I was intrigued by the title of this book when I spotted it on display at the Starmark bookstore in Chennai. A glance at the back cover and I was hitched. And I'm happy to say that I enjoyed reading this book.
When 14-year old Ashwathy of Kuttipuram, Kerala, stumbles upon a boot with a little notebook inside it, she is surprised to meet God who tells her about a murder mystery she, Ashwathy, has been ‘chosen’ to solve. To help her investigate, God puts her in touch with the murdered woman, Sreeja, who appears before Ashwathy in a dream to share her story.
When 14-year old Ashwathy of Kuttipuram, Kerala, stumbles upon a boot with a little notebook inside it, she is surprised to meet God who tells her about a murder mystery she, Ashwathy, has been ‘chosen’ to solve. To help her investigate, God puts her in touch with the murdered woman, Sreeja, who appears before Ashwathy in a dream to share her story.
A cigarette stub, a strange husband, a quiet daughter, a
diary. Ashwathy has some serious investigating to do. She seeks help from her friends. Together they form the unofficial FBI Branch
of Kuttipuram, Kerala. With God’s help, they
disguise themselves as grown-ups (I especially enjoyed these parts!) to probe around for further clues to help them solve the mystery.
A typical lecturing mother, a supportive
father, teachers’ expectations, teen crushes – add to the mystery to make this
book enjoyable for all children 12+. The
only awkward character is the math teacher making Ashwathy, and the reader, feel uncomfortable in his presence. We often get hints until the real story about him is unveiled.
The FBI Branch of Kuttipuram do emerge winners. In fact, Ashwathy even sets the math teacher right in her own way with some assistance from God.
I loved how God is portrayed in the story as a helpful,
caring, light-hearted woman. She makes jokes about breaking 108 coconuts as offering, brings
tea and even asks for toddy!
A humourous and fast-paced read for ages 12+. Some adults would relish too!
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