The genre of mystery writing has begun to gain momentum in the recent times in the wake of a culture where crimes have become a routine and living with them a normal way of life. Inspired from that, Jasmine Juneja’s “Mystery Behind the Disappeared” is a gripping mystery novel that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story takes place in posh South Delhi and follows the disappearance of a smart and intelligent girl. The mystery surrounding her disappearance raises numerous questions and points to the apathy of the cops and the sinister agendas of the people involved. Simultaneously, the book also raises issues that concern and represent the different sections of society and the world at large. This raise the level of the book to being a social novel rather being restricted to a simple work of fiction.
“Mystery Behind the Disappeared” is well-written and well-researched, providing an accurate portrayal of life in Delhi. The author has done an excellent job of creating a sense of urgency throughout the story, with the race against time to find the missing girls. The tension and suspense build gradually, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. This gives the book its key strength of keeping the readers engrossed and glued to the book until they reach the final conclusion that declares the true side of events that have been in the making all along. At the same time, this quality of the book makes it unputdownable, thus also resulting in its becoming a recommended reading amongst reading circles.
One of the strengths of “Mystery Behind the Disappeared” is the way in which the author has portrayed the characters. They are all well-developed and realistic, with their own strengths and weaknesses. Whether they contribute on major levels of the development of the plot or on a minor level, each has an individual significance which makes them stand apart from the other characters altogether. At the same time, the life in the characters makes them relatable for the readers as each character comes with their own set of conflicts and resolves.
“Mystery Behind the Disappeared” is broadly divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on the disappearance of the first girl and the second part focusing on the race to find the second girl. This structure works well, providing a clear and concise narrative that keeps the reader engaged. The author also does an excellent job of switching between different perspectives, including the perspectives of the police, the victims, and the suspects. This adds to the complexity of the story and keeps readers guessing about the outcome. The connection of the two events also creates a ripple effect in the text where one event is impacted by the other and vice versa.
One of the themes of the book is the apathy of the police and the corrupt nature of the system. The author highlights the difficulties that police officers face when investigating crimes, particularly when dealing with powerful people in “Mystery Behind the Disappeared.” The corruption and apathy of the police are portrayed in a realistic and nuanced way, making it clear that this is not just a problem in Delhi but a global issue. Another theme of the book which closely resonates with the present day is the plight of women in India. The book highlights the dangers that women face in Indian society and the challenges they face when trying to get justice. The author does an excellent job of portraying the resilience and strength of the female characters, despite the many obstacles they face. The fate of the women is comprised of more unpredictability even in the capital city where the safety levels are considered to be the highest ones. This is also a hidden comment on the system on the whole and people too. The fact that women form the other half of the human race but are unsafe with the increasing number of crimes hints to the crippled system that is incapable of protecting its citizens.
Overall, “Mystery Behind the Disappeared” by Jasmine Juneja is a well-crafted and thought-provoking novel. The author has created a complex and engaging mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The themes of corruption, apathy, and the plight of women in India are all handled with sensitivity and nuance, making this an important and timely novel. This book is recommended to anyone who enjoys a good mystery novel or is interested in Indian society and culture. It is primarily suggested to those who enjoy a thrilling read of fiction that is strongly and deeply based on reality. It is also suggested to those who are interested in reading a work of social relevance and what impact a large number of people at once.
