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A MURDER IN MUSSOORIE AND OTHER TALES
September 1911. The sleepy little hill-town of Mussoorie—British in its garb and Indian in its
soul—is jolted out of its reverie by a mysterious murder. A woman is found dead in her bed,
her body laid out perfectly, and the door locked from inside. Sundry suspects and sensational
speculations about black magic and crystal-gazing abound, but no one has been able to identify
the murderer. Outgrowing the small town, the story travels to all the way to faraway London, and
catches the fancy of the master of mysteries, Arthur Conan Doyle…
Interwoven with clever wit and lively humour, A Murder in Mussoorie and Other Tales will transport
you to a world of wonder and adrenaline-pumping adventure.
soul—is jolted out of its reverie by a mysterious murder. A woman is found dead in her bed,
her body laid out perfectly, and the door locked from inside. Sundry suspects and sensational
speculations about black magic and crystal-gazing abound, but no one has been able to identify
the murderer. Outgrowing the small town, the story travels to all the way to faraway London, and
catches the fancy of the master of mysteries, Arthur Conan Doyle…
Interwoven with clever wit and lively humour, A Murder in Mussoorie and Other Tales will transport
you to a world of wonder and adrenaline-pumping adventure.
- GenresIndia
120 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2019
200 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Ruskin Bond
681 books3,565 followersRuskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He is considered to be an icon among Indian writers and children's authors and a top novelist. He wrote his first novel, The Room on the Roof, when he was seventeen which won John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written several novellas, over 500 short stories, as well as various essays and poems, all of which have established him as one of the best-loved and most admired chroniclers of contemporary India. In 1992 he received the Sahitya Akademi award for English writing, for his short stories collection, "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra", by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters in India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for contributions to children's literature. He now lives with his adopted family in Landour near Mussoorie.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 10, 2020
Who doesn't know Ruskin Bond's love for Mussoorie and witty adventures. This book is a collection of 10 short stories related to/ based in Mussoorie.
The first story- A Murder in Mussoorie as per the title is about a murder that happened there and the investigations which was being analysed by Arthur Conan Doyle with the help of Rudyard Kipling.
In many further stories Ruskin Bond talks about Kipling, either by quoting his work or making him a character in the stories. For those who don't know Rudyard Kipling was a British man who lived and wrote in India.
One of my favourite story was 'A Love of Long Ago'.
As usual the writing is exquisite. The story setting of the mountains and small towns does built a lot of suspense and thrill while reading.
The first story- A Murder in Mussoorie as per the title is about a murder that happened there and the investigations which was being analysed by Arthur Conan Doyle with the help of Rudyard Kipling.
In many further stories Ruskin Bond talks about Kipling, either by quoting his work or making him a character in the stories. For those who don't know Rudyard Kipling was a British man who lived and wrote in India.
One of my favourite story was 'A Love of Long Ago'.
As usual the writing is exquisite. The story setting of the mountains and small towns does built a lot of suspense and thrill while reading.
September 24, 2021
This collection of tales of Ruskin Bond, most of them are covered elsewhere in other books of the author. Rereading the tales is a pleasure. Easy and quick read.
April 21, 2022
Read while travelling on a train. There is just something special, a desire for simpler times while reading a Ruskin Bond on a train journey.
July 30, 2020
A murder in Mussoorie and other tales is a collection of short stories written by Ruskin Bond. The stories are very interesting and can be read in a single sitting. The author has gone to great lengths to describe the beauty of Mussoorie. The theme of each story is either related to Mussoorie or happened in Mussoorie.
The first story in the book is "A murder in Mussoorie". There are many intriguing stories in the book like the bar, Kipling's Simla, the train night at Deoli, etc. I loved them all. Kipling has been mentioned in each story via means of a character or his quote and the praise of the beauty of nature is quite evident in the book.
The way Ruskin Bond has described each story is just marvelous. I read short stories like this after a long time. The writing is very simple but elegant enough to keep the readers hooked up until the end. The cover of the book is also nice. It was a good read.
