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Death in Shambles: A Hill Station Mystery
Lionel Carmichael, a retired police deputy inspector general, is looking forward to living a quiet, solitary life in the hill station of Debrakot, with an assortment of eccentric neighbours for occasional company. His plans are upended when he is asked by a former colleague, SHO Thapliyal, to help out in a double murder case. The scene of the crime is the ghostly Shambala Villa, or ‘Shambles’, as it is known to the residents of the town, named thus due to its decrepit appearance. The victims of the brutal crimes are Reuben Sabharwal, a self-styled god-man who dabbles in the mysterious and occult, and an unknown woman, dressed in a pale green sari, found hanging by a noose near Reuben’s body.
Trudging through the monsoon rains of Debrakot, Lionel embarks on his journey towards the truth, only to become more and more entangled in a web of deceit and lies. Even as a myriad powerful forces attempt to stop him, Lionel continues to push for the truth—until the sleepy little hill station finally gives up its grim secrets.
Trudging through the monsoon rains of Debrakot, Lionel embarks on his journey towards the truth, only to become more and more entangled in a web of deceit and lies. Even as a myriad powerful forces attempt to stop him, Lionel continues to push for the truth—until the sleepy little hill station finally gives up its grim secrets.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2023
About the author
Stephen Alter
48 books66 followersSTEPHEN ALTER is the son of American missionaries to the Himalayas, and was raised in India. The author of seven books for adults, he is the former Writer-in-Residence at MIT, and a recipient of a Fulbright grant. He currently lives in India with his wife, where he is researching his newest book for adults—a behind the scenes look at the world of Bollywood.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 10, 2023
In Stephen Alter’s mystery novel Death in Shambles, the protagonist, a retired police officer named Lionel Carmichael, goes to meet an old lady who might be a witness. Having told Lionel what she knows, Gladys Ahluwalia says, ‘But of course, I’ve read all of my Agatha Christies and know how clues like this can help solve a case. You probably think her books are nonsense, but I’ve always loved a good whodunit and I prefer Miss Marple to that prig, Poirot.’
Is this just a passing reference to one of the greatest mystery writers of them all, or is Stephen Alter, through Death in Shambles, paying even more of a homage to Christie? Because there is much here that might seem familiar to lovers, like Gladys Ahluwalia, of the Miss Marple stories. There is the ambience of a small town, tucked away in the countryside. A place contained enough, and with a population tiny enough, to allow pretty much everybody to know everybody else. A place where there’s a definite hierarchy, too, with the relatively wealthy on the one hand (many of them elderly and retired), the poor—local villagers who work mostly as domestic help for the wealthy—on the other. There is, like ‘that prig, Poirot’, a retired police officer who sets out to solve a murder mystery.
Other than that, though, there is not too much of a resemblance to Dame Agatha’s usually cozy mysteries: this is grimy, more noir than anything else. Shambala Villa (the ‘Shambles’ of the novel’s title, so nicknamed because it is decrepit and filthy) is sleazy. Sleazy not just as a result of years of neglect, but because of the goings-on at Shambles. Its owner, Reuben Sabharwal, styles himself a godman and calls himself Bhagwan. There are seances, random comings and goings of people of the cult surrounding him—and one day, a double murder: Reuben is found stabbed to death in his kitchen while above him, hanging from the kitchen ceiling, is a figure wrapped in a sari.
Lionel Carmichael, neighbour to Reuben, is called in by the local cops when they find themselves a little out of their depth. And as he begins to investigate, Carmichael finds out just how much sleaze surrounded Reuben Bhagwan…
One of the most memorable elements of Death in Shambles is the way Alter evokes a small hill town nestled in the mountains of Uttarakhand. From the precipitous paths to the rain drumming on the roof, from the birds around to the religious fervour of a jagran in which a Devi is invoked, the fictitious Debrakot could very believably be a real place.
And the people in it are every bit as real: from those that time seems to have forgotten, to those who embody all the go-getting ambition and drive of the 21st century. On the one hand, there are the villagers who still believe in a Devi who speaks through a young woman, and there are old residents whom time seems to have forgotten. On the other, there are people like the tech-savvy entrepreneur who has found an innovative way to earn money from podcasts. There are many characters here, all the way from the mostly well-off upper-class residents of Debrakot to its villagers, from the policemen to those who were part of Reuben Bhagwan’s cult: an eclectic lot, but all three-dimensional in their own way: flaws and virtues, follies and wisdom mark each of these people in a very realistic way.
