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The Bandit Queens: A Novel

A young Indian woman finds the false rumors that she killed her husband surprisingly useful--until other women in the village start asking for her help getting rid of their own husbands--in this razor-sharp debut.

 

Five years ago, Geeta lost her no-good husband. As in, she actually lost him--he walked out on her and she has no idea where he is. But in her remote village in India, rumor has it that Geeta killed him. And it's a rumor that just won't die.

 

It turns out that being known as a "self-made" widow comes with some perks. No one messes with her, harasses her, or tries to control (ahem, marry) her. It's even been good for business; no one dares to not buy her jewelry.

 

Freedom must look good on Geeta, because now other women are asking for her "expertise," making her an unwitting consultant for husband disposal.

 

And not all of them are asking nicely.

 

With Geeta's dangerous reputation becoming a double-edged sword, she has to find a way to protect the life she's built--but even the best-laid plans of would-be widows tend to go awry. What happens next sets in motion a chain of events that will change everything, not just for Geeta, but for all the women in their village.

 

Filled with clever criminals, second chances, and wry and witty women, Parini Shroff's The Bandit Queens is a razor-sharp debut of humor and heart that readers won't soon forget.

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Published Jan 9, 2024

384 pages

Average rating: 7.28

555 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Anonymous
Jul 05, 2024
8/10 stars
Just a fun little book about murder and revenge.
CeLynasings
Dec 31, 2023
9/10 stars
This book made me laugh, cry and fall in love with the main character.
JL Reads
Apr 21, 2025
7/10 stars
A slow start, but it quickly picks up. Geeta’s wit shines, and the sisterhood she builds with Saloni, Farah, Priya, and Preity is fierce and unforgettable. A bold, layered story that dives into caste and justice—with some very satisfying payback. Book #36 in 2025
Areyes
Jan 19, 2025
7/10 stars
Unexpectedly hilarious.
NisaReads2
Jan 14, 2025
8/10 stars
Very interesting story line! I was intrigued by the cultural aspects of the story. I always love an underdog type of story and the fact it’s mixed in with a tad bit of mystery is cool! Listened on audiobook.

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