Misir Ali Omnibus II

The opening thriller had been a most entertaining novel, titled Brihannala. With an introduction like any other Misir Ali novel, as the mystery unfolds, so does the solution apparently to the readers but the final twist will be sure to put them reeling with a truth so revealing that justifies why the Professor of Abnormal Behaviour was called upon to solve. The literary skill of the master storyteller, Humayun Ahmed, will be reminded again at the climax when it will be felt that the obvious hint were there right at the inception but for the enigmatic writing that concealed it in plain sight. Trivial surprises are also in store for  the inquisitive readers who will come to know that Psycholgy was Arts subject and not Science in university courses when this novel was designed. The next is about a mysterious lady who comes to Ali only to  be driven out shortly but leaves her belongings and money that incites the sleuth in revealing a curious mind with unnatural acumen. With clues hidden in a narrative and a letter, the investigator must find the problem and then solve it to help the distressed client in Tandrabilas. Everything remains justified in this suspense, including its intriguing incompleteness, but the mistake in a mathematical riddle remains its single technical flaw and another spoiler during the beginning mars the narrative slightly in the otherwise fascinatingly detailed gripping plot and queer incidents. The ultimate logical man meets the ultimate intuitive person in Himur Dwitiya Prahar which mixes humour, ingenuity, mystery and romance in the best possible way. Narrated by the protagonist, Himu, the story deals with his encounter with fear and how he approaches to overcome it. Ali appears for a lesser time but the portions are the best in this novel where the author excels himself in documenting dialogues for both of his legendary creations who are characteristically contrasting to each other. The story is not only endearing, but it resembles the style of Sanjib Chattopadhyay with a freshness that cheers the readers. This is my 1st Himu novel and it will be a refreshing relief in this intellectually overwhelming yet satisfying compilation of the adventure with the human psyche. Moving ahead is Amii Misir Ali, which had already been discussed earlier. The most terrifying case of the volume is Baghbandi Misir Ali, which is surprisingly unassuming in the start but midway onwards, three characters evolves so hurriedly that the reader is trapped in a mesh of psychic wits that stifles the breath away. The sleuth is, however, the target in this game and his honest wit is all there to deal with the situation. The psychopathic killer, a former patient and his current servant (who is, for a change, not a thief) are entangled in a chase to save a little girl as well as a severely sick victim. The final in the volume is a challenging puzzle in the form of a letter that includes the Kahen Kabi Kalidas riddle, which is not solved but the primary mystery is. Infact, the mystery is solved by the sleuth, sitting entirely at his home with a couple of communications with his students and some materials obtained on request from the client. With an array of less peculiar characters than is customary in his novel, the plot will surely keep the suspense alive as the sequences unfold. Curiously, it contains only two chapters with one encroaching the majority of the novel but the shorter one will be no less enthralling.

Mr Tompkins Explores the Atom

This time, it is for Mr Tompkins to explore the curious world of atoms. The peculiarity of the quantum world had been revealed to the naive amateur student of physics in the earlier volume and the adventure to the uncertain world continues, thanks to his physicist father-in-law's lectures. The lectures seems to give the audience nightmares, which is very much apparent as not only does Mr Tompkins fall a prey for it, but so does his wife who had accompanied him to one of them! But sometimes, the father-in-law takes pity on our protagonist and asks him not to attend some of the difficult ones but the physics lover will not be the sufferer as the book contains all the lectures including the one that Mr Tompkins skipped. Science couldn't have been explained in more simpler terms! It is humorous, the tone is humble, the content is just magnificent. With the illustration by the author himself, as the regular illustrator abandons his post, the appeal of the volume seems to increase more as the author seems to keep the drawings, some of them, adapted from originals, as perfect as possible.

