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gralleigh2023's review
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Delightful. Absolutely pulled me out of a reading (and everything) slump. Forgotten how I love a good mystery, and these, set in 1950s Calcutta, are perfect. Not altogether 'cosy' either – one story hinges on a tragedy during the Dhaka riots at the time of partition and to U.S. soldiers stationed in Bengal during WW2 and the guns and ammunition (& illegitimate children) they left behind.
ankitac's review
4.0
Thoroughly enjoyed it, even though I'd watched the DoorDarshan episodes of at least 2 of these mysteries, following them with Byomkesh Babu in such detail was great. BB remains to this day, my favourite detective :)
hardkaapi's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was an unexpected read in the sense that I saw it and immediately started it. Byomkesh Bakshi is an important part of Indian crime thrillers and deservedly so because every story is fuelled by his pure wit and logic. The introduction by Dibakar Banerjee is spot on in analysing why we still read Byomkesh and what makes him such a special, memorable protagonist. The book has three short stories- The Rhythm of Riddles, Byomkesh and Barada, and The Death of Amrito. All 3 are gripping and will keep you guessing until the end. I strongly recommend exploring Byomkesh Bakshi further by reading more translations or even watching the Basu Chatterjee series for a fun time❤️
ravipotter's review
4.0
Sometimes it's so difficult to write a review. The story is so engrossing that you are just lost in it without any other peripheral thoughts. You tend to not look for patterns or observe any follies. This book has been one of those kinds. Just open it, read it, and enjoy it. The translation is very smooth.
Given all my praise you might wonder why only 4 stars, that's because in the first story there's a back story that's not told to readers and even in second story a small detail that reader doesn't know till the end. But still these are minor details and this is a proper detective / mystery books. These stories are not like the ones that sustain mystery just by overusing pronouns and ending chapters abruptly, along the lines of The girl on train by Paula Hawkins. These are good proper crime mystery novels. I've become a fan of the Author.
A must read.
Given all my praise you might wonder why only 4 stars, that's because in the first story there's a back story that's not told to readers and even in second story a small detail that reader doesn't know till the end. But still these are minor details and this is a proper detective / mystery books. These stories are not like the ones that sustain mystery just by overusing pronouns and ending chapters abruptly, along the lines of The girl on train by Paula Hawkins. These are good proper crime mystery novels. I've become a fan of the Author.
A must read.
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