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aravind12's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
whimsyreader's review against another edition
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.5
avani's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
3.0
The Fast and the Dead by Anuja Chauhan is the sequel to 'Club You to Death' and the second book in the 'ACP Bhavani Singh' series. The book is a murder mystery and investigation with the perfect Indian setting in Habba Galli, Shivajinagar, Pune. The book could be a perfect Bollywood movie if cast and directed well.
The book is quirky, enjoyable, and very engaging. I enjoyed this one more than the first book. The cast of characters and the plot fit very well, and all the shortcomings of the first book were very well filled in this sequel. With an equal amount of tension, suspense, and witty humor, the book is the perfect cozy murder mystery.
The multiple POVs made this book more interesting and fully engrossing while reading. The human dynamics, high society drama, Bollywood celebrities in the picture, and, of course, our nosy aunts and uncles of society made the book more fun and intriguing. I would recommend you pick this up if you are used to the author's writing style and books; it will surely not disappoint.
The book is quirky, enjoyable, and very engaging. I enjoyed this one more than the first book. The cast of characters and the plot fit very well, and all the shortcomings of the first book were very well filled in this sequel. With an equal amount of tension, suspense, and witty humor, the book is the perfect cozy murder mystery.
The multiple POVs made this book more interesting and fully engrossing while reading. The human dynamics, high society drama, Bollywood celebrities in the picture, and, of course, our nosy aunts and uncles of society made the book more fun and intriguing. I would recommend you pick this up if you are used to the author's writing style and books; it will surely not disappoint.
bookhoarder_neha's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
In my initial journey into the author's literary realm, I was genuinely captivated. Although the story commenced with a gradual introduction of characters and their lives, the narrative found its stride after the initial fifty pages. The detailed characterizations at the outset seamlessly wove into the evolving story, creating a well-balanced narrative.
This murder mystery, deviating from the conventional serious tone, injected a refreshing blend of humor and colloquial language, transforming it into an entertaining and approachable read. Beyond the conventional suspense-thriller components, the book intricately explores various human attributes and relationships. It delves into the challenges faced by a single mother, the dynamic life of a working woman, the dilemmas of a homemaker, and the poignant sacrifice of a middle-aged single man forgoing the pleasures of having a family.
The narrative unfolds within a family that shares a common business, providing a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of love and concern for both stray dogs and pets. The revelation of the murderer, reminiscent of Poirot's distinctive style, infuses a Bollywood-esque masala and humor into this Indian murder mystery. Altogether, it stands out as a fantastic choice for readers seeking a quick, engaging, and multifaceted experience.
stories_of_the_soul27's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
This book tries to do a lot of things and in my opinion manages to do it almost perfectly. It is a murder mystery set in the backdrop of Bangalore and current socio-political situation of India. The author has taken a liberal approach in voicing her opinions and I for one is onboard with it. We have feminists but flawed women, a woman treated unequally by her peers and unable to rise above it, she had sunk into it, a woman subdued by the men of her family and recently finding her voice, a typical orthodox obnoxious sexist man (the villain), a feminist man who dotes his mother and harbours a childhood crush for years (every girls’ dream man), a meek man with no ambition and under the thumb of his wife, an unmarried man selflessly taking care of his aged mother, a man who is almost feminist and a spoilt boy of a wealthy family. Including such eccentric characters have given voices to many issues we can see in each and every Indian household and I think the author has been able to incorporate social commentary in a very witty, entertaining and engaging way. It was quite fun seeing the characters engage in conversations that opened discussions on independence of women, divorce, love, faith and stereotypes against caste and religion.
Coming to the mystery, it was quite nicely done. There was enough suspense, blood, hatred, motives, twist and turns to keep the readers hooked. The romance sub plot was also like heart skipping beats. It was a breezing no brainer read, really good for unwinding after a long hectic week.
sruthi_ragesh's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
mahimaggarwal's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dukhtar's review
4.0
glad to report that after a wobbly last outing (imo), AC seems to have found her footing in the crime-comedy genre. we're so back!!
i am a native of the romance genre, so the technicalities of the plot may be best re iewed by someone else: but i did gasp a few time along the way and there were enough red herrings to keep me guessing till the very end.
now let's talk about what i was actually here for: the romance. There are what, >20 pages of romance overall in this book? And yet that last chapter's so GOOD—reminded me why AC is the 🐐 of desi romance in my book. She just does star-crossed lovers, yearning & that final climactic release just so well. I was mopey & lovesick the whole week after I finished this book.
i am a native of the romance genre, so the technicalities of the plot may be best re iewed by someone else: but i did gasp a few time along the way and there were enough red herrings to keep me guessing till the very end.
now let's talk about what i was actually here for: the romance. There are what, >20 pages of romance overall in this book? And yet that last chapter's so GOOD—reminded me why AC is the 🐐 of desi romance in my book. She just does star-crossed lovers, yearning & that final climactic release just so well. I was mopey & lovesick the whole week after I finished this book.