A prominent movie producer, Rajat Rai Handa, is found murdered in his posh Mumbai apartment. And three people have confessed to the crime.
His beautiful wife, Lipika Handa,
His opportunistic childhood friend, Jatin Maini and
His business partner, the financial wiz, Vidit Kapoor.
But why have three people confessed to the crime?
Inspector Vijay Waghmare follows the clues as a pesky ambitious reporter; Anirban Chatterjee follows around and enthusiastically tries to meddle in.
A story of deceit, cunning and vile human tactics,
where ambition knows no bounds and
survival is the only instinct.
A trap is set but will the killer be ensnared?
And what is the price
One is willing to pay for exacting revenge?
Told through shifting perspectives and without an author’s voice, this story lets the characters take control, each with their own truth, bias, and secrets.
Agatha Christie taught us to trust no one and this book proves WHY.😮💨 Every chapter peels back another layer of lies and I was hooked!
One murder, three CONFESSIONS! Yes confessions, not suspects. A filmmaker is murdered in cold blood and his three closest kins confess of murdering him, but murderer cannot be three. These three had me second guessing my Every thought. On top of that, the other characters were equally suspicious! A book where you can trust no one, is a good murder mystery in my opinion, and the author just delivered that *chef's kiss*
If drama, chaos, and lies had a baby Twisted, Tangled, and Trapped would be it. This book is like binge-watching a messy Netflix crime series at 2 AM when you know you should sleep, but you just need one more chapter; and before you know, you've read the whole thing in one sitting and now are trying to digest the plot. The story is filled with secrets, betrayals, complicated relationships, and characters who are so cunning that you can never trust anyone(the kind that make you yell,”What's your problem?" at the page 😩). Everyone’s hiding something, and you’re stuck in the middle trying to pick a side, only to change your mind five times before the end.
If murder mystery is your guilty pleasure, then go and get your copy and buckle up, you are in for one hell of a ride 🔥
🔪 We’ve all been there—trapped in situations where every choice feels wrong, where silence is dangerous but words could destroy everything. That uneasy knot in the stomach, that feeling of being tangled in your own web—it’s real, it’s human, and it’s terrifying.
And that’s exactly the darkness this book pulls you into.
🔪 So the book goes on with a discovery when film producer Rajat Rai Handa is found dead in his plush Mumbai apartment, the case turns bizarre—because not one but three people confess. His wife. His childhood friend. His business partner.
But why would all of them claim the same crime?
And who’s really guilty?
🔪 Siddharth Maheshwari’s 𝙏𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙, 𝙏𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙 isn’t just another murder mystery—it’s a cleverly designed narrative that shifts between multiple perspectives, letting each character reveal their version of events. Every voice is tinted with bias, half-truths, and secrets, so you’re never sure what to trust.
📌 Instead of a linear whodunit, this story tests the reader’s judgment, challenging you to separate lies from reality. By the final page, the real question isn’t only who killed Rajat Handa, but what survival truly costs—and how far people are willing to go for it.
If you love thrillers that mess with your head, Twisted Tangled and Trapped by Siddharth Maheswari will be right down your alley. Imagine a murder mystery where not one, but three people confess to the crime! Like what? The story jumps between different characters’ points of view, so you’re constantly trying to piece together who’s legit and who’s totally shady. It’s like binge-watching a crime series but in book form.
Every character has me thinking they are the culprit as the story progresses.
The writing is crisp and sharp, with no unnecessary drag, pacing is just right, quick enough to maintain tension but also allowing moments to absorb the details.. The characters are pretty real too, each hiding something, so you’re always on your toes and the author does a great job showing their motives and secrets, which adds depth to the mystery. The book is divided into three parts Twisted, Tangled, and Trapped which cleverly mirror the complexity and the unfolding of the plot.
However one downside is that the identity of the culprit is revealed a bit early in the story, which takes some suspense away from the latter half. But the way the author sets the trap and brings justice keeps you engaged.
I don’t usually yell at books but this one? This one had me talking to imaginary characters like a maniac.This was the classic ‘whodunit’ thriller with multiple narrators giving you clues and their side of stories. I was constantly wondering who’s the reliable Narrator? Who’s lying?🤔 Why do they all look shady?
