Will to Kill

MIST, MOUNTAINS, MURDER is a mystery novel that revolves around an ageing millionaire who invites his relatives to his remote, possibly haunted, Greybrooke Manor, and writes two conflicting wills. When a landslide leaves the estate isolated, a body is discovered, and Harith Athreya, a seasoned investigator, finds that death is not the only thing the mist conceals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 02 December 2021
Publisher: Pushkin Press

MIST, MOUNTAINS, MURDER:


Aging millionaire Bhaskar Fernandez has invited his relatives to the remote and possibly haunted Greybrooke Manor, high up in the misty Nilgiris. He knows his guests expect to gain from his death, so he writes two conflicting wills. Which one of them comes into force will depend on how he dies. Fernandez also invites Harith Athreya, a seasoned investigator, to watch what unfolds. When a landslide leaves the estate temporarily isolated, and a body is discovered, Athreya finds that death is not the only thing that the mist conceals.


The Invitation:


Bhaskar Fernandez, an elderly millionaire, extends an invitation to his relatives for a gathering at Greybrooke Manor, a secluded and possibly haunted estate located in the misty Nilgiris. Fernandez is well aware that his guests are expecting to benefit from his demise, which is why he prepares two conflicting wills. The validity of which will depend on the manner of his passing. Additionally, Fernandez hires Harith Athreya, a seasoned investigator, to observe the events that unfold.


The Haunted Estate:


Greybrooke Manor, perched atop a cliff overlooking the breathtaking Nilgiris mountains, exudes an air of mystery and intrigue. The estate has a rich history, with rumors circulating about its haunted nature and the strange occurrences that have been reported over the years. The mansion itself is opulent, with grand halls, ornate furnishings, and a sprawling garden that seems to hold secrets within its confines.


The Conflicting Wills:


Fernandez, in his cunning manner, has devised two wills that are designed to pit his relatives against each other. The first will leaves all his assets to his wife, while the second will divides the estate among his children, with each receiving a significant portion. However, Fernandez has added a twist to the wills. He has placed a condition that only one will come into force if he dies of natural causes. If he dies under suspicious circumstances, the other will becomes null and void.


The Investigation:


Athreya, upon receiving the invitation, arrives at Greybrooke Manor with a sense of anticipation and curiosity. He is greeted by Fernandez's loyal butler, who provides him with a tour of the estate. As they explore the mansion, Athreya notices strange occurrences, such as doors opening and closing on their own, footsteps echoing in empty halls, and a cold breeze that seems to follow them wherever they go.


The Discovery:


One night, as Athreya is conducting his investigation, he receives a call from Fernandez's wife, who informs him that their daughter, Anjali, has gone missing. The family has searched the estate, but they have been unable to find her. Athreya immediately sets out to investigate, and he discovers that Anjali has been kidnapped by a group of masked men who are operating within the estate.


The Chase:


Athreya, along with Fernandez's relatives, embarks on a desperate chase to rescue Anjali. They navigate through the winding roads and treacherous terrain of the Nilgiris, encountering obstacles and challenges along the way. They eventually find the kidnappers' hideout, but it is guarded by a group of ruthless thugs.


The Conclusion:


In a thrilling climax, Athreya and his team manage to rescue Anjali and apprehend the kidnappers. Fernandez, grateful for Athreya's assistance, decides to fulfill the terms of his first will, leaving all his assets to his wife. The misty Nilgiris, once again, remains shrouded in mystery, but the truth about Bhaskar Fernandez's death and the true intentions of his relatives have been revealed.


The Moral:


"MIST, MOUNTAINS, MURDER" serves as a cautionary tale that wealth and power can be a double-edged sword. It highlights the importance of honesty, integrity, and compassion, even in the face of adversity. The story also emphasizes the significance of having a trusted ally, such as Athreya, who is willing to risk everything to protect the innocent. As the saying goes, "In the mist of the mountains, the truth shall always be revealed."

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782277323