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Mehrunisa Trilogy #1
The Taj Conspiracy
Mughal scholar Mehrunisa Khosa stumbles on a conspiracy to destroy the Taj Mahal when she discovers the murder of the Taj supervisor, and the Quranic calligraphy on the tomb of Queen Mumtaz altered to suggest a Hindu origin of the Taj Mahal....
That urban legend had always existed. Now, though, someone was conspiring to make it come true. In the case of the famed marble monument, all was not on the surface. A vast labyrinth ran underneath closed to visitors where Mehrunisa was trapped once.
In a series of suspenseful twists and turns, the action traverses from the serene splendour of Taj Mahal to the virulent warrens of Taj Ganj, from intrigue-laden corridors of Delhi to snowy Himalayan hideouts....
As a right-wing Hindu party ratchets up its communal agenda and Islamic militants plot a terror attack, in the dark corners of his devious mind a behrupiya, a shapeshifter, is conniving to divide the nation in two. To save the Taj Mahal, Mehrunisa must overcome a prejudiced police and battle her inner demons as she sifts the multiple strands that lead to the conspirator.
That urban legend had always existed. Now, though, someone was conspiring to make it come true. In the case of the famed marble monument, all was not on the surface. A vast labyrinth ran underneath closed to visitors where Mehrunisa was trapped once.
In a series of suspenseful twists and turns, the action traverses from the serene splendour of Taj Mahal to the virulent warrens of Taj Ganj, from intrigue-laden corridors of Delhi to snowy Himalayan hideouts....
As a right-wing Hindu party ratchets up its communal agenda and Islamic militants plot a terror attack, in the dark corners of his devious mind a behrupiya, a shapeshifter, is conniving to divide the nation in two. To save the Taj Mahal, Mehrunisa must overcome a prejudiced police and battle her inner demons as she sifts the multiple strands that lead to the conspirator.
412 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
38 people are currently reading
757 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 27, 2016
Healthy Advice..stay away if you can...the writer has no clue to what she is writing about, the book is inundated with details that are not needed and where the details are needed, you don't seem to end up finding them. For Example: she tells us about the two chandeliers that were looted from the Taj but gives us no description on why the chandeliers were important. how they looked like, any such significant details that would draw it upon the reader that a thing of such immense beauty and importance just got devoured and vanished in the greed of man. But then she proceeds to give us much detail about the fact that 'pyaaz' in a 'pyaaz ki kachori' that the protagonist munches on , is caramelized onions. Like WTF!!!!
Also I read reviews from a lot of people about how this books gives an account of the various conspiracy theories behind this word famous monument.I would humbly beg to differ. Well yes if you are someone just wanting to know stuff for the heck of it then maybe yes. But if you are really interested in leaning about the various Taj conspiracy theories and its secrets then invest some time in doing some research. Nat geo has this amazing documentary available on youtube, there is another video which is a decent attempt to crack the secret of the famed 'Black Taj'. Infact I have always been enamored by the conspiracy theories around the Taj and having done all that studying and research by myself, I just find the facts given in the book half-baked and somewhat dampening.
There are just so many things wrong about this book that I can't keep my hands off writing an extremely nasty review ( I don't do that normally)
a) The story is all kaput. While the basis that the Taj Mahal was a hindu temple seemed a good ground to build a decent conspiracy theory, I had not expected the dud at the end with naga sadhus, the Shiva's trishul trembling and all that BS.
b) The characters are all half baked and over the place. Why did Arun Toor undertake such a mission? Where does Pamposh fit into the bill? ( just because she was uprooted from her homeland by Muslims and now wanted to take revenge by reclaiming a Muslim tomb as a Hindu temple is just the lamest excuse I have ever heard?) What happens to Jara? What happens to Pamposh?
c)The writing is poor and at places seems like the author thinks in Hindi and then just ends up Literally translating the sentences into English ( This BTW is a problem I find with a lot of these new breed nxt gen writers that includes Sanghi as well) .
d)If this was the attempt to become India's Dan Brown then its a failure of the grandest order. Forget it Someshwar- Just the amount of research the guy puts into his works is far beyond what you could have thought of for the sad excuse called Taj Conspiracy.
