Book Review of “The Newsroom Mafia” by Oswald Periera

It’s true…and proven time and again – men opt for a “crime-thriller-suspense” novel when it comes to writing. And rightly so. They have a knack to capture and portray the precise feelings associated with the genre. And Oswald Periera does complete justice to his debut novel- The Newsroom Mafia that offers more than just the thrill of being a media-related-crime story.

The story is about how the Mumbai police commissioner Donald Fernandez puts all his efforts in nabbing the don, Narayan Swamy, with the help of Oscar Pinto, a young crime reporter with “The Newsroom”, one of India’s most venerable newspapers. But we see how Swamy’s ties in the media are stronger, and more effective than Fernandez can think of. How some of the “exclusive” stories were planted and how most police officials, reporters and politicians were mere pawns controlled by the don, is scripted quite brilliantly by the author.
The battle of power, and wits, played with dirty tactics by both, the law breakers and the law abiders raises a lot many questions in the mind of the reader, regarding the authenticity and the truthfulness of the media and the people attached to it.
Rightfully the book description says, “The Newsroom Mafia captures the unholy alliance between the fourth estate, the underworld and the government”.
The narrative is riveting. The language is simple and lucid; the pace perfect to keep you turning page-after-page without a break; and the description of places/situations/events and the people so meticulous and faithful that it breathes life in to the words.
The story is more of an eye-opener about things that happen in the media industry and how people (read: cops, politicians, the underworld and media) work their ways around situations and their counter-parts. What happens behind the curtains and the camera is only known to the insiders. Oswald bares the truth, and how!
Who says money can’t buy everything. In today’s world, the media is offered a more-than-handsome-amount to not print/publish/uncover stories that are critical and important for the public.

To say that not everyone is as corrupt or dishonest is true. But the number (or percentage) of such honest folks is minuscule.

The author’s background as a crime reporter gives him the leverage to churn out such a fantastic piece of crime-thriller. With such in depth research and insight, the book feels more real than just “a piece of fiction”.

MUST MUST MUST READ!

Book Review of “The Defector” By Daniel Silva

The Defector

By Daniel Silva

 

The Defector looks like Silva’s best and strongest work in the action/adventure genre.

Gabriel Allon – a tough (yet sympathetic) art restorer and preeminent Israeli secret agent, is sent on a secret mission – to get back a man he previously rescued, who is now kidnapped by a Russian arms dealer.

First time readers of Silva’s work will have no trouble catching up with the plot as there is enough background detail to illustrate the real motive of the actions of all the characters and the plot.

The author’s impeccable writing skills bring in a horde of suspense and thrill and unending excitement with splendid twists, keeping the pace of this multi-continent mission sleek and fast. The rich content and quality of the otherwise stereotypical Russian military show a new flavor of his writing and ideation.

Tension builds with every word. The plot is captivating and definitely thrilling.

Apt descriptions and believable plots/situations/characters make it a quick read for all of Silva’s fans. His brilliance in portraying emotions, motivation and appeal are simply aweinspiring.

The compelling political backgrounds; the complex yet charismatic character of Allon; the appealing characters; the links and revelation of plots – sometimes seem predictable but they still seem better off than many other thrillers provided by other authors.

 

Book Review of “Knockout” by Catherine Coulter

Knockout

By Catherine Coulter

 

Alright…this one seems like a mixed bag. At some points the story grips you like never before and at some points it dips to the depths of an unknown shoddy valley.

The way the characters developed in the earlier series was intriguing – but now they just seem stuck.

The story begins with FBI Agent Dillon Savich stopping a bank robbery and ends up killing the leader of the gang. The daughter (of the leader) then vows to seek revenge and goes on a killing rampage.

Dillon gets a telepathic message from a seven year old girl, Autumn who thinks of Dillon as a hero. Autumn desperately wishes to save her mom and herself from her father’s relatives who wish to make use of her “super talents” to augment their power and their paranormal cult.

There is a bit of excitement, drama, action and suspense with a tinge of humor, but delivered in potions that keep running out soon. Both the plots are managed well but lack of chemistry and characterization make it weak.

