The Reluctant Detective by Kiran Manral - Book Review

The Reluctant Detective

With a whole lot of buzz around Kiran Manral’s new book, I was looking forward to grab it soon. And my excitement was justified thoroughly. A completely fun read, the book nudged my funny bones on enough occasions. And, I was merrily giggling almost till the finish.

The story is about Kanan Mehra aka Kay, a suburban home maker in Mumbai who recounts her life in a sequence of witty narratives laced with funky attitude. Recent murders in her apartment lead this uber housewife to ditch her fears and reluctantly aid in solving the case. In the centre of the storm by virtue of being the last person to have seen one victim and the first one to chance upon the other, Kay’s otherwise seemingly perfect life takes a tumble as she finds herself inadequate to deal with strangers including the policemen. No, she does not actually find the hand behind the gruesome acts like Poirot or Miss Marple, nor is this story a typical whoddunit ; but the tale is more  a spin on kay’s actions & reactions, a recount of her daily life going through a variety of sizzle.

I could connect to kay and why not ? – Wardrobe dilemma, battling bulges, grin & bear the maids saga , PTA woes, keeping the hyper kids engaged are some issues that will definitely ring a bell in all of us at some point or the other. Also, being a Cancerian myself, there was a lot of bon-homie with the protagonist !

Hooked to the book , I was chuckling away merrily even as I was waiting for my son’s progress report (btw, he is a preschooler ) inviting a few curious glances from some parents :D  That’s how much I enjoyed the read !

Coming to the characters, they are lively and well-etched. The perfect albeit serious hubby, adrenaline junkie son, pot-pourri of vibrant neighbours to the typical policeman, the people around Kay’s life are colourful & engaging.

As I am typing this review, few of the riot situations are still in mind like this one – 

Kay we are going for three days ! You have 20 tops,  8 trousers, 4 skirts, 3 stilettos ; to which she thinks aloud What if there is a discotheque in the hotel, men will never understand :) 

And another :-

Her narration of exploding buttons & splitting seams where in, a button of her jeans just flies & ricochets the wall of a restaurant promptly hitting a startled soul – Hillarious !

Kiran Manral, dedicated blogger, social activist, author defenitely deserves a pat on the back for having bared her heart & soul in the book.

I really could not fault any thing about the book except that the writer has tried to find funny overtures in all and sundry. Not there is anything wrong about it, but it was a few times uncalled for.Overall, the book is a pleasant, refreshing, light on mind kind of read with loads of smiles.

Go for it !