The 1st assassin by Mainak Dhar

​"The 1st assassin" by Mainak Dhar - Page turner!

This book is published in 2022 and has 304 pages.

Aadi Sen is most decorated officer of army and now intelligence (RAW). He is recovering from PTSD and is assigned a desk job. A terrorist called Bin Azam is plotting to kill American President when he visits India. A task force between Indian and American intelligence agencies is set up. It constitutes Sen (RAW), Salil, Ajay Pillai (IB), Amy Khan (US Secret service) and Donzel Bethune (CIA). 

Is Aadi comfortable with desk job? What is the plot? Who is behind it? What is the ultimate game? How far will they go?

The story quickly picks up speed and then maintains it. Something is happening all the time. Author keeps the excitement going and readers want to know what happens next. Indian intelligence establishment appears a little daft and a lot naïve. 

Aadi, who is a soldier, has to play an uncomfortable sleuth. He is not cut out for the cloak and dagger game but he is in it for his country. His rebellious nature and unconventional initiatives yield several breakthroughs. Maa is Aadi’s mother who raised him to be a soldier after she lost her husband in action. She knows Aadi and gives him good advise. Amy is part Indian origin second generation American. She has her challenges. She believes in Aadi and is impressed by him. Srini is Aadi’s boss who trusts Aadi and facilitates the bureaucracy. Donzel is the large CIA guy who is not trusted by Indian intelligence.

Why the title? Well, seven assassins enter India. The Indian intelligence establishment and the perpetrators neutralized six. That leaves the first assassin. The terrorists are always one step ahead of the intelligence. How? Is there a traitor? Author does well to conceal the identity of assassin but experienced readers can decipher it. The climax, however, falls short of the excitement expectations. 

This book captures the audience. Rather than reading at your time of leisure, you make time for it. It’s a good thriller, a page turner. It ends with a strong hint of a sequel. 

Why did I read this book? Author. New release. 

What I didn't like? Daft Indian intelligence. Subdued climax. 

What did I like? Everything else. 

A page turner. Recommend reading.