DEVI: Mystery of the Calcutta Murders by Prasun Roy is a gripping crime thriller set during Kolkata’s grandest festival Durga Puja. The story opens with the city dressed in festive lights and colours, preparing to welcome Goddess Durga. But amid the celebration, darkness looms. A series of shocking murders begins each marked by the chilling word “DEVI” written in blood. As the city worships the goddess, a mysterious killer uses the festive days to deliver their own form of justice.
The plot of DEVI is deeply tied to the traditions of Durga Puja. Each chapter unfolds over the ten sacred days from Mahalaya to Maha Dashami, blending the suspense of a crime investigation with the spiritual energy of the festival. The narrative begins when a fugitive business tycoon, Durgacharan Mahesh, is being extradited from Spain to Mumbai, with a stopover in Kolkata. Just before his arrival, his brother-in-law Vasudeva Patel is found murdered. This murder sets off a chain of brutal killings, all linked by a disturbing past and a desire for revenge.
In DEVI, Police Commissioner Chouhan and his team face the difficult task of solving crimes that seem almost impossible to trace. As the bodies pile up and more clues emerge, the police realise that the victims were all connected to past crimes that were buried or ignored. The killer is clever, always one step ahead, watching the investigators closely. The suspense grows with each passing day of the festival, creating a tense atmosphere where celebration and fear exist side by side.
What makes DEVI stand out is how it reflects on social issues while telling a thrilling story. The book shows how power and influence can silence justice and how such buried wrongs often return in dangerous ways. The use of the word ‘DEVI’ as a symbol throughout the story gives it a deeper meaning linking the divine and the deadly. The climax is intense, with unexpected twists, though some may find the ending a little rushed.
Overall, DEVI is an exciting read for anyone who enjoys a mix of crime, mystery, and cultural richness. Prasun Roy has delivered a fast-paced thriller that captures the soul of Kolkata during Durga Puja, while also raising questions about justice, power, and revenge. This book will keep readers hooked until the very last page.
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Book Details, Availability, and Where to Buy Devi
Devi: Mystery of the Calcutta Murders by Prasun Roy is available in both paperback and Kindle formats. Published by Rupa Publications India on 3 October 2023, the paperback edition has 232 pages and is priced at ₹295, while the Kindle edition is available for ₹227. Readers can buy the book online through platforms like Amazon India (for both formats), Rupa Publications’ official website, SapnaOnline, Rekhta Books, and GetMyBooks, Goodreads, Flipkart where occasional discounts may be available. Choosing the Kindle edition of Devi offers instant access and portability, making it a convenient option for digital readers.
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About the Author: Prasun Roy
Prasun Roy is a Kolkata-based author renowned for his compelling storytelling across various genres, including crime thrillers, historical biographies, young adult fiction, and paranormal narratives. His writing is characterized by a gripping narrative style and the use of simple, engaging language that resonates with a broad audience.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Roy is a second-generation entrepreneur, managing his family’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing business, jointly headquartered in Kolkata and Vadodara. He is also an alumnus of IIM Lucknow, La Martiniere for Boys, and Dolna Day School. Beyond writing, he is trained in Western classical piano and is an avid traveler.
Roy has delivered lectures on unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle at prestigious institutions such as IIT Kanpur, IIT Delhi, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. He is actively involved in heritage conservation and serves as the convenor of the Indian History Awareness and Research (IHAR) organization. His dedication to preserving Indian heritage is further exemplified by his life membership in the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Kolkata Chapter.
Among his notable works is Devi: Mystery of the Kolkata Murders, a crime thriller set against the vibrant backdrop of Kolkata’s Durga Puja festival. The novel intertwines a series of murders with the festive celebrations, offering readers a suspenseful and culturally rich narrative. Roy’s ability to weave intricate plots with social commentary has earned him acclaim in the literary community.
In Devi, Prasun Roy blends crime, culture, and emotion with masterful skill. His deep knowledge of Kolkata and its traditions shines through the story, making the book not just a thrilling read but also a cultural experience. Roy’s writing style is fast-paced and immersive, making Devi a standout novel in the Indian thriller genre.
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Key Themes Explored in DEVI
- Justice and Vengeance: One of the strongest themes in DEVI is the thin line between justice and vengeance. As the city celebrates Durga Puja which symbolising the triumph of good over evil then murders begin to unfold, each leaving behind a chilling clue: the word “DEVI” written in blood. These acts are not random but a calculated pursuit of justice by someone wronged in the past. The book questions the efficiency of legal systems and raises the moral dilemma when law fails, is vigilantism justified? This book presents revenge not as cold-blooded rage but as a desperate, emotionally charged response to deep-rooted injustice.
