"Cold Blooded Love" is an entangled tale of Ziva, who has a traumatic past and is seeking a better future. The protagonist, Ziva, becomes separated from her husband Om and decides to relocate from Mumbai to Delhi, leaving behind all her friends, in an effort to cope with her loss and loneliness. Soon after, she encounters her newly arrived neighbor, Ovya, and her husband Aadit, who epitomize a perfect, newly married, and affectionate couple.
Ovya possesses a captivating personality and swiftly becomes a trusted companion for Ziva. Ziva also starts noticing similarities between Ovya and Aadit's endearing bond and her own sweet, past relationship with her ex-husband. However, the story takes a sharp turn when Ziva begins receiving anonymous notes in her mailbox, indicating that Aadit may not be the person he appears to be. This twist in the plot delves into a deeper understanding of all the characters.
Before long, Saachi, Aadit's ex-partner, is found murdered, and Ovya mysteriously disappears, leading to a breathtaking turn of events. I was so engrossed in the gripping narrative that I finished the entire book in just two sittings. Even now, my mind continues to reel from the psychologically thrilling conclusion.
I truly admired how the story commenced with Ziva's solitary life and astounded me with its unexpected conclusion. The language used is simple, yet compelling, making it nearly impossible to set the book aside. One of the most enthralling aspects is the seamless shift in perspectives between the past and the present, both of which culminate in gripping climaxes that leave readers astounded.
The cover art harmonizes perfectly with the plot, and the author's smooth narration effortlessly draws readers into the captivating scenes. Each character receives meticulous attention, with detailed descriptions of their past and present experiences. I am confident that any reader who decides to pick up this book today will be treated to a truly immersive experience.
As my first foray into the psychological thriller genre, "Cold Blooded Love" has cemented its place as one of my favorites, and I am grateful to Girish for crafting such a masterpiece.
"When you're an island, you are surrounded by water on all sides. Similarly, when you are alone, a sense of loneliness and nostalgia settles all around you."
- Girish Dutt Shukla, Cold Blooded Love