I picked up 400 Days by Chetan Bhagat expecting a light, fast-paced thriller. What I didn’t expect was a surprisingly layered story that weaves together mystery, motherhood, and the quiet ache of unspoken pain. If you’re into fiction mystery books that balance emotional depth with page-turning suspense, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.
The Story (No Spoilers, Just Suspense)
Here are the 400 Days by Chetan Bhagat in a nutshell: Alia, a 12-year-old girl, vanishes from her upscale Delhi neighborhood. Her mother, Keshav, a struggling stand-up comedian, teams up with Saurabh, a quirky detective with a knack for cracking cold cases. The catch? They have 400 days to find her. As they dig deeper, secrets about the family’s past, shady neighbors, and a mysterious cult leader unravel. But the clock is ticking and every clue leads to more questions than answers.
The rule of staying peacefully with parents is to keep the sarcasm minimal.
Why This Book Works for a Quick Thrill
Bhagat’s strength is his breezy, conversational style. The chapters are short, the dialogue snappy, and the pacing relentless, think Gone Girl meets Bollywood suspense. The mystery isn’t overly complex, making 400 Days a great gateway into fiction mystery books for readers who usually avoid the genre.
What makes the 400 Days book stand out is its relatable Indian setting. From WhatsApp gossip groups to societal pressure on mothers, Bhagat weaves in cultural nuances that feel authentic. Saurabh, with his awkward charm and hidden genius, is a character you’ll root for, even when the plot stretches believability.
Heads-Up: Don’t Expect Gone Girl Depths
If you’re a hardcore thriller fan, 400 Days might feel lightweight. The twists are predictable, and the emotional stakes (while heartfelt) lack the grit of darker mysteries. But that’s the point—this isn’t Nordic noir. It’s a masala thriller designed to entertain, not haunt you.
Should You Read It?
Yes, 400 Days by Chetan Bhagat is ideal for readers dipping their toes into fiction mystery books for the first time or anyone craving a fast-paced whodunit with a desi twist.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) – A fun, flawed debut into a mystery that’s perfect for a lazy Sunday.
Need more quick thrills? Check out our fiction mystery books list, including this 400 Days book review and other binge-worthy picks. Spoiler: You’ll finish this faster than a Netflix episode.