The Reluctant Detective is a very enjoyable read. I was reluctant to read this cause I knew this was not the usual murder mystery novel. However, it was very refreshing and unique. Kiran Manral's is a wonderful narrator. Her attention to detail is amazing and the characters are well described. Especially the characters of Kay Mehra and Runa the private eye! It is a humorous story. If you have a good imagination, you will feel its happening in your neighborhood. Bottom line is, It's a really ...

Kiran has managed to pull out an excellent book. Considering the plot and narration I would rate this extremely well written. She has managed to describe her characters well and connect them as well. Let your imaginations flow and you get the feeling as part of the story. Characters are practical and plot feel like "it happens somewhere in neighborhood."
I recommend this book worth reading.

Kiran Manral's The Reluctant Detective was a fun, quick read. Refreshing in its town, the novel captures the essence of the urban life of a mother and a wife -- a perspective not much talked about. Kay's maid woes, school meetings, lunches with the ladies are refreshing to read about. Manral's voice is laced with humor, self-depreciating towards her protagonist but it works in making Kay Mehra absolutely endearing to you. The mundane task of painting nails becomes a relatable, funny scene and...

The Reluctant Detective is a breezy and fun read for lazy afternoon. It is filled with day to day happenings which most of us have been a part of and makes it more relatable. The best part of the book is that the humor is not forced upon you like songs in Hindi movies but blends seamlessly into the narrative. If you are looking for a light and humorous read, this is the book to pick up this weekend.

I would not recommend this book to anyone. Its fails to create interest. A waste of time and a waste of money. There is no story in this book. Just a woman blabbering and all.
Don't waste your money. It is not a murder mystery that will glue you to the book. But if you have nothing else to do, you can read it just to know how middle-aged women think (of course we all know that).

This is neither a mystery novel nor a humourous read.. Both seem forced. After reading a few reviews here i bought it but they were really misleading. The idea however was really interesting that is why I bought it in the first place.

You can give it a pass for sure. wont recommend..

It is an extremely boring and trite book, with poorly etched characters and a barely there plot. I found little reason to root for the central character,and couldn't care less about her or her neighbors' shenanigans.

Lacks purpose. Characters are poorly developed. Laughable plot. Waste of money. Read 'anything' else but this.
One wonders why is the book dealing with murder in the first place lest murders hv become uninteresting themselves. I can't recall any murder plot worse than this

this is a good, funny read, that makes one laugh out loud at places. the packaging with murder mysteries and detective fiction only makes the reader pick up the book with unrealisitc expectations that are later not met. this is not about detection. its abt being a suburban mother in a condo, and her life. please pick up the book expecting humour, not murder mystery. and then you will enjoy it.

It is a humorous mystery . The character of main protagonist is well written and every housewife can relate to it. The book is full of humorous incidents that keep the reader glued till the end.