Title: A Big Mystery for Little Meena

Author: Anamika Kundu

Genre: Adventure

Publisher: Sabre & Quill Publishers

Saddle up for an adventure on the sandy dunes of Rajasthan. That is where this book is going to take you. The vast desert , an army cantonment, children, camels spiced up with mystery and adventure, A Big Mystery for Little Meena is a perfect recipe for a wonderful read.

The novel begins with little yet intelligent and brave Meena getting kidnapped from her safe space in her tribe. She is smart and has a good rapport with animals, especially the camels that she and her tribe rear. She is close with her dear camel – Shambhu. What happens to Meena and what she discovers is the main plot. 

Rajasthan, being one of the borders that India shares with Pakistan, happens to be an Army area too. The desert where Meena’s tribe thrives houses an army cantonment too. The twins – Lucky and Veer, their friends Vineet, Zaheer and Tara are all children of Army officials of different ranks. They enjoy being Army kids despite many of them shifting bases every now and then. They belong to the close knit yet large army family who celebrate every small joy together. They all are students of the same school and often hangout together.

One evening, the five go on a cycling spree where Tara hears a girl shouting for help. The kids brave the odds, risking their safety and safe Meena from the clutches of her kidnappers. They recognize Meena and take her to Lucky’s and Veer’s parents Major Anand Bose and Mrs. Sen. Major Bose, the head of the cantonment, listens to Meena’s ordeal and plans to nab the culprits.

Back in the tribe, Meena explains her ordeal to her parents and siblings and informs them about her helping the Major. Her discovery leads to the climax of the story where her camel Shambhu and her brother Ramji also help in busting the plans.

Ms. Anamika, being an Army child herself has eloquently explained the life at the cantonment. The bond the tribes share with their animals, the loyalty that the animals show to their masters and of course patriotism is well chalked out too. 

The cover design gives us the glimpse of the setting of the story with the silhouettes of little Meena and Shambhu. 

This novel gave me a feeling of reading an Indian version of Famous Five with the innocence, bravery and the inquisitive nature of the five friends and Meena.

I would rate this book 5/5 for the simple language, interesting plot and amazing cover design and execution.

Link to the book – A Big Mystery for Little Meena