The sans pareil mystery by Karen Charlton

"The sans pareil mystery" by Karen Charlton. This book is published by Thomas and Mercer in 2015 and has 323 pages. This is Book 2 of 'Detective Lavender' series.

Body of a young woman is found in a building under demolition. Detective Lavender is tasked to investigate. The victim is an actress. Autopsy reveals that she was wearing loose fitting shoes. There is a war going on between French led by Napoleon Bonaparte and combined forces of Britain and Spain. 

Will Lavender solve the mystery? What will it be? Is it just a murder or is there anything more to it? Will the romance between Lavender and Magdalena flourish?

Sans pareil means without comparison. In the story its the name of a theater where the murdered actress worked. Apart from that the title had no connection tho the story. Title of first book of Lavender series was also based on name of a place. Looks like a trend!

Although the story starts as a murder mystery, the mystery is solved mid way and the story takes a turn for another mystery that takes up remaining book. Although this second mystery is solved, the story appears incomplete. Reader has a feeling that something is amiss. There is little deduction in the story. Although the ingredients are there, the recipe  is not tasty.

Author has used real life characters of the time for this story e.g. Duke of Clarence, Dorothy Jordan etc. This lends authenticity to the fiction. 

Spanish buxom beauty Magdalena Morales has become a good friend of Steven Lavender. They are attracted towards each other. Some people object to Lavender's friendship with Catholic Magdalena. But they still plan to marry. There is a palpable tension between Lavender and his boss over this.

Detective Lavender mysteries are all historical fictions. Story takes place in year 1810. It's the age without automobiles. Horses were the primary means of transport and horse drawn carriages were mode of mass transport. Things take there own time to happen. There is no hurry. Modern readers need to adjust tho the slow pace of this story.

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

What I didn't like? Unimaginative title. 

What did I like?  Characters of Magdalena and Wood. 

Give it a miss. 

Sita - Warrior of Mithila by Amish Tripathi.

"Sita - Warrior of Mithila" by Amish Tripathi. This book is published by Westland in 2017 and has 376 pages. This is Book 2 of Rama Chandra series. 

Sita is found by Janak and Sunaina. She grows up to be a feisty child and aquires a friend in slums. She is sent to Gurukul where she befriends Hanu bhaiya. She comes to the attention of Guru Vishwamitra. Vayuputra and Malayputra tribes are supposed to work together, but they don't. Sita Swayamwar is arranged. Ram and Sita meet before marriage and develop respect and liking. Ravan can't accept his insult at Swayamwar and attacks Mithila. Vishwamitra talks Ram into firing a daivi astra which has a punishment of 14 years of banishment. Sita is abducted during banishment.

Why is Vishwamitra interested in Sita? Why Vayuputra and Malayputra tribes have differences? Who is trying tho kill Sita? How can Ravan be stopped? Is someone trying to pry Ram & Sita apart?

This much awaited book (almost two years) has finally arrived. And true to the reader's anticipation there is a big twist in the very first chapter. Book starts with kidnapping of Sita and then goes back in flash back. The roller coaster starts from the beginning. The crowning glory is the end of this Book. Its a stunning end with treachery, though the identity of the traitor is not a surprise.

Author's theory of Vishnu and Mahadev, which he defined in Shiva trilogy, continues to be used in this series too. However here there is politics of two influential entities trying to promote their own candidate.

Rise of Ravan theory is also interesting. The oppressed class is fed up of oppression and rises. It first becomes influential and then dominant. This is a natural cycle. In this story Ravan represents the trading class. He has imposed trade of his goods and levies on the defeated kingdoms of India and is sucking money out of India. Narad is a businessman in Gujarat who also trades in information.

Author has used the current names of many places for this story. Thus Assam, Mizoram, Parel,  Mazgaon, Colaba, Mahim, Worli, Mumbadevi, Kerala etc. appear in the story. This is a departure from his previous philosophy of using ancient names. Modern names in old story do not  exactly fit. 

Author has made a few social statements in the story. He has supported Jallikattu. Shaktivel's description resembles Veerappan.

Character of Sita is very different from the popular notion. She is five years elder than Ram. She is muscular and is a warrior. She is the Prime minister of Mithila. She is also wise and reasonable. She recognizes the importance of partnership with Ram for the good of society. She discovers that he has special personality traits and falls in love with him. She is a very balanced character. 

A number of scenes covered in Book 1 are repeated in this book,  but in this book readers get to live the scene through Sita's perspective. The book starts and ends with the same scene. Even book 1 started and ended with the same scene. This style of narration is called hyperlinking. 

All the book covers of Amish Tripathi's novels show the protagonist with rippling muscles but the face is not visible. This book is no exception. It shows Sita in mid jump while fighting with a stick. However, this picture is more caricatured than real. All previous book covers looked real. 

