Tag: #murdermystery

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man)

The bold and irrepressible Vera Wong is back! For her second outing as a murder investigator, she no longer considers herself an amateur sleuth. After her successful first case, she proudly thinks of herself as a professional and hence believes that the relentless and reckless snooping is mandatory and an obvious part of the investigatory process. 

The story begins when Vera spots a distraught Millie outside the police station where Vera herself had been to report an internet scam. She comforts Millie as a Chinese mother would do, brings her to ‘Vera Wang’s World-Famous Teahouse’, and soon learns about her missing friend Thomas. Around the same time, while snooping through her son Tilly’s apartment, she discovers his police officer girlfriend Selena’s private files. There she notices photos of a man, resembling Thomas, but labelled as John Doe, and a suicide victim. Snooping through social media, Vera stumbles upon photos of a social media sensation Xander Lin, who looks eerily similar to Thomas. All of this makes Vera suspicious and convinced to investigate the curious case of Thomas/Xander Lin/John Doe who according to her, has been murdered. 

Vera’s snooping leads her to a plethora of interesting characters connected to Xander. Aimes, a rising social media star, and girlfriend of Xander, seems evasive about their relationship, and oddly detached about his death. TJ, his manager, remains guarded about their professional ties. Vera also learns that Xander has a grandfather, who turns out to be a friend she has known for a while and now feels indignant that he kept this a secret from her, which also makes her wonder, his reasons for doing so. As Vera gets pulled into the fray, she realises that Xander had wanted to come clean about each of these relationships in front of the world, only for him to be wound up dead, before he could do so.

The book, just like its predecessor (Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers), is a taut, fast-paced thriller that keeps the tension crackling right through to the end. The climax was unexpected and nothing like what I had anticipated. All of the characters from the previous book make an appearance in this and it feels like a natural progression. The new characters turn out to be unique, multidimensional and mysterious. Beyond Vera, the standout for me was Robin, whose spunk and chutzpah matches perfectly with that of Vera’s. And finally, Vera Wong herself is a character like no other, who is determined on shattering all your preconceived notions about what a sixty-year-old woman can and should do. If you thought she was over the top in her first outing, then she has only pushed things to the next level with this one. She’s a mesmerising, witty, unfiltered Chinese mother who brews delicious teas, casually solves a murder, eases the stresses and anxieties of those around her and never stops being fabulously fearless. 

Through this book, the author, Jesse Sutanto, has given us a grim insight into the glamorous world of social media superstars and the perils of this fickle, frivolous stardom. Xander, Aimes and TJ embody a generation living on social media and believing curated realities to be legitimate. This intersection and intermingling of real and performative blurs the true lived experience that soon transcends into emotional chaos and fractured identities causing a general disbelief in the collective humanity. The book is also a sharp commentary on the current epidemic of instant fame synonymous with an insatiable hunger for likes and followers that’s distorting one’s perception of success and failure. 

The Vera Wong series retains its brand of being an enjoyable and engaging read effortlessly blending humour and homicide. Jesse Sutanto has created an unconventional heroine who is breaking stereotypes with her quirks and curiosity. The only lingering question I have is, what delightfully outrageous case will Vera tackle next? 

~ JUST A GAY BOY. 😀☕️

All The Sinners Bleed

Former FBI Agent, Titus Crown, has returned his hometown, Charon County in Virginia, to become its first Black Sheriff. In a county, that has sixty percent Black population, racial tensions simmer and white supremacists’ zealotry looms large. He often finds himself at crossroads of doing the right thing of upholding the law and protecting the lives and rights of the Black community whilst ensuring that no one under his jurisdiction, irrespective of their race gets mistreatment or preferential treatment. His judgement and authority are put to test when there occurs a school shooting, wherein a black boy, Latrell, shoots county’s beloved white teacher, Mr. Spearman in public. Latrell is soon shot at and killed by Titus’s deputies when they see him raging, and assume him to be out of control and threat to everyone. The investigations following this incident, lead Titus and his team to a graveyard where the bodies of seven Black and Brown teenagers are found to be buried. Further probing makes Titus speculate the connections between the gruesome murders of the children, Latrell and Mr. Spearman, while also discovering the involvement of another person, who he nicknames as ‘The Last Wolf’, and soon believes to be the principal orchestrator of the murders.

