In the realm of psychological crime novels, Gayatri’s “Ela’s Unfinished Business” stands as a unique blend of mystery and psychological exploration. The book, which can be classified as a “cozy murder mystery,” takes readers on an intriguing journey through the mind of a woman who believes herself to be a murderer.
The story unfolds in the fictitious hill station of Beri Shola, not far from Madurai. The protagonist, Ela, is convinced that she is responsible for the death of Rose, a respected figure in Beri Shola. Ela’s belief stems from her tendency to lose consciousness at critical moments, only to awaken and find someone dead.
One of the main characters who adds a layer of complexity to the story is Piu, a psychologist who becomes fascinated with Ela’s case. Despite being a character who could use some psychological help herself, Piu becomes an unexpected ally for Ela. Her unconventional and somewhat self-absorbed approach, however, does not deter her from assisting Ela in navigating through her pain.
Meanwhile, Beri Shola sees the arrival of a new police chief, Nachiketa. This no-nonsense officer is solely focused on solving the murder case. His list of suspects includes everyone, even Rose’s politician husband who allegedly died in an accident earlier. Eventually, his suspicion narrows down to two individuals, one being Ela.
The novel showcases an interesting dynamic between Piu, who firmly believes in Ela’s innocence, and Nachiketa, who is convinced of her guilt. Adding more intrigue, Ela herself decides to confess to the crime. The question remains: did she really commit the murder?
“Ela’s Unfinished Business” deviates from traditional murder thriller books for sale in its emphasis on psychological exploration over crime-solving. The characters are eccentrically portrayed; Piu’s manic behavior raises eyebrows and Nachiketa’s inconsistency adds to the overall confusion. The town of Beri Shola, with its blend of British Raj sensibility and small-town charm reminiscent of American cozy mysteries, adds a unique flavor to the story.
Despite these quirks, the novel manages to captivate the reader’s interest. It seems to be more of a satirical take on a cozy mystery rather than a classic example of one. The book’s potential to act as a springboard for a series is undeniable, and readers may find themselves eagerly awaiting a sequel.
“Ela’s Unfinished Business” is an unconventional addition to female detective titles, with Piu’s role as an amateur sleuth adding an extra layer of intrigue. Despite her flaws, Piu’s character development throughout the story is enough to keep readers hooked and anticipating her return in potential sequels.
In conclusion, Gayatri’s “Ela’s Unfinished Business” is a distinctive take on the cozy murder mystery genre. Its blend of psychological exploration, eccentric characters, and an intriguing plot makes it a riveting read. Despite its quirks, the book manages to hold the reader’s interest throughout and leaves them eager for more. It’s a must-read for fans of psychological crime novels and cozy mysteries alike.