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Daylit Homicide: USTRA
A man killed. The wrong one arrested.
A paan-seller is stabbed to death with a razor in Agra, the City of Taj. No witnesses.
Sain, a barber, is arrested for the crime The only problem is, he's innocent.
A corrupt policeman and a missing labourer further complicate matters...
Can Sain's nephew Bali hunt down the real killer, and save him from spending the rest of his life in prison?
And what if the killer finds out about his hunt?
A paan-seller is stabbed to death with a razor in Agra, the City of Taj. No witnesses.
Sain, a barber, is arrested for the crime The only problem is, he's innocent.
A corrupt policeman and a missing labourer further complicate matters...
Can Sain's nephew Bali hunt down the real killer, and save him from spending the rest of his life in prison?
And what if the killer finds out about his hunt?
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 13, 2026
The story begins with the arrest of a man accused of murdering his best friend, a panwadi. But there's a catch: the man is innocent, and the real murderer is still roaming around freely.
Enter Bali, our main character, who has known the accused all his life. The man is his father's best friend, someone Bali has always known as a person who could never hurt anyone, let alone his own best friend. He's also grieving the loss of his best friend, which makes the whole situation even more heartbreaking.
Bali has only one mission: to prove his uncle's innocence. He begins investigating the case secretly, keeping everything from his family. But when his father eventually discovers what he's doing, he joins Bali in the investigation. Things get messy, and his father ends up getting hurt in the process.
But does Bali give up? NOPE! If anything, it makes him even more determined to find the real killer. And after all the investigation, he finally does!
First of all, THE FATHER-SON DUO! 🫠I absolutely loved their dynamic. Their bond was honestly one of my favourite things about this book.
And the investigation itself kept things moving. The book is fast-paced, making it a quick and engaging read.
THINGS THAT ANNOYED ME
THE POLICE. LIKE, WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL?!
I've read a few thrillers recently, and why does every book seem to have police officers who are so unbothered about finding the actual criminal? All they seem to want is to arrest someone, close the case, and sometimes even pressure innocent people into confessing.
And then they have the audacity to suggest a DEAL?! EWWW.
I know it's fiction, but it genuinely makes me so angry reading about this.
For a debut novel, this book is pretty good! However, I wasn't entirely satisfied with the ending. I feel like the author could have added a few more chapters and developed it better. Some chapters also felt way too short to me.
Enter Bali, our main character, who has known the accused all his life. The man is his father's best friend, someone Bali has always known as a person who could never hurt anyone, let alone his own best friend. He's also grieving the loss of his best friend, which makes the whole situation even more heartbreaking.
Bali has only one mission: to prove his uncle's innocence. He begins investigating the case secretly, keeping everything from his family. But when his father eventually discovers what he's doing, he joins Bali in the investigation. Things get messy, and his father ends up getting hurt in the process.
But does Bali give up? NOPE! If anything, it makes him even more determined to find the real killer. And after all the investigation, he finally does!
First of all, THE FATHER-SON DUO! 🫠I absolutely loved their dynamic. Their bond was honestly one of my favourite things about this book.
And the investigation itself kept things moving. The book is fast-paced, making it a quick and engaging read.
THINGS THAT ANNOYED ME
THE POLICE. LIKE, WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL?!
I've read a few thrillers recently, and why does every book seem to have police officers who are so unbothered about finding the actual criminal? All they seem to want is to arrest someone, close the case, and sometimes even pressure innocent people into confessing.
And then they have the audacity to suggest a DEAL?! EWWW.
I know it's fiction, but it genuinely makes me so angry reading about this.
For a debut novel, this book is pretty good! However, I wasn't entirely satisfied with the ending. I feel like the author could have added a few more chapters and developed it better. Some chapters also felt way too short to me.
October 29, 2026
Daylit Homicide was an enjoyable and engaging murder mystery that kept me interested throughout. The story follows Bali, who refuses to believe that his uncle is guilty of murder and decides to investigate the case himself....
I really enjoyed following Bali as he searched for clues, spoke to people, and tried to uncover the truth. His determination to help his uncle made the investigation more interesting, and I liked how the story gradually revealed different details without making things too complicated.....
