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Soufflé
One sultry Mumbai night, business tycoon Mihir Kothari takes a bite of a soufflé and drops dead. According to the CCTV footage, celebrity chef Rajiv Mehra is the killer. It seems like an open-and-shut case.
Or is it?
A catastrophic accident on the day the chef is to be hanged allows him to escape and, driven by an inner calling, pursue a new life. Chased by shadows he thought he had left behind, torn by spurned love, the chef
returns in search of the real killer so that he can prove his innocence. But there is a problem. Unknown to him, the killer has chosen his next the chef himself!
Soufflé is a rich, layered thriller that explores life, love and the passions that motivate people to do unexpected and impossible things.
'If this psychological, compelling and unpredictable novel doesn't keep you hooked, give up reading'
ASHWIN SANGHI
Or is it?
A catastrophic accident on the day the chef is to be hanged allows him to escape and, driven by an inner calling, pursue a new life. Chased by shadows he thought he had left behind, torn by spurned love, the chef
returns in search of the real killer so that he can prove his innocence. But there is a problem. Unknown to him, the killer has chosen his next the chef himself!
Soufflé is a rich, layered thriller that explores life, love and the passions that motivate people to do unexpected and impossible things.
'If this psychological, compelling and unpredictable novel doesn't keep you hooked, give up reading'
ASHWIN SANGHI
192 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2023
9 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Anand Ranganathan
10 books175 followersAnand Ranganathan obtained his BSc (Hons) degree in Chemistry from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi after which he left on a Nehru Centenary Scholarship for Cambridge, UK, where he obtained his BA (Tripos) in Natural Sciences, his MA, and his PhD. After a post-doctoral stint at Cambridge, Anand returned to India to join International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Delhi where he ran his lab for 16 years.
In 2015 he joined Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, as an Associate Professor. His laboratory works in the area of Directed Evolution and Pathogenesis, with special emphasis on Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Anand is a Consulting Editor and columnist for Swarajya. He has written previously for Newslaundry, DNA, and The Newsminute.
In 2015 he joined Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, as an Associate Professor. His laboratory works in the area of Directed Evolution and Pathogenesis, with special emphasis on Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Anand is a Consulting Editor and columnist for Swarajya. He has written previously for Newslaundry, DNA, and The Newsminute.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 7, 2023
Souffle by Anand Ranganathan
As my favorite author Amish Tripathi has rightly said, it is a brilliant page turner from a master story-teller.
I must admit that this is the first ever thriller that I have read. Coming out of my comfort zone, I have explored this genre for the very first time in my life. I am definitely not disappointed. I'm glad at having explored this genre. I would now like to explore more and more books written in this genre.
The writing is so fascinating that it has kept me glued to the book. A psychological thriller, brilliantly written.
The narrative style is excellent and the language is crisp and incredible.
I wish that the author comes out with more and more such interesting books.
As my favorite author Amish Tripathi has rightly said, it is a brilliant page turner from a master story-teller.
I must admit that this is the first ever thriller that I have read. Coming out of my comfort zone, I have explored this genre for the very first time in my life. I am definitely not disappointed. I'm glad at having explored this genre. I would now like to explore more and more books written in this genre.
The writing is so fascinating that it has kept me glued to the book. A psychological thriller, brilliantly written.
The narrative style is excellent and the language is crisp and incredible.
I wish that the author comes out with more and more such interesting books.
October 19, 2023
One exciting night, a business tycoon takes a bite of a souffle and drops dead. The celebrity chef who prepared the souffle and who the business tycoon so dearly trusted for his life is the accused. In a turn of events that unfold lies the answers to the many questions that the murder raises. Is the one that is accused, the killer? Is he not? A typical whodunit thriller.
The novel begins by introducing the life of the protagonist, the chef. Immediately after a chapter or two, it gets to the event that changes the life of the chef completely. The narrative occasionally jumps back and forth in time and skilfully weaves together multiple scenes, which adds to the intrigue. This worked to the advantage of the author in keeping the curiosity and the interest going. There is also a glimpse into the backstory of the chef though it skips his actual transformative phase to become the world’s most popular celebrity chef. In a way, it helped to keep the novel short and focused.
The chef’s life experience is creatively brought out during his time in prison. The protagonist's ability to think, act, and view the world through the lens of a chef is a testament to how past experiences shape our behaviour. For example, he imagines the foods he loves to eat to avoid consuming the prison's offerings. He tries to imagine the food that he likes to eat to avoid eating the food that is being offered at the cell. His memory feeds him. But it can feed him so long as his memory serves him right. Unfortunately, this idea of him being the chef and thinking like a chef is used in very few places. Extending it to a question, what does the author get by choosing the main character as a chef? Would it have made any difference if the protagonist was not a chef and had a different profession? This can be told about the title too.