Also I read reviews from a lot of people about how this books gives an account of the various conspiracy theories behind this word famous monument.I would humbly beg to differ. Well yes if you are someone just wanting to know stuff for the heck of it then maybe yes. But if you are really interested in leaning about the various Taj conspiracy theories and its secrets then invest some time in doing some research. Nat geo has this amazing documentary available on youtube, there is another video which is a decent attempt to crack the secret of the famed 'Black Taj'. Infact I have always been enamored by the conspiracy theories around the Taj and having done all that studying and research by myself, I just find the facts given in the book half-baked and somewhat dampening.
There are just so many things wrong about this book that I can't keep my hands off writing an extremely nasty review ( I don't do that normally)
a) The story is all kaput. While the basis that the Taj Mahal was a hindu temple seemed a good ground to build a decent conspiracy theory, I had not expected the dud at the end with naga sadhus, the Shiva's trishul trembling and all that BS.
b) The characters are all half baked and over the place. Why did Arun Toor undertake such a mission? Where does Pamposh fit into the bill? ( just because she was uprooted from her homeland by Muslims and now wanted to take revenge by reclaiming a Muslim tomb as a Hindu temple is just the lamest excuse I have ever heard?) What happens to Jara? What happens to Pamposh?
c)The writing is poor and at places seems like the author thinks in Hindi and then just ends up Literally translating the sentences into English ( This BTW is a problem I find with a lot of these new breed nxt gen writers that includes Sanghi as well) .
d)If this was the attempt to become India's Dan Brown then its a failure of the grandest order. Forget it Someshwar- Just the amount of research the guy puts into his works is far beyond what you could have thought of for the sad excuse called Taj Conspiracy.
September 7, 2013
First things first, this book will remind you of all Dan Brown books. The writing style, the characters, everything. The protagonist here has a fear of basements like Mr. Langdon has a fear of closed spaces, there is a scholar who accidentally gets involved, a cop who is hard in the beginning and then cools down. There is a lot in this book that takes you back to the world of Dan Brown, the good things is that it makes the book worth reading, the bad thing; it doesn't make it a good read. BJP becomes BHP, A senior opposition leader drinking his own urine is inspired from a former Prime Minister, the ruling party is the savior of India. We are made familiar with the Taj, but there are a lot of assumptions that take place, The pamphlet which has points from a banned book make for a pointless claim, the author in the end easily claims that the sealed rooms do not contain any significant objects of historical importance because she tilts the story in that manner. The canvas was perfect, but somehow she doesn't play well with the facts. Anyone who is familiar with the history, legend and stories that revolve around Taj Mahal will find this book far from good. There are unnecessary chapter divisions in between, Dongri to Dubai had so many chapters, 500 days had so many chapters, but both books were precise, there was no beating around the bush. The PoK character refrains from an attack as a Muslim organization claims the monument, seriously?
The book picked up a great topic, couldn't exploit it well. The characters are not as well discussed and written as in the books of Dan Brown, nevertheless, this is a good book if compared with what young authors are writing these days.
My problem with the book, you cannot help but feel that the author is acting biased.
Still, Somewhere between 2 and 2.5
The book picked up a great topic, couldn't exploit it well. The characters are not as well discussed and written as in the books of Dan Brown, nevertheless, this is a good book if compared with what young authors are writing these days.
My problem with the book, you cannot help but feel that the author is acting biased.
Still, Somewhere between 2 and 2.5
March 23, 2017
Having read other reviews on this site, and seen the comparisons with Dan Brown - let me assure readers that this book is not a Da Vinci rip-off. It is a different story and a different genre; I cant say more without revealing the plot of the story...
