Books
Interview with acclaimed author Berjis Desai on his latest crime thriller, “Murder at the Racecourse”

Renowned lawyer and author Berjis Desai has once again captivated readers with his latest crime thriller, Murder at the Racecourse. Known for works like Oh! Those Parsis, The Bawaji, and Towers of Silence, Desai now delves into the suspense-filled world of horse racing, exposing a dark tale of scandal, betrayal, and murder. With an intricate plot set against the high-stakes backdrop of the racecourse, the book follows the mysterious death of trainer Nari Mansukhani and the tumultuous investigation that ensues, revealing the murky underbelly of an industry driven by passion, greed, and secrecy. A former journalist, racing steward, and thoroughbred horse breeder, Desai combines his personal experiences and expertise to bring readers an unforgettable story. Today, we sit down with Berjis Desai to learn more about Murder at the Racecourse and his unique approach to writing crime fiction.
Berjis Ji, congratulations on the release of Murder at the Racecourse! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this novel?
Berjis Desai: Thank you! Horse racing has always fascinated me—not just as a sport but as a world filled with complexity, passion, and often darker motivations. I’ve spent years around racecourses, observing the dynamics and the people involved, and I felt that this world could be the perfect setting for a gripping crime thriller. I wanted to take readers beyond the glamour and speed of the racecourse into a realm where ambition and desperation coexist, and where fortunes can be made or shattered in seconds. That tension and uncertainty provided the ideal backdrop for Murder at the Racecourse.
You’ve had a unique career as a racing steward and horse breeder. How did your background influence the story, and what do you hope readers take away from this book?
Berjis Desai: My experience as a racing steward and breeder certainly added authenticity to the story. I’ve seen firsthand the dedication, the stakes, and sometimes the compromises people make in this industry. This book isn’t just about solving a murder—it’s also about exploring the human side of a world driven by ambition, betrayal, and secrecy. Through Murder at the Racecourse, I hope readers will get a glimpse into that hidden world and feel the tension, the excitement, and the unpredictability that defines it.