One arranged murder by Chetan Bhagat

"One arranged murder by Chetan Bhagat -  Bland murder mystery!

This book is published by Westland in Sept 2020 and has 312 pages. This is sequel to 'The girl in room 105'.

Keshav and Saurabh solved their first murder in previous book. The two have fallen out and are not on speaking terms. Saurabh is in love with Prerana Malhotra and they are engaged. Prerana is fasting on Karva Chauth, even though she is not yet married to Saurabh. Saurabh reaches Malhotra residence to break Prerana's fast and discovers a death. 

Is it a murder? Who is murdered? Why? Will Saurabh and Keshav investigate? Will police cooperate? Can they solve the case?

It's a murder mystery in a joint family. Prerana lives in a huge kothi with her mom and dad on 2nd floor. Her unmarried Aditya Chachu, a failing musician, stays on 3rd floor.  Her grandmother,  Bindu bua and cousin Anjali (daughter of another bua from America) stay on 1st floor. Then there is house help Gopika and driver Anwar. Prerana's business partner is also a suspect. Add to it Saurabh and Keshav. Everyone is suspect and no one seems to be the murderer. Inspector Singh and Prerana's dad appear to be in hurry to declare it as an accident. Each has his own reason. But what is the motive for murder? Then there is second murder. 

The story is not exciting. It neither has pace nor is it interesting. Reader figuratively dozes off multiple times. There is no chase, little investigation and deduction. The story ambles on till it's concluded. Not a page Turner! Reason for murder appears like an after thought. Although there is confession at the end, the evidence is still circumstantial, not fool proof. Author has created a few red herrings too. I was able to guess the murderer as soon as the character appears in the story. 

At the end of the story, Keshav decides to quit his day job to become detective and starts preparing for IPS. So expect the series to continue. Hopefully new book will be better than this book. 

Chetan Bhagat is a celebrity and is credited for reviving reading culture in India (in general) and young generation (in particular). In this book and previous one he dabbles in murder mystery. I must say this genre is not his forte. 

This book is not in the league of Chetan Bhagat we know.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? Narration. 

What did I like? Umm....

Give it a miss!