Apart from the murders of the children, the book also features killing of two other characters in the most grotesque, violent and disturbing manner. Titus is faced with the urgency and obligation of catching the serial killer while the county and its people start doubting his ability of doing his job satisfactorily and impartially. At the same time, he is burdened with his own internal monologue about his relationship with his girlfriend Darlene, his bond with his estranged brother Marquis and the real reason for him leaving the FBI. 

The plot is intriguing, the writing is engaging that keeps the readers hooked with the requisite twists and turns. However, things become tedious because of multiple subplots and umpteen inconsequential characters. The author seems to have lost his way through this complicated narrative of myriad happenings and fails to provide resolution to any of them. The climax is a letdown especially since it happens suddenly after the forever meandering on the innumerable murders and Titus’s never ending investigation. Also, the reveal of the murderer is tepid and their motive feels superfluous and incongruent with the brutality of the murders committed.

S A Cosby is a prolific Black writer and this book was my pick for Black History Month. He specialises in the ‘Southern Noir crime fiction’ genre and has received several awards for his writing. He has centred race and geopolitical issues in his work and All The Sinners Bleed, is no different. In this book too, racism remains the subtext. Through his titular character Titus, he takes the opportunity to educate and inform everyone how racism is present and still can be missed; how bigotry and fascism can disguise themselves as ignorance. Cosby’s authoritative Black voice lends gravitas to the forgotten Black History and the contemporary Black issues. If only he had also paid equal attention to the mystery that was supposed to be present in a murder mystery.

All The Sinners Bleed is a proverbial thriller that never had me thrilled. I was thrilled when it was finally over.

~ JUST A GAY BOY. 🕵🏽

The Mystery Guest

Molly Gray is back. She’s socially awkward, fails to understand the world around her, misses the obvious, has a keen eye for the unobvious and has a flair for the English language. She’s now the Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, has a loving relationship with her boyfriend Juan and has again become entangled in another scandalous murder. J. D. Grimthorpe, an award winning mystery writer, is supposed to make a big announcement and has booked the hotel’s Tea room for the event. The room is packed to the rafters with journalists, media professionals, photographers and eager fan club members. Grimthorpe takes the stage, sips his tea on stage and drops dead. Lily, a maid-in-training under Molly was responsible for arranging his tea cart and had handed him the tea in front of everyone. Detective Stark is tasked with solving this mystery and again Molly becomes her unlikely partner.

It’s a very simple murder mystery and the author presents various characters as suspects including Grimthorpe’s secretary, Serena Sharpe; Hotel’s manager Mr. Snow and even Mr. Preston, the kind grandfather figure in the life of Molly who continues to dote on her. The happenings in the book are fast paced and this time around the author provides substantial backstory on Molly’s childhood growing up with her Gran. Molly continues to fight the social odds stacked against her and with her grit, perseverance, unassuming intelligence and cheeky wit cracks this murder too.

For all those who have read Nita Prose’s debut book, The Maid, which for the first time introduced us to Molly, this second book, doesn’t disappoint. Through Molly, the author drives home the message that, everybody deserves to be seen and no one should be underestimated because of their appearance or background. Nita has created a world of hope and optimism, while Molly brings in the beauty in her oddity. 

Heartwarming, once again!

The Fury

Alex Michaelides’s, “The Silent Patient”, has been my favourite psychological thrillers of all times. His next book, “The Maidens”, was good too but didn’t match his debut work. “The Fury” is his third book and I was eagerly awaiting its release. To say I was disappointed with it would be an understatement. For the most part it didn’t feel like Alex’s work. It felt as if an overbearing, overindulgent and arrogant writer has written this shoddy story masquerading as a thriller, who is supremely confident that his readers will like it no matter how abysmal the plot is.

As far as the story goes, it’s about this famous Hollywood star, Lana Farrar who goes on this impromptu trip to an isolated Greek island along with her second husband Jason, her friends Kate and Elliot, her son Leo and her assistant Agathi. One of them gets murdered on the island and the rest of the story is about finding the killer. The narration is lethargic and it takes forever for events to unfold. Also, the writer has deployed one of the characters as the storyteller who takes you on this never ending journey and keeps dangling the proverbial carrot of something exciting and unexpected to happen, in front of us readers; only that it’s never as what is promised. I have to say, the narrator is irritating, irrelevant at times and nauseatingly pompous. Lana is the most boring one dimensional character I have ever read. So are the rest, mostly brimming with one particular emotion for the entire narrative. I also wondered why is everyone acting the way they did; what is prompting them to be so unlikeable and monotonous. The climax is extremely make believe, stretched beyond imagination and utterly implausible. What happened to Alex Michaelides?

