Welcome to the third instalment in this series of book reviews of mystery and suspense books. This time, we journey to South Asia. Here, it’s not just about books on suspense thrillers, but also drama and emotions. It is more than just an exploration of captivating stories—it’s an experience of the region’s unique cultural tapestry and the universal human emotions that drive us all. 

I have been reading books (translated into English) from around the world, and I wanted to explore the mystery and suspense genre in particular, and how they differ from region to region.

South Asian authors bring a distinct flavor to these genres, infusing their narratives with rich cultural contexts, intricate social dynamics, and vibrant settings that are often as captivating as the plots themselves. Suspense is more about how the political and social settings influence lives instead of a straight forward narrative about finding the killer.

I would’ve loved to have more countries represented from this region, but I couldn’t find any translated works in this genre from other countries. Do let me know in the comments if you have any suggestions for books from Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Maldives.

You can also read the earlier posts on mystery and suspense books from Oceania and North America.

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Selected Stories by Saadat Hasan Manto

I came very late to this party! Being a student of literature, fawning over English writers, and not having heard of this genius is a big gap in the education system of this country. Manto is renowned for his gripping and suspenseful storytelling. His short stories delve into the darkest corners of human nature, often set against the tumultuous backdrop of Partition-era India. His ability to build suspense is masterful, blending psychological depth with unexpected twists.

His characters are vividly drawn, their fates often hanging in a delicate balance that Manto skillfully manipulates to maintain tension. I am so glad that I came across this book because the stories were riveting. He has a twist at the end that leaves you in wonder. His views are progressive and many of his thoughts are relevant even today.

Author: Saadat Hasan Manto (1912-1955) was a prolific Urdu writer born in British India, now part of Pakistan. Renowned for his bold and candid storytelling, Manto is celebrated for his portrayal of the social and political realities of his time. Despite facing censorship and controversy during his lifetime, Manto’s legacy endures as a pioneering figure in Urdu literature.

The Adventures of Feluda by Satyajit Ray

I would’ve loved to have heard of this series when I was growing up, instead of the far away Enid Blyton stories I never identified with. But, better late than never! The Feluda series by Satyajit Ray is a delightful collection of detective stories that takes you back to the charm of the Famous Five series. Perfect for young readers, yet engaging enough for adults, these tales offer a blend of mystery, adventure, and clever deduction. The Emperor’s Ring, the first in the series, sets the stage for Feluda and his young sidekick, Topshe, as they embark on their thrilling escapades.

The Feluda stories, including numerous shorter adventures, serve as excellent fillers when you’re between books. 

Author: Satyajit Ray (1921-1992) was a legendary Indian filmmaker, writer, and illustrator, renowned for his contributions to both cinema and literature. He directed iconic films and created the beloved Feluda detective series and the science fiction character Professor Shonku. 

Framed by ​​Surender Mohan Pathak

Framed offers a glimpse into the underbelly of Bollywood-style mafia conflicts. While the language and writing style might lose some nuance in translation, the story itself is compelling. It kicks off like a classic Bollywood mafia movie, with a brisk recounting of gang wars that set the stage for the present-day drama. 

The plot unravels the lives and motives of its three main characters, gradually exposing their past deeds and intricate relationships. As the narrative unfolds, it doubles as a detailed guide on how you can frame someone for murder, complete with elements of police corruption. Despite some stylistic shortcomings, the book gives you a gripping tale of crime and deception that will keep you engaged till the end.

Author: Surender Mohan Pathak (born 1940) is a celebrated Indian author known for his extensive contributions to Hindi crime fiction. He has penned over 300 novels, with notable series like the Sunil Series and the Vimal Series.

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida (Chats with the Dead) by Shehan Karunatilaka

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida offers an unconventional and captivating murder mystery that stands out for its originality. The story begins with Malinda, a professional photographer, grappling with his own death and determined to uncover the mystery behind it before moving on to the afterlife. Refusing to pass through the light until he discovers the cause of his demise, Malinda encounters familiar faces who are now part of the afterlife’s administrative realm. 

Through these interactions and his investigative journey, readers gain profound insights into the tumultuous life he led, marked by his firsthand experiences of Sri Lanka’s political unrest, massacres, and disappearances. The novel explores themes of justice, truth, and the haunting impact of violence. 

Author: Shehan Karunatilaka is a renowned Sri Lankan author who gained international recognition with his novel Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew, which won several awards, including the Commonwealth Book Prize. His writing often delves into the complex social and political landscapes of Sri Lanka, blending humor, dark themes, and compelling narratives. Karunatilaka’s most recent work, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, won the 2022 Booker Prize.

The Prisoner by Omar Shahid Hamid

Constantine, a dedicated police officer, is under immense pressure to find an American journalist kidnapped and facing imminent execution. He must navigate a corrupt system to find him before time runs out. The author, having served with the Karachi Police for 12 years, offers an authentic peek into the intricacies and challenges within law enforcement in the region. 

However, the novel is less a crime thriller and more an exposé on a failing, corrupt system. The real adventure lies in the political and bureaucratic red tape that our protagonist, Constantine, must traverse. The book leans heavily on the theme of corruption and interpersonal dynamics, which sometimes overshadow the central crime-solving narrative. 

Author: Omar Shahid Hamid is a Pakistani author and police officer known for his compelling crime fiction novels. With over a decade of experience in the Karachi Police, his insider knowledge lends authenticity to his writing, vividly depicting the complexities of law enforcement in Pakistan. 

The Bangalore Detective’s Club by Harini Nagendra

This is one of those soft mystery book series that takes you on a journey while investigating a crime. The protagonist, Kaveri is newly married to Ramu and they live in pre-independence India. The reader gets an inkling of the socio-political situation around the time, providing an interesting background for the story to evolve. 

The Bangalore Detective’s Club is a trilogy, and each book gives us an insight into the life of the leading lady and the political climate. Kaveri’s curiosity and love for learning make her stand apart from most women around her. Her empathy for those on the outer edges of society pushes her to help. 

With some strong secondary characters and a feminist point of view, it is the perfect holiday read. I was very impressed with the story, characters, and writing style.

Author: Harini Nagendra is an Indian ecologist known for her groundbreaking research in urban ecology and sustainability. She has dedicated her career to studying the complex interactions between humans and the environment in rapidly growing urban areas. She is a professor at Azim Premji University and a recipient of prestigious awards such as the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. This is her first foray into writing novels.

What Lies Between Us by Nayomi Munaweera

Read this book for the vividness of the character’s experiences, the conflicts she faces in her dialogues with herself, and the stark reality of what trauma looks like years after it has happened.

In the beginning, we don’t know the name of the woman telling us her life story or what crime she has committed. We start the journey when her mother met her father in Sri Lanka. She takes us through their love story and how her relationship was with them. 

She talks about her coming-of-age and then suddenly having to leave her home and move to America. She is welcomed there by her aunt’s family, especially their daughter, who helps her navigate her new world. She learns to blend in and eventually find love. 

However, her past trauma refuses to leave her and gets in the way of a fulfilling life. It’s a heart-wrenching story from start to end as we get to know her crime.

Author: Nayomi Munaweera (born 1973) is a Sri Lankan-American author known for her critically acclaimed novels exploring themes of identity, migration, and trauma. She won the Commonwealth Book Prize for the Asian Region. In addition to her writing, Munaweera is also a teacher and a creative writing mentor.

The Blue Bar by Damyanti Biswas

The Blue Bar is a murder investigation that delves into the dark and gritty underbelly of Mumbai, exposing the tangled web of gangsters, politicians, movie stars, and corrupt police.

The story follows Inspector Arnav as he investigates a series of gruesome murders of women, only to face immense pressure from his superiors to drop the case as influential figures become implicated. Complicating matters further is the return of his lost love, Tara, who unknowingly becomes entangled in the case. 

Though the book is an exciting read, it isn’t without its flaws. There are a few plot holes that might raise eyebrows—such as a mafia soldier having an unsecured phone. Despite these minor issues, it captures the essence of a city where danger and deception lurk around every corner.

Author: Damyanti Biswas was born and raised in India. Her debut novel, You Beneath Your Skin, garnered critical acclaim for its exploration of social issues and intricate character development. 

A Thousand Rooms of Dreams and Fear by Atiq Rahimi

The book is a haunting and poetic exploration of the human spirit amidst the turmoil of war-torn Afghanistan. We meet Farhad, who is flitting between the waking world and unconsciousness. He is a young man who finds himself beaten and left for dead by soldiers, only to be rescued by a compassionate woman named Mahnaz. Farhad realises his carefree days of youth are over, and he needs to make some tough decisions. We see him yearn for his mother, but at the same time, he’s worried about how anxious she would be.  

The novel weaves a tapestry of dreams, memories, and stark realities, reflecting the profound impact of violence and oppression on the human psyche. The author paints a vivid picture of both the external world of chaos and the internal landscape of Farhad’s fears and hopes. The novel’s fragmented structure, shifting between past and present, dreams and reality, adds to the sense of disorientation that mirrors Farhad’s own experience.

It is not definite what happens to him at the end; that is something for the reader to conclude. We follow his inner turmoil and the political unrest Kabul is facing. He knows he is not the first nor the last to undergo such torture and wonders if it would be best to just end it all. 

Author: Atiq Rahimi is an acclaimed Afghan-born author known for his powerful storytelling and poignant exploration of human experiences. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, he later relocated to France, where he pursued his passion for literature. Rahimi’s works, including Earth and Ashes and The Patience Stone, have earned him international recognition and prestigious literary awards, such as the Prix Goncourt. 

The Portrait of a Secret by Tarun Mehrishi

The book takes a few chapters to find its rhythm because of its swift transitions between different points of view and timelines. However, once you get used to the narrative style, the story becomes increasingly engaging. 

Inspired by a real incident of stolen paintings, Mehrishi skillfully weaves a fictional tale around this intriguing premise. As the plot progresses, it delves into a riveting game of espionage and intrigue. The climax is particularly thrilling. For fans of spy thrillers and political intrigue, this book stands out as a compelling read within the Indian context.

Author: Tarun Mehrishi is an emerging author known for his innovative storytelling and thought-provoking narratives. His debut novel, The Unspoken Truth, has garnered praise for its insightful exploration of themes such as love, loss, and self-discovery. 

You’re Invited by Amanda Jayatissa

You’re Invited is a thrilling ride through the tangled web of friendship, jealousy, and deception. The story centers on Amaya, who seems like any jealous woman obsessively stalking her former best friend, Kaavi, now a social media sensation. The plot takes a gripping turn when Amaya receives an unexpected invitation to Kaavi’s wedding—to Amaya’s ex-boyfriend.

What initially appears to be a mission of spite unfolds into something much darker as the narrative progresses. Amaya travels to Colombo with the intent to stop the wedding, but as we delve deeper into the friends’ shared history, a sense of unease grows. The tension reaches a peak when Kaavi goes missing under suspicious circumstances on her wedding day, prompting an intense investigation.

The final chapters are a whirlwind of revelations and twists that keep readers hooked until the very end.

Author: Amanda Jayatissa is a talented Sri Lankan author known for her gripping storytelling and vivid characterizations. With a background in psychology, she brings a unique understanding of human behavior to her writing, crafting compelling narratives that delve into the depths of the human psyche. 

A Cut Like Wound by Anita Nair

The story takes you into the shadowy depths of Bangalore, following Inspector Gowda and his apprentice as they unravel a string of eerily similar murders. Alongside the investigation, Gowda navigates personal turmoil involving his wife, son, and a recently rekindled romance with an ex-lover.

The novel begins at a leisurely pace, setting the stage and introducing characters, which may test the patience of some readers. Although the identity of the killer becomes apparent around the midpoint, the concluding chapters retain enough intrigue to maintain interest. However, the revelation of the motive feels rushed and underdeveloped, leaving a sense that it could have been more thoroughly explored.

Nair also shines a light on Bangalore’s transgender community, highlighting the deep-seated prejudices they endure. Despite its flaws, Cut Like Wound offers a compelling journey through the darker alleys of the city, blending crime and social commentary in a gripping narrative.

Author: Anita Nair is a prolific Indian author acclaimed for her evocative storytelling and richly drawn characters. Her novels, such as Ladies Coupe and The Better Man, explore themes of identity, gender, and cultural dynamics with depth and sensitivity. 

The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid

Having initially watched the movie adaptation of The Reluctant Fundamentalist, I approached the novel with some preconceived notions. Interestingly, the book and the movie offer distinctly different experiences, with subtle but impactful changes in the storyline, such as the protagonist’s reason for leaving his relationship. 

The novel is masterfully told through a one-sided conversation, where Changez, a Pakistani man, recounts his life to an uneasy American listener. This narrative style adds a layer of intrigue, with subtle hints about the American’s restlessness enhancing the tension. 

One of the book’s most compelling features is its ambiguous ending, which lends the story more depth and invites readers to ponder its broader implications. It is a thought-provoking and engaging read, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, displacement, and the post-9/11 world.

Author: Mohsin Hamid is a celebrated Pakistani author known for his insightful exploration of globalisation, identity, and displacement. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, he spent his formative years in the United States and later returned to Pakistan. Hamid’s acclaimed novels, including “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” and “Exit West,” have earned him international acclaim and numerous literary awards. 

The House of Fear by Ibn-e-Safi

I don’t know how to review this book. It starts off with a crazy hat man (Imran) rambling randomly, as his friend Fayyad tries to get him to help in a murder investigation. I empathise with Fayyad’s exasperation as he tries to get Imran to make sense of what he is trying to do. There’s no method to the madness. 

This novel follows Imran as he navigates a labyrinth of mysteries surrounding a supposedly haunted house. We’re not told how Imran deducts what’s happening, but we just follow the story as it unfolds. It was unlike anything else I’ve read in the genre.

Author: Ibn-e-Safi, born Asrar Ahmad (1928-1980), was a prolific Pakistani writer acclaimed for his contributions to Urdu literature, particularly in the detective fiction genre. With over 240 novels to his name, Ibn-e-Safi’s works continue to captivate readers with their intricate plots, witty dialogues, and colorful characters. 

Nobody Killed Her by Sabyn Javeri

Sabyn Javeri’s debut novel, Nobody Killed Her, has received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking commentary on gender and politics in South Asia. The novel centers on Rani Shah, a woman with the audacity to aspire to lead her country in a society that often views women as second-class citizens. Her ambition ultimately leads to her murder, with her loyal second-in-command, Nazo, finding herself on trial for the crime.

Nazo is a compelling character, known for pushing Rani to excel and making tough decisions when Rani could not. Despite her vital role, she is sidelined and underestimated, a reflection of the societal and personal evils the story aims to highlight. The plot skillfully explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the harsh realities faced by women in power.

However, the novel’s execution falters at times. The writing can feel rambling, with repetition and plot holes that detract from the overall narrative. For instance, the question of why Nazo, such a valuable asset to the opposition, would return remains puzzling and undermines the story’s coherence.

Author: Sabyn Javeri is a talented Pakistani author known for her captivating storytelling and exploration of complex themes. With a background in law and creative writing, she brings a unique perspective to her work, delving into the intricacies of society and human relationships.

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