Similar to the times before, the popularity rush of the mystery thriller genre has been overflowing this year as well. Sellers are occupied with stocking and then restocking their best-selling crime and mystery thriller books, whereas, readers are racing to their favorite stalls for the next addition to their TBR piles. Here are five contemporary mystery thrillers you can find at Boi Mela this week.

BISHESH DROSHTOBBO
Riyaz Morshed Sayem
Okkhorbritto, 2023

When the niece of an influential politician commits suicide, the department in charge of the investigation seems a bit too eager to wrap up the case in a hurry. But the evidence does not add up, nor do the statements or explanations. Police officer Mirza Sharaf is hardly convinced and the discovery of the victim's journal leads to a series of unnerving revelations. If you are on a quest for a thrilling read that also fiddles with political dimensions, then Bishesh Droshtobbo by Riyaz Morshed Sayem can be an interesting option.

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HELPING HAND
Kayes Sami
Asia Publication, 2023

Inspired from Frieda McFadden's psychological thriller The Housemaid, (Grand Central Publishing, 2022) this book follows the life of an educated young woman, Tania, after she applies for the position to be a helping hand to the wife of an affluent businessman, Labonnya. There is a distinct eeriness in the atmosphere of the household, and with each day that she spends here, Tania finds herself getting deeply entangled in its mayhem. The book was originally sectioned into three parts, but the newly produced edition has all of the divisions merged together. Readers of domestic mystery thrillers would find it favorably enjoyable. 

SHOTTOTA MITTHA
Sadat Hossain
Onnodhara, 2023

Fans of the Reza series would be delighted to know that the third installment of this mystery thriller reading has come out at this year's Boi Mela. In this book, sub-inspector, Rezaul Haque, has moved to a new town. And as the convention of the series goes, a new town comes with a new mystery. The book would be equally entertaining for both the old acquaintances of the series and the beginners. Since each book of the series highlights an independent incident, it is not necessary for the readers to read the prior volumes to have a jolly good time. 

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DHUMROJAALE KHEDU MIYA
Oshim Himel
Anyaprokash, 2023

Dhumrojaale Khedu Miya follows the journey of the namesake of the book, forensic medicine's assistant professor, Khedu Miya, as he tries to put an end to the rampant of a serial killer. While being set in the backdrop of medicine for the majority of the plot, the book adds a paranormal element to the storyline as well. There are varied discussions on neurological disorders as well, which makes for an excellent read for readers interested in the fields of biology and the supernatural.

DONDOBHEDH
Muhammad Zahid Hossain
Onuj Prokash, 2023

When the political icons of Alipur start disappearing one by one, the outwardly tranquil ambiance of the city gets disrupted. More so, after the sequential discovery of their dead bodies in public places. The entire city stills in terror, as the officer in charge, Himadri Dey, endeavors to put an end to this massacre. A relatively fast read, this book would be an approving recommendation for a gripping crime thriller.

Alif is a Gender Studies major and part-time writer, who dreams of authoring a book someday. Find her at @literatureinsolitude on Instagram or send her your book/movie/television recommendations at nurejannatalif@gmail.com.