Book Review: Rossogolla Murders by Debeshi Gooptu

Book: Rossogolla Murders

Author: Debeshi Gooptu

Pages: 243

Genre: Murder Mystery

Price: ₹200 (Kindle copy. Also available as a paperback)

Rossogolla Murders by Debeshi Gooptu is the second book of the Dragon Aunty Series. I read 'The Mangar Mayhem’ ―the third book in the series (the books in the series can be read as standalone novels) and really liked it. So, I wanted to read The Rossogolla Murders, and before I could buy it, the author sent me a copy of this book. However, this (and the fact that Debeshi is a dear friend) does not affect my review; it's totally unbiased.

Mini (Mrinalini Sen) is in Calcutta, visiting her parents, when one day she suddenly finds someone she was least expecting to be there. The gorgeous Dolly Luthra ―Mini’s old friend and neighbour from Gurgaon. Dolly is staying at her brother-in-law's place ―Sanjay Kapoor, a successful businessman who owns a company called 'A Sweet Affair' that makes exotic fusion desserts, for example chilli flavoured rossogolla! 

Sanjay Kapoor is having a grand party to celebrate the opening of his 10th shop and Dolly invites Mini to the party.

So, it all starts in the party ―a retired judge, affluent and fashionable, Mallika drops dead at the party after eating a rossogolla. The suspicion points at Dolly Luthra because she was the one who brought the plate of rossogolla for Mallika. 

Now, Mini ―absolutely sure that her friend is innocent ―dons the hat of a detective to clear her name. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It’s not your hardcore, gruesome thriller with gory details and all that; it's a cosy murder mystery with many well placed humorous moments that doesn't affect the seriousness of the story. 

I have read almost every book and short story by Debeshi. She is a very good storyteller who creates relatable characters and situations that help me connect with her stories immediately. She has a very easy, lucid and engaging style of writing. 

The Rossogolla Murders is gripping right from the beginning; very well executed and unpredictable till the last chapter. The revelation was actually a surprise, the motive convincing. 

And Mini and Dolly ―as different as chalk and cheese―are a fun pair of detectives. It's one of a kind; I don't think I have ever read a story with two female detectives. 

Here, investigating officer Satyajit Saha also plays an important role, who instantly catches Mini's detective, hyperactive mind, and strictly instructs her to stay away from the case, but of course Mini (and Dolly) won't listen to him. 

I loved Satyajit-Mrinalini's inexplicable bonding. (Too bad Mini is married) It felt like a breath of fresh air amidst the serious atmosphere of murders and investigation. I found myself smiling whenever they were together. It's actually cool how the author managed to evoke that feeling without really making it romantic. 

I am very fond of stories with a Bengali background. In this book, descriptions of the settings and food seemed rich and authentic. 

Overall, it was a mysterious, interesting, entertaining and very engrossing read!