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Inspector Saralkar Mystery #5
The Kid Killer
“Don’t you think kidnapping and murdering a child is the most wicked crime in the world sir?” PSI Motkar remarked.
“Yes Motkar, killing a child in cold blood requires a higher level of depravity than murdering an adult,” Saralkar replied thoughtfully, "The strange paradox is that it is physically easier to kill a kid, but morally far more difficult….”
The bloated body of 11-year-old Pranjal Bhatti is found in Pune’s Mutha river, within 72 hours after he disappeared on his way to his tuition class. Intriguingly, only one ransom call was made by the kidnapper.
As Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar take charge of the case, a baffling array of suspects and motives emerge, from the Bhatti family’s deceptively commonplace present as well as their tumultuous past.
Will the proud Pune police officers emerge triumphant? Will Saralkar be able to hunt down and nab the menacing kid-killer, who might well be guilty of ghastly pedicide, earlier too?
“Yes Motkar, killing a child in cold blood requires a higher level of depravity than murdering an adult,” Saralkar replied thoughtfully, "The strange paradox is that it is physically easier to kill a kid, but morally far more difficult….”
The bloated body of 11-year-old Pranjal Bhatti is found in Pune’s Mutha river, within 72 hours after he disappeared on his way to his tuition class. Intriguingly, only one ransom call was made by the kidnapper.
As Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar take charge of the case, a baffling array of suspects and motives emerge, from the Bhatti family’s deceptively commonplace present as well as their tumultuous past.
Will the proud Pune police officers emerge triumphant? Will Saralkar be able to hunt down and nab the menacing kid-killer, who might well be guilty of ghastly pedicide, earlier too?
- GenresCrime
360 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2023
13 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Salil Desai
11 books94 followersSalil Desai is the author of the much-acclaimed Inspector Saralkar Mystery Series, that includes - The Kid Killer (2023), Murder Milestone (2020), 3 and a Half Murders (2017), The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen (2015) and Killing Ashish Karve (2014). The books are currently being adapted into a web series by Jio Studios.
Titled 'Kalsutra', the first season of the web-series is based on 'Murder Milestone' and is due for release in 2025. Salil is also the lead writer of the screenplay of 'Kalsutra'.
Salil’s other popular books are Murder on a Side Street (2011), Lost Libido and Other Gulp Fiction (2012), as well as The Sane Psychopath (2018). Salil's short story 'Sound Motive' has also appeared in The Hachette Book of Indian Detective Fiction (2024), while other short fiction has been published in anthologies by Penguin, Westland and Unisun.
His latest novel ‘The Grudges of Gajanan Godbole’, a wacky crime thriller, has just been published by Hachette India in November 2024.
His short story ‘The Perfect Day’ and novel ‘The Sane Psychopath’ are also in the process of being adapted for screen as feature films.
Salil’s books have been reviewed in The Hindu, New Indian Express, The Pioneer, Bangalore Mirror, DNA, First City, The Tribune, among others. His work has been praised by veteran authors Dr Shashi Tharoor, Shobhaa De and film-makers Sriram Raghavan and Sujoy Ghosh.
An alumnus of Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Salil also conducts intensive workshops in creative fiction writing, story and scenario design, screenplay writing and film-making at leading liberal arts institutions and media & communication colleges across India.
He is a seasoned newspaper columnist, with over 400 articles, op-ed pieces, features and travelogues in leading dailies like The Times of India, Indian Express, DNA, The Tribune, Reader’s Digest, Deccan Herald, The Hindu etc.
Salil was one of the four international authors worldwide selected for the HALD International Writers’ Residency in Denmark, hosted by the Danish Centre for Writers & Translators in June 2016. He was also invited to Gullkistan Centre for Creativity, Iceland and spent the month of May 2023 there as a Resident.
Know more about him at www.salildesai.com
Titled 'Kalsutra', the first season of the web-series is based on 'Murder Milestone' and is due for release in 2025. Salil is also the lead writer of the screenplay of 'Kalsutra'.
Salil’s other popular books are Murder on a Side Street (2011), Lost Libido and Other Gulp Fiction (2012), as well as The Sane Psychopath (2018). Salil's short story 'Sound Motive' has also appeared in The Hachette Book of Indian Detective Fiction (2024), while other short fiction has been published in anthologies by Penguin, Westland and Unisun.
His latest novel ‘The Grudges of Gajanan Godbole’, a wacky crime thriller, has just been published by Hachette India in November 2024.
His short story ‘The Perfect Day’ and novel ‘The Sane Psychopath’ are also in the process of being adapted for screen as feature films.
