A precise and engaging mystery…
In Banerjee’s impressive latest, personal desires and expectations from family and society collide in a story filled with love, mystery, and tension. 1980. Mahesh prepares to embark on a journey to London for his doctoral studies, much to the chagrin of his traditional parents. Before he goes, he must retrieve a box of belongings from a professor he barely knew. In Benares, he meets Aarvi, the daughter of a local bookseller, and they bond over solving puzzles left by the deceased professor. As they unravel the truth about his death, their friendship grows into an unexpected love that defies cultural norms. Banerjee’s vivid descriptions and emotional ride through the delicate ties of Mahesh and Aarvi make for a gripping read. Unexpected plot twists keep the suspense going until the end. The 1980s India setting adds depth to the story, making cultural shifts and the characters’ personal growth relatable. The novel expertly unravels a crossword mystery while exploring themes of personal choice, societal expectations, and chance encounters that shape our lives. A page-turner.
A Poet’s Ballad: A Crossword Mystery
Aditya Banerjee
Notion Press
Pub date October 11, 2023
ISBN 979-8890667267
Price $9.99 (USD) Paperback, $2.99 Kindle edition