Imagine this, I’ll just read one chapter before bed because I have early classes tomorrow but now I can’t stop flipping pages at 3 AM because I need to know who’s lying😃🤚🏻
I kept switching sides the whole time. I literally went from Lipika is DEFINITELY not guilty and is saving someone to no wait Jatin is shady to oh my god maybe Vidit?? to even Vijay looks shady to me🤣
This story starts with the Rajat Handa a film producer, is found dead in his apartment and three different people confess they did it. His wife, his childhood bestie, and his business partner.I was already hooked from the start. The whole layered storyline with unrealiable narrators, great pacing and a Bollywood style ending makes it a perfect binge-worthy Thriller.
If you like books that keep you suspicious of literally everyone (and make you question your own judgment by the end), this is it.
Someone please make this into a web series or a movie so I can watch the chaos unfold all over again.
A murder, three confessions, and a web of lies so tight we can almost feel it closing in. His wife, childhood friend and business partner, they all confess to killing him. That’s the world Siddharth Maheshwari drops us into with Twisted, Tangled and Trapped.
Rajat Rai Handa’s death is just the beginning. What follows is a wickedly addictive puzzle told through shifting perspectives, where every character insists on their own truth, every voice carries both guilt and innocence, and nothing feels reliable. You read on because you know someone’s lying, maybe all of them are, and the tension is unsettling. It’s clever, and it pulls in like quicksand.
No guiding hand, no neat explanations, only the raw intensity of Lipika, Jatin, Vidit, and the shadows they hide behind their confessions. Inspector Vijay’s investigation and Anirban’s relentless meddling add the pressure, but the real thrill comes from being trapped in the shifting maze of motives and deceit. It’s a narrative game of cat and mouse, divided into three parts, namely Tangled, Twisted and Trapped.
This is my second read from Siddharth Maheshwari, after A Murder in Dehradun, and I have to say this one is even sharper. This book feels daring, sinister, and even more intriguing in its darkness.
What would you think of a situation where a murder has been done and there are three people confessing to it?
That sounds like pure chaos, doesn't it?
Well, Siddharth Maheshwari’s newest murder mystery promises you just that!
Quick Thoughts – This book is a headfirst dive into the delicate intricacies of the human psyche- greed, ambition and instant gratification. This book begins in a way that puts the reader on edge from the very start, with multitude of characters and their POVs that binding the story together.
What I loved – - The excitement of blindsided by the murderer and not being able to solve the mystery until the end - First-person narration by every character of importance that let me step inside each character’s head - A diverse collection of characters that added to the dynamics of the story - The lingering suspense throughout the story
Final Verdict – Twisty, engaging, and impossible to put down—this is one I’d recommend to all murder mystery lovers!
This is a classic whodunit—and a very good one. On the surface, the plot seems simple: a murder and three confessions. But as Inspector Vijay Waghmare peels back the layers, you’ll find yourself doubting every character. Told through multiple POVs, the story keeps you guessing. Each time a perspective ends, suspicion shifts, leaving you unsure whom to trust. The characters are well-crafted, all shaded in gray, which only deepens the intrigue. The short, sharp chapters make it a fast-paced read. If you love whodunits or need a book to pull you out of a slump, this one is a solid pick. On a fun note—while reading, I often imagine actors playing the characters. For Anirban Chatterjee, the ambitious reporter, I instantly pictured Crowley from Supernatural. He really is a fascinating character!
In an age where crime fiction often relies on shock value and formulaic twists, Siddharth Maheshwari’s "Twisted, Tangled and Trapped" feels like a rare reminder that the best mysteries are not merely about “who did it,” but “why.” Under its fast-paced, cinematic narrative lies a darkly introspective tale about guilt, human desperation, and the unsettling thin line between justice and vengeance. Set against the glamorous yet morally decaying world of Mumbai’s film industry, the book is as much an exposé of ambition as it is a psychological inquiry into the masks people wear when survival becomes an art form.
The premise is immediately gripping where, Rajat Rai Handa, a powerful movie producer, is found murdered in his upscale Mumbai apartment. In a confounding turn, three people confess to the same crime, his wife Lipika, his childhood friend Jatin Maini, and his business partner Vidit Kapoor. The multiple confessions create an intricate web of contradictions that Inspector Vijay Waghmare must untangle, while an overzealous journalist, Anirban Chatterjee, shadows the investigation in pursuit of both truth and fame.