Death in Shambles is a solidly noir mystery, but when it comes to detective work, it’s just slightly underwhelming. True, Lionel Carmichael is a retired cop and there is some sleuthing, combined with police procedural. But the solution, ultimately, comes not so much as a result of Carmichael’s deductions but based on a confession made by someone complicit. The sordid secrets, both those revealed as well as those which continue to remain secrets, are instead the main element of this book: a story which peels away the layers of a sleepy and picturesque hill station to reveal the dirt that lies beneath.
It's a description that might well fit many of the characters and their circumstances too: the seemingly solid marriage that hides infidelity; the godman who is crooked through and through. The big city doctor who will bribe or threaten, or both, to save his reputation.
Death in Shambles, instead of being the Christie-esque whodunnit with a Poirot- (or Marple-) like detective, is really more a thought-provoking, entertaining and occasionally witty look at modern Indian society. Debrakot, really, could be any small town; its melange of characters could inhabit any Indian settlement, and those same foibles, the same corruption and filth, would strike true.
(From my review for The Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/boo...)
Is this just a passing reference to one of the greatest mystery writers of them all, or is Stephen Alter, through Death in Shambles, paying even more of a homage to Christie? Because there is much here that might seem familiar to lovers, like Gladys Ahluwalia, of the Miss Marple stories. There is the ambience of a small town, tucked away in the countryside. A place contained enough, and with a population tiny enough, to allow pretty much everybody to know everybody else. A place where there’s a definite hierarchy, too, with the relatively wealthy on the one hand (many of them elderly and retired), the poor—local villagers who work mostly as domestic help for the wealthy—on the other. There is, like ‘that prig, Poirot’, a retired police officer who sets out to solve a murder mystery.
Other than that, though, there is not too much of a resemblance to Dame Agatha’s usually cozy mysteries: this is grimy, more noir than anything else. Shambala Villa (the ‘Shambles’ of the novel’s title, so nicknamed because it is decrepit and filthy) is sleazy. Sleazy not just as a result of years of neglect, but because of the goings-on at Shambles. Its owner, Reuben Sabharwal, styles himself a godman and calls himself Bhagwan. There are seances, random comings and goings of people of the cult surrounding him—and one day, a double murder: Reuben is found stabbed to death in his kitchen while above him, hanging from the kitchen ceiling, is a figure wrapped in a sari.
Lionel Carmichael, neighbour to Reuben, is called in by the local cops when they find themselves a little out of their depth. And as he begins to investigate, Carmichael finds out just how much sleaze surrounded Reuben Bhagwan…
One of the most memorable elements of Death in Shambles is the way Alter evokes a small hill town nestled in the mountains of Uttarakhand. From the precipitous paths to the rain drumming on the roof, from the birds around to the religious fervour of a jagran in which a Devi is invoked, the fictitious Debrakot could very believably be a real place.
And the people in it are every bit as real: from those that time seems to have forgotten, to those who embody all the go-getting ambition and drive of the 21st century. On the one hand, there are the villagers who still believe in a Devi who speaks through a young woman, and there are old residents whom time seems to have forgotten. On the other, there are people like the tech-savvy entrepreneur who has found an innovative way to earn money from podcasts. There are many characters here, all the way from the mostly well-off upper-class residents of Debrakot to its villagers, from the policemen to those who were part of Reuben Bhagwan’s cult: an eclectic lot, but all three-dimensional in their own way: flaws and virtues, follies and wisdom mark each of these people in a very realistic way.
Death in Shambles is a solidly noir mystery, but when it comes to detective work, it’s just slightly underwhelming. True, Lionel Carmichael is a retired cop and there is some sleuthing, combined with police procedural. But the solution, ultimately, comes not so much as a result of Carmichael’s deductions but based on a confession made by someone complicit. The sordid secrets, both those revealed as well as those which continue to remain secrets, are instead the main element of this book: a story which peels away the layers of a sleepy and picturesque hill station to reveal the dirt that lies beneath.