The first story in the book is "A murder in Mussoorie". There are many intriguing stories in the book like the bar, Kipling's Simla, the train night at Deoli, etc. I loved them all. Kipling has been mentioned in each story via means of a character or his quote and the praise of the beauty of nature is quite evident in the book.
The way Ruskin Bond has described each story is just marvelous. I read short stories like this after a long time. The writing is very simple but elegant enough to keep the readers hooked up until the end. The cover of the book is also nice. It was a good read.
November 30, 2021
If I am going to be honest, I completely misjudged the title and thought the entire story is going to be about the murder in Mussoorie and some related short stories. I was a bit disappointed when murder plot was finished in first chapter only but I got hinged to it whilst reading the later chapters and finished reading it in two sessions only in a single day.
I loved the way Mussoorie was described in the book and the whole book was revolving somewhere around it. I was also mesmerized by Bond's vivid mentions of greenery, jungles, plants and trees. I can feel the beauty by only reading the stories, that's the power of his writing.
Some stories like the story of deserted town Shamli, one with Green's Bar, the Deoli station one and the story describing the tonga driver and Bond's relation were my favourite and made this an overall fascinating read.
Looking forward to read more books written by Ruskin Bond.
I loved the way Mussoorie was described in the book and the whole book was revolving somewhere around it. I was also mesmerized by Bond's vivid mentions of greenery, jungles, plants and trees. I can feel the beauty by only reading the stories, that's the power of his writing.
Some stories like the story of deserted town Shamli, one with Green's Bar, the Deoli station one and the story describing the tonga driver and Bond's relation were my favourite and made this an overall fascinating read.
Looking forward to read more books written by Ruskin Bond.
January 7, 2022
It has been ages since a read a Ruskin Bond book. Picked this book and boy it did not disappoint. Written in typical easy going style of Bond. This was truly a delight to read. A perfect book to carry along during a travel. I loved reading Ruskin Bond as a child and I am happy to find the same joy again in his book. As I read accounts of Shimla and Mussoorie. The old cobwebs of memory were brushed aside and I transported by to a time when I visited these beautiful places. Vivid images of the green mountains came back and I could recollect all the quaint little charm of the mountains. Is the 4 star really a fair rating you ask ? Am I blinded by my love of the mountains which was evoked by Bond's writing? Maybe so. I am a sucker for emotions hence the rating stands.
P.S. The title is bit misleading . I had read the murder story in another book which was a collection of short story. There is hardly any murder mystery there. If one will pick this book up looking forward to that story. One will be disappointed.
P.S. The title is bit misleading . I had read the murder story in another book which was a collection of short story. There is hardly any murder mystery there. If one will pick this book up looking forward to that story. One will be disappointed.
December 17, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable as is always with Ruskin Bond. Although I had already read the stories titled "Time Stops at Shamli" and "Night Train at Deoli", but with Mr. Ruskin Bond rereading is also good.
At times it feels like Mr. Bond has written his regular diary entries, just general observations, but once you keep on reading every word matters and is thoroughly enjoyable to a reader. I would recommend it to all Ruskin Bond fans out there.
At times it feels like Mr. Bond has written his regular diary entries, just general observations, but once you keep on reading every word matters and is thoroughly enjoyable to a reader. I would recommend it to all Ruskin Bond fans out there.
January 5, 2021
A murder in Mussoorie and other tales is a collection of 10 short stories written by Ruskin Bond.The theme of each story is either related to Mussoorie or happened in Mussoorie.The stories are as follows:-
•A murder in Mussoorie
•The Kipling road
•Time stops at Shamli
•The night train at Deoli
•The bar that time forgot
•The bent double begger
•The last Tonga ride
•A love of long ago
•Calypso Christmas
The stories are very interesting and captivating and can be read in a single sitting.I loved every single story and the way Ruskin Bond has described each story is just amazing.I would recomend it to all the Ruskin Bond fans out there..
