How to commit a post-colonial murder by Nina McConigley

A deceptive title for a deeply introspective story. I came for a satirical murder mystery; I stayed for a raw and poignant look at sisterhood and stolen innocence. A haunting story of Indian-American identity and the weight of the truth we don’t talk about.

I looked at the cover, I read the blurb, I thought I knew what kind of book this was. I strapped myself in for an entertaining satirical murder thriller with humorous but insightful references to colonialism. However, this book was entirely different from what I anticipated. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but my first impression was completely wrong. This isn’t a dark crime comedy; it’s a poignant, unconventional novel about family, cultural identity, and stolen innocence.

The tale follows tween sisters Georgie and Agatha Krishna, whose lives change when their family arrives from India to live with them in Wyoming. It’s told by the youngest sister, Georgie. Her narrative intertwines the experience of being a first-generation East Indian-American in the American West with the harrowing secrets of violation buried beneath the surface of their family life.

Georgie’s narrative is a portrait of 80s tween angst; at times she reads fierce and accusatory, other times melancholy and morose. I found McConigley’s storytelling for the most part captivating. Passages go on interesting tangents that seem unrelated but loop back round to the core theme of identity, even if you can’t see the connection from the outset.

That said, I’m still trying to figure out some of the unconventional format choices. At points it clicked, at other points it didn’t, and even after reflection, I’m still quite unsure.

This book needs a content warning. Although it deals with child molestation delicately, it is a recurring theme. Through Georgie’s voice, we see how such a heartbreaking trauma impacts the sisters’ childhood, relationships, and future choices.

Despite the title, it’s not very “murderous” and it is oddly different from what the premise suggests. Typically, I’d find that quite annoying, but this story left a lasting impression on me. It is emotional, intriguing, and somehow culturally aware all at the same time.

Huge thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK for the Advanced Reader Copy. As always, this is an unfiltered review and all thoughts are my own.