Salil’s books have been reviewed in The Hindu, New Indian Express, The Pioneer, Bangalore Mirror, DNA, First City, The Tribune, among others. His work has been praised by veteran authors Dr Shashi Tharoor, Shobhaa De and film-makers Sriram Raghavan and Sujoy Ghosh.
An alumnus of Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Salil also conducts intensive workshops in creative fiction writing, story and scenario design, screenplay writing and film-making at leading liberal arts institutions and media & communication colleges across India.
He is a seasoned newspaper columnist, with over 400 articles, op-ed pieces, features and travelogues in leading dailies like The Times of India, Indian Express, DNA, The Tribune, Reader’s Digest, Deccan Herald, The Hindu etc.
Salil was one of the four international authors worldwide selected for the HALD International Writers’ Residency in Denmark, hosted by the Danish Centre for Writers & Translators in June 2016. He was also invited to Gullkistan Centre for Creativity, Iceland and spent the month of May 2023 there as a Resident.
Know more about him at www.salildesai.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 14, 2023
The Kid Killer by Salil Desai is an enthralling crime thriller that delves into the horrific crime of child kidnapping and murder. The author's writing style is concise, and the plot is well-constructed, keeping the reader hooked throughout.
The narrative's emotional complexity is explored through the victim's family and the community's reaction to the heinous crime. The book's characters are realistic and multi-dimensional, adding depth to the story. It raises significant questions about justice and the role of law enforcement in society.
Overall, The Kid Killer is a gripping page-turner that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves crime fiction.
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
The narrative's emotional complexity is explored through the victim's family and the community's reaction to the heinous crime. The book's characters are realistic and multi-dimensional, adding depth to the story. It raises significant questions about justice and the role of law enforcement in society.
Overall, The Kid Killer is a gripping page-turner that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves crime fiction.
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
March 31, 2023
As I turned the last page of this book, I had to sit down and take a moment to grab hold of this story in its entirety. It has been a while since I had read something this intense and mysterious that I had to keep on guessing the culprit till the very end.
Salil Desai had done an amazing job in designing this fast passed, thrilling story which is so well driven by both the characters as well as the plot. There were so many jumps in the story that I thought will make following the story difficult but somehow those jumps remained smooth.
I loved how the author added so many different leads in the story to create dimensions and yet they all seamlessly weaved together to bring forth the mystery to its end. The easy language was a bonus.
However, I would like to add a few trigger warnings as there are mentions of pedophilia, murders, suicide, and sexual assault in the book.
Recommended to murder mystery lovers but do check out the trigger warnings before picking it up.
Salil Desai had done an amazing job in designing this fast passed, thrilling story which is so well driven by both the characters as well as the plot. There were so many jumps in the story that I thought will make following the story difficult but somehow those jumps remained smooth.
I loved how the author added so many different leads in the story to create dimensions and yet they all seamlessly weaved together to bring forth the mystery to its end. The easy language was a bonus.
However, I would like to add a few trigger warnings as there are mentions of pedophilia, murders, suicide, and sexual assault in the book.
Recommended to murder mystery lovers but do check out the trigger warnings before picking it up.
February 17, 2024
This was another brilliant tale of Saralkar & Motkar duo, solving a heinous crime with sordid links to many lives and acts. It dealt with crime and punishment at many levels, eventually leading us to a remorseless finale.
It was a grim, dark, furiously paced crime thriller that compels the reader to rush through, and yet stays at the back of mind long after the last page has been read.
Highly recommended.
It was a grim, dark, furiously paced crime thriller that compels the reader to rush through, and yet stays at the back of mind long after the last page has been read.
Highly recommended.
April 1, 2023
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What an amazing thriller!
About the book:
📖 - The story is about the disappearance of 11 yo Pranjal Bhatti, whose bloated dead body was later recovered by the Pune police officials after 72 hours.
This crime thriller follows the stunning detection skills of the famous Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar. Along with it we see great team spirit, as the duo works up their way to find the culprit.
Here's what I loved the most about the book:
✨️ Methodical Writing
- I believe this is the most important thing in thrillers. For instance, one minor loophole can ruin your whole experience. However, Desai explores the narrative of this book with a thoroug methodical style of writing.
✨️ PAN-Indian Setting
- It was really refreshing to read such a well-researched book.
✨️ Gripping
- It keeps the readers hooked because it is really fast-paced throughout.
Overall, it was an enriching experience for me. I would definitely recommend this book.
What an amazing thriller!
