The vault of Vishnu by Ashwin Sanghi

"The vault of Vishnu" by Ashwin Sanghi -  Not satisfactory!

This book is published by Westland in 2020 and has 400 pages.

Doklam; extremely well built Chinese forces attack and massacre Indian and Bhutanese soldiers and mysteriously retreat. Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) assign the investigation of these Chinese soldiers and their supernatural power to DRDO scientist Paramjit (Pam) Khurana, daughter of decorated late Colonel Khurana.

What does she find? Where does the power of Chinese soldiers come from?  Who is Dr. Rao? Who is Shengli? What is the ancient Pallava connection? What exactly is vault of Vishnu?

Mark is CIA, Mossad, Corporate guy and also works for a company with Indian defense involvement. This character is not properly developed. Pam is the investigator. She is the one who tracks Dr. Rao and his daughter. She is the one who makes headway but also makes rookie mistake. Doctor appears in the story only through reference but it's impossible to believe that he doesn't know certain things. It's difficult to believe that a spy like Shengli works alone and does all dirty work alone. 

In parallel there is a story of travel of Chinese Monk Xuanzhang to India and back, more than thousands years ago. This story gives us a peak into life 1000 years ago. Needless to say this story and present day story are intricately related. 

This book shows Chinese intelligence has penetrated India. They have bought people at all levels; bureaucrats, politicians, businessmen etc.. It's a scary picture. 

Story progresses decently but then at about 70% of the book when the story hasn't progressed 70%, reader starts to get an inkling that it's going to be a hasty end. That's exactly what one gets. Many things appear to be either after thoughts or appendages. Not well thought out. Reference to vault of Vishnu comes only once or twice. 

Expecting India China relations to be cordial is naive. The guide knowing about identity of Shengli is impossible. Doctor not knowing the secret is laughable. Shengli carrying out all operations in person is unconvincing. The reason the traitors turned is weak. One would expect more from Ashwin Sanghi.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? Conclusion.  

What did I like? Chinese monks travels. 

Not a must read.