Author explains that Book 1 told us the story of Ram. Book 2 takes us to the life of second important character of Ramayan, Sita. Book 3 will be the story of Ravan and subsequent books will be about their story together. It is known that this was not a trilogy. Now it looks like the series is here for a long haul.

Narration is exciting. Story is fluid. Twists are strategically placed. The book is immersive. Its hard to put it down. I burned some mid night oil for reading.  To write a good story is a skill. To make a known story interesting is a matter of high skill. This book is definitely better than Book 1. Now a long wait of Book 3 begins. Its titled 'Ravan - Orphan of Aryavarta'.

Why did I read this book? Amish. 

What I didn't like? Use of modern place names.  

What did I like? Concept, twists, imagination. 

A very good book. Recommend reading. 

Who let the Gods out by Maz Evans

"Who let the Gods out" by Maz Evans. This book is published by The Chicken House in 2017 and has 320 pages. 

Gods of Olympus have retired. Administration of the immortal community is handed over to the council of Zodiacs by Zeus. Virgo, being almost 2000 years old, is treated like a child by other Zodiacs. She wants to prove herself and takes on an unassigned responsibility and lands in the barn of Elliot Hooper, a 12 year old boy living, with his semi senile mother, on a farm that is about to be confiscated by the bank . Together they somehow manage to release Thanatos, daemon of death and King of daemons. Now Elliot has to put together a team to restrain Thanatos and acquire the four chaos stones before him.

Do Elliot and Virgo have it in them to stop Thanatos? And who does he cobble together? Will the Gods agree to their request for help? What is in store for them? Can he restrain Thanatos?

Author takes a lot of time to create the story background & build up. Author also spends time on Gods, their characteristic, quirks and tricks. Actual fight between Elliott and Thanatos is only a brief affair. Queen of England also makes a dramatic appearance but author does not explain her actions. Probably its left for the sequel. Elliot retrieves one chaos stone but there are three more to go. All these are pointers towards a series of books. 

Flow of the story is smooth. Characters are developed. Gods and constellations are more like caricatures than real characters but they also have feelings and understand the need of restraining Thanatos. Virgo's character receives special attention of the author. Her transformation from immortal to mortal brings about the change. Out brings understanding, emotions and empathy in her. Author has created humour effortlessly. Its a rare occasion for me to laugh out loud while reading a book.

The climax happens too early in the book. So the reader expects another one at the end. But it does not come. Author only ties up lose ends at the end of book. Author must be busy writing sequels.

This book must be inspired by Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series on Greek mythology. She looks at certain concepts in different light and angle. Some things are much the same like Rick. For example all the Gods and immortals are fans of modern Gadgetry. They are generally slow witted. They believe that a mortal can do the job better than them. Author has made a deliberate effort not to appear a copy cat and succeeded in it. Its a light and enjoyable book.

Why did I read this book?  Interesting title. 

What I didn't like?  Main fight is very brief. 

What did I like?  Humour, imagination. 

If you like fantasies, this Book is for you. 

The crocodile" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Mandar's book review (11th Jun 2017)

"The crocodile" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. This execution of the book is published by  CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform in 2014 and has 42 pages. 

This is a short story. Ivan Matveich has obtained permission to go abroad for vacation. Ivan, his wife Ilena Ivanovna and his friend, the author, visit a crocodile displayed by a German. Somehow the crocodile swallows Ivan whole. But he remains alive inside crocodile.

How can he come out? Will the German agree to kill the crocodile? Will he get support from authorities, friends and family?

The story takes place in 1865 Russia. This outs a black satire. Swallowing of a man by a crocodile is used symbolically rather than literally. The story is developed using this as a trigger. 

Reactions of various stake holders are symbolic. The German sees this as an opportunity to increase ticket prices and refuses to kill the crocodile. On further coaxing he puts forth ridiculous conditions for sale. His friend, Timothy, wants to know how he can afford trip abroad. He thinks his wife is very good looking. He argues that Principles of economics should come before everything and opposes killing of crocodile. He wants to know why Ivan entered a private property, crocodile, without permission. He is jealous, happy and a little bit worried at the same time. Author wants to find out if Ivan can be considered 'on duty' while he is inside the crocodile. On one hand he wants to help his friend and on the other he is attracted to his wife.

Ivan starts dreaming of fame due to his special situation and becoming a philosopher. He wants to provide anecdotes to the news papers daily. His wife is thinking of a divorce when she comes to know about his grand plans and immediately starts dreaming of her life of fame.

News papers report varied stories from 'A man ate whole crocodile' to 'A man jumped into crocodile' to 'Animal rights should be protected'.

This story is author's take on the prevalent situation of the society. Its a commentary on the bureaucracy, opportunism, Russia's quest to become at par with Europe, curiosity about free society, market driven economics, forbidden but enticing bourgeoisie etc.