About the book:
📖 - The story is about the disappearance of 11 yo Pranjal Bhatti, whose bloated dead body was later recovered by the Pune police officials after 72 hours.
This crime thriller follows the stunning detection skills of the famous Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar. Along with it we see great team spirit, as the duo works up their way to find the culprit.
Here's what I loved the most about the book:
✨️ Methodical Writing
- I believe this is the most important thing in thrillers. For instance, one minor loophole can ruin your whole experience. However, Desai explores the narrative of this book with a thoroug methodical style of writing.
✨️ PAN-Indian Setting
- It was really refreshing to read such a well-researched book.
✨️ Gripping
- It keeps the readers hooked because it is really fast-paced throughout.
Overall, it was an enriching experience for me. I would definitely recommend this book.
April 6, 2023
The Kid Killer is a fast paced thriller that blew my mind and left me speechless at the end with not one but four crimes that get solved with a single investigation.
When a young boy goes missing, his parents receive a ransom call but before the ransom demands can be met the boy ends up dead, his body found on the back of a river in Pune, where the entire story is set. When senior inspector Saralkar reaches the scene and looks at the body of young Pranjal Bhatti he can feel his intestines churning but when Saralkar and his team at Pune homicide dig their claws deep into the case many dark secrets from the family’s past come to light.
It’s very interesting to read the investigation getting more intense and spicier especially when an exact replica of the case comes to surface from 6 years ago.
Desai’s genius lies in his attention to detail
giving his readers a crispy savoury to feast on without making it difficult to digest. Kid Killer is his world of demonetised currency, bitcoins, murderers, male escorts, political thugs, sports champions, infidelity and age old family rivalries.
I was amazed by a thriller after a very long time. The more I read the more I doubted each character and there are so many plot twists it’s impossible not to binge read this book! It’s written in a way that the reader is forced to sympathise with even the murderer for a while.
When a young boy goes missing, his parents receive a ransom call but before the ransom demands can be met the boy ends up dead, his body found on the back of a river in Pune, where the entire story is set. When senior inspector Saralkar reaches the scene and looks at the body of young Pranjal Bhatti he can feel his intestines churning but when Saralkar and his team at Pune homicide dig their claws deep into the case many dark secrets from the family’s past come to light.
It’s very interesting to read the investigation getting more intense and spicier especially when an exact replica of the case comes to surface from 6 years ago.
Desai’s genius lies in his attention to detail
giving his readers a crispy savoury to feast on without making it difficult to digest. Kid Killer is his world of demonetised currency, bitcoins, murderers, male escorts, political thugs, sports champions, infidelity and age old family rivalries.
I was amazed by a thriller after a very long time. The more I read the more I doubted each character and there are so many plot twists it’s impossible not to binge read this book! It’s written in a way that the reader is forced to sympathise with even the murderer for a while.
March 19, 2024
It's just as good as it gets. Full of mystery, suspense and thriller. Completed it in one sitting. An interesting page turner. Definitely a 10/10. Must read.
April 17, 2023
𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 :
•• TITLE : The Kid Killer
•• AUTHOR : Salil Desai
•• PUBLISHER : Finger Print Publication
•• FORMAT : Paperback
•• LANGUAGE : English
𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒 :
This is a heart wrenching story which moves around the murder of a school-going kid by a monster.
..
This is the story of Pranjal Bhatti who is only 11 years old. He was the son of Smita Bhatti & Mohnish Bhatti.
..
He suddenly went missing on his way to his tuition class. Then, after three days, his floating body was found on the Mutha river in Pune.
..
This is a heart-wrecking sensitive case & Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar were assigned as the investigating officers for this case.
..
To know more about it grab the book and give it a try.
𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 :
✓ The cover is quite nice, thrilling & the main theme of the book is perfectly justified in it.
✓ The writing style of the book is crisp & to the point. The author nicely maintained the balance of thrill & sensitivity in the natural plotline.
✓ Language used in the book is simple & easily connected.
✓ There are minimal characters in the book but all of them are developed perfectly & executed quite precisely in this book.
✓ This book is not only about the murder case but there are many subplots which were being enlightened as the story processes.
✓ The way the author executes the raw flavour of suspense along with sensitivity is just commendable.
✓ The way the author executes this unique book with a perfect bridge of thrilling suspense, investigation, sensitivity and delicacy that deserves a big round of applause.
✓ The climax of the book is quite unpredictable & you are going to be astonished for sure.
✓ The book is a detailed one which is crisp & rapidly paced and you can easily finish in one go.
𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
•• TITLE : The Kid Killer
•• AUTHOR : Salil Desai
•• PUBLISHER : Finger Print Publication
•• FORMAT : Paperback
•• LANGUAGE : English
𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒 :
This is a heart wrenching story which moves around the murder of a school-going kid by a monster.
..
This is the story of Pranjal Bhatti who is only 11 years old. He was the son of Smita Bhatti & Mohnish Bhatti.
..
He suddenly went missing on his way to his tuition class. Then, after three days, his floating body was found on the Mutha river in Pune.
..
This is a heart-wrecking sensitive case & Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar were assigned as the investigating officers for this case.
..
To know more about it grab the book and give it a try.
𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 :
✓ The cover is quite nice, thrilling & the main theme of the book is perfectly justified in it.
✓ The writing style of the book is crisp & to the point. The author nicely maintained the balance of thrill & sensitivity in the natural plotline.
✓ Language used in the book is simple & easily connected.
✓ There are minimal characters in the book but all of them are developed perfectly & executed quite precisely in this book.
✓ This book is not only about the murder case but there are many subplots which were being enlightened as the story processes.
✓ The way the author executes the raw flavour of suspense along with sensitivity is just commendable.
✓ The way the author executes this unique book with a perfect bridge of thrilling suspense, investigation, sensitivity and delicacy that deserves a big round of applause.
✓ The climax of the book is quite unpredictable & you are going to be astonished for sure.
✓ The book is a detailed one which is crisp & rapidly paced and you can easily finish in one go.
𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 8, 2024
As I was scrolling through Amazon, the title and cover of *The Kid Killer* immediately caught my eye. Having read very few Indian authors, and even fewer mystery/crime novels from this geographical region, I was intrigued and eager to delve into this story.
The plot did not disappoint; the title hints at a central mystery: the murder of a child. Desai unfolds this tale with skill, offering readers a well-crafted and suspenseful narrative. The author's writing style is engaging and expertly builds tension, leading readers through a web of clues and red herrings. The mystery is intricately plotted, and I found myself hooked until the very end.
Desai also develops his characters with care, adding depth to the story. Inspector Saralkar, the protagonist, is particularly well-drawn, and his personal struggles add a layer of complexity to the plot. The story is set in Pune, India, and the city is not merely a backdrop but a rich and vibrant part of the novel. Desai's descriptions bring the city to life, and readers familiar with Pune will especially appreciate this authentic setting.
While the subject matter includes violence and child abuse, which some readers may find intense, Desai handles these themes in a manner that is sensitive yet gripping. I was impressed by the author's ability to tackle such difficult topics while still offering a thoroughly enjoyable thriller.
In summary, The Kid Killer is a must-read for fans of murder mysteries and thrillers. Desai's writing will keep you enthralled, and the well-developed characters and unique setting will leave a lasting impression. A truly compelling read!
The plot did not disappoint; the title hints at a central mystery: the murder of a child. Desai unfolds this tale with skill, offering readers a well-crafted and suspenseful narrative. The author's writing style is engaging and expertly builds tension, leading readers through a web of clues and red herrings. The mystery is intricately plotted, and I found myself hooked until the very end.
Desai also develops his characters with care, adding depth to the story. Inspector Saralkar, the protagonist, is particularly well-drawn, and his personal struggles add a layer of complexity to the plot. The story is set in Pune, India, and the city is not merely a backdrop but a rich and vibrant part of the novel. Desai's descriptions bring the city to life, and readers familiar with Pune will especially appreciate this authentic setting.
While the subject matter includes violence and child abuse, which some readers may find intense, Desai handles these themes in a manner that is sensitive yet gripping. I was impressed by the author's ability to tackle such difficult topics while still offering a thoroughly enjoyable thriller.
In summary, The Kid Killer is a must-read for fans of murder mysteries and thrillers. Desai's writing will keep you enthralled, and the well-developed characters and unique setting will leave a lasting impression. A truly compelling read!
March 29, 2023
The Kid Killer by @salildesai_mysteries
⭐⭐
Firstly, thank you @fingerprintpublishingbooks and @salildesai_mysteries for this copy. And trust me, I don't think anyone can rate it below 5 stars. This is one of the best thrillers I have read ever. It was a full Savdhaan India episode which is always considered underrated. I can't even imagine the time and research this book must've taken. Although, I wish this book had a better title.
⭐⭐
Salil Desai has written an expertly crafted murder mystery titled 'The Kid Killer' that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The plot centers around the murder of 11-year-old Pranjal Bhatti, who was kidnapped on his way to tuition and whose bloated body is discovered in Pune's Mutha river just 72 hours later. The case is taken on by Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar, who are confronted with a complicated network of potential suspects and motives.