•A murder in Mussoorie
•The Kipling road
•Time stops at Shamli
•The night train at Deoli
•The bar that time forgot
•The bent double begger
•The last Tonga ride
•A love of long ago
•Calypso Christmas
The stories are very interesting and captivating and can be read in a single sitting.I loved every single story and the way Ruskin Bond has described each story is just amazing.I would recomend it to all the Ruskin Bond fans out there..
April 8, 2020
This book is a collection of 10 short Stories, that are about or happened or somewhat related to Mussoorie.
🍃A Murder in Mussoorie, about a murder that happened there and the investigations which was being analysed by Arthur Conan Doyle with the help of Rudyard Kipling.
🍃The Kipling Road tells the history of the road and the memories of the narrator attached to that road.
🍃Time stops at Shamli is the story i was most excited about and it became my one of the favorites from this Collection. It is about a man, randomly decided to go to Shamli and the types of people he met and most importantly Sushila. Who is she? Just read the story!
🍃 Kipling's Simla is about how Kipling viewed Simla and the phrases and poems he wrote about it.
🍃The Night train at Deoli is my most favourite, even though this is the shortest. It is about the narrator searching for his love, whom he knew would not get.This is more similar to Time stops at Shamli.
🍃The Bar that time forgot is another beautiful story, which is about an old bar and the people who came there. How the bar made them together and how time made everyone forget about that, except for one.
🍃The Bent-Double Beggar is the most interesting one. It is obviously about the bent-double beggar,how he became a beggar and life lessons by him.
🍃The last Tonga ride is yet another beautiful story of a young boy living with his grandmother.
🍃A love of long ago is a touching story of a man and his childhood lover.
🍃 Calypso Christmas is a fun read, unlike others. It is about the narrator's Christmas celebration with his friend and his family.
This is a book written in simple language, but the writing still has the magic to keep the readers hooked on.The best part about all these stories are that, everything is so realistic, especially the love stories. It also teaches life lessons.A quick and beautiful read. Highly recommended!
🍃A Murder in Mussoorie, about a murder that happened there and the investigations which was being analysed by Arthur Conan Doyle with the help of Rudyard Kipling.
🍃The Kipling Road tells the history of the road and the memories of the narrator attached to that road.
🍃Time stops at Shamli is the story i was most excited about and it became my one of the favorites from this Collection. It is about a man, randomly decided to go to Shamli and the types of people he met and most importantly Sushila. Who is she? Just read the story!
🍃 Kipling's Simla is about how Kipling viewed Simla and the phrases and poems he wrote about it.
🍃The Night train at Deoli is my most favourite, even though this is the shortest. It is about the narrator searching for his love, whom he knew would not get.This is more similar to Time stops at Shamli.
🍃The Bar that time forgot is another beautiful story, which is about an old bar and the people who came there. How the bar made them together and how time made everyone forget about that, except for one.
🍃The Bent-Double Beggar is the most interesting one. It is obviously about the bent-double beggar,how he became a beggar and life lessons by him.
🍃The last Tonga ride is yet another beautiful story of a young boy living with his grandmother.
🍃A love of long ago is a touching story of a man and his childhood lover.
🍃 Calypso Christmas is a fun read, unlike others. It is about the narrator's Christmas celebration with his friend and his family.
This is a book written in simple language, but the writing still has the magic to keep the readers hooked on.The best part about all these stories are that, everything is so realistic, especially the love stories. It also teaches life lessons.A quick and beautiful read. Highly recommended!
April 10, 2020
Who doesn’t know about Ruskin Bond’s love for nature, especially the mountains? With that said, it wouldn’t take rocket science to figure out the theme of the book titled ‘A Murder in Mussoorie and Other Tales’. The book is a collation of stories by Ruskin Bond, some true and some fictional. The common element of all stories is the mighty Himalayas in the backdrop. Another commonality that is evident is the mention of Rudyard Kipling in each story.
Read the complete review here: https://aliveshadow.com/category-book...
Read the complete review here: https://aliveshadow.com/category-book...