A man is found dead on the floor of the Sanctum of the Taj Mahal, with enough hints on the tomb as well as on the body to suggest a hindu origin of the famous monument. The investigation into this murder and its remifications form the rest of the story as Mehrunissa, singlehandedly at first, tries to solve the murder of her friend and helper. Why was the calligraphy on the monument altered? Mehrunissa is the only one who knows about the alteration, being fluent in Persian. Why did the body disappear? With the police being uncooperative and unnnimaginative, the girl finds herself all alone, with only the professor to turn to for advice… At this juncture enters JCP R. P. Singh – a police officer with imagination, a high degree of intelligence and drive. The investigation acquires pace from here onwards as the 2 join forces to unravel one of the most diabolical challenges to security that Agra – and by extension India has ever faced…
A man is found dead on the floor of the Sanctum of the Taj Mahal, with enough hints on the tomb as well as on the body to suggest a hindu origin of the famous monument. The investigation into this murder and its remifications form the rest of the story as Mehrunissa, singlehandedly at first, tries to solve the murder of her friend and helper. Why was the calligraphy on the monument altered? Mehrunissa is the only one who knows about the alteration, being fluent in Persian. Why did the body disappear? With the police being uncooperative and unnnimaginative, the girl finds herself all alone, with only the professor to turn to for advice… At this juncture enters JCP R. P. Singh – a police officer with imagination, a high degree of intelligence and drive. The investigation acquires pace from here onwards as the 2 join forces to unravel one of the most diabolical challenges to security that Agra – and by extension India has ever faced…
January 17, 2016
Picks up a very feasible and revisionist plot and the treatment is mostly adequate but somehow the sum of all the parts - some of them very good - doesn't make for a very satisfactorily convincing whole.. The characters sometimes don't display a sense of urgency and their thought processes are sometimes too elevated, their movements are a little too contrived and sometimes inexplicable, some plotlines slip through the cracks, like the jihadis and the swami, and some become quite obvious to the readers.. But an engaging heroine and some supporting cast members lay out hope. Lets see how the others turn out...
November 27, 2025
Inspired by her godfather, a historian whose field of study is the Taj Mahal, part-Persian part-Sikh Mehrunisa Khosa is studying the monument. When she goes there after-hours to meet her supervisor Arun Toor, Mehrunisa finds him murdered, and with some strange marks around: a third eye drawn in blood on Toor’s forehead, a cryptic phrase scrawled in blood on the floor.
Mehrunisa soon finds herself entangled in the investigation of Toor’s death, working alongside a local cop, an officer of the CBI, and the DG of the ASI, a man seemingly unperturbed by the happenings around the Taj. At the same time, there are others whose stories get woven in. In Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, a militant named Jalaluddin, planning an attack on the Taj. In Agra, an ambitious political leader who is pushing the Hindutva plank to win votes. There’s also Mehrunisa’s feisty childhood friend Pamposh, her godfather’s niece.
I loved the pace of this: the chapters are short, and though Mehrunisa and the cops are the focus, the story switches swiftly back and forth between them and the others. Sodhi Someshwar keeps the pace and the suspense going well. The villains, especially, are well-etched. And the research, as I’d expected from this author, is spot on. There’s so much here that most people don’t know about the Taj Mahal, and much that they think they know (I am glad Sodhi Someshwar took the trouble to refute—through the words of Mehrunisa—many of the rumours, tall tales and conspiracy theories that abound about the Taj).
I do have a niggle, though: an important element of the mystery didn’t quite ring true for me. I won’t say what that is, since it would be a spoiler, but what the murderer did to deflect suspicion sounds impossible to me. It wouldn’t have worked, because people who knew him would have realized. Also, the technique Mehrunisa uses to defuse the crisis near the end (the ‘helpers’ she brings in) is a bit ludicrous: I’m not sure that would have worked.
Still, despite that, a good book. Very satisfying.