Some people are one time wonders. If that is the case, swallow that tough pill and stay put. Don’t write a fury!

~ JUST A GAY BOY. 😖😠

Murder at the Mushaira: A Novel

A murder mystery set during India’s First War of Independence, does sound scrumptious. It’s 1857, the British and the East India Company have started controlling greater parts of the country. It’s the last days of the erstwhile Mughal empire with many of the Nawabs surrendering to the British. There’s also a rebellion that’s brewing in various parts of the country that collectively takes the form of the Uprising of 1857. In the midst of this, Delhi is still trying to hold onto its Mughal administration. May of 1857, it’s Ramzan and there are soirées, feasts and mushairas happening in Delhi. At one such mushaira, hosted at Nawab Iftikhar Hasan’s haveli, a poet, Sukhan Khairabadi, is found to be murdered. The poet laureate, Mirza Ghalib, who also masquerades as an amateur sleuth, gets tasked with investigating this murder alongside the policeman Kirorimal Chainsukh. What unfolds next is pure delight in terms of storytelling, as history and mystery get beautifully intertwined in this marvellous fictional narrative.

A myriad of interesting characters make their appearance in this novel. Mirza Ghalib, the protagonist has his wit, charm and Urdu couplets in tow. Master Ramachandra, his accomplice in solving the crime, brings science and sincerity to the proceedings. Whilst a haggered Nawab Iftikhar, is contemptuous of Ghalib; his wife, Roshan Ara Begum has a great deal of affection for him. Various women characters such as Hyderi Begum Zutshi, Syeda Zainab, Ratna Bai make their presence felt in this story just by their steely grit, fearlessness and defiance.

Raza Mir’s story is an ode to the cultured and mellifluous Mughal era. Recently when there has been a movement to wipe out the Mughal presence from our country, Raza reminds us of their regality, their majestic architecture, their delectable cuisine and their venerable mushairas steeped in exquisite Urdu poetry. Every chapter begins with a haunting Sher in Urdu. Raza’s narrative is a rich amalgamation of fiction and accurate historical events. He’s also incorporated an innocuous and heartwarming queer plot line in the story. Such ingenuity!

Do not miss this mushaira! It’s riveting.

~ JUST A GAY BOY. 🧐

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

Vera Wong is a punctilious, loquacious sexagenarian who runs Vera Wang’s World Famous Teahouse in the Chinatown area of San Francisco. But here’s the thing, the tea house isn’t famous (even in Chinatown!) and she has no one to talk to (her only son Tilbert ignores her for the most bit). It all changes the day she discovers the dead body of a certain Marshall Chen in her tea house. This attracts a slew of new visitors to her establishment, who also turn out be murder suspects. When Vera fails to get a satisfactory response from the local police, she takes it upon herself to solve the murder mystery.

Amateur sleuth Vera’s list of suspects include Julia, the wife; Oliver, the brother and Marshal’s two other acquaintances Riki and Sana. As she goes about her way in knowing these people and unearthing their motives and intentions; she also starts forming unlikely and unforeseen bonds with them. The camaraderie between all of them develops so organically that Vera feels hesitant to know who the murderer is. Nonetheless her forthrightness makes her go all the way till she actually nabs the culprit.

As much as the book is a taut, crisp whodunnit; it’s also a heartwarming story about human relationships and friendships. The author has written every character with utmost consideration and has spent time in developing each of their mental and emotional arcs. But the stand out has to be Vera Wong. She is fiesty and funny with a pertinent dislike for mendacity. Though she mostly despises youngsters and their nonchalant way of life; she remains the most inquisitive person when it comes to new technology, terminology and even tiktok. The highlight of the book has to be the uplifting narrative, the unassuming feminism and Vera’s pragmatic attack on misogyny and chauvinism. Jesse Sutanto’s emphasis on the need for building social connections and a safe community is so relevant in these current times of a loneliness epidemic.

The book brews over with an abundance of aromatic teas and concoctions. Vera serves us steaming cups of delicious teas for every occasion and emotion. She has a solution for everything in a tea. Well not just that, she cooks up a storm and the pages are laden with scrumptious and luscious Chinese dishes. The author meticulously describes the cuisine such that, you can smell the piquant aromas whilst reading the book.

This murder mystery is one delectable fare. Dig in, as I sip on my tea whilst not spilling any!

