Book: The Book Club
Author: Debeshi Gooptu
Genre: Thriller
Price: ₹149 (on Amazon, free for KU subscribers)
I think keeping your readers engrossed and invested throughout the book is a big deal. And Debeshi is one of those writers who does it really well.
I've read almost every story by Debeshi. Including her latest book The Book Club.
“Then you must use us as your inspiration,” Bee giggled. “I have so much to tell you. In fact, I’m sure everyone in this room has stories you can write about. Or should I call them secrets?”
Here's a short blurb:
When Bansuri `Bee’ Kohli’s dead body is discovered in the middle of a high society book club meet, everyone assumes that her death is due to natural causes. Bee had just turned forty and heart attacks were increasingly common in women of that age. But, as the investigation progresses, it becomes obvious that there is something sinister afoot. All the guests present at the meet that night - from the hotshot novelist to the cut-throat socialite - had a reason for wanting Bee dead. And one of them is prepared to go to any lengths to keep a terrible secret hidden.
How far would you go to keep a secret hidden?
Storyline is interesting. The involvement of a book club meeting makes it even more interesting (and unique for Indian thrillers). Characters are nicely sketched.
‘When Bee was murdered in the middle of a book club meeting, my perfectly planned life went from normal to out-of-control in the blink of an eye.’
It begins with a punch. And then goes on to a winding ride that keeps you hooked till the end.
Bee is a flawed feisty and ambitious character, and she has something to do with almost everyone. And that keeps you guessing till the end. Talking about secrets ―some secrets are really dark.
I stayed awake to keep reading it as I didn't want to put it down. So, go on, pick it if you enjoy reading twisty thrillers, and good storytelling.
Now, we have a quick and interesting rapid fire with the author:
T: True crime or crime fiction?
D: Fictional crime - always. There is a mystery to solve, the bad guys are mostly punished leading to some sort of redemption or closure if you will.
T: What's the most unpredictable thriller you have ever read?
D: Alex Michaelides' The Silent Patient was really unpredictable. The book had an insane twist I didn’t see coming.
T: Favourite crime fiction writer?
D: Agatha Christie, Ruth Rendell, Mary Higgins Clark, Anthony Horowitz, Keigo Higashino among others.
T: Favourite crime movie adaptation?
D: Agatha Christie’s Crooked House (on Netflix) was quite good. I liked Jaane Jaan (a Higashino adaptation) as well.
T: Favourite Indian crime fiction/author?
D: Bhaskar Chattopadhyay, Swati Kaushal, Ankush Saikia
T: Favourite fictional detective?
D: Poirot (Agatha Christie), Vera (Ann Cleeves), Jimmy Perez (Ann Cleeves). There are many.
T: If The Rossogolla Murders (ons of my favourites) gets adapted into a movie/series, which actors would you want to play Mini and Dolly?
D: Konkona would make a good Mini I think and Tisca Chopra could be Dolly.
That would be lovely, no?
This post is part of Bookish League, hosted by Ritu.
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Looks like an interesting cozy mystery... Would try to read it soon...
ReplyDeleteYou will like it, I think. :)
DeleteI'm a total thriller fan. From your review I would love to pick this book up. Nice review
ReplyDeleteComment by Caroline
Thank you. Hope you enjoy reading this book. :)
DeleteTarang, reading your short review and the interesting rapid fire with Debeshi Gooptu, now am intrigued to pick this book at the earliest. Moreover, mentioning Kankana and Tisca is making me read The Rasagulla Murder first. - Swarnali Nath (The Blissful Storyteller)
ReplyDeleteSwarnali, I'm glad you liked this post. Rosogolla Murders is really very interesting. :))
DeleteI like the plot of this book--death while a book club meeting is on. Will certainly check it out and the author really likes global crime fiction writers! I liked her recommendations as well.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's an interesting plot. Also, Debeshi has a very engaging style of writing. Thank you for reading my post. :)
DeleteAh am so behind my TBR. really need to get Rossogolla Murders and now this one by Debeshi!
ReplyDeleteHappy reading. :))
DeleteI could not have been happier to have found another Indian author who writes great thrillers through your post today. Thrillers and investigative fiction are my addictions. I haven't read any of Debeshi Gooptu's books but I will be picking this one up very soon. Thanks again Tarang!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. :) And thank you for reading my post.
DeleteIt's incredibly engaging and insightful. The premise of a high-society book club turned crime scene is unique and intriguing, especially within the Indian thriller genre. The rapid-fire segment with the author adds a fun and personal touch, making the post even more enjoyable. I'll definitely be picking up this book for a gripping read.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. So glad you enjoyed reading this post. :)
DeleteThriller is a genre of fiction with numerous, often overlapping, subgenres, including crime, horror, and detective fiction. Thrillers are characterized and defined by the moods they elicit, giving their audiences heightened feelings of suspense, excitement, surprise, anticipation, and anxiety.
ReplyDeleteYour review confirms that the book fits in with all the characteristics mentioned above.
Thank you, Anuradha. :)
DeleteI will be picking this book up in July and am really excited to take the thrilling journey with Bee. I too like the author enjoy fictional crime for the same reason that it provides closure, which sadly is generally missing in real-life stories.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. :(
DeleteHappy reading. :)
I am a Debeshi Gooptu fan, last I read the book The rosogolla Murders by the author and it was an absolutely outstanding read for me. This book is not in my TBR yet but after your review its straight way made an entry in my TBR list. By the way you can read the review of Rosogolla Murders here: https://www.indiacafe24.com/book-reviews/rossogolla-kolkata-and-a-murder-a-mystery-with-an-unexpected-end/
ReplyDeleteYes, I loved The Rosogolla Murders (and wrote a review as well). And, same here: I connect with Debeshi's storytelling. Thank you for sharing the link. Will read the review. :)
DeleteI am including this book in my TBR list and will read it once I finish reading the current one- The Surgeon.
ReplyDeleteHappy reading. :))
Deletedebeshi is one of my favourite indie authors. I read lot of her books in 2021. I have got this one to read as well.
ReplyDeleteYes, same here. I instantly connect with her storytelling. :))
DeleteInteresting!
ReplyDeleteThank you. :)
DeleteI liked the rapid fire round with the author. It intrigued me to read this thriller book soon. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it. Thank you. :)
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ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the book too. Lagging behind in sharing the review. It sure did have us guessing until the end. Debeshi does get the characters and Gurgaon pat down!
The Rossogolla Murders on screen would be fantastic! Loved the short rapid-fire.
Thank you, Ritu. :))
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