The pacing was one of the things I appreciated most. The story moves smoothly, with no unnecessary details or moments that feel stretched out. The writing is simple and easy to follow, making it a comfortable read while still keeping the mystery engaging.....
Although I had my suspicions about the killer before the reveal, that didn't take away from my reading experience. I was still curious to see how the investigation would unfold and how all the pieces would eventually come together.....
What I loved most was the natural bond between Bali and his father, Kalyan. Their relationship added a lovely emotional element to the story, especially when his father became involved in the investigation. Bali and Veer's friendship was another highlight, showing the importance of having people who stand by you when things get difficult...
I also liked how the characters and setting felt grounded and believable. The story balances its central mystery with these personal relationships, giving it a little more depth than just a murder investigation.....
Overall, Daylit Homicide is a well-paced mystery with simple writing, relatable characters, and an engaging plot. While it may not be the most unpredictable thriller, it delivers an enjoyable reading experience. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys straightforward crime fiction or is looking for a quick, satisfying read....🖤
I really enjoyed following Bali as he searched for clues, spoke to people, and tried to uncover the truth. His determination to help his uncle made the investigation more interesting, and I liked how the story gradually revealed different details without making things too complicated.....
The pacing was one of the things I appreciated most. The story moves smoothly, with no unnecessary details or moments that feel stretched out. The writing is simple and easy to follow, making it a comfortable read while still keeping the mystery engaging.....
Although I had my suspicions about the killer before the reveal, that didn't take away from my reading experience. I was still curious to see how the investigation would unfold and how all the pieces would eventually come together.....
What I loved most was the natural bond between Bali and his father, Kalyan. Their relationship added a lovely emotional element to the story, especially when his father became involved in the investigation. Bali and Veer's friendship was another highlight, showing the importance of having people who stand by you when things get difficult...
I also liked how the characters and setting felt grounded and believable. The story balances its central mystery with these personal relationships, giving it a little more depth than just a murder investigation.....
Overall, Daylit Homicide is a well-paced mystery with simple writing, relatable characters, and an engaging plot. While it may not be the most unpredictable thriller, it delivers an enjoyable reading experience. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys straightforward crime fiction or is looking for a quick, satisfying read....🖤
October 10, 2026
The story begins with a panwadi being murdered and a barber being arrested for the crime. His nephew, Bali, refuses to believe that his uncle is guilty and decides to find out what really happened. What follows is a straightforward investigation filled with clues, conversations and leads as Bali tries to piece everything together.
I really enjoyed following Bali as he carried out his own investigation, looking for clues, talking to people and following different leads to uncover the truth and help his uncle. The investigation was easy to follow and kept me interested throughout.
I had three suspects in mind while reading, and one of them did turn out to be the killer, so the reveal wasn’t exactly a jaw-dropping surprise for me. But honestly, I didn’t mind that. What worked really well was the pacing. The book never felt rushed, but it also never dragged or added unnecessary details just to stretch the story. At around 160 pages, it felt like the perfect length for the mystery it was trying to tell.
One of my favourite parts was the father son bond between Bali and Kalyan. It felt very natural, and I especially liked how Bali’s dad eventually joins him in the investigation after finding out what he’s been up to. Bali and Veer’s friendship was another highlight, the kind of friendship where you know the other person will show up when things get difficult.
The setting and characters felt realistic and easy to connect with, and the writing was simple and easy to follow.
Overall, Daylit Homicide was a really enjoyable read for me. A good, straightforward murder mystery with a well-paced investigation, believable characters and relationships that added a lot to the story. Definitely a book I’d recommend if you’re looking for a quick mystery or something to get you out of a reading slump.
I really enjoyed following Bali as he carried out his own investigation, looking for clues, talking to people and following different leads to uncover the truth and help his uncle. The investigation was easy to follow and kept me interested throughout.
I had three suspects in mind while reading, and one of them did turn out to be the killer, so the reveal wasn’t exactly a jaw-dropping surprise for me. But honestly, I didn’t mind that. What worked really well was the pacing. The book never felt rushed, but it also never dragged or added unnecessary details just to stretch the story. At around 160 pages, it felt like the perfect length for the mystery it was trying to tell.
