Darogar Daptar

With a necessary introduction by Arun Mukhopadhyay, the book is apparently the 1^st documented volume of true whodunits blended with fictions.

It starts with the bizarre crime of dead or missing persons returning to the bereaved only to leave them stranded with their belongings looted. This baffling mystery of Jamalaye Ferta Manush was maybe the beginning of investigations documented by Raibahadur Priyonath Mukhopadhyay who was employed in police service. This is followed by a brutal murder mystery where the sheer doggedness of the investigator solves the Advhut Hatya. Then comes the contrastingly comic episode of Chorer Gari Chora where a thief and impersonator is caught with the loot in a chance meeting. Then comes the chase for catching the crooks responsible for both manufacturing and circulating fake coins in Kritrim-Mudra, where once again the severe perseverance of the investigator will be perceived as his months of stalking the offender is rewarded though the ingenuity of the master villain in evading the police multiple times will awe the readers as it did the narrator who only got to know the methods from his catch after putting him behind the bars. Then comes the romantic yet chilling mystery in Kulsam where a murder is solved while another is prevented by the detective with help from a medical practitioner. The readers will be baffled not by the mystery itself of the Asmanee Laash (Bhayankar Lomharshankar Khuner Ghatana!!) than the way it was finally uncovered by another apparently unrelated crime with the intuition of the investigator playing a critical part. The title of Chorer Upar!! (Ekti Adbhut Anusandhan Kahini!) might act as a spoiler but the lengthy prelude is the main deterrent to the central thrill and costs not only the suspense but will be a source of disappointment when it will be revealed that a suspect was still on the loose at the closing of the cases. The following is a remarkable yet brutal anecdote, Sathe Sathe (Kutil Kaushaler Churanta Drishtanta), where it is illustrated to what the desperate can stoop to when frauds fight each other. It also has material for a thriller on screen as well but the same could not be appropriately said for the writing due to its more formal style of compilation that is critical on details but not completely on the suspense. False witnesses, paid informers, bribes find way in the plot. But coincidence makes the credibility rather poor in a particular moment. The following is, however, intellectually satisfying case with a twist starting from its title of Maar Dhan Churi (Dhanee-Putrer Premer Ddae!), which happily misdirects the reader till the evidences are collected and the real culprit is coaxed to the trap with patience that seems a little too much for his ready wit. Hatyarahasya (Khunike Gum Karibar Chesta) is a murder mystery where police is tipped off with the location of  the body, who the murderer is and where the stolen goods might be. But the tips themselves seemed a bit too fishy as evidence seemed lacking. This persuaded the investigator in a mixed goose chase that culminated in a serious confession from the greedy who yielded while being interrogated. Katamunda (Bewaris Maaler Anusandhan!) is, however, about a heinous crime that left a body in a box to be accidentally revealed to the police that sets the investigators searching for clues that seem quite a bit less forthcoming as the case advances. Besides the ingenuity of the sleuth, there are a couple of interesting observations in this narrative – the custom of the particular period and the utter lack of appropriate emotions in this particular literary piece that makes it both horrifying yet boring. The next is a straight case where the criminal Bamun Thakur (Bidyar Abhabe Abidyar Prabhab), is already identified but remained missing and the sleuth, just promoted to the rank of detectives, is given the duty to confirm the apprehension with evidence which he did satisfactorily in a pretty straightforward manhunt. In the process, several of the past crimes of the thief is revealed which establishes his reason of choosing the life of crime. The E Ki! Khun!! (Chirabiddha Streer Sahit Dhrita Swameer Ascharya Rahasya) is truly a classic where the trivial of clues led to the truth in a journey of perseverance. Albeit tragic, but the mystery is indeed peculiar where the accused is ready to plead guilty but the police is not satisfied with the evidence. Another hurdle makes the job even more tricky, the accused will plead guilty but is adamant in revealing a single personal detail. A fast paced narrative, a serious printing error albeit not the only one and an interesting section of the IPC code, all these will keep Bisham Samasya (Hrita Sarbaswya Baranganar Mritadeher Adbhut Rahasya!) a class apart in the intellectually stimulating perspective of a curious death and a theft. Perseverance continues but the tone becomes quite rustic in Balihari Buddhi! (Kono Guptahatyar Gurha Rahasya o Chorer Streer Adbhut Pratyutpannamatitwya) which is a tragic murder made more heartfelt by the insensitiveness of the narrative. In contrast, Abeer-Jaan (Kaminir Kutilchakra Bhed) is a thrilling case with surprise twist to the motive of a police complaint but for a bit too much rigmarole, the narrative loses its grip at quite a few places. However, suspense runs supreme till the very last chapters in the murder investigation of a headless corpse in Girijasundari (Rajdhanir Rajbartme Ramanee-Hatya), which though, has tremendous twists, but the serious printing mistakes, lack of emotions in places and extreme detailing which becomes irritatingly nonessential does injustice to its central theme. A fiction that follows it, is on the other hand, more focused on the plot and makes a kind of trilogy in the sense that Pramada (Kulabadhu Byabhichari Ghotae Promad!), like its couple of predecessors is also centred on a woman as the central character. Filled with drama and tension, the crime is gruesomely unique but the excessive use of expletives when the accused is a woman makes it realistic according to its age though bad in its taste. Breathing a relief to the serious crimes, comes the confessions of a fraudster in the field of literatures which will amuse and amaze the readers in the art of multiple scams mastered at that distant past which served as the basis of at least one reform, one screenplay, if not further frauds that played on human psychology as reported in Ba: Granthakar! (Arthat Pustak-Pranetar Adbhut Juachurir Rahasya!). The next title, Jemon Temni! (Arthat, Chatur Palita Putrer Bidya Prakash!!), playing a stark spoiler within the braces, is about a clever theft, which might have been unsolved, if not a chance coincidence that directed towards the partners in crime which saw the landlady with her practically adapted son lying unconscious with the valuable gone from the residence. The author assisted his one time supervisor in solving a crime that was actually a duel between  a shrewd attempt to mislead towards false suspects and the equally ingenious investigating skill of interrogating team. But false clues seemingly play the greatest havoc till then