The story does contain overdramatic scenes and a lot of coincidences that evoke a feeling that the author has opted for the easy way out. For instance, the car accident where the lone survivor is the protagonist amidst all the difficulties vividly described in the scene. It is not an open-and-shut case at all though the author projects it as such. The primary pieces of evidence themselves aren’t thoroughly checked in such a high-voltage case. The chef’s lawyer doesn’t check it either, despite the potential sentence of death by hanging.
The relationship between Neelima and the chef feels contrived and convenient. These elements raise questions about the relevance and importance of certain narrative choices that contribute minimally to the overall story. The climax is written in a cinematic form where the protagonist altogether transforms from being a chef to a fighter who confronts the antagonist responsible for a series of murders.
The novel generally maintains focus throughout, which contributes to its relatively short length. The book would have made a deeper impact if the suspense were more organic and the killer’s motive had been more serious and believable.
The novel begins by introducing the life of the protagonist, the chef. Immediately after a chapter or two, it gets to the event that changes the life of the chef completely. The narrative occasionally jumps back and forth in time and skilfully weaves together multiple scenes, which adds to the intrigue. This worked to the advantage of the author in keeping the curiosity and the interest going. There is also a glimpse into the backstory of the chef though it skips his actual transformative phase to become the world’s most popular celebrity chef. In a way, it helped to keep the novel short and focused.
The chef’s life experience is creatively brought out during his time in prison. The protagonist's ability to think, act, and view the world through the lens of a chef is a testament to how past experiences shape our behaviour. For example, he imagines the foods he loves to eat to avoid consuming the prison's offerings. He tries to imagine the food that he likes to eat to avoid eating the food that is being offered at the cell. His memory feeds him. But it can feed him so long as his memory serves him right. Unfortunately, this idea of him being the chef and thinking like a chef is used in very few places. Extending it to a question, what does the author get by choosing the main character as a chef? Would it have made any difference if the protagonist was not a chef and had a different profession? This can be told about the title too.
The story does contain overdramatic scenes and a lot of coincidences that evoke a feeling that the author has opted for the easy way out. For instance, the car accident where the lone survivor is the protagonist amidst all the difficulties vividly described in the scene. It is not an open-and-shut case at all though the author projects it as such. The primary pieces of evidence themselves aren’t thoroughly checked in such a high-voltage case. The chef’s lawyer doesn’t check it either, despite the potential sentence of death by hanging.
The relationship between Neelima and the chef feels contrived and convenient. These elements raise questions about the relevance and importance of certain narrative choices that contribute minimally to the overall story. The climax is written in a cinematic form where the protagonist altogether transforms from being a chef to a fighter who confronts the antagonist responsible for a series of murders.
The novel generally maintains focus throughout, which contributes to its relatively short length. The book would have made a deeper impact if the suspense were more organic and the killer’s motive had been more serious and believable.
January 19, 2023
A breezy, quick read, fast-paced whodunnit thriller. Multiple similarities with real world people are interwoven to build the narrative. From an initial build up of a Poirot styled mystery, it becomes a bit of a predictable fare during the 2nd half. Business deals, blackmail, money before country elements are thrown in to try and make the dish interesting. The ending of the book though was a bit of a dampener with shades of Kaho-Naa-Pyaar-Hai type ending. A decent time-pass.
June 26, 2023
Souffle - Enjoyable, light, Fast paced murder mystery
I got the book Souffle from Indica Books. Thanks to the team Indica for the initiative to popularize Indian literature.
Souffle is a who-dun-it murder mystery by the much loved, multi faceted Dr Anand Ranganathan. We have heard about Dr Anand Ranganathan’s science discoveries in the JNU. We have seen his rational arguments & how he takes hypocrites to cleaners in the TV debates aired on National TV every day. Now we can read his impressive skills as a writer of murder mystery. Souffle has all the ingredients to make it a page turner, fast read, edge of the seat thriller.
Plot: Celebrated chef Rajiv is arrested on charges of murdering his super rich client Mihir. CCTV records corroborates the same & court sentences him to death penalty. Did Rajeev kill his client? If not, who killed Mihir & whether Rajiv will escape the noose forms the rest of the story.
Story is too filmy to be real at many points.
• Police Inspector Apte & Commissioner go the brother of the deceased victim Rupesh with possible motives for murder & based on what Rupesh says murder charges are framed & judgement given. Same inspector Apte, post retirement gets excited about the case. He feels Rajiv may not be guilty and starts secretly working on the case! 180 degree turn of moral compass
• Inspector Apte provides shelter to sentenced criminal at his home! Why make inspector’s wife party to this transaction?