⭐⭐
Desai's writing style is engaging and suspenseful, leading readers through a maze of clues and false leads. The characters are well-developed, and their personal struggles add depth to the story. The city of Pune in India provides a rich and authentic backdrop for the plot, making the book especially enjoyable for those familiar with the city.
⭐⭐
In conclusion, 'The Kid Killer' is a must-read for fans of murder mysteries who appreciate a well-crafted plot and realistic characters. Salil Desai has delivered yet another gripping and unputdownable novel, and I strongly recommend it to anyone seeking a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
⭐⭐
Firstly, thank you @fingerprintpublishingbooks and @salildesai_mysteries for this copy. And trust me, I don't think anyone can rate it below 5 stars. This is one of the best thrillers I have read ever. It was a full Savdhaan India episode which is always considered underrated. I can't even imagine the time and research this book must've taken. Although, I wish this book had a better title.
⭐⭐
Salil Desai has written an expertly crafted murder mystery titled 'The Kid Killer' that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The plot centers around the murder of 11-year-old Pranjal Bhatti, who was kidnapped on his way to tuition and whose bloated body is discovered in Pune's Mutha river just 72 hours later. The case is taken on by Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar, who are confronted with a complicated network of potential suspects and motives.
⭐⭐
Desai's writing style is engaging and suspenseful, leading readers through a maze of clues and false leads. The characters are well-developed, and their personal struggles add depth to the story. The city of Pune in India provides a rich and authentic backdrop for the plot, making the book especially enjoyable for those familiar with the city.
⭐⭐
In conclusion, 'The Kid Killer' is a must-read for fans of murder mysteries who appreciate a well-crafted plot and realistic characters. Salil Desai has delivered yet another gripping and unputdownable novel, and I strongly recommend it to anyone seeking a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
April 4, 2023
The Kid Killer by Salil Desai
.
Whenever I read more than one book I try and include a good thriller in the stack. Because more than any genre a thriller can make you stick to your reading track better. It takes no time to absorb you with its story. So, upon completing it there is no sense of regret.
My preferred thriller is a crime that can amaze me with its suspense and with a villain that has no remorse about his/her actions.
A few days ago I came across "The Kid Killer" by Salil Desai, The story revolves around Inspector Saralkar, tasked with solving a gruesome case of a missing kid. The Kid, an 11-year-old boy named Pranjal, was kidnapped on his way to his tuition class. The kidnapper left no trace and only called for ransom once.
As Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar delve deeper into the case, discover that the kidnapper is a sadistic killer who has left a trail of victims in his wake. They even found the body of Pranjal after 72 hours of kidnapping. Saralkar races against time to catch the killer before he strikes again.
The story is expertly crafted, with well-drawn characters and a tight plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. The tension and suspense are palpable, and the sense of urgency that Inspector Saralkar feels is almost tangible. The writing is crisp and precise, and the pacing is spot on.
At last, "The Kid Killer" is a great read for anyone who loves crime thrillers. It's a chilling and intense story that will leave you baffled with its twists and turns.
.
Whenever I read more than one book I try and include a good thriller in the stack. Because more than any genre a thriller can make you stick to your reading track better. It takes no time to absorb you with its story. So, upon completing it there is no sense of regret.
My preferred thriller is a crime that can amaze me with its suspense and with a villain that has no remorse about his/her actions.
A few days ago I came across "The Kid Killer" by Salil Desai, The story revolves around Inspector Saralkar, tasked with solving a gruesome case of a missing kid. The Kid, an 11-year-old boy named Pranjal, was kidnapped on his way to his tuition class. The kidnapper left no trace and only called for ransom once.
As Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar delve deeper into the case, discover that the kidnapper is a sadistic killer who has left a trail of victims in his wake. They even found the body of Pranjal after 72 hours of kidnapping. Saralkar races against time to catch the killer before he strikes again.
The story is expertly crafted, with well-drawn characters and a tight plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. The tension and suspense are palpable, and the sense of urgency that Inspector Saralkar feels is almost tangible. The writing is crisp and precise, and the pacing is spot on.
At last, "The Kid Killer" is a great read for anyone who loves crime thrillers. It's a chilling and intense story that will leave you baffled with its twists and turns.