It is gripping enough to keep you hooked but Coulter could’ve done a better job.

 

Book Review of “Gone Tomorrow” By Lee Child

Gone Tomorrow

By Lee Child

A high caliber “brain candy” – yes that is what Jack Reacher’s “expeditions” turn out to be eachtime he ventures out with his lonely muscular self, and of course his tooth-brush!
The author churns out yet another gripping story set in New York this time. Jack Reacher finds himself seated in front of a woman (on a subway) who fits perfectly in the (14 point) visual checklist for a suicide bomber. He tries talking to her to extract information but it turns out that the lady is carrying a gun with which she eventually shoots herself in no time. What follows is aseries of twists and surprises and a roller coaster ride to find the truth.

Reacher is the kind of man all women dig. A retired army officer so to say but more of a bad ass with a lot of blood on his hand. All with maximum efficiency – minimum remorse.

Lee Child is a master writer. His crisp, impeccable language with intricate detailing take thereader on a different trip altogether. He mesmerizes you into reading the entire book asap to know how it all ends.The character of Reacher is so well etched that makes you pick up the books just to seewhere Jack lands himself this time and how he uses his brute force, mastermind (that can do complicated math in a jiffy and quote some laureates verbatim!) and wits to solve complexities. Honestly, the story is just about average, but it is the addiction for Reacher’s art of getting into solving complex crimes that makes one pick up the book.

And it’s all worth it!

Book Review of “First Family” By David Baldacci

First Family

By David Baldacci

An average action-thriller by David Baldacci, First Family is follow-up to Simple Genius.
To begin with, both Sean King and Michelle Maxwell ooze out more character than before (thankfully!).
Just before Pam Dutton is about to instruct them on their next case she is found dead and her daughter (Willa) is missing.

Gripping storyline, plenty subplots, intriguing scandals, interesting twists and turns, absorbing characters of the antagonists as well make this a great read. The author has a definite knack to hook the reader from the very beginning. But at times the pace of the story drops making it a bit of a drag. The climax seems overloaded and kinda unbelievable. But overall readable.

Book Review of “Bad Moon Rising” By Sherrilyn Kenyon

Bad Moon Rising

By Sherrilyn Kenyon

 

Bad Moon Rising, the seventeenth book in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s phenomenally popular Dark Hunter paranormal romance series, seems like a bit of a disappointment penned by an ace writer like Sherrilyn Kenyon. Her earlier books had a mystic sense of anticipation which now seems to have completely fizzled out.

Her earlier books were full of intense passion, twists in mythology, heavy on lust, heroic deeds. This one lacks intensity and depth. No new developments, neither an interesting plot. And no intense romance as expected. Also the timeline is a bit vague.

A major section of the book is a rehash of the past, now seen in a different light and with a different view point.

The main focus being – Fang Kattalakis (were-wolf) is in love with Aimee (were-bear) and they are willing to fight the world to be together. The problem is that they belong to different rival clans. Their efforts to unite are touching – brining in some drama, action and romance.

And someone out there is setting up Fang for multiple murders. Then there is Thorn and the hell-chasers. Quite a bit of unrelated and random events all forced into a story. Fang with his secrets and Aimee with hers bring a certain flavor but not really up to the mark. Even the climax is a bit rushed into.

 

Book Review of “I, Alex Cross” By James Patterson

I, Alex Cross

By James Patterson

 

A typical James Patterson, fact-paced, action novel – I, Alex Cross is a quick read with short chapters.

This suspense-mystery-thriller opens with Alex getting the news of his estranged niece’s gruesome murder. She is ground up in a wood chipper and found in a plastic garbage bag in the back of a car. She was a hooker involved with a sex club, and entertained rich and famous clients like judges, congressmen and highly affluent politicians. The investigation with intriguing twists and turns leads Alex to the White House and finally to the President’s husband.

And then there is the equally emotional sub-plot of Alex’s grandmother- Nana, bringing in a humane touch to the inhumane murders happening around. Nana falls ill land is rushed to the hospital. Alex now swings between finding his niece’s killer and being by his Nana’s side.

