The Dahanu Detectives are back with yet another thrilling adventure in Ruckus in Rishikesh: The Mystery of The Temple Thefts by Meenal Dighe, a gripping children’s mystery set against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas.
This time, Mini, Richa, Krish, and Aditya—known fondly as the Dahanu Detectives—are off to a summer camp in Rishikesh. What begins as an exciting getaway filled with adventure activities like hiking, river-rafting, and zip-lining quickly takes a mysterious turn. Strange happenings at the camp and eerie incidents in the nearby village soon catch the young sleuths’ attention.
During a casual walk, the children witness a police investigation into a temple theft. Intrigued and eager for a challenge, they jump headfirst into solving the case. But the journey ahead is fraught with danger. From terrifying encounters with wild animals in the adjacent National Park to the nerve-wracking experience of getting lost in the jungle, the young detectives must rely on their wits, courage, and friendship to uncover the truth. As time runs out, the Dahanu Detectives race against the Rishikesh Police to find the stolen loot before it disappears forever.
Brimming with adventure, suspense, and the charm of Indian landscapes, Ruckus in Rishikesh captures the spirit of curiosity and bravery that defines Meenal Dighe’s storytelling. It’s a delightful continuation of the Dahanu Detectives Series, which began with Disruptions in Dahanu – A Seaside Mystery from India and was followed by Guilty in Gwalior – A Heritage Mystery from India. Both books received high acclaim from readers and critics alike.
Disruptions in Dahanu won the Best Debut Writer (Female) award at the 3rd YathaKatha International Film and Literature Festival, Mumbai 2024, and Best Book – Children’s Adventure Category by Sahitya Sparsh Awards 2024. Guilty in Gwalior went on to win Best Book – Mystery and Adventure at the Enlit Kids Book Awards 2025, and Children’s Book of the Year at the Suenos by Ukiyoto International Children’s Book Awards 2024–25.
Meenal Dighe, an Indian author based in Mumbai, brings her love for nature, history, and culture to every story she writes. With academic backgrounds in Chemical Engineering, HR Management, and Psychological Counselling, she weaves her diverse experiences into rich, engaging narratives for young readers. Her passion for birds, wildlife, and archaeology is evident in her storytelling, and she fondly describes wildlife sanctuaries, libraries, and museums as her favorite places on earth.
Her previous works, Disruptions in Dahanu and Guilty in Gwalior, have also reached multilingual audiences—translated into Marathi (Dahanut Khalbal – Samudra Kinaryavarche Rahasya) and Spanish (Culpable en Gwalior – Un misterio de patrimonio de la India), respectively. With Ruckus in Rishikesh, Meenal continues to expand the beloved world of the Dahanu Detectives while inspiring children to think curiously, act bravely, and cherish India’s natural and cultural heritage.
Beyond writing, Meenal dedicates her time to working with municipal schools in tribal areas and traveling across India and the world, gathering inspiration and “finding stories everywhere.”
With Ruckus in Rishikesh: The Mystery of The Temple Thefts, Meenal Dighe once again proves her mastery in crafting thrilling, heartwarming tales that entertain, educate, and celebrate the wonder of exploration. Readers of all ages are in for a treat as the Dahanu Detectives embark on their most exciting and dangerous adventure yet.
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