Missing in Mumbai | Book Review

Review of Kirki Akrivou's novel- Missing in Mumbai

• Title - Missing in Mumbai
• Author – Kirki Akrivou
• Year published – 26 December 2023
• Pages - 182
• Genre – Mystery / Thriller
• Format - eBook

How do you find one missing woman in a city of 20 million?

The answer: You don’t. At least not without help.

Amateur sleuth Rudhrani Sen didn’t expect to be drawn into a case during her sister’s wedding in India. Let alone a case with no leads and no police aid. But there’s something sinister about the missing woman’s housing complex.

Rudhrani will find out what’s going on. She always does. All she needs is to find her way in.

*

Shonali inherited a disaster.

When her tenants in Mumbai go silent for months, Shonali has no choice but to investigate. The problem is that she’s broke, isolated, and on the verge of a breakdown. So, when her housing complex feels off, when so many of her neighbors have vanished, it’s easy to believe the churning in her gut is only an anxious afterthought.

But it’s bigger than that. And if she’s not careful, she might find herself missing, too.

*
Love domestic thrillers like When No One Is Watching? By Alyssa Cole and The Perfect Tenant by AJ Carter? Then you’ll want to follow Rudhrani as she unravels this web of deceit – and uncovers more than she bargained for.

Book #8 of 2024

Rating - 4🌟

This novel marks the first installment in the Rudhrani Sen Mysteries series, unfolding the intersecting journeys of Rudhrani Sen, an amateur detective, and Shonali, the owner of a residence within a dilapidated building in a housing complex. While Rudhrani embarks on a quest to locate a missing woman, Shonali grapples with the challenge of collecting overdue rent from her tenants.

As the narratives of these two women converge, revelations surface, unraveling the mysteries surrounding the various deaths and shedding light on the tenants' adamant stance.

The novel weaves a compelling tale, employing dual perspectives—Rudhrani's and Shonali's. A diverse cast of characters, including Shonali's brother, tenants, her uncle, etc., each plays a significant role, contributing to the intricacies of the plot.

The narrative unfolds with simplicity and clarity, making it easily accessible to readers. Noteworthy are the informative footnotes at the end of chapters, providing meanings or opinions on Hindi words and dish names mentioned in the story.

Through its pages, the author skillfully exposes the dark underbelly of the real estate industry, portraying the unsettling consequences when individuals pursue their agendas with unwavering determination.

Though I was able to anticipate certain developments, the author has adeptly maintained suspense until the final pages.

Overall, this thriller proves suitable for readers of all ages, offering an engaging and thought-provoking experience. A 4/5 star read. 

Kirki Akrivou is a Greek-American author. When not writing, you can find her traveling, reading, or just nerding out.

While she leans into mystery and horror, Kirki doesn't shy away from romance or historical fiction. Between living abroad and writing in a global community, readers can expect characters from across walks of life, from Greece to India and beyond.

Thanks to Booksirens for a copy of this book.