The characters in this book are not designed to be likable, they’re designed to be real. Lipika is a study in contradictions i.e, vulnerable yet complicit, a woman both constrained and cunning. Jatin’s opportunism has an almost tragic undertone; his downfall feels inevitable in a world where loyalty is currency. Vidit, the cold strategist, evokes the moral decay of corporate ambition. Inspector Vijay Waghmare, perhaps the moral center of the story, brings a grounded intensity that anchors the chaos, while Anirban Chatterjee’s journalistic zeal adds a youthful, restless energy to the narrative.
The Bollywood backdrop is not incidental, it’s symbolic. Beneath the glitz of the film industry lies a darker commentary on performative identities, where every confession feels like a performance, every motive a script rehearsed for self-preservation. In this sense, This book is not just a crime book, it’s an allegory of the roles we play in a morally ambiguous world.
What sets the book apart is its unconventional narrative technique. The story unfolds entirely through shifting perspectives, each chapter narrated by a different voice. This fragmented storytelling mirrors the instability of truth itself, every character’s version feels convincing until the next voice dismantles it. He refuses to play the omniscient author; instead, he lets his characters dictate the pace and tone, creating an immersive polyphony of deceit.
✍️ Strengths :
🎭 Unique multi-POV narrative that keeps readers guessing. 🧠 Psychologically layered characters with moral ambiguity. 🎬 Cinematic writing style which is vivid, visual, and fast-paced. 💡 Strong thematic depth exploring ambition, deceit, and revenge. 🎶 Creative chapter titles that add rhythm and symbolism. ⚡ Taut suspense and unpredictable twists till the end. 🌆 Sharp social commentary on fame, media, and moral decay.
✒️ Weakness :
🕰️ Slightly uneven pacing in the midsection. 💔 Emotional impact of climax underplayed. 👥 Some characters underdeveloped compared to the leads. 🔄 Minor repetition in overlapping perspectives.
In conclusion, it is more than a murder mystery, it’s an unsettling dissection of human motives, a reflection on the nature of truth, and a haunting reminder that the line between victim and perpetrator is often perilously thin. It peels back the glossy veneer of the elite to reveal the rot beneath, asking its readers not just who killed Rajat Handa, but what within us makes such betrayals possible. The author writes with the precision of a filmmaker and the insight of a psychologist. His book compels us to confront uncomfortable truths about ambition, love, and survival in a world that rewards duplicity. In the end, it isn’t just about three confessions, it’s about the thousand quiet justifications we make every day to live with the lies we tell ourselves.
I finished this in one sitting! I already read and loved the author's previous book. But this was even better. Brief synopsis: When renowned movie producer Rajat Handa is found m*rdered in his luxury Mumbai apartment, three people step forward to confess: * his elegant wife Lipika * his ambitious childhood friend Jatin * his sharp business partner Vidit. As Inspector Vijay Waghmare investigates, a relentless reporter, Anirban Chatterjee, inserts himself into the chaos. What follows is a gripping tale of ambition and revenge, where everyone has secrets and survival is the only instinct. Told through multiple perspectives, teh question that arises is: Who’s lying ? Or are they all? . My thoughts: I was really intrigued by the whole plot, it was dramatic and kept me intrigued from the first page. I loved the writing, some of the bits made me laugh out loud in a dark way and found myself relating to some of the lines. The way the perspectives were shifting, we get to know their mental states, the shifts in them as things happen, the spark of some ideas and hints. It was all very interesting to read. The way they were all comparing themselves to some kind of predators at the beginning, it elevated the mood to something ominous. The character arts and the chapter titles were an additional layer, I was trying to compare my mental images of them with what was shown, and it was an interesting. We had some hints to figure out the culprit, although details were clearer when it was laid out with the descriptions only one who investigated could know.
Twisted, Tangled and Trapped is a classic whodunit wrapped in a modern psychological shell. On the surface, it begins like any other murder mystery. A wealthy film producer is found dead in his Mumbai apartment. Three people walk into the police station and confess. This is where Siddharth Maheshwari makes his real move. He turns a straightforward crime into a study of motive, memory and moral decay.
