3,5 Stars. What a peculiar little novel this is. Based on the publisher synopsis and author endorsements, I went into Death in the Air expecting some witty repartee and ‘light-hearted’ dark humour in a similar vein to Kevin Kwan’s Rich People Problems. But, what I found myself reading was actually a surprisingly dark satire with a brooding menace and frequent malevolent undertones.

The initial setup makes clear to readers that the characters involved are ‘dangerously’ wealthy and entitled, and their perspectives from within that prism are questionable to say the least. For example, this discussion during an extravagant dinner in a London private members club:

“You look great for your age,” Alex said.
Ro considered the oyster in his hand. “I think that’s because I’m asleep most of the time. Being awake is very aging I find.” He slurped it down.

So, are the characters likeable? Not by any stretch.

Is the writing style a pleasure to read? No. It’s very simplistic in places. And unsettling.

I almost did not make it past the first few chapters of Death in the Air. However, while not entertained by Murali’s narrative, I was sufficiently perplexed and intrigued by it to continue reading. It was like one of those really arty movies where you think to yourself, “Is this part really happening, or is it a characters’ dream sequence?”. The shock factor is weirdly compelling. And, while I believe I understood much of the ‘cleverness’ woven into the dialogue and complex character machinations, there were still times the inside joke fell flat for me.

In Death in the Air Ram Murali has certainly produced a novel that provokes a depth of thought and consideration well beyond the words on the page. So, as a satire it has its merits. But, for a tale that’s principally about karma, I was surprised and a little troubled to find its focus on emptying cups rather than filling them. It was quite prescient at times though…

“I never read mystery novels,” Mrs B mused. “They so rarely stick the landing, don’t you find?”

Recommended only for those who enjoy being challenged by literature.

A fun locked-room mystery with an enjoyable cast of characters in a gorgeous setting. However, it was a bit slow-paced and sagged in the middle.

Conditional rating 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 for Goodreads.

Why conditional? Trusting the publicity, I approached this book with certain expectations, and was sorely disappointed that they weren't met. I found the story to be totally implausible and weirdly immature such that I almost gave up on it a few times. But then at around the 40% mark I decided to adjust my attitude - to read the book for what it was, rather than what it wasn't - and from then on I kind of enjoyed it. I expect readers who are looking for something fun and unchallenging, rather than clever and sophisticated (and well-concluded!), will really dig it.

I must say this was not a favourite book of mine as I found it slow, the writing felt a bit forced and patchy and the characters didn't ring true to me. I persevered for a while but then I must say I skipped pages but I did find the actually storyline and plot to be alright and the setting was good. There was also a bit of fun to be had and some mystery in the story too.

All in all this was an okay read but just needed a bit more tweaking.

Thank you NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

// death in the air

i struggled with this. the premise intrigued me but the pacing was so slow and the writing felt very unfinished and basic.

there was a diverse cast of characters however they lacked depth, they were materialistic in description.

i did enjoy the setting and found it did pick up after the first 25%. however this was not for me.

thankyou to netgalley for the eARC

I really enjoyed this fun mystery. A great great. Interesting characters an intricate plot and a unique setting.
Totally recommending this to my customers who love mysteries - esp Ossman type readers