• While Rajiv is being taken to Taloja prison, police car he is traveling meets with a deadly accident and falls into a mighty river with a huge waterfall. No such river exist
• Mastermind behind the murder is too smart but not smart enough to settle other issues that person is facing
Story becomes interesting after the accident. Rajiv is on his own but still does not have the will to live. Rajiv is shaken out of his inertia by the Shiv Tandav strotra and starts leading a detached life. But he gets nightmares which forces him to decide to fix his past. Exchanges between Rajiv & his love interest Neelima are not at physical level but metaphysical. How Neelima helps Rajiv to find the assassin & motive forms the remaining part of the story.
Resemblance to real life Characters or entities did not work for me. EG: Kotharis with interest in Telecom, Research foundation by name MRF, Hotel named Taaj, Magadeleine Tussads. May be perils of too much time on social media. It is mentioned that Rajiv’s family died during the trek from Gaurikund to Badrinath. People trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. Badrinath is 220+ KMs far.
Author straightaway jumps to the story. I feel he should have established the characters first.
I got the book Souffle from Indica Books. Thanks to the team Indica for the initiative to popularize Indian literature.
Souffle is a who-dun-it murder mystery by the much loved, multi faceted Dr Anand Ranganathan. We have heard about Dr Anand Ranganathan’s science discoveries in the JNU. We have seen his rational arguments & how he takes hypocrites to cleaners in the TV debates aired on National TV every day. Now we can read his impressive skills as a writer of murder mystery. Souffle has all the ingredients to make it a page turner, fast read, edge of the seat thriller.
Plot: Celebrated chef Rajiv is arrested on charges of murdering his super rich client Mihir. CCTV records corroborates the same & court sentences him to death penalty. Did Rajeev kill his client? If not, who killed Mihir & whether Rajiv will escape the noose forms the rest of the story.
Story is too filmy to be real at many points.
• Police Inspector Apte & Commissioner go the brother of the deceased victim Rupesh with possible motives for murder & based on what Rupesh says murder charges are framed & judgement given. Same inspector Apte, post retirement gets excited about the case. He feels Rajiv may not be guilty and starts secretly working on the case! 180 degree turn of moral compass
• Inspector Apte provides shelter to sentenced criminal at his home! Why make inspector’s wife party to this transaction?
• While Rajiv is being taken to Taloja prison, police car he is traveling meets with a deadly accident and falls into a mighty river with a huge waterfall. No such river exist
• Mastermind behind the murder is too smart but not smart enough to settle other issues that person is facing
Story becomes interesting after the accident. Rajiv is on his own but still does not have the will to live. Rajiv is shaken out of his inertia by the Shiv Tandav strotra and starts leading a detached life. But he gets nightmares which forces him to decide to fix his past. Exchanges between Rajiv & his love interest Neelima are not at physical level but metaphysical. How Neelima helps Rajiv to find the assassin & motive forms the remaining part of the story.
Resemblance to real life Characters or entities did not work for me. EG: Kotharis with interest in Telecom, Research foundation by name MRF, Hotel named Taaj, Magadeleine Tussads. May be perils of too much time on social media. It is mentioned that Rajiv’s family died during the trek from Gaurikund to Badrinath. People trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. Badrinath is 220+ KMs far.
Author straightaway jumps to the story. I feel he should have established the characters first.
May 9, 2023
A must read book who enjoys crime, suspense thriller novel.
A world famous chef named Rajiv who trapped in conspiracy by his own lover and try kill him and her mother also,due being humiliated by them.
A world famous chef named Rajiv who trapped in conspiracy by his own lover and try kill him and her mother also,due being humiliated by them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2023
We all have been used to hearing AR in TV debates blasting away the opponents in his 20 sec rapid fire round. Some of us may also be aware of his pedigree as a notable scientist in JNU. The fact that he is also a good author capable to spin an attention grabbing murder mystery was news to me.
Souffle, his latest creation has a very interesting plot of murder of a rich business scion. The prime suspect is a family friend/master chef . He is arrested , tried and sentenced to death.
A normal story would have ended here but from here the story takes a wild turn and by the time you reach to the end it leaves the reader asking for more. A mark of a good murder mystery story is to keep bread crumbs on the journey so that the reader is connected to the story and may I say, somewhat excited to play the detective himself ; BUT also have a climax which surprises him so that he is not underwhelmed. The book totally nails it on that front. There are some not so subtle hints left in the story which gave me the assurance that Oh yes I have cracked the case. I know who the suspect is BUT like all good stories the climax was mind bending. Infact my one grouse is that it was so mind bending that it looked a wee bit implausible. I will not delve more into it for fear of giving out spoilers. However, its better to be overwhelmed then underwhelmed while reading such a genre of book.