The novel stands out because it refuses to give the reader a single anchor. Every chapter shifts the ground a little. Each confession seems believable until the next voice speaks. Maheshwari understands that truth is rarely clean. His characters are not devices to advance the plot. They are flawed, frightened and deeply human. Lipika, Jatin and Vidit carry the weight of their histories, their guilt and their desires. Even Inspector Vijay Waghmare, who is expected to be the voice of order, is constantly battling the chaos that people create inside themselves.
The narrative structure is the strength of the book. The alternating viewpoints force the reader to become a detective rather than a passive observer. The tension rises not from action but from the slow, deliberate peeling of emotional layers. Maheshwari’s Mumbai feels real because it is built on ambition, betrayal and the thin line between truth and performance.
The novel succeeds because it recognises that a crime is rarely a single act. It is a culmination of many small fractures. In that sense, Twisted, Tangled and Trapped is not only about a murder. It is about the half truths people tell to survive, and the lies they finally choose to claim.
A sharp, engaging mystery that respects the reader’s intelligence.
If you’re into murder mysteries that keep you guessing till the very last page, Twisted, Tangled, and Trapped is definitely worth picking up. Siddharth Maheshwari weaves suspense with elegance, creating a story that makes you play detective alongside the characters.
What stood out to me was how the author dives into the psychology of human behavior. It’s not just about solving a crime—it’s about exploring how people think, adapt, and sometimes let their darker instincts take over when survival is at stake. The narration feels deeply connected to each character, making their struggles and choices hit harder.
The book also touches on fascinating ideas like the “Elimination Theory” by Vijay Waghmare, which adds a layer of reverse psychology to the mystery. It’s the kind of detail that makes you pause and think about how we act under pressure.
Now, about the pacing: the beginning felt a little slow, the middle picked up speed, and the ending slowed down again—but trust me, the finale was worth the wait. Crisp storytelling and a satisfying conclusion made the journey rewarding.
The characters are all vividly drawn, and the illustrations sprinkled throughout the book add a unique, eye-catching touch.
Overall, this isn’t just a murder mystery—it’s a thoughtful exploration of the human mind wrapped in suspense. If you enjoy stories that make you think as much as they entertain, this one’s for you.
If you enjoy thrillers that are both entertaining and quick, gripping, and pulse-raising on every page, then Twisted Tangled and Trapped should be your next pick. This is the first book by the author Siddharth Maheshwari that I have read, and it has encouraged me to pick up all his other books. The characters' depth and descriptions throughout the story are well-drawn and multi-dimensional.
It is exactly what the title promises. Instead of being a straightforward story, it is a maze of psychological motives, secrets, and lies, and the author navigates it with skill. The story begins with the shocking murder of Rajat Rai Handa, a renowned film producer. With fame comes conspiracy, jealousy, and this case is no exception. Three characters, Lipika Handa, the beautiful wife, Jatin Maini, the childhood friend, and Vidit Kapoor, the shrewd business partner, step forward to confess.
But here’s the twist - enters inspector Vijay Waghmare and reporter Anirban Chatterjee. These two will take you on a tangled drive into the glittering yet dangerous world of the film industry to resolve the layers of deceit, betrayal, lies, and ambitions of Rajat’s life.
What I liked the most? The chapters keep you guessing till the end. Plausible and layered. The tension builds gradually, and as the mystery unfolds, it sweeps you off your feet. The author excels at crafting the characters in the mysterious world, yet the human touch shifts perspectives throughout the book. Twisted, Tangled, and Trapped is a must-pick for book readers who love being hooked till the last page.
When Rajat Handa is found murdered in his apartment, the city is shaking with anticipation, not just because he was a prominent movie producer, but because 3 people extremely close to him came forward, confessing to the crime. The case is taken on by Inspector Waghmare and a reporter, Anirban Chatterjee who are dead set to find the real culprit, for reasons more than you can think of. The premise of the book itself makes this book an ambitious book, and honestly, Maheshwari delivers on his promise! The writing is by far his best, and really keeps you at the edge of your seat. He really gets into your head with both as a cunning reporter and a clever inspector. The plot as well, is unique and gets all the more twisting as you keep reading. This book finds its way in the crevices between the glorious Mumbai and the not so morally glorious people. Twisted, Tangled and Trapped by Siddharth Maheshwari is a book you'll thank yourself for reading.
