The Secret of the Star Sapphire

MY THOUGHTS

Monika Bhatkhande’s The Secret of the Star Sapphire is a sweeping saga of a tale that spans generations and will leave you breathless. Personally, it has been a while (since Shabnam Minwalla’s Zen) that I have read a book that criss-crosses timelines and plants ideas in your head, which lead you down research rabbit holes. Monika’s earlier books, At the Quack of Dawn and In the Woof of Time, were smash hits at Mother of Readers. They remind you of classic Famous Five and Secret Seven type mysteries that are perfect to read over lazy summer days. So, I figured The Secret of the Star Sapphire was the third book in the Book Club Mystery trilogy. Boy, I could not have been more wrong!

The Secret of the Star Sapphire is about a gemstone that has the power to topple dynasties and change the world. It makes its way from Ravan’s Lanka and casts its spell on all the greats that followed — from Alexander the Great, who crossed the Jhelum, to Shivaji Maharaj when he fought the Adilshahis. From Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla to Bhau Daji Lad and Rudyard Kipling — everyone plays a part in the adventure of the Star Sapphire.

At the start of the book, in the present day, we meet twins Nahid and Anosh, and their friend Neel. The children are forced on this trail when they cross paths with a failed attempt to rob a clue at the Asiatic Society Library. What follows is a thrilling hold-on-to-your-hats, page-turner of an adventure through Mumbai’s most famous landmarks! The three children stumble upon exciting clues, research, and decipher them, tracing them back to important moments in India’s history. They uncover family ties and secrets while moving a step closer each time to find where the sapphire is hidden.

This story made me go down a Google rabbit hole to read more about everything Monika has included in this book. In her acknowledgements, she writes that this book took her on a two-year-long goose chase across the city. This exhaustively researched book is a testament to that. Once you read this book, I guarantee you will never look at the iconic steps of the Asiatic Library, the worn-down gates of St George’s Hospital, or the colonial Flora Fountain the same way ever again. Monika begins the story with action and hooks the reader by ensuring the story moves at a fast pace. The clues are intelligent, the characters are all well-known, and this makes the reader a part of the investigation because you wonder how you never thought of it before! I liked that she doesn’t treat her reader as a novice, but as someone who knows about history and literature. The book moves back and forth through various time periods, but never once leaves the reader wondering about its relevance. Each piece of the puzzle of the Secret of the Star Sapphire has been carefully chosen and included. Warning: You will look for people who have read this book to discuss the plot points with them!

This book is perfect for tweens and teens used to reading layered mysteries and adventures. Through this book, lead them on to Kipling’s literary work, the finest architects of various monuments in Mumbai, and even to world-renowned scientists and businessmen. Introduce this book to your child and then go on a tour to discover the places mentioned. This would also be a great walking tour, are you listening, Monika?

Mumbai or Bombay was designed to be Urbs Prima in Indis (the first city of India), but we tend to take it for granted and waste our energy cribbing about its traffic snarls and its hazy veneer. But then, a book like this comes along that slaps you awake and forces you to look at the city for its brilliance, for its persistence, and for its sheer power.

The Secret of the Star Sapphire is a mind-blowing book that will potentially be the smash hit in 2026, dominating book festivals and awards. At the root of it, this is a historical mystery, but it excites and enthrals while being an in-depth history lesson about Mumbai. And after all, isn’t that the best way to get children excited about their city? Gift this to yourself and to your child for a truly enriched reading experience.