It can't be you by Prem Rao

"It can't be you" by Prem Rao. This book is published by Cedar books in 2010 and has 188 pages.

Colonel Beliappa (Belli), a retired army man and estate owner, is dead at his bunglow in Coorg. He is survived by his 30 year old daughter, Shefali, whose affair to an unemployed Muslim youth is opposed by Belli. A 24 year old son, Pritam, who is not interested in the estate or army and is a drug addict. His second wife, a German lady 30 years younger, Elena. A faithful servant, Bahadur and memories of his first wife Dinaz.

Was it a murder or a suicide? Who had the motive? Who had opportunity? Why did Belli write 'It can't be you' just before dying?

Story happens in year 2000. Build up of the story and characters is very good. All the relationships are strained. The tensions between Belli and Dinaz before her death. Tension between Belli and Shefali over her relationship and intent of marrying a good for nothing Muslim boy. Tension between Belli and Pritam because of Pritam's interest in art and architecture instead of army and outdoor activities. Tension between Belli and Elena of a old rich husband and young beautiful trophy wife.

It is a murder mystery till you reach 70%, then suddenly the murderer is revealed. Then there is another murder. Then the story suddenly goes haywire and becomes one of old vengeance in last pages.

What happens to Elena? The character simply disappears from the story and there is no mention again. Looks like author is confused as to exactly what he wants to write; a murder mystery or a vengeance tale.

The story revolves around sex lives of the four main characters which are mostly their affairs. But some of them really do not have a bearing on the story. Then why are they in the book?

Author has sowed the seed of a sequel towards the end of this book. I hope that author resists the temptation to write one.

This book has a small font. Otherwise the pages would have increased by 50-70. So even though the book looks small, it isn't.

A good attempt for debut novel. Good first part before story goes haywire in the end.