The highly engrossing mysterious plot is spiced with bad/raw language, sexual content, and violence. With a lot of action, drama and suspense with clear prose, the author paints a thrilling picture of terror. Alex’s character is very well balanced. Very humane, witty, and sharp. Patterson’s honest portrayal of relationships is heart-warming. His bold imagination show his knack of building up consistent suspense and thrill for the readers.

A highly captivating page-turner.

 

Book Review of “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” By Stieg Larrson

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest

By Stieg Larsson

What a brilliant end to the trilogy!

The entire series counts as one of the greatest crime/thriller series of the decade, by a mastermind whose genius was recognized, posthumous.

His excellence in clearly narration cranks up more pressure than ever, and his take on the Swedish political landscape – commendable.

The story picks up from where the previous part (The Girl Who Played With Fire) ends.  Both Lisbeth Salander and her father, Zalachenko, are found seriously wounded. Salander is recuperating in the hospital and awaiting transfer to prison upon recovery. Her stumble upon the discovery of the misdeeds of her father, along with some government agencies, seem to have kick-started a series of events that the baddies are set to cover – by hook or by crook.

The brutal realities and immorality of the publication industry and authorities bring to life the complex plot with a gripping leash. This page turner is starkly fast paced.

Here’s some food for thought – unlike the umpteen crime/thrillers, Larsson’s trilogy shows women in a strong light. There is no mindless pornographic violence or sleazy settings to add zing to dull chapters. In fact, the author’s hatred of injustice reflects in his work and at some point motivates readers for years to come.

Book Review of “The Girl Who Played With Fire” By Stieg Larsson

The Girl Who Played With Fire

By Stieg Larsson

 

This is the second in the late Steig Larsson’s “Millennium” trilogy. This fast paced multi-layered thriller follows “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” and is equally gripping as its first part.

Lisbeth Salander’s character keeps getting more and more interesting with the passage of time. She comes across as a strong, smart, tattooed, (bisexual) powerhouse, genius of a girl afflicted with Asperger’s syndrome, but great in hacking skills.

The story revolves around sex trade, scandals, corrupt cops, abusive authority, and insensitive media, (all in Sweden). Salander is the prime suspect in the murder cases and it’s not just the police that want her. The bad guys are on her trail too. Lisbeth refuses to bow down to the evil and wrong doers and is more than determined to find the truth and the link between the murders. Oh, and the way she eludes the paths of the criminals is spell bounding.

The other characters include: Mikael Blomqvist, the heroic investigative journalist (and publisher of Millenium magazine) who believes that Lisbeth is innocent and is all set to help her uncover the criminals; Erika Berger, the fearless editor; Nils Bjurman, the evil local guardian (found murdered in his apartment); a cadre of nasty social-service doctors and psychiatrists; rogue cops; members of a Hells-Angels-like motorcycle gang; and a shadowy figure Zala.

Most of the events turn out to be related to Lisbeth’s past bringing in the stunning climax, which coax the reader to complete the trilogy by picking up the next one – “The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets’ Nest”.

The tale has a strong plot and a beautiful setting. The rich detailing of characters and the sub plots makes it an intense read. Much worthy of being a “bestseller”.

 

Book Review of “The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo” By Stieg Larsson

By Stieg Larsson

 

The author’s knack to finely knit various stories together is commendable. And each of them is equally gripping. The fine detailing of the characters and the places, the distinctive stories, all merge together and grip you enough to keep reading till the very end. It lives up to its “fast paced thriller” tag. Corruption, scandals, family saga, murder, passion, mystery – all fly high in here.

The characters are pretty interesting and the entire story depicts almost all forms of human emotions brilliantly. Agreed, it’s not a unique story but it is written interestingly enough to involve the reader.

The main lead – Lisbeth Salander comes across as a talented computer hacker with a sad history (victim of child abuse). Her father is a brutal man who sends Lisbeth to a psychiatric unit at a tender age(of 13), to elude from blowing his cover.

The trilogy mite just work, if the other sequels are as strong as this one. It is worth a read in spite of the few dips the story goes through. This one deserves a shelf space for sure.