Soul Cosmic by Himani

Genre: Mystery Thriller, 2025

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Book Blurb

“When a bride-to-be is found dead in her own home, the wedding turns into a whodunit. Secrets, relationships, and hidden motives collide as an ordinary arranged marriage takes a dark and thrilling twist. In Chetan Bhagat’s signature style, love, family, and modern India meet the murky world of deception and suspense.”

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About the Author

Chetan Bhagat is one of India’s most popular authors known for transforming modern Indian fiction with relatable characters and social realism. From Five Point Someone to 2 States and One Night @ the Call Center, his books have inspired blockbuster films and connected deeply with India’s youth. Bhagat’s writing is conversational, fast-paced, and emotionally charged — making readers feel like they’re part of the story.

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Introduction / Hook

What happens when the perfect wedding turns into a perfect crime? Arranged Murder isn’t just a story — it’s a reminder that behind every smiling selfie lies an untold secret. As a long-time fan of Chetan Bhagat’s work, I was instantly drawn to this one. Having loved his earlier novels like One Night @ the Call Center and Two States, I picked this up right from a cozy bookstore — because holding a book in hand feels far more soulful than scrolling through an online page.

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Synopsis (Without Spoilers)

The story revolves around a young couple whose arranged marriage takes a shocking turn after a mysterious death. As the investigation unfolds, Bhagat skillfully intertwines family dynamics, modern relationships, and human psychology. The tone is suspenseful yet emotional — giving you both chills and compassion at the same time.

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Writing Style & Tone

Chetan Bhagat’s writing remains crisp, witty, and accessible. He uses short chapters, conversational dialogues, and an easy flow that makes the reader turn page after page. The tone moves seamlessly from humor to heartbreak, with enough intrigue to keep you hooked till the last line.

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Character Analysis / Core Concepts

Each character feels real — from the vulnerable protagonist caught between family expectations and self-doubt, to the investigating officer who sees through human façades. Bhagat captures urban India’s complexities beautifully — the clash between love marriages and arranged ones, between modern independence and traditional values.

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Themes & Messages

At its heart, Arranged Murder explores the fragile balance between appearances and truth. It delves into themes of trust, betrayal, family image, and the emotional costs of living a “perfect” life. It’s also about intuition — that quiet inner voice which warns us when something feels off. Spiritually, the story reminds us that not all endings are tragic; some are meant to awaken awareness.

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What I Loved

I loved how Bhagat blends simplicity with suspense. His understanding of middle-class India — the dialogues, the emotional outbursts, the family humor — all feel authentic. The cover design itself caught my attention — a mix of wedding hues with a shadowy twist hinting at mystery. And of course, my long-standing admiration for Bhagat’s relatable writing made this a must-buy from the bookstore.

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What Could Be Better

While the narrative is gripping, the ending felt slightly rushed. A bit more emotional closure would have deepened the impact. But that’s a small trade-off for an otherwise page-turning read.

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Key Takeaways / Lessons

✦ Appearances can deceive — always trust your intuition.
✦ Love needs honesty more than perfection.
✦ Even in chaos, truth finds its way.
✦ Modern relationships are fragile yet full of lessons.
✦ Every story hides a deeper emotion waiting to be heard.

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Star Rating

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Writing Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Emotional Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Clarity & Relevance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

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Final Verdict

Arranged Murder is a refreshing blend of romance, suspense, and social commentary — a book that keeps you thinking long after the last page. Perfect for readers who love mysteries with a human touch and emotions rooted in real life. Whether you’re a die-hard Chetan Bhagat fan or exploring his work for the first time, this novel is a must-read for your weekend binge.

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Soul Tip / Cosmic Reminder

✧ Sometimes, the most mysterious stories aren’t written in ink — they unfold within the human heart.

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With love & cosmic guidance,
Himani Goyal
Founder, Soul Cosmic by Himani
himanigoyal21.com

Amazon Link: https://amzn.in/d/aQx01o6