Kalban and Meenakshi are back for another adventure after their experiences at the magical city of Madh. This time though the stakes are higher as Melucha is a far cry from Madh. A murder takes place even before Meenakshi can catch her breath and it is up to Kalban and Meenakshi to figure out what is going on. There are a number of suspects around, motives and opportunities galore. And then there is the mystery of scorpions… Could things be any more twisted?
This is my first time reading a book by Author Aditi Kumar and my first foray into the magical world created by her. Though I have not read The Magicians of Madh, the first book in the series, I had barely any trouble getting into the world as I picked up Murder In Madh. Did I wish I had read the first book before picking this one up? Yes. But did I have any trouble understanding the world, characters or setting without reading The Magicians of Madh? No. This book can be read as a standalone.
What I loved the most about the book was the world setting. The author takes time to describe places and the political environment that the book is set in. In fact, her descriptions make is really easy to see this world in the mind's eye and a reader is easily transported to Kalban and Meenakshi's world. The protagonists are well developed and gets really close to the readers. I did enjoy Meenakshi's character a bit more than Kalban, but both are pretty likeable and relatable. Even with all the ground work with the world setting, the book has a steady pace and the twists sprinkled throughout the story helps maintain a hold on the reader. Another USP of the book is the style of humour used by the author that sometimes help bring levity in a serious situation, but mostly helps readers to continue turning pages with a smile.
A quick read that is a really good entertainer.
Review Copy received from Penguin Random House India
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