It's a description that might well fit many of the characters and their circumstances too: the seemingly solid marriage that hides infidelity; the godman who is crooked through and through. The big city doctor who will bribe or threaten, or both, to save his reputation.
Death in Shambles, instead of being the Christie-esque whodunnit with a Poirot- (or Marple-) like detective, is really more a thought-provoking, entertaining and occasionally witty look at modern Indian society. Debrakot, really, could be any small town; its melange of characters could inhabit any Indian settlement, and those same foibles, the same corruption and filth, would strike true.
(From my review for The Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/boo...)
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February 7, 2023Mr. Lionel took an early retirement from his police career due to a political mishap. He had been an honest officer all his life with an eye for investigation. He now lives in the little hill station Debrakot, in a Jane Eyre inspired house named Thornfield Hall.
.
The peace of this serene place is upturned when a double murder takes place at Shambala Villa, commonly called shambles due to its dilapidated state. The victims are an occult and other black magic practising Reuben Sabharwal and an unknown woman! The local police SHO Thapliyal, engage Lionels help in the investigation.
.
Step by step things are revealed and characters are added as the people involved in and around the victims come into the story! Reuben was a self proclaimed Godman, who had disciples move ment at Shambles always. The caretaker and his daughter are questioned as is many locals who dont actually like Reuben.
.
Lionel systematically gets to the process of investigation and story gives us his past too. The murder mystery is all over very atmospheric, as if the aura of Debrakot adds to it! The arrival of Reuben's estranged sister- Rita adds a layer to it and the mention of Anubis takes me back to another famous detective tale where the statue is stolen too.
.
Although parapsychology is a factor in the tale considering Reuben, Rita and their pasts, it does not play a significant role in the mystery. It again comes down to the human instincts of love, friendship, fear, revenge and want of money.
.
The story is layered but written quite strengthily. The author as I realized has many other books which I was not aware of. Definitely a good one to warm up to on a winter evening!
.
The peace of this serene place is upturned when a double murder takes place at Shambala Villa, commonly called shambles due to its dilapidated state. The victims are an occult and other black magic practising Reuben Sabharwal and an unknown woman! The local police SHO Thapliyal, engage Lionels help in the investigation.
.
Step by step things are revealed and characters are added as the people involved in and around the victims come into the story! Reuben was a self proclaimed Godman, who had disciples move ment at Shambles always. The caretaker and his daughter are questioned as is many locals who dont actually like Reuben.
.
Lionel systematically gets to the process of investigation and story gives us his past too. The murder mystery is all over very atmospheric, as if the aura of Debrakot adds to it! The arrival of Reuben's estranged sister- Rita adds a layer to it and the mention of Anubis takes me back to another famous detective tale where the statue is stolen too.
.
Although parapsychology is a factor in the tale considering Reuben, Rita and their pasts, it does not play a significant role in the mystery. It again comes down to the human instincts of love, friendship, fear, revenge and want of money.
.
The story is layered but written quite strengthily. The author as I realized has many other books which I was not aware of. Definitely a good one to warm up to on a winter evening!
June 11, 2023
The alter ego of Mussoorie – Debrakot – is described lovingly by the author. In turn the author’s alter ego does a bit of sleuthing. The narrative is exciting and the characters are an eccentric bunch although the denouement is a bit disappointing.
August 7, 2023
Stephen Alter has the gift of descriptive writing. The plot isn’t replete with twists and turns but keeps you invested. The cover design is appealing and reflects the tonality of the yarn spun inside. All in all, satisfying.
February 19, 2023
You can read my spoiler free review on my blog.
https://thewhimsybookworm.blogspot.co...
https://thewhimsybookworm.blogspot.co...
October 15, 2025
A decent book. i hadnt read the previous Carmichel mystery novel so didnt have much context. Reads well, though the ending lacks a bit of punch...
January 15, 2023
3.95/5
Stephen Alter in his book Death in Shambles takes the reader through an investigation in the hill station Debrakot.
Lionel Carmichael, a retired police deputy inspector general is all set to enjoy his life in the solitary Debrakot till a phone call puts him back to work.
Two bodies have been discovered at Shambala Villa. One is the resident of the house, Reuben, also known as Bhagwan by his followers but the other stays a mystery. Why was Reuben killed? Who killed Reuben? Who is the mysterious body lying next to Reuben? What went on in Reuben's home?
