Hunt for Rama's bow by Suhail Mathur

"Hunt for Rama's bow" by Suhail Mathur - Illogical! 

This book is published by Om Books International in 2017 and has 310 pages. This is Adventure 1 of 'The Vishnu Chronicles'. 

Mohan, a final year history student and an orphan, gets mysterious letters informing that his non existent grand father is dying in Sahastapur and he should visit him before it's too late. When he reaches there, accompanied by his best friend Raj, they enter an alternate world and a sequence of events send them on a quest to the kingdom of evil king Dasavanakoka, in the realm of unknown. He collects a number of men on his way. Raj- his friend, Jayadev- Servant of his grand father and their guide, Rannvijaya- the cartographer, Pawan- a low cast Vedic scholar, Nagarjuna- a sorcerer. Back home his girlfriend Samaira, his Professor Suryamurthy, his guardian Dr. Chandra, who is researching Ram Setu, are very worried. 

What is this alternate world? Why does Mohan go there? Why does he take up the quest? How will his friends help him? Where is Rama's bow?

Villains have interesting names Drohakaal, Vinashkale, Vipareet Buddhi etc.. There is a traitor but the identity of traitor is very poorly concealed. I realised it as soon as it was (cryptically) revealed. Obviously not cryptic enough! Tasks with Jyeshtha and Tambadevi are so simple that it appears like a child's play. They end so quickly that you don't even begin to enjoy. War between Mohan and Dasavana is anti-climactic.

Bhavani talvar of Chatrapati Shivaji was the odd thing out. All other weapons were mythical. Bhavani talwar was the only historical artefact. Although the book is titled hunt for Rama's bow. The bow (Kodanda) is found half way into the book and the rest is for war with Dasavanakoka.

Whenever one writes a fiction, it's author's responsibility to provide logical justification, reason for what happens, even if it's magic. In this story author doesn't bother with such travails. He simply states what happens. As a result there are holes in the story. So many holes, that it appears like a sieve. Why did author do it? I will enumerate some examples here. Mohan starts the journey in the mythical world very easily, without questions. The team is assembled too easily, they just keep adding up within a span of less than a day. How come Mohan suddenly becomes confident and starts to dole out promises? Justification for Pawan's theft is laughable. How can Shabari's ber be bitter? How do they cross poisonous river? Why was it not possible to revive the king? The list is long....

Character of King Mukutveer appears to be inspired from a similar character in TV show Merlin. Tambadevi appears to be a pale imitation of Medusa. 

Although this Adventure 1 was published 4 years ago, there is no news of Adventure 2 (Krishna's Sudarshan chakra) yet. 

Why did I read this book? Curiosity

What I didn't like? Many things. 

What did I like? Umm.... 

AVOID.

Sea of greed by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown

"Sea of greed" by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown - Another world crisis averted!

This book is published by Michael Joseph in 2018 and has 416 pages. This is Book 16 of 'NUMA files'.

More than 50 years ago, French and Israeli scientists were working on gene sequencing on an isolated island, when one party betrays others. Present day, Alpha star platform is destroyed by fire. Kurt and Joe happen to be in the vicinity and manage to rescue the operators who are alive. It's not oil or gas that's coming out of sea bed. It's something else that reacts with water and burns. Oil reserves all over the world are suddenly depleting. Crisis is around the corner. President asks NUMA to resolve the crisis. 

What is the burning substance? Why are oil reserves depleting? Who is behind this? Can Kurt and Joe find the truth and avert the disaster?

This time it's the oil crisis. A bacteria that devours hydrocarbon and produces toxic gas. Obviously there is a consortium of oligarchs. A devious and ruthless but beautiful business woman to match wits with Kurt. A crisis that would destroy the world economy. 

Is the name Alpha star platform inspired by Piper Alpha platform and the horrific fire at the platform years ago?

The story is interesting, complete with technical and scientific details. Priya adds to the industriousness and talent of Kurt and Joe. The climax appears to be a little too quick.

Like other Cussler books, this one too, has hi tech gadgets. Here we have ultra compact battery pack, swim suit with artificial muscle, UFO shaped submarine, hydrocarbon eating bacteria, armored ship etc.

Banter between Joe and Kurt is delightful. It appears like there is probably going to be a spark between Joe and Priya. But Priya leaves NUMA at the end of the book. It's a surprise that Rudy joins the mission. Why would head of NUMA do it and put his life in danger, moreover, Rudy was never an operations guy. He is logistical genius.  

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What did I like? Concept.

What I didn't like? Rudy on mission. 

Read if you are reading the series. 

The Sarasvati civilisation by Maj. Gen. G. D. Bakshi

"The Sarasvati civilisation" by Maj. Gen. G. D. Bakshi - Every Indian should know!

This book is published by Garuda Prakashan in 2019.

Max Muller and Mortimer Wheeler decreed that Aryans were foreigners. As per them Aryans migrated to India around 1500 BCE and they composed Rigveda in India. Aryan invasion theory and Indo-Aryan migration theories were propounded by British to mitigate British foreignness. British had a policy of creating divide based on cast, creed and religion. Denying identity of India as a nation worked for 200 years. The very idea of India was rediculed. Author counters it. 

Sacred river Sarasvati dried out around 1800 BCE. Rig Veda has several mentions of mighty Sarasvati in full flow which was around 1900 BCE. So Rigveda definitely predates 1500 BCE. Author emphatically states that theory of Aryans as outsiders was a deliberate attempt by British to justify their rule and to break Indian moral. A deliberate plan to inflict a sense of inferiority. He severely criticizes "leftist" Indian historians for following British narrative and ignoring huge and continuously mounting evidence to the contrary. Author vigorously contests and severely criticizes Tony Joseph's theory that agriculture and domestication of animals came to India from Mesopotamia 10,000 years ago. He emphasizes that Indians domesticated plants and animals indigenously.

More than 60% of sites of the so called Indus valley civilisation are located along the dried out course of the Sarasvati, not Sindhu.

Carbon dating of Rakhigiri and Bhirhana sites puts their age from 8500 to 9000 years. Remains of chariot in Baghpat are carbon dated to before purported Aryan invasion/ migration. Gene mapping does not support Aryan and Dravidian separation. On the contrary it indicates the migration of Aryans out of India, not into India. Thus Aryans didn't come from outside but were natives of India. Desiccation of Sarasvati caused migration of some eastward to the Ganga-Yamuna region and others westward to Afghanistan, Iran and Anatolia.

Sarasvati the mighty river, that was 4600 km long and 6-8 km wide (max width 20 km), is the cradle river of Indian civilisation. Yamuna and Sutlej were its tributaries. A series of tectonic events caused Sutlej to veer west and merge with Sindhu and Yamuna to veer east and merge with Ganga. This coupled with weakening of monsoons reduced Sarastvati to a string of lakes and pools. There are 75 mantras in Rigveda, 68 in Yajurveda, 2 in Samaveda eulogizing Sarasvati. In Atharvaveda she satiates and liberates souls of our ancestors. Is this progression indicative of reduction in Sarasvati's flow and thus its importance? Sarasvati remains in our collective memory for millenniums even after its desiccation? Surprising fact is that we have not deciphered the Indus language script even today. If it's deciphered, a lot of riddles will be solved. 

Harappan civilization and Rigvedic civilization were one and the same. Author highlights some things from Harappan time that continue until today like ploughing pattern, shape of ploughs, shapes of cooking pots, tandoors, shapes of boats, design of bullock cart, bangles, red in hair partition, bindis, Yoga, Meditation etc.

