On the 4th of August, 2024, I had the privilege of attending the highly anticipated book launch of best-selling author Siddhartha Maheshwari’s latest work. This book, a classic whodunit infused with Siddhartha’s unique ideas, promises to be a masterpiece, drawing readers in with its captivating cover, intricate plot, and, surprisingly, stunning illustrations.
The event was a tremendous success, with a packed house full of enthusiastic readers eagerly awaiting Mr. Maheshwari’s autograph. The session was expertly moderated by his best friend, Abhijai Singh, who heads Venture Capital Investments at Midas Capital. Through their engaging conversation, we gained insights not only into the book but also into the life and thoughts of the author himself.
The book is a heartfelt gift from Mr. Maheshwari to his mother, an avid Agatha Christie fan. It was his love for her and admiration for her favourite author that motivated Mr Maheshwari to explore a genre different from his previous espionage thrillers. According to Mr Maheshwari, his mother has read the book and believes it will enchant both Agatha Christie and Siddhartha Maheshwari fans alike.
There was a moment of surprise during the session when the identity of the victim was inadvertently revealed by Abhijai and an enthusiastic reader. Fear not, dear readers, I wouldn’t dream of spoiling the mystery for you.
Another delightful surprise was the revelation that the book’s illustrations were created by Siddhartha’s wife, Sakshi. These illustrations had already piqued my interest when Siddhartha shared them on his Instagram as part of the book’s promotional activities, and I am eager to finally see them in context within the story.
The discussion shed light on the challenges Mr. Maheshwari faced while writing Jahangir, the protagonist. Describing such a multifaceted character—devoted to his family yet overly controlling—stretched his creativity to its limits. Interestingly, Mr. Maheshwari shared that he relates most to Sanaya, a character with a strong artistic inclination. However, he hinted that readers will find pieces of himself scattered across all the characters. He also got candid when asked about the real-life inspirations for his characters, sparking our curiosity to uncover these connections as we read.
During the Q&A session, we learned that the titles of all the chapters are based on nursery rhymes. Though Mr. Maheshwari did not divulge how this ties into the mystery, I am excited to uncover the reasoning behind this intriguing choice.
Mr. Manik from the publisher, Paper Towns, showcased the team’s dedication to preserving the book’s mystery through a fun activity. We were presented with a unique code to decode during the launch. Can you crack the code? Share your responses in the comments!
Before ending the article, on a personal note, I would like to congratulate Vanshika for organizing a successful and amazing book launch that was not only fun for the readers but also enlightening about the book. Keep it up and reach higher!
I’ll leave you here, urging you to grab a copy of this book as soon as possible. I can’t wait to delve into my copy and embark on this thrilling literary journey.
