The Curse of Kuldhara

by Richa S. Mukherjee

What can possibly go wrong when fame and fortune come knocking? Plenty! We return to the charming and colourful lanes of Gwaltoli to revisit Prachand Tripathi, our favourite desi detective and owner of Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd. While he has progressed from locating lost pets and garments to problems of gravitas, their moderate fame doesn't impress wife and CFO Vidya Tripathi who still complains about wasted potential and the tepid life they lead. As if on cue, an unusual but promising proposal comes their way, one they simply cannot refuse. It's an invitation to oversee a film shoot based on their lives, whisking them away to the resplendent deserts of Rajasthan. What follows is an unbelievable and spine-chilling adventure that will drag them through a morass of inexplicable events, dangerous secrets and a cursed, abandoned village that wreaks havoc on the living and dead alike.

Genres: Mystery, India

348 pages, Paperback

Published June 28, 2022

About the author

After spending years in advertising, selling shampoos and juices to unsuspecting housewives, also chasing after a few criminals and their lawyers as a journalist, Richa finally decided to write a book of soul searing poetry followed by a few funny blogs. Then came her first novel, followed by her second that was published this year. She now lives in Mumbai juggling work, writing, and often, her 5 year old daughter as well.

Reviews

[Jainand Gurjar · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW

Book: The Curse Of Kuldhara
Author: Richa S. Mukherjee
Genre: Mystery/Crime Fiction
Pages: 334

The Curse Of Kuldhara by Richa S. Mukherjee is the second book in the Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt. Ltd. Series.
Prachand Tripathi, our desi detective, the owner of Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt. Ltd. Is here and with the fame that he got from his previous cases, is a known face now. His wife Vidya Tripathi, who is a partner and finance head at the company, thinks they deserve much more than they are getting. Amidst all the idiotic clients and ridiculous cases they were getting, one offer came which make them consider it, an offer of a movie, based on them, offered by a politician! And when they accepted the offer and went to the location, that is Kuldhara, that’s when things started brewing. There are movie sets, desert, ghosts, ancient tales, and “murder”!
To get to know more about it, read the book!

Although the book is 300-plus pages, it didn’t take much time for me to finish it. Written in easy and engaging language, it was definitely a book that can hook your interest from the first to the last page! The book is written in such a way that people who haven’t read the first part can still read it and enjoy it, which was the case with me.

The writing style of the author is remarkable and the pinch of humour, fun, and wit that she adds in between is something that stands out! The addition of regional words, dialogues, and local texture was something that I liked the most in the book. The dialogues between Rachna Tripathi, Prachand’s mother, and Ammaji, his grandmother were really adorable and can give you a stock of laughter.

I liked the character of Ammaji the most, she stands out and makes a way for herself in whatever little space that is given to her, and she shines in it! I feel there are so many layers in her character which could be explored and I think there could be an altogether different book for her, please take my hint, dear author!

Many other characters stand out very well for me, namely Inspector Gupta and Dinanath Tripathi but some could be explored a little more, specially Yatish and Vidya, or maybe it happened because I haven’t read the first part, which reminds me to read it as soon as possible.

The author has curated the part of the mystery very well and maintained it till the end and let the reader guess what will happen next! Although I was able to predict the ending and the murderer part, it doesn’t mean that the stings that she pulled were loose, it was a guess which could have gone wrong as well, but it didn’t! The last page was something that I haven’t seen coming and that is something that makes me curious and restless for the next part of the series!

Apart from the mystery, thriller, and suspense part of the book, there are some issues that the author touched on like relationships, politics in the official work and departments, and touched some very slightly like that of child labour, family dynamics, and friendship, which keeps the reader think and wonder, which I liked. I really loved the chemistry between Prachand and Vidya!

Overall, it is definitely a book that I will recommend to you if you want to read some desi crime thriller and mystery because the Indian texture was something that gives this book a unique identity and makes it different from any other book! I will give it 4 out of 5 stars.

