Parini Shroff's debut novel follows Geeta, a woman in rural India whose abusive husband disappeared five years ago, leaving her both free and burdened by rumors that she murdered him.

When desperate women in her village seek her help eliminating their own problematic husbands, Geeta gets reluctantly drawn into a web of amateur crime alongside her former best friend Saloni and other village women. This book excels at balancing serious social commentary about domestic violence, poverty, and women's limited options in patriarchal society with genuinely funny dark humor.

Shroff writes with sharp wit about female friendship—particularly the complex dynamics between Geeta and Saloni, whose relationship feels authentic in its messiness and grudges. The author skillfully weaves in critique of how women are trapped by both traditional expectations and modern economic pressures without ever feeling preachy.

The ensemble cast of village women each feels distinct, from pragmatic Farah to naive Priya, and their various motivations for seeking violent solutions ring true.

However, the pacing occasionally stumbles in the middle section as the plot mechanics of their schemes become repetitive. Some readers may find the tonal shifts jarring—the book jumps between laugh-out-loud moments and genuinely disturbing scenes of abuse and violence. The ending, while satisfying, feels somewhat rushed given the careful buildup. This novel works best for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with bite, particularly those interested in contemporary international fiction that doesn't shy away from difficult topics. Fans of dark comedy and stories about female solidarity will find much to appreciate. However, readers seeking either pure comedy or straightforward social realism might find themselves unsatisfied by the genre-blending approach. Those sensitive to detailed depictions of domestic violence should approach with caution, though Shroff handles these scenes with appropriate gravity.