Riva Razdan Returns with ‘Death of a Gentleman’ – A Glamorous, Psychological Thriller Set in Mumbai’s Elite Circles
From romantic-feminist fiction to a razor-sharp murder mystery, Riva Razdan takes a bold narrative leap with her latest novel – Death of a Gentleman – a gripping thriller that delves into the polished yet perilous world of Mumbai’s high society.
Mumbai-based author and screenwriter Riva Razdan, best known for her heartwarming and empowering stories like Arzu (2021) and The Naani Diaries (2023), shifts gears dramatically with her latest offering. With Death of a Gentleman, she ventures into the shadowy terrain of psychological suspense, giving readers a stylish whodunit soaked in secrets, ambition, and betrayal.
Set in the opulent heart of South Mumbai, the novel follows Yuvraaj Khanna, a charismatic tech entrepreneur on the cusp of legendary success. His grocery delivery startup has just reached a jaw-dropping valuation of $900 million, and he’s engaged to the stunning Sanjanaa Gandhi, a doctor from Malabar Hill’s crème de la crème. But just as everything seems perfect, the sudden death of his estranged, ultra-wealthy father unravels his world.
What begins as a personal tragedy soon morphs into a full-blown investigation—one that threatens to expose not only Yuvraaj’s carefully guarded past, but also the power plays, class rivalries, and emotional scars festering beneath the city’s gilded surface. As ambition collides with legacy, the line between truth and illusion begins to blur.
Speaking on the deeper themes of the novel, Razdan shares,
“I’d hope that this novel helps readers step off the hedonistic treadmill—the one that makes you feel you must constantly keep up with the lives you see curated on Instagram. I believe the way forward is to build a fortress of your own values and surround yourself with people who protect you as you build a life you love.”
Blending glamour with grit, Death of a Gentleman is as much a pulse-pounding page-turner as it is a nuanced critique of modern-day aristocracy, where identity is curated, love is transactional, and power is the ultimate prize.
About the Author
Riva Razdan is a Mumbai-based author and screenwriter whose previous books have carved a niche in the romantic-feminist fiction space. Her debut novel Arzu was followed by The Naani Diaries, which is now being adapted into a feature film by the Oscar-nominated Meralta Films (of Indian Matchmaking and I Am Ready Warden fame). With Death of a Gentleman, Razdan embraces the noir, presenting a stylish murder mystery that reveals the darker pulse beneath privilege.
About the Book
In Death of a Gentleman, the stakes are as high as the net worths.
Yuvraaj Khanna is moments away from having it all—wealth, love, success—until his estranged father’s sudden death sets off a chain reaction of suspicion, scandal, and long-buried family secrets. As the investigation deepens, the masks of Mumbai’s elite begin to slip, revealing a world where nothing—not even love—is what it seems.
With 360 pages of fast-paced prose, wicked twists, and razor-sharp insights, this book peels back the layers of a city that thrives on perfection, while hiding rot beneath.
Book Details
Title: Death of a Gentleman
Author: Riva Razdan
Format: Paperback
Length: 360 pages
Price: ₹399
Release Date: 26 May 2025
Available on: Amazon