Into the Leopard’s Den by Harini Nagendra is a wonderfully immersive mystery set in 1922 Bangalore and Coorg, filled with suspense, atmospheric detail, and compelling characters. Kaveri Murthy’s resolve to step back from detection is quickly tested when she receives a plea for help from a dying woman clutching her photograph—a haunting start that pulls her right into the heart of danger. Nagarenda does a fantastic job weaving a multi-layered plot involving a ghostly leopard, a powerful coffee magnate, and a trail of secrets that threaten to turn deadly. Kaveri’s journey from her home confinement to the jungles of Coorg is full of tension, with each new discovery raising the stakes. I loved how the story shifts seamlessly between Bangalore and Coorg, creating a vivid sense of place and historical richness. The characters are well-developed, and the supporting cast—especially Venu and Anandi—add warmth and intelligence to the investigation. The suspense builds steadily, with enough twists and clues to keep me guessing until the final reveal. Nagarenda captures the atmosphere of colonial India beautifully, making the reader feel immersed in its sights, sounds, and shadows. While a couple of plot points felt a bit predictable, the overall pacing and intriguing mystery make Into the Leopard’s Den a satisfying and memorable read. It’s a clever blend of history, suspense, and regional mysticism that fans of historical mysteries will thoroughly enjoy. Four stars for a compelling chase to catch a cunning killer before they strike again!