[Dhwani · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5

Interesting books, was able to guess the ending but would definitely say that the build up was very exciting

The Tripathis are back!
Our favourite desi detective duo Prachand and Vidya from the Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt. Ltd. have a movie being shot based upon their lives. An invite to oversee the shoot brings them to the deserts of Rajasthan from Gwaltoli.
Little do they know that this shoot is going to bring them face to face with an ancient curse and a murder. Disappearing baba and spooking events accompany them soon.

Will our detective duo be able to resist this mystery?
Or get out of this place alive?

Ahhh, I've waited too long for this book, Richa S. Mukherjee, you made me fall in love with KKPL through and through with the first one. Let me begin by saying that this book was read straight up in one night. No breaks, nothing in between, I simply couldn't put the book down. A bit of paranormal events accompany this murder mystery through the deserts of Rajasthan.

The book begins through the chatter of the Tripathi household and it takes us to the haveli of Rajasthan in a few chapters. Short chapters, and engaging plot add to the book. Although there are numerous characters in the book, each has been distinctly separated from the other which is a plus point for me because a plethora of characters normally tend to ruin a mystery. It was a good read that managed to make my heart beat faster with the suspense even though I could see it coming. Pick it up if you like murder mysteries or detective fiction with a hint of paranormal events.

Waiting for the third book now!!!

[Khushbu Mathur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blurb:
This book reminded me of the 10 PM night crime fiction show I used to watch with my family on doordarshan. It has that homely next door detective vibes. Kudos to Richa for creating such a relatable homely character like Prachand Tripathi.
Although it is the second book in Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd series. I read this one first. Can't wait to read the first one next to get more of this
Vidya Tripathi, partner with her husband at KKPL was worried about the detective agency not doing some big cases until an offer came which seemed at first like good money and advertising for the agency but turned out to be the strangest mystery they ever came across. They were required to travel to a haunted rather cursed village of Kuldhara to oversee the film shooting based on their life.
Events including ghosts, superstitions, crime, conspiracies, passion and more started unfolding shortly after. Good for them, the famous detective Prachand Tripathi was available.

Writing:
Firstly what I loved about the book was the length of chapters. Every chapter was 4-5 pages max which helps me with the reading pace
Author also used a lot of phrases which I personally like

Use of local Dialects - I am a native of Jaipur, Rajasthan and use of the local dialect in conversations gave it a homely touch for me

Characters - I cannot praise enough about this part. I loved the character of Vidya especially. being a modern woman yet keeping in pace with her husband and the friendly banter between the two was just adorable.

Fact Checks - I love that about fiction books when they give tiny factual info subtlly. Like in a chapter, author mentions the designer/architect of Jaipur city - Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya. I did not know about my own city . So thank you for that Richa

I am delighted to read this book and look forward to the next book.. as the ending of this one just left me wanting for more

[Aastha Anand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met the Tripathi's in The Curse of Kuldhara and all I can say is I loved them. The way each and every character is developed and presented is really good and makes the story more interesting as every character adds a different flavour to it.


I don't know why but from the beginning of the book for me the face of Prachand Tripathi was Pankaj Tripathi only. Initially in the story where Kuldhara was mentioned I was curious and on my toes to explore more about the place and its stories but didn't find much of it. I felt if that angle was included something more could have come from that point.


I loved the book to the last page. Emotions, family, drama, thrill, crime, jealousy, betrayal,relationships and friendships this book has it all. Also loved how the bonds within the Tripathi's are shown. 


Just go and pick this book up without even thinking because it's gonna make you laugh too even at some places you would be least expecting too.


Recommend!! 👻❤️

[curleduptoes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many characters but nice twist. Vidya wasn't really needed.

