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by Meeti Shroff-Shah (Author)
Discover a wonderfully witty new whodunnit from CWA Dagger-shortlisted author Meeti Shroff-Shah - a dazzling new voice and India's answer to Agatha Christie!
Mystery novelist Radhi Zaveri has a new job, teaching spoiled kids at Mumbai's prestigious North Star High School.
But a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing . . .
When fiery teacher Ms Venus is found slumped across her desk, the school insist she died of natural causes.
But Radhi's not convinced. The Ms Venus she knew was in rude health, stirring up drama and discord at every turn.
What if someone - a disgruntled parent, a disgraced 'D' student - decided to silence her acid tongue for good?
The last person to clash with Ms Venus is mysteriously missing . . .
Can Radhi piece it all together - before the killer's ruthless red pen strikes again?
If you love Faith Martin, Richard Osman, Vaseem Khan, Ian Moore, Shamini Flint or Agatha Christie, you'll adore this classic mystery with a modern twist - brimming with red herrings, quirky characters and Golden Age flair, and set against the opulent backdrop of Mumbai's Temple Hill.
**Shroff-Shah's acclaimed Temple Hill Mysteries have been shortlisted for the CWA Whodunnit Dagger 2025, People's Book Prize 2025, Times of India Author Awards 2023, and longlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger 2022.**
THE SLEUTH
Writer and traveller Radhi returns home to Mumbai's posh Temple Hill after spending years living in New York City, in search of inspiration and a salve for her broken heart. To the world it seems she has it all. But little do they know that she hasn't written a word in more than a year, that she is devastated at the sudden disappearance of her American lover and that she is still haunted by her parents' death, which happened almost two decades ago and for which, she holds herself responsible.
THE SETTING
Fictitious Temple Hill is a quiet and privileged neighbourhood in Mumbai, located by the Arabian Sea. It comprises four sun-dappled slopes that lead up to the main road. Wide streets are lined with gulmohar trees in flaming reds and sunny yellows. The area still retains an old-world charm, dotted with small parks and little galleries, interspersed with tiny florists, cafes and confectionary shops. And situated amid all these gentle trappings of everyday life are the five ancient Jain temples that give Temple Hill its name.
Praise for the Temple Hill Mysteries:
'A gentle mystery with a murderous heart.' Vaseem Khan, Sunday Times bestselling author
'One of the funniest, heartfelt mysteries of the year. Shroff-Shah's gift for satire makes Radhi's investigation . . . an utter delight.' Sujata Massey, author
'Just what the doctor ordered for a lazy Sunday. A welcome addition to the growing tribe of Indian mystery writing.' Ratna Pathak Shah, actress and director
'Shroff-Shah tells a great twisted tale with acute observations about the people and world she inhabits, all done with aplomb and assurance, keeping you guessing till the very end!' Lillete Dubey, actor and theatre director
'Unfolding like an Agatha Christie mystery, the book delivers on pace, plot and climax.' The Hindu
'Pick of the week.' The Hindustan Times
'Terrific setting. Great Plot. A mystery with a sexy twist!' Shobhaa De, author