Its a light read and I finished it in one day. Typically I read non fiction. This may perhaps be my first foray into fiction by Indian author in a long long time and it was good. In the beginning the character introduction got to me but once the story picks up tempo there is not much to it.
Now you may wonder why 1 less star well this was because there were references to rich gourmet cuisine and other marks of opulence which did not help the narrative , rather it broke the flow in a couple of places. This could have been reduced or avoided but I can see those bits playing a very important role in the cinematography of this novel by any OTT platform. Oh yes, this mystery cracker is made for OTT and I would be very surprised if it not picked by any big OTT channel with a crackling actor cast
Souffle, his latest creation has a very interesting plot of murder of a rich business scion. The prime suspect is a family friend/master chef . He is arrested , tried and sentenced to death.
A normal story would have ended here but from here the story takes a wild turn and by the time you reach to the end it leaves the reader asking for more. A mark of a good murder mystery story is to keep bread crumbs on the journey so that the reader is connected to the story and may I say, somewhat excited to play the detective himself ; BUT also have a climax which surprises him so that he is not underwhelmed. The book totally nails it on that front. There are some not so subtle hints left in the story which gave me the assurance that Oh yes I have cracked the case. I know who the suspect is BUT like all good stories the climax was mind bending. Infact my one grouse is that it was so mind bending that it looked a wee bit implausible. I will not delve more into it for fear of giving out spoilers. However, its better to be overwhelmed then underwhelmed while reading such a genre of book.
Its a light read and I finished it in one day. Typically I read non fiction. This may perhaps be my first foray into fiction by Indian author in a long long time and it was good. In the beginning the character introduction got to me but once the story picks up tempo there is not much to it.
Now you may wonder why 1 less star well this was because there were references to rich gourmet cuisine and other marks of opulence which did not help the narrative , rather it broke the flow in a couple of places. This could have been reduced or avoided but I can see those bits playing a very important role in the cinematography of this novel by any OTT platform. Oh yes, this mystery cracker is made for OTT and I would be very surprised if it not picked by any big OTT channel with a crackling actor cast
May 14, 2023
Worst book of the year that I’ve read.
November 26, 2023
The novel is a compelling page-turner and keeps you on the edge of the seats till the end and yet the last paragraph too leaves you wanting for more.
Business tycoon Mihir Kothari falls dead after he takes a bite of the specially prepared souffle earmarked for him. The circumstantial evidence points towards renowned celebrity chef Rajiv Mehra. Soon, other evidence emerge and that helps the police build a watertight case against Rajiv. So compelling is the evidence that the defence has nothing to counter the prosecution and Rajiv is sentenced to death. This brings an end to the high profile murder case taking the country by storm. However, Inspector Dayanand Apte, the case in charge despite solving the last case of his career before retirement, is not a happy man. He feels there is a void that can’t be explained, lacunae that can’t be filled…
Parallelly as Rajiv is transported to a holding place where the gallows await him, the vehicle meets with an accident resulting in the death of all the police personnel but Rajiv escapes with injuries.
The rest of the story follows the pursuit of finding the truth with a few red herrings thrown the reader’s way and I give it to the author for the vivid imagery he painted. helps keep you glued.
On the flip side, however, there are a few moments that turn the tide of the story but don’t seem to be plausible. For instance the execution of a capital punishment so quickly… however high profile the case may be we know how staggered our judicial system is. Also, Rajiv fighting a trained assassin and even managing to kill him, seems impossible… Or the inspector going way ahead of his boundaries post-retirement…like travelling abroad to find clues…There are a few of these absurdities.
The plot is brilliant and if these few drawbacks can be taken care of then the book is a masterpiece.
Business tycoon Mihir Kothari falls dead after he takes a bite of the specially prepared souffle earmarked for him. The circumstantial evidence points towards renowned celebrity chef Rajiv Mehra. Soon, other evidence emerge and that helps the police build a watertight case against Rajiv. So compelling is the evidence that the defence has nothing to counter the prosecution and Rajiv is sentenced to death. This brings an end to the high profile murder case taking the country by storm. However, Inspector Dayanand Apte, the case in charge despite solving the last case of his career before retirement, is not a happy man. He feels there is a void that can’t be explained, lacunae that can’t be filled…
Parallelly as Rajiv is transported to a holding place where the gallows await him, the vehicle meets with an accident resulting in the death of all the police personnel but Rajiv escapes with injuries.
The rest of the story follows the pursuit of finding the truth with a few red herrings thrown the reader’s way and I give it to the author for the vivid imagery he painted. helps keep you glued.
