The Masala Chai Mystery Club, by M.J. Soni
The Masala Chai Mystery Club by M.J. Soni is a debut whodunit in the cozy subgenre. The story centers around Neeti, a widow living in a multicultural condo community in the U.S. True to her Indian heritage, she’s a fan of spiced tea and is often seen sipping it. She also loves to read. A librarian, who has been forced to retire early, Neeti misses her vocation. She’d be even lonelier, had it not been for her young relatives, Myra and her 5-year-old son, who had moved in with her. Neeti dotes on them. Even so, she would like to get her footing back once again in the wider world.
Soon Neeti’s situation changes. Her childhood friend, Rohit, who lives nearby, is discovered lying unconscious face down at the bottom of the staircase in his house. Rohit is not generally liked by his neighbors. And so, his death, at first sight, appears to be an accident. Oddly enough, a copy of Agatha Christie’s novel, Dumb Witnessis found next to his body.
Rohit’s wife, who has spent the night at a retreat, arrives at the scene. Her unfeeling response to his death and the fact that she’d like to have his body cremated as soon as possible arouses suspicion. Further doubt is cast by the reaction of a family friend who has accompanied her.
Who killed Rohit and why? Initially, when the police show little enthusiasm for pursuing the case, Neeti, along with Myra and a few neighbors, take it upon themselves to investigate. They also take possession of Rohit’s devoted dog Yolo.
The earlier chapters can be confusing. And the plethora of characters makes it harder to follow the plot. Some chapters could have been shortened. Still, Neeti is a likeable character, which makes it easy to stay focused on her and the case.
In the final analysis, although this debut offering misses its mark, the readers will still look forward to Sony’s work in future.
My Killer Family Reunion, by Dinesh Thiru
My Killer Family Reunion by Dinesh Thiru, a young adult mystery novel (meant for ages 14 up), is a family drama. In it, culture, humor, secrets and a fight over inheritance collide. Jayshree (Jay for short), an Indian American 16-year-old girl, is the first-person narrator. A misfit in her quirky family, she struggles with many situations. However, there is one constant in her life: her aim of joining the Navy someday.
Meanwhile, although Jay attends the annual family reunion religiously, boisterous as they are, she often feels like an outsider there. The cast of characters consists of both her Irish American and Indian American relatives. It also includes a hot friend of her cousin, a boy, Jay secretly dreams about.
At the center of this extended family network sits Jay’s grandmother, “Grand Mom.” A wealthy woman, she makes an announcement during the family reunion that she’ll rewrite her multi-million dollar will. Shortly thereafter, she’s struck by a truck, which puts her in a coma and sends her to the hospital. Will she survive? Who will inherit her fortune?
Stunned by the event, Jay and others further wonder: Was it really an accident or did someone purposely try to harm Grand Mom? To decode the secrets, Jay takes on the role of an aspiring investigator. She does this despite realizing that the suspect might be near and dear to her heart. During the process of inquiry, she discovers her place in the family.
Although the book deals with many serious topics, such as belonging and abuse and gives the reader much to think about, it is also comedic and fun. And it features a lovable character, Jay.
Bharti Kirchner is the author of nine novels and four cookbooks, her latest being: Murder at Jaipur: A Maya Mallick Mystery.
Source: iexaminer.org
