The American son of Indian parents, educated at all the best schools, at home in London's most exclusive clubs, Ro Krishna finds himself at loose ends when forced to leave a high-profile job. Deciding that he needs some R&R, Ro heads to Samsara, a world-class spa for the global cosmopolitan elite in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas.
However, the cast of characters Ro meets harbors a murderer among them. Maybe even more than one. As more people die, Ro finds himself a reluctant sleuth.
~
I had high hopes for Ram Murali's Death in the Air. Unfortunately, almost none of those hopes were realized. First of all, the writing style kept me at a distance. I felt like I was peering down at the stage from the nosebleed seats. This kept me from being fully engaged in the story.
Secondly, the setting in the Himalayan foothills was one of the major reasons why I chose to read this book. As far as the setting goes, Death in the Air could have been set anywhere.
Thirdly, the cast of characters did nothing to engage my interest. They were an assortment of entitled young people swanning around the resort in designer clothing and jewels. Oh, and most of the men had great hair, too.
The only thing that truly interested me was the mystery itself even though one of the reveals at the end wasn't a surprise to me. Death in the Air is a mystery for the plot-driven reader, who should enjoy deducing whodunit. Alas, I am not a plot-driven reader.
Death in the Air by Ram Murali
eISBN: 9780063319325
HarperCollins © 2024
eBook, 368 pages
Amateur Sleuth, Standalone
Rating: C-
Source: Net Galley
Oh, no, what a disappointment. I was looking forward to reading this book, but your review made me do a 180-degree turn. And too bad about the lack of the setting as advertised; it had such promise.
ReplyDeleteI think the setting would be a reason for many readers to choose this book, but a few mentions of various religions, weather conditions, and people wearing white kurta pajamas do not a setting make.
DeleteOh, I am sorry to hear this, Cathy! When I read the blurb, the first thing I thought was how great the setting sounded. Sorry to hear it wasn't really set distinctly anywhere. And I'm with you about the characters; if you don't really engage with them, the book hasn't really succeeded.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'm mentally suited to spending time with the rich and shameless. ;-)
DeleteDisappointing. With that beginning I thought it was going to be a very good read.
ReplyDeleteSo did I.
DeleteThat's too bad. It's never good when you pick up a book because you're interested in the setting then never feel like you're really there.
ReplyDeleteYou got that right!
DeleteI love your comment about the distance you felt: "peering down at the stage from the nosebleed seats"! We've all had that feeling at times.
ReplyDeleteAnd I've actually done it at a Carpenters concert in 1974. I was in the very top row, and it was so far down to the stage that my mother could've gone out there to sing, and I wouldn't've been able to tell the difference. I definitely needed binoculars!
DeleteI'll just say 'yes' to the comments above. I had noticed this one and wondered if it might be good because of....the setting. I won't rush to read it. And I'll leave it there. LOL
ReplyDeleteGood idea!
DeleteThanks for the warning. I won't be adding this one to my read list!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Dorothy!
DeleteI was with you in hoping for the setting to have a significant impact ever since seeing this title on one of your preview posts. Thanks for slogging through it to give the rest of us the warning!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Kate!
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