Lionel takes up the case along with SHO Thapliyal and begins the investigation. Things don't look simple and there is definitely much much more that what lies on the surface. Lionel is asking questions and investigating but his life seems to be in danger too. Can he solve the case before it gets out of hand? Read the book to find out.
I would like to begin by praising the cover of the book, it gives us the perfect colour scheme for the rainy, quite and solitary Debrakot. The mystery is set in a place that's like every other hill station but with a very less number of people. Eccentric neighbours, a gloomy weather and vintage style villas and bungalows wonderfully add to the vibes of the entire murder mystery.
Moving to the character development, each of the characters have been written well and are developed in depth. The way and pace at which they have been introduced in the story is quite perfect for it keeps an entity of each character formed well in the mind of the reader. The story moves at a moderate pace and has quite a bit 'gradual revelation of facts' to it i.e. a perfect distribution of information through the story .This kept me glued to the book and I ended up reading it in a go.
The mystery is built very well, the reader can not guess what would happen next ...
To read more, visit www.wordsbydhwani.wordpress.com
Stephen Alter in his book Death in Shambles takes the reader through an investigation in the hill station Debrakot.
Lionel Carmichael, a retired police deputy inspector general is all set to enjoy his life in the solitary Debrakot till a phone call puts him back to work.
Two bodies have been discovered at Shambala Villa. One is the resident of the house, Reuben, also known as Bhagwan by his followers but the other stays a mystery. Why was Reuben killed? Who killed Reuben? Who is the mysterious body lying next to Reuben? What went on in Reuben's home?
Lionel takes up the case along with SHO Thapliyal and begins the investigation. Things don't look simple and there is definitely much much more that what lies on the surface. Lionel is asking questions and investigating but his life seems to be in danger too. Can he solve the case before it gets out of hand? Read the book to find out.
I would like to begin by praising the cover of the book, it gives us the perfect colour scheme for the rainy, quite and solitary Debrakot. The mystery is set in a place that's like every other hill station but with a very less number of people. Eccentric neighbours, a gloomy weather and vintage style villas and bungalows wonderfully add to the vibes of the entire murder mystery.
Moving to the character development, each of the characters have been written well and are developed in depth. The way and pace at which they have been introduced in the story is quite perfect for it keeps an entity of each character formed well in the mind of the reader. The story moves at a moderate pace and has quite a bit 'gradual revelation of facts' to it i.e. a perfect distribution of information through the story .This kept me glued to the book and I ended up reading it in a go.
The mystery is built very well, the reader can not guess what would happen next ...
To read more, visit www.wordsbydhwani.wordpress.com
May 27, 2023
"Religion has always employed the metaphor of love to explain our devotion to God. In Judeo- Christian faiths it is a chaste, platonic bond but in other traditions, particularly the hymns of bhakti poets and Sufi saints, God's takes on an erotic quality, the absent lover for whom we feel a passionate longing. Tantric sects advance this concept even further, seeking the carnal Union with God."
.
A story is set in a small hill station of Debrakot which faces an unwarned shocking news of two murders. Lionel was all set to enjoy his post retirement life in one of those serene hills untill he is assigned to dig this mysterious case.
Sabharwal, a self styled god-man and an unknown woman in saree were found hanging in one of the abandoned villa aka Shambles through the victims' backstory. Sabharwal, a self styled god-man and an unknown woman in saree were found hanging in one of the abandoned villa called Shambles.
The story then takes turns to introduce us with the dark side of life with religious practices, blind faith, corruptions and lot more.
It is rightly said that beautiful things hide the most alarming things. The peaceful Debrakot has turned into a place of horror where every single face is under suspicion. As the investigator unearths the facts, the case becomes jammed with new characters and elements in regard to the victims' backgrounds.
.
Being written in an average pace with multiples scenes and characters, the story at times, felt loosing its intriguity. However the plot was praiseworthy. The investigation procedure by Lionel, the retired police officer was something worth knowing. No doubt, he was approached for this job even after the retirement. A kin observer with a witty personality is all that needed in this force.
.
A story is set in a small hill station of Debrakot which faces an unwarned shocking news of two murders. Lionel was all set to enjoy his post retirement life in one of those serene hills untill he is assigned to dig this mysterious case.
