Books Like...

'The Widows of Malabar Hill' by Sujata Massey is a historical mystery set in 1920s Bombay, featuring Perveen Mistry, the first female lawyer in India. Perveen gets involved in a case where she must assist the widows of a wealthy Muslim businessman in securing their inheritances. The plot unfolds with a murder mystery, cultural complexities, and Perveen's personal backstory, providing a rich tapestry of Indian society, customs, and the challenges faced by women during that era.

The writing style in 'The Widows of Malabar Hill' is praised for its detailed descriptions of the historical setting, the characters, and the cultural nuances of colonial India. Readers appreciate the authenticity and depth of the story, as well as the engaging plot that intertwines Perveen's legal work, personal struggles, and her quest for justice for the marginalized widows living in purdah.

'The Appeal' by Janice Hallett is a murder mystery novel that unfolds through emails, text messages, and other correspondence within a small town amateur dramatics society. The story revolves around the amateur production of a play and a fundraising campaign for a little girl's medical treatment, all while keeping the reader guessing about the motives and relationships of the characters involved. The format of the book, told entirely through written correspondence, provides a unique and engaging way to reveal the intricate web of social dynamics and secrets within the group.

The author, Janice Hallett, skillfully crafts a narrative that allows readers to piece together the events and motivations behind the mystery through the characters' own words. The book offers a fresh and original approach to storytelling, drawing readers into the lives of the characters through their emails and messages, creating a sense of voyeurism and intrigue as the plot unfolds.

'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty revolves around the lives of three mothers of kindergarten children who become entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and betrayals. Set in Australia, the story delves into serious topics such as bullying, domestic violence, and the dynamics of parent relationships. The plot unfolds with a murder mystery that occurs on Trivia night, leading the reader through the intertwined lives of the characters and keeping them guessing about the victim and the murderer until the very end. Moriarty's writing style is described as humorous, insightful, and compelling, with a mix of light-hearted moments and poignant themes.