This is a book launch with a twist. Orient Longman has published a book of 12 short detective stories, Cryptic Death and Other Stories, by Kalpana Swaminathan. And instead of the author just signing copies, one of the stories, A Workshop on Crime, will be enacted by Amol Palekar.

The book is Swaminathan's first collection of stories featuring the sleuth Aunt Lalli. The author is a pediatric surgeon who has been writing since childhood. The function will take place at The Wayside inn, Kalaghoda which has been chosen for it's ambience and old-world charm. It was also a favourite haunt of soldiers during World War II. This also celebrates Orient Longman's 50th year in publishing. A chapter of the company, Disha Books, is dedicated to publishing Indian fiction and poetry.

At Wayside Inn, Kalaghoda, July 02, 1997. Time: 7.30 pm

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.