Entire 9th mandala of Rigveda is devoted to Soma. Author states that Amanita Muscaria mushroom (a beautiful bright red mushroom with white dots) is identified as Vedic Soma. It's a mushroom known for it's hallucinogenic and mood altering properties. 

Author approaches the subject from all angles like literary references, language, gene sequencing, archaeological evidence etc. 

As far as DNA mapping is concerned, Matrilinier DNA studies support the theory that Aryans were natives of this land and migrated outwards. Western scholars (read Harvard) support Patrilinear studies and draw an opposite conclusion. More work is called for to settle this dispute. 

Author calls for a multi disciplinary seminar - a Copenhagen style convention - on Indology.

At the end he wishes that the river linking project can enable Sarasvati to flow again. With many archeological sites along the course, Sarasvati pilgrimage tourism can flourish. He also calls for private sector participation in this project. 

Author has around 10 to 15 points and he keeps repeating them again and again. This repetition is annoying and turns counter productive because it appears like a rhetoric. 

This book does not provide too many references of research done by others by section, clause etc. in great detail. The references are limited to author and year of publication. So it can be inferred that author has made a deliberate attempt to not make it a research work and to retain genre of popular non fiction to make it appealing to masses. 

Book cover is good. It shows Indian subcontinent without international borders and course of mighty Vedic Sarasvati river. 

Vineet Bajpai has used this very theory of Aryans being natives and not outsiders for his famous fiction Harappa trilogy.

Why did I read this book? Subject

What I didn't like? Repetitions. 

What did I like? Information.

Everyone should read at least the first chapter, if not all the book. 

Line of control by Mainak Dhar

"Line of control" by Mainak Dhar - India-Pak war!

This book is published by Vitasta Publishing Pvt Ltd in 2010 and has 322 pages. 

Saudi royal house is overthrown by radical mulla Abu Sayed who has declared himself Emir of the entire Muslim world. A devious plot by Pakistan PM, Illahi Khan, under guidance of Abu Sayed has brought India and Pakistan on the brink of war. India-Pak war always has religious and nuclear connotations. India hasn't been able to know the entire Pakistani plot. Indian PM Vivek Khosla activates deep asset Patriot. War begins.

What will happen in war? Who wins? Are nuclear weapons used? What is Pakistan's plot? Will it lead to WW III?

India and Pakistan war is a juicy plot. But it can go out of hand very easily. Author has a firm grip on the plot and is always in control. This war is fought on multiple fronts. So author has to jump from one sub story to another. But he does that seamlessly and retains the attention of audience effortlessly. 

The story is rich with characters. Vivek Khosla, India's business minded PM. Sen, Randhawa and Raman, the three service chiefs of air force, army and navy. Gireesh Joshi, the NSA. Pooja, the beautiful reporter. Rahul, her cameraman. Colonel Dev Chauhan, a tank squadron leader with a blot on his name. Nishant Singh, best Indian fighter pilot. Nitin Goel, his navigator and weapon's officer. On Pakistani side we have Illahi, fanatic Pakistani PM. Air Marshall Ashfaque Karim, who disagrees with PM Illahi, but can't dare to oppose him. Shamsher, army chief. Shoaib, Navy chief Ashfaq, ISI Chief. Arif, a mid level air force officer and Karim's friend. Abdul, Emir's emissary. Each character plays a vital role in the story.

Being a war story it has exciting battles. Dog fight of fighter jets in the air, Submarine wars, Tank battles, Hand to hand combat, air cover to ground troops etc. It's difficult to describe war in written words but author does exceedingly well. Readers live the war. 

The war is supplemented by war machines. Aircrafts like AWACS. Fighter planes like Mirage, Mig 23, Mig 27, Mig 29, Su 30, F15, F16 etc. Tanks like T90, Arjun, Type 59, T80 etc. Choppers like Cobra. Submarines like Type 209, Kilo, Agosta etc.

Author demonstrates his knowledge and study of the terrain, war machinery, war tactics and geopolitics. His grip on the essential elements is commendable. 

Identity of Patriot is not concealed very well. I was able to recognize the identity as soon as the character was introduced. The identity is revealed formally in the last line of the book. Some more effort was needed to bury it deeper. A couple of red herrings or decoys would have made the anticipation more exciting.

How does it all end? Well you will have to read the book. 

Why did I read this book? Author. Title. 

What I didn't like? Poorly concealed identity of Patriot. 

What did I like? Everything else.

It's a page turner. Must read!

Nobody likes an outsider by Fawaz Jaleel

"Nobody likes an outsider" by Fawaz Jaleel - Whodunnit!

This book is published by Kalamos Literary Services LLP in 2021 and has 212 pages. This is Yohan Tytler Mystery # 1. This is author's debut novel.

It's a political murder mystery. Although it's a fiction, as per author, the story draws inspiration from lot of real events.

Ashraf Zain, most promising young politician of India, is killed in an accident. He doesn't subscribe to religion and cast based vote bank politics. He was one honest politician that India wants. Piyali Sharma, Ashraf's PA commits suicide. Sr. Inspector Yohan Tytler of CBI, gets this as his first case as lead investigator. Yohan and his team of sub inspectors Sukumar & Ila Qureshi head to Begusarai, Bihar.

Was it an accident or murder? Is one of two main political parties involved? How will Yohan handle his first case as lead? What kind of pressures will he be subjected to? Whodunnit?

Yohan is a young dashing Sr. Inspector from a business family who has chosen this career over family business. Sukumar is analytical and his specialty is data gathering and deciphering. Ila is a child of single mother who had to struggle to continue her education and work for CBI. Director Verma is under pressure from various forces but trusts Yohan and his team. 

The story has all the right ingredients. There are false clues, there are red herrings, the perpetrator is not the suspect (the least suspected theory), there is investigation and deduction. Author's motive for murder is unexpected but true. So it becomes a decent murder mystery. The one thing that story lacks is drama. In a murder mystery readers should sit on the edge of the chair with anticipation. There should be twists and surprises. That is missing in this story. 

A number of questions go unanswered. How does Maulavi achieve soft baritone by reciting azan, when azan is always sung by Muezzin, not Maulavi. Why Piyali didn't call her father or someone else? How does the antagonist know about the swiss knife? Why Priyanshu and Chirag were not killed?

The book ends with the solving of this case. Expect Book # 2 soon. There is a preamble to second book at the end of this book. There is also a hint of possible romance in Yohan's life. 

All in all,  it's a good book, but not as good as the Goodreads and Amazon ratings suggest. 

Why did I read this book? High Goodreads and Amazon ratings. 

What I didn't like? Not enough drama. 

What did I like? Identity of perpetrator and motive is concealed well.

Read of you are a whodunit fan.

Gold diggers by Sanjena Sathian

"Gold diggers" by Sanjena Sathian - It's different!

This book was published by HarperCollins India in 2021 and has 352 pages. This is Sanjena's debut novel. 

Neil Narayan is friends with Anita Dayal and is close to her mother Anjali Dayal (Joshi), who runs a catering business for Indian community in America. One day Neil stumbles on a secret of Anita and Anjali and becomes a party to it.

What is the secret? Why does Neil become a party to it? What's in it for him? Who is the gold digger?

This is a novel of and about Indian Americans from the perspective of a second generation Indian American boy. On one hand Indian Americans try to retain their Indian identity and culture and on other hand they try to assimilate into American lifestyle. Point to be noted is that this is true even for second generation Americans. It's a constant comparison between what their parents strive and where they are. It's identity crisis. Are they Americans or are they Indians? Are they different? Are they always outsiders? What are they after?