Read
April 5, 2023"The Kid Killer" by Salil Desai is a gripping murder mystery that keeps the readers hooked until the very end. Inspector Saralkar is the central character of the book who takes on a challenging case of a murdered child, and the story unfolds with the investigation that follows. the story unfolds with a complex and layered plot that keeps the readers hooked until the very end. The author's writing style and vivid descriptions bring the story to life, and the character development is well-crafted and relatable. While the book is not for the faint-hearted, Desai handles the subject matter with sensitivity and tact, which is appreciated. The book is well-written, with shifting timelines and intriguing subplots that merge into an unexpected and shocking climax. While the title may be off-putting for those who love children, the author handles the sensitive subject matter with care. There are parts of the novel that may elicit strong emotional reactions from readers, but the pace is good, and the characters are well-developed. Overall, "The Kid Killer" is an excellent investigative crime thriller, and readers who enjoy this genre should definitely give it a read.
March 2, 2023
Salil Desai's 'The Kid Killer' is a masterfully crafted murder mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story revolves around the murder of 11-year-old Pranjal Bhatti, whose bloated body is found in Pune's Mutha river, only 72 hours after he was kidnapped on his way to tuition. Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar take charge of the case and soon find themselves dealing with a complex web of suspects and motives.
Desai's writing is both engaging and suspenseful, as he leads the reader through a maze of clues and red herrings. The characters are well-drawn, with their personal struggles adding depth to the story. The Indian city of Pune provides a rich and realistic backdrop for the plot, making the book a treat for readers who are familiar with the city.
Overall, 'The Kid Killer' is a must-read for fans of murder mysteries who enjoy a well-crafted plot and authentic characters. Salil Desai has once again delivered a gripping and unputdownable novel, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
Desai's writing is both engaging and suspenseful, as he leads the reader through a maze of clues and red herrings. The characters are well-drawn, with their personal struggles adding depth to the story. The Indian city of Pune provides a rich and realistic backdrop for the plot, making the book a treat for readers who are familiar with the city.
Overall, 'The Kid Killer' is a must-read for fans of murder mysteries who enjoy a well-crafted plot and authentic characters. Salil Desai has once again delivered a gripping and unputdownable novel, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
April 9, 2023
If you are a thriller genre lover then I'd urge you to definitely pick up this book! Believe me, it's going to keep you up all night. (Did to me!)
"Did every boon come with an inbuilt curse," this quote from the book was no less than a premonition. It cast its long, sharp talons throughout the story. A story that has you wrapped around itself. I was 200 pages into this tome and yet unsure what was to follow. My mind kept racing. There were one too many footprints and the question was which one would lead us to the kid killer. At the outset The kid killer by Salil Desai seems like a run-of-the-mill whodunit. But then if you have a hang of Desai's writing prowess you know that discovering the dead is just the beginning to unearth the darkest parts of human psyche and behaviour. ©
Read the entire review here 👇
https://ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress...
"Did every boon come with an inbuilt curse," this quote from the book was no less than a premonition. It cast its long, sharp talons throughout the story. A story that has you wrapped around itself. I was 200 pages into this tome and yet unsure what was to follow. My mind kept racing. There were one too many footprints and the question was which one would lead us to the kid killer. At the outset The kid killer by Salil Desai seems like a run-of-the-mill whodunit. But then if you have a hang of Desai's writing prowess you know that discovering the dead is just the beginning to unearth the darkest parts of human psyche and behaviour. ©
Read the entire review here 👇
https://ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress...
April 30, 2023
📚 𝐀𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫.
It is a captivating read filled with suspense and unexpected turns that will keep you bewildered.
With absorbing narration, the story is full of drama, thrills, and suspense. Everyone in the story is hiding something, and there are more secrets to unravel. It's a fast-paced story against time to solve the case as soon as possible, link the evidence, and unwrap the truth.
I loved the way events were unfolding and the smooth shifts between past and present. The story is a page-turner, and the mystery gets more tangled as it proceeds.
The writing style is quite hooking, with well-developed characters. It takes readers into the crime world. The detailed description of the investigation keeps the reader engrossed. The last few chapters turn the story in the most unexpected way. The climax will leave you astonished.
Overall, the book is a mystery thriller you shouldn't miss. A real treat for all mystery lovers.
It is a captivating read filled with suspense and unexpected turns that will keep you bewildered.
With absorbing narration, the story is full of drama, thrills, and suspense. Everyone in the story is hiding something, and there are more secrets to unravel. It's a fast-paced story against time to solve the case as soon as possible, link the evidence, and unwrap the truth.
I loved the way events were unfolding and the smooth shifts between past and present. The story is a page-turner, and the mystery gets more tangled as it proceeds.
The writing style is quite hooking, with well-developed characters. It takes readers into the crime world. The detailed description of the investigation keeps the reader engrossed. The last few chapters turn the story in the most unexpected way. The climax will leave you astonished.