~ JUST A GAY BOY. 🧐

Magpie Murders

This book is so indescribably clever. It’s a book within a book, mystery within a mystery. The plot is incredibly intelligent, so much so that, trying to give a synopsis of it, would be a complete killjoy and a spoiler. After a really long time, I have come across a murder mystery that’s taut, sharp, compelling and a page turner from the word go. The narrative is atmospheric whilst the attention to detail is phenomenal. The language used is rich, articulate and eloquent. And for once, there isn’t a damaged and dysfunctional woman as a protagonist here. Thank you, Anthony Horowitz, for bringing the joy back to reading thrillers and for keeping it so unpredictable. Also, can’t thank Read a Kitaab Bookclub enough for picking this gem as their December Book of the Month. Now, I can’t wait to read the next one in the series; Moonflower Murders.

Must, must read.

~ JUST A GAY BOY. 👏

Daisy Darker

Daisy Darker, the protagonist, is born with a broken heart. And now, she has come over to her Nana’s house, Seaglass, for her eightieth birthday which also doubles up as a family reunion. Her estranged family, which includes her parents who are divorced, her two elder sisters and her niece all land up at Seaglass one after another. Seaglass is an old house on the Cornish coast, on an isolated island at the bottom of a cliff that’s only accessible at low tide. As the night progresses, Nana lays out her feast and reads out her will, which displeases all of them. Soon, someone is found dead. This is followed by more murders with every passing hour. Nobody is able to leave the house till sunrise because of the high tide. Everyone who hasn’t been murdered is frantically trying to save themselves whilst also trying to find out the killer.

The above plot does seem very intriguing and has been written in a gripping manner. However the climax is a major letdown. Honestly it’s laughable and extremely frustrating. The explanation for all the killings is so simplistic and so juvenile that you end up feeling exasperated for the author having wasted your time. How is this book even a best-seller? Who are these people who are liking this idiotic mystery?

Total trash! Avoid.

~ JUST A GAY BOY. 🤬

The Paris Apartment

Lucy Foley’s latest is another one of her slow burn thrillers that keeps you hooked till the last page. This time the story is set in the stylishly seductive city of Paris. The main protagonist, Jess, has run away from her dysfunctional and troubled life back in London. She has come to Paris to be with her brother Ben, who has always maintained a distance from her. She lands in Ben’s uber luxurious apartment located in the most upscale neighbourhood of Paris, only to find him missing. As time passes by, Jess begins to worry and starts searching for her brother with whatever little clues she’s able to decipher. She finds herself in the midst of extremely unfriendly and brusque neighbours who vehemently refuse to divulge any details regarding him. She begins to wonder if Ben is even alive and suspects each one of the residents of this Paris apartment, responsible for his disappearance.

The story has all the requisite elements, making it an edge of the seat thriller. The narrative is told from each of the characters’ viewpoint. The setting is atmospheric and deliberately dark. Paris becomes this silent hum in the background and its mysterious beauty etched ever so beautifully in Lucy Foley’s writing. The climax, just like her previous book, The Guest List, did make me wanting for more; but nonetheless, it’s definitely worth the read.

~ JUST A GAY BOY. 🫣

The Maid

This story is so much more than just a murder mystery. At the heart of it, it’s a story that encapsulates the human spirit; celebrates humanity and drives home the message that all of us are the same and kindness matters to each one of us. The protagonist is Molly Gray, a maid at the Regency Grand Hotel. She’s proud of her job and takes it seriously. Her personality and traits show similarities with Sheldon Cooper from TBBT. She finds it difficult to read people and surroundings, interpret their emotions, and decipher sarcasm. Hence she has a structure to her day and goes about it in the most meticulous manner. One day, when Molly discovers the dead body of a wealthy businessman, Mr Black, whilst cleaning his suite; she becomes caught up in the aftermath of the event, soon becoming the prime murder suspect.

Throughout the narration, Molly comes across resilient and determined. Despite her inability to understand the world around her, which does chip away at her confidence and makes her question her self worth; she stands tall and never lets go of her pride and dignity. Her command of the English language coupled with requisite politeness, makes Molly Gray, the most lovable character.

Kudos to the author, Nita Prose, for portraying such a delightful character like Molly and centring her in the midst of a murder mystery. Through her, the author makes a strong case for, how assumptions based on someone’s appearance and station can be detrimental to them. The narration is fast paced and by the time it’s the end, you are rooting for Molly and the real murderer remains just an afterthought.

“It’s not your station in life that matters. It’s how you conduct yourself that counts.”

“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”

~ JUST A GAY BOY. 🤗