Author has created a masterpiece out of an improbable incident to make a comment on the society. Its a very small book but it packs a punch. 

Why did I read this book? Fyodor Dostoyevsky. 

What I didn't like? Length. 

What did I like? The punch.

A must read. 

For complete review, please visit:

Mandar's Book reviews

http://mandarbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Flood of fire by Amitav Ghosh

Mandar's book review (10th June 2017)

"Flood of fire" by Amitav Ghosh. This book is published by Penguin books India in 2016 and has 632 pages. This is Book 3 of Ibis trilogy. This boom was awarded Crossword book jury award in 2015.

Story moves back to India. Shireen, Bahram's wife, is trying to decide what to do after news of his death and debt. Kesri, Deeti's brother, who serves in British army, gets the news of death of Diti's husband. Zachary Reid is acquitted but has to pay the government for his passage to India as prisoner and takes a job of Mistry in the Bernham household. The British China opium war is on the anvil.

Will Zachary and Paulette unite? Can Raju meet his father? Will Kesri meet Deeti? Will Shireen accept Freddy? How fastidious will the Parsi's be about Shireen? What will captain Mee sacrifice four his love? What role does Ibis play?

Story takes place between years 1838-42. A number of stories go in parallel. Zachary Reid is working as mistry at Mrs and Mr Barnham. Mrs Barnham is helping him to overcome Onanism. Kerri is ostracized from his Paltan for the indiscretion of his sister and signs up to an upcoming expedition, destination a secret. Captain Mee, has not loved anyone after his first love was married off to a merchant by her parents. He too has signed on for the same expedition. Shirin decides to travel to China to pay a visit to her husband's, Bahram who died in book 2, grave and to obtain compensation for the opium confiscated by Chinese. She also wants to meet his illegitimate son. Anil is employed by Chinese authorities for translation and information gathering. He meets Jodhu, the laskar who escaped with him from Ibis. Chinese ships are no match to English ships. English are not happy with Chinese for destroying the opium and a war is imminent. Eventually all the stories converge in China at the first opium war between English and Chinese.

Character of Diti was central in Book 1, was almost absent in Book 2 and appears only in the last pages in this Book. Character of Bahram was absent in Book 1, was central character and dies in Book 2 and appears only in reference in this Book. Zachary appears in Book 1 and 3 but is almost absent in Book 2. Kesri makes an entry in this Book. Neel is a constant presence and so is Freddy.

This book contains everything. Pure love, lust, adultery, affairs, deception, loyalty, treachery, bravery, blank mailing, coincidences, comradeiery, jealousy, free trade (?), money and poverty. 

So what is the central theme in all the three books? It's opium and Ibis. The production, trade and politics of opium and its transport. All the important characters come together for the grand finale of the trilogy at the end of this Book. Lost ones meet. Differences are ironed out. Misunderstandings are sorted out. Deaths happen. What started at Ibis, ends at Ibis. There is a new beginning at the end. 

British gave loans to Indian farmers and forced them to grow opium. Middlemen got three times more than the farmers per chest of opium and British made seven times more than middlemen by selling opium to China and in international market.  Thus eventually the farmer ended up spending more on crop than he earned and remained internally in debt. British made huge profit. Some free trade there!

British went to war with China because China banned opium trade, won the war and forced them to accept British traders selling opium in China freely.  This was also the war in which Chinese had to cede island of Hong Kong to British. This is tyranny at it's best. 

In his quest to become a rich merchant, Zachary Reid transforms from a hero to anti hero to outright villain and repents at the end. He is an epitome of selfish British merchant (Although he is am American) who think that democracy is supposed to allow them to do what they want. 

The book also highlights some historical facts. Manchu emperor's refusal tho see the reality. British military and navy might, discipline and flawless execution. Indians fight from both sides. Capture of Hong Kong. Forcing China to buy opium at an inflated price forcefully. 

Credit to author to have thought about such a trilogy and for executing it well. Although the story slows down in certain places, out manages to keep the reader riveted. 

Why did I read this book? Ibis trilogy.    

What I didn't like? Zachary's decease. 

What did I like?  handling of complex plot.

Recommend reading.

For complete review, please visit:

Mandar's Book reviews

http://mandarbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Madyaratriche padgham (मध्यरात्रीचे पडघम)" by Ratnakar Matkari.

Mandar's book review (4th June 2017)

"Madyaratriche padgham (मध्यरात्रीचे पडघम)", a Marathi book by Ratnakar Matkari. This book is published by Mehta Publishing house. This edition was published in 2013 and has 142 pages. I read this book through 'Grantha tumchya daari (ग्रंथ तुमच्या दारी)' scheme. This book is a collection of eleven short stories.

'Awachinha (अवचिन्ह)' is story of a man who kills his wife out of hatred and confesses in front of crowd at the murder scene. At police station he claims to love his wife and refuses to confess. What is the mystery?