Mehrunisa soon finds herself entangled in the investigation of Toor’s death, working alongside a local cop, an officer of the CBI, and the DG of the ASI, a man seemingly unperturbed by the happenings around the Taj. At the same time, there are others whose stories get woven in. In Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, a militant named Jalaluddin, planning an attack on the Taj. In Agra, an ambitious political leader who is pushing the Hindutva plank to win votes. There’s also Mehrunisa’s feisty childhood friend Pamposh, her godfather’s niece.
I loved the pace of this: the chapters are short, and though Mehrunisa and the cops are the focus, the story switches swiftly back and forth between them and the others. Sodhi Someshwar keeps the pace and the suspense going well. The villains, especially, are well-etched. And the research, as I’d expected from this author, is spot on. There’s so much here that most people don’t know about the Taj Mahal, and much that they think they know (I am glad Sodhi Someshwar took the trouble to refute—through the words of Mehrunisa—many of the rumours, tall tales and conspiracy theories that abound about the Taj).
I do have a niggle, though: an important element of the mystery didn’t quite ring true for me. I won’t say what that is, since it would be a spoiler, but what the murderer did to deflect suspicion sounds impossible to me. It wouldn’t have worked, because people who knew him would have realized. Also, the technique Mehrunisa uses to defuse the crisis near the end (the ‘helpers’ she brings in) is a bit ludicrous: I’m not sure that would have worked.
Still, despite that, a good book. Very satisfying.
April 25, 2014
The Taj Conspiracy introduces us to Mehrunisa Khosa, a budding Mughal scholar who is embroiled in the murder of Arun Toor, the caretaker of the Taj Mahal. Starting from page 1, the plot takes us down the path that Mehr takes along with SSP Raghav of the Agra police and RP Singh from the CBI during the investigation of this crime.
Although Mehr starts off as a suspect in the eyes of the authorities, her valuable insights into the various clues left behind by the killer, her friendship with the victim and more importantly her vast knowledge of the Taj Mahal, its history and the various urban legends surrounding the monument prove invaluable to the investigating authorities.
The trio end up realising that there is more to the murder than a simple motive and it holds the potential of disturbing the very foundations on which the monument is built upon (quite literally, and I will stop at that to avoid spoilers). Do Mehr, RP Singh and Raghav manage to avert a disaster of monumental proportions (pun intended) or do the antagonists have their day in the sun makes up the rest of the story.
Well etched out characters, credible back stories for each of them, nice, taut editing ensuring a decent pace of proceedings make The Taj Conspiracy a good read.
Although Mehr starts off as a suspect in the eyes of the authorities, her valuable insights into the various clues left behind by the killer, her friendship with the victim and more importantly her vast knowledge of the Taj Mahal, its history and the various urban legends surrounding the monument prove invaluable to the investigating authorities.
The trio end up realising that there is more to the murder than a simple motive and it holds the potential of disturbing the very foundations on which the monument is built upon (quite literally, and I will stop at that to avoid spoilers). Do Mehr, RP Singh and Raghav manage to avert a disaster of monumental proportions (pun intended) or do the antagonists have their day in the sun makes up the rest of the story.
Well etched out characters, credible back stories for each of them, nice, taut editing ensuring a decent pace of proceedings make The Taj Conspiracy a good read.
January 4, 2018
Manreet Sodhi Someshwar deserves every single one of the stars and I would give her more if I could. It was a roller coaster ride which I didn't want to get off.
First of all, the author has created a strong female character who need no man. Finally a character who is not 'too weak' as to need a man to save her when she gets in trouble. Mehrunisa Khosa, as beautiful as she is strong, as unique as her varied heritage.
Secondly, I am so glad to finally say that I have found an Indian author who does not shy away from confounding her readers with words they do not know. Ohh, I loved that part of reading that book :P
Thirdly, I just plain loved the book. It was well-written and I see the Taj Mahal with shining eyes because of this book which has made me comprehend the enormity of its heritage and I wish I could explore the rooms below the Taj.