Kikira Samagra II

Consisting of six novels, the volume is adventure combined with magic, suspense and mystery. It starts with Mayurganjer Nrisingha Sadan which revolves about a cursed family heirloom. A magical appearance of a fire walking ascetic unnerves the sole witness which is followed by a death in the same place. The eerie magical mystery seems a problem for a wizard sleuth. So came Kikira, self abbreviated Kinkar Kishore Ray. With him are the duo Tarapada (Tara), an accounting clerk and Chandan (Ch(n)adu), the doctor, who is lovingly referred lovingly by Kikira as sandalwood, the literal translation of his name. Next is the Jadukarer Rahasyamoy Mrityu where a magician is killed on stage and his magical harmonium vanishes. Though it mainly revolves around smuggled goods, it is a bit of a disappointment as the fate smuggled items are never revealed. Case closes without a hint to how all clues are obtained by the investigators. In Circus Theke Palie a performing motorcyclist escapes from circus accusing his fellow senior of threats and attempt to murder. As Kikira takes up the case on insistence of Chandan only to find that all concerned are not revealing the truth. It seems mysterious about why the motorist escapes and goes to hiding. Abrupt ending mars the climax in this thriller that is gripping yet satisfyingly slow. The following is Holod Palak B(n)adha Teer where the story reveals the magician turned detective's MO which is to collect as much information as possible so that others understand the solutions without the sleuth requiring to spell it out specifically. A businessman suffers a paralysing stroke while visiting a place to negotiate a deal in Ghatsheela. But two persons think otherwise. So Kikira is called to take the case. Tarapada accompanies him to Ghatsheela. Mystery revolves as the place of murder reveals some curious clues like a glove with a missing place for a finger, yellow feathers. Chandan is present for short crucial chapters. The mystery actually increases the appeal of the volume which somehow was dampened before this. An odd advertisement, sets the tone of Turuper Shesh Tas, hinting foul play to a death startles the business partner of the deceased. Along with that there is a constant blackmail by a supposed relative. The victim is confused and Kikira is consulted in the matter. A slight similarity with a previous adventure is felt in the plot but the finale is pleasantly different. The case of a missing young man is apparently central to Sonar Ghorir Kh(n)oje but Kikira feels that the gold watch, kept as a fond remembrance to his grandfather and also as a family heirloom, which is also missing, holds the key to the mystery.
The stories of the unassuming Kikira are a bit different from others in the genre and adds another dimension to the tradition of detective fictions. Bimal Kar allows the stories to meander easily but they never loose focus on the actual course.

Clouds of Witness

A man, the would be brother-in-law of Lord Peter is killed. The chief accused is his brother while the chief witness is their sister. No doubt that drama starts from the very first page that continues with a steady pace till the closing chapters. An incredible finale is in store in this essentially courtroom case. As evidence piles up it seems that mystery is not one but many. Some witness goes missing while some clouds the judgement. It remains to be seen how the sleuth uncovers the truth assisted by Bunter along with Inspector Parker who acts as the faithful satellite while remaining mostly unbiased as his post demands. Support also comes from Peter's mother, the wise Dowager Duchess whose abilities display the trait that her son uses in his sleuthing. With an introduction by the fictitious uncle of Lord Peter this Sayers saga of crime and passion is light yet satisfying.

Kiriti Omnibus Vol II

The introduction by Shri Gajendrakumar Mitra is the best in this volume of Kiriti. Sketching a compact to the extreme history of detective fiction till that time, the introducer did not miss to acknowledge the premieres of the trade yet criticizing the authors where they are due. But in this regard it seems he was a bit biased to the Kiriti genre as his analysis of appeal seemed a bit far fetched. Following this is Duti Katha by the author where he justifies the marriage of his sleuth. Then the volume starts with Holud Shaitan that takes the sleuth with his associate overseas on a hunt for a sinister assassin, continues with Dainir B(n)ashi aka Ishkaboner Bibi Harataner Saheb which could have been the best of the fictions had it not been for the unnecessary lengthening in the closing chapters. After this is Dragon which bridges two sets of incidents by the murderer but it seems a bit forced that both murderers are the same along with the fact that the sleuth enjoys holidays while on the scent of criminal without trying to wrap it quickly. The next piece is Momer Alo where a wife is killed with the father-in-law accusing his son for the crime. This is followed by Basanta Rajani where an old acquaintance of the sleuth is found dead that starts a trail of queer revelations and Kalo Pakhi links a murder with theft but fails to justify the link clearly.