Chemically, Gold is a noble metal. Financially, Gold is precious metal. Aesthetically, Gold is beautiful metal. However, in this book Gold signifies ambitions and aspirations of the owner and maker. When it is brewed, the ingestor inherits the ambitions of the owner & the maker. It's an interesting angle. With this concept, the story gains an altogether different perspective. Alchemy has enticed many for generations. This book is another foray into it.

Who is ambitious in America? Who is intelligent in America? Who works very hard to achieve their dreams? Who uses pure gold in America? Of course the Indian Americans. 

Then, there is a side story of a Hindu gold digger who came to America from Bombay and achieved some success. He was the only one of his kind, an aberration. He wanted to succeed but the whites castigated him as thief.

Neil, Anita and Anjali's story is a curious story. It keeps the reader interested. Then there is a time leap when Neel and Anita move away, until they meet again after 10 years. The story then takes absurd turn with weed, heist and what not. It appears as if the story is caught by an eddy and is carried to unintended destination. However author manages to pull it back to sense towards the end. 

Some aspects of this story are plain and simple, some aspects are mystic, some aspects are meta physical. So it's a mix of all with gold at the heart of it. 

Neil meets Ramesh Uncle, a retired professor from Calcutta. Ramesh uncle appears to be an important and mysterious character, but he suddenly disappears from the story to come back only at the end. 

It's a first person account of a male character written by a female author. The story is narrated by Neil Narayan.

This novel falls in the genre of 'Magical realism'. Its being adapted into a TV series by Kaling International. 

Why did I read this book? Interesting title. 

What did I like? The fresh take. 

What I didn't like? Dip after time leap. 

Read if you liked the review.

Haveli by Zeenat Mahal

"Haveli" by Zeenat Mahal - Quick read!

This book is published by Indiareads Incorporated in 2013 and has 90 pages. It's a novella. 

Chandani, granddaughter of widow of Nawab of Jalalabad (Begum) is in love with a person 20 years older. Begum still lives in world of Nawabs. An England educated handsome, sexy, alpha male (Taimur) is introduced to Chandani. Taimur and Chandani can't see eye to eye. Enter her absent father.

Who is Chandani in love with? Is it love? Can she and Taimur ever become friends? What's the real motive of her father's return? How will Chandani cope up to the upheaval?

Chandani and Taimur call each other Satan and Medusa. They can't stand each other and don't miss an opportunity to trade insults. These sparks between the two are adorable and enjoyable. She calls him by a variety of names, all characters from English movies or fairytales. I liked this idea. It's a novelty. 

Character of Chandani is a curious case study. She is beautiful, confident, well read, pampered. However her behaviour after father's entry, her denial to see reason, her hurting the ones close to her goes against the character. Suddenly she appears shallow, naive and becomes a little girl lost in the world of adults, although she is almost 21. These characteristics are incongruous with her character until then.

 Its like a Hindi movie plot. It has hate, love, conspiracy, emotional scenes and happy ending. The end comes little abruptly. Her father and Faisal suddenly disappear. Her mother's will suddenly appears. But all in all you enjoy. 

Why is the book titled Haveli? Because she's rich, she's had a sheltered life, she's a brat, wealth hasn't gone to her head? Only author can answer that. 

From the political and Bollywood references one can infer that the story happens in Pakistan of late sixties, early seventies. It appears a little bold for the time period, although for today's reader it's nothing. 

There are a lot of similarities about these Pakistani characters and Indians. Big family, a matriarch, pampered daughter, love for food and parties, big family etc. 

Why did I read this book? Curiosity about Pakistan and Pakistani author. 

What I didn't like? Loose threads.

What did I like? Sparks between Chandani and Taimur.

Recommend reading. 

Karachi Halwa by Prabhu Dayal

"Karachi Halwa" by Prabhu Dayal -  Reminiscing Pakistan!

This book is published by Zorba Books in 2015 and has 205 pages.

Author was posted to Indian consulate in Karachi during reign of Zia. This book is about author's memories and observations of his Karachi days. Karachi was Pakistan's capital till 1957, it was then shifted to Rawalpindi and then to Islamabad. 

Zia is described as wily and deceitful person with steely determination and ruthlessness. He calls Zia and Musharraf highly ambitious, scheming and unscrupulous. His theory is that Zulfilar Ali Butto's nationalization of Nawaz Sharif's steel mill was the reason Sharif came into politics. The rest is history.  

Zia won over Morarji Desai (who had a pathological hatred for RAW and who denied refueling permission to Israeli aircraft that was going to attack Pakistani nuclear facility, Kahuta) completely by his guile. No wonder he was conferred Pakistan's highest civilian award.

Madarasas received state sponsorship for first time under Zia. By censoring film industry he did irreparable damage. Pakistan's existence is tied to its Kashmir policy. He enumerates how India accorded MFN status to Pakistan and how Pakistan neither reciprocated not cooperated, on the contrary created obstacles for import of Indian goods and artists.

Author is very critical of American policy of providing aid to Pakistan, knowing that Pakistan is developing nuclear weapons. He squarely blames Pakistan for fanning, aiding and abetting the Kalistani terrorists.

Great Pakistani poets Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Ahmad Faraz went into self exile rather than living under martial law. Author fondly remembers poetry and music concerts he attended in Pakistan. He laments that discontinuing teaching Urdu in India was a mistake. 

Author narrates a few Pakistani jokes about Zia, army and bureaucracy. The jokes not only bring smile to readers face but also give a profound insight about how Pakistanis had a low opinion about them. Each chapter of the book  starts with a cartoon and a one liner to accompany it.

Author justifies withdrawing our troops back to LOC after 1971 war with a laughable argument that Pakistan would have still created trouble in J&K. Very unconvincing. 

Although this book paints a bleak picture of Pakistan as failed state beyond repair, author ends the book with a hopeful epilogue. He recommends non-first use of nuclear weapons treaty. He also supports converting LOC to international border and ends the book on a hopeful note. 

As a common Hindustani, there is a curiosity about Pakistan and about our similarities and differences with them. This book provides good insights without becoming sour. It's a wonder how the two counties that became independent simultaneously charted such diverse paths economically, socially and religiously. 

The book isn't too lengthy. Author has succinctly captured the essence of Pakistan during his time. It's a take in lighter vein, so the book, despite being non-fiction, becomes enjoyable. 

Why did I read this book? Curiosity. 

What I didn't like? Justification of going back to LOC in 1971.

What did I like? The book, in general. 

Recommend reading.

Karaluvian Fale by Cat Rambo

"Karaluvian Fale" by Cat Rambo -  Fantasy series concludes!

This e-book has 31 pages. It's a single short story. It's Book 3 of 'Women of Zalanthas' series. 

Karaluvian Fale (Kara) is from House of Fale. Financial situation of the house is precarious. Her brother has gambled away everything. 

Lakesander Oash of rival House of Oash doesn't spare an opportunity to show Kara down. Gracchus Kasix, a noble, has shown interest in her indirectly. He requests Kara to assist him organize a festival. 

Will Kara agree? Is Kara the chirpy lady he thinks she is? Can Kara improve her financial situation? Can she escape Lakesander?

Like the first two books, this too is a small book. The tale has to be thus rushed and a lot of things have to be inferred. Author simply doesn't have time and space to create background. 

The story happens in Allanak, a land with red sand and with two moons, set in undefined time and location, an alternative world with exotic names for people, positions and places. This gives a feel of fantasy land and mystic atmosphere.

The plot is simple. It's about Kara and her intelligence. Will she be able to keep the appearances or will she be destroyed and shamed? The book ends but the story doesn't end. The challenge is not over. However, there is no 4th book in this series. 