On the flip side, however, there are a few moments that turn the tide of the story but don’t seem to be plausible. For instance the execution of a capital punishment so quickly… however high profile the case may be we know how staggered our judicial system is. Also, Rajiv fighting a trained assassin and even managing to kill him, seems impossible… Or the inspector going way ahead of his boundaries post-retirement…like travelling abroad to find clues…There are a few of these absurdities.
The plot is brilliant and if these few drawbacks can be taken care of then the book is a masterpiece.
March 4, 2023
Well, a fast paced thriller is always a pleasure to read and when you receive the book after someone who is a voracious reader recommended it then stakes are very high.
This book from Mr. Anand Ranganathan was 1st for me. Haven't read is any of the earlier books and not sure they were thrillers or fall under different genre. Now coming straight to review of the book.
Yes, it is a thriller.
It is fast paced.
The uncanny reference with name change to India's well known and one of the richest family is most surprising. Do we need to read in between the lines or let it remain a factional story?
Main character of Rajiv Mehra and few others are developed but somehow they miss details. Some of the details are faster than Usain Bolt like result is announced and Rajiv Mehra is found guilty and is to be hanged till death. In next line we came to know that his mercy petition is rejected by the President.
Be practical, the high court and then Supreme Court would have taken at least few years and we are not considering time required by President.
There are ample turns and twists in the plot. The revelation of killer is surprising and author has managed to keep it a mystery till very last page of the book but with so many open ends and unanswered questions, it seems author is planning a Part-2 and if that happens then might have to revise the rating of the book else it will stay at this level only.
This book from Mr. Anand Ranganathan was 1st for me. Haven't read is any of the earlier books and not sure they were thrillers or fall under different genre. Now coming straight to review of the book.
Yes, it is a thriller.
It is fast paced.
The uncanny reference with name change to India's well known and one of the richest family is most surprising. Do we need to read in between the lines or let it remain a factional story?
Main character of Rajiv Mehra and few others are developed but somehow they miss details. Some of the details are faster than Usain Bolt like result is announced and Rajiv Mehra is found guilty and is to be hanged till death. In next line we came to know that his mercy petition is rejected by the President.
Be practical, the high court and then Supreme Court would have taken at least few years and we are not considering time required by President.
There are ample turns and twists in the plot. The revelation of killer is surprising and author has managed to keep it a mystery till very last page of the book but with so many open ends and unanswered questions, it seems author is planning a Part-2 and if that happens then might have to revise the rating of the book else it will stay at this level only.
July 25, 2023
Soufflé is a delicious treat for fans of mystery and suspense. The novel follows the story of Rajiv Mehra, a celebrity chef who is accused of murdering a business tycoon with a poisoned soufflé. He escapes from death row and goes on a quest to find the real killer and clear his name. Along the way, he encounters love, betrayal, danger and secrets that will change his life forever.
The author has created a vivid and realistic setting of Mumbai, with its glamour, chaos and contrasts. The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their motives and flaws.
From the very beginning, Ranganathan's prose sets a relentless pace, pulling readers into a world where every twist and turn is as unexpected and satisfying as a perfectly risen soufflé.
Soufflé is a novel that will satisfy your appetite for a thrilling and satisfying read. However, it could have been longer. His best work remains "The Rat Eater" which is a masterpiece.
The ending is kept in "Grey" which is surprising as Anand Ji is known for his alignment with Black & White and harsh criticism of "Grey"
Nonetheless, "Soufflé" is a thrilling ride that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final page. Anand Ranganathan proves his versatility as a writer, creating a gripping tale that successfully marries culinary expertise with suspense.
The author has created a vivid and realistic setting of Mumbai, with its glamour, chaos and contrasts. The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their motives and flaws.
From the very beginning, Ranganathan's prose sets a relentless pace, pulling readers into a world where every twist and turn is as unexpected and satisfying as a perfectly risen soufflé.
Soufflé is a novel that will satisfy your appetite for a thrilling and satisfying read. However, it could have been longer. His best work remains "The Rat Eater" which is a masterpiece.
The ending is kept in "Grey" which is surprising as Anand Ji is known for his alignment with Black & White and harsh criticism of "Grey"
Nonetheless, "Soufflé" is a thrilling ride that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final page. Anand Ranganathan proves his versatility as a writer, creating a gripping tale that successfully marries culinary expertise with suspense.
February 4, 2023
When I looked at the tile, did not know what Souffle is, had to look up the meaning. The initial few pages made me think it's about the delicacy and its chef. The description of the chef for me felt there was something amiss for such a globetrotting Michelin chef. What I felt was missing, was there in later pages and that turned out to be crucial in completing the jigsaw.
The story and storytelling both are gripping. Story moves at a frantic pace, only when the main character is reminiscing or hallucinating that the story slows down allowing the user to gather what's happening.