[Saswata Guha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: The Curse of Kuldhara
Author: Richa S. Mukherjee
Publisher: Blackink (Harper Collins India)
Published: 2022
Genre: Fiction-Mystery-Thriller-Comedy
ISBN: 9789394407206
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The Curse of Kuldhara is a captivating sequel to Richa S. Mukherjee’s Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd, where our beloved detective, Prachand Tripathi, and his quick-witted wife Vidya take their detective agency to a whole new level. The novel shifts from the bustling, gritty streets of Kanpur to the eerie, abandoned village of Kuldhara, Rajasthan – a place draped in chilling folklore and supernatural horror. This installment pushes Prachand and Vidya into an investigation unlike any they have encountered before, adding a murder mystery within the haunted landscape that keeps the reader in constant suspense.

A Promising Adventure with Dark Twists:

After dealing with cases ranging from stolen jewelry to missing pets in Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd, Prachand Tripathi’s agency finally lands a more lucrative (and adventurous) opportunity. They receive an invitation to oversee the set of a film based on their own lives, with the crew aiming to capture the essence of Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd on screen. For Vidya, this film assignment represents an unexpected chance at fame and possibly financial stability, which she’s been hoping for as the agency’s CFO. However, the initial excitement turns sour as they arrive on set in Kuldhara – a village believed to be cursed for centuries. Legends say that Kuldhara’s inhabitants abandoned it overnight, leaving behind a curse that would haunt anyone who dared to disturb the village’s peace. As Prachand and Vidya immerse themselves in the film shoot, they are drawn into a sinister web of murder, folklore, and inexplicable occurrences.

A Murder Mystery Wrapped in Supernatural Horror:

The film set is turned upside down when the lead actress is found dead under mysterious circumstances. The actress, a beautiful rising star, was set to play Vidya’s role in the film adaptation, making the murder even more unsettling for the Tripathis. This murder mystery becomes the crux of the novel, shifting the story from a lighthearted adventure to a dark investigation where every crewmember is a suspect, and every corner of Kuldhara holds a shadow of dread. The chilling aura of Kuldhara intensifies as Prachand digs into the case, and he begins to realize that solving this murder will be unlike any investigation he has handled before. The cursed village seems to weave itself into the fabric of the mystery, with the supernatural curse casting an ominous shadow over every clue Prachand uncovers.

Folklore-Driven Horror: The Curse of Kuldhara:

The Kuldhara village itself feels like a character in Mukherjee’s narrative. Through atmospheric descriptions, Mukherjee paints Kuldhara as a ghostly, desolate place, where the wind carries whispers of those who once lived there. The villagers were rumored to have abandoned the place overnight, leaving a curse behind to haunt future intruders. The novel dives into the chilling folklore surrounding Kuldhara, adding layers of horror that make this story far more than a typical whodunit. The haunting ambiance seeps through each page, from strange noises in the night to inexplicable apparitions that unsettle even the hardened Prachand.

Mukherjee uses the backdrop of this cursed village to great effect, crafting a slow-burn horror that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt the weight of history in an abandoned place. Readers will feel Kuldhara’s eerie presence, like a living entity watching Prachand’s every move. The author skillfully blends folklore with reality, creating a psychological horror that leaves readers questioning whether the true villain is human or supernatural.

A Complex Protagonist in a Desolate Landscape:

Prachand Tripathi, with his blend of rustic charm, street-smart intuition, and occasional bumbling, proves himself to be a detective worth rooting for. Unlike the brilliant but often isolated detectives like Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot, Prachand is firmly rooted in his middle-class values and regional identity, which make him a refreshingly relatable figure. His banter with Vidya and his grounded pragmatism provide moments of lightness amid the dark events. Mukherjee allows Prachand to be an imperfect hero, stumbling into trouble, and occasionally being outsmarted by his own wife, which endears him to the reader even more.

Vidya, as always, is Prachand’s rock and equal partner. While Prachand is initially thrilled at the idea of the film, Vidya’s skepticism about their newfound “fame” and her pragmatic approach to managing the agency’s finances add depth to her character. Together, they embody the perfect detective duo, balancing humor and grit, especially in the face of horror.