Sita: Warrior of Mithila

The second in the series, this novel explores the life of Sita considered to be the Vishnu by Viswamitra led Malayaputras. As remarkable as the revelation is to Sita, her rise as Vishnu seems not free of secrecy and challenges. While the Vayuputras seem to give a nod to Vashistha on his selection of the Vishnu, the adamant and formidable Viswamitra thinks otherwise. In the midst of it all is the threat of Ravaan and his cruel tactics to win over every kingdom that tries to rise respectably. The Nagas play a critical role in all the events and several confusions are cleared. The novel also gives some hint about the cause of the rising enmity between the once bosom friends Vashistha and Viswamitra but keeps space for more to unfold. There remains places where repetitions are there as evident from the nature of the series but it is welcome no doubt. The author actually, in the introduction, acknowledges that the third in the series will explore the life of Ravaan after which will converge to the point where the clash between the titans will start. But here there is also much to unfold. Surprising twists abound the chapters where battles are waiged amid tensions. But inspite of the thrill there is some glaring mistakes in the storytelling. Based on mythological characters, the names of places could have been made a bit  more ancient and realistic as do some of the events which seems more modern than real. But having said these it must be said that it is quite unique yet enjoyable.

The All Bengali Crime Detectives II The Mysterious Death of Probhat Sanyal

When I had read the first in the series, or what would promise to be the first in a series beyond the expectation of the writer as acknowledged at the closing pages, it was a real entertainment. But as it happened this one is a bit short on the expectations of the readers. As a case is presented to the ABCD by one of the collegemates of a member of the club, of a reported eerie happening in the past and followed by unexpected death of a Kolkata based businessman, the sole witness to the creepy event, the energy of the senior citizens are boosted to solve the mystery. Soon arrests follows and the events take some unexpected turns. But here the thrill is marred by a host of side events and coincidences that does not do justice to the central plot. Compromising the suspense to some extent at the cost of the size of the novel I think the side plot of the roadside Romeo could have been itself a wonderful Barogolpo but when clubbed with a mystery loses both its fun, barring its climax after the actual mystery is solved, and tries in vain to breath relief to the already relaxed mood of the mystery. Also using the Bengali lingo to its colloquial extremity including the spelling of several characters and references to the story it does not do justice to the ‘Rasik Bangali’ culture and it makes it even more improbable for a club in Golf Garden organizing a jatra instead of a play that is too much far fetched in my view. Also after going thru the story I will comment that don’t be its judge by its cover as contrary to the expectation that most of the story might be in the backdrop of the hills and forests, it is only a minute part that references the hills. So though a wonderful mystery with a final twist quite unique it is not as gripping and compact as its predecessor which maintained the balance of the central plot with the right blend of refreshing anecdotes.

Samagra Kishore-Sahitya Vol. II

Ø  Galpo

·        Bhajahari Film Corporation

·        Chaamchike aar Tickei Checker

·        Harpoon

·        Ghora-torar Byapar

·        Nababee Amaler Galpo

·        Brahmabikasher Dantabikash

·        Genghis aar Hamliner Ba(n)shiwala

·        Gh(n)uteparar shei Match

·        Tiktikir Lyaaj

·        Bearing Ch(n)at

·        Bhajaraamer Pratisodh

·        Dada howar Daam

·        K(n)akrabiche

·        Kaak-Kahinee

·        Tin Minuter Galpo

·        Honolulur Makuda

·        Tatwabodhan mane-Jeebe Prem

·        Dashaanancharit

·        Harishpurer Rashikata

·        Ekti Janala Khulte

·        Bird of Paradise

·        Pharsee Galper ek Tukro

·        Halkhatar Khawa-Dawa

·        Torch

·        Ostader Maar

·        Chatra-Charitamrita

·        Jhow-Rahasya

·        Panchananer Haati

·        Tenida aar Yeti

·        Camouflage

Ø  Koutuk-Natika

·        Tenida aar Sindhughotak

·        Bharate Chai

·        Baaro Bhute

·        Viswakarmar Ghuri

The second volume is another classic collection of unadulterated humour in its cleanest form. Comprising of several of Tenida and company’s hilarious exploits combined with mischief abound this volume has a surprise of three short dramas tuned to comedy and more. Repeating one short story from the earlier volume, the apologies of Asha Devi and Arijit Gangopadhyay in the introduction seemed redundant as a Narayan Gangopadhyay fan would never regret any fun revisited.