Why did I read this book? Quick read. Have read the first two. 

What I didn't like? Length. 

What did I like? The end.

Read of you don't mind quirky tales.

Sweet sweet revenge Ltd. by Jonas Jonasson

"Sweet sweet revenge Ltd." by Jonas Jonasson - Author is back!

This book is published by HarperVia in 2021 and has 336 pages. 

Victor Svensson works as a manager of art gallery. He is a fraud. He has an illegitimate son (Kevin) from a black prostitute. After her death, he pays for son's sustenance and when he turns 18 takes him to Massai savanna in Kenya and leaves him there to die. Victor marries daughter of art gallery owner and after the owner dies, takes all the property and divorces his wife. In Kenya, Kevin doesn't die and is adopted by a Maasai warrior cum medicine man. Years later, Kevin runs away from Africa and reaches Sweden. His adopted father, who knows nothing about the ways of modern world, follows him from the Savannah. 

Why does Victor leave Kevin to die? Why does Kevin run away from Africa? Who does he meet in Sweden? What's about Irma Stern paintings? What is Sweet sweet revenge Ltd.?

An African, untouched by modern things, is a fountain of humor. Add to it situational comedy. Add to it a crazy and absurd plot. Add to it author's dry humor & black humor and you have a very good recipe. This heady mixture creates a lot of hilarious situations. It's author's USP. While reading the book you smile many times. Sometimes you even laugh out loud. That counts for something!

The story develops nicely, you expect more.  Then there is a death. From this point on the author suddenly loses interest in elevating the graph and starts to wind down. The story basically fizzles out after that. As if that wasn't enough, author drags the end so much that it leaves a bad after taste. Much of last few pages could have been deleted straightaway. It would have improved the book. 

Concept of Sweet sweet revenge Ltd. is novel but it comes with inherent limitations. Author realizes it and winds it down before the book ends.

This book is better than author's previous book, but not in the league of "100 year old man...."

Like all Jonas Jonasson books, this book cover too has single prominent colour and shows a walking person. Another USP?

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What did I like? Irish angle. Humor. 

What I didn't like? Dragged end.

Recommend reading.

Palm beach murders by James Patterson - 3 in 1

"Palm beach murders" by James Patterson - 3 in 1!

This book is published by Grand central publishing in 2021 and had 384 pages. 

This book is a collection of three thrillers. 

Let's play make believe. 

Christie Moore, a beautiful lady undergoing divorce, meets Warren Hawking, also a divorcee and an architect, and they hit off. Warren executes crazy stuff for fun like Dine-n-Dash, Pharmaceutically induced orgie, Trespassing, Thievery etc.

How far will he go? Will Christie be in trouble? Who is murdered?

Nooners

Tim McGhee is an ex marine and now senior ad agency executive. He is loved by all and is about to hop jobs. Then there is a murder at his ad agency. Then there are two more.

Who is murdered? Are the murders connected? Who is the murderer?

Stingrays

Matthew Quinn assembles his team (Stingrays) of Jenna (an actress), Kate (ex army), Theo (an ex grifter) and Otto to investigate disappearance of beautiful and lovely Page Rairson and either find her or her body. There are many suspects; a trust fund kid, a captain of a yacht, a life guard, victim's twin friends and a cop.

Who engages Stingrays? Is Page dead? Can the Stingrays solve the case?

First story is interesting and has surprise element. Second story is very predictable. It was so predictable that I was hoping against hope that I would get a surprise. It never came. Third story has a mild surprise at the end. 

First two stories are narrated in first person singular. Third story is narrated in first person singular when it comes to the team. Only Matthew's portion is delivered in third person. 

Since this book had three distinct stories, each story can be read with interval in between. The stories are ok, you don't dislike them. 

Why did I read this book? It was available.

What did I like? First story.

What I didn't like? Second story.

Ok to read while travelling. 

Escape to nowhere by Amar Bhushan

"Escape to nowhere" by Amar Bhushan - Uninteresting spy thriller!

This book is published by Konark Publishers Pvt. Ltd. in 2019 and has 336 pages. This book is being made into a Netflix movie. 

Ravi Mohan, an intelligence officer and senior analyst of Agency (read RAW), comes under suspicion for espionage. He invites officers not belonging to his division, talks to them on matters not related to him, fishing for information and takes them to expensive restaurants. Jeevanathan, Security Head of Agency, assigns the surveillance to KM Kamat, head of CEU. An elaborate surveillance is mounted but ....

Can they establish that Ravi is a traitor? Can they find Ravi's handler? Can they apprehend Ravi?

As is the case for any intelligence operation, or any operation for that matter, a lot of time is spent doing mundane things. Here author has avoided dramatization or making things spicy. Thus the story becomes very slow,  even less interesting and sounds like a report. It doesn't generate interest, doesn't excite you and at the end doesn't give you the satisfaction of accomplishment. 

How come so many persons not related to his assigned desk brief Ravi Mohan about sensitive matters? This guy regularly sleeps in office during office hours, spends a lot of time chatting with people not directly related to his work. It appears that RAW operates like any other government organization and lacks professionalism. A supposedly master spy agency works like a bureaucratic organization. 

It's said that this novel is loosely based on 2004 scandal involving RAW joint secretary Rabinder Singh. So it's possible to identify some real life characters based on their position, with Google's help. 

The chapters are, rather unimaginably, titled Day1, Day2 etc.. The story happens in about 3 months.

I started to read this book after reading a news report that Vishal Bharadwaj will be directing a Netflix film based on this book starring Tabu. After Redding the book, I wonder what role Tabu will play? There is no strong female character in the book!

Why did I read this book? It's being made into Netflix film. 

What I didn't like? Lack of thrill. 

What did I like? Peek into working of RAW. 

Not a must read. 

Accidental fiancée by Zeenat Mahal

"The accidental fiancée" by Zeenat Mahal - Pakistani story!

This book was published by Indiareads incorporated in 2015. This book is a single short story. 

Akbar Rasul (bad boy) and Khayyam Zafar (firebrand feminist and socialist) were arch nemesis in architecture college. Years later their families arrange their marriage. Khayyam requests Akbar to scrap the engagement. Akbar won't let go the opportunity of lifetime to humiliate her. 

Why does Khayyam accept engagement with Akbar? Why does Akbar call her KK? Who has extinguished fire in Khayyam? How long will the engagement last?

Author develops the lead characters in a very short span. The story becomes instantly interesting. The tussle between the two is palpable. Akbar does what Akbar is expected to do. But why does Khayyam behave contrary to her personality?

The story reaches peak and then abruptly it ends. This sudden death is baffling. It wouldn't have mattered if author had used couple of pages more for smooth landing, but she chooses crash landing. Had this landing been a shock, it would have served its purpose. But it ends very predictably. It leaves a taste of dissatisfaction. 

Faiqa Mansab (Pseudonym Zeenat Mahal) is a Pakistani author from Lahore. She looks promising. Won't mind reading more of her works. 

Why did I read this book? Pakistani author, Indian publisher. 

What I didn't like? Predictability. Sudden death. 

What did I like? Lead characters. 

Recommend as a quick read. 

  

Cold springs by Rick Riordan

"Cold springs" by Rick Riordan - Ambling along!

This book is published by Bantam in 2004 and has 416 pages. 

Catherine, daughter of Chadwick, a school teacher, & Norma dies of drug overdose. Mallory, 5 year old daughter of John and Anne Zedman, was with her at that time. Time leap. Both marriages fall apart. Mallory starts using drugs and befriends Race Montrose, younger brother of Samuel who supplied drugs to Catherine years ago. Anne decides to enroll Mallory to Cold Springs. A dead man comes to life. 

