"Club You To Death" By Anuja Chauhan: A Delhi Mystery Unveiled

Hollie Heller 23 May 2025

Is it possible for a seemingly simple accident to unveil a world of secrets, betrayals, and simmering tensions within the gilded cage of Delhi's elite? In Anuja Chauhan's "Club You to Death," the answer is a resounding, thrilling 'yes,' as a murder at the Delhi Turf Club ignites a firestorm of suspicion and exposes the underbelly of privilege.

The Delhi Turf Club, a bastion of the city's high society, is the setting for Chauhan's latest novel, a space where the privileged few cling to their status with a fervor that borders on desperation. It's a world of meticulously maintained lawns, hushed whispers, and unspoken rules, a world that seems to exist apart from the "ills of modernity" that, in their view, threaten to engulf the city. The air is thick with the scent of wealth, entitlement, and a sense of impending doom, a perfect backdrop for a tale of murder and intrigue.

The catalyst for the unfolding drama is the death of a handsome personal trainer, found asphyxiated beneath an overloaded barbell in the club's gym. Initially dismissed as a tragic accident, the circumstances surrounding the death quickly unravel, revealing a complex web of relationships, hidden grudges, and the cutthroat competition that simmers beneath the surface of the upcoming club elections. ACP Bhavani, the astute investigator at the heart of the story, is thrust into a world of opulent lifestyles, petty rivalries, and closely guarded secrets.

Chauhan masterfully crafts a narrative that is both a gripping mystery and a sharp social commentary. Her writing style is witty and articulate, imbued with a keen understanding of human nature. The characters are richly drawn, each with their own motivations and flaws, and the sizzling chemistry between the lead pair provides an added layer of intrigue. "Club You to Death" is more than just a whodunit; it's a slow-burn exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of a vibrant and complex city.

The novel is described by HarperCollins India as a "bloody good romance," and it delivers on that promise. The romance is interwoven with the mystery, adding an element of emotional depth and making the stakes even higher. The reader is drawn into the intricate dance of relationships, where trust is a fragile commodity and secrets can be lethal.

The title itself, "Club You to Death," is a clever play on words, capturing the essence of the story's setting and the eventual revelation of the truth. The Delhi Turf Club, or DTC, is not just a location; it is a character in itself, its opulent facade hiding a darkness that is gradually exposed as the investigation progresses.

The meticulous world-building is one of the book's greatest strengths. Chauhan paints a vivid picture of Lutyen's Delhi, the exclusive enclave where the city's elite reside. The descriptions of the surroundings are detailed and evocative, immersing the reader in the atmosphere of privilege and power. Readers familiar with Delhi Lutyens will be especially enthralled, recognizing the familiar nuances of the environment. The story takes place in a fictitious club frequented by the who's who of the elite Delhi society.

The mystery unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing the reader to become fully invested in the characters and their relationships. The suspense is carefully constructed, with clues and red herrings scattered throughout the narrative. The execution of the mystery is well-crafted, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. However, the inclusion of a brewing love story and incessant gossips is perceived to have diluted the suspense in the story by a few readers.

The cover of the book itself is captivating, a reflection of the compelling story that lies within. "Club You to Death" promises a reading experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and social commentary.

For those who appreciate a well-crafted mystery with a touch of romance and a keen observation of social dynamics, "Club You to Death" by Anuja Chauhan is a must-read. It is a story that will keep you guessing, make you laugh, and leave you pondering the complexities of human nature long after you turn the final page. This is the first book for some readers of this author and it turned out to be a pleasant experience.

The upcoming club elections add another layer of tension to the story. The contenders for the post of club president, their ambitions, and the lengths to which they are willing to go, drive much of the plot. One particular relationship of note is that of Khurana, whose wife is a contender for the post. There was no love lost between the dead man and mr. Khurana, which adds a new layer to the mystery.

The author's ability to build characters is evident throughout the book. Each character, even those with smaller roles, is given a distinct personality and a backstory. The dialogue is witty and engaging, adding to the overall enjoyment of the story. With a witty writer like Anuja Chauhan, the character building is one of the highlights of the book.

The novel is more than just entertainment; it offers a commentary on the changing social landscape of Delhi, the clash between tradition and modernity, and the enduring power of human relationships. It's a story that will resonate with readers who are interested in exploring the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of social dynamics.

The setting of the Delhi Turf Club is central to the story. The club is described as a microcosm of Delhi society, a place where wealth and status are paramount. The murder, which occurs on the club premises, brings ACP Bhavani to the spot, setting in motion a series of events that expose the secrets hidden within the club's walls.

It's interesting how the book title grabs the attention, setting the tone from the very beginning. The fact that the story unfolds within the Delhi Turf Club, and the murder takes place in the club gym, creates a unique setting for the story to evolve.

The book has been available on Rakuten Kobo too.

The novel is a slow burn, filled with drama and intrigue, which adds to the suspense.

The book is available from Harper Collins India and consists of 432 pages.

All hell breaks loose when a hunky personal trainer is found dead under a heavily loaded barbell.

In the heart of Lutyens' Delhi, the Delhi Turf Club is more than just a club; it's a reflection of a bygone era. The novel explores the idea that it has become an ageing superstar that has become irrelevant in modern times, yet it endures. This adds a fascinating layer of social commentary, providing a backdrop of a society clinging to its identity.

Category	Details
Book Title	Club You to Death
Author	Anuja Chauhan
Publisher	HarperCollins India
Setting	Delhi Turf Club, Lutyens' Delhi
Genre	Mystery, Romance, Social Commentary
Themes	Murder, Intrigue, Social Hierarchy, Romance, Secrets, Club Elections
Main Character	ACP Bhavani
Key Elements	Witty Writing, Character Building, Sizzling Chemistry, Slow Burn, Whodunit, Delhi Lutyens Setting
Number of Pages	432
Price	Rs. 399
Notable Feature	The book title \u2018club you to death\u2019 will grab the attention as the story has been set in the delhi turf club and the murder happens in the club gym, later on when you are in the middle of the book, you understand the catch of the word \u2018club\u2019 too.
Where to Buy	Rakuten Kobo and other online book stores
Reference	HarperCollins India