The Intersection of Humor and Chilling Suspense:

One of Mukherjee’s strongest narrative skills is her ability to juxtapose humor with horror, creating a unique reading experience. The comedic elements are brilliantly woven into the story, bringing a sense of warmth even as the suspense intensifies. The dialogues are sharp, often laugh-out-loud funny, and the character interactions capture the essence of small-town India, with all its quirks and charm. This humor offers a needed respite from the horror, yet it never diminishes the tension.

As Prachand delves deeper into the mystery, the contrast between the lighthearted, bumbling detective from Kanpur and the supernatural horror of Kuldhara sharpens, creating a striking tonal blend. The horror elements are well-timed, escalating as the investigation progresses. Mukherjee gradually builds an atmosphere of dread, ensuring that readers feel the growing intensity and terror surrounding the curse.

Murder and Mystique: A Perfect Blend of Detective Fiction and Horror:

The Curse of Kuldhara is much more than a simple murder mystery. It’s an exploration of superstition, history, and the impact of folklore on human behavior. Mukherjee presents a world where the boundaries between reality and myth blur, forcing her characters to confront their deepest fears. Prachand’s investigation is hampered not only by the usual human suspects but also by the eerie happenings that cannot be explained by logic alone. He soon realizes that solving this case will require him to grapple with forces beyond his control.

As the story progresses, Mukherjee layers in more complexities – from suspicious crewmembers with hidden agendas to villagers who refuse to speak of Kuldhara after sunset. Each twist intensifies the mystery, adding to the mounting sense of doom. Prachand and Vidya find themselves in a deadly game where every new discovery uncovers a more disturbing secret.

A Build-Up for the Next Installment:

Mukherjee leaves readers on a tantalizing cliffhanger, suggesting that Prachand’s supernatural encounters may not end with Kuldhara. The third installment promises to expand the scope of Prachand’s cases, perhaps pushing him further into realms of mystery and horror. With The Curse of Kuldhara, Mukherjee has set the bar high, hinting that Part 3 will bring an even more intricate plot, richer character development, and perhaps deeper dives into India’s folklore.

Final Verdict: A Genre-Defining Desi Thriller:

The Curse of Kuldhara is a masterfully crafted book that intertwines the best elements of detective fiction, supernatural horror, and dark comedy. Richa S. Mukherjee not only writes an engaging murder mystery but also immerses readers in an atmosphere charged with suspense, humor, and a touch of the macabre. Her portrayal of Kuldhara as a haunted, cursed landscape is chilling, giving depth and richness to the story. Mukherjee’s unique blend of Indian setting, folklore-inspired horror, and memorable characters makes this book a standout in contemporary Indian fiction. For fans of murder mysteries with a horror twist, The Curse of Kuldhara is a must-read. The narrative’s momentum, combined with Mukherjee’s skill in crafting realistic characters and an unforgettable atmosphere, ensures that this installment will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next adventure of Prachand and Vidya.

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[Siddhant Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richa brings back the eccentric detective Prachand Tripathi back in this installment of Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt. Ltd, and this time the mystery seems to be a bit out of the Tripathis’ league. The book starts on a wonderful note as it opens to a scene in Kuldhara and we are introduced to a paranormal activity, and as we meet Prachand again, it is in the lanes of Gwaltoli as he comes back home, and true to Richa’s style, it is not just a narration, but a description filled with audio, visual and olfactory cues as we step into his home. What happens next in this book is something that I truly couldn’t have imagined. Creating this detective in a small town, we see an office where peanuts are eaten and animals found, yet there is an air of importance. The storytelling is filled with sarcasm, wit and humor that keeps you smiling, grinning and at times on your toes. I loved the fact that she builds in the local dialect with Ammaji and Arjun specially. As you journey from the bylanes of Kanpur to the dusty dunes of Rajasthan, we come across an urban legend of the haunted ruins where the Tripathis have travelled for the film shoot. I loved how Richa weaves in the legend into the plot of the book and keeps it relevant till the very last page of the book.