One of my favourite parts was the father son bond between Bali and Kalyan. It felt very natural, and I especially liked how Bali’s dad eventually joins him in the investigation after finding out what he’s been up to. Bali and Veer’s friendship was another highlight, the kind of friendship where you know the other person will show up when things get difficult.
The setting and characters felt realistic and easy to connect with, and the writing was simple and easy to follow.
Overall, Daylit Homicide was a really enjoyable read for me. A good, straightforward murder mystery with a well-paced investigation, believable characters and relationships that added a lot to the story. Definitely a book I’d recommend if you’re looking for a quick mystery or something to get you out of a reading slump.
November 2, 2026
📖 BOOK SPOTLIGHT
DAYLIT HOMICIDE: USTRA
Harshul Saraswat
A crime. An accusation. And a truth that refuses to remain buried.
Some mysteries begin with the discovery of a crime, but the more unsettling ones begin when an innocent person becomes the centre of suspicion.
Set in Agra, Daylit Homicide: USTRA revolves around a murder investigation that takes an unexpected personal turn. When a barber is accused of a crime he did not commit, his nephew, Bali, takes it upon himself to uncover the truth.
At the heart of this premise lies something more complicated than a conventional murder mystery: the fragile relationship between innocence, reputation and justice.
What makes the setup particularly interesting is its focus on an ordinary family caught in extraordinary circumstances. The investigation is not simply about identifying a culprit; it also brings attention to the people whose lives are affected when suspicion takes precedence over truth.
The involvement of corruption and a missing labourer adds further layers to the mystery, leaving several questions open. Bali's determination to uncover the truth gives the story a personal dimension, making the central conflict about more than the crime itself.
The premise also raises an uncomfortable question: if an accusation is loud enough, does anyone bother listening to the truth?
For readers drawn to crime fiction, murder mysteries and investigations with a human element, this is a premise worth exploring.
A final thought: Sometimes, the most complicated part of a crime isn't discovering what happened. It's finding the courage to question the version of events everyone has already accepted.
⭐ Premise rating: 4/5
#DaylitHomicide #USTRA #HarshulSaraswat #BookSpotlight #CrimeFiction #BookstagramIndia #IndianAuthors
DAYLIT HOMICIDE: USTRA
Harshul Saraswat
A crime. An accusation. And a truth that refuses to remain buried.
Some mysteries begin with the discovery of a crime, but the more unsettling ones begin when an innocent person becomes the centre of suspicion.
Set in Agra, Daylit Homicide: USTRA revolves around a murder investigation that takes an unexpected personal turn. When a barber is accused of a crime he did not commit, his nephew, Bali, takes it upon himself to uncover the truth.
At the heart of this premise lies something more complicated than a conventional murder mystery: the fragile relationship between innocence, reputation and justice.
What makes the setup particularly interesting is its focus on an ordinary family caught in extraordinary circumstances. The investigation is not simply about identifying a culprit; it also brings attention to the people whose lives are affected when suspicion takes precedence over truth.
The involvement of corruption and a missing labourer adds further layers to the mystery, leaving several questions open. Bali's determination to uncover the truth gives the story a personal dimension, making the central conflict about more than the crime itself.
The premise also raises an uncomfortable question: if an accusation is loud enough, does anyone bother listening to the truth?
For readers drawn to crime fiction, murder mysteries and investigations with a human element, this is a premise worth exploring.
A final thought: Sometimes, the most complicated part of a crime isn't discovering what happened. It's finding the courage to question the version of events everyone has already accepted.
⭐ Premise rating: 4/5
#DaylitHomicide #USTRA #HarshulSaraswat #BookSpotlight #CrimeFiction #BookstagramIndia #IndianAuthors
October 28, 2026
As a debut book this was 8/10 for me.
It's a small town murder mystery that gets straight to the point with no unnecessary plots or stretched scenes. Even though it was a fast paced book it kept me hooked till the end. The way the story progresses and scenes unfold makes you feel gripped and always wanting to know what happens next.
The book also helped me get out of my reading slump, because of how engaging and to the point story was. It was easy to connect with the characters and that made the danger feel even more real.
This story follows a boy who comes back home only to find his closest uncle being arrested in the charge of murder of one of his friends. However the boy believes that his uncle cannot do such a thing so he decides to catch the real killer so that he can get his uncle free. But in the process so many wrong things happen and he got threatened but that doesn't stop him and he continues his investigation despite the threats.