A chef and business family, then a murder. A verdict based on watertight evidence.
The story takes a major turn literally through the word and in events..
What I felt missing was a Rolex, and lo behold that turns out be crucial, how and why you will realise once you finish reading.
I had not seen the back cover of the book, so went with the flow of the book and found it gripping.
Only reason I did not rate 5 star is because I did not motive strong enough. A gripping read, this is the first book of Anand Ranganathan that I have read. At 182 pages, the book is a fast read, both in its content and story telling..
The story and storytelling both are gripping. Story moves at a frantic pace, only when the main character is reminiscing or hallucinating that the story slows down allowing the user to gather what's happening.
A chef and business family, then a murder. A verdict based on watertight evidence.
The story takes a major turn literally through the word and in events..
What I felt missing was a Rolex, and lo behold that turns out be crucial, how and why you will realise once you finish reading.
I had not seen the back cover of the book, so went with the flow of the book and found it gripping.
Only reason I did not rate 5 star is because I did not motive strong enough. A gripping read, this is the first book of Anand Ranganathan that I have read. At 182 pages, the book is a fast read, both in its content and story telling..
February 18, 2023
Anand Ranganathan Book Soufflé is story revolving around the life of a poor orphan turned into celebrity chef and then sentenced to death! The storyline is gripping and writing is powerful enough to let readers visualize the entire plot as if with each turning page events are unfolding in front of eyes. Despite being a fiction, the author has not bounded it to any emotion or theme. It is truly remarkable the book covers so many aspects of human nature, honesty and corruption, guilt and innocence, self-centeredness and mindful, hopelessness and fighting spirit within human body against all odds.
The plot begins with celebrity chef Rajiv Mehra, who derives pleasure by watching his clients savoring his delicacies. His life turns upside down when a business tycoon takes a bite of his signature soufflé and drops dead. The CCTV footage proves him the killer and he has to be hanged. He himself receives the whole incident as news but he has lost all the hopes and willingness to live, for what has been inflicted upon him he finds death as peace. A miracle rescues him on the very day of his hanging. He got to live but he has no identity, no hope. It is then he founds a sadhu invoking the Destroyer of the World himself. He then begins to think what is guilt? What is consciousness? Why should he not live till he is destined too? This restored his urge to live, but his case is far from closed. For the world he is guilty of killing the business tycoon moreover for the rest of the world he is now dead. The chef searches for real killer but is struggling to find any way out then he gets to know a clue, “Rajiv walks in once, he walks out twice”.
The plot begins with celebrity chef Rajiv Mehra, who derives pleasure by watching his clients savoring his delicacies. His life turns upside down when a business tycoon takes a bite of his signature soufflé and drops dead. The CCTV footage proves him the killer and he has to be hanged. He himself receives the whole incident as news but he has lost all the hopes and willingness to live, for what has been inflicted upon him he finds death as peace. A miracle rescues him on the very day of his hanging. He got to live but he has no identity, no hope. It is then he founds a sadhu invoking the Destroyer of the World himself. He then begins to think what is guilt? What is consciousness? Why should he not live till he is destined too? This restored his urge to live, but his case is far from closed. For the world he is guilty of killing the business tycoon moreover for the rest of the world he is now dead. The chef searches for real killer but is struggling to find any way out then he gets to know a clue, “Rajiv walks in once, he walks out twice”.
January 20, 2023
The first book I read by Dr A. Ranganathan and totally loved it. The gripping murder mystery hooks you into the diabolical killer who is killing people everywhere for some unknown reason. The slow build-up engages you and intrigues you to search for clues about who is the killer. However, the superb narrative and storyline, reveal the killer(or so we think) towards the end.
But then again, with the ending, the author leaves us wondering what will happen to the main protagonist. Now, we have to wait for the sequel to know what happens next....
The points I liked about Soufflé:
- The non-linear narrative that doesn't get boring at any point in time
-The character build-up, all characters are aptly portrayed
- There are no clues to guess the killer's identity in the book until the end and still, the person may not be the main killer, we will know in the next book who actually is the main mastermind
- the suspense for the motive
- The superb ending that leaves you waiting for the next book
But then again, with the ending, the author leaves us wondering what will happen to the main protagonist. Now, we have to wait for the sequel to know what happens next....
The points I liked about Soufflé:
- The non-linear narrative that doesn't get boring at any point in time
-The character build-up, all characters are aptly portrayed
- There are no clues to guess the killer's identity in the book until the end and still, the person may not be the main killer, we will know in the next book who actually is the main mastermind
- the suspense for the motive
- The superb ending that leaves you waiting for the next book
February 17, 2023
👉The Crux:-
✨
🔸Souffle is a perfectly crafted thriller that will engross the readers and urges them to finish quickly. This is like a roller coaster that has many twists and turns and heading for a sequel.
