Review: The Missing Connection by Ketaki Patwardhan Nirkhi

There have been some books written over the time which leave a mark on the mind of the readers. It's no less than a miracle that happens in front of your eyes. Author Ketaki Patwardhan Nirkhi in her latest book "The Missing Connection" has tried to narrate one such tale which will be etched in the mind of the readers forever. So is it different from the other books out there? Let's find out. 

Dr.Neha Dixit, an anesthetist lives in Mumbai with her loving husband Dr.Ashutosh. Her life is almost perfect, except for two problems. First problem is the nightmares she has had since childhood, the same ones where she hears screams, where she sees blood. Everyone assumes that these nightmares have something to do with her past, but she cannot recollect any such incidence. The other problem is they are childless, despite all efforts, and she’s craving for one. And one fine day, her life takes an unexpected twist…
While working at the hospital, Neha sees a patient, Susan. Neha has the feeling that she has seen this woman somewhere, a sense of Déjà vu. And Susan too keeps staring at her, as if she too reciprocates the same feeling. From that day, suddenly the frequency of her nightmares increases. The hazel brown eyes of Susan start haunting her. Neha goes to the hospital to find out who Susan is…only to find her absconding. And thus begins Neha’s cross country hunt to find Susan and to find out who she really is. And during this hunt, she realizes that Susan too is following her. Who is Susan? Why does she seem familiar? What is her connection to Neha’s nightmares? Why is she following her? Will hypnotic age regression, as suggested by psychiatrist Dr.Ram, help her? As Neha comes closer to finding who Susan really is, she thinks the problem of her nightmares is going to end. What she doesn't know is that she is close to unraveling a horrific secret buried in the past…

First look at the title and the cover and it'll give readers all kinds of goosebumps. Those eyes and that look of the girl on the cover image is enough to heighten the curiosity of the readers. The title leads you to a belief that story is no less than an entertainer. The blurb talks about a person and her life which has led her to some unsolved queries. It's an unusually lengthy blurb. It should have been shorter than it's original length currently. 

The story revolves around Dr. Neha, an anesthetist whose life is in a turmoil because of two things. First her inability to conceive and secondly a recurring dream which haunts her night after night. There is no solution in sight to both of her problems. One day she comes across a patient called Susan in her hospital during her routine check up and that moment is converted into deja vu which leads her to believe that there is some sort of connection between her & Susan. But suddenly Susan disappears from the hospital and from there on it's a large man hunt to uncover the truth behind this all mystery as to who Susan is and how she is related to Neha. What is in store for her at the end? Will she ever be able to get hold of Susan? What fate awaits Neha in the end? This is what the story is all about. 

There's no end to suspense and thrill in this story. It's a perfect recipe for a suspense thriller. The countless twists and turns will make the readers head spin for a lot of time. The surprise which it has in store for everyone will catch many off guard for sure. The ease with which the narration has been handled is commendable. It's a cracker of a plot. The curiosity factor remains high throughout the book. 

The downside of the book is it's editing. Few mistakes in the book and spacing errors are an eye sore at times. Apart from this the story has no faults in it. 

It's not a loose story. All the ends have been tied up carefully in order to maintain the essence and charm of a suspense thriller. It'll fool you, it'll make you toil hard and it'll make you go round and round and then drop you back to where it all started from. All without any realization. It's a story worth all the time and money of the readers. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5   

Review: Once Upon The Tracks of Mumbai by Rishi Vohra

Some stories are different from the others. They are penned down in such a manner that it'll leave you dazed for sometime. Author Rishi Vohra in his book "Once Upon The Tracks of Mumbai" has tired his hand on something different for the readers to experience and live through the eyes of it's characters. So is he successful in doing that? Let's find out. 

Autistic. Schizophrenic. Psychotic... 
They use these words to describe Babloo the doctors, his family, his teachers everyone except Vandana. She treats him the way he wants the world to see him. 
Mumbai the city that defines his ultimate desires. Will it allow him the love and normalcy he so craves?
Vandana yearns for a soul mate to rescue her from the confines of the Railway Colony they all live in. Is she looking in the right place?
Rail Man a fearless, real-life hero who succeeds in doing all that Babloo secretly wishes to do is Babloo his inspiration or is it the other way around?
A random twist of fate on Mumbais endless, serpent-like, jangling local train tracks ties all these characters together in a complex weave of love, heartbreak, and courage. 
Babloo draws the reader into his fascinating, heart-rending journey through the twisted, choked lanes of Mumbai, into an open space where he can finally exhale, be born again.