- Power, Corruption, and Social Inequality: DEVI shines a harsh light on how power and privilege often shield the guilty. The victims in the story are not ordinary citizens but influential figures who escaped legal consequences for heinous crimes. Through this, the book critiques a society where wealth and status can buy silence and protection. As more secrets found, the reader sees how corruption at high levels can distort justice. The author cleverly uses the festive backdrop to expose the rot beneath the surface, making DEVI both a thrilling read and a social commentary.
- Cultural Symbolism and Festival as a Narrative Structure: Durga Puja is not just a setting in DEVI; it is woven into the very fabric of the narrative. Each crime aligns with a specific day of the festival, from Mahalaya to Dashami. This structure adds a spiritual rhythm to the story, creating a symbolic parallel between the goddess Durga’s battle with evil and the killer’s mission. The use of traditional weapons in the murders also draws a powerful visual and cultural link. This book successfully uses religious and cultural elements to deepen suspense and evoke emotional tension.
- City as a Living Character: Kolkata, with all its chaos, charm, and contradictions, plays a central role in DEVI. The city’s old alleys, crowded pandals, and vibrant rituals form a vivid backdrop that enhances the story’s mood. The author captures Kolkata’s soul, making it more than just a location it becomes a character with its own personality. The mood of the city shifts from joy to fear, mirroring the escalating tension in the plot. In this book, Kolkata is not just where the story happens instead it shapes how it happens.
- Emotional Depth and Character Development: Though a crime thriller, DEVI stands out for its emotional depth and characterisation. Arun, the seasoned inspector with a painful past; Jai, the idealistic rookie; and Savitri, the fearless journalist, are not just supporting characters they bring heart to the story. Their internal struggles, personal growth, and emotional journeys add human layers to the suspense. The reader does not just follow a murder case; they witness the impact of fear, loss, and resilience. This focus on character makes Devi more than a thriller instead it becomes a story of human strength and moral reckoning.
- Mystery, Suspense, and Pacing: As expected from a crime thriller, DEVI delivers a tightly plotted mystery with plenty of twists and turns. The pacing is sharp, and each chapter adds a new piece to the puzzle. Readers are kept guessing about the killer’s identity and motive until the final pages. The stolen artefacts, symbolic weapons, and scattered clues are all well-crafted to maintain suspense. While some may find the ending slightly rushed, the overall structure keeps the reader fully engaged. Novel succeeds in being both intellectually and emotionally satisfying.
- The Role of the Divine Feminine: Another unique layer in DEVI is the symbolic use of the goddess Durga. The killer, identifying with the divine feminine, becomes a representation of wrathful justice. The choice of the name ‘DEVI’ and the use of weapons linked to the goddess are not accidental, they reflect the theme of feminine power confronting patriarchal impunity. This adds a deeper philosophical undertone to the story. Novel uses this divine imagery not only to enhance the plot but to comment on societal reverence versus reality in protecting women.
Why You Should Buy and Read This Novel
If you enjoy crime thrillers that keep you hooked from the first page to the last, then DEVI is a perfect choice. It is more than just a mystery it blends mystery, emotion, and social issues in a unique way that will stay with you even after the story ends.
The language in Devi is simple, clear, and engaging, making it easy for all readers to follow. The writing style is fast-paced and crisp, with vivid descriptions that bring Kolkata and the Durga Puja atmosphere to life. Emotional depth and suspense are well balanced, making Devi a gripping and enjoyable read for any crime thriller lover.
The book gives you a real feel of Kolkata during Durga Puja. The detailed descriptions of the city, the crowd, the rituals, and the energy make you feel like you are actually there. Novel brings the spirit of the festival alive, while also showing its darker side through a string of murders.
The story isn’t just about solving a crime. It looks at deep topics like justice, revenge, and how power and money can protect criminals. DEVI asks important questions about society, but it does so while keeping the suspense high and the pace fast.
Each character in the book is written with care. You will find yourself caring about their struggles and choices. Arun, Jai, and Savitri are not just characters, they feel like real people facing real dangers. DEVI uses these characters to explore fear, courage, and the search for truth. Another reason to read this book is its structure. Every chapter connects with a day of Durga Puja, making the story feel like a countdown to something big. This smart setup keeps the tension rising. This novel is well-planned and perfectly timed to deliver twist after twist.
This novel is a great mix of entertainment and meaning. It entertains with its thrilling plot and surprises, and it also leaves you thinking about justice and society.
Final Thought
DEVI: Mystery of the Kolkata Murders by Prasun Roy is more than a fast-paced crime novel, it is a layered exploration of justice, morality, power, and tradition. With its unforgettable characters, cultural richness, and symbolic storytelling, it invites readers to reflect even as they race to uncover the killer’s identity. This book is a must-read for those who enjoy meaningful thrillers that go beyond entertainment and delve into the complexities of society and the human mind.
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