugely entertaining debut novel.
The protagonist of this riveting tale is struggling Delhi lawyer Malti Jakhar who takes up a unique and fascinating case in the hinterland of UP- the murder of a djinn! Together with her inimitable clerk, Chandan and her over-enthusiastic junior Charu, she battles heavy weight prosecution lawyers, scheming political organizations, and her own first-generation penury in the defense of an indefensible case. A panoply of entertaining characters add a hearty dose of zing to this legal pot pourri that is also a humorous reflection of the trials (pun intended) and tribulations of young lawyers struggling to make it in litigation. Inevitably, it hits too close to home. Yet through all the struggles and the challenges, Malti’s conviction shines through- a steadfast belief against the insidious politics of hate that seem to have permeated every corner of the country, including even the remote land of Chitrakoot.
At times pensive, at times hard-hitting, but always extremely engaging and outrightly, laugh-out-loud funny, a Figure in the Fog is unputdownable. Malti Jakhar and Chandan Pal’s hilarious journey to Pitthan is a topsy-turvy rollercoaster that you definitely need to be seated for.
The protagonist of this riveting tale is struggling Delhi lawyer Malti Jakhar who takes up a unique and fascinating case in the hinterland of UP- the murder of a djinn! Together with her inimitable clerk, Chandan and her over-enthusiastic junior Charu, she battles heavy weight prosecution lawyers, scheming political organizations, and her own first-generation penury in the defense of an indefensible case. A panoply of entertaining characters add a hearty dose of zing to this legal pot pourri that is also a humorous reflection of the trials (pun intended) and tribulations of young lawyers struggling to make it in litigation. Inevitably, it hits too close to home. Yet through all the struggles and the challenges, Malti’s conviction shines through- a steadfast belief against the insidious politics of hate that seem to have permeated every corner of the country, including even the remote land of Chitrakoot.
At times pensive, at times hard-hitting, but always extremely engaging and outrightly, laugh-out-loud funny, a Figure in the Fog is unputdownable. Malti Jakhar and Chandan Pal’s hilarious journey to Pitthan is a topsy-turvy rollercoaster that you definitely need to be seated for.
August 3, 2026
The Figure in the Fog by Manini Brar is one of those rare legal thrillers that isn't interested in racing from one courtroom twist to the next. Instead, it patiently builds a world where law, folklore, politics, tribal identity, and power intersect in uncomfortable ways. I went into the book expecting a conventional courtroom drama, but what I found was far more layered. The central premise—a young tribal boy confessing to the murder of a djinn—sounds fantastical, yet the novel uses that impossibility to ask a very real question: What is truth when justice itself is shaped by those who control the narrative?
What impressed me most was Malti Jakhar. She is sharp without being infallible, empathetic without becoming sentimental. Through her investigation, the novel gradually peels back the complexities of indigenous communities, language barriers, bureaucratic apathy, and the uneasy relationship between modern law and traditional belief systems. I also appreciated how the author resisted turning the tribal characters into stereotypes. Their customs and beliefs are presented with dignity, allowing readers to understand rather than dismiss them.
Read the full review here: https://aliveshadow.com/review-the-fi...
What impressed me most was Malti Jakhar. She is sharp without being infallible, empathetic without becoming sentimental. Through her investigation, the novel gradually peels back the complexities of indigenous communities, language barriers, bureaucratic apathy, and the uneasy relationship between modern law and traditional belief systems. I also appreciated how the author resisted turning the tribal characters into stereotypes. Their customs and beliefs are presented with dignity, allowing readers to understand rather than dismiss them.
Read the full review here: https://aliveshadow.com/review-the-fi...
August 26, 2026
"It is deeply disturbing, and it forces one to introspect where we are headed as a society. In a good world, a moral world, there should be no justification for killing, much less one that broadly bushes and entire group of people as bad or evil. It is against all tenants of legality and morality that a man should be subjected to violence only because he belongs to a race, religion, cast or tribe. These are hardly ever of one's own choosing. Day after day we accept and normalise anger towards one another. In the streets, on public buses, in a movie theatre, people gather in groups and shout, abuse, assault each other for no apparent reason. Yet we stand by and do nothing. Our children are watching us and learning from us. They are learning that violence is a way of life."
These are the concluding remarks of the Judge when he pronounces the Judgement in the case that might change Malti's legal career. Just like all of us freshers, Malti is looking to keep her legal practice afloat, when she gets the most intriguing case.
Manini Brar has fictionalised all the struggles of a first generation women lawyer.
The only complaint that one can have is that the author barely enters into the complex issue that makes the core issue of the book.
These are the concluding remarks of the Judge when he pronounces the Judgement in the case that might change Malti's legal career. Just like all of us freshers, Malti is looking to keep her legal practice afloat, when she gets the most intriguing case.
Manini Brar has fictionalised all the struggles of a first generation women lawyer.