First look at the title and the cover and the readers will fell in love with it. The title being one of those eye catching ones and the cover image having a similar kind of an effect. Three words highlight the blurb and the character involved in the story and there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. It's an unusual but a very good blurb. 

The story is about Babloo Srivastav who is ill and has some illness which has not been ruled out properly by the doctors. He is snubbed by his parents and other colony people too. He is idle, jobless and fancies nothing. He is an introvert but his heart beats for the girl next door Vandana. But with time he is lured into false hopes by Sikander a local business man and his innocence is taken advantage of all the time. A chance incident at Holi changes his perspective towards life and he finds a purpose for himself but at the same time is heart broken too because of an alliance happening without his knowledge. So will he able to resurrect himself? Will people and parents accept him again? Will he able to win Vandana's love? This is what the story is all about. 

The story has a simple yet beautiful narration style to it. The difference maker in the story is Babloo's character and the entire set up around him. He holds the story together till the end. The innocence and simplicity of the story is worth experiencing. The story is slow in pace but easy to soak into according to it's subtle changes all the time. The RAIL MAN part is also an added attraction in it. 

The downside of the book is it's predictable in parts. The end is too simple for the readers liking. There should have been more of Babloo in the latter half as too much importance is given to Vandana & Raghu at times. The predictability had to be kept less in the book in order to maintain the excitement. 

The story though not completely different from other love stories but with a character like Babloo in it who is the change maker. The story is to enjoyed slowly and steadily. It's a no hurry affair and can soothe your nerves. It's' a simple yet never heard story. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5

Review: Emotional Fool by Selva Ganapathy

Many a times in life people tend to experience few things which leave a long lasting impact on them. It may be good or may be bad. But it's after effects can be felt by that certain person who has undergone it and the people around him too. Author Selva Ganpathy in his debut book "Emotional Fool" has penned down his own life experiences which created an outlook for the future. So what are his life experiences? Let's find out. 

The protagonist, Selva narrates his life story ? his childhood, his upbringing, friends, travels, college life, career and Priya. The story revolves around Priya, his best friend and confidante who he eventually falls in love with & attempts to court. His sensitive nature leads him to take actions that are a typical & abnormal for people around him. What happens when he continues to let his heart rule his head?

First look at the title and it gives a touchy feel to it. The image and it's mirror image are a glimpse of a person who is sad and has undergone some trauma in his life. The blurb talks about the author who is the protagonist of the story too and some things which are going to change his life forever. It's a short and to the point blurb with a question mark in the end which can excite some readers. 

The story is of Selva and his journey of his first job from IIT Delhi, his friends, his active work for AID New Delhi and then his own family problems and the support he garnered and the love and care he distributed in people around him and then his attempts to woo a girl on social networking medium which fails and then finally he comes across Priya where his life takes a turn from where it's either a good or a bad end. Their conversations, their friendship and love for each other will be put to test and the end result will not suit many. What will happen to Selva in the end? Will Priya be there for him forever? What has life in store for both of them? That's what the story is all about. 

The USP of the story is straight forward and simple narration. The second point where it scores is representation of your own life without hiding facts and written with utmost honesty and dedication. The emotions love and friendship and it's after effects are scattered throughout the book. It's a bold step to reveal your own truth in form a book in front of the readers. 

The downside of the book is some grammatical and few spelling mistakes. The story though high on emotions brings nothing fresh in terms of story line and becomes too plain at times. The love and friendship dilemma doesn't have any excitement in it. 

The book is representation of emotions of a person and what he goes through in the end to achieve something out of it. It's a hope against the hope. It can make the readers cry a bit, smile sometimes and can jolt a few emotions too but you won't find anything new in it. It's a true story which makes it an interesting prospect for the readers. So keep your expectations minimum and be Selva's companion in his journey. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5  

Review: Bankerupt by Ravi Subramanian

Banking Thrillers have been the flavor in the Indian writing industry for quite some time now. Few books have turned around the fate of this genre in favor of the writers. Author Ravi Subramanian in his latest book "Bankerupt" tries to take the readers for a ride of their lives based on banks, frauds and scams. So is he successful in weaving one more riveting tale? Let's find out.