When Mumbai’s celebrated film producer Rajat Handa is discovered murdered in his luxury apartment, three people step forward to confess — his wife, his closest friend, and his business partner. As the investigation unfolds, a maze of half-truths and hidden motives emerge. This murder mystery thriller had me hooked from the very first page and absolutely refused to let me go. What I loved most was how every chapter is told from a different character’s first-person perspective — it gave me such a vivid glimpse into their minds, their fears, and their secrets. That constant shift in voice kept me second-guessing everyone, which made the story all the more addictive. The pacing is sharp, the tension never lets up, and the atmosphere feels thick enough to touch. It’s the kind of book that makes you say just one more chapter until suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you’re still turning pages — dark, twisty, and an absolute page-turner. There’s no author’s voice guiding you — just the characters, their biases, and their secrets. It’s sharp, addictive, and impossible to put down!
A murder mystery that really keeps you on edge this book makes you want to flip every page just to unmask the killer. It’s gripping, fast-paced, and has that “just one more chapter” pull.
The story revolves around a famous film director’s murder, three shocking confessions, and an investigator trying to find what lies beyond them. Even after guessing the ending early, I couldn’t stop reading that’s how engaging the writing is.
Divided into three parts >>>Twisted, Tangled, and Trapped ,the book is simple yet cleverly layered. The tone feels cinematic, like watching an intense mystery unfold on screen.
A great pick for mystery lovers and anyone craving a sharp, well-written crime story. I genuinely enjoyed it, honest, thrilling, and worth recommending.
A sharp, addictive thriller that keeps your mind racing! Twisted, Tangled and Trapped is an intense, fast-moving thriller that grips you from page one and never lets go. The author builds suspense brilliantly without giving away too much, making you second-guess every character and every motive. The writing is crisp, engaging, and filled with just the right amount of psychological tension. What makes this book stand out is how effortlessly it pulls you into the atmosphere dark, uncertain, and beautifully plotted. The pacing is spot-on, and every chapter leaves you wanting just one more. Even without spoilers, it’s safe to say this story delivers twists that land perfectly and keep you fully invested. If you're looking for a smart, well-crafted Indian thriller that keeps things unpredictable yet tightly written, this one is absolutely worth reading.
TWISTED TANGLED AND TRAPPED - SIDDHARTH MAHESHWARI
One Murder 3 Confessions ! A prominent movie producer Rajat Rai Handa is found murdered in his posh Mumbai apartment and 3 people have confessed to the crime- his wife, his childhood friend and his business partner. An ambitious crime reporter Anirban Chatterjee tried to meddle as inspector Vijay Waghmare follows the clues while trying to figure out the real killer as for sure someone or maybe all of them are lying. . . A slow burn murder mystery where the confessions of 3 suspects will make you think hard as to who is the real killer and what could be their motive? The beauty of this book is its writing as when you read about everyone's motive you begin to doubt all of them and then half way through the book all their actual confessions come out and the real killer's identity is revealed, later a trap being set in 3rd part of the book to catch the killer unaware and thus justice being served! There is very clear and precise writing where elements of politics, showbiz , power greed and money are blended well with the story. Finally the title of the book sums up the story and the book perfectly!
3.5 ⭐️ Twisted, Tangled and Trapped was a roller coaster of a ride. From the very first page, the story starts at a decent pace and keeps picking up with every chapter. I love how cleanly Maheshwari writes the inner monologues, the characters, and the scenes.
The story follows a film producer who is found dead in his Mumbai apartment. The shocking part? Three different people confess to the crime of their own free will. With such tangled confessions, you don’t know who the real suspect is, and that confusion makes the book all the more twisted. If that sounds like your kind of story, go grab this book and try to untangle the suspect yourself!