Overall, the book is a mystery thriller you shouldn't miss. A real treat for all mystery lovers.
July 18, 2024
The story starts with the murder of an 11-year-old Pranjal Bhatti, whose body was found in Pune's Mutha River. He had gone to a coaching class but never returned. He had been missing for three days, and nobody knew where he was. When his body was found, it was mutilated.
A similar case had happened six years earlier in the same manner. As always, the case was handled by Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar.
Will Saralkar solve the case, or will it become a cold case?
Who was the child killer?
Why did they suddenly become active after six years?
What was the motive of the killer?
This was my fourth book by this author. I liked the writing style, and the language of the book was really good as always. The book was interesting but not as much as the author's other books, 'The Sane Psychopath,' 'The Murder Milestone,' and '3 And A Half Murders.'
I look forward to the next book by this author with even more interest.
A similar case had happened six years earlier in the same manner. As always, the case was handled by Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar.
Will Saralkar solve the case, or will it become a cold case?
Who was the child killer?
Why did they suddenly become active after six years?
What was the motive of the killer?
This was my fourth book by this author. I liked the writing style, and the language of the book was really good as always. The book was interesting but not as much as the author's other books, 'The Sane Psychopath,' 'The Murder Milestone,' and '3 And A Half Murders.'
I look forward to the next book by this author with even more interest.
April 17, 2023
This is my 2023 best crime thriller till date. Although this story line is any other crime investigation that have watched over a period. I liked reading it specially from an Indian author, liked the engaging plot with a dysfunctional family and crime around it. Felt good while reading this neighborhood investigative crime story. It did hook me up on till the identity has been unmasked. I am looking forward to pick the earlier books by the author to know more about the inspector and his characterization in other story lines.
Reasons to pick this read
1) Engaging neighborhood investigative crime thriller.
2) Top notch narration
3) Some one if you have liked criminal minds, crime patrol while growing up, it is the book version of it.
Reasons not to pick this read
1) If this genre dissess you off
2) If you have very less patience to hold the suspense till the end.
.
Reasons to pick this read
1) Engaging neighborhood investigative crime thriller.
2) Top notch narration
3) Some one if you have liked criminal minds, crime patrol while growing up, it is the book version of it.
Reasons not to pick this read
1) If this genre dissess you off
2) If you have very less patience to hold the suspense till the end.
.
August 4, 2023
The 5th book of the Saralkar-Motkar series delves into the murder of two young boys in Pune, in identical way, with a gap of 6 years in between.
The murder mystery caught up well in the very beginning, with lots of twists and turns, and a list of suspects. The ending however to me is a bit tame, somewhat unfitting to a great storyline, with a befitting background.
Saralkar and Motkar impresses as usual, and so do most of the other characters.
My rating - 3/5
The murder mystery caught up well in the very beginning, with lots of twists and turns, and a list of suspects. The ending however to me is a bit tame, somewhat unfitting to a great storyline, with a befitting background.
Saralkar and Motkar impresses as usual, and so do most of the other characters.
My rating - 3/5
November 22, 2023
Enthralling read, with a slightly rushed ending. A good entry in the delicious Inspector Saralkar series.
I love Salil Desai and his ability to craft mysteries from organic, realistic situations and characters. The ordinary life in Pune, and all of small town India, for that matter, come alive with all its grime and glory in his books.
I love Salil Desai and his ability to craft mysteries from organic, realistic situations and characters. The ordinary life in Pune, and all of small town India, for that matter, come alive with all its grime and glory in his books.
January 14, 2024
Absorbing for the most part with plenty of red hertings,twists and turns and vivid characterization.
The end was a bit of a letdown though .
The end was a bit of a letdown though .
November 5, 2025
A must. Also this book is very useful to carry with you.
July 4, 2023
Desai has written the book in an intense manner. The heinousness of the crime itself leads to you trying to identify the real culprit, but Desai refuses to show the criminal till the end. The writing steers you in various directions, either by expressions of the suspects or by flashbacks, but still shrouds the original happenings preceeding the crime.
Recommended for those who have not extensively read criminal thriller books.
Recommended for those who have not extensively read criminal thriller books.