The characters that inhabit this world are as unique as the premise they are developed to push forward. While we have met our local sleuth Prachand in the previous book, this time, his character gets interesting as he uses his skills to get to the bottom of a case where the primary suspect might just be otherworldly. Vidya, once again, is the balancing act for Prachand and I loved the way she drives the story forward with her sane arguments in this mad motley of people. Bhutaari Baba was another character who stood out for me, specially with the role he played in the story. Paramveer Khattar, Ramnarayan Rathod and his wife were a set of characters who are crafted to perfection and specially the manner in which the story unfolds, I was in awe of the minute attention to details Richa has paid to create these people.

But Richa’s stories are not just about the plot or the characters, it is the way she tells the story of these characters that attracts a reader. Right from using the local dialect to put across the point, or creating characters who are so absurd that you fall in love with them at the first instance. Another important aspect of the story is food, and to be honest, it is a critical plot point that comes to light quite late in the book. Right from the Rachna Tripathi’s achaars to the Rajasthani cuisine in Kuldhara and Jaisalmer, the descriptions are so vivid that you start drooling at some point. Having roots in Kanpur as well, I could relate to the dhaniye ke aloo and Thaggoo ke Laddoo that help set the tone of the book perfectly. Lastly, the research that would have gone into telling this story is something I would really commend Richa on. Right from the curse of Kuldhara, to the various ways of committing the said crime, the police procedurals are very perfectly done which makes the reading even better.

[kanchan bisht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading about haunting places has always intrigued me, and various novels take the readers back in time and share the haunting, spine-chilling tales of haunting places. "Richa S. Mukherjee," through her book "The curse of Kuldhara," brings a story of an abandoned desert town in Jaisalmer.
Detective Parchand Tripathi is back to solve the mystery; however, this time, he gets involved in solving the mystery of ruins, Bhootari Baba, and the haunting desert. After a long time, I read the fantastic sleuth read, full of the adrenaline rush, humor, mystery, and multi-layered characters. I am confused about where to start talking about the book. Let's start with a description; Richa has described each event, character, and backdrop vividly, which makes me intrigued to read more of her work. The beautiful vivid description of Rajasthan's market and cuisines like Daal-baati, Churma, and Imarti make me drool over it. The history of Kuldhara is well-explained.
Now, I will talk about my favorite part, the characters. I love the Tripathi women, whether it's Parchand's mother, Rachna Tripathi, or his wife, Vidya Tripathi. The Tripathi women are a perfect example of pragmatic and humorous souls. Quoting Rachna Tripathi's words,
"She shook her head and said, "but at the rate, you two are going, I will have to bribe the neighbor's grandchild to call me dadi."

The other characters like Chachu Tripathi and Yatish also add tanginess to the story. I found Parchand, the story's main character, fascinating and intelligent. His keen observations and deductive analysis make him a perfect detective, and I wish to solve many more mysteries with him. He is not only a good detective but also a good husband who respects her wife's thoughts and a good son who shares a special bond with her mother and knows how to maintain a balance between the two (which is a big task for men) prove Prchand's smartness).

"The Curse of Kuldhara" is a fast-paced read, knitting sensitive themes like an unhappy marriage, superstitions, and insecurities in an exciting plot. So many twists and turns don't allow me to put the book down. Overall, this is a well-written detective series with a good desi tadka that I enjoyed and will recommend to all.

[Kiranmayi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review here:
https://tsbookclub.wordpress.com/2022...

Though this is the second book in the series, it can be read standalone. The author made sure to add details of the characters that are continued from book one and a few references to the story that happened in the earlier book. This way, the reader does not miss any flow. The legend of Kuldhara has been around for decades, and picking this backdrop for the second story in this series is a smart choice by the author.