I really enjoyed the writing style and how the plot was planned. That said, the final twist felt a little flat for me because the suspect was revealed too early. I mean, sure, we’re supposed to tangle and trap the suspect together, but revealing it around the 50% mark made the latter half less engaging (though not boring, I still liked the writing). Maheshwari’s way with inner monologues was a work of art, but at times I found myself craving more dialogue, sharper suspense, and bigger high points.
All in all, it was a good, quick, and smartly written read.
This is my second book by the author and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
the kind of murder mystery and thriller the author writes is so amazing that it will keep you hooked till the end. it kept me doubting every other suspects till the culprit was announced.
the best part was the revenge plot. I was so hopping for it to happen and the culprit getting trapped and voila 😂😂😂
also the headings of every chapter is a song name and we have blank space on it too I screamed when I saw it ..
If you are looking for a breathtaking suspense thriller then look no further. This one is completely worth a read.
This is the fourth book by this author and is even better than the previous ones.
A famous film producer Rajat Rai Handa found is murdered in his own flat and three people have confessed for it. All three of them are close to the victim, first one being his wife -Lipika Handa; second - his best friend Jatin Maini ; and third - his business partner, Vidit Kapoor.
Told through multiple perspectives the narrative keeps you connected to every character's emotion and motive. With each page, the tension builds, and the mystery deepens, keeping you doubt each and every character until the very end. The title is perfect and in the foreword , there is a unique suggestion to read each part with a particular type of coffee, I mean what else does a coffee lover need? The names of the chapters are actually the lyrics of famous songs which also adds to the flavour of reading. The graphic touch makes the plot easy to imagine. What makes this book exclusive , is not just the gripping storyline but also the well-researched details. It gives you fascinating insights into laws, police custody, and courtroom trials in India, blending thrill with realism. I would sum it up as a perfect blend of suspense, drama, and legal intrigue.
When a famous movie producer is found dead, three people step up to confess the crime. But here's the twist,why would they all admit to the same murder? This thriller will have you questioning everything with its changing perspectives and unexpected turns. The deeper you dive, the more tangled the story becomes, leaving you hooked until the very last page.
Eka and Inspector Waghmare? 🔥 Total powerhouses. Their complex motives and shady moves make the plot that much juicier. Every chapter is a mind game, and honestly, you won’t see any of it coming.
If you love wild twists, a psychological ride, and characters that get under your skin, this book is your next obsession. It’s fast, gripping, and full of surprises,definitely one you’ll finish in one sitting. Don’t miss out!
Classic whodunnit book. ❤️ After such a long time I’ve read a book which will make my mind pacing & thinking about all the possible suspects. It is very difficult to guess when everyone is confessing they did it. The story was fast paced and very well written. 🤌🔥
I love thrillers so picking this book was obvious. The plot of the novel involves a high profile murder of film producer Rajat Handa. There are three suspects who have confessed to the crime. As Inspector Vijay investigates the case, he unravels a complex web of power, greed, deceit and money which led to the murder. The novel is pacy and although I had guessed the culprit, the manner in which he is tricked and apprehended by authorities kept me hooked till the end of the novel. If you had read Murder in Dehradun, pick this one too as it is a roller coaster of layered suspense.
I love a good mystery, and this one was perfect for a cozy rainy day in. And when the narration style is riveting and unique, it’s a fulfilling experience.
This book centres on a high-profile murder: Rajat Rai Handa, a film producer, is found dead in his upscale Mumbai residence. Shockingly, three confessions emerge - his wife, his business partner, and his childhood friend all claim responsibility. The real question is not only who committed the crime but also what led them to confess. With a cast of powerful movers and shakers, the narrative pulls us into a twisted, tangled mess that demands unravelling.
The book is divided into 3 parts - Twisted, Tangled and Trapped. (Obviously!)
Twisted - Through shifting perspectives we discover the inner workings of the mind of the people involved. We are warned in advance that one of them is an unreliable narrator, and it kept me on my toes trying to pick apart each persons alibi. And then eventually we discover the truth, and i never for a minute guessed the perpetrator.
Tangled - The perpetrator makes a run for it to Europe where he promptly indulges in performing cons on the rich. We watch with keen eyes how he hoodwinks one millionaire after another with carefully crafted schemes.
Trapped - Revenge is a dish best served cold. They trap him in his own masterfully created deceit and watch him struggle in his sticky web with glee.