My only complaint was that the ending felt a bit rushed . But still I loved how it made me connect with characters and terrified for the characters.
Overall it was an engaging read and perfect for anyone who is looking for a fast paced murder mystery book with no extra plot twists, It will be a good choice.
I am glad I picked this one up.
It's a small town murder mystery that gets straight to the point with no unnecessary plots or stretched scenes. Even though it was a fast paced book it kept me hooked till the end. The way the story progresses and scenes unfold makes you feel gripped and always wanting to know what happens next.
The book also helped me get out of my reading slump, because of how engaging and to the point story was. It was easy to connect with the characters and that made the danger feel even more real.
This story follows a boy who comes back home only to find his closest uncle being arrested in the charge of murder of one of his friends. However the boy believes that his uncle cannot do such a thing so he decides to catch the real killer so that he can get his uncle free. But in the process so many wrong things happen and he got threatened but that doesn't stop him and he continues his investigation despite the threats.
My only complaint was that the ending felt a bit rushed . But still I loved how it made me connect with characters and terrified for the characters.
Overall it was an engaging read and perfect for anyone who is looking for a fast paced murder mystery book with no extra plot twists, It will be a good choice.
I am glad I picked this one up.
October 19, 2026
When Kanhaiya, a local paan-seller in Agra, is brutally murdered with an ustra (barber’s razor), the police arrest Sain, an innocent barber, simply because the weapon came from his shop.
But Sain’s nephew, Bali, refuses to let his uncle suffer for a crime he didn’t commit. He secretly begins investigating, meeting people who visited Sain’s shop before the murder. Later, his father, Kalyan, joins him in the search for the real killer.
Things get darker when someone starts threatening their family by throwing stones at their house and breaking windows. When Kalyan is stabbed, the message becomes clear: "Back off from the case."
With corrupt police, a missing girl, and the killer’s POV unfolding alongside the investigation, the story keeps you guessing. I suspected two or three people, but trust me, the author wasn’t ready to make things easy for me! 😭🔍
I finished this book in just 3 hours in one sitting, and I couldn’t figure out the killer until the very end. The reveal? Absolutely chilling. And there’s ONE line spoken by the killer that has stayed in my head ever since I read it. 🥶
If you love murder mysteries that keep you guessing and leave you thinking about them long after you finish, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!📚
But Sain’s nephew, Bali, refuses to let his uncle suffer for a crime he didn’t commit. He secretly begins investigating, meeting people who visited Sain’s shop before the murder. Later, his father, Kalyan, joins him in the search for the real killer.
Things get darker when someone starts threatening their family by throwing stones at their house and breaking windows. When Kalyan is stabbed, the message becomes clear: "Back off from the case."
With corrupt police, a missing girl, and the killer’s POV unfolding alongside the investigation, the story keeps you guessing. I suspected two or three people, but trust me, the author wasn’t ready to make things easy for me! 😭🔍
I finished this book in just 3 hours in one sitting, and I couldn’t figure out the killer until the very end. The reveal? Absolutely chilling. And there’s ONE line spoken by the killer that has stayed in my head ever since I read it. 🥶
If you love murder mysteries that keep you guessing and leave you thinking about them long after you finish, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!📚
November 2, 2026
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 : Daylit Homicide: USTRA by Harshul Saraswat 📚
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 👁️ :
A local street shop vendor is murdered in broad daylight in the busy streets of Agra with no witness. However, the cops arrest an innocent man named Sain, who owns a barber shop by framing him as the killer since he was seen arguing with the victim recently & his shop's razor was being used in killing the victim.
Sain, an introverted man who lost his wife & child in an accident leads his life with his time spent in his shop & with his cordial neighbour's for are fond of him & consider him family.
His neighbour's son Bali is hell-bent in getting Sain out of jail & conducts his own private investigation. The search for the real assassin puts a gym trainer who works as a deliveryman part-time, construction labrours, a businessman & a school principal on the radar.
Will Bali be able to track down the real culprit? Is the murder connected to a bigger crime?
𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕 ♥️
• Fast-paced crime thriller
• Niche themes like police brutality & misuse of power
• Unpredictable characters
• Fast paced page-turner
• Detailed Storyline
• Easy to Read
𝑨𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 ✍🏻
Harshul is an undergrad who loves to write mystery thrillers. This is his debut book which you'll defintely love.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 👁️ :
A local street shop vendor is murdered in broad daylight in the busy streets of Agra with no witness. However, the cops arrest an innocent man named Sain, who owns a barber shop by framing him as the killer since he was seen arguing with the victim recently & his shop's razor was being used in killing the victim.
Sain, an introverted man who lost his wife & child in an accident leads his life with his time spent in his shop & with his cordial neighbour's for are fond of him & consider him family.
His neighbour's son Bali is hell-bent in getting Sain out of jail & conducts his own private investigation. The search for the real assassin puts a gym trainer who works as a deliveryman part-time, construction labrours, a businessman & a school principal on the radar.
Will Bali be able to track down the real culprit? Is the murder connected to a bigger crime?
𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕 ♥️
• Fast-paced crime thriller
• Niche themes like police brutality & misuse of power
• Unpredictable characters
• Fast paced page-turner
• Detailed Storyline
• Easy to Read
𝑨𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 ✍🏻
Harshul is an undergrad who loves to write mystery thrillers. This is his debut book which you'll defintely love.
November 2, 2026
A paan seller is brutally murdered with a razor in Agra, but with no witnesses, the investigation takes an unexpected turn when Sain, an innocent barber, is arrested for the crime. With a corrupt policeman, a missing labourer and several unanswered questions complicating the case.
Bali takes it upon himself to find the real killer before it's too late. But the deeper he digs, the more dangerous things become....
I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded, with enough twists and uncertainty to keep me guessing. So many suspects ....And honestly, I absolutely did NOT see the killer coming! The reveal genuinely caught me off guard, which is always a big win for a mystery....But I wish the author had gone into more detail about the killer's actions, how everything was carried out and how the pieces connected. A more detailed explanation would have made the reveal much more impactful and satisfying in my opinion....
Overall, a gripping little murder mystery with an unexpected culprit. Definitely an enjoyable read , extremely fast paced ,never felt boring even for a second,finished the book in one sitting....a simple less than 200 page murder mystery that will keep you hooked... A solid 4stars from me ❤️
Bali takes it upon himself to find the real killer before it's too late. But the deeper he digs, the more dangerous things become....
I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded, with enough twists and uncertainty to keep me guessing. So many suspects ....And honestly, I absolutely did NOT see the killer coming! The reveal genuinely caught me off guard, which is always a big win for a mystery....But I wish the author had gone into more detail about the killer's actions, how everything was carried out and how the pieces connected. A more detailed explanation would have made the reveal much more impactful and satisfying in my opinion....
Overall, a gripping little murder mystery with an unexpected culprit. Definitely an enjoyable read , extremely fast paced ,never felt boring even for a second,finished the book in one sitting....a simple less than 200 page murder mystery that will keep you hooked... A solid 4stars from me ❤️
November 8, 2026
This book is pretty straightforward. It opens with the murder of a paan seller in Agra. Bali, the main protagonist, returns home after giving his last exam only to find out that his uncle has been falsely accused of the murder.
The story follows Bali as he tries to uncover the truth with the help of his friend and later his father. With a corrupt officer involved and constant threats coming their way, it's interesting to see how Bali manages to keep going and takes things all the way to the end.
The short chapters definitely help in keeping you hooked. But what I personally found quite witty were the chapter titles. The storyline is handled well, though it does feel a little familiar at times. It's an entertaining read and has a decent amount of suspense. Although, if you're someone who reads a lot of murder mysteries like me, you'll probably figure out the culprit before the big reveal.
The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars is that I felt the pacing could've been more uniform. The writing could've been a little more polished too.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a no-nonsense murder mystery. It's a pretty engaging read that'll keep you guessing and make you suspicious of almost everyone till the very end.
The story follows Bali as he tries to uncover the truth with the help of his friend and later his father. With a corrupt officer involved and constant threats coming their way, it's interesting to see how Bali manages to keep going and takes things all the way to the end.