Finally, it was refreshing to finally end my search for an Indian author who loves her characters with so much zeal that the readers fall in love with them too. Can't wait to read the rest of this trilogy!
P.S Please bring back RP Singh :P
First of all, the author has created a strong female character who need no man. Finally a character who is not 'too weak' as to need a man to save her when she gets in trouble. Mehrunisa Khosa, as beautiful as she is strong, as unique as her varied heritage.
Secondly, I am so glad to finally say that I have found an Indian author who does not shy away from confounding her readers with words they do not know. Ohh, I loved that part of reading that book :P
Thirdly, I just plain loved the book. It was well-written and I see the Taj Mahal with shining eyes because of this book which has made me comprehend the enormity of its heritage and I wish I could explore the rooms below the Taj.
Finally, it was refreshing to finally end my search for an Indian author who loves her characters with so much zeal that the readers fall in love with them too. Can't wait to read the rest of this trilogy!
P.S Please bring back RP Singh :P
July 7, 2012
Finally we have a good contemporary Indian thriller. The plot elements are similar to that of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. The character sketch was a bit edgy at parts though, and in some parts the flow of the plot became a bit clumsy. But, it is one heck of a thriller. Unlike the disappointing Shiva trilogy (immortals of meluha and secret of the nagas), this book is very well researched. Love the way how the story moves ahead with the help of tales from the hindu mythology. A well crafted pot boiler, and Manreet S Someshwar is one gifted novelist. Do not miss this one
July 21, 2025
‘Have you never thought of writing’, people ask me. ‘No, there are enough good books already written, we don’t need one more’, is my reply. But, if there is a ‘dream book’ I wish I’d written, it would be this. Everything, just everything, is perfect.
The genre, the pace, the research, the right balance in descriptions, the political thought, the contradictions in characters, the minor characters (Mangat Ram is a dear), and Michelangelo!
Mehroo, you better not let your author wriggle out of chronicling more of your adventures
The genre, the pace, the research, the right balance in descriptions, the political thought, the contradictions in characters, the minor characters (Mangat Ram is a dear), and Michelangelo!
Mehroo, you better not let your author wriggle out of chronicling more of your adventures
August 7, 2012
This book set the stage for a very convincing Dan Brown kind of thriller, and believe the author almost got the formula correct. Except, the ending. Major disappointment, unpalatable. Nevertheless, it's a good effort at combining, history, architechture, religion and conspiracy.
April 16, 2018
After a day-long deliberation on whether I should write a review for this book or not I finally decided to put my thoughts on it.
Actually, I have been struggling with how should I rate this book. I honestly did not like the book much - due to multiple reasons. Let's start one by one. I felt there were a lot of stuff in one book and the writer failed to connect the dots between them. I felt the writer failed to build up a lot of characters in the book. Like, the episode that revolves around Pakistan Occupied Kashmir / involvement of Pakistan militants OR how and why does Arun Toor, Pamposh, Jara, and Kriplani come together for a common cause?
Similarly, I felt, there are a lot of pit holes in the plot. Like, it's difficult to digest that the entire Taj Security Team (comprising of the UP police and CISF team) stationed at Taj for a couple of weeks fail to search the underground channels at Taj Mahal. And neither could Mehrunisa (who is believed to know everything about Taj) guide Singh & Raghav about the secret chambers below Taj.
A lot of people have compared the writer to Dam Brown. I don't know why and how they see a resemblance. I would rate this book between 2.5 and 3.
Actually, I have been struggling with how should I rate this book. I honestly did not like the book much - due to multiple reasons. Let's start one by one. I felt there were a lot of stuff in one book and the writer failed to connect the dots between them. I felt the writer failed to build up a lot of characters in the book. Like, the episode that revolves around Pakistan Occupied Kashmir / involvement of Pakistan militants OR how and why does Arun Toor, Pamposh, Jara, and Kriplani come together for a common cause?