April 11, 2023
Assalamu Alaikum 😊, 'That our lives were just moving pieces in some gigantic, aanimated jigsaw puzzle which is why things happened the way they did because it all somehow made sense' extracts from the book
Book📗: 'The Kid Killer' by Salil Desai
Genre 📸: Crime Thriller/ Suspense/ Mystery
Swipe left 👈 for ONE MINUTE REVIEW
______
Overall Ratings 🌟 : 4.3 / 5
Pages📚: 356
Language : Easy and Elegant
Safemark 💫 : 4 / 5
(Safemark - It denotes that the safety with the presence of erotic/ over romantic content. 5 denotes the presence no such contents. 4 denotes the minor presence of over romantic stuffs and such)
______
🚲 On one fine day, the body of 11-year-old Pranjal Bhatti is found in Pune’s Mutha river, within 72 hours after he disappeared on his way to his tuition class. There are no leads except a single ransom call that was made. Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar take charge of the case. Will the Pune police be able to solve the baffling mystery? Will the innocent soul get justice? Is the Bhatti family maintaining secrecy? Welcome back to another Saralkar Mystery Series.
🚲 This is the first book i am reading of the Saralkar Mystery Series, the story was so good that i even checked some of the previous books by the author. Engaging writing style with slow to medium paced plot. Eventhough it has 300+ pages, you would not even think of it as each chapter pulls you in with its own twists!
🚲 A well developed realistic investigation is presented in the story. Apart from that, it has some dark elements, horrible pasts, brutal conduct and minor sexual stuffs mentioned. Past incidents from different timelines have been brought across and more characters, but still it did not confuse the readers. A quite sensitive yet a chilling thriller!
Book📗: 'The Kid Killer' by Salil Desai
Genre 📸: Crime Thriller/ Suspense/ Mystery
Swipe left 👈 for ONE MINUTE REVIEW
______
Overall Ratings 🌟 : 4.3 / 5
Pages📚: 356
Language : Easy and Elegant
Safemark 💫 : 4 / 5
(Safemark - It denotes that the safety with the presence of erotic/ over romantic content. 5 denotes the presence no such contents. 4 denotes the minor presence of over romantic stuffs and such)
______
🚲 On one fine day, the body of 11-year-old Pranjal Bhatti is found in Pune’s Mutha river, within 72 hours after he disappeared on his way to his tuition class. There are no leads except a single ransom call that was made. Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar take charge of the case. Will the Pune police be able to solve the baffling mystery? Will the innocent soul get justice? Is the Bhatti family maintaining secrecy? Welcome back to another Saralkar Mystery Series.
🚲 This is the first book i am reading of the Saralkar Mystery Series, the story was so good that i even checked some of the previous books by the author. Engaging writing style with slow to medium paced plot. Eventhough it has 300+ pages, you would not even think of it as each chapter pulls you in with its own twists!
🚲 A well developed realistic investigation is presented in the story. Apart from that, it has some dark elements, horrible pasts, brutal conduct and minor sexual stuffs mentioned. Past incidents from different timelines have been brought across and more characters, but still it did not confuse the readers. A quite sensitive yet a chilling thriller!
March 2, 2023
Salil Desai's 'The Kid Killer' is a masterfully crafted murder mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story revolves around the murder of 11-year-old Pranjal Bhatti, whose bloated body is found in Pune's Mutha river, only 72 hours after he was kidnapped on his way to tuition. Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar take charge of the case and soon find themselves dealing with a complex web of suspects and motives.
Desai's writing is both engaging and suspenseful, as he leads the reader through a maze of clues and red herrings. The characters are well-drawn, with their personal struggles adding depth to the story. The Indian city of Pune provides a rich and realistic backdrop for the plot, making the book a treat for readers who are familiar with the city.
Overall, 'The Kid Killer' is a must-read for fans of murder mysteries who enjoy a well-crafted plot and authentic characters. Salil Desai has once again delivered a gripping and unputdownable novel, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
Desai's writing is both engaging and suspenseful, as he leads the reader through a maze of clues and red herrings. The characters are well-drawn, with their personal struggles adding depth to the story. The Indian city of Pune provides a rich and realistic backdrop for the plot, making the book a treat for readers who are familiar with the city.
Overall, 'The Kid Killer' is a must-read for fans of murder mysteries who enjoy a well-crafted plot and authentic characters. Salil Desai has once again delivered a gripping and unputdownable novel, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
June 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The book is not up to the mark compared to other books in this series.
The motive is weak and some things are predictable.
I think some characters are forcefully included which makes sometimes a boring read.
It’s not a page turner completely but can be read.
Hope the next book by the author will be interesting.
The book is not up to the mark compared to other books in this series.
The motive is weak and some things are predictable.
I think some characters are forcefully included which makes sometimes a boring read.
It’s not a page turner completely but can be read.
Hope the next book by the author will be interesting.
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