Razz by Hamna Mohsin

About this novel

Raaz (Urdu: راز) by Hamna Mohsin is a complete Urdu mystery romance about a clever bank thief who announces his crimes in advance. Zunaira, a fearless college girl, is determined to meet him, and the title means the secret.

The novel opens at a police station. “What? Were you all asleep? How can anyone just rob a bank like that?” Inspector Adeel is furious. “Sir, the thief is extremely clever,” Mohsin answers. “If the thief is clever, why aren’t you?” the inspector snaps back. Mohsin promises, “Don’t worry, sir, we’ll catch him soon.”

The scene then moves to two friends. Zunaira, reading the newspaper, exclaims happily, “Wow, it’s the same thief!” Fareeha has no idea what she’s talking about. Zunaira explains: this is the thief who challenges the police before every robbery – and the police fail every time. Fareeha is shocked that her friend is so thrilled about crimes, but Zunaira says she doesn’t get it: his method is special. Behind their college there is a big jungle, and rumour says that a day before each robbery he writes a code word there. Anyone who can decode it will know where the next robbery will happen.

کالج کے پیچھے جنگل، ایک خفیہ کوڈ، اور چور سے ملنے کا شوق۔

Fareeha tries to change the subject and asks whether Zunaira has made notes from today’s lecture, but Zunaira is offended that she isn’t paying attention. “Okay, fine, I heard your favourite thief’s story – now what?” Fareeha asks. Zunaira’s answer leaves her speechless: “I want to meet this thief.” Fareeha protests – don’t these people shoot before they even talk? She will never go into that jungle; she loves her life too much. “Can’t you support me this one time? Just tonight, please, please,” Zunaira begs, and Fareeha holds her head in despair.

Hamna Mohsin mixes suspense with light, funny friendship, and the title – “secret” – promises that the thief’s identity will be the biggest surprise of all.

You can read Raaz online here or download the complete PDF for free. More by Hamna Mohsin: Tum Saath Ho Jab Apne, Dil Ka Rishta and Dastan E Junoon, or see all Hamna Mohsin novels.