The only complaint that one can have is that the author barely enters into the complex issue that makes the core issue of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2026
So this wasn't a supernatural legal thriller like I had assumed. Yes, it definitely had all the folklore-ey vibes, but the reality was something much much more real.
What do you do if a person commits a treason thinking it to be a good thing? What if someone is SO brainwashed with false beliefs that they do the wrong thing believing it to be their prerogative to do it? Does the intent matter more than the outcome - no matter how brutal the latter is? Someone is to blame definitely, question is whom - the blind belief or the brainwashers?
I enjoyed reading Malti present her arguments in court for the boy Gola who has killed a man, the boy fully believing the man to be a djinn. It brought forth to light a lot of deep rooted understanding about our perceptions about right and wrong and most importantly society's impact on our own ethics. In today's world where people have such herd like mentality, it's very hard to listen for the truth when everyone around keeps shouting their own versions of truth. I hope one day soon, people have the patience to pause and think past all the illusions.
What do you do if a person commits a treason thinking it to be a good thing? What if someone is SO brainwashed with false beliefs that they do the wrong thing believing it to be their prerogative to do it? Does the intent matter more than the outcome - no matter how brutal the latter is? Someone is to blame definitely, question is whom - the blind belief or the brainwashers?
I enjoyed reading Malti present her arguments in court for the boy Gola who has killed a man, the boy fully believing the man to be a djinn. It brought forth to light a lot of deep rooted understanding about our perceptions about right and wrong and most importantly society's impact on our own ethics. In today's world where people have such herd like mentality, it's very hard to listen for the truth when everyone around keeps shouting their own versions of truth. I hope one day soon, people have the patience to pause and think past all the illusions.
July 7, 2026
Indian legal fiction is an exceedingly niche genre. Writers are few and far in between and it is challenging to find captivating prose. This is quite surprising considering the quaint and farcical incidents that take place in our Courts.
In ‘The Figure in the Fog’, Manini Brar has created an almost Rumpolesque Malti Jakhar - a young, South Delhi "vakil sahiba" who is equally at home at Tis Hazari as she is at Tilak Marg. Her rustically urbane clerk - Chandanpal - is the perfect foil to Malti’s urban sensibilities.
Cleverly inspired by a real Indian case - the story conveys a larger message about the ephemeral nature of absolute justice (the actual ‘figure in the fog’?), without being too preachy or philosophical.
Some parts may seem more relatable to those from Delhi legal circles but the sardonic humour perfectly captures that ubiquitous feeling of futility that hits every Indian litigator, every now and then.
Definitely an enjoyable read! One looks forward to reading more of Jakhar and co.
In ‘The Figure in the Fog’, Manini Brar has created an almost Rumpolesque Malti Jakhar - a young, South Delhi "vakil sahiba" who is equally at home at Tis Hazari as she is at Tilak Marg. Her rustically urbane clerk - Chandanpal - is the perfect foil to Malti’s urban sensibilities.
Cleverly inspired by a real Indian case - the story conveys a larger message about the ephemeral nature of absolute justice (the actual ‘figure in the fog’?), without being too preachy or philosophical.
Some parts may seem more relatable to those from Delhi legal circles but the sardonic humour perfectly captures that ubiquitous feeling of futility that hits every Indian litigator, every now and then.
Definitely an enjoyable read! One looks forward to reading more of Jakhar and co.
July 15, 2026
If you love courtroom dramas laced with political intrigue, add this one to your TBR immediately. Malti Jakhar, a South Delhi lawyer, picks up a case everyone else dismissed as too bizarre to touch, and the deeper she digs, the murkier things get.
Malti's dynamic with her clerk Chandanpal is an absolute delight; their banter alone is worth the read. Add in the political undercurrents and the courtroom tension, and you have got a story that's genuinely hard to put down.
Brar is a practising lawyer herself, and that realness and experience seeps into every page. The legal world here feels real, not researched. The writing is witty, sharp, and also quite moving, this is Indian legal fiction done right.
What really stays with you, though, is how the book refuses to hand you easy answers. The case gets cracked in ways you don't see coming, and by the end, you are left thinking about justice itself, how slippery and fog-like it actually is.
It's rare to find a legal thriller this entertaining that's also this thoughtful.
Definitely recommend this!
Malti's dynamic with her clerk Chandanpal is an absolute delight; their banter alone is worth the read. Add in the political undercurrents and the courtroom tension, and you have got a story that's genuinely hard to put down.
Brar is a practising lawyer herself, and that realness and experience seeps into every page. The legal world here feels real, not researched. The writing is witty, sharp, and also quite moving, this is Indian legal fiction done right.
What really stays with you, though, is how the book refuses to hand you easy answers. The case gets cracked in ways you don't see coming, and by the end, you are left thinking about justice itself, how slippery and fog-like it actually is.
It's rare to find a legal thriller this entertaining that's also this thoughtful.