The Secret of the Nagas

The thrill starts right from where it culminated in the first part. Shiva's quest for the dark forces seem to stumble over unprecedented revelations. Frightening wars are fought. Strange alliances are forged. But a mastermind puppeteer seems to play a cruel game. As the pieces of puzzle are gradually ordered near ones seem to drift apart. Revenge is sought but results seem baffling. Amish has blended history with mythology presenting an interpretation of the Gods that is so relevant even today. Hope for the saviour when all seems to lost is instilled. Based on his belief that greatness resides on any ordinary soul Amish etches out a canvas where the unificatin of the great land of India had been so earnestly sought for maybe the very first time. Though stretching the limit to its extreme a significant aspect of the anecdotes is the use of scientific concepts in explaining some bizarre happenings. Finally the epic stops with even more suspense than it seemed to promise at first thus continuing with its trail of surprises. But the only disappointment is the lack of regionality in the choice of referring to designations of the characters.

Nante Fante Collection II

In sheer enthusiasm I'd bought this collection too containing volumes IV to VI but some disappointments were in store for me. One of the strips were surely incomplete and certain stories were quite lacking in the fun. But the first few chapters were very much entertaining and though the plots were repeating, the excellent graphics more than compensated the monotone. The amusing misunderstandings, several of them at the cost of Keltu's misadventures, the innocent pranks on the unsuspecting superintendents were hilariously depicted by the cartoon while the underlying message of the bond of friendship and the spirit of camaraderie were conveyed all along.

Natak Samagra Vol 2

The volume starts with Bishnu Dey's intrdocution titled Manoj Mitrer Biswaser Jagat that prepares the reader for the collage that awaits them in two sections - Purnanga Natak and Ekanka Natak, the later containing one-act plays while the former complete dramas.

It starts with the famous Sajano Bagan and Bancha its protagonist whose passion for his garden that he had designed from a small patch of land rejected by the owner of the land. But the garden under his loving care flourishes to such an extent that it becomes the matter of envy to the next owner who tries several ways to snatch it from Bancha. Several humourous sequences abound, but the drama carries an underlying message for the love of the land that will be remembered whosoever reads it or watches it. In the next Aswatthama, a mythological play based on the titular character of Mahabharata and set in the last chapters of the Kurukshetra war, it tries to sketch the events in a different light. The mood swings to a lighter note with Rajdarshan, where a materialistic man transforms to a rationale self, thanks to his adventure that Providence allowed him to experience. Then comes the eerie Nekre, the apparition that stalks the evil and fear of the werewolf permeates in the minds of the beholders until the climax that is even more engaging than the plot. In Darpane Saratshashi, the exploitation of women in drama has been narrated set on the day's of Girish Ghosh. Again this excellent compilation lightens the mood but touches on the plight of the poor in Siver Asadhyi, where the Almighty Siva and his family beholds the right and the wrong among the mortals during the festive season of DurgaPuja.

The one-act play section is even more engaging, starting with Sandhyatara, that deals with the everlasting disrespect to the parents by their children whose only interest in the elders remains focussed on the wealth they will be leaving and who doesn't care to give a damn for their sentiments. But the interesting twist in the final pages will no doubt make the reader enjoy this among the rest. Tapur Tupur deals with a more personal issue where a couple tries to evade disgrace in the face of their wretched finances. In the next the Chokhe Angul Dada is brought to trial in the Heaven where the Almighty shows his own faults to which this man was blind so long as he spent the days in Earth just by noting the shortcomings of others. Kaalbihanga is another social drama which seems too short for its completeness but no doubt can convey the message home. A humorous Two-in-One, is not so good as a plot but is only enjoyable due to its unique comedy. Next comes the perfectionist in the bachelor Madan whose humorous plight as he travels to seek fortune from his village leaving his ailing family to the city is narrated by his own lips in Aami Madan Bolchi is both enlightening and enjoyable. Prabhat Fire Esho is a wonderful drama that consists of several stunning twists that shows evolution of characters and the mask they possess.

The entire volume is enjoyble but for the content page that contains several gross mistypes which must be rectified as early as possible.

K(n)aatae K(n)aatae - II

The second volume in the series contains three stories, one adapted from Gardner’s novel and the other two from that of Agatha Christie. These Indianised versions are nicely woven with the suspense kept alive till the very last chapters but the first two Uler K(n)aata and A-Aa-Kaw Khuner K(n)aata seemed to have ended very hurriedly and not at all like the third one Sarmeya Genduker K(n)aata. The way the first two plots unfold and the way the climaxes are reached are quite at different paces in the first and the second pieces.

