Who doesn’t love a good mystery? There’s something about detective fiction that keeps us glued to the pages—piecing together clues, playing the armchair detective, and feeling that rush when the mystery finally unravels. The Case of the Counterfeit Currency by Shraddha Sahi brings back that thrilling experience but with a refreshing twist—our sleuth isn’t a grizzled detective but a thirteen-year-old girl with an obsession for catching criminals!
Shraddha Sahi crafts an engaging and intelligent narrative featuring Chinmayee Ishwar Deshpande (C.I.D.), a teenager whose curiosity leads her into the murky world of counterfeit money. While the market is flooded with detective novels, Sahi’s book stands out because it blends an accessible writing style with an intriguing plot, making it a great pick for young readers and mystery lovers alike.
The story kicks off when Chinmayee finds a fake ₹1000 note on her birthday—not exactly the kind of gift anyone hopes for. But instead of discarding it, her detective instincts kick in, and she begins to investigate. What follows is a thrilling chase involving a notorious criminal producing counterfeit currency. With every clue, the tension rises—will Chinmayee be able to crack the case? Or is she getting into something too big for her to handle?
The narrative flows seamlessly, with well-placed twists and turns that keep the reader engaged from start to finish. The best part? The book never underestimates its audience—there’s real detective work, logical deductions, and high stakes, all presented in a way that’s thrilling but not overwhelming.
Shraddha Sahi’s writing is crisp, clear, and perfectly paced. She knows her audience well—there’s no unnecessary complexity, just sharp storytelling that pulls you in. The dialogues feel natural, and the descriptions paint a vivid picture without dragging the pace.
What I particularly liked was her ability to maintain suspense without overcomplicating things. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you hooked, ensuring that readers—especially young ones—stay engaged without feeling lost. If you’re a fan of Enid Blyton’s Five Find-Outers or Nancy Drew, you’ll love the charm and intelligence in Sahi’s storytelling.
The highlight of the book is undoubtedly Chinmayee Ishwar Deshpande, our young detective. She’s a breath of fresh air in the world of sleuths—intelligent, determined, and incredibly relatable. Unlike the stereotypical child detective who stumbles upon clues by luck, Chinmayee is smart, observant, and methodical. She isn’t just solving a mystery; she’s earning her answers through logic and perseverance.
The supporting characters add depth and realism—from family members to law enforcement, everyone plays a role that enhances the story. Even the villain is more than just a one-dimensional “bad guy.” Sahi ensures that the characters feel believable and engaging, making the narrative even more immersive.
The book follows a well-paced structure with short, engaging chapters that keep the momentum going. The twists are cleverly placed, ensuring the reader stays intrigued. The pacing is one of its strongest points—there’s never a dull moment, but at the same time, it doesn’t rush through the mystery.
Sahi does a fantastic job of gradually unraveling the clues, allowing readers to piece things together along with Chinmayee. This interactive style makes the book more immersive and fun to read.
Beyond the detective plot, the book subtly explores themes of justice, courage, and curiosity. It encourages young readers to question things, think critically, and be observant—all valuable skills both in fiction and real life.
Another commendable aspect is how it portrays a strong female protagonist in a genre dominated by male detectives. Chinmayee’s intelligence and determination send a powerful message to young readers, especially girls—that they, too, can be the hero of their own stories.
This book isn’t just about solving a mystery—it’s about the thrill of discovery, the excitement of the chase, and the satisfaction of justice. There were moments when I found myself holding my breath, eager to see what would happen next. At the same time, Chinmayee’s personality brings in moments of humour and warmth, making the story emotionally engaging without being overly intense.
The Case of the Counterfeit Currency shines with its compelling protagonist, Chinmayee, whose brilliance, curiosity, and strong personality make her an engaging young detective. The mystery is well-structured, with clues unfolding naturally, keeping readers hooked without feeling forced. Shraddha Sahi’s writing is easy to follow yet gripping, striking a perfect balance between accessibility and depth. Beyond the mystery, the book subtly weaves in themes of intelligence and justice, encouraging young readers to think critically, question their surroundings, and embrace determination in the face of challenges.
While the book excels in many areas, the cover design could have been more engaging. A stronger visual representation could help attract more readers. Additionally, while the story remains gripping, a few secondary characters could have been explored further to add more depth to the narrative.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Case of the Counterfeit Currency. It’s a fast-paced, intelligent, and highly engaging detective novel that respects its readers’ intelligence. As someone who grew up reading detective fiction, this book was a nostalgic yet fresh experience.
In an age where mystery novels for young readers often dumb down the genre, Shraddha Sahi delivers a story that is smart, engaging, and full of heart. If you love detective fiction—or want to introduce young readers to the genre—this book is a must-read.
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