Definitely recommend this!
July 22, 2026
THE FIGURE IN THE FOG - MANINI BRAR
Malti Jakhar is a smart stylish but struggling lawyer in Delhi who lands a case where she has to defend a young tribal boy who confessed to murdering a djinn.
As she digs deeper into the case she finds that the case is layered with superstition, politics and to avail justice she will have to rely on other means as the trial was always rigged to fail.
.
This book is inspired by the verdict of a real life case - State of Orissa Vs Ram Bahadur, AIR 1960 ORI 161 - taking this and creating a fictional legal thriller drama which blends superstitions esp among tribal and backward communities with local politics mixed in the story.
Coming from a family of lawyers, I find law esp offbeat unique cases very interesting and that's y I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one esp the bond between Malti and Chandan Pal esp his Hindi mixed with English one liners which added humour to the story.
If legal drama is your jam then check out this real life inspired fictional book The Figure in the Fog.
Malti Jakhar is a smart stylish but struggling lawyer in Delhi who lands a case where she has to defend a young tribal boy who confessed to murdering a djinn.
As she digs deeper into the case she finds that the case is layered with superstition, politics and to avail justice she will have to rely on other means as the trial was always rigged to fail.
.
This book is inspired by the verdict of a real life case - State of Orissa Vs Ram Bahadur, AIR 1960 ORI 161 - taking this and creating a fictional legal thriller drama which blends superstitions esp among tribal and backward communities with local politics mixed in the story.
Coming from a family of lawyers, I find law esp offbeat unique cases very interesting and that's y I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one esp the bond between Malti and Chandan Pal esp his Hindi mixed with English one liners which added humour to the story.
If legal drama is your jam then check out this real life inspired fictional book The Figure in the Fog.
July 28, 2026
A peculiar case. A confession that makes absolutely no sense. The Figure in the Fog talks about a young tribal boy who admits to killing a djinn. Lawyer Malti Jakhar is tasked with defending him. It all begins as an unusual legal battle leading her far beyond the courtroom into a world where folklore, politics, power and justice become impossible to separate.
This turned out to be just what I was hoping for. A perfect story based on an actual court case. It's cleverly written and consistently engaging.This one is a gripping legal thriller with a premise that's unlike anything I've read in a while.
The courtroom investigation, the forest setting and the mystery surrounding the djinn all create this intriguing novel. I think that the book says, that justice isn't always decided by facts alone, but often by who gets to shape the narrative.
This turned out to be just what I was hoping for. A perfect story based on an actual court case. It's cleverly written and consistently engaging.This one is a gripping legal thriller with a premise that's unlike anything I've read in a while.
The courtroom investigation, the forest setting and the mystery surrounding the djinn all create this intriguing novel. I think that the book says, that justice isn't always decided by facts alone, but often by who gets to shape the narrative.
July 19, 2026
The Figure in the Fog kept me curious from the beginning. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, and I enjoyed trying to connect the pieces before the truth was revealed. Rather than relying only on twists, the story takes its time building the atmosphere and letting the investigation develop.
What I appreciated most was that it didn't rush to give answers. It encourages you to question what you think you know and look beyond first impressions. That made the reading experience more engaging for me.
While I would have loved a little more depth in a few places, I still found it to be an enjoyable mystery overall. If you like slow-burn investigations, an atmospheric setting, and stories that keep you guessing without depending on constant shock value, this is worth picking up.
What I appreciated most was that it didn't rush to give answers. It encourages you to question what you think you know and look beyond first impressions. That made the reading experience more engaging for me.
While I would have loved a little more depth in a few places, I still found it to be an enjoyable mystery overall. If you like slow-burn investigations, an atmospheric setting, and stories that keep you guessing without depending on constant shock value, this is worth picking up.
July 20, 2026
Fantastic debut by Manini Brar
Inspired by a real case where a man was found not guilty for murder based on superstitious beliefs — Manini does a fantastic job bringing this to life in the year 2021.
I loved all the characters — Malti, our superstar defense counsel who always finds herself short of cash to her trusty pal Chandan to her courtroom nemesis Big Moustache.
Manini does a great job not just telling the story of the accused but also weaving in tribal lore, old documents and a bard — as well as an underlying mystery of political intrigue that ties together perfectly at the end.
A highly enjoyable read!
Inspired by a real case where a man was found not guilty for murder based on superstitious beliefs — Manini does a fantastic job bringing this to life in the year 2021.
I loved all the characters — Malti, our superstar defense counsel who always finds herself short of cash to her trusty pal Chandan to her courtroom nemesis Big Moustache.
Manini does a great job not just telling the story of the accused but also weaving in tribal lore, old documents and a bard — as well as an underlying mystery of political intrigue that ties together perfectly at the end.
A highly enjoyable read!
August 28, 2026
Such an interesting plot but I wish the writing was better. Needed a bit more of the court proceedings to happen imo
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