The short chapters definitely help in keeping you hooked. But what I personally found quite witty were the chapter titles. The storyline is handled well, though it does feel a little familiar at times. It's an entertaining read and has a decent amount of suspense. Although, if you're someone who reads a lot of murder mysteries like me, you'll probably figure out the culprit before the big reveal.
The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars is that I felt the pacing could've been more uniform. The writing could've been a little more polished too.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a no-nonsense murder mystery. It's a pretty engaging read that'll keep you guessing and make you suspicious of almost everyone till the very end.
October 22, 2026
Daylit Homicide: USTRA by Harshul Saraswat is an engaging armchair-sleuth whodunit that wastes no time jumping into the chaos.
The story opens with the broad-daylight stabbing of Kanhaiya using Mr. Sain’s razor (ustra). Bali and his father dive into investigating the scene, but what really drives the narrative forward is the dynamic between Bali and his best friend as they dig up leads across the city.
The author does a solid job planting red herrings. I kept second-guessing myself, mentally pinning the crime on one person after another. Also, Inspector Mr. Singh was utterly insufferable—easily the most unlikable character in the book, though he definitely added friction to the plot. The eventual killer reveal was a genuine shock; I never anticipated that particular character being responsible.
My main critique lies in the ending. With how high the suspense ramps up in the first two acts, the finale feels rather muted and sudden, not quite matching the tension built earlier.
Overall, a fun, suspenseful Indian mystery that keeps you guessing until the final reveal. Recommended if you enjoy classic amateur-detective tropes with a local setting.
The story opens with the broad-daylight stabbing of Kanhaiya using Mr. Sain’s razor (ustra). Bali and his father dive into investigating the scene, but what really drives the narrative forward is the dynamic between Bali and his best friend as they dig up leads across the city.
The author does a solid job planting red herrings. I kept second-guessing myself, mentally pinning the crime on one person after another. Also, Inspector Mr. Singh was utterly insufferable—easily the most unlikable character in the book, though he definitely added friction to the plot. The eventual killer reveal was a genuine shock; I never anticipated that particular character being responsible.
My main critique lies in the ending. With how high the suspense ramps up in the first two acts, the finale feels rather muted and sudden, not quite matching the tension built earlier.
Overall, a fun, suspenseful Indian mystery that keeps you guessing until the final reveal. Recommended if you enjoy classic amateur-detective tropes with a local setting.
October 27, 2026
Daylit Homicide : USTRA is an Indian murder mystery where a panwadi is stabbed to death with a razor in Agra and Sain , a barber, is arrested for his connection to the murder weapon. His nephew Bali was trying to solve the mystery by proving his uncle's innocence.
As a crime thriller lover, I really enjoyed how Bali's investigation following every detail , uncovering the hidden leads, collecting clues and talking to different people to uncover the truth. I appreciated the author kept the suspense alive untill the end and I just blown away when one of the suspects turned out to be the killer. I didn't see that coming at all, and that twist definately made the ending hit harder for me.
It's just a short read without dragging unnecessary things and events into the story. This is a straightforward murder mystery that anyone can finish in one sitting if they love suspense and crime thrillers.
As a crime thriller lover, I really enjoyed how Bali's investigation following every detail , uncovering the hidden leads, collecting clues and talking to different people to uncover the truth. I appreciated the author kept the suspense alive untill the end and I just blown away when one of the suspects turned out to be the killer. I didn't see that coming at all, and that twist definately made the ending hit harder for me.
It's just a short read without dragging unnecessary things and events into the story. This is a straightforward murder mystery that anyone can finish in one sitting if they love suspense and crime thrillers.
September 22, 2026
A murder, a wrongly accused man, and a hunt for the truth. 🔪
Ustra is a compact Indian murder mystery that takes you straight into a crime in Agra and keeps the story moving as Bali tries to uncover what really happened. I enjoyed the way the mystery brings together an innocent man, a suspicious police investigation and a hunt for the real killer.
What stood out to me was the setting and the relatively quick pace—it makes for an easy, engaging read when you're in the mood for a straightforward crime mystery without committing to a 400-page thriller.
A short read with murder, secrets, and enough questions to keep you turning the pages. 🩸🔍
If you enjoy Indian crime mysteries and quick thrillers, Ustra is worth picking up!
