Soft Kill by Shubhra Krishan

A gripping Delhi-based crime thriller, Soft Kill by Shubhra Krishan explores a perfect murder, dark secrets, and a shocking twist ending.

on Apr 16, 2026

Placed amid the gloomy and eerie ambience of Delhi in the 1990s, Soft Kill is a bold and assured introduction to crime fiction by Shubhra Krishan. Recognized for her expertise in journalism and literature within the domain of lifestyle and wellness, Krishan makes an unusual move into crime writing, which she handles with exceptional finesse and flair.

The novel begins with a frightening idea the brutal murder of Andy Asthana, found dead in a manner that signifies more than mere death. The case falls under the jurisdiction of Inspector Vijay, who finds himself entangled in a crime that eludes rational explanation. There are suspects, all shrouded in their motivations Madhvi, the youthful bride who is bound within the confines of her unhappy union; Rajbir, her tempestuous paramour; and Brij Mishra, the devoted secretary with a tangled history. However, in spite of the emotions that surround each character, the act of murder is performed with chilling perfection.

What makes this particular murder mystery different from all others in the genre is that there is a significant amount of psychological insight involved. Instead of just being dependent upon plot devices alone, Krishan manages to create an aura of suspense as well as ethical confusion. Issues such as domination and revenge are explored, which lead to more questions about motives than simply about the perpetrators themselves.

The timing is slow but effective. Every time the trail starts to go cold, it becomes hot again in unexpected ways, compelling the detective and the readers to delve into the mystery once again.

Krishan’s prose is concise yet captivating, combining the precision of journalism with the poetic depth of literature. As Meghna Gulzar, a filmmaker, points out, the story entices one to keep flipping the pages, whereas Shakun Batra rightly calls it “a razor-sharp whodunit with a devastating twist at the end.” Indeed, such statements succinctly convey the spirit of the book a smart, eerie, and powerful read.

Soft Kill can be considered an accomplished debut novel. Besides being a thrilling mystery, it introduces a talented newcomer into the genre of Indian crime literature. If you enjoy thought-provoking stories that explore the intricacies of human psychology and the peculiarities of the setting, this novel will appeal to you.