in Niruddesh Bhai (Arthat Uttaradhikari Putrer Bishoy Praptir Ascharya Rahasya?), where a murder charge threatens the accused while a curious turn of events prolong the case. But the sufferer seemed to be punished for his social ill deeds after everything. The title of Arthai Anartha (Arthat Arthalove Biswastya Bandhur Sarbanash!) will act as spoiler while solving the crime. In contrast, in Chatur Chor (Arthat Prachur Paharar Bhitoreo Churi Karar Rahasya!), which is a revelation of what paper trails could achieve, be it during the past or today, the title is but partially justified. The next, Ingrej Dakat (Healy o Warner Namak Duijan Dasyur Adbhut Brityanta!) depicts the chase for a pair of escaped fugituves. Described in detail in two parts the introductory chapter I describes the goons and their crimes while chapter II describes their capture by the valiants. The next Dak Chor (Post - Aafiser dakpatra o money-orderadir haran Rahasya!) narrates a gritty manhunt for a lost peon filled with surprising turns of events and chilling twist. A different type of storyline will be there in S(n)idel Chor (Ekti Prasiddha Musalman Chorer Jiban Kahini), which is actually a biographical version of a thief and tells about his dangerous heists. A chilling murder mystery awaits in Mundachuri (Arthat Ekti Mastakheen Manushyer Ascharya Rahasya!) that revolves around a headless corpse and reveals a surprise tale. What follows is another interesting investigation in E Aabar Ki! (Arthat Atmyahatya na Khun?) that tries to ascertain the cause of a death - admittedly a classic case study but for the fact of being biased in stigmatising female, as was the custom of the time, continues to undermine the essence of the literature. Captain Moti (Arthat Note Jaalkareer Adbhut Rahasya) is a straightforward case of trapping the kingpin of a counterfeit note production group, as obvious from the spoiler of a title, but the interesting part is the elaborate plan in tricking the cunning mind that regulated the criminal network, resulting in a carefully organized arrest that left the suspect bewildered while the authorities heaving a sigh of relief. The next is the curiously violent case where with only mutilated parts of body being discovered, the case would have ever prolonged if not for a coincidence of another crime that provided the much needed clue the was crucial in revealing the grotesque truth behind Stree Ki Purush? (Arthat Stree o Purush Chinhabishishta Laasher Tukrar Bhayanak Ascharya Rahasya!). Then comes the saga of misfortune that led to the condemnation of the accused in Ghatana-Chakra (Arthat Dwipantareeta Koedeer Adbhut Atmyatyag Kahinee). A vicious plot of kidnapping, murder, inheritance unfolds in Balak Churi (Balak Churir o Bhayankar Hatyakander Atadbhut Rahasya!), which takes the readers through a trail of sinister twists. A compilation of slightly different type of instances constitutes the humour laced Chorer Buddhi (Arthat Charitraheener Tikhnabuddhir Drishtanta Rahasya!), where the intelligence of several shrewd criminals are appreciated whose acts led to apparently trivial to serious consequences. The Neele Koela (Arthat Juachorer Adbhut Sahas) recapitulates how the Indian employee in the British police force unravels a carefully laid plan in duping the authorities in a trade that claimed the lives and tormented the souls of a great many of the Indian farming family. Then comes a curiously unnerving crime, related to a case of properties in Pitri-Shraddha ("Kaar Shraddha Ke Ba Kore, Khola Kete Bamon More!"), which will raise a chill up the spines at the sheer audacity of the criminals. It is followed by a very interesting case that leads E Ki Pitri-Hatya? (Arthat Pitri-Hatyaparadhe Abhijukta Putrer Adbhut Rahasya) to a very unprecedented completion. The Bekub Bajnyanik (Arthat Baijnyaniker Chokshute Ajnyaloker Dhuliniksheper Adbhut Rahasya!) starts although with retelling of a crime in a surprisingly light note but the revelation impresses the severity that baffled the forensics of the particular regime. The following highlights the shrewdness of the ordinary police that corrupts a serious case in Police-Buddhi (Arthat Samanya Police Karmacharir Buddhibale Session Jojer Rae Paribartaner Ascharya Rahasya!) while indicating yet acknowledging the audacious foresight of the wickedly clever! Tragedy unfolds in Chakrabhed (Arthat Kutil Chakreediger Mantrabhede Asamartha Hoileo Ghatanachakre Samasta Prakasher Rahasya!) with the good being misled in a wild goose chase by the cruel! The next is again a two-part chase that tries to catch the murderer of Pathe Khoon! (Arthat Rajbartme Gareer Bhitor Hatya o Tathatyakaree Dhrita Karibar Adbhut Koushal!], where the victim was killed but the murderer escaped, unnoticed, from a moving vehicle! The introductory chapter I is all about police procedural while the climactic chapter II begins with a courtroom summary that turns the conviction but completes the case with a surprise twist to serve as the necessary eye-opener that ensures justice, albeit indirectly! A refreshing set of lesser crimes awaits as we sift through Juachurii (Arthat Juachordiger Atyascharya Avedya Katipae Karya-Koushal!), revealing the funny tricks of several treacherous fraudsters! Humour continues in Paloani Churi (Athaba Jemon Chor, Temni Police!], which nareates a theft in its comical shades. But tragedy returns in Hindu Ramanee (Arthat Aamader Pratyakshibhuta Ekti Sateer Ascharya Swameebhakti!), which narrates a murder mystery with a very unpredictable twist. Tragedy continues, but in a chilling form in Raile Jom (Arthat Railway Yatrir Mahadurghatanar Ek Lomharshhankar Drishhtanta!) that unravels with patience the mystery surrounding a murder, left inconclusive for months at a stretch. However, the regular monotone of chararacteristic descriptive style of narrative is happily broken by using more than a handful of dialogues instead of elaborate details. The following entry puts to record the trail to apprehend Dakat Sardar (Arthat Prasiddha Dasyu Dalapati Krishna Chandra Choudhuryr Bibhatsa Kahinee), one of the infamous dacoits of yesteryear, imprisoned but released after his term completed. Investigating on being informed of crimes with identical signatures of the earlier escapades, the chase reveals yet another trait of the sleuth, that of his remarkable ability to accurately disguise himself as required for trapping his target. The following reveals the critically observant detective, who solves a case of theft in Ki Bhayanak! (Arthat S(n)id-Churi Mokaddamar Anusandhane Adbhut Bhayabaha Rahasya Prakash) by casing the crime scene flawlessly. Case of thefts becomes increasingly curious while investigating Chor Choughurite [Arthat Bhadra (!) Chorer Sahoske Balihari!), whose peculiarity lies not only on the modus operandi of the crime but also on the identity of the perpetrator. The volume tersely completes with Kripaner Danda (Arthat Arther Nimitta Kripaner Je Kirup Parinam Hote Pare Tahar Adbhut Drishtanta!), which is essentially a case of murder that centres a hidden chest of treasure, where the labours of the sleuths might feel to be not very conscientiously rewarded.