Similarly, I felt, there are a lot of pit holes in the plot. Like, it's difficult to digest that the entire Taj Security Team (comprising of the UP police and CISF team) stationed at Taj for a couple of weeks fail to search the underground channels at Taj Mahal. And neither could Mehrunisa (who is believed to know everything about Taj) guide Singh & Raghav about the secret chambers below Taj.
A lot of people have compared the writer to Dam Brown. I don't know why and how they see a resemblance. I would rate this book between 2.5 and 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2015
The Taj Conspiracy is a mystery-thriller, set in India, written by an Indian author. The story begins with the protagonist, Mehrunisa, a researcher on the Taj, its architecture and history, stumbling upon the body of the Taj supervisor and a set of clues at the site of the murder. The story goes on to describe how the mystery is solved and a religious conspiracy is averted. In the process the author takes the reader through some of the history of the Taj, its structure, myths surrounding its origins and other little known facts and anecdotes about it and its builder.
The elements of the story are similar to a Dan Brown mystery -with a murder, a set of clues like a treasure hunt, a mystery villain, a conspiracy and a merging of religion, contemporary politics and history. Despite the common elements the narration and writing style make it original. The characters are believable, if a little stereotyped.
A more detailed review will appear on Plus Minus 'n' More.
March 5, 2014
The author has taken the ‘conspiracy theory’ about the Taj Mahal being a Shiva Temple by the name Tejo Mahal and woven a very engaging story around it.
Manreet captivated my attention in the first 4 pages of the Taj Conspiracy. This … in spite of the Da Vinci like clichéd start. Thankfully, the similarity ended there. The story moves at a decent pace and there is enough suspense about the different characters to hold you.
The characters in the book, each with their own past and some very interesting character quirks. One of the senior members of the cast is losing his memory while the police officers and secret service agents have their own unique style and character.
There is one character … who is deformed and horrible to look at with a practically feature-less ghastly face and the ‘main’ villain has a terribly devious bend of mind.
These characters, positive as well as negative, stay with you throughout the book and you will tend to remember them long after the book is finished.
Manreet captivated my attention in the first 4 pages of the Taj Conspiracy. This … in spite of the Da Vinci like clichéd start. Thankfully, the similarity ended there. The story moves at a decent pace and there is enough suspense about the different characters to hold you.
The characters in the book, each with their own past and some very interesting character quirks. One of the senior members of the cast is losing his memory while the police officers and secret service agents have their own unique style and character.
There is one character … who is deformed and horrible to look at with a practically feature-less ghastly face and the ‘main’ villain has a terribly devious bend of mind.
These characters, positive as well as negative, stay with you throughout the book and you will tend to remember them long after the book is finished.
February 5, 2015
Full and detailed review: http://cynthology.blogspot.in/2012/08...
The Taj Conspiracy by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar is total paisa vasool. Manreet's prose is remarkably evocative. If this book were to be filmed, I would imagine the screenplay writer would have it quite easy.
The best thing about this desi thriller for me was the chance to be able to relate so perfectly with nuances and cultural connotations. The narrative flows on seamlessly. The descriptions of the Taj, in particular, are ample proof of Mehrunisa’s, and the author’s, fascination with the Taj. The size of the chapters is a novelty. Most of them take up no more than two pages, and there are two chapters that are a single page each.
Manreet’s ability to keep readers hanging on to multiple skeins of plots and sub-plots without confusing them is to be commended. Despite juggling together so many characters, she makes them appear real.
The stories-within-stories is another device that Manreet has used very skilfully.
The Taj Conspiracy by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar is total paisa vasool. Manreet's prose is remarkably evocative. If this book were to be filmed, I would imagine the screenplay writer would have it quite easy.
The best thing about this desi thriller for me was the chance to be able to relate so perfectly with nuances and cultural connotations. The narrative flows on seamlessly. The descriptions of the Taj, in particular, are ample proof of Mehrunisa’s, and the author’s, fascination with the Taj. The size of the chapters is a novelty. Most of them take up no more than two pages, and there are two chapters that are a single page each.
