Subhobroto Mazumder’s The Affairs of Baxiganj weaves a captivating tapestry of suspense, crime intrigue, and simmering dread…delivering a ‘classic murder mystery cum thriller’ that lingers long after the final page. This is not your typical jump-scare, blood-soaked thriller; rather, it’s a slow burn, a psychological exploration of characters, doubt, revenge, traits, and the terrifying potential of the unseen.

The narrative follows some characters that are posted in Baxiganj working for an oil and mineral company. Apart from those a few outsiders are also there to assist and twist the mainstream cast. The conflict point in the narrative is that nobody there likes any one. Personal vendetta flows in the air. Why? The truth lies in their back stories and sweeps.

When PK’s wife is shot while going on a scooter with him one evening, the clouds of doubt and suspect linger over all characters as they all hate the boss of PMO, who is none other than PK. All are thrust into a world where the lines between the mundane and the truth blur. Subhobroto masterfully crafts an atmosphere of unease and tension, utilizing sweeps, subtle foreshadowing, and unreliable intentions of the characters to keep readers perpetually questioning their pattern of nature, seamlessly integrated into the plot, adding layers of depth and complexity to the unfolding mystery. Readers are invited to ponder profoundly about the psychic of characters involved in the mystery.

While the pacing is deliberate, it never feels sluggish. Mazumder builds suspense with meticulous precision, gradually tightening the screws until the climactic confrontation. The resolution, while satisfying, leaves room for interpretation, prompting further reflection on the themes and actions explored in the book.

Views on Characters:

The characters are well-developed and nuanced. Their internal struggles are particularly compelling, as they navigate a landscape of conflicting beliefs and mounting fear internally. The supporting cast, including Bordoloi, each contributes to the overall sense of ambiguity and suspense. The relationships between the characters are fraught with tension, reflecting the inescapable sense of unease that permeates the novel.

Final Verdict:

The Affairs of Baxiganj is a compelling and thought-provoking crime thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy suspenseful narratives with a touch of the mystery. Mazumder demonstrates a mastery of atmosphere and character development, crafting a story that is both unsettling and intellectually stimulating. This book is highly recommended for those seeking a thriller that goes beyond the surface and delves into the depths of the human psyche and the mysteries of the unseen.