‘Chikkamma Tours Pvt Ltd’: A cosy Bangalore murder mystery with a realistic portrayal of queer lives

The cold monsoon air wraps itself around me as I step into the metro station, its dampness clinging to my skin. I bump into someone, and my takeaway cup of tea almost slips out of my hand. The scent of wet earth and distant street food stalls fills the air, mingling with the low rumble of the city waking up from its midday lull. The worn streets of Bengaluru stretch out before me, their cracks and crevices filled with puddles reflecting the dull grey sky. Familiar yet ever-changing, these streets tell stories of a city that never stands still. These are the same streets that provide the backdrop to Chikkamma Tours (Pvt) Ltd, the new book I have just bought. As the metro pulls out of the station, I begin reading.

Chikkamma Tours (Pvt) Ltd is Unmana’s debut novel. It begins with the owner of the bookshop above Chikkamma Tours being found stabbed to death in the office building. Nilima – a grumpy, book-loving, wise-cracking whisky enthusiast – seizes the chance to indulge her inner amateur detective. It doesn’t hurt that solving the mystery gives her an excuse to spend more time with her captivating boss, Shwetha. But Nilima must also team up with her...

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