Title:
The Curse of Kuldhara
Author:
Richa Mukherjee
Publisher:
HarperCollins India
Genre:
Thriller, Mystery
Pages:
330
‘Prachand turned his placid gaze on the inquisitive Yatish, ‘can’t you see it? All this while, I was reluctant as I didn’t know of a problem. Whatever would I do on a film set? But now I have found a mystery to solve. It’s a curse of Kuldhara!’
The Curse of Kuldhara by Richa Mukherjee, is a compelling crime-thriller. I am intrigued by its elements, an unspoken dread, a cursed village, and haunted atmosphere. All of these components transport you into mysterious world.
Basically, the story revolves around Prachand Tripathi, our protagonist who runs a detective agency with his wife. Amidst the underlying tension of work, this couple receives an unexpected assignment, a movie-offer presented by a high-profile politician. Prachand takes it as a - once in a lifetime opportunity - and accepts it immediately, not even being bothered by the quaint history of that place, the place where the movie being made, place that is abandoned and cursed. With all the twists and turns, the story leads to an unexpected killing. Is there some evil power behind this murder?
Author states ‘About two hundred years ago, Kuldhara in particular was inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmins, a devout and proud lot who believed in living simply and peacefully. Our ancestors are correct in saying that too much of a good thing attracts the evil eye. The same misfortune befell the poor Paliwal Brahmins. Their troubles came in the form of an evil diwan who laid his unchaste eyes on the daughter of the village chief. They bagged and pleaded with him to let her be. However, he unleashed his vengeance on them by pressurizing them financially and giving them an ultimatum to hand her over. As it was the matter of honour, they chose to abandon the village overnight.’
What I really like about the book is the vibes around the village. The author depicts the place in such an exquisite manner, it feels as you visited that place in real, as ‘Naveli Haveli, in its dilapidated state, was unlike the other better – preserved vestiges of Rajasthan’s history, but it shared a common feature with them – its walls. They were a medley of brick, sandstone, marble, wood, plaster and granite that insulated the interiors from the onslaught of the winds both during the summer and the winter.’
No spoilers, but the character of an old lady is really absorbing. I loved how author added some colloquial words, Dash of wit and humorous dialogues, it truly enhances the palette of its narrative structure.
Although, at some places, I feel mixed-bag emotions for the characters, the struggle to connect to the core of the story was there. To wait to 14th chapter to come up to the place, the book actually based on. I really wish it could have been fleshed out well. But on the whole, I liked the book, a gripping crime-mystery. It definitely deserves more appreciation.
Despite being a part of Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt. Ltd. Series, this book stands alone. I have not read the previous part, but it worked for me. This page-turner thriller can be your weekend companion.
Synopsis
What
can possibly go wrong when fame and fortune come knocking? Plenty! We return to
the charming and colourful lanes of Gwaltoli to revisit Prachand Tripathi, our
favourite desi detective and owner of Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd. While he has
progressed from locating lost pets and garments to problems of gravitas, their
moderate fame doesn't impress wife and CFO Vidya Tripathi who still complains
about wasted potential and the tepid life they lead. As if on cue, an unusual
but promising proposal comes their way, one they simply cannot refuse. It's an
invitation to oversee a film shoot based on their lives, whisking them away to
the resplendent deserts of Rajasthan. What follows is an unbelievable and
spine-chilling adventure that will drag them through a morass of inexplicable
events, dangerous secrets and a cursed, abandoned village that wreaks havoc on
the living and dead alike.
About the Author
Richa
is an ex-journalist and advertising professional turned award winning writer,
poet and blogger, contributing to several online platforms. Her first
novel I Didn't Expect to be Expecting was a humorous take on the rollercoaster
ride of pregnancy and her second, Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd, a comedic thriller
was picked up for a screen adaptation. Excess Baggage is her third book
and is also headed to the big screen. She has authored anthologies,
e-singles and audiobooks.
Reach her at: Twitter | Amazon
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