✨
🔹A gripping murder mystery in which the killer is killing people for some unknown reasons. The suspense is well maintained and intrigues the reader to search for any clue to find out the real killer. Grasp it to find out more about this enthralling read.
👉My two cents:-
✨
🔸It's a fast-paced and captivating thriller read one can finish off in a couple of days. The narration and plot of the story are very well written. The language is simple and lucid. This novel is a great masterpiece that can be created as a web series too.
✨
🔹All the characters are portrayed very well to their perfection. The author has done a great job and handed us a masterpiece. This is a must-read if you love reading suspense.
💫
✨
🔸Souffle is a perfectly crafted thriller that will engross the readers and urges them to finish quickly. This is like a roller coaster that has many twists and turns and heading for a sequel.
✨
🔹A gripping murder mystery in which the killer is killing people for some unknown reasons. The suspense is well maintained and intrigues the reader to search for any clue to find out the real killer. Grasp it to find out more about this enthralling read.
👉My two cents:-
✨
🔸It's a fast-paced and captivating thriller read one can finish off in a couple of days. The narration and plot of the story are very well written. The language is simple and lucid. This novel is a great masterpiece that can be created as a web series too.
✨
🔹All the characters are portrayed very well to their perfection. The author has done a great job and handed us a masterpiece. This is a must-read if you love reading suspense.
💫
March 20, 2023
I received Soufflé by Anand Ranganathan Indica Books under their 1000 reviewers club offer. At the beginning I found the book a little boring what with its endless description of recipes, hotels, etc. But eventually the story became gripping and I could complete the whole book in a single day. For a murder mystery the book did not have enough of the thrill & suspense & some of its plot twists were easy to predict even. The last twist was a surprise though. The author has used Hindi extensively in the book, people who don't understand Hindi might find this a little irksome. It was a good one time read & the ending also felt realistic. While the story did seem a little filmy I was glad Rajiv did not turn into some super cop who fought off the villains to unearth the truth and prove his innocence. The ending may not have been what Rajiv desired but it was definitely something which can happen to most people in real life.
February 13, 2023
I debated between 1 star and 2 star. Giving it 2 only because the book is easy to read and fast paced.
Otherwise, storyline and the characters are all half baked. What police & lawyers missed in the chain of events, as a reader I was already wondering about it. Characters involved in the deed were obvious and the suspect was too predictable mid-way.
Some spoilers ahead ***
Loopholes galore too - It was never explained what happened between Rajiv and Emanuelle behind the closed doors. Why the police or his lawyer at least never contacted his sou-chef who was key to the whole confusion for him. How a suspect was able to click a seemingly intimate pic with the who’s who is also not explained and was clearly a useless attempt to throw the reader off.
There’s more immature writing in the end scene wherein the characters arguing are not able to think of an important proof as proof.
***
All in all, book read like an amateur attempt at thriller writing and seemed too rushed. Characters and setting seem inspired from a famous industrialist family. There hardly seems a shade of grey, characters are either selfish or not. Not much originality there and the intent seems to be to write something that can be sold and adapted into a short thriller web-series.
End is as weird and If a part 2 is coming, I will not be buying it.
Otherwise, storyline and the characters are all half baked. What police & lawyers missed in the chain of events, as a reader I was already wondering about it. Characters involved in the deed were obvious and the suspect was too predictable mid-way.
Some spoilers ahead ***
Loopholes galore too - It was never explained what happened between Rajiv and Emanuelle behind the closed doors. Why the police or his lawyer at least never contacted his sou-chef who was key to the whole confusion for him. How a suspect was able to click a seemingly intimate pic with the who’s who is also not explained and was clearly a useless attempt to throw the reader off.
There’s more immature writing in the end scene wherein the characters arguing are not able to think of an important proof as proof.
***
All in all, book read like an amateur attempt at thriller writing and seemed too rushed. Characters and setting seem inspired from a famous industrialist family. There hardly seems a shade of grey, characters are either selfish or not. Not much originality there and the intent seems to be to write something that can be sold and adapted into a short thriller web-series.
End is as weird and If a part 2 is coming, I will not be buying it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2023
if different feelings arise at differents parts in brain, then surely it would touch almost all of them.
The story has some parts, that almost anyone with common experiences could connect to.
The ups and downs are really extreme, from hero to nothing is just one example
The story is not like unpredictable one but the author's own way of presenting it is awesome. The flow is always involving and will always push to appreciate it.
He doesn't hesitates to mention many ideologies about life that are worth thinking for any person. And in this line, yes he touches some religious aspects too, but in a very lively sense.