Manreet’s ability to keep readers hanging on to multiple skeins of plots and sub-plots without confusing them is to be commended. Despite juggling together so many characters, she makes them appear real.
The stories-within-stories is another device that Manreet has used very skilfully.
September 10, 2012
One of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal often defines India. Yet, there is so little we know about it. We know about the love story, yes, but there is so much more! Manreet Sodhi Someshwar has successfully brought the Taj to life. This is a book to love. There is history, there is mystery and lots more in between. Each character is strong and lively. The protagonist, is aptly chosen and she leads the story beautifully to a climax. The events are connected so wittily that one must complement the author. The book is littered with mysterious events that finally come together perfectly. It is described as a 'Dan Brown rip-off' but honestly I feel that Manreet has created a genre herself. It is not a rip-off, instead it is a genuine and extremely well thought-out piece of work. The inherent 'Indianness' of the book resonated perfectly with me because each of us Indians is protective about this monument. Hats off to you Manreet. Cannot wait to read the next book of the trilogy.
March 7, 2015
First of all, I really appreciate the author for her extensive research on Taj Mahal. In this book, she depicts her indepth knowledge of Taj.
As i started to read, I thought it was about the Taj history. Slowly it made me to realize that the story is a fictional one.
Few years back, there was a rumor around that Taj was a Shiva temple. Even i heard about and believed it. Now, I got to know that the origin of that rumor is this book. People had spread their half knowledge,what they got from this book. I suggest everyone of you, If you start to read this book, complete at any cost. Otherwise you will be wondering about the Taj conspiracy- Was it Shiva temple? or Greal Mughal's Monument?.
Very good story:)
As i started to read, I thought it was about the Taj history. Slowly it made me to realize that the story is a fictional one.
Few years back, there was a rumor around that Taj was a Shiva temple. Even i heard about and believed it. Now, I got to know that the origin of that rumor is this book. People had spread their half knowledge,what they got from this book. I suggest everyone of you, If you start to read this book, complete at any cost. Otherwise you will be wondering about the Taj conspiracy- Was it Shiva temple? or Greal Mughal's Monument?.
Very good story:)
August 30, 2012
Picture a beautiful & scholarly girl, rushing down the streets of Delhi-Agra, attempting to save herself from assassins & also the wonderful monument that identifies India. Mehrunisa may look fragile but she is determined in her attempt to justify history & revert a major disaster. Murders happen & questions remain unanswered.
A dead body & an enigmatic riddle sparks off this mystery that ends with a thrilling climax. Use a bit of your imagination & you will find yourelf with Mehru running down the corridors of the Taj in a mystery that might herald another riot in the country. Captivating story line & suspense makes The Taj Conspiracy a wonderful read.
A dead body & an enigmatic riddle sparks off this mystery that ends with a thrilling climax. Use a bit of your imagination & you will find yourelf with Mehru running down the corridors of the Taj in a mystery that might herald another riot in the country. Captivating story line & suspense makes The Taj Conspiracy a wonderful read.
September 24, 2012
Short review: If you read one book in a decade than this is the book you want to pick up. (unless you want to wait for my book to come out)
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Detailed one: I happened to visit the book launch organized by Bangalore International Center. Honestly, I was completely bowled over by the author Manreet Sodhi Someshwar. What a strong hold on the subject coupled with absolute clear diction and a calm composure. Honestly, I never bought a book during the book release in the past, but this time I had to buy it was so compelling.
...continue reading .
.
Detailed one: I happened to visit the book launch organized by Bangalore International Center. Honestly, I was completely bowled over by the author Manreet Sodhi Someshwar. What a strong hold on the subject coupled with absolute clear diction and a calm composure. Honestly, I never bought a book during the book release in the past, but this time I had to buy it was so compelling.
...continue reading .
September 8, 2012
Manreet Sodhi Someshwar's third book and first in the Mehrunisa Trilogy "The Taj Conspiracy" is a fast paced thriller with engaging characters. This book fills the void we had on the thriller genre based on an Indian premise. Mehrunisa the main character had been crafted smartly. The History has been explored and presented like never before. The cryptic clues, Quran calligraphy, political influence and traces of hinduism in Taj history adds varied dimension to the entire plot giving more edge to thriller.
May 6, 2013
“History + Mystery = The Taj Conspiracy”
While doing my engineering, I had come across P.K.Oak’s conspiracy theory that Taj Mahal was in fact a Shiva temple called ‘Tejo Mahalay’. I had spent days researching the topic, reading historical literatures, articles and conspiracies alike. I had drawn my own conclusions and even at the slightest opportunity would speak hours on the topic. So, you can imagine how I felt when ‘The Taj conspiracy’ was released. I pre-ordered the book and finished reading it in a day one it was released.
Full review here: http://bit.ly/YDp6BU
While doing my engineering, I had come across P.K.Oak’s conspiracy theory that Taj Mahal was in fact a Shiva temple called ‘Tejo Mahalay’. I had spent days researching the topic, reading historical literatures, articles and conspiracies alike. I had drawn my own conclusions and even at the slightest opportunity would speak hours on the topic. So, you can imagine how I felt when ‘The Taj conspiracy’ was released. I pre-ordered the book and finished reading it in a day one it was released.
Full review here: http://bit.ly/YDp6BU
October 11, 2013
The Taj conspiracy is good engaging read with twists and turns occurring at every junction .Enjoyed reading,Very interesting insights into the history of the Taj Mahal..Loved the way the characters in the book have been etched in diverse, yet easy to associate, Cannot imagine the amount of research done. Though the "Behrupiya" part is a bit shallow . Hats off to Manreet Sodhi for such a wonderful, fast-paced book. one can truly fall in love with the Taj Mahal and also hopefully with our rich cultural heritage.
July 25, 2014
Maturity in Indian authors is clearly in evidence. The book begins in the manner of "Da Vinci Code" but evolves differently. The narration is crisp and fast paced. The background is well researched and the story isn't totally in the realm of fantasy. The characters evolve as the story progresses to its climax at the Taj. The chief protagonist is not portrayed as a heroine. In fact, this under-stated character acts as a pivot. The book keeps you riveted in the second half. Well written
October 21, 2012
This book took me by Surprise. It's conspiracy theory meets Politics & served Red Hot in an Indian flavor. Manreet Sodhi might just be the next Dan Brown if she continues to write this way. A very thrilling tale of a Taj scholar entangled in an intricate web to save the Taj Mahal to go down the memory lane as the next Babri Masjid. I'm impressed...:)
September 10, 2015
the expectations from the book which are build at the start, start to dwindle half way. it seems, that in desperate effort of connecting the dots, the author looses track and somehow mixes up and finishes the story, because it had to be. the plot chosen was excellent and could have been built on more to give the readers a moving read!
September 29, 2013
the story was good, the research was deep and through. i Like it very much except the character pamposh is not used to its full extent and there was a cheat in it.
Overall the story is good and interestingly i am becoming the fan of this book
Overall the story is good and interestingly i am becoming the fan of this book
June 19, 2012
She has the makings of Dan Brown
Read
November 7, 2012A fast paced thriller that interweaves history, present day politics and an individual's identity in a spiralling mystery set up. Definitely a must read.
October 26, 2012
a wonderfully researched and written novel... the twist adds to the zing of the novel... very believable storyline....
February 4, 2013
Fast paced, easy read, great plot and characters... I am thrilled to have read this books.
All thanks to my son! Look forward to more in this genre from Manreet!
All thanks to my son! Look forward to more in this genre from Manreet!
September 2, 2013
A good book - fast-paced, informative, and thrilling! Fuses history with politics and tries to be balanced in its outlook. Waiting for the next book in the series now. Read it.
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