Though the relationship between Prachand and Vidya is not the story’s focus, I found it to be one of its best things. Vidya is unlike your typical Indian woman from a small town. She’s feisty, smart, and shrewd, though she shows hints of jealousy when Prachand interacts with other women but never goes overboard while communicating her feelings.

The author further adds a quirk to each of the supporting characters that make them intriguing till the end. The occasional paranormal touch to the happenings adds more interest to the narration.

A small-town detective solving a mysterious death without help from technology is the USP of the story; he is often drawing clues from the age-old wisdom passed on by his mother, adding fondly that ‘Ammaji would say this,” and “Ammaji would say that.”

The conversations between the Tripathi family members are hilarious; another amusing thing is the pets in the story and their names – a cow, a camel, a goat, just the sort you will find in rural India.

Though the author tries to confuse the reader in the second half by diverting the suspicion to each of the characters, for seasoned mystery readers, the main culprit will be an easy guess.

With the eerie tales of Kuldhara playing the perfect scary backdrop, the story is sure to entertain all readers.

[Shruti k · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is blind, we all know that. People do anything and everything to get their love but do you think they are allowed to harm somebody or hurt someone's feelings?? Love makes us do things which we never wanted to and sometimes a person who is not happy in a relationship does these things just to lead a happy life. Something similar happened in this story also but with lots of twists and turns.

Well, this isn't a love story as you can guess from the title. The story starts with Bhutaari Baba predicts that something bad is going to happen in the village. On other side, Prachand a famous detective of kanpur khoofiya pvt. ltd gets a role in film for which he needs to travel to Kuldhara.

Prachand was against of going there but when he heard that there is a curse on the land of Kuldhara,he decided to go and investigate. The film was being shoot in a haveli of Kuldhara. Everything was going good when one day, the lead actress was found dead in backyard of the haveli. The story later revolves around how Prachand and an inspector Ms.Gupta tries to solve the case of murder.

Without any spoilers, I want to say that it was indeed a good murder mystery Book. There was comedy, suspence, tragedy, love and some family dramas. A cursed village, ghosts , scary events with haunted atmosphere,this story will surely make you scared but you will get hooked to the story till the end.

I liked the description of naveli haveli with its scary state, the investigation vibes with photographer and specially Vidya's character.
The ending was unexpected. I just felt that the story is a little bit dragged. It should have been finished sooner.

Otherwise a good Murder mystery.

[Sangita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this murder mystery, tinged with curses, hauntings and ghosts.
The story is set in Kuldhara which is a heritage site in Rajasthan, near Jaisalmer. Abandoned over 200 years ago, it is believed to be cursed by the residents who left it. People usually avoid this haunted village, especially after evening sets in.
Prachand Tripathi, based out of Gwaltoli, Kanpur the investigator is pulled into the mystery when the son of a influential politician decides to produce a film set in Kuldhara, in the outskirts of the ruin. Prachand is already famous as a private investigator and is joined by his wife Vidya, who is his partner in the investigations.
A simple innocuous shooting schedule turns into turmoil when a murder happens and the local Police Incharge Ms Gupta arrives on the scene, with his reluctant team.
The story though simple, works because of the interesting characters it boasts of. What I liked is how inspite of the curses and the mishaps, the place is not painted in any shades. Neither are the people depicted in any unsavoury way.
This is a tale of unity, family, belonging, friendship, love and womanhood. This tale beautifully encompasses all the stages in a woman's life and is refreshing, gripping and humorous at places.
While I did sense the culprit pretty early in the story, the author was able to keep me engaged through the pages, unravelling the different layers of this mystery.
My rating - 3.75/ 5

[Shreya Tulsyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review - The curse of kuldhara

What do you do with a volley of sharply edged characters that you built in a bestselling novel??

You write a sequel.

That's exactly what author Richa Mukherjee does with this one. She carries on with the Tripathi's ordeal of solving a case. India's latest detective Prachand becomes an acclaimed detective at the end of Richa's previous novel. Now there's a movie being made on him and he's summoned to be on the sets to improvise. Little does he know that the ruins where it's being shot is haunted and the lead actress is found dead.

