As an Agatha Christie lover, this book instantly drew me in and it definitely did not disappoint. This novel contains a vibrant and shocking plot with incredibly surprising plot twists along the way. As well as an ending that you could not guess, which is always a bonus for an avid murder mystery reader). I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good murder mystery, as this book is one of them!

Synopsis: When Manu Fernandez approaches well known detective Harith Athreya, with two wills written by his living father, Bhaskar Fernandez, Athreya is intrigued. Upon request, he decides to travel to Nilgiris – a beautiful hill station in South India. Athreya arrives as a guest at Greybrooke Manor just in time as events unfold. My review: What really works for the story is the atmosphere. The mountain railway train, the mist and the reference to the colonial past instantly transports the reader to the Nilgiris. This is not a setting usually seen in crime novels, which is a major plus. The setting also acts as a foil to the gruesome events about to occur at the Manor. There is a definite echo of the Doyle classic, Hound of the Baskervilles. The folkore that envelopes the Manor is as thick as the fog outside, the centuries old curse has a looming presence over the fate of its inhabitants. Athreya as a typical detective is good with his sharp mind and observations skills . A bit more backstory about Athreya would have helped in connecting him more with the reader. But then with so many characters who are also potential suspects and it is easy to see why Raman has decided to focus more on the plot. The various subplots support the main narrative well and the story builds up intrigue as suspicion shifts from one character to another with each development. The writing style slows the pace a bit but once connections between random events emerge, the reader is racing through the pages. Ultimately, ticks all boxes for a good read. The plot unfolds well and like mentioned before, the reader would have loved to know Athreya better. But then, that is why this reader would be looking forward to the next Athreya case.

This is an enjoyable class whodunnit involving an array of characters within a feuding family all hoping to inherit from the death of the eldest surviving family member. Retired detective Athreya is invited to stay at the family house and observe proceedings as Bhaskar Fernandez invites his relatives to stay. A murder is committed and Athreya sets out ( on the request of Bhaskar);to solve the crime and in doing so uncovers the dark secrets of all attending. The book has an old fashioned charm and is all the better for it leaving the reader guessing who and why until the last pages. RV Raman has created a lively protagonist and I look forward to the next instalment. My only gripe is the suddenness of the final page.