The author recommends reading the book with a coffee which best personifies the plot - start off with a Flat white, followed by a stronger Cappuccino, and when you get to Tangled, you can experience the rich swirling texture of the Mocha and by the time yo get to Trapped, start sipping on a bitter strongly brewed Espresso or Filter coffee. I took his advice to heart, and did just that!
twisted tangled and trapped by siddharth maheshwari
genre : cosy murder mystery
My 💭: [31/10/25 1.32 PM]
Another unputdownable cosy murder mystery read from the author ! What a whirlwind my last 12 hours were, thanks to this book 😍! Thank you publishers for bringing this book to me!
This genre has been a childhood favourite of mine ever since I had discovered Agatha Christie (Poirot) and Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock) and Satyajit Ray's (Feluda) works. Plus if it's a locked room mystery, then it's a treasure trove for me. And on top of it, if the plot relies entirely on human psyche and less on loud thrills, you can count on me getting hooked to the book till I finish it. Honestly, this book has been the most uniquely delectable experience for me because despite having no jumping-out-your-seat shocking twist at the end and despite me having figured out the culprit midway, the book STILL kept me hooked because it relied ENTIRELY on human perception and mindset. It was almost as if the book pointed out to us that all of us are people of gray shades, with our levels varying to lighter or darker shades based on circumstances.
Coming to the story, the narration is done from the pov of many characters, each of them being involved in the murder. What makes this super interesting is that the author has already warned the reader in the beginning that these characters are all unreliable narrators. So my brain was nitpicking each of their remarks and trying to judge them from my pov. Oooh what an experience! Tbh I am having a hard time choosing my favourite grey character from this lot - because from an overprotective mother and underappreciated son and flamboyant brother to maybe jealous old friend and a shady chief minister and a slimy journalist and an overzealous police detective, whom do I leave? But eyes closed, if I ever needed rescuing, I'd choose Lady Eka, the CM and Mr Chatterjee, the survivalist journalist.
I'll be honest about one thing though, I was kinda expecting something very convoluted in the end from any of the lot's psyche, but that didn't happen, mostly because I had already figured out what was happening too fast 🙈. But boy oh boy, that particular person's actions left in awe! (which totally makes me question my own sanity!)
Finally, I'll say that reading this book indeed felt like relishing an iced mocha on a fine evening, with the taste swirling in my tongue. After a stressful week of work, honestly this book turned my mood 180 degree. Knowing how good Murder in Dehradun was, now I cannot help but read Veil in Shadows written by the author very very soon!
And loved the character artwork of this book too! It added to the old charm experience of this book.
Twisted, Tangled & Trapped : A deliciously twisted ride . What happens when one murder comes with three confessions? You get a story so gripping, so wickedly plotted, that you have no choice but to surrender to it. This book is split into three parts (you guessed it) and each one feels like stepping deeper into a maze you won't want to escape.
Twisted hits first: three confessions, three motives, and a tension so sharp it practically slices through the pages. And just when you think you've outsmarted the author, boom - the real killer comes to light and that reveal? Chef's kiss. Then comes Tangled, where we crawl inside the killer's mind. Watching them manipulate, con, and scheme their way through life was pure, intoxicating chaos - until their perfect little web finally tightens around them. And Trapped? Oh, that ending. A brutal, poetic showdown where the people once deceived rise up, and the killer is dragged into the very hell they created. It's dark, clever, and absolutely satisfying.
For me, this book was nothing like the author's previous work (A Murder in Dehradun) - it was sharper, darker, far more addictive, and the thrill that thrilled from this thriller was honestly a high in itself. If you love fast-paced murder mysteries that dig into corruption, ego, emotions, and the twisted world of the ultra-rich, this one is an absolute must-read.
And the illustrations by his wife, Sakshi deserve their own standing ovation. They don't just complement the story - they amplify it, making the whole experience shine "bright like a diamond." This ended up being my favorite read of the month, and yes I made myself a hot cup of coffee. And yes it went completely cold because I was so absorbed I forgot it existed. That's how you know a book has you.
A razor-sharp, irresistible thriller that pulls you in, spins you around, and doesn't let go. Highly, highly recommended.