Keeping the sleuthing and adventure part aside, which are of course as good as the originals and also the erudition of the narratives, there are certain features that are irritatingly monotonous. The writer, being and Engineering graduate and a quality scholar could not resist the temptation of using analogies that may only be appreciated by a few and this may exclude the most ardent lover of mystery. Without compromising on the mystery that may have been made more and more complex, if required, the writing could have been more easily refined. Secondly is the use of too much flowery language that shifts the interest to literature rather than mystery. Thirdly is some undue use of humour at places that again lightens up the thrill of the adventures. Finally but more importantly is the tendency of creating a British ambience everywhere. Starting from referring the mere elderly individuals as ‘Saheb’ to focusing on breakfast habits, after dinner drinks and finally making an entire story based on a Christian town - the basic idea of presenting an Indianised detective version of the Western counterparts, that the author stressed upon in the earlier volume, seems to vanish completely. The romance which is due to any detective story, here seems to be more artificially generated than that which naturally evolves in this genre. The characters are different as regard profession but the same sense of humour in most actually robs the narrative of reliefs. The characters seem only to differ in their sense of responsibility and intellect. Most of the individuals show the same degree of refined schooling. Also there is an aggressive use of historical accounts whenever a scope presents itself. Sharing of facts no doubt enriches knowledge but irrelevant sharing mars the actual reading. Let’s see what the other volumes have in store!

Mama Samagra II

The content of this book is

• Shasti
• Baromamar Swapna
• Sob Bhalo Jaar Shesh Bhalo
• Gharei Jamai
• Shiulir Gandha
• Meghamallar
• Tadanta
• Kheyal
• Baikuntha
• Mirjafarer Chata
• Baromamar Ashirbad
• Nitaikaku
• Sadhak Baromama
• Gandhari
• Ajnyatabas

In one word, the book can be said as beatifully written as any other adjective doesn't seem to describe it fully. A lighter read, sometimes tending to become philosophical and often becoming monotonous yet you cannot complain haughtily. But problem will be for those readers who had bought the book based on the 1st volume. The humour of that volume seems to be curoiusly lost in a major way and also the continuity is very much affected when we find the name of Baromama has changed from Sudhanshu Mukherjee to Bimal Mitra while that of the Maashi remains unchanged. This seemed so unnecessary a change and could have been easily avoided. Also the philosophical and sometimes abrupt endings will not make a deep impact to the reader's mind. But the signature style of the author to wander away from the introductory theme, though may feel irritating initially, but sometimes it has made the stories finish with a nice note.

The Mystery of the Stuttering Parrot

Have you heard of a parrot who stutters? If you haven't, then you must read this one. Add to this is a treasure hunt with a trail of riddles and the trio named Jupe, Pete and Bob. The second in their series and turning mature at every step of crime solving the three investigators will take the young readers through a frightful yet enjoyable ride of mystery and secrecy. Clues held by avian allies, the trio launches on a terrifying ride dodging art thieves to reach the place where the treasure is hidden. The feathery friends talk in riddles and it is upto the research and intel of the three friends to solve the puzzle. Full of mystery and suspense, this is one of my schooltime favourites that is intensely enjoyable and is full of twists. The most important part is that coincidences are so tactfully handled that the readers will not feel themselves cheated of the suspense and will no doubt love these adventures as do Worthington, the chaeuffer who misses the mystery a bit.

Colonel Samagra Vol II

The volume starts with Patal Khandyok when Colonel Niladri Sarkar is requested to find the truth behind the death of a young man reportedly killed by a pet leopard in Kanjola district. As the aged sleuth starts investigating the case digs up sinful past and deadbodies but the Colonel had to wait for the ultimate solution as the puzzling events are ultimately solved, not by the detective, but in the note of a criminal. Sundar Bibhishika involves Jayanta in a grim position with a deadbody and though the climax is good but the plot seemed to be unrealistically complicated. Macbether Daini is a nice relief after the not-so-good first two and ends with a final twist that leaves the reader in awe at the solution so peculiar but convincing. Swarger Bahan starts with an inkling of excitement as it speaks of graveyards and an yester year murder of relative to the royal lineage of Jahanabad but the excitement dies away soon but interest remains till the final chapters. The next Bigraha Rahasya starts with a hallucinating elder, a strange mystery and a gentle pace but quickly paces up from the middle onwards. Danielkuthir Hatyarahasya is on the other hand a straight forward case and the interesting point in this story is the style of narration which, in the absence of Jayanta throughout, is narrated by one of the individuals in the case for the first half and from a third person's perspective in the later chapters. The final, Kakcharitra is probably the most praiseworthy which, though seemed a bit quick near the end, but the ingenuity of the author is felt at the smartly crafted episodes.