Sabharwal, a self styled god-man and an unknown woman in saree were found hanging in one of the abandoned villa aka Shambles through the victims' backstory. Sabharwal, a self styled god-man and an unknown woman in saree were found hanging in one of the abandoned villa called Shambles.
The story then takes turns to introduce us with the dark side of life with religious practices, blind faith, corruptions and lot more.
It is rightly said that beautiful things hide the most alarming things. The peaceful Debrakot has turned into a place of horror where every single face is under suspicion. As the investigator unearths the facts, the case becomes jammed with new characters and elements in regard to the victims' backgrounds.
.
Being written in an average pace with multiples scenes and characters, the story at times, felt loosing its intriguity. However the plot was praiseworthy. The investigation procedure by Lionel, the retired police officer was something worth knowing. No doubt, he was approached for this job even after the retirement. A kin observer with a witty personality is all that needed in this force.
January 31, 2023
𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 :
•• TITLE : Death in Shambles
•• AUTHOR : Stephen Alter
•• PUBLISHER : Aleph Books
•• FORMAT : Hardcover
•• LANGUAGE : English
𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒
It's the story of a retired DIG of Police Lionel Carmichael who decided to live a peaceful life after his retirement in hill station of Debrakot.
..
But his destiny has other plans.
His one of the former colleague SHO Thapliyal asked him to help out in an unsolved double murder case.
..
It's not end here but it's just the beginning. The crime was happened in a haunted villa known as Shambles.
..
There are many rumours were roaming around regarding these murders.
..
To know more about the book find out it & give it a try.
𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 :
✓ The cover of the book is just superb. It's eye catching thought provoking & complementing perfectly with the storyline.
✓ The writing style of the book is quite good. It's not like normal crime thrillers as there are many more flavours in it.
✓ Language used in the book is simple & easily connected.
✓ All the characters are developed perfectly & has dedicated roles in the plotline to make it a crisp read.
✓ It is Double murder story along with a haunted place. Both of them just mixed with each other so perfectly that you just can't get rid of it.
✓ The book has its own beauty as it touches many aspects which are quite unpredictable.
✓ There are too many turns & twists in the book which keeps you hooked up till the last page.
✓ The author just perfectly maintained the main theme of the book along with its raw essence.
✓ Book is quite fast paced with so many contradictory events. It's just a thrilling experience of reading.
𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
•• TITLE : Death in Shambles
•• AUTHOR : Stephen Alter
•• PUBLISHER : Aleph Books
•• FORMAT : Hardcover
•• LANGUAGE : English
𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒
It's the story of a retired DIG of Police Lionel Carmichael who decided to live a peaceful life after his retirement in hill station of Debrakot.
..
But his destiny has other plans.
His one of the former colleague SHO Thapliyal asked him to help out in an unsolved double murder case.
..
It's not end here but it's just the beginning. The crime was happened in a haunted villa known as Shambles.
..
There are many rumours were roaming around regarding these murders.
..
To know more about the book find out it & give it a try.
𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 :
✓ The cover of the book is just superb. It's eye catching thought provoking & complementing perfectly with the storyline.
✓ The writing style of the book is quite good. It's not like normal crime thrillers as there are many more flavours in it.
✓ Language used in the book is simple & easily connected.
✓ All the characters are developed perfectly & has dedicated roles in the plotline to make it a crisp read.
✓ It is Double murder story along with a haunted place. Both of them just mixed with each other so perfectly that you just can't get rid of it.
✓ The book has its own beauty as it touches many aspects which are quite unpredictable.
✓ There are too many turns & twists in the book which keeps you hooked up till the last page.
✓ The author just perfectly maintained the main theme of the book along with its raw essence.
✓ Book is quite fast paced with so many contradictory events. It's just a thrilling experience of reading.
𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
February 8, 2023
Lionel Carmichael, a retired police deputy inspector general, is looking forward to living a quiet, solitary life in the hill station of Debrakot, with an assortment of eccentric neighbours for occasional company.
The peace and livelihood of this place is disturbed when a double-murder takes place at Shambala Villa. The local police SHO Thapliyal, engages Lionels help in the investigation.