A university is an institution for higher education and research. It can also be a place where academic brilliance leads to overinflated egos, bitter politics and finally, murder. Cirisha Narayanan, a professor who has risen meteorically, stumbles upon a cryptic message. Aditya Raisinghania, her banker husband, sets up a highly innovative financial hoax. Her profiteering father harvests Australias largest bird the emu in India. The US elections are on and the debate on gun control has reached a fever pitch. Set in Mumbai, Coimbatore and Boston, Ravi Subramanian creates an impeccably researched world where everyone has a motive to kill. Nothing is as it seems in this cunningly vicious thriller where the plot turns on a dime.

First look at the title and the cover and you can associate the book to a thriller and the author's previous attempts of writing banking thrillers. The title suits the theme of the book. The cover image portrays a man running away from something with a gun and a bag in his hand. It fits perfectly with the book. The blurb talks about two people and two different scenarios where there is a lot going to happen which will end up in a lot of mess. It's a typical thriller blurb not revealing too much of information about the story which sets the tone for the readers. 

The story has two plots in it. First one in which Aditya Raisinghania an investment banker with GB2 bank works across deals for many customers and suddenly is embroiled in a controversy when his old frind Shivinder and a company called Step Up Shoes come to them for loading off their assets. The two best friends hatch a plan and end up making a mess of it. Meanwhile an EMU bird business proposal comes to him and there he meets his future wife Cirisha Narayanan with whom he gets married and settle down. But his father in law fears a lot of problems in his business after sometime and it becomes a cause of worry for him. Meanwhile Cirisha working in MIT comes across some events which changes the entire world around her when her best friend Richard takes some hasty steps and ends up killing himself and a lot of people. A lot of political drama unfolds in the campus when James Deahl & Michael Cordoza two popular academicians with their own personal interests in a few things lead an all out assault and put in danger lives of many people. What is the fate of Cirisha & Aditya in the end? Will the mess from Mumbai to Boston be uncovered? Will Richard & the others get justice? That's what the story is all about. 

It's a classic case of a thriller which goes length and breadth of the continent and takes the readers for a ride of their lives. The number of surprises in the story keeps the readers engaged till the end. The deceptive nature of all the characters is a thing to watch out for in the book. The parallel plots in the story makes the head spin most of the times. The end in particular is very gripping and surprising. It's a delight for thriller readers. The book slow at start and pacy afterwards makes it interesting for the readers with vivid descriptions to go along with. The book has been inspired by a lot of real life events which have been woven into a thriller. 

The downside of the book is the elder Narayanan's tale which loses it's charm and gives a look of an unnecessary entity in the book. His part looked neglected and incomplete towards the end. 

The book once again like the previous thrillers from the author makes a strong case for itself. There's a touch difference to it it's more of an academic thriller than a banking thriller. It's a blend of scams, scandals, powerful political connections, manipulative nature of people, changing loyalties and not to forget the greed and the desire to succeed at any cost. It is edgy, mysterious, bag full of surprises and enough to make a reader dance to it's tunes till the end. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5

Review: Algorithm of Future by Sandeep Sharma

Sci-fi thriller movies is the one about which the world is very much acquainted. Sci-fi thriller in books is a rare entity. Not many writers have attempted to write one. Author Sandeep Sharma in his debut novel "Algorithm of Future" has tried his luck with a sci-fi thriller for the readers. So does it have the thrills and shrills to keep the readers engaged? Let's find out. 

Everything was fine till that plane crash in China. Thats where everything started. Rakesh the youngest Mathematician who can predict the future using his mathematics. Aakash Singh Rathore the greatest Magician and the hypnotist who wants to rule the world. Rahul a friend, a RAW agent or something else? Here mathematics, magic and science will fight to decide the future of this world. Will Rakesh be able to save his family from the fate he himself has predicted? What happened that night from which Rakesh couldnt recover himself from 12 years? This is the story of revenge. This is the story of love. This is the story of friendship. This is Algorithm of Future.

First look at the title and the cover and a lot of readers will confuse it for a mathematics book. But that's not the case. It's a thriller based on mathematics. It's a typical cover image containing numbers and equations. The blurb talks a about a person and his particular set of skills which will help him in save the country. It's a good blurb and can be related to the title and theme of the book. 

The story revolves around a mathematician Rakesh whose life is maths. He develops a unique formula to predict the future actions of the people and ridiculed badly. He is dejected by it and one fine day he gets a call from a magician called Aakash Singh Rathore who proves to be his nemesis. Rahul along with his family lives in a constant fear as Officer Abhay of RAW and Rahul his long lost friend join forces with him in order to neutralize Rathore's threat. So what are Rathore's motives? Will Rakesh be able to stop him? What will he gain and lose out of it? That's what the story is all about. 

