Love, Lies and Lust: Death in the Darkness by R Radhakrishnan

 Love, Lies and Lust: Death in the Darkness by R Radhakrishnan | Book Review

"Love, Lies and Lust: Death in the Darkness" by R. Radhakrishnan is a gripping crime thriller set in the heart of Mumbai. The story begins with the mysterious death of Ranjit Desai, a respected corporate professional and a mentor to slum children.

This story revolves around Ranjit Desai, a simple quadragenarian—a poet and an interior designer. His loving wife, Sushma Desai, and their children are settled in Pune. Sushma is more successful in her career, which led her to stay back in Pune when Ranjit moved to Mumbai. He visits his family every weekend, but on weekdays, he leads a solitary life.

In the same residential community lives Alka Shinde—a painter, a mother, an independent corporate professional, and a widow. Alka lost the love of her life to cancer three years ago. To the world, she appears strong, but within, she carries an unspoken loneliness. Loneliness is life’s cruellest irony, and it is this irony, combined with their shared creative spirits, that brings Ranjit and Alka closer. What begins as friendship soon deepens into love. And as Rumi says, one cannot hide love. Eventually, their bond becomes known to everyone.

Sushma travels to Mumbai to confront the situation and decide the course of her life. That very night, after dinner, Ranjit goes for a walk and mysteriously disappears into the night.

Inspector Joshi, a once-brilliant cop now struggling with his own demons, takes on the case. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a dangerous conspiracy involving powerful people who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. Joshi’s journey is not just about solving the case—it’s about finding redemption for himself. The suspense builds with every chapter, and the twists keep you guessing till the very end.

What touched me most was how the story highlights Ranjit’s quiet efforts to help the city’s underprivileged children. Despite his flaws, his heart was in the right place, and that made his disappearance even more heartbreaking. Alka and Sushma, despite being caught in a difficult situation, show remarkable strength and grace, making their characters feel real and relatable.

The novel beautifully contrasts Mumbai’s glittering high-rises with its dark underbelly, showing the harsh reality behind the city’s glamour. Radhakrishnan's writing is sharp yet descriptive, and he has a keen sense of pacing that heightens the suspense. As the story unfolds, readers find themselves entangled in a complex web of deception, love, lust, and deadly secrets.

R. Radhakrishnan’s writing is detailed and immersive, making you feel the tension in every chapter. The way he describes the investigation, the power struggles, and the hidden crimes feels real and intense.

Overall, the story isn’t just about solving a murder—it also sheds light on the lives of street children and how they become victims of a cruel system. This added layer makes the book more than just a thriller; it’s a reflection of society.

Purchase Love, Lies and Dust here.

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Iron Draped in Silk by Surbhi Gupta

 Iron Draped in Silk by Surbhi Gupta | Book Review

Transformation is what this collection is all about, not just empowerment. Each poem serves as a starting point for a self-discovery journey, reminding you that your feelings are real, that your voice is important, and that your dreams deserve to be heard. 

Gupta's words inspire women to set aside expectations from society, rethink their narratives, and fully embrace their own light. This book's poems gently remind you that you are more powerful than you think and stronger than you have ever imagined. 

The author delves deeply into themes of self-discovery and perseverance, delivering just the right amount of tough love and tenderness to assist you in releasing whatever is preventing you from moving forward. The writing style of Gupta is elegant and provocative. Her verses are full of vivid imagery and rich language that transport the reader into her world. 

She skilfully blends strength with softness, creating a narrative voice that is both gentle and assertive, perfectly aligning with the book's themes. The poetry's already evocative visual dimension is further enhanced by the beautiful illustrations that enrich the reading experience. 

Every woman should read the beautiful and powerful poetry collection "Iron Draped in Silk". It's a gentle yet assertive reminder of the strength and resilience of women, a call to embrace their magic and live their truth. I am eagerly looking forward to Gupta's upcoming works.

Purchase Iron Draped in Silk here.

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Bureau of Romantic Investigations by Manav Vigg

 Bureau of Romantic Investigations by Manav Vigg | Book Review

"Bureau of Romantic Investigations" by Manav Vigg is a hilarious yet thought-provoking rom-com that perfectly captures the chaotic, emotional rollercoaster of campus life. It examines issues related to love, breakups, and commitment from a different angle, presenting a novelist's unique take on contemporary romance. The book is set on campus, where college students bring their relationship dilemmas to be dissected, debated, and critiqued in an open forum—a setup that is both engaging and audacious.

Set in a picturesque university in North India, the story revolves around a group of quirky professors led by Prof. Bakshi, who run a unique “court” where students can air out their relationship drama, frustrations, and heartbreaks. It’s not just a place for gossip—it’s a safe space to learn from each other's messy, often hilarious experiences.

The novel's fresh premise—where else would you find a whole legal system devoted to relationship drama?—was something I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters are interesting, the writing is clear and funny, and there are a lot of funny parts. However, the storytelling occasionally loses its consistency. Some plotlines felt rushed and even unnecessary, leaving little room to absorb their full impact. While I liked the parallel journey of a young professor passionate about startups, certain moments felt arbitrary and out of place.

The author's narrative, told through a series of "cases", explores the diverse dilemmas of modern relationships. The book cleverly and without ever feeling preachy addresses contemporary dating anxieties, from ghosting and breadcrumbing to the intricacies of situationships. It's a witty and insightful look at how we navigate love in the 21st century, capturing the humour and heartbreak with equal measure.

It is a quick and enjoyable read due to the crisp and engaging writing. As an accomplished academic, the author's deep passion for storytelling informs his depiction of campus life and the stories contained within. As a result, the writing is easy to understand and flows naturally, making it very appealing. Because of this, the book is quick to read and enjoyable.