Trudging through the monsoon rains of Debrakot, Lionel embarks on his journey towards the truth, only to become more and more entangled in a web of deceit and lies. What is the twist ? Who is the murderer ? Keep guessing 😜
Some Highlights of the book -
1) The way the author has portrayed each stances is amazing. Minute detailing have been taken care of. The Pillow resemblance was I liked the most.
2) The language is also very simple, lucid and easy to understand.
3) The story was fast paced and had few twists that will keep you guessing what will happen next ? You can finish the book within a day as it is a short book of approx 200 pages.
4) Each of the characters was well-detailed. The narrative had some shocking moments, which adds on to the excitement level.
5) You'll be able to connect with the story and the characters and will be able to visualise things happening in front of your eyes.
6) The human emotions of love, friendship, fear, revenge, greed, jealousy etc have very well been connected in the story.
It is a must read for all lovers of crime fiction and thrillers.
The peace and livelihood of this place is disturbed when a double-murder takes place at Shambala Villa. The local police SHO Thapliyal, engages Lionels help in the investigation.
Trudging through the monsoon rains of Debrakot, Lionel embarks on his journey towards the truth, only to become more and more entangled in a web of deceit and lies. What is the twist ? Who is the murderer ? Keep guessing 😜
Some Highlights of the book -
1) The way the author has portrayed each stances is amazing. Minute detailing have been taken care of. The Pillow resemblance was I liked the most.
2) The language is also very simple, lucid and easy to understand.
3) The story was fast paced and had few twists that will keep you guessing what will happen next ? You can finish the book within a day as it is a short book of approx 200 pages.
4) Each of the characters was well-detailed. The narrative had some shocking moments, which adds on to the excitement level.
5) You'll be able to connect with the story and the characters and will be able to visualise things happening in front of your eyes.
6) The human emotions of love, friendship, fear, revenge, greed, jealousy etc have very well been connected in the story.
It is a must read for all lovers of crime fiction and thrillers.
April 4, 2023
The characters:
The motley characters of the book elevate and dip the pace of the plot. Be it Stephen, his cook Badlu, or anyone in Debrakot, each character has a craft of its own with a distinct individuality and a space. The moment the author introduces the readers to a character, they would embark on a journey of visualization and further, the way the character behaves makes sense and seems convincing. The characters lead the plot.
However, the edge of body shaming trait displayed by the protagonist stuck out like a sore thumb. A different angle cold has been explored to establish the distinction between the characters. The same could be done despite taking off the paragraphs where in body image of the other characters was made fun of.
The plot that flies
The most engaging quality of a thriller is to have a pace that sustains despite the difficulty in establishing the scenarios. Death in Shambles seamlessly maneuvered the plot toward the climax. Till the end, there is not a scenario where the readers would want to skip a page or paragraph for that matter.
The climax did not rise up to the benchmark set by the rest of the plot. It leaves the readers wondering why the author was unduly diverting the attention of the readers. This could have been explored in detail with more developmental edits.
Overall the book is a breezy read for all thriller lovers.
The motley characters of the book elevate and dip the pace of the plot. Be it Stephen, his cook Badlu, or anyone in Debrakot, each character has a craft of its own with a distinct individuality and a space. The moment the author introduces the readers to a character, they would embark on a journey of visualization and further, the way the character behaves makes sense and seems convincing. The characters lead the plot.
However, the edge of body shaming trait displayed by the protagonist stuck out like a sore thumb. A different angle cold has been explored to establish the distinction between the characters. The same could be done despite taking off the paragraphs where in body image of the other characters was made fun of.
The plot that flies
The most engaging quality of a thriller is to have a pace that sustains despite the difficulty in establishing the scenarios. Death in Shambles seamlessly maneuvered the plot toward the climax. Till the end, there is not a scenario where the readers would want to skip a page or paragraph for that matter.
The climax did not rise up to the benchmark set by the rest of the plot. It leaves the readers wondering why the author was unduly diverting the attention of the readers. This could have been explored in detail with more developmental edits.
Overall the book is a breezy read for all thriller lovers.