Saradindu Omnibus Vol II

When I again started to go through the chapters, most of whose plots were still etched upon the memory, this time I was enjoying the play of words, the slight clues strewn here and there and the ultimate convergence that speaks about the crafty penmanship of the author. That I was reading a detective story with the criminals already known did not matter as the literary level of each piece kept me enthralled just with the beauty of narration.

In the introduction by Pratulchandra Gupta titled Byomkesh, Satyabati, Satyabatir Gari, he not only introduces Saradindu's immortal creation to the new readers but also brings the human qualitites of Byomkesh to fore so that the readers, both old and new, can feel his presence in the real world. That Byomkesh is no other than an ordinary citizen of Calcutta blessed with extraordinary intelligence and quick wit is again reminded here.

1. The volume starts with Adim Ripu, and what seemed to Ajit as a very ordinary case quickly turned complex by a sudden murder. When Byomkesh was on the verge of solving the case and it seemed he was not interested in bringing the convict to justice, a second murder changed his mind and the readers await a classic solution.
2. It is not very regular that in the midst of a case Byomkesh is found to be involved in another case but the case Bahnni-Patanga presented itself while he had temporarily stalled his activities concerning Adim Ripu. This is truly a marvelously plotted case and promises a startling revelation that will surely be appreciated to its full extent by crime fiction readers. This case also projects Bikash, an enthusiastic youth, earlier employed in the police service, who helps Byomkesh in trailing his suspects. He features in several other stories and is shown to have respect for the detective.
3. Saradindu had a knack of presenting several peculiar cases for his detective but Rakter Daag seems to hit the top in the way the client requests Byomkesh's assistance. It appeared that the client knew he was going to be murdered and he employs Byomkesh, with fee in advance, to find the truth behind his death. That Byomkesh will be interested is apparent by its peculiarity and though it is not my favourite but it is surely worth appreciating the seemingly realistic imagination that the author was capable of.
4. Manimandan is on the other hand a straight forward case where the criminal, a thief this time, is already suspected but the wherabout of the stolen material required Byomkesh's quick wit and critical observation.
5. In Amriter Mrityu, as Byomkesh was trying to solve a case of illegal arms trade, he parallelly investigates the death of an innocent lad, which he suspected to be closely linked to the illegal trade.
6. Saila Rahasya seemed to be the creator's strong belief in supernaturals imposed in a marvelous fashion in bringing the famous detective face to face with a ghost client. It is an ordinary story narrated in an extraordinary way with the most part being narrated by way of a letter and its reply between Byomkesh and Ajit and thus this was the 1st instance where Byomkesh's literary skills were also revealed.
7. Achin Pakhi defines the level of shrewdness that Byomkesh possessed and his knowledge of human psychology as he solves a previously unsolved mystery years after it had happened.
8. In Kahen Kabi Kalidas, the humane nature of Byomkesh is revealed as he highlights the tragedy that underlines the crime which he investigates.
9. Adrishya Trikon is also about a crime commited in the past but the climax is more of a drama than a reality.
10. The author provides a refreshing change from the violent crimes in Khunji Khunji Nari where Byomkesh applies his brain to solve the riddle left by a dead man that seems to point to his last will and testament.
11. Adwitiya is another classic case where Byomkesh solves the crime sitting at home.
12. In Magna-Mainak, the motives and suspects to a supposed murder seem to be many and Byomkesh must find out the truth to give peace to the innocent minds.
13. The suddent twist in Dushtachakra speaks volume of the author's ingenuity with honours to his detective.
14. H(n)eyalir Chande have Ajit as a suspect with murder at Byomkeshe's apartment and it is all upon the later to save his friend. This is also the last Byomkesh story narrated by Ajit, the rest being written in a passive voice by the author.
15. Apart from the interesting case of Room No. 2, it is a change in writing style with the use of colloquial Bengali.
16. Chalanar Chanda is a fantastic case with a straightforward solution though I got this impression reading it not for the first time.
17. In Sajarur K(n)ata, which is more of a novel than a detective story, the queerness of the murder instrument is the prime interest to the readers.
18. Benisanghar can be termed as the case of a camouflaged murder with all the ingredients of a social drama incorporated that intensifies the mystery. Inspector Rakhal Sarkar, one of the admirers of Byomkesh who appeared in several of the later novels also plays his part well in assisting the detective in time of need.
19. In Lohar Biscuit, maybe the author's wow for a good plot is felt as Byomkesh is clearly happy at the client who brings him a problem after several days of inctivity.
20. The final story Bishupal Badh, is an incomplete one which the author's sad demise has left the readers to speculate on the outcome. It starts with two murders with a span of quite a few years in between. The 1st murderer got the sentence and it was only after his release the 2nd is committed. Byomkesh starts on the trail of the 2nd murder but alas the solution never reaches the audience. As a fan, I can say that the detective would surely have solved it but the chronicles remains incomplete, which is the only sad part.
21. In the final pages of the volume is Jibankatha by Shovan Basu where he has supplied the readers with a brief biography and bibliography of the renowned author.
22. Also there is an article Byomkesher Katha, dedicated to the great detective numerous appearances in Bengali literature that Mr. Basu has compiled.
23. In Byomkesher Shange Sakhatkar, we have the excerpt of an interview of Saradindu by Partha Chattopadhyay.
    