Who killed Thalia? Who is blackmailing John?  Why did the marriages fail? What happened to the millions? What is Cold Springs? Who is behind all this?

The story has interesting characters. Chadwick, 6'8" gentle giant. Norma, his beautiful wife. Anne, childhood friend of Chadwick and Principal of school. John, her businessman husband. Perez, bodyguard and man Friday of John. Mallory, a drug addict frightened teenager. Race, a brilliant black boy whose family has a criminal history. Samuel, his elder brother. Hunter, head of Cold Springs and a man driven by his ambition of reforming kids. 

Concept of Cold Springs is interesting. A school that takes in spoilt, messed up, drug addict rich kids and breaks their ego, teaches them survival skills, discipline, accepting orders and reforms them, makes them fit to go back to the society. 

Rick's writing style is completely different as compared to humorous style of his more famous books based on various mythologies. The narration here is dark and atmosphere is mostly gloomy. There are no real happy moments or light moments. It's a slow burn.

That is the draw back of the story. Slow burn should not slow down. The story slows down considerably on multiple occasions. I was reading this book for a very long time.  Relationship between Chadwick and Anne is strange. 

Identity of the perpetrator is concealed very well. All my attempts with imagination failed to identify, until author zeroed on the real one. 

End of the book is stretched to the limit of reader's patience. It goes on and on. Readers start thinking if it's going to end at all. Title has nothing to do with the story. 

Why did I read this book? Author

What I didn't like? Pace of story. 

What did I like? Successful concealment of identity. 

Not a must read. 

Rising Sea by Clive Cussler a Graham Brown

"The Rising Sea" by Clive Cussler a Graham Brown  - The thrill ride continues!

This book is published by Penguin in 2019 and has 464 pages. This is Book 15 of 'The NUMA files'.

There is an unprecedented rise in sea levels in last 6 months. NUMA investigations rule out global warming, melting ice caps and hollowing glaciers. China has a secret mine of Golden Adamant, a living meta material, in East China Sea. China-Japan friendship blossoms. Honjo Masamune, a legendary sword that disappeared around WW II reappears. How sophisticated Robots can be? 

What is causing the rising sea? Is it going to flood the world? How come China and Japan are becoming friends? What is the significance of automatons? Who are Kurt and Joe pitted against?

Book starts with a scene from feudal Japan. A fight between a Samurai wielding a katana forged by master forger Masamune against Shogun sporting a sword forged by Masamune's protégé and competitor Muramassa.

Kurt is investigating the rising sea levels when he discovers an international conspiracy. He has to literally race against a robot car, do wing boarding, fight automaton that moves and looks like real human and what not. Paul and Gamay are declared spies by China. Will they find an unlikely ally?

Story is interesting. It takes the reader from glaciers to America to Japan to China. Reader doesn't have time to relax. Story keeps you interested. It also has an unrelated adventure at the beginning, James Bond style. Chinese General from earlier book 'Nighthawk' makes an appearance. Cussler also drops a hint that one of the next book will unfold in China. 

 Clive Cussler has amazing attention to details, especially technical details. He doesn't disappoint. However there are two loose ends. Although no mitigating measures are taken, why do geysers stop? What is the importance of golden adamant? Cussler leaves these two questions unanswered. Rare loose ends from him, unless there is a use for them in subsequent books. 

Why did I read this book? Author

What I didn't like? Loose ends.

What did I like? Everything else. 

Read, if you are reading the series.

Mandodari: Queen of Lanka by Manini J. Anandani

"Mandodari: Queen of Lanka" by Manini J. Anandani - A decent try!

This book is published by Penguin in 2018 and has 288 pages. This is author's debut novel. 

Mandodari is revered as a one of the panchakanya (five virtuous and chaste women) in Puranas, despite being Ravan's wife, in following famous ashoka.

अहल्या द्रौपदी सीता तारा मन्दोदरी तथा |

पञ्चकन्या स्मरेन्नित्यम महापातकनाशनम् ||

This book tells her story. 

How was Mandodari? How was her relationship with Ravan? Did she approve Sita's abduction? Why did she marry Vibhishan?

This author also subscribes to one of the popular theory about Sita's parentage. Anand Neelakanthan has also subscribed to the same theory in his book 'Asura'. Manini has created a background story in support of the theory that is interesting and more convincing than Anand.

Unfortunately same can't be said about rest of the book. Narration is kind of drab. It's neither interesting, nor gripping, neither ornamental, nor flowery. Doesn't capture your imagination. When you narrate a story through a character that's not in the thick of action, narration becomes indirect. Author's job becomes that much more difficult. 

The relationship between Mandodari and Ravan could have been depicted better. Here she is shown as a wall flower, but author could have given it an emotional angle. That would have made it more appealing. Mandodari was the queen and regent but she is never shown making or participating in any important decisions of state. 

The tussle between Mandodari and Nayanadini erupts suddenly and dies equally abruptly. Why was it included in the book as it doesn't help the story in any way. Although Vedavati's story is there in this book, Ravan's rape of Rambha is conspicuous by absence. 

The war is explained well initially but the most important battles where Indrajeet, Kumbhakarna and Ravan are killed are hurried through. Ravan appears defeated before his final battle with Ram. The portion where Mandodari decides to marry the traitor Vibhishan also deserved more space. 

Surprisingly, most of the chapters in the book have a very similar length. Was it by design or luck?

Cover shows half the head of a lady (Mandodari) and remaining four heads of Ravan. It is a curious cover. I thought author would be propounding an explosive theory that Ravan was the face but Mandodari was the real power, after looking at the cover. But author doesn't insinuate anything like that. 

Why did I read this book? Interesting cover. 

What did I like? Story about Sita's parentage. 

What I didn't like? As mentioned above. 

Not a must read. 

Sons of fortune by Jeffrey Archer

"Sons of fortune" by Jeffrey Archer- Like a movie! 

This book is published by Pan in 2014 and has 608 pages.

Susan and Michael Cartwright had twins, Nathaniel and Peter. Millionaires Robert and Ruth Davenport have Fletcher Andrew, after two miscarriages. Both deliveries happen in same hospital. Fletcher dies but a nurse quietly switches him with Peter. Peter becomes Fletcher. The book traces the life and career of these two boys. Nat takes finance and Fletcher law. Both end up in politics and end up running against each other for the post of Governor.

How do their careers pan? Do they get to know each other? Do they come to know the truth? Who wins?

Story is good. Since the author had to cover a span of more than 40 years, there are multiple short time leaps. Their lives are narrated alternatively. They run parallel but not same until they converge. The convergence is unique, murder, of all things!

It has drama, romance, love, suspense, swindling, politics etc. It's a fast and happening story. It's a good script to make a movie.

Some of the events appear to have no particular reason to be in the story. The Yale episode, the way Elliott dies etc. are some examples. The story wouldn't have altered without them. The court drama and the details of the case appear a little weak and could have been better. 

Author has stretched the end a bit till the election result. Had he ended the story when they go for final counting, it would have been more appealing and impactful. 

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? A few things as mentioned above. 

What did I like? Something is always happening.  

A good read. 

400 days by Chetan Bhagat

"400 days" by Chetan Bhagat - Find the missing girl!

This book is published by Westland in Oct 2021 and has 352 pages. This is Book 3 of 'Keshav Rajpurohit' series. 

As declared at the end of second book, Keshav wants to become police officer and solve cases. At 29 he has only two more attempts left to clear IPS, but prospects don't look bright. His parents wasn't him to settle (proper job and marriage). 

Alia, a stunningly beautiful lady from his colony comes to him with a case. A cold case, 9 months old, of a missing 12 years old daughter, Siya Arora, who was kidnapped from her grand parents home. All her family has given up but Alia just can't give up her child. 

How much remuneration do Keshav and Saurabh get? Is Siya alive? Can Keshav solve this cold case? How will he respond to Alia?

It's a big family with all kind of characters. A balanced patriarch, a matriarch with an issue with younger daughter in law and obsession with family name, elder brother in law who is worried about business, sister in law who is nice, two nephews and a younger daughter, who is witness to kidnapping. Add to it a family priest, a pedophile, a young tutor, opportunist inspector, media circus and the detectives. 

This story has numerous tussles. There is saas Vs bahu tamasha, there is male Vs female progeny preference, there is business Vs Siya tussle, there is love Vs maternal affection, the is logic Vs God man, there is exam Vs investigation conundrum, there is family Vs Police tussle. 

The story is good and interesting. There are two long flash backs necessary to set the background. The pace is on slower side but the interest is maintained. I wasn't able to guess the perpetrator. Credit to author. However Keshav finds the truth through his momentary brilliant deduction rather than a thorough process of investigation and analysis. 

Author has placed strategic clues, false leads and red herrings. A couple of red herrings are left open. Could have been closed. The book is long. I would have trimmed 50-60 pages. That might have improved the pace. Good book cover. It represents the story. 

In first book Keshav was personally invested in the case. In second book Saurabh was personally invested in the case. In this book too, one of them somehow manages to get personally invested in the case. 

Chetan, an author credited for bringing back the reading culture in India, has gravitated towards mysteries three books ago. Looks like he is now settled and wants to continue with the genre. Expect another book in this series in future. 

Why did I read this book? Author.

What did I like? Retained interest. Character of Alia.

What I didn't like? Red herrings are not closed. 

Recommend reading. 

Nighthawk by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown

"Nighthawk" by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown - Weapon from space!

This book is published by Penguin in 2018 and has 480 pages. This is Book 14 of NUMA files. 

America has sent Nighthawk, part spacecraft - part aircraft, to space. Now it's coming back after three years. But something goes wrong and the contract with Nighthawk is lost. A massive operation is launched to locate it from wherever it crashed. NUMA joins the search. Russia and China are also trying to acquire it. 

Why such a big operation for Nighthawk? What's so special in this spacecraft? Can Kurt and Joe find it? Why Russia and China are interested?  What's at stake?

It's the cargo of Nighthawk. Something rare, something dangerous, something very lethal. That attracts all the superpowers. What's it?

Emma Townsend, a scientist of NIA, is the new character. She and Kurt are not romantically involved but there's a hint that she may reappear. There is a archeologist who thinks, rightly so, that Europeans destroyed south America by bringing their deceases that local populace couldn't survive. Then there are usual NUMA guys; Kurt, Joe, Rudy, Hairam, Priya etc.

The story is interesting. Concept is innovative. It's told by a master story teller like Cussler. So you remain interested. When everything looks lost brilliant ideas surface and save the day.

The cargo remains. The threat is not eliminated. Id's this going to be a problem in future? Well, we will have to wait and watch. 

Why did I read this book? Author.

What did I like? Concept. 

What I didn't like? Blast. 

Read if you are a Cussler fan. 

The case of the left- handed lady by Nancy Springer

"The case of the left- handed lady" by Nancy Springer - Detective Enola Holmes!

This edition of the book was published by Puffin Books in 2020 and has 256 pages. This is Book 2 of Enola Holmes series.

Those who have watched the movie 'Enola' know the story of first book. Now Enola has assumed the identity of Miss Meshle, adjutant to non existent Dr. Ragostine, a Scientific Perditorian (Perditorian= One who divines that which is lost). By night she helps poor and destitute as a veiled sister. Her first customer is Dr. Watson, who has come to find Enola for his friend, Sherlock Holmes, without his knowledge. Enola also solicits the case of a missing lady, a mere girl from an aristocratic family. 

Will Enola accept Dr. Watson's case to find herself? What will be her first case? Are Sherlock and Mycroft looking for her? Will she match wits with her famous brother? Will she go back to the family?

Story happens in 1889. Enola assumes multiple identities of Ms. Meshle, Veiled Sister,  Mrs. Ragostine etc. A mere 14-15 year old girl making her mark in man's world. In the times when ladies were not supposed to work, Enola becomes a detective. 

It's the time when any decent woman's calling consisted of taking her proper place in society (read husband, house, piano lessons etc. ). Enola, on the other hand, is a spirited,  independent, intelligent 15 year old girl who doesn't want to be docile, even if it means she is called indecent or a disgrace.

It's also the time when being left handed was considered improper for a lady. Author creatively uses the left handedness to address different personality traits of the lady. 

Enola and her brother are matching wits. He to find her and she to remain hidden. It's an interesting dual and should continue in subsequent books.

This book has very limited investigation. She solves the mystery mainly based on deduction but eventually doesn't get the credit for it. 19th century London is depicted very well. A lot of story happens in dark. 

Chapters are, rather unimaginatively, titled; The first, The Second etc..

This book is not very interesting but it's not boring either. 

Why did I read this book? Movie based on Book 1. 

What I didn't like? Lack of investigation. 

What did I like? Doesn't bore you. 

Read only if you plan to read the series.  

Camino winds by John Grisham

"Camino winds" by John Grisham - Insipid sequel!

This book is published by Hodder & Stoughton India in 2020 and has 304 pages. This is sequel of Camino Island. 

Mercer's novel has topped the charts. She is on a promotion tour and visits Camino island with her new boyfriend. She meets Bruce Cable and others. Typhoon Leo strikes Camino island. Most of the islands is evacuated but some refuse to go, including Bruce. After the storm, Nelson Kerr is found dead in his backyard, a gash on his head. It's a murder. 

Is it a murder? Who would commit a crime in the middle of the storm? Was he murdered for the latest book he was writing, the secret manuscript?

Many characters from first book are present in this book too. Mercer, the author of current chart topper who played a temporary sleuth in first book. Tom, Mercer's student and boyfriend. Bob, a convicted felon who now writes crime novels. Myra and Lee, a lesbian couple who write porn. Nelson Kerr, a thriller writer. Bruce Cable, the bookshop owner who occasionally dabbled in stolen stuff. Noel, his wife. They have an open marriage. Nick, a student working in Bruce's book shop who reads all crime novels. Jay, a poet, who's books no one reads.

Bruce tries to find clues in Nelson's manuscript. He engages a private agency and then fires them. Somehow investigation continues and crime is solved. Last book had the sizzling chemistry between Bruce and Mercer. That's missing in this book. Rather Mercer is only a minor character in this book. 

Life on Camino Island is beautiful, serene and leisurely. Mercer is now an accomplished story teller and author. Bruce and Noel convert their open marriage to closed one. The story, like the life on island, is slow. At times it gets too slow and even boring.

The story doesn't grab you by your collar, it doesn't resonate with your heart, doesn't satisfy your adrenaline rush, doesn't pique your curiosity. It's insipid!

Why would anyone name the drug Vitamin E3 when anyone connected to medical profession would know that such a vitamin doesn't exist?

Why did I read this book? First book was good. 

What I didn't like? Not interesting. 

What did I like? Life on island. 

Give it a miss.

1857: Sword of Mastaan by Vineet Bajpai

"1857: Sword of Mastaan" by Vineet Bajpai - Saga continues!

This book is published by TreeShade books in 2021 and has 280 pages. This is Book 2 of Mastaan series. 

Mastaan is conflicted. He can't forgive himself for probably changing the outcome of mutiny (in Book 1) and betraying his country for his British lover. Pujari from Nili Chatri temple understands him. Mirza Ghalib reveals the story of Tipu's treasure and his terrible curse. One eyed Dervish is set to destroy Delhi. Mutineers have captured Delhi and are in control. A trio of brutal British commanders (William Hodson, Jon Nicholson, Theo Metcalfe) is descending on Delhi to crush the mutineers and sack Delhi. There are many traitors in Delhi including the figurehead Bahadur Shah Zafar. 

Did Mastaan doom the fight? Will the rift between Mastaan and Chagan heal? Who will fight the curse of one eyed Dervish? What's written in Delhi's future? Can Delhi withstand British retribution?

Delhi is under siege, British army has received huge reinforcements and unlimited ammunition. Mutineers are starving, they are running out of ammunition, several guns are silenced. Fall of Delhi is inevitable, but their indomitable spirits are still unbroken. Fay and Pat are sneaked out without knowledge of Mastaan. Betrayal is in the air. 

This book enumerates events of 1857 revolution (which author calls mutiny). They are not seamlessly interwoven in the story. So first half of the book appears like a report in some parts and story in others, but then it becomes interesting in second half. 

It appears as if there is only one good fighter in whole of India, Mastaan. Although he is the hero, it appears like hyperbole. 

Why would the one eyed dervish want Delhi destroyed? His fight was with Tipu and was cursed by McGowen. Then why punish Delhi?

Pandit Gauri Shankar Shastri is going to play a vital role in this battle, but it's for the concluding book of this trilogy titled 'Delhi'. He descends from the noble bloodline of Pujari's of Harappa. Author very smartly capitalizes on the popularity and fan following of his Harappa trilogy. Amish too has done it in the past. However, beware, this trilogy is not in the league of Harappa trilogy. 

Book ends with the death of one important character and one villain. More to come in Book 3.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? Narration in first half

What did I like? Leveraging of Harappa.

Read of you plan to read the series. 

Mirabai the Twice-lived by Cat Rambo

"Mirabai the Twice-lived" by Cat Rambo -  A secondary world fantasy?

This e-book is published in 2015 and has 18 pages. It's a single short story. It's Book 2 of 'Women of Zalanthas' series. 

Note: This story has no relation to Saint Mirabai.

Mirabai is a witch. She becomes Shakra at a very young age. She woos Kal, marries him and has children. One day, at the age of 60, she casts a spell that goes wrong and her age is reversed to four and half. Her husband remains old aged. 

What does she do? Can she stay with her old husband? Can she reverse the spell? What happens when she becomes 15 again?

Like the first story, this story is also set in undefined time and location, an alternative world with exotic names for people, positions and places.

The story is curious. Reversal of age is an interesting concept. The impact of it on their relationship should have been more elaborate, but the book length is too short. 

There is a mention of Allanak and silver rings. These things connect this book to Book 1 Aquila's ring. However those are only mentioned and they don't play a part in the story. Maybe in Book 3?

Why did I read this book? Quick read.  

What I didn't like? Length.

What did I like? Idea.

Read of you don't mind quirky tales. 

King and Maxwell by David Baldacci

"King and Maxwell" by David Baldacci - Another adventure for POTUS!

This book is published by Pan Macmillan in 2014 and has 624 pages. This is Book 6 of 'Shane King' series.

Sam Wingo is on a mission in middle east. The mission goes wrong, he loses the cargo but he escapes. He is declared KIA (Killed in action). His son receives an email from him after he was declared dead. The son hires Shane King and Michelle Maxwell to investigate.

As King and Maxwell start investigating, they ruffle feathers of certain governmental agencies. The agencies warn them to stay away, create obstacles and are detained by Homeland Security. They are even attacked by gunmen. But King and Maxwell persevere. That associates them with POTUS. It's followed by kidnapping. 

It's a maze that King and Maxwell have to navigate. They have to coalesce tiny fragments of information and make sense out of them. The odds are stacked against King and Maxwell but they eventually succeed. 

There are two interesting characters, apart from King and Maxwell. One is Diana, Shane's ex-wife. Her presence is a help for the case and subtle threat to Michelle. She and Shane are going to same hospital for rehab at the end of story. So expect author to exploit this angle in next book. Another is Edgar, brilliant analyst, the one who solves King and Maxwell's hacking problems. He is humourless and takes an action at the end of book that leaves King and Maxwell perplexed. Expect author to lean on this in next book too.

Story is decent. Plot is interesting. Execution is good and interest is maintained. Story is fluid but tends to stagnate occasionally.

Shane and Michelle talk about Shane's ex-wife as if she never met her, never knew of her. But in previous book Michelle knew about her and probably even met her. 

Why did I read this book? Author

What I didn't like? Curtis Brown angle is semi- convincing. 

What did I like? Edgar.

Read if you have read the series and liked it.

Marauder by Clive Cussler and Boyd Morrison

"Marauder" by Clive Cussler and Boyd Morrison - Destination Australia!

This book was published by GP Putnam's Sons in 2020 and has 384 pages. This is Book 15 of 'Oregon files'.

April, Step daughter of a Chinese billionaire, and Angus, her husband, are tasked with a plot that will give China a clout over Australia. But the plot will be violent and lives will be lost. Newly built Oregon (after the old Oregon was sunk in previous book) is pressed into action before the outfitting of weapons is complete. The villains have a paralyzing agent. 

What is the plot? Can Oregon fight without all its weapons? What kind of paralyzing agent is it? Is there an antidote? What is at stake? Can Oregon and its crew led by Chairman Juan Cabrillo the day?

For those who don't know: Oregon, a spy ship disguised as tramp steamer, and it's occupants led by Chairman Juan Cabrillo are The Corporation. The Corporation takes secret assignments, mainly for CIA and friendly countries, and carries out the assignments with a combination of deception, technology, courage, planning and creativity.

The plot here is interesting. With a nerve gas that seemingly doesn't have an antidote, the discovery of a Roman ship in Australia before common era, China's ambition to rule the world possibly coming to fruition and other countries being none the wiser; the only obstacle and adversary is Oregon.

There are technological marvels like Rail gun, Missile killer laser gun, Plasma defense system, plasma canon, tilt rotor chopper etc. Then there are intelligent ideas to take down the enemy with minimum manpower and seemingly impossible ideas that succeed with immaculate execution. There is also great comradery, love and revenge to spice the things up. In short all ingredients are in place, so the recipe is savory.

Clive Cussler is a master story teller. He has good attention to detail, knowledge of advance technology and excellent grip on naval history. His books are hence enjoyable. This one is no exception. I especially like the 'Oregon files' series. 

I doubt if a rogue wave is possible near barrier reef. But I am not an expert. 

This book was published in 2020. Clive Cussler died the same year. So probably this is his last book of the series. The series may continue but there won't be Cussler. RIP Clive Cussler. 

Why did I read this book? Author and Series. 

What I didn't like? Rogue wave. 

What did I like? Everything else. 

Recommend reading. 

Zero hour by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown

"Zero hour" by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown - Unlimited energy!

This book was published by Penguin in 2014 and has 432 pages. This is Book 11 of 'NUMA files'.

A secret lab. Zero point energy. Unlimited! A whacko scientist. Nicola Tesla. A traitor. A threat. Russians in the mix. Kurt and Joe. Zero Hour approaching! Australia under threat. 

What is Tartarus? What is Zero point energy? How does Kurt and NUMA get involved? What's the threat? Who's behind it? Who's after it? Who's the traitor? What's zero hour?