In 'Zopala (झोपाळा)' a girl visits a house of man she was once betrothed to, in dreams. A house she has never visited in reality. Years later she visits it in reality and finds everyone surprised. Why?

In 'Kamgiri (कामगिरी)' Raosaheb decides to donate a skeleton to local college in memory of his recently deceased daughter who worked at the college. Muranjan, lab in charge, and friend of daughter is tasked to collect it. What then?

'Aniket (अनिकेत)' is the story of a man who has a kind of bond with his house. This story is a bit obtuse.

In 'Bal, andhar padla (बाळ,अंधार पडला)', a stranger is accompanying little Nitin home. A number of little children are murdered by strangulation recently. What will Nitin do?

'Kalya manjrache swapna (काळ्या मांजराचं स्वप्नं)' is the story of a black cat who thinks itself superior to humans and tries to solve the problems in his dreams. But it misses one vital thing. What's it?

'Phirun tyach jagi (फिरुन त्याच जागी)' is the story of a man who thinks his new bungalow is turning into an old dilapidated house and he is turning into an old ugly man. Is he?

In 'Maskari (मस्करी)' Shankar and Bhaskar make extreme fun of at someone's expense. They decide to make fun of a poor fisher using a Panchakshari who is considered to know black magic. What will the results be?

In 'Vikhar (विखार)' a man moves into a house that was used by a crime writer for conceiving his plots. There are bad vibes in it. Sushma assess him tho leave the place. Will he?

In 'Manda Patankarchi goshta (मंदा पाटणकरची गोष्ट)' Manda, a young and beautiful girl, is travelling in a first class compartment of a train. She is the only passenger. A man boards. A lady was murdered in a train only few days ago. What will happen?

'Madyaratriche padgham (मध्यरात्रीचे पडघम)' is the story of a boy who thinks that his father is involved in some kind of black magic. Father thinks that he is going mad. Who's right?

All these stories were published individually in various Diwali magazines between 1971 and 1978.

Although the stories in this book are good, I found these not upto the usual mark of the author. One of the most important factor in successful Mysterious story is the unexpected. That shock factor plays on reader's mind. In some of the stories, this unexpected could be easily guessed. When it becomes predictable and story doesn't hit you.

Some of the stories are in the form of a monologue and some in dialogue. A number of stories have a place, room or house as a character. It's alive. 

I should mention the book cover. It has the spooky picture of inhuman beings surrounding innocent and terrified boy from the last story. 

Ratnakar Matkari is the lighthouse in Marathi Mysterious stories (गूढ कथा). He sets the standard and benchmark for the genre. He is also the plumber in Marathi.

Why did I read this book? Ratnakar Matkari and his special genre. 

What I didn't like? Aniket. 

What did I like? Zoopla & Vikhar. 

Read if you have time. 

For complete review, please visit:

Mandar's Book reviews

http://mandarbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Dark prophecy by Rick Riordan

"Dark prophecy" by Rick Riordan. This book is published by Disney-Hyperion in May 2017 and has 432 pages. This is Book 2 of Trials of Apollo series.

Lester (Apollo), Leo and Calypso have reached Indianapolis, when they are attacked by Blemii monsters and saved by ex-hunters of Artemis. A minor goddess gives Apollo and Calypso a quest. Naming ceremony is nearing. Apollo has but three days. Apollo, Meg, Leo, Calypso and hunters of Artemis have a battle to fight.

What happens at naming ceremony? What is the quest? Will Apollo succeed? What is the dark prophecy?

 Mythological beings like Blemii, Cynocephali, Centaurs, Combat ostriches, winged serpents, fire breathing mechanical dragon, Griffins, Ethiopian red bull, Drecena, water markessans, yales thicken the plot. 

The story is not boring, but it isn't very interesting either. Flow of the story is also not uniform. There aren't many surprises in the story. I could see reuse of old ideas as well.

After a roller coaster ride, Apollo manages to overcome second Emperor, Commodus. However, Commodus is not dead. Like Nero in first book, he survives. Who's the third emperor of the Triumvirate? This third emperor will be the nemesis in Book 3 and the grand finale should be against all of them together.

Prophecy in Book 1 was a Limerick. Prophesy in this book was a Sonnet. What will it be in the third? Who will be the third ancient oracle?

In first book Percy Jackson makes an appearance. Thalia Grace makes an appearance in second and third book will have Grover Underwood, the Cedar. Leo and Calypso continue to be part of the story. Looks like author can't keep his hands off the characters of Percy Jackson chronicles.

There is a mention of Thunder God Indra in the book. Is Rick Riordan thinking if a new mytho-fantasy?

Why did I read this book? Greek mythology.
What I didn't like? Climax not dramatic enough.
What did I like? Humor.

Read, if you plan to read the series.