Fangs of Death- Book review

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A chilling real crime – a heinous murder using a slithering, live weapon- poisonous snake! Hats off to criminal creativity.
Aloke and Maanas Lal recreate the crime in flashbacks. While it’s not a whodunit, since the murderer is presented to us upfront, the real fun is in the nitty gritties of police investigation & their herculean struggle to build up substantial evidence.

Too often police in Bollywood films are either corrupt or dumb enough to mess up evidence. ‘Fangs of death’ deals with a systematic unfolding of the case buildup, the relevant IPC sections, the vital issues in an autopsy report, the thorough and painstaking struggle to build a concrete wall which can withstand scrutiny in court.

Real life photos of the concerned police and criminals adds to the feel of watching a Netflix docu- drama of real crime.

Book review- Delve into your life

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Author: Bilal Khan

Review: “Walk in adult shoes with a child-like heart.” This is one of the quainter quotes that gets you nostalgic, introspective and wistful. Bilal Khan taps into emotions, family ties, love and commitment; of promises to self and to beloveds; of unpursued dreams and unshed tears. Arranged marriage, bidding adieu to big sister, joining an Old Friends group, living life after a parent’s death- he packs a wide variety in mere 125 pages.

Special mention: A short writeup after each story, like a fleshed out moral of the story. Also the sweet sketches scattered through the book.

Author: Bilal’s short biography at the end makes his debut more impressive. A budding cricketer whose career was marred by a spinal injury, the gutsy lawyer is a Taekwondo expert, a palm reader and an Urdu poet as well!

pages: 125

Book review: Kamin’s Daughter

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Tagline: A movie adaptation can bring about the impossible combo of Kangana-Karan; and gift them both National Awards.

Review: A happening career and a happy marriage – until Koena discovers dark secrets about husband Shom. Sent on a dangerous mission she uncovers that her own life nurtures even darker secrets.
Koena is battling childhood trauma, is worshipped by an awed junior, she’s hip, chic and every inch a modern woman – as proved by gallons of black coffee, bouts of migraines and of course – psychotherapist sessions. Who else but Ranaut?
On a lighter vein, the story sometimes echoes Hamari family Naxali family. Who else but Johar?
Shom’s culinary skills and ‘shona-honey’ epithets notwithstanding, he gives scary vibes. Overall, the writing is snappy, cool, and pithy. The topic is relevant and deeply researched.
Cons: Shom’s volte face and Koena’s major decisions towards the climax seem out of sync with the rest of the novel

Book review: Popcorn Tales

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Author: Bhavna Jagnani

Genre: short stories/fantasy/adolescence

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6828819117

Review: Crackling and irresistible – much like popcorn, this bouquet of short stories are slotted for 10-18 years, but can be savoured by anyone young at heart.
A pizza that is delivered from a non-existent pizzeria, a girl who can predict the future, a giant who saves good humans, a mysterious briefcase, a town clock that hypnotizes humans – Bhavna creates a magical world for each tale, sucking in the reader into her fantasy.
Microwave a pack of popcorn and enjoy!

Page: 146

book review- Letters to my Mother

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Expect the unexpected

Remember the russian doll – or dolls, each cracking open to reveal another doll embedded within? That’s this book – 4 generations of daughters intertwined in raw emotions. Unfazed, zesty, lusty and fiercely individual women who dare to err and admit it.

I had to read the cover inscription twice. I thought it said, ‘I hope you forgive me’. But on closer inspection it says quite the opposite- so the cover is a perfect harbinger of what lies inside.

Meera hates her mom, to the extent of shunning her even in death. A gift left behind unravels letter from her Mom and Grandmom which pique her interest as she relives their lives in the older India, lives their choices, their mistakes, their loves, their bitter quibbles, their drastic steps – until life comes a full circle and lands her at grandma’s doorstep.

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/9393757038/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_in-21&linkCode=as2&camp=3626&creative=24790
Author: Vikkas Pareek

Pages: 312

Genre: Fiction, Memoirs