It's a thriller story and has thrills of it's own with quite a few surprises present in it from time to time. The story is more convincing in the latter part. The edginess of Rathore and the ever fumbling & confusing Rakesh are in stark contrast which sets the tone for the story. Few surprises and twists are eye catchy in the story. 

The downside of the book is editing. The grammar has gone for a toss in the book which is a huge turn off while reading the story. The algorithm which is the central theme of the book doesn't has any particular explanation to it as to what it is and how it's used to predict the actions of the people. The first half is a dull affair and a lot of things happen out of the blue in the story. 

The book overall had a lot of potential in it but fell flat on expectations courtesy poor grammar and a lot of unexplained parts in it. It has a touch of thrill in it but the sci fi element goes missing. The book needs fine tuning in order to make it an interesting prospect for the readers. 

RATINGS: 

2 OUT OF 5

Review: The Curse of That Night by Rochak Bhatnagar

It's a male dominated society. We often here some people brag about it in the public. Since the advent of human race a few minds have indulged in heinous activities which have not only let us down time and again but also put a big question mark on the existence of decent people in the society. Rape is one those crimes which has a long history behind it and has been a topic of discussion and something which has spun out of control in the recent times. Author Rochak Bhatnagar in his latest book "The Curse of That Night" has woven a story of one such girl. So is he successful in conveying the exact message to the audience? Let's find out. 

A fragmented policy and a vitiated public sphere characterise today's India. The question that is making rounds is whether we have become an intolerant nation. Obviously, there can be no simple 'yes' or 'no' to such a question; it all depends on the context in which it is posted.
You can practically get away with the most heinous crimes, be it murder, rape, corruption of the grossest sort, theft, graft, not to speak of the abuse of both law and morality in almost every sphere of life.
Abhijeet Raichand is the highest paid lawyer in Delhi with just one aim in life, to make money. He has a loving fiance Malvika, who supports him in every way. Darsh is an orphan. He was too young when his father died and left him with a responsibility, to take care of his little sister. He used to work as a rag picker and had just one wish, to get the best of education for his sister, Aarti. Everything was going on great until that brutal night. The night when Aarti was gang raped by three men, including Omi Yadav, son of an MLA.
Rape is a crime against human rights and is also violating the victims most cherished of the fundamental rights, the right to life contained in Article 21. And it is rightly said by someone, "While a murderer destroys the physical frame of the victim, a rapist degrades and defiles the soul of a helpless female".
The story revolves around Aarti, Malvika, Abhijeet and Darsh and their struggle to get justice. A corrupt system, political pressure and a lifetime of curse and trauma. Will Aarti get justice? Will those convicts get punishment for this brutal crime? Read on to find out!!

First look at the title and cover and the readers hearts will melt out for the crying soul as the cover image. The title is apt for the theme which is the basis of the story. The blurb talks about few people and their encounters with some people of influence and how one life becomes a matter of utmost importance. It's a very good presentation of the story and it's theme in the blurb. 

The story revolves around Abhijeet Raichand a rich and famous lawyer who has made a name for himself in the city. He falls in love with his intern Malvika and gradually love culminates between them. His brother Rohan has revenge and retribution in his mind. A chance incident brings Darsh & Arti as life saviours for Abhijeet and in return he takes care of them personally. Arti unawares of the cruelty of the world raises her voice against the son of local MLA and is brutally raped in order to satisfy the male ego. It causes a nation wide stir and loyalties and many other lives are turned around during the entire process. Will Arti come out of the closet? Will Abhijeet fight for justice? Will Darsh be able to support her sister till the end? It's a story of good v/s evil. 

The story has a plus point i.e the sensitivity of the theme portraying the injustice happening against the women in real life. The realistic points put across the entire story regarding rape have been well researched. The story has a lot of reality in it especially the second half where it turns out to be a upheaval battle. The narration is quite simple and fluid. It's a good blend of fiction and reality. 

The downside of the book is it's connectivity which is not present in the first half. The plot is weak at start and some details are amiss in the story which gives an incomplete feeling at times. The real life statistics and facts could have been inculcated in a much better manner in the book. 