Is it really the super natural powers or someone's playing foul?? Keep guessing till the last page. You get the feeling that you nailed it before Prachand or his Watson, that's his better half Vidya could nab the culprit but there is a twist in the tale that keeps you wondering. The book has an open ending with the promise of a sequel.
I usually steer away from horror as a genre but this one is also a crime thriller and has the dash of humour that the Tripathis bring along with them. As they say there's never a dull moment with the kanpuriya Tripathis.

Author: Richa Mukherjee
Price: Rs 299
Publisher: Harper Collins and Black ink books

[Namrita Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book features the renowned detective Prachand Tripathi, the owner of Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt. Ltd., and his wife, Vidya Tripathi, who assists him in his cases. It is the second installment in the series about Prachand’s detective career.

The story begins with Paramveer Khattar, whose father’s political connections prompt him to produce a film about Prachand. He invites the Tripathis to Rajasthan for the project. Upon arriving, they encounter odd occurrences in the haveli, and soon after, actress Ranjana Jha is found murdered. Inspector Maya Gupta investigates the case, with Prachand lending his expertise.

The central mystery is whether Prachand can solve the Kuldhara case and determine if the place is truly cursed or if the events are the result of someone's malicious intent.

In my opinion, the book's language was somewhat challenging, and the story wasn’t particularly gripping. However, it does keep you curious about the outcome. Overall, it was a decent read, but don’t expect too much.

[Yesha- Books Teacup and Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2022/0...

This is humorous cozy mystery that revolves around Prachand Tripathi lead detective of Kanpur Khoofiya getting involved in another adventurous and mystery at the ruins of Kuldhara, Rajasthan. The story is about unhappy marriage, affairs, blind love, superstitions, insecurity, obsession, family, friendship, and lots of drama.

The plot is interesting, intriguing, and suspenseful with lots of characters and many suspects. I haven’t read the first book but I don’t think I missed anything so this can be read as a standalone.

I loved introduction of characters in the beginning, especially of Prachand Tripathi and his quirky and adorable family. I enjoyed their bickering, love and support for each other.

As the mystery takes place at the TV series shooting in Kuldhara, there are many other secondary characters, formidable investigating officer, and police staff. With so many characters it never felt confusing. They all had distinctive personalities.

The setting is my most favorite part. Kuldhara has a haunted site reputation not just in the book but also in reality and I liked how author created a paranormal angle in the mystery by perfectly weaving legend and folklores of Kuldhara and ruins of the deserted village.

The mystery is interesting. Author placed red herrings so well that I almost couldn’t figure out who the culprit was. key points in second half gave the idea of who culprit might be but motive wasn’t clear until it was revealed.

Overall, The Curse of Kuldhara is refreshing, entertaining, gripping, well-written, and fast-paced cozy murder mystery with many quirky characters and lots of Indian feel.

[Aditi Varma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Week 38 Book 33
KKPL: The curse of Kuldhara by Richa Mukherjee

Rating: 4/5
In the much-awaited 2nd edition of Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd, we get to travel to royal Rajasthan where Prachi and Viddu are overseeing a film shoot! With old havelis & royal families, bhootnis & curses, this book is so much fun to read. Prachi is a detective like no other. I guarantee that Richa's humourous style of writing will keep you engaged!

[Stacy Fernandes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitschy, hard to hate, not to be taken too seriously. Except the editing.. what was up with that? it was horrible!

[Ashish Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average read....bcoz i didnt felt binded by the story and somehow was not able to capture intrest or kinda ignite a mood that makes us read the book without knowing how much time jas passed by

[Abitha Ganesan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story which will keep you hooked and the want to finish the book at one sitting. Simple story with lot of twists and turns .

[Chandril · Rating 3 out of 5]

cozy mystery... it started off nice but then the storyline fizzled out.

[Sai · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poorly executed. I liked the ending though!