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_askthebookbug 's review for:
Murder at the Mushaira
by Raza Mir
• r e v i e w •
Murder at the Mushaira is set during the pre-independence era, at a critical time when Indian soldiers began revolting against the British. So it comes as no surprise that Raza Mir writes in a rarefied manner, making it appealing to only a particular set of people. That and his ability to bring back few significant characters to life like Mirza Ghalib, the renowned poet whose work is still considered one of the best in the literary world scores brownie points. But my interest in this book ends just there. Although, Mir focuses on patriotism and paints a vivid picture of those who lived back in the days when Mushairas were conducted in palaces and mansions, a life when commoners fought for independence in their own little ways etc, this book is mainly supposed to be a murder mystery and with it comes a certain expectation of keeping the readers satisfied with how the plot unfolds. The motive, the act and the grand conclusion demands a satisfactory result which I found missing.
A poet is murdered at a Mushaira and our witty Mirza Ghalib is asked to assist in finding the murderer by Kirorimal, an investigating officer. Mirza is old but the twinkle in his eye and the mischievous smile playing on his lips reminds people of the handsome self he once was. But what appears to be a simple murder mystery proves to be a tangled one, much like a puzzle that refuses to shed clues. With the involvement of the officers working for the Crown, rebellious Indians who form a secret network to free their country and suspects who are quick to point fingers at others; Murder at the Mushaira takes us on a rather amusing ride. For someone like me who has read a fair share of murder mysteries, this book failed to make a mark. Albeit Mir impresses readers with his writing flair and the background of the story, it didn't quite live upto my expectations. Much of the story felt incessantly dragged, making me want to abandon it at more than one instance. My review is what one might term as an unpopular opinion but murder mysteries to me are either a hit or miss and this one falls under the latter part.
3.4/5.
Murder at the Mushaira is set during the pre-independence era, at a critical time when Indian soldiers began revolting against the British. So it comes as no surprise that Raza Mir writes in a rarefied manner, making it appealing to only a particular set of people. That and his ability to bring back few significant characters to life like Mirza Ghalib, the renowned poet whose work is still considered one of the best in the literary world scores brownie points. But my interest in this book ends just there. Although, Mir focuses on patriotism and paints a vivid picture of those who lived back in the days when Mushairas were conducted in palaces and mansions, a life when commoners fought for independence in their own little ways etc, this book is mainly supposed to be a murder mystery and with it comes a certain expectation of keeping the readers satisfied with how the plot unfolds. The motive, the act and the grand conclusion demands a satisfactory result which I found missing.
A poet is murdered at a Mushaira and our witty Mirza Ghalib is asked to assist in finding the murderer by Kirorimal, an investigating officer. Mirza is old but the twinkle in his eye and the mischievous smile playing on his lips reminds people of the handsome self he once was. But what appears to be a simple murder mystery proves to be a tangled one, much like a puzzle that refuses to shed clues. With the involvement of the officers working for the Crown, rebellious Indians who form a secret network to free their country and suspects who are quick to point fingers at others; Murder at the Mushaira takes us on a rather amusing ride. For someone like me who has read a fair share of murder mysteries, this book failed to make a mark. Albeit Mir impresses readers with his writing flair and the background of the story, it didn't quite live upto my expectations. Much of the story felt incessantly dragged, making me want to abandon it at more than one instance. My review is what one might term as an unpopular opinion but murder mysteries to me are either a hit or miss and this one falls under the latter part.
3.4/5.