The book though not an exemplary piece of work but still has enough in it create a sense of awareness in the society as to how to approach the matters of rape and other crimes. It acts like a bucket of water used to awaken the ignorant from the deep slumber. It's no regular romantic saga. It has to be read and thought upon with a serious intent. It's a book with an appeal to maintain the sanctity of the society and respecting women rather than destroying their very existence on earth for satisfying your own personal ego and greed. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5

Help Me Please (Chapter-5)

 I wore a pink top with blue jeans and waited with bad breath for the clock to strike 12. As soon as it struck 12 Manav texted me and said "Sweetheart after 5 minutes come out". 

As my apartment was on the ground floor it was a bit easy to sneak out. I was worried as well as excited at the same time. 

I tip toed towards the back entrance of my house and saw Manav on his bike at a distance. I opened the door without making noise and then proceeded towards him with my chappals in my hand. 

Manav laughed at the sight when I ran up to him like a little child and then hugged him with the chappals in my hand. 

He giggled and said " Sweetie Pie these chappals are supposed to be worn in the feet". 

I smiled and said " Yes sweetu I'm wearing it". Now please drive us out of here before somebody sees us. 

Aye Aye Madame. 

I hopped on his bike and then as the bike picked up speed I held on to him tight and enjoyed my hair fluttering with the impact of the wind. 

He braked often and the touch of his body with mine sparked currents in my body. I just was engrossed in the moment. 

After driving for 15 minutes he stopped near a secluded spot outside the city with open fields and he parked his bike on one side of the road.

Sweetu what are we doing here? 

Wait baby. Give me a moment. 

He then proceeded towards the field and asked me to shut my eyes. 

I shut my eyes and waited for him for the next couple of minutes. 

Manav what is it? 

Just hold on please. 

I could sense the excitement in his voice. The moon and the stars were bright and making it a perfectly lit night. 

I was standing in the middle of nowhere and suddenly he whispered in my ears, On my mark open your eyes. 

Alright baby. 

1 2 3 Go. 

As soon as I opened my eyes he wrapped a red dupatta around me and ran towards the field and picked up a black jacket and imitated the DDLJ scene and started singing "Tujhe Dekha Toh Ye Jaana Sanam". 

I was in awe completely as he held my hand and we went inside the field and then under the bright light of the moon our lips met for the first time. 

Then out of the excitement he went down on his one knee and said, Will you be mine Simran a.k.a Tanya? 

I blushed hard and with tears in my eyes said yes. He slipped one necklace in my neck out of nowhere and I was surprised with the princess treatment. 

I couldn't hold back my tears and leaped at him with full force as we both fell down in the field and then we made love to each other for the first time. 

I just kept sobbing and crying as he was gentle with me at times and wild too but what made me love him more was the love and care in his eyes which I could see through with my gaze. 

Time just flew by as we lied in each other's arms and felt asleep after a wonderful Valentines Day experience. 

Suddenly there was a commotion and I saw 4 men dragging Manav away from me. My modesty was being challanged by them as they started passing lewd remarks at me. Two of them held Karan at gun point while the other two made way towards me. 

I was completely shocked and tried to ran away from there but they caught hold of me and dragged me by my hair. I had no clothes on and both of them were laughing menacingly drunk. 

My pleas and cries felt on deaf ears as they dragged me to the same spot where Manav & I were lying sometime ago. 

Manav's hands and legs were tied up and his mouth was stuffed with a dirty piece of cloth. He had been slapped and bruised and blood was pouring out of his wounds. 

I pleaded again and again but they were too drunk to register even a single word. 

How come such a hot item has landed up in the fields? said one of them. 

I had by then covered myself with bits and pieces of my clothes but to no avail. 

Sweetheart no need to cry. Don't cover yourself up. We'll take care of you. said another one tauntingly. 

Do not touch me please. Take money and leave me. Please I beg you. I was crying incessantly. 

We don't want money. We want you. said the third one smacking his lips. 

Please. Please leave me alone. Please help somebody. 

Manav please help. 

One of them took out a knife and flashed at Manav. See here you girl if you don't agree to our demands then we'll kill your boyfriend. 

No please don't do it. Leave us please. Please... 

She won't listen like this. Stab him. 

No no. Please don't. 

But it was too late. One of them had stabbed the knife in Manav's thigh and the knife made a deep gashing wound. 

I was horror struck at the sight as the two men approached me like hungry bears. 

I tried to get up but they caught me by my legs and hit me with a gun butt. 

The last I heard was muffled voices of Manav and devilish laughter of the 4 scoundrels. 



(To Be Continued)