Unraveling the Riddle of Murder in A Case of Exploding Mangoes

Abstract

Open-ended plots will always leave an impression on the reader's memory. The novel A Case of Exploding Mangoes urgently needs to be dissected to find out who killed General Zia in the open ending. Using a qualitative descriptive method, this article aims to discuss the mystery in the novel by Mohammed Hanif and to separate the extrinsic and intrinsic elements; the theory of New Criticism has been used to inform the research. There are three most likely suspects in this premeditated murder case: General Akhtar, Ali Shigri, and Zainab. Of the three suspects, it is found that there is ample evidence to suggest that Zainab, the blind woman, is the one who committed the murder of General Zia.