Albeit a bit lengthy in some with unnecessary detailing at places, the use of formal lamguage throughout may add to the deterrence in rapid reading, but the narratives are reminiscent of the old days where caste prevailed supreme as obvious from the insignificant notes penned by the author that bears significance in the modern days. Added to it, is the naive pride of personal charisma, giving undue stress on trivial matters that, at times, feels more than redundant. The judgemental attitude towards women in general is characteristic of the age which makes the sentiments sometimes arrogantly cheap and masculine. However, contrast to this personal pride, the chapters with biographical anecdotes of certain haplessly disgraced relieves the monotone of the case files with a different kind of simpler perspective. But the best part is the documentation of some original crimes that may serve as a handbook of sorts to those interested.

While the Light Lasts and Other Stories

It starts with a tale of despair that defines romance in The House of Dreams. Written in her early years, the signature style is so subtle that it might only be realized in hindsight. Surely not the best of her creations, it could really be her path to lesser fame had not a novelist friend came to her aid with encouraging directions. That it was required for the budding author was acknowledged by Christie when she paid her respect to Philpotts while already established in a literary career. It is followed by The Actress, a thrillingly fascinating narrative that is short but crisp. This drama is intensely psychological, revealing the inherent cowardice that is exploited to stage the apparently vicious trap. Thrills continues in The Edge, which befits the title in varied ways as the frustrated dame fights the desperate wife in a battle of nerves with a fatal climax that is deceptively tragic. Each piece has afterword which gives a little bit of perspective to the works. The following features Poirot in the mystery with title Christmas Adventure, which is though a reread, but the title was different while the charm similarly satiating. The Lonely God is romance weaved in mystery that blesses the same with the delightful Heavenly appeal. The twist in the tale was predictable yet satisfactorily welcome as the long lost artist meets the lost love at the feet of the Deity with apparently a dearth of worshipers but still standing supreme with the sacrifices that a God can only offer. Disappointment will be in store while reading Manx Gold but the afterword will be more than a satisfactory justification of its apparent vague treasure chase. Written for attracting tourists for the Isle of Man, the clues are strewn in the text for its readers to detect. Within a Wall is a black romance with a crooked sense of desire. While the silent lover seeks love in helping the needy, the calm companion longs the same in possesiveness. The touch of cunning returns with Poirot in unravelling The Mystery of the Baghdad Chest that contained a murdered body, hidden apparently in a room full of guests and their attendees. Being the original to 'The Mystery of the Spanish Chest', perspective played the vital pivot to identify the criminal while evidences supported the hypothesis. Guilt and comfort play a black tale in While the Light Lasts, where the apparent relief to the anxious heart paints a tragedy that lies hidden from the coarser eyes. It seemed to reflect a certain status conscious author giving vent to her ambitious nature camouflaged in a manner, which is both convenient and elegant.

Uncle Fred: An Omnibus

Uncle Fred, spreading sweetness and light, had been one of P.G. Wodehouse's endearing creations whose exploits will leave the readers rocking in laughter through each and every chapter. Called upon to solve the most intricate of problems, be it counselling the eccentric Earl of Emsworth on the safety of his beloved sow, the Empress of Blandings, from the impending clutches of the ill-tempered Duke of Dunstable Alaric or helping his nephew Pongo evading burly creditors or making the wedding bells ring for four pairs of hearts by a series of perilously precarious twists, through his genius of playing confidence trick. Infact sometimes he takes upon himself to become the match maker, and a breaker all at the same time based on what his futuristic vision predicts. The omnibus edition contains the novels

• Uncle Fred in the Springtime
• Uncle Dynamite
• Cocktail Time

A most refreshing volume, Uncle Fred remains an outstanding creation of Wodehouse whose tricks, though leaves the victims in a baffled state of mind, but the absence of malice makes him nothing less than lovable and I sincerely long for an uncle of this class.

Parker Pyne Investigates

If you are not happy, then Parker Pyne awaits you to take your case and make you hearty. With a fee payable in advance, you can let the love detective take care of your case just like Mrs Packington in The Case of the Middle-Ages Housewife. If adventure is your choice, you will be matched with romance with a touch of mystery as was The Case of the Disconcerted Soldier scripted by his acquaintance, Mrs Ariadne Oliver, the novelist who will see to the thrills of it. Fees varies for each case, but that is justified as each case is specially crafted to suit the clients' requirements. But there is an inherent investigator in Pyne who makes his presence felt time and again, starting from The Case of the Distressed Lady where curiously, though happiness to the client is robbed off but the same in the reader will be guaranteed. But sometimes it becomes a bit more than tricky where happiness looms round the corner but the client takes a sudden turn as in The Case of the Discontented Husband, taking the agency of happiness by surprise. However, the honest proprietor is never deterred by these outcomes and will even lose money if the cause is so deserving like in The Case of the City Clerk, where, unbeknownst to the client, he embarks upon an adventure with political consequences and international importance, yet cleverly embroidered by the seller of happiness that satisfies all interested parties. But never have been the satisfaction more heartfelt than in The Case of The Rich Woman, where unhappiness due to excessive wealth is solved with a plan so elaborate that it will defy imagination yet will be rendered classic by the humble ambience. But the real mischievous prank is in Have You Got Everything You Want? where the adoration for the newly married hubby is smirked by a sudden discovery that puts doubt in the mind of the wife, but for a chance meeting with the agent of happiness, each matter is solved in a series of humorous twists. As opposed to slight mischief, the next involves a murder near The Gate of Baghdad, where the killer and the killed are in the same troupe as is the sleuth. Following at its heel is a curious death that happened long ago in The House at Shiraz that would have remained buried in the darkest past if not the merchant of cheerfulness would turn sleuthing for the sake of happiness. His investigative streak continues in The Pearl of Price in deducing the whereabouts of a seemingly expensive pearl but the interesting point is the portraiture of the sleuth. The author has developed the character in such a way that he sometimes seem to resemble Poirot but then she adds that additional detail which makes Parker unique with his very own way of looking into perspectives and justifies the requirement of different characters to solve different sets of crisis. The short and crisp Death on the Nile is a murder mystery on a boat where the small pool of suspect seems to help the retired civil servant in the Department of Records to narrow it down on the perpetrator with the real evidence that lay aside the pile of false. Sequel to it, with a subtle clue lying hidden in some remarks, is the mystery of The Oracle at Delphi, where kidnapping and ransom constitutes the primary plot but the more interesting plot lies hidden till the climactic phase. Though a premonition remains irrationally unexplained, but the classic style bears the incomparable Christie signature written all over it.

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.

The World As I See It

Portraying the world as he saw it during the Great Wars and the Holocaust in his various essays, addresses, correspondences and some that he received, the book is one of the greatest that I have the privilege to come across. Written by the man, to whom, the whole world attributes for the solution of some of the greatest mysteries of nature, the rationale of human behaviour, the irrationality of human cruelty inflicted on their fellow beings, the solution for a peaceful world, the ode to the artists who tries to make the world a beautiful place, the reverence to the sacrifices of humanity, all of them are composed with a frankness, that does not, for a single moment compromise the urge to shun the evils of the society that threaten all that is peaceful and conducive to evolution of harmonious living with understanding across various views of societies. Explaining a variety of subjects ranging from politics, economy, citizenship, education, religion, values, with the approach, more scientifically aligned yet lucidly philosophical, Einstein curves out his design for a better world. Insolent letters from the people, cornered by his ruthlessly appropriate logic and witty humility that he ushers to pacify the unsatisfied yet faulty complainant, both find places in this collection which is abridged to clamp the scientific correspondences out of this translated edition making it incomplete yet complete in a different perspective.

Dadur Keerti

Like the other Sanjib Chattopadhyay classics, these are also a collection of homely stories for the young  minds. Based on the central character of Dadu or the grand old grandfather of the house, the stories fleet from subject to subject. Sometimes it is about the searching for a home for his brother in Dadur Bagan, sometimes about the loss of the loved ones depicted in Dadur K(n)athal that affects the rich and the poor alike. Some are about the rodents in the house in which makes life miserable but when they are caught and are on the verge of getting thrashed, the apparent unhappiness of the hapless creatures makes the soul miserable still. Dadur I(n)dur, Dadur Dwitiyo I(n)dur are both of such category. Some stories are pure comic like Dadur D(n)ad(n)adano B(n)aat, where the new set of false teeth comes in way, not only while eating but also between justice in remarkably funny way. I had read all these stories in my childhood as part of some other collection of the author, but to collect these again seemed to bring back cherished memories of the youth. Some stories are understandably not in chronological sequence of the plots as are Dadur Shesh Khawa that narrates the tragic mishap of the house cat which apparently came to the family as described in the following Dadur Biral, as are some of the details that seems a bit confusing, but on the whole, the entire volume is a fantastic mould of sorrow, humour and hope.

Misir Ali Omnibus I

After you have selected a book based on its focus on mystery as well as psychology, it will stimulate the senses in a different way when the supernaturals emerge prime. Devi starts with a newly-wed wife displaying behaviour that seems clairvoyance to the husband who seeks help from Misir Ali, among others. But quickly the theme diverges when the family of the landlord gets involved in a problem which curiously mingles with that of the couple. The suspense gathers momentum as the climax is reached but the rationale of the rescue of the innocent remains mysterious even to the sleuth. But the doubts are cleared in Nishithini, the story that follows though it might not be satisfying to those whose mind is not so open to take in ideas that are based on simple belief. Further challenges for the reader await in Nishaad, where evidences of parallel worlds make Ali as baffled as the traveller between them. The narrative establishes another dimension as well to the life of Misir. Nilu, the student turned collateral victim of an earlier story turned admirer of Ali, takes it upon herself to try convincing Misir of their destined relationship. Their marriage is consummated in Anyabhuvan, but not before leading the seeker of the paranormal to a quest that leaves him with more puzzles than those he apparently solves. The story starts with the perspective of Misir Ali but culminates from a different angle which makes it a bit lengthy with the twist diluted even while a horrific future is forecast. The narrative actually concludes with a hint of a follow up which might be necessary if the chronology is to be maintained. On a different note, the following story, Brihannala, is unlike its predecessors and is a definite mystery, which, the ingenuity of the author camouflages for quite sometime. Here, the author is the protagonist, who meets Ali as the latter come seeking for him for a curious case and gets to understand him as their association progresses. Irritated, initially and trying to avoid the sleuth, the author finally gets convinced of the selfless intentions of the truth seeker and accompanies him to unravel a deep lying mystery that reveals a horrifying tragedy. The following is a collection of three bizarre stories, Bhoy, Jin Kafil and Sangeeni, which belong definitely to the mystery genre but for the last where the revelation remains satisfyingly unsatisfying. In these, the author is also a character in some cases. The following in line is another attraction due to a couple of reasons. When the underlying tension is over, a curious twist awaits the readers which keeps us guessing about whether the danger was the effect or sensing danger is the cause to stimulate the psychological effect that is central to its theme and justifies naming it Bipad, which translates to danger. Its other feature is its shows the rationale by which the sleuth solves for the truth which makes him indeed an expert in dealing with abnormal behaviour in the otherwise normal world. The next story, Anish, finds a 51 year old Misir Ali fighting an ailing liver but is eager to help the distressed. His sincerity drives him to guide a tormented mother find peace as her diary reveals her apparent hallucination of hearing the apparent dead. The next title is on the conservative side as it says Misir Alir Amimangshito Rahasya which translates to unsolved mystery of the truth seeker but in essence, there are double mysteries, one of which is apparently solved, convincing the reader albeit the evidence is only implied while the other is only conjectured without a shred of evidence to corroborate the assumptions. Interestingly, this feeling stimulated by incompleteness is the signature beauty of the pieces where Humayun Ahmed excels in keeping the magical reality alive. Added to this is the Bangladeshi setting that keeps the nationality original. The smell of the common people with the characteristic depth of the brilliant mind is etched in the central character which makes these remarkable in the intellectual domain as well. But the underlying theme of each story is tragedy, where events that are unexplained, seems to lead people to some unhappy future.

Goenda Indranath Rudra Samagra Vol I

Mystery and suspense are the essence of the stories but often the fast pace mars the evolution of the mystery. Consisting of the following exploits of Indranath Rudra, penned mostly by Mriganka and some from a 3^rd person perspective, plots are sometimes dull, sometimes fantastic but with speedy happenings all through.
In Bhanumatir Khel, the sleuth investigates a double murder in a theatre with a jumble weave of characters but the solution seems a jigsaw puzzle fitted in the right way. The credits go to the author for the elegant solution of a clever riddle. In Afim O Indranath Rudra, a smuggling racket operates in the Rajasthan deserts. There is an attempted murder that leaves the sleuth apparently traumatized. The police friend from Calcutta, Jayanta is called. But as the racket is busted by the sleuth in disguise, it seems a bit unrealistic as it seems a superhuman effort on the part of him. But the superhuman status to the sleuth is actually acknowledged in the introduction by the author. The next, Bha Rahasya is basically a riddle to open a treasure trove that when solved will justify the name of the story which seems a printing mistake otherwise. The preamble is drama in itself which borders an unrealistic romance, which is characteristic of the author as some of the other stories depict in this, that continues in the main story as well. The story starts with two prime characters appearing at the same place at the same time which was actually necessary but this puzzling coincidence is never explained. The sleuth also seems a bit too smart. The next is Aamar Moner Moreechika, which is written in the 1st person in the form of communiqué to his friend where the sleuth himself poses a fundamental query. A taxi driver is killed. The clues reveal an elopement but the climax horrifies the conscience of the detective as the truth is unshakeable yet tragic to someone near. Prabanchak Samrat is Indranath’s written letter to an editor where he acknowledges his failure to catch the king of deceivers. The letter essentially narrates one of the latest tales of the deceiver juicing out wealth from the rich in a way that is precarious yet clever. The anecdote of failure continues in Sonar Aata where the search for treasure turns tragic with a murder. So Indranath failed in his primary objective of protecting the client. Two suspects are apprehended where both seems to have equal chance to be the killer. As the mystery is solved but this poetry in motion is too abrupt to be a good one. The title¸ Rudrachakra, itself could have been pointer to the plot which I realized only near the final chapters. It is actually a series of traps set to catch a criminal who is identified quite early. Though it plays with the psychology of the villain but its apparent apathy towards the victim of the hateful crime lowers its civilized quality. Indranath solves a death in Achalgarh Rahasya that hints his similarity with Ghanada to certain extent as the charges are cleared against the accused. The Chh(n)uchor Golae Chandrahar has a Ghanada Swapankumar combo effect where animal skin smugglers are busted with a surprise entry of Geondani Narayani, a vigilante, that lowers the appeal only. The mystery is further diluted by the excessive use of ornamental language in Chemical Detective, which could otherwise be categorized as marvellous. A chemical factory explodes leaving behind a severely mutilated body charred beyond recognition where police smells murder but the trace of the victim could only be found by the sleuth. Beema Rahasya, as the name indicates, is a mystery related to an apparent insurance fraud which Indranath investigates as part of his job for the agency. It is a nice mystery albeit the undue stress on descriptions of emotions strips out the real charm. Another nice mystery is weaved in Photo O Indranath Rudra, which is predictable yet enjoyable. Here, the sleuth exhibits a deep knowhow on the existing national conspiracies. A hateful crime is committed in Pagal Khuni but more stress on description rather than analytics with confiding clues only with the truth seeker makes it tiresome. The thrilling crime is made tasteless by poor choice of perspective. A girl with four wooers suddenly finds one killed and another arrested for the murder in Sonar Kharam. But is he the real killer? The sleuth finds a deep rooted motive lying dormant for years. But this pacy mystery is a bit fast that makes investigation crudely prime without caring for sentiments to be developed for the unfortunate. Sieving thru the complicated autobiography in Stabsha Attahasi, a mystery is to be solved that had aged quite a bit. These become less of a mystery while more of a romantic adventure that hurries downstream. With the use of hypnotism in D(n)aat Thakte, a bit of psychology, the criminal is finally pinned with the use of odontological evidence. Here, the criminal is threatened to agree to terms dictated upon that is justified wonderfully and proves to be the best part here. The 3^rd person perspective in Heerak Bandareer Heerer Kalam starts with the request to rescue some thirteen diamond studded pens that is stolen. Quickly a murder follows. Clue to catch murderer is vague but there is a hint to where stolen items can be placed. The only thing worth mentioning in Kodakar Case is that ghost and mystery go hand in hand. An interesting method of saving a friend while pinning criminals is narrated in Rupor Rekabi. A riddle with a wrong clue is given in Adrish Bardhaner Galpo Nie Goenda Dh(n)adha Gh(n)etu Pujote Dhol Shanai|| Indranath Rudra||. Unfortunately, detection has taken a backseat in Sundaree Tumi Suktara where fiction runs in the extreme. The less said the better. Complicated way to justify the murderer to be human by analyzing a series of eerie happenings in Pretinee Kanyar Kahinee seems a bit too much. A stoneman case is revisited as the sleuth tries to catch Raater Atanka where the author explains in his own style with a disclaimer that is witty yet wise.

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.

Choyti Rahasya Upanyas

Picked up this book at the bookfair and it proved to be a gem of a choice. This premier collection consists of six mystery stories by Kalyani Basu, sister to Bani Basu, with a signature style of her own though reflecting a similar trait in the plots. Author introduces about her works in a higher octave but seems her expectations are a bit too ambitious. Though there  is thrill and suspense yet the introduction could have been toned down a little for the future.
Featuring police detective Avra Chatterjee in four of the cases, the first one is Golmuktar Bala where a murder follows theft but criminals are unmasked following a set of bad clues. The suspense is weaved at the very beginning but the solution becomes a bit obvious as the story progresses. Actually the absence of a clear motive makes it a bit easy to understand who the perpetrators are. The next case for the detective is in Boomerang where the possessive and suspicious husband contemplated the contract murder of the wife but is killed instead. Here the central theme of the book becomes more  prominent that hypothesizes that crime is the result of circumstances that forces persons to become evil. Infact the fate of the villain being uncertain during the closing seems fitting for the case. Avra remains a bit passive in Shikarakti where a serial killing targetting a set of four friends keeps the suspense high. A depressed girl is about to be married to one of the friends while getting over her psychological trauma but the killing starts suddenly that threatens the dream of a settled life. This fast paced suspense is a real thriller. The detective reappears in Arya Aasche where a long lost step brother is about to return after thirty four years to claim his right over a family heirloom. A mysterious twist of false identities and murder threatens the calm life of the family that seems to feel the ripple of past magnified to a dangerous scale.
There are two other stories, the intensely psychological thriller Sutapa Ekhono Bari Fereni, where a wife goes missing after leaving for home from her school. Clues are cleverly weaved that subtly casts shadows of doubt that fades but persists throughout to keep the thrill focussed. With merely a handful of characters, this is not a professional investigation style narrative yet suspense runs high as the mystery unfolds. The other is titled B(n)ashbon  which might be termed as a mystery with a difference where a hateful crime is committed but nobody finds a clue. The usual suspects rare rounded but are forced to be released due to insufficient evidence. An unsolved mystery seems to await. The surprise comes as justice is served the natural way with a punishment which is violently just.
Mystery lovers may go through the thrill that promises a unique perspective to crime as well as punishment.

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.

Pikur Diary o Onyanya

This book had been among the prohibited few that my parents asked me to keep at bay for the right age. So when that age came, at least when I felt it came, I pounced on it in the bookshop to be introduced to the writings for the adults by Ray, who is more famous for his literary creations for the young. The book consists of Pikur Diary, where the diary of Piku reveals the daily details of his family in the coarse form that is to be expected from a child of his age but which also reveals the genius of Ray as he used the dialect of the child along with the obvious spelling mistakes while revealing the mature details with subtle clues. The next is the script for the movie Piku, which actually is a major deviation from the story and is acknowledged in the introduction by the writer himself. There is also another script of Shakha-Prasakha, but it is again one of the earlier versions for the movie. There are a couple of science fiction, Sabuj Manush and Mayurkanthi Jelly, with the latter more suspenseful than the former. But the most hilarious is Aryashekharer Janma o Mrityu which shows how the intellectual impetus of an unfortunate genius becomes too much for the society as well as for his self. The book with its various hues will be enjoyable for its cohesive diversity.

The Man Who Knew Too Much

A collection of political mysteries with a flavour that is slightly different from conventional mystery stories. Infact the sleuth is related to the PM, the FM and several other in the higher rungs which gives him ample chance to study the intricacies of regional along with private politics. So it is not surprising that each story unveils the crimes in private circles but the actual perpetrators are sometimes to be excused from bringing to justice just to avoid a greater political chaos. So Horne Fisher, the investigator with the self proclaimed omniscient knowledge of almost everything finds it hard to bear the burden of information that he is cursed with. His analytical mind gets easily to the truth but diplomacy prevents unmasking the villains publicly quite a few times. Fisher vents his solutions to Harold March, a political journalist who gets attached to Fisher in a case that is supposed to be the first for the duo. Besides this case and the final one, the others are not chronologically arranged. The stories are unique in the sense that philosophy plays a greater part than concrete evidence in unveiling the truth but the finale remains convincing always. The final case is a bit predictive that has seemed to influence Christie in one of her masterpieces where the master falls after preventing the calamity in the way that is tragic yet supremely heroic satisfying justice. The signature style of Chesterton can be felt in the subtle cues, the serenity of the ambience that makes the stories gripping yet calm. Written from the third person perspective, the contents are as follows

1. The Face in the Target
2. The Vanishing Prince
3. The Soul of the Schoolboy
4. The Bottomless Well
5. The Fad of the Fisherman
6. The Hole in the Wall
7. The Temple of Silence
8. The Vengeance of the Statue

Bhut Samagra

Spanning over the varied human emotions from intense tragedies to suspenseful narratives the one element that is common to all in this collection is the spirits. Actually reference to spirit is deliberate as spirituality and not raw horror is the core of the book. Sometimes it becomes autobiographical as the author dwells on the untimely death of his Mother in a haunted residence and how he witnessed his revered Chotodadu (Grandfather) alleviating misfortunes of the needy with rituals that defies logic for the layman and makes the events no less than miracles. Also various events in the lives of Ramakrishna Sarada and their greatest disciple Swamiji have been depicted that borders presence of some forces that is subtle yet true. With a suitable note as introduction the content of this volume includes
• Raat barota
• Haat na daal
• Bhut adbhut
• Nishir daak
• Bhuter khela
• Morgan saheber bagan
• Sei raat
• Gaganer maach
• Bhutera bhuteder kichu korte pare na
• S(n)iri
• Kach
• Sei adbhut manushti
• Bhut samparke duchar katha
• Brahmadaityake ekghanta gaan shunie thakurda bari firlen
• Teel matite pora matroi jwale uthlo
• Maa bole daklen, gaganvedi chitkar
• Chotodadu cancer rogta nijer shorire tule niechilen
• Ekti chobi, ekti chobi. Khaskhas shabdo
• S(n)aibaba aloukik Shorire Gopinath kabirajke Kaashite dekhe gelen
• Hatath dekhi chaire Gaurida, tarpori nei, tablee sudhu swet sankha
• ‘Eki tumi ekhane!’ Prashner uttar ajo khuje beracchi
• Aenae dekhte gie dekhi jantranaklishta bridhhar mukh
• Siddha Tantriker shesh Puja Chinnamasta, Amabasyae rakto die Maaer Pujo korbo
• Amar kono naam nei. Ami Maaer Santan, bolei adrishya holen
• Ekta jhoro hawa boe gelo, gaacher daal bhangatr shabdo holo
• Bina meghe bajrapaat
• Kichu loukik kichu aloukik
• Charte deshlai kathi
• Gobheer raate
• Bhuter bor saja
• Ashade nnoe
Witty remarks refreshes the stories at places that balances the philosophical bend of quite a few anecdotes.

Rahasya Jakhan Ataltale

A tight compilation of mystery stories that revolves around curious deaths that might seem quite natural yet invokes doubt to the investigators. The stories are titled as

1. Sap Nie Khela
2. Khurasya Dhar
3. Je Ghum Bhangeni

A wealthy woman dies after an apparent innocent medication following appearance of snakes and a rumour of ghost in a mansion that had seen better days. The local police led by OC Pralay Kumar took up the case and with them came CID inspector Rajib Sanyal. Interrogations started that revealed some dark pasts of the household and a peculiar will of a dead father-in-law of the dead lady. Thus started a thrilling chase where the web of motive needed to be cleared to find the real villain. The story is crisp with a smooth pace that is immensely enjoyable. The next one starts with Rajib, now retired, getting a call from police to help them investigate an apparent suicide. Here, there is also the presence of Pralay Kumar, who is referred to be the assistant of Rajib but seemed actually to be in charge of the events. Infact Pralay addresses Rajib as uncle and thus whether he is the same Pralaly of the other stories is not very apparent. However, the story lacks the tightness and is irrationally fast and is not the author's best work. The final one is again a case for the retired Rajib who is running a private agency, again assisted by Pralay Kumar who is referred to as former colleague to the retired investigator. This time the case is about an apparent stroke victim who succumbed to her conditions three years prior. The case is presented in a veil of secrecy and though Rajib cracks but the case falls short of the expectations due to some childish reasonings along with some unexplained evidences albeit a quality presentation full of old world charm.

Kolaboti Samagra

Containing six of the heart touching stories of Kalaboti the pieces defy time and will be immensely enjoyed by all ages. With a mix of fun devoid of malice, tragedy that will moisten the eyes, romance that is enjoyably sublime, thrill that touches the correct chords, drama that is literal as well as metaphorical, truth that is bitter yet real, the pieces are arranged as

• Kolabotir Dekha Shona
• Bhuter Basae Kolaboti
• Kolaboti o Khaeri
• Kolaboti, Apur Ma o Panchu
• Kolaboti o Millenium Match
• Kolabotir Shaktishel

The stories stylishly mixes tradition such that it salutes heritage yet never screams of obsessive propaganda. Moti Nandi without cricket is a rarity and obviously enough the sport is central to two of the pieces but surprisingly there is another one that takes on football as a subject. Blended with all the emotions of a healthy family the bubbly Kolaboti with her uncle Satyashekar with a heart as large as his soul and apetite, the dignified grandpa Rajshekhar, the strict guardian cum caring teacher Malaya, the rustic Apur Ma with a heart so brave and cooking so perfect, Murari who can be considered a Bengali butler, the arch rival cum family friend Harishankar and a host of other allies will freshen the heart and refresh the spirit.

Tales of Mystery & Terror

The first part contains stories which had been a part of a larger volume already discussed. These being the Tales of Terror, contains The Horror of Heights, The Leather Funnel, The New Catacomb, The Case of Lady Shannox, The Terror of Blue John Gap and The Brazilian Cat. But the inertia of terror continues in the first two Tales of Mystery bearing the names The Lost Special and The Beetle-Hunter. The former is the mystery of a special train seemingly vanishing into thin air while the later is a curious anecdote of a doctor witness to a strange behaviour of a seemingly sane scientist. Though there is mystery in each but the strain of terror predominates to make them horrifyingly gripping. The next is the story of The Man with the Watches who is found murdered in a first class carriage without any tickets but with six watches in the dead man's pockets. A gleam of scandal seems to lurk in the the residence of a widower with the entire household doubting the master when a chance situation reveals the truth in The Japanned Box whose content had been the centre of speculations to all. Again an apparent murder of The Black Doctor causes much stir and it remains to be seen whether the accused can be acquitted in a courtroom drama. The curious apparent desecration of The Jew's Breastplate torments the curator and he sets a trap to catch the perpetrator only to reveal a painful truth. But drama is at its extreme in the final piece of The Nightmare Room where everybody will be held unguarded when the mystery is spawned with the last line giving the solution so refreshingly beautiful. Only one bad thing about the publication is the confusion in closing page sequences along with orientations that will cause a bit of a bother to the flow of reading during the finale otherwise so tersely grand.

Hatighishar Hanabari

The childhood days will be brought back with the stories collected in this volume. Four intrepid girls Kalu, Malu, Tulu and Bulu looks for adventure in every nooks and corners, wherever they go. So it is very obvious that mysterious happenings, haunted houses, a treasure trail, curious sounds will attract these young adventurers. Written from the perspective of Tulu, these four young sleuths sets up to solve mysteries wherever they find one. Three of their exploits are contained here which are

• Tibbati Guhar Bhoot
• Hatighishar Hanabari
• Nanda Kananer Rahasya

The Enid Blyton of Bengali literature, Nalini Das had narrated the stories in such an easy pace that it will appeal to every young mind on all the ages. Such an old collection, but still I found them to be enjoyable read. With their backpacks packed with the essentials, the quad looks through age old mysteries and solves the riddles using clues that they pick up in their investigations. Using code words during conversations they easily evade the eavesdroppers in tight places. After reading the volume, only one thing needs explanation which is the name Gandalu whose last syllable may be derived from those of the four's names but why the first part is slightly monstrous in nature I have not a single clue. However, without bothering this part, the stories will refresh the mind not only for the adventure themselves but for the sleuths themselves. The intelligent and fearless Kalu, the code cracking Malu, the narrator Tulu and the slightly shaky Bulu gives completeness to the team and balances suspense and reliefs in the narratives nicely. The illustrations by Satyajit Ray adds an added attraction for the readers.

A Thief in the Night

A short story collection featuring A J Raffles and his friend and accomplice, Bunny Manders who narrates some of their exploits and follows it up with an epilogue arranged as

• Out of Paradise
• The Chest of Silver
• The Rest Cure
• The Criminologists' Club
• The Field of Philippi
• A Bad Night
• A Trap to Catch a Cracksman
• The Spoils of Sacrilege
• The Raffles Relics
• The Last Word

All these pieces except the last two depicts the duo as amateur burglars with Raffles being the genius in the trade and Bunny his devoted follower who at times shows doubt at the dedication at the apparent spontaneous acts of his friend which is ultimately revealed as well thought improvisations of the master artist. The final pieces are at a later date when they are at their career's dusk and tragedy has struck and are thus a bit disjointed than the rest both in time and perspective but not in class. The crimes will however make the readers sometimes be sorry for the victims. Inspite of this the interesting part is that, an entire collection which depicts a character doing crimes, is never felt evil, rather the reader will enjoy the artful way these crimes are committed though the description might be a bit unnecessary lengthy at places. A novel character undoubtedly, this might be a revelation for readers of crime fictions who are more accustomed to look into the other side of narratives.