Title: The Case of the Mysterious Witches
Author: Mallika Ravikumar
Publisher: Talking Cub (a Speaking Tiger Imprint)
Type: Paperback
Length: 280 pages
Genre: Mystery/Adventure
Age recommendation: 10 years+
The latest installment in the M4 Mystery Series has all the ingredients for a gripping mystery: witches, godmen and charlatans, a shadowy real estate racket, and four determined young protagonists trying to set things right.
The story begins with the M4 on a trek through the Maulsari forest, where a woman’s scream interrupts their exploration. With the help of a retired colonel, an aspiring doctor, and an entomologist, they rush to her aid —finding her severely injured in a ditch. The group splits up: one half escorts her to a local health clinic while the others head to the nearest police station to file an FIR.
This event sets off a tense and compelling investigation. Who are the people trying to brandish this woman as a witch? Why are they doing that? What is the motive behind all of this? The deeper M4 digs, the more sinister the motives seem, uncovering a web of manipulation, deceit, and power. Power that fears disruption and resists the change in the order that exists even today in the villages. If you question your place, there’s a price to pay.
The external mystery runs parallel to their inner conflict—especially for Mirchi. Raised on tales of witches, he is worried, even convinced they may be real. Mrs. Ghosh, an art teacher, shares that belief. But her daughter Aparajita, a sociology student, sees things differently. She views the situation through an academic lens and firmly pushes back—offering Mirchi and others a lesson in critical thinking.
Underlying the plot is the theme of belief versus reason. In a country where godmen and self-proclaimed babas operate like hydra heads (cut one off, two more appear), this story feels particularly relevant. Asaram and Gurmeet Ram Rahim may be in prison, and Nithyananda may be gone (but not forgotten), yet has their influence diminished? Even Jaggi has a case of murder against him —and still, their reach remains enormous. The book doesn’t question all beliefs — just the blind belief which can be easily manipulated and exploited.
Like all M4 stories, this too shines a light on how the worlds of the reader are almost like a bubble and there’s a much bigger world outside, where children their age face far more unfair hardship than they do. In book 1 it was Malhar, when he’s in disguise and the shame that sets him straight. In this it is Meera who sees young Gauri, a young girl her age, shouldering a sick mother, looking for a job making ends meet even while she dares to dream of a different life. To study. To be more. I like how Mallika shows a mirror to the reader and says how every small thing counts. The M4 are not out there to start revolutions, but those small acts that could change the life of one family / one person.
The story has momentum, and the M4 continue to be an earnest and likeable bunch. Through M4, the book makes a case for skepticism, awareness, and the courage to confront harmful superstitions—even when they’re deeply ingrained. In the end, The Case of the Mysterious Witches is a good addition to the series. It raises relevant questions, especially about how belief continues to be weaponised.
After finishing the book, I asked my 11-year-old daughter what she thought. Here’s what she said: “I felt angry at how women were easily tagged as witches, and ostracised. And yet, I found the story to be a little distant. What surprised me was how easily we believe something just because it’s been said for years. It made me think about how we should always ask questions, even if the story comes from someone older”
The Case of the Mysterious Witches reminds us that curiosity is just as important as courage. Through Mirchi’s fear, Meera’s empathy, and the quiet resistance of characters like Malhar and Aparajita, the story gives young readers a lens to see beyond fear and habit. And perhaps, as my daughter pointed out: just because someone older says it’s true, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t ask why.
You can read reviews of M4 BOOK 1 and M4 BOOK 2 on this website as well.
If you enjoyed this review and wish to order the book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),
CLICK & BUY NOW!Disclaimer: Mandira is part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc. She is the author of the award winning book Children of the Hidden Land. Her new release Muniya’s Quest for middle graders has been reviewed here with high praise and lots of love!
