Recently I read quite an entertaining story! Its The Affairs of Baxiganj by rising author Subhobroto Mazumder !
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it for it is unlike any other thriller story. Why so, I am sharing next.
Its a gripping crime thriller set in a quiet small town that suddenly becomes the center of a chilling murder mystery. Written in simple and easy-to-understand English, this 125-page debut novel by Shubhobroto Mazumder—a geologist from IIT—packs a punch with its clever storytelling and witty narrative voice. Particularly humorous! I chuckled at various times.
From the very beginning, I was hooked by the way the author introduces Shubhom's background with a humorous and catchy tone. I was intrigued by the background of Asha as well, another important character in the story alongside of course Bordoloi, Rajnish and PK.
So, there are four friends who visit a club for fun, and all of them are under the influence of alcohol. But Shoham wakes up in his room with no memory of what happened next. He then receives a call from someone—who too later ends up hospitalized—informing him that their office boss’s wife has been shot at the same spot they were at. This is where the story takes a major turn. Shoham has no clue where he went, with whom he left the club. But as the story progresses, everything slowly begins to unfold through another person. So, is this all part of a conspiracy to hide something—or to achieve something greater for personal or group benefit?
The story unfolds with suspense in a filmy style, revealing dark secrets each of them hide, layered friendships are exposed, and unexpected betrayals come to light.
Thus Four friends, two gunshots, and a town full of whispers— Author Mazumder kept me guessing till the end.
What stood out for me was the author’s unique voice—light-hearted yet sharp, and always engaging. Despite being a thriller at its core where one tries to solve the enigma, the book also explores themes of loyalty, love, and obsession, making it more than just a mystery novel.
If you enjoy fast-paced stories with emotional depth and well-etched characters, The Affairs of Baxiganj is definitely worth picking up.
Perfect for a weekend read, this book kept me turning pages till I reached the final twist.