Has in it, love, greed of money and fame, a series of murders, a quest to prove innocence, essence of relationships
Overall, a brilliant pageturner.
March 28, 2023
IT IS THE FIRST BOOK OF INDICA WHICH ARRIVED AT MY HOUSE. I LOOKED AT THE COVER AND SAID TO ME "NAAH I AM NOT GOING TO READ THIS ". AFTER SOME NAGGING I STARTED TO TRUN ITS PAGES AT FIRST I DON'T FOUND IT INTERESTING BECAUSE OF MY PATHETIC HISTORY OF READING CHETAN BHAGAT NOVEL WAS THE BENCHMARK OF NOVELS. AFTER THE SOME 25-30 PAGES OF READING I CANT LEAVE IT ASIDE EVEN IF I GO TO WASHROOM IT WAS WITH ME HA HA . THE SOTRY OH MY GOOD IS FASINATING AND BREATHTAKING. I FINISED IT IN 2 HOURS OF STARING IT . THE WAY ANAND INTRODUCTED EVERY CHARACTER IS UNIQUE AND THE CLIMAX IS PHENOMENAL . A MUST READ FOR WRITERS AND STORY-TELLERS.
June 12, 2024
An engaging read that will keep you hooked, it is a quick, one day finish. The scenes jump back and forth between time, yet you don't lose grip of what's happening. The writing style is a perfect blend of decent vocabulary and good sentence framing. You don't need a dictionary at your disposal constantly.
The fast-paced introduction of so many characters of the Kothari Family is as quick to forget- two pages down you don't remember who was who's who. Some co-incidences look very conveniently framed just to keep the story going in the desired direction.The confrontation at the climax seems a little rushed.
Overall, a very good read to break the reader's-block, one is bound to enjoy it!
The fast-paced introduction of so many characters of the Kothari Family is as quick to forget- two pages down you don't remember who was who's who. Some co-incidences look very conveniently framed just to keep the story going in the desired direction.The confrontation at the climax seems a little rushed.
Overall, a very good read to break the reader's-block, one is bound to enjoy it!
March 7, 2023
Souffle is a murder mystery involving a business family having their own set of equations amongst family members. The presentation style is fast paced, with flashbacks thrown in good measure & glues the reader to the narrative. Being a murder mystery attention to detail is a must & it scores high on this. The chapter on 5G telecom gives the reader a good glimpse of how technology can be a vehicle to exposing the ill intention of our enemies & how corporate india encourages espionage in its working environment.
April 5, 2023
Awesome!
A single seating read..
Thanks #IndicaBooks for giving me an opportunity to review the book.
"The thrill of any thriller lay in its ability to not guess the thrill"
This book cleverly does it.. does it like a pro!
Characters are cleverly introduced with the pace of a fast-movie. Switches between times, geographies, makes PoV (Point of Views) so smoothly...
"If this psychological, compelling and unpredictable novel doesn't keep you hooked, give up reading" - Rightly said Ashwin Sanghi..
A single seating read..
Thanks #IndicaBooks for giving me an opportunity to review the book.
"The thrill of any thriller lay in its ability to not guess the thrill"
This book cleverly does it.. does it like a pro!
Characters are cleverly introduced with the pace of a fast-movie. Switches between times, geographies, makes PoV (Point of Views) so smoothly...
"If this psychological, compelling and unpredictable novel doesn't keep you hooked, give up reading" - Rightly said Ashwin Sanghi..
February 14, 2023
It was a decent read but didn't have the number of twists I expected. Also, the gravity of the twists was not of a very high quality. That said, the writing was impeccable. The author has gone to great lengths to detail every setting and paint a complete picture of every scene.
January 17, 2024
The author has done excellent work in keeping the reader hooked. This book as a murder mystery has everything in it whether it is hatred, love, anger, lust for success, or everything. It is a must-read for every psychological murder mystery fan.
March 18, 2024
This is the first book of Anand Sir, which I read and I thoroughly loved it. Fast paced and can be read in one go. Could have much better Climax. Expecting it to get adapted into Netflix movie soon.
June 1, 2023
Book was good but climax could have been even better. Although a good time pass.
August 27, 2023
Gripping. It was like watching a bollywood movie. And the climax was really good.
October 23, 2023
Amazing storyline Anand sir.
Loved the twists and turns and read it on go. Such a page turner.
Would love to read more from you. Someday maybe a signed copy too.
Loved the twists and turns and read it on go. Such a page turner.
Would love to read more from you. Someday maybe a signed copy too.
October 25, 2023
Gripping book. Nice writing.
November 13, 2023
Engaging and refreshing
January 3, 2024
थोड़ा कंफ्यूज़न, लेकिन एक बार पढ़ने योग्य
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews