From murder mysteries to mythology: Five must-read books this week

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The Inugami Curse
Abhijit Venkiteswaran Sarma, banking professional, Dombivli

What a beautifully written murder mystery by the Japanese novelist Seishi Yokomizo! I love the way the author narrates the story to the audience in a ‘meta-like' manner. I also like that, unlike most detective stories, the intelligence of the police and other authorities isn't diminished, but rather provides a good foil for the protagonist to solve the mystery.

The Secret of the Star Sapphire
Rati Girish, Indian children's book reviewer, Powai

This exhaustively researched, middle-grade adventure by Monika Bhatkhande takes the readers on an inter-generational search for the Star Sapphire. The children, in present-day Mumbai, stumble upon clues that take them to some of the city's most famous landmarks. The clues are inspired by art, architecture, literature, and politics. It's an intelligent book that will leave you gasping for breath and change the way you look at the city.

The Labyrinth House Murders
Rishika Aggarwal, copywriter, Juhu

Japanese authors are all the rage at the moment, but I wasn't in a space for literary fiction or a Morisaki; the other option was murder mysteries. Yukito Ayatsuji's novel is a deeply immersive murder mystery that leaves you guessing as you turn the page. When you think you know where it's going, this is one in which I'd most certainly say that don't put it down until you've finished the last page.

Ghosts, Monsters, and Demons of India
Vedanti Shinde, business psychologist and artist, Thane

The exciting thing about this book by Rakesh Khanna and J Furcifer Bhairav is that these are not your typical ghost stories. They are factual and descriptive narrations of mythical creatures believed to have existed in our vast subcontinent. The book transcends from A to Z, and most of the creatures are illustrated wonderfully by a team of nine artists from India.

Pakodi (Pakshi Kodi)
Dr Madhura Phadke, educationist, Powai

I mostly enjoy reading fiction and books on philosophy, leadership, education and pedagogy. This book contains riddles on birds in Marathi by Dr Rajiv Tambe, a well-known educator, poet, and children's writer. He has also written Vikodee, which has puzzles and riddles on birds too. I really like his approach to teaching through an integration of science, language and maths.
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