The Backwater Remembers by Husna .

 The Backwater Remembers by Husna .

"The Backwaters Remembers," a thriller that makes you visualize people and places while solving a murder. The story makes you realize how kids are put into boarding schools just to improve them. But discipline or emotional goings-through of the child are prime factors of it being spoken about. I could vividly feel the essence of boarding and solving a murder mystery altogether.

The story follows Krishna Iyer, who returns to Misty Meadows, Kerala, to investigate a murder in the tranquil backwaters. Then the narrative switches to 17 years before when he was a child and used to live with his parents and Joseph, who secretly applauded him for the boy he was becoming. He didn't like to accept injustice and sometimes took part in rallies and fought with his age mates.

Fed up with his weird behavior, he is sent to the hostel by his parents. Where Kris struggles being away from his parents. But eventually he adapts to the boarding school life. But during Christmas, Kris is forgotten by his parents; he has to make his way back on his own. And when he returns, he discovers something horrifying: the caretaker, Thomas, has been brutally murdered in the backwaters near St. Joseph’s Boarding School.

Inspector Jayaram takes up the investigation, but despite everything, the killer is never identified, and the case eventually goes cold.

Seventeen years later, Krish still hasn’t been able to completely escape what happened. As the case somehow resurfaces, the search for the truth begins again.  The investigation unfolds steadily, with clues carefully placed throughout the story. The inclusion of a journal adds another layer to the narrative.

Husna's descriptions of Kerala are rich and cinematic, making the landscape feel like another character in the story. The lush greenery, winding waterways, and monsoon-soaked villages create an unforgettable backdrop for the mystery.

I liked that the mystery unfolded patiently. Every chapter revealed just enough to keep me invested without relying on one twist after another. The story takes its time, letting you get to know the people before revealing what really happened. I found myself caring as much about their lives as I did about solving the mystery, which made the final reveal even more satisfying.

The Kerala setting added so much to the reading experience. The backwaters, quiet churches, and close-knit community created an atmosphere where it felt believable that a secret could stay buried for years.

By the end, all the loose ends came together neatly. Nothing felt added just for a dramatic twist, and I closed the book thinking about how the past has a way of finding its way back.

Overall, it is a gripping read.

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