Zero point energy - Drawing energy from background fields which are all around us. It's practically unlimited energy but it isn't easy to control.

Author has used interesting locations. A secret lab in one of the world's deepest lake (1000 feet deep) in an abandoned copper mine, full of toxic water, is where the story starts. A desolate glacier volcano island at the bottom of the world is where the climax happens.

There are some interesting characters. Maximilian Thero, a brilliant and whacko nuclear scientist, out to punish the world. His scientist son and voice of reason. A former student who breaks away with her mentor. A Russian assassin who is determined to wipe out his only professional failure. Kurt and Joe keep poking their noses in matters that don't concern them.

Although VP James Sandecker, Dirk Pitt, Paul and Gamy Trout also play part in the story, Trouts are marginalized in this book. Dirk plays a bigger role than usual.

There is a surprise at the end. There is the traitor in Villain's lair. Who's it? I did not see it coming. It's a good surprise. 

All in all, a typical Kurt Austin book. 

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What did I like? Villain's lairs. 

What I didn't like? The ease of capture of Russian ship. Final detonation. 

Read if you are reading the series. 

Devil's gate by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown

"Devil's gate" by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown - A Cussler thriller!

This book is published by Penguin in 2013 and has 496 pages. This is Book 9 of 'NUMA files'. 

Pirates use a strange weapon to down a freighter. Near Portugal, Kurt Austin and Joe Zhawala discover a natural rock formation on sea bottom, with strong but shifting magnetic field. It's named Devil's gate. An African Dictator, Gemma, is trying to perfect a WMD. Add to it a plane lost at sea in 1945 carrying a Russian defector and two trunks.

What was in those trunks? What WMD is Gemma developing? Why attack the freighter? What's in the natural rock formation, The Devil's gate?

 

Here the WMD is remote electromagnetic weapon. A weapon that can take out all electrical and instrumentation systems. The weapon requires super conductors. Devil's gate provides a natural super conductor that doesn't need super cooling. Or does it? The stage is set, the fight is on. Washington is under threat. 

The story has all the ingredients. Fight and rescue on a burning ship. A WMD. A crazy African dictator. A scientific discovery. Humanoid robot that can go to water depths human can't. Daring fight scenes. Plane landing in football field during ongoing match. Underwater facility. Battles of wits and tactics. A beautiful damsel in distress. A noble hero. All these ingredients ensure that the book is not disliked. Add to it Clive Cussler's gripping narration and you have a good thriller. 

We may see the beautiful Russian scientist, Katarina, in future book of the series. This story tests Kurt and Joe's friendship. It also revives an old rivalry. 

It's a Cussler thriller. The prologue happens only 50-60 years ago. Epilogue is a bit stretched. How America doesn't find out about Gemma's plans?

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? Epilogue. 

What did I like? Concept of Devil's gate. 

Read if you are reading the series. 

Insomnia by Ravi Subramanian and Jigs Asher

"Insomnia" by Ravi Subramanian and Jigs Asher - Not a murder mystery.

This book is published by Westland in 2020 and has 164 pages. 

Rohit and Tanvi are a well-off couple living in a bungalow at sea in Mumbai. Tanvi has lost her mind after her father's death and started sleep walking. She also tried to stab Rohit multiple times. He can't sleep. ACP Meera Dixit and SP Aditya Sachdev get involved. Aditya is also facing demons from his past. 

What happened to Tanvi? Why? Why can't Rohit sleep? What are Aditya's demons? Is there a spark between Aditya and Meera?

Meera is a beautiful, brilliant and determined officer. Aditya is a very capable and highly rated officer. Hemant Gokhale is the Commissioner, who likes them both. Rohit loves his wife and, despite danger to his life, won't let his wife be institutionalized. Tanvi has lost her mind. Chauhan is made acting MD of Tanvi's business by board after her illness. 

Although the story is mildly interesting, the plot is not convincing. Too many ifs and buts have to come together for it to succeed. It's weak. For a long time, readers wonder what's happening. In the end,  if the revelation of mystery answers all questions satisfactorily, it's worth it. But, in this book, that too doesn't happen. So at the end it appears like a novel written by a novice rather than an accomplished author. 

Some questions remain. Aditya is SP but he and others refer to him as Inspector. Why forensic analysis of SUV wasn't done? Etc.

This book consists of 56 small chapters in 164 pages. The story is delivered in small packets. So none of the detail is trivial. That is the clue to mystery. 

What is Shortz? It's series of short, plot oriented, fast paced novellas. Ravi will be co-authoring this series with various new author. The idea of Shortz sounds very similar to James Patterson's Bookshots series. 

Why did I read this book? Author and Shortz. 

What I didn't like? Weak plot. 

What did I like? Length.

Give it a miss. 

Operation camouflage by Amit Sidham

"Operation camouflage" by Amit Sidham - A breath of fresh air!

This book is published by Norton Press in 2019 and has 300 pages. 

A team of technologically advanced green revolutionaries determined to protect mother nature and if required, kill the ones destroying her, creates conglomerate called Galaxy. They are working anonymously until one day they are forced to reveal themselves. 

Who are they? What is their objective? What's operation camouflage? Why are they forced to reveal? How big and powerful is Galaxy?

It's a very interesting story. An all powerful organization envied by competitors, industry and government and loved by employees and public. It's a heady mix. Idealistic but exciting. 

Author spends a lot of time in bath, cleansing, prayer etc. in first half of the book, so the story is slow. But then it picks speed and keeps reader not just interested but intrigued too. 

It's a book of a different genre. Off the beaten path, breath of fresh air, feel good. Readers' initial apprehensions fall away once the reader accepts fantastical gadgetry like invisible robots, C blast, I field and vigilante Justice. 

Reader is better off not asking questions like Why operation reveal was necessary when the possibility of anonymity still existed? How was the high tech Galaxy head quarter built in secrecy? Is it justified to kill for a good cause? How do they not receive law enforcement backlash despite public acknowledgement of breaking the law of the land?

It's a complete story but the book ends with a preamble of a sequel. More to come.  I would read the sequel, when published.

Why did I read this book? Interesting title. 

What did I like? Idea

What I didn't like? Initial slowness. 

Recommend reading. 

Term limits by Vince Flynn

"Term limits" by Vince Flynn - Before Mitch Rapp... 

This book is published by Simon and Schuster in 2012 and has 656 pages. 

President of America, Jim Stevens, wants to get his budget approved. His Chief of Staff Stew Garrote and NSA Mike Nance explore unconventional means. Three prominent Senators and a Congressman are murdered. President is threatened and asked to change budget. Former CIA Director of Black Ops, Jack Higgins, is abducted and killed.

Who is behind the attacks? Are they terrorists? What do they demand? Can Irene Kennedy and Thomas Stansfield save the day?

 

This story is a prequel to Mitch Rapp series. So it features CIA Director Thomas Stansfield,  Irene Kennedy, FBI Director Roach, Jack Worch of Secret Service, Scott Coleman & President. These characters play an important role in the Mitch Rapp series later. Only Mitch is missing in this book. Congressman Michael Orork and Agent Skip McMahon are other important characters. 

The story is fast. Events unfold in quick succession. Readers remain with the story. The perpetrator's identity is not a secret. Those who have read Mitch Rapp series know the identity already because the reference has appeared multiple times. 

End is little unconvincing. It is not easily palatable. One wonders if it's the right end and how does the President go along. What were the motivations of Thomas Stansfield? Apart from that it's an enjoyable book. 

Why did I read this book? Author

What I didn't like? End.

What did I like? Everything else. 

Read, even if you don't or haven't read Mitch Rapp series.