Team Kitaab reviews The Scratch and Sniff Chronicles by Hemangini Majumder (Niyogi Books, 2025)
The Scratch and Sniff Chronicles by Hemangini Majumder is a delightfully quirky and imaginative tale that masterfully blends humor, mystery, and cultural depth. At its core is Ollie, a refreshingly human protagonist whose extraordinary sense of smell—rooted in a medical condition—becomes both a professional asset and a source of personal struggle. Her witty self-awareness and charm, particularly in moments of awkward humor, make her instantly relatable and endearing.
The story gains momentum as strange events begin to unravel at Neelbari, an old estate thick with secrets, suspicion, and whispers of hauntings. Majumder deftly balances suspense with humor, weaving in family dynamics, long-buried truths, and cultural nuances that add authenticity and warmth. The integration of Bengali traditions—through food, language, and customs—enriches the narrative, grounding the supernatural and mysterious elements in real, lived experiences.