February 1, 2023
An array of quirky neighbors will provide some of retired police deputy inspector general Lionel Carmichael's only company as he settles into a tranquil, lonely life in the hill village of Debrakot. His preparations are derailed when SHO Thapliyal, a former coworker, asks h,im to assist with a double murder investigation. The eerie Shambala Villa, sofavoritealled "Shambles" by the locals cozy use of its run-down look, is where the murder took place. Reuben Sabharwal, a self-styled god-man who dabbles in the strange and occult, and an unidentified lady wearing a light green sari who was discovered hanging by a noose close to Reuben's body, are the victims of the heinous murders.
reveals its dark secrets.
Lionel sets off on his quest for the truth while trudging through the monsoon rains of Debrakot, only to find himself getting more and more caught up in a web of falsehoods. Lionel persists in seeking the truth despite several strong forces trying to stop him, and eventually the tranquil little hill station spills its dark secrets.
It was one of my favourite books to read this week and a cosy mystery. This novel is captivating and well-written. I was immediately captivated by it! A fantastic book with amazing twists! Definitely advisable!
reveals its dark secrets.
Lionel sets off on his quest for the truth while trudging through the monsoon rains of Debrakot, only to find himself getting more and more caught up in a web of falsehoods. Lionel persists in seeking the truth despite several strong forces trying to stop him, and eventually the tranquil little hill station spills its dark secrets.
It was one of my favourite books to read this week and a cosy mystery. This novel is captivating and well-written. I was immediately captivated by it! A fantastic book with amazing twists! Definitely advisable!
March 13, 2023
The story revolves around a murder case that was investigated by retired police officer Mr. Lionel Carmichael who lives in Debrakot. Among the victims are Reuben Sabharwal, and an unknown woman in a pale green sari who was found hanging by a noose nearby Reuben.
In collaboration with SHO Thapliyal, Lionel begins investigating the case. All murder cases aren't meant to be easy to solve. Likewise this case also has its own twists and turns that leave the reader in awe.
An ordinary hill station is the setting of the mystery, but with fewer people. Throughout the murder mystery you are surrounded by queer neighbors. In addition, you have weather that is foggy and cloudy, and the area is filled with old style villas and bungalows with a vintage touch.
Who is Reuben? Why was he killed? Why was there another lady victim hanging beside him? The suspense of the story lies in this.
Like all mystery books, Death in Shambles is a fast-paced read. One can visualise things while reading it. The author has narrated the story in a well defined and detailed manner. It contains all kinds of emotions, including love, fear, anger, jealousy, friendship etc. Overall it's a worthwhile experience and I would like to recommend this book to all mystery & crime genre readers.
In collaboration with SHO Thapliyal, Lionel begins investigating the case. All murder cases aren't meant to be easy to solve. Likewise this case also has its own twists and turns that leave the reader in awe.
An ordinary hill station is the setting of the mystery, but with fewer people. Throughout the murder mystery you are surrounded by queer neighbors. In addition, you have weather that is foggy and cloudy, and the area is filled with old style villas and bungalows with a vintage touch.
Who is Reuben? Why was he killed? Why was there another lady victim hanging beside him? The suspense of the story lies in this.
Like all mystery books, Death in Shambles is a fast-paced read. One can visualise things while reading it. The author has narrated the story in a well defined and detailed manner. It contains all kinds of emotions, including love, fear, anger, jealousy, friendship etc. Overall it's a worthwhile experience and I would like to recommend this book to all mystery & crime genre readers.
February 3, 2023
Death in Shambles: A Hill Station Mystery
~Stephen Alter
This story is set in the hill station of Debrakot. A perfect blend of mystery and thrill. The author has narrated this story at an unerring pace which will make the readers glued to the pages. This is a double murder story with elements like a haunted place, which makes it even better.
I liked the fact that there are a lot of unexpected events and plot twists which are evenly placed in the book. The author's writing style is so good and simple that it will grab our attention. The ending was not a winner for me, but the book surely made its mark.
~Stephen Alter
This story is set in the hill station of Debrakot. A perfect blend of mystery and thrill. The author has narrated this story at an unerring pace which will make the readers glued to the pages. This is a double murder story with elements like a haunted place, which makes it even better.
I liked the fact that there are a lot of unexpected events and plot twists which are evenly placed in the book. The author's writing style is so good and simple that it will grab our attention. The ending was not a winner for me, but the book surely made its mark.