Hemendrakumar Roy Rachanabali Vol – II

From the days that I had started savouring Bengali fictions till a few days back, I had read only a few of the stories of Hemendra Kumar Roy. Somehow his writings had always passed unnoticed by me. So when I found a catalogue of the Asia Publishing House and discovered that they treasure the whole collection of Hemendra Kumar’s proses for the young, I was quite excited. I found that the catalogue also advertised the index to each book and a glance at them brought back cherished memories of school days when the mere mention of ‘Jokher Dhon’ and the names of the adventurous duo Bimal-Kumar accompanied a thrill down the spine. Added to these were the exploits of the detective pair Jayata-Manik and their fights against crimes. So at the first chance that presented itself in the way of the Book Bazar at Rabindra Sadan, I purchased two volumes of the series.

The index to the 2^nd Vol runs as:

1. Amabasyar Raat

2. Manush Pishach

3. Ekhon J(n)ader Dekhchi

4. Shani-Mangaler Rahasya

5. Chora O Kobita (yet 2 b read)

6. Adrishya Manush

7. Chithi

The fictions (1, 2, 4) feature Bimal-Kumar & Jayanta-Manik and in this volume their ventures carries them to fight against the evil forces of nature that includes supernatural forces too. Normally meant for the primary school goers, but these narrations bring nostalgic feelings of the childhood past when the mind doesn’t understand logic and can smoothly drift to the lands of the unknown. The skilled way with which the author relates the events adds to the pleasure of an enjoyable reading.
There is also the Bengali adaptation (6) of H.G. Wells' "The Invisible Man" with a Bengali semi-urban setting as the backdrop of the events. The original characters have been cleverly camouflaged to suite the settings for a Bengali fiction. So nowehere it has been felt as a mere translation work rather it has unfolded the classic story for the Bengali speaking mass. This seems to be the author's tribute to the original writer.
But the writer's passion emanates in the tributes (3) to some unsung and some renowned personalities of Bengal and India. The first few chapters are dedicated to famed wrestlers of the time Gama, Chotogama, Hasanbaksh and finally Jatindra Guha who was more popular as Goborbabu. He goes through Goborbabu's journey to fame not only in the country but in foreign soils as well and the romance of his character blossoms beautifully in the pen of Hemendranath. He is passionate while describing Gobarbabu's rise to fame and is equally exasperating while narrating the dirty foul against him in the USA. I was even surprised to know that this great wrester was also an appreciator of music. Hemendrakumar also writes on the prominence of Jamini Ray and his paintings and while speaking of music, he offers his praise to the blind songster Krishnachandra Dey's lyrical musicals who lent his voice in Shishirkumar Bhaduri's plays after much persuasion and immediately earned praise there. The author also praises the works of poet Kalidas Ray and singer Dileepkumar Ray.
In ‘Chithi’ the author has paid tribute to Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore and his works including his work for the children and also laments at his loss. The author had always acknowledged the great poet as his Guru in the literary world and says how Rabindranath had been the best portrayer of the Mother Nature. He also admires the poet’s work for the children and marvels at the volumes he had written for the children. He goes even further in saying that no author before Rabindranath had given more time or had shown more interest in composing delightful literature for the young minds.