Ustra is a compact Indian murder mystery that takes you straight into a crime in Agra and keeps the story moving as Bali tries to uncover what really happened. I enjoyed the way the mystery brings together an innocent man, a suspicious police investigation and a hunt for the real killer.
What stood out to me was the setting and the relatively quick pace—it makes for an easy, engaging read when you're in the mood for a straightforward crime mystery without committing to a 400-page thriller.
A short read with murder, secrets, and enough questions to keep you turning the pages. 🩸🔍
If you enjoy Indian crime mysteries and quick thrillers, Ustra is worth picking up!
October 15, 2026
Daylit Homicide: USTRA by Harshul Saraswat was an interesting read for me. What I liked about the experience was how the story made me look beyond the obvious and question what I initially thought I understood. I enjoy mysteries that keep me curious about the people involved and the truth hidden beneath the surface, and this book fits that interest. The title itself sets an intriguing tone, while the tagline, “Things aren’t always as they seem,” captures the kind of uncertainty I enjoy in a mystery. Overall, it was an engaging read for anyone who enjoys Indian mystery fiction and likes piecing together clues along the way.
October 25, 2026
the book follows a straightforward, no-fluff murder mystery that draws you in from the very first page. The revelations are surprising, and the investigation keeps you curious about what comes next.
What particularly caught my attention was the compact storytelling and how the author weaves the relationships between Bali, Kalyan, their family members, and friends into the narrative. These connections help readers build a clearer picture of the characters and the events surrounding the murder.While there is some room for improvement in the writing, the story maintains a steady pace and delivers what a murder mystery should: the urge to turn just one more page.
What particularly caught my attention was the compact storytelling and how the author weaves the relationships between Bali, Kalyan, their family members, and friends into the narrative. These connections help readers build a clearer picture of the characters and the events surrounding the murder.While there is some room for improvement in the writing, the story maintains a steady pace and delivers what a murder mystery should: the urge to turn just one more page.
October 12, 2026
A crisp, fast-paced Indian mystery!
Ustra: Daylit Homicide by Harshul Saraswat is an engaging whodunit set in Agra. When an innocent neighbor is wrongfully arrested for a broad-daylight murder, Bali steps up to uncover the truth. The story shines through its realistic character bonds… from Bali's loyal friend Veer to his father Kalyan joining the investigation. At around 160 pages, it is a brisk, no-filler read that you can easily finish in one sitting. Highly recommended for thriller lovers!
Ustra: Daylit Homicide by Harshul Saraswat is an engaging whodunit set in Agra. When an innocent neighbor is wrongfully arrested for a broad-daylight murder, Bali steps up to uncover the truth. The story shines through its realistic character bonds… from Bali's loyal friend Veer to his father Kalyan joining the investigation. At around 160 pages, it is a brisk, no-filler read that you can easily finish in one sitting. Highly recommended for thriller lovers!
October 9, 2026
The story starts with a murder. The victim is a paan wala named Kanhaiya, who is murdered with an ustra (razor), as suggested in the book's title, Daylit Homicide: Ustra.
The police arrive and arrest a barber named Sain because the murder weapon came from his shop.
On the other hand, Mr. Dutt, who is friends with both the victim and Sain, tries to tell the police that Sain is not the murderer. However, the police refuse to believe him and arrest Sain.
Meanwhile, Mr. Dutt’s son Bali arrives to spend his summer vacations with his family. Bali then starts his own investigation and uncovers many secrets. Will Bali be able to prove Sain's innocence or not?
This is a very short book at only 160 pages. It is so gripping that on every page you think, "This is the killer, or maybe that one," but the ending is completely unexpected.
The police arrive and arrest a barber named Sain because the murder weapon came from his shop.
On the other hand, Mr. Dutt, who is friends with both the victim and Sain, tries to tell the police that Sain is not the murderer. However, the police refuse to believe him and arrest Sain.
Meanwhile, Mr. Dutt’s son Bali arrives to spend his summer vacations with his family. Bali then starts his own investigation and uncovers many secrets. Will Bali be able to prove Sain's innocence or not?
This is a very short book at only 160 pages. It is so gripping that on every page you think, "This is the killer, or maybe that one," but the ending is completely unexpected.
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