The author's approach to writing about other relationships in the book intrigued me. When the characters engage in difficult conversations and confront difficult issues head-on, his authenticity is unmatched.

Overall, "Bureau of Romantic Investigations" is a truly captivating book that everyone should read. Anyone will laugh, cry, and even think about their own relationships after reading the story. The novel is relatable and interesting, and readers may even gain insight into love and life.

Purchase Bureau of Romantic Investigations by Manav Vigg here.

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The Rising of Dhanush by Dhawalraj Parmar

 The Rising of Dhanush by Dhawalraj Parmar | Book Review

 Would love to see this turn into a graphic novel or webseries

Reading The Rising of Dhanush felt like watching a blockbuster unfold on paper. It’s fast-paced, full of heart, and laced with mythology, all wrapped in a slick superhero narrative. Karan’s transformation from a boy hiding in the jungles to a modern-day archer-warrior is inspiring. You feel every wound he carries—both physical and emotional.

The plot is packed with twists, and it never slows down. From gangsters and shadowy syndicates to secret labs and exoskeletons, this book has it all. And yet, it’s the human connections that ground it. Sam is such a lovable character, and his loyalty to Karan is admirable. The dynamics between Karan and his team, especially the tension with Kali, kept me engaged throughout.

I especially loved the idea of ancient heroes living again in the modern world. It brings a certain gravity to Karan’s battles. And the sci-fi angle was just great. It’s like watching Mahabharata meet Iron Man in the streets of a futuristic Indian city.

The final battle was epic and emotional. The return of Vrisha, the internal fights, and the team’s unwavering resolve were all tied together beautifully. I’d love to see this turned into a graphic novel or a series.

This book is a bold step in Indian mythological fiction, and full mark to the author for writing it in such a thrilling way!

Purchase The Rising of Dhanush here.

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From Diapers to Undies: A Potty Training Tale by Ms. Dimple Dang , Mr. Tridib Ghosh (Illustrator)

 From Diapers to Undies: A Potty Training Tale by Ms. Dimple Dang ,  Mr. Tridib Ghosh  (Illustrator) | Book Review

The Sabha-Sacha series is a collection of sweet stories that inspire and provoke thought. I was intrigued by their stories. I picked up the initial book for potty training kids. I was infused by the colours used for the illustrations. My kids love colours, so this book became the apt choice to read and learn how to teach their younger brother or sister about poo.

This is a story of a brother, Sabhaya, who discusses his issues with his sister, Saachi. He tells her that he also wants to wear panties instead of nappies, which create rashes for him. Mostly parents use nappies to ease their activities. Even kids feel comfortable while sleeping. But after a certain age, even kids feel this is irritating.

Saachi helps him learn to poo easily on a pot and slowly guides him in an evocative manner. Their sweet and adorable conversations make the reader feel so relatable.

As Saachi mentions to Sabhya to wash his hands with soap and dry them with a towel, which leads to Sabhya curiously asking why he needs to do that. Saachi explains that washing hands helps remove germs and keeps them healthy, especially before eating or after playing outside. 

Sabhya nods, his curiosity piqued, and decides to make handwashing a regular part of his routine. Saachi responds that, like your favourite superhero, this is a battle against germs. When Sabhya hears this, he declares that he is now a superhero out of excitement.

It is laid out step-by-step in a manner that is understandable and sympathetic so that both parents and children can read it. This approach not only empowers children like Sabhya to take charge of their hygiene but also fosters a sense of responsibility.

Saachi smiles, recognising that together they can conquer the invisible enemies lurking around them, creating a healthier environment for everyone. This is a treasure trove of emotional intelligence that serves as a reminder that anything is doable with love and support.

The illustrations are vibrant and engaging, capturing the children's expressions of curiosity, frustration, and triumph. The story is also full of valuable life lessons, conveyed in a subtle language that's easy for young minds to absorb.

What really sets this book apart is its dual purpose. It is not only a delightful tale but also a useful guide that includes a step-by-step guide to potty training. The emphasis on teamwork between Sabhya and Saachi is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the importance of creating a supportive environment for children.

Purchase From Diapers to Undies here.

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And A Leader Is Born by H A Rahman

 And A Leader Is Born by H A Rahman | Book Review

The novel is a compelling political drama that delves into the darker side of governance. Written in simple and accessible language, it ensures that even readers unfamiliar with political fiction can read it. The gripping narration and well-developed characters contribute to the book’s immersive storytelling, making it fast-paced and thought-provoking. Although I generally avoid reading political fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. 

The author masterfully portrays the reality of our political landscape—not just the corruption we are aware of but the intricate conspiracies that unfold behind closed doors. The book forces us to reflect on the power of our votes and how one wrong decision can allow a corrupt leader to manipulate an entire system. It highlights the irony of our society: while we take pride in "unity in diversity", politicians thrive on "divide and rule", exploiting these divisions for their own gain. 

One of the most powerful moments in the book is Sikander’s dialogue about how, when travelling abroad, we are identified simply as Indians, not by our religion—so why do we allow these divisions to dictate our lives within our own country? His perspective on "unity and rule" was particularly impactful.

Despite its many strengths, Krishna Kant Sahay’s character lacked depth and could have been better. Similarly, Uncle Raj’s character is somewhat ambiguous, making his motivations unclear. While it is understandable that political figures often shift allegiances, a little more depth in his character would have made his role more compelling.

Overall, this novel is engaging and thought-provoking, starkly reflecting our political reality. I highly recommend it to all readers, regardless of their preferred genre. It challenges perspectives, sparks significant discussions, and leaves a lasting impression.

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