The Taj Conspiracy by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar

"The Taj Conspiracy", by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar.

Mehrunisa (Persian mother and Sikh father, now dead) lives with her godfather and Taj historian Mr. Kaul. She is fluent in 6 languages and a historian herself.

She goes to meet the curator of Taj Mahal, Arun Toor, & finds him dead between tombs of Mumtaz and Shahjahan. He is in a peculiar position and has written something in his blood. (Did this remind you of Da Vinci Code?). She finds that the caligraphy on tomb of Mumtaz is altered, thereby declaring it fake. A Pakistani terrorist is plotting to attack Taj. Mehrunisa is attacked but escapes miraculously. Mr. Kaul is loosing his mind to an illness.

What is the Taj conspiracy? Who is behind it? Hindu political party? Pakistani terrorist? Home grown terrorist? Someone else? Can Meherunisa solve the case? Does she get any help from the government agencies or the bald officer assigned for the case? Who is the real culprit?

Character of Shri Kriplani is a fusion of MM Joshi and LK Advani. All characters are properly developed. Almost everyone seems to be the culprit.  Story is gripping and keeps you interested. Mehrunisa and Pamposh, new age ladies are constructed in interesting manner. All the conspiracy theories and legends about Taj are used to create suspense and confusion.

Manreet seems to be India's answer to Dan Brown. She has heightned the expectations.

A good read.