February 5, 2023
o “Certain mysteries can never be obscured by time and other forces”.
o The 216 pages long book at hand says a lot about itself from the title of the book itself as the underlying theme of the book concerns the life of as retired army personnel, however his peace is outlived by a request to aid in a horrific murder case as this unfolds a web of secrets and thereby further showcasing the depths of human rot. The language as used remains subtle and simple and very engaging at the same time. The presentation aspect gets heightened by the language as it aids the smooth flow of the plot.
o Thus this book is a must read for anyone willing to go for a good and engaging read.
o The 216 pages long book at hand says a lot about itself from the title of the book itself as the underlying theme of the book concerns the life of as retired army personnel, however his peace is outlived by a request to aid in a horrific murder case as this unfolds a web of secrets and thereby further showcasing the depths of human rot. The language as used remains subtle and simple and very engaging at the same time. The presentation aspect gets heightened by the language as it aids the smooth flow of the plot.
o Thus this book is a must read for anyone willing to go for a good and engaging read.
March 20, 2023
The language employed is still understated, straightforward, and incredibly captivating. The language enhances the presentation aspect by facilitating the plot's easy flow. The book's numerous unexpected developments and well-distributed plot twists were a feature I found appealing. Although I did not enjoy the ending, the book undoubtedly left an impression.
Overall , it's a fast paced read and engaging one.
So, anyone looking for a nice and interesting read should pick up a copy of this book.
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April 20, 2023
The book starts with the double murder in a ghostly Shambala villa at an ordinary hill station, but the crime scene tells a different story. SHO Thapliyal asks help from Lionel Carmichael, a retired police deputy inspector general to solve the mystery of this double murder case.
The crisp and gripping narration of this suspense thriller begins in the quiet hill station of Debrakot and ends with some dark secrets of the hill station. There is no point that you can think the story was stretched, the suspense will continue through the book, and the characters are well-established.
A perfect read for those who love reading murder mysteries.
The crisp and gripping narration of this suspense thriller begins in the quiet hill station of Debrakot and ends with some dark secrets of the hill station. There is no point that you can think the story was stretched, the suspense will continue through the book, and the characters are well-established.
A perfect read for those who love reading murder mysteries.
November 23, 2023
3.9*
This book is more about atmosphere and narrative style. The content has enough substance to be a grim neo noir, but it holds itself back. The pacing is slow, mimicking the lifestyle of our protagonist, a retired cop in a sleepy hill station. The action is controlled, minimal. The storytelling is pretty good, reminiscent of classic mysteries, each chapter ending with a quasi-cliffhanger. The ending however is anticlimactic, which could put off certain readers. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a detective mystery, set in a cold and sleepy hill station, with grim murders, shady characters...look no further.
This book is more about atmosphere and narrative style. The content has enough substance to be a grim neo noir, but it holds itself back. The pacing is slow, mimicking the lifestyle of our protagonist, a retired cop in a sleepy hill station. The action is controlled, minimal. The storytelling is pretty good, reminiscent of classic mysteries, each chapter ending with a quasi-cliffhanger. The ending however is anticlimactic, which could put off certain readers. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a detective mystery, set in a cold and sleepy hill station, with grim murders, shady characters...look no further.
August 25, 2023
A charming story . Good language and a fine mystery.
Nostalgia for a different world !
Nostalgia for a different world !
October 11, 2023
The premise, the characters and the story telling is pretty good. Disappointed with the climax though!
July 13, 2024
Well written but the climax was a little underwhelming.....!!! Looking forward to reading more fiction from Stephen Alter.
April 30, 2026
A plain murder mystery. If you are in to thrillers this can be rated as ok type. Murder, police investigation and closing. Nothing more.
May 2, 2026
Maybe not every murder is extra-ordinary. What if the murder is just an everyday murder?
February 23, 2023
An unforced homespun mystery that comprises lively characters and an intriguing plot, this double murder suspense will surely keep you hooked till the very end. The premise of the story is who-dun-it and it primarily follows IPS officer Lionel Carmichael's intervention in a double murder that stuns the small town of Debrakot. While Lionel hasn't seen a case of this sort throughout his career, he is up for the challenge even when the quest to find the culprit might put him in the killer's crosshairs.
Read the full review here:https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
Read the full review here:https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
June 11, 2023
Pretty mediocre. Nothing special about it. Can be a good timepass.
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