Razor Sharp by Ashwin Sanghi

 "Razor Sharp" by Ashwin Sanghi - Whodunit! 

This book is published by HarperCollins India in 2024 and has 292 pages. This is a Kutta Kadam thriller. 

Kadam, a suspended DCP, has issues (after his wife left him) and is seeing a shrink. It’s not working. His support system is his daughter, Ketul and his friend who is Special Commissioner of Police. A serial killer is on the loose. Unrelated persons are murdered, hands tied, dagger in heart and grains in mouth. Kadam, although maverick, is a brilliant investigator. He is requested to assist. What's the pattern? Momuma (acronym of Mohan Mustafa Mathew) is running his own cult. Dy. Home minister has ambitions to become Home Minister but is troubled by his drug addict son. Bhau Kadam, a local gangster and politician has a grudge against Kadam.

Why grains in mouth? What is the pattern? Can Kadam crack the case? Can others tolerate him? Whodunit?

The story has pace. Kadam has to deal on multiple fronts. Investigation, Police politics, Real politics, Personal issues. Then there is the question about his past. Why does he blame himself? Why did his wife leave him? How long does he have before his heart gives up?

The key to solve the case is in finding the pattern and understanding the logic behind the murders. There are false flags and red herrings. There are dead ends. But Kadam perseveres.

The perpetrator and the reason is not entirely convincing. But even in that author has introduced a seed for a sequel. Although this book doesn't say it's first of the series, there will be a sequel.

The story happens in Mumbai, Maharashtra. So there are several small dialogues and expressions in Marathi. Marathi words used in the book are correct but not appropriate in the context. This is not how Marathi is spoken. e.g. 'changla'. The word in that context is 'thik ahe'. Use of word 'mazedar' instead of 'gammat'. 'kadhihi nako' instead of 'kadhich nahi' etc. It's spoiler. Author's lack of knowledge of the language is evident.  A little help from a Marathi speaker would have gone a long way.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? Marathi. Unconvincing perpetrator.

What did I like? Keeps you interested.

Read if you plan to read the series.