January 8, 2022
"A good read for long train journeys"
A collection of short ten stories, some of them have an open ending. Most of the stories are set in and around Dehradun, Shimla and Mussoorie, and Bond's writings based on his experiences and memories will make you want to visit these places.
Neither the story of murder in mussoorie nor rest of the stories have any kind of mystery that'll make you sit at the edge of the chair. Some of them sound hopeless romantic disappointments.
It is good for one time casual reading.
A collection of short ten stories, some of them have an open ending. Most of the stories are set in and around Dehradun, Shimla and Mussoorie, and Bond's writings based on his experiences and memories will make you want to visit these places.
Neither the story of murder in mussoorie nor rest of the stories have any kind of mystery that'll make you sit at the edge of the chair. Some of them sound hopeless romantic disappointments.
It is good for one time casual reading.
October 7, 2021
Its always so wonderful to read Ruskin Bond's stories again. There is a lyrical quality to his narration that is very unique and honestly his stories are so pure, innocent and heartwarming that you are left smiling when you finish the book.
December 19, 2021
I definitely loved the book but I started reading in the sense of some exciting mystery novel but it did not happen. He was just dictating about the memory of a murder that happened. But rest assured this book really was a fun read about time that had gone by.
December 20, 2021
The title does not do justice
From the title it is assumed that the other tales shall be of mystery but neither was the first one. The stories are a sleepless night full of thoughts for a hopeless romantic.
From the title it is assumed that the other tales shall be of mystery but neither was the first one. The stories are a sleepless night full of thoughts for a hopeless romantic.
December 27, 2021
Mesmerizing read and always a good escape to the Mountains
I am one of the many fans of Ruskin Bond Writing and it always feels as if I am escaping to the Hills of Mussorie whenever I read his stories. I will recommend this to every Indian or Ruskin Bond Lover.
I am one of the many fans of Ruskin Bond Writing and it always feels as if I am escaping to the Hills of Mussorie whenever I read his stories. I will recommend this to every Indian or Ruskin Bond Lover.
April 1, 2023
Enjoyable read
Excellent read. Characters were painted nicely and the flow was good. Stories that take you to those quaint corners of India where you always wanted to spend some time.
Highly recommended.
Excellent read. Characters were painted nicely and the flow was good. Stories that take you to those quaint corners of India where you always wanted to spend some time.
Highly recommended.
November 18, 2021
Nice read for a break. Simple and feel-good.
July 26, 2022
Forever a lover of Ruskin, his books are where I spend my reading slumps, or when life gets realy busy. Though this one's title is a bit misleading, it doesn't make it any less likeable.
March 31, 2023
Charming and quaint . Nostalgia for a bygone era and a style of writing that belongs .
December 21, 2023
A collection of some of the best stories
Stories from Bond can be read reread again and again , only to be transferred to another world with him
Stories from Bond can be read reread again and again , only to be transferred to another world with him
July 8, 2024
The stories that I liked
- Time stops at Shamli
- The Bar that Time Forgot
- The Bent-Double Beggar
- The Last Tonga Ride
- Time stops at Shamli
- The Bar that Time Forgot
- The Bent-Double Beggar
- The Last Tonga Ride
March 26, 2025
Nice book with short stories, few repetitive, one about bar is interesting
December 6, 2021
A good read indeed!!
April 13, 2023
I am someone who loves the northern part of India and hence the way the book unfolds the nature-scape of Mussoorie felt amazing and so realistic.
April 10, 2020
Who doesn’t know about Ruskin Bond’s love for nature, especially the mountains? With that said, it wouldn’t take rocket science to figure out the theme of the book titled ‘A Murder in Mussoorie and Other Tales’. The book is a collation of stories by Ruskin Bond, some true and some fictional. The common element of all stories is the mighty Himalayas in the backdrop. Another commonality that is evident is the mention of Rudyard Kipling in each story.
Read the complete review here: https://aliveshadow.com/category-book...
Read the complete review here: https://aliveshadow.com/category-book...
February 16, 2022
Not my cup of tea honestly but I liked the writing style and the flow of stories at the beginning of the book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews