The Mussoorie Murders

## **Introduction***The Mussoorie Murders* by Divyaroop Bhatnagar captured my attention from the start with its blend of historical intrigue and literary flair. The novel is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Mussoorie hill station, where two mysterious deaths—spanning over six decades—unravel in a locked-room mystery format. The combination of fact and fiction, along with nods to iconic literary figures like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Rudyard Kipling, adds an extra layer of sophistication to the narrative, making this a standout read in the mystery genre.## **Plot Overview**The story centres around two murders: the first in 1909 when Margaret Maynard Liddell is found dead in a locked hotel room, and the second in 1973 when Anahita Bilimoria, another heiress, meets a similar fate. Both women, tragically unlucky in love, seek refuge in Mussoorie, only to face eerily identical deaths. These unsolved cases become the obsession of Avijit Sikdar, an Oxford-educated detective with a passion for classic literature, who sets out to uncover the connection between the two crimes.## **Themes and Structure**What really stands out in *The Mussoorie Murders* is how Author Bhatnagar masterfully intertwines two timelines—1909 and 1973—to create suspense. The parallel plotlines keep the reader engaged, gradually revealing hidden clues and building toward a climactic conclusion. The themes of isolation, secrecy, and betrayal are seamlessly woven into the narrative, highlighting the personal struggles of the two women and the lengths people go to hide their darkest secrets.## **Characterization**Avijit Sikdar, the central character, is a fascinating detective with a love for literary greats, which influences his approach to solving the mystery. His intellectual curiosity and determination make him an engaging protagonist. The supporting characters, including the two victims, are well-developed, with their backstories contributing depth to the unfolding drama. Bhatnagar’s skill lies in making each character feel integral to the plot, no matter how brief their role.## **Atmosphere and Setting**Mussoorie itself is almost a character in the novel, with its misty hills, quiet hotels, and secluded charm providing the perfect setting for the crimes. Bhatnagar’s vivid descriptions of the hill station create a moody, atmospheric backdrop that enhances the tension of the story. I felt fully immersed in the setting, as though I was walking the same streets as the characters, searching for answers to the mystery. Ruskin Bond's Mussoorie is different from Divyaroop Bhatnagar's Mussoorie!## **Writing Style and Influence**Bhatnagar’s writing has elegance, paying homage to the classic mystery genre while adding a modern twist. His incorporation of historical figures like Conan Doyle and Kipling adds authenticity and depth to the story, particularly for fans of classic literature. The novel's structure is tight, with every chapter adding a new layer of intrigue, making it difficult to put the book down until the final reveal.## **Conclusion**In conclusion, *The Mussoorie Murders* is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, intricate mystery with a literary bent. Bhatnagar’s skillful storytelling, attention to detail, and engaging characters make this a highly satisfying read. The novel not only pays tribute to the golden age of detective fiction but also stands on its own as a modern, sophisticated mystery. This is one book I’ll be recommending to fellow mystery enthusiasts for its compelling plot and unforgettable atmosphere.

The brilliance of "The Mussoorie Murders" lies in its clever fusion of fact and fiction, resulting in a narrative that's not only entertaining but also deeply thought-provoking. The intricate blend of real-life elements and imaginative storytelling creates a captivating reading experience.The story's central mysteries, involving well-to-do yet isolated heiresses, and the baffling locked-room murders within bedrooms, serve as a foundation for an intriguing plot. The author masterfully weaves these enigmatic elements into the narrative, leaving both the police and readers perplexed about how such crimes could occur. The multitude of twists and turns ensures that guessing the identity of the murderer is far from easy, adding layers of suspense and complexity to the story."The Mussoorie Murders" is a testament to the author's ability to craft a narrative that keeps you engrossed, challenges your deductive skills, and provides an enthralling reading experience. This is a book that beautifully blurs the lines between fact and fiction, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates a mystery that's as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

The Mussoorie Murders is based on the real-life unsolved murder of a British lady, Margaret, in a locked hotel room in Mussoorie, that took place in the early 2oth century, and hooked the attention of the legendary writer, Rudyard Kipling who invited Arthur Conan Doyle to solve the case, and inspired the young Agatha Christie as a plot for her first detective novel.But that’s not all!60 yrs later, another young woman, Anahita, has been murdered in a locked room in Mussoorie, and her murder too seems to be an impossible puzzle to be solved just like the British Lady’s.And then is introduced in the story- Avijit Sikdar, a mathematics professor and Oxford- based detective who takes on the challenge to solve not just the present but also the past murder that couldn’t be proved even by the two of the most classic and genius writers of all times.The writing style is elegant and the language is easily comprehensible. The characters are well portrayed especially of the two murder victims, so that the reader feels sympathetic for them. Author has put in a lot of effort in the research whether it’s the historical part or the vivid description of Mussoorie which is an eternal part of the story.Detective fiction is yet underdeveloped in modern India literature, and the author has done a commendable job in this space, paving way for future Indian detective stories.A definitive read!

Fast paced running of parallel murders sharing the themes of locked rooms, suspicious servants, overlapping histories/events. Improves on Agatha's Christie with smart cops, emotional reactions/desire, human weakness/gullibility, and utter foolishness. Colorful descriptions of place.

The Mussoorie Murders falls under the genre of historical crime fiction as well as locked-room mysteries. This book is based on two murders; the first is a true story, the unsolved murder of a British lady in a locked room in the early 20th century while the second murder set over half a century later, in 1973, is of Parsi heiress Anahita Bilimoria. This second murder is of course fictitious.The reader is hooked by both murders, and many red herrings are thrown along the path. The novel opens with the story of the first murder, of Margaret Maynard Liddell in a locked room. In Chapter 2 we move forward to 1973, with the engagement of Parsi heiress Anahita Bilimoria to the elegant and good-looking Jamshed Contractor. From thence onwards, in alternating chapters, we read about the common elements in both murders — the seances of the early murder and the Godman, Vishwa Jyoti, and his accomplice, Marjorie. The investigator in this second murder is Avijit Sikdar, the modern Sherlock Holmes.The author has done a commendable job in constantly keeping us guessing as we suspect one person and then the other. The book ticks all the boxes of good crime fiction: a detective, a crime, suspects, an antagonist, and a setting.The ending is both logical and satisfying, and both mysteries are solved.The one ‘flaw’ I’d like to point out in this otherwise excellent book is that I wish the chapter headings gave the dates as we move back and forth from 1973 to 1909, as it is sometimes confusing for the reader. But apart from this, I would highly recommend this book as a great example of crime fiction set in an Indian context. And the added thrill of incorporating Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Rudyard Kipling who are household names here, and are given minor roles to play in this book. An excellent and intriguing read where all the knots are tied up at the end.

The mystery-thriller narrative is racy and makes for an un-put-downable read. The author shows ingenuity in seamlessly integrating an incident based on fact with vivid. The two parallel narratives in the two different eras and the same places should lend themselves to a rich visual experience in the upcoming screen adaptation!

What a blast! Don’t recall when I read the last murder mystery novel but I finished Debu’s novel in two sittings, reading through the wee hours of the morning! I was totally captivated as Debu is a brilliant writer who has created a masterpiece! Two similar murder mysteries about 70 years apart are unraveling concurrently in the novel. Debu’s command over language and story telling is incredible, and his devious mind (some claim it evolved at a particular hostel wing at IITK) has created an absorbing tale - I would say better than Agatha Christie. Would love to see it in the theater. “Unsolved mysteries are like an itch that must be scratched” !