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The Karachi Deception
“…one of the finest thrillers I’ve come across…” -- Zac O’Yeah
Three commandos of the Indian Army’s elite Unit Kilo—Major Imtiaz Ahmed, Captain Shamsheer Suleiman and Lieutenant Rafiq Mehmood—are chosen for a one-of-a-kind ops mission: to enter Pakistan and eliminate dreaded underworld don, Irshad Dilawar. However, somehow, the Inter-Services Intelligence and Dilawar always seem to be one step ahead of them, foiling every plan they make. It doesn’t take long for Major Imtiaz to realize that something is amiss—the operation has been compromised. Will he be able to successfully complete his mission, or are he and his men, like Abhimanyu, entering a trap they cannot make their way out of? Set in the world of covert operations, where double-crossing and diabolical mind games are the norm, The Karachi Deception will keep you hooked till the very end.
Three commandos of the Indian Army’s elite Unit Kilo—Major Imtiaz Ahmed, Captain Shamsheer Suleiman and Lieutenant Rafiq Mehmood—are chosen for a one-of-a-kind ops mission: to enter Pakistan and eliminate dreaded underworld don, Irshad Dilawar. However, somehow, the Inter-Services Intelligence and Dilawar always seem to be one step ahead of them, foiling every plan they make. It doesn’t take long for Major Imtiaz to realize that something is amiss—the operation has been compromised. Will he be able to successfully complete his mission, or are he and his men, like Abhimanyu, entering a trap they cannot make their way out of? Set in the world of covert operations, where double-crossing and diabolical mind games are the norm, The Karachi Deception will keep you hooked till the very end.
258 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2013
81 people are currently reading
852 people want to read
About the author
Shatrujeet Nath
9 books366 followersShatrujeet Nath has sold ice-creams, peddled computer training courses, written ad copy, and reported on business as a journalist and assistant editor at The Economic Times. While still at the top of his game, Shatrujeet quit journalism to write fiction. His first book, the Indo-Pak espionage thriller The Karachi Deception, was published in 2013. He then went on to write the national bestselling epic fantasy series Vikramaditya Veergatha, which comprises four books: The Guardians of the Halahala, The Conspiracy at Meru, The Vengeance of Indra and The Wrath of the Hellfires. His latest work, Warlord of Ayodhya: Resurrection, has just been released, and is the second book in a three-book series that tells the story of Bharat’s 14-year-rule in Ayodhya during the exile of Rama. Described as “a new face to Indian mythology” by DNA, Shatrujeet writes for movies and web shows as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
February 17, 2017
Hail Shatrujeet Nath… What a debut!
Irshad Dilawar, a terrorist hiding in Pakistan, is a known aide of ISI and is on a number of wanted lists. RAW and Indian Army have come together to take this menace off the streets – one way or the other – preferably permanently. But despite their best efforts, they are always a step behind. That’s when Major Imtiaz, the leader of this very special group, realises that their plan has been compromised and that they are walking straight into a trap.
The characters were mostly well developed. I would have personally liked to read a bit more background on some of the major characters. Not a big issue though because I guess that it would have probably compromised with the pace of the story. The protagonist, Imtiaz is a really great character. He is strong, focused and brave. He is the kind of man who is dependable and the kind you can idolize and look up to. You cheer for and be scared for him, all the while knowing that in the end, he will emerge victorious. On the other hand, Dilawar is a character that really needed more time in the plot. I had very little idea about his psyche. Though he is no Gabbar or Mogambo, he does test our protagonist.
The book opens with an assassination plot or a rather a botched assassination attempt and I was hooked. After that great beginning, the story continued to maintain its pace and rhythm throughout. There’s a lot of action in there and I must say that the action scenes were really well done. The language of the author is good and nowhere has he overdone even a bit. The descriptions of places and people felt well researched and were detailed. Okay, so I am not an expert in this case, but as a reader, it just felt right. The chapters led one into the other smoothly and the narrative was just right.
Overall, it’s a great book and an even better debut. Shatrujeet is an author to watch out for and maybe soon we will have our very own James Patterson flooding international market.
Irshad Dilawar, a terrorist hiding in Pakistan, is a known aide of ISI and is on a number of wanted lists. RAW and Indian Army have come together to take this menace off the streets – one way or the other – preferably permanently. But despite their best efforts, they are always a step behind. That’s when Major Imtiaz, the leader of this very special group, realises that their plan has been compromised and that they are walking straight into a trap.
The characters were mostly well developed. I would have personally liked to read a bit more background on some of the major characters. Not a big issue though because I guess that it would have probably compromised with the pace of the story. The protagonist, Imtiaz is a really great character. He is strong, focused and brave. He is the kind of man who is dependable and the kind you can idolize and look up to. You cheer for and be scared for him, all the while knowing that in the end, he will emerge victorious. On the other hand, Dilawar is a character that really needed more time in the plot. I had very little idea about his psyche. Though he is no Gabbar or Mogambo, he does test our protagonist.
The book opens with an assassination plot or a rather a botched assassination attempt and I was hooked. After that great beginning, the story continued to maintain its pace and rhythm throughout. There’s a lot of action in there and I must say that the action scenes were really well done. The language of the author is good and nowhere has he overdone even a bit. The descriptions of places and people felt well researched and were detailed. Okay, so I am not an expert in this case, but as a reader, it just felt right. The chapters led one into the other smoothly and the narrative was just right.
Overall, it’s a great book and an even better debut. Shatrujeet is an author to watch out for and maybe soon we will have our very own James Patterson flooding international market.
August 27, 2016
You’re in for a Hell. Of. A. Ride.
I won this book in a GR Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. For the record, I’m always honest in my reviews. Sometimes, brutally.
** BEHOLD THE BOOK BADGE **
This is going to be the Book Badge in my reviews. If you see it in any of my reviews, you’ve got to drop everything and go buy it as if your ass is on fire. Having seen it, you probably don’t have to read the whole review, though I’m not going to stop you, if you do read. :)
Now that the above is established.
This was surprisingly very good. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting a lot out of it, the books I received in that year’s GR Giveaway were either half or complete shit.
Also, I was a baby bit hesitant; I have a strong prejudice against contemporary Indian authors. No offense to anybody out there, but you can’t exactly blame the poor girl when she enters the bookstore and encounters bullshit Indian Romance crap and ultimately has to make a beeline for the Jeffery Archer shelf.
But this author shattered that prejudice half way and successfully.
The plot is majorly cantered in Karachi, Pakistan and Balochistan, though spanning over India, Republican of Mali, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Delhi and more.
And, I might add: thoroughly researched. The routes, the places, the distance between them. If nothing else, it was kind of educating.
There are three things I absolutely loved about the book.
First: The Writing
The Writing was rich and eloquent while I sailed through an entire paragraph without a hitch, then realizing it went back to admire just how the author looped one sentence into another, so perfectly and flawlessly.
And avid readers of thrillers would agree with me. We can’t really expect good writing style in thrillers, they are rather judged more on the twist revealing skills, the impact it makes and its fast pace. And for it to be fast-paced, they can’t flawlessly loop sentences. Sadly, you can’t have best of both worlds.
Also, there was the most precise amount of description. It wasn’t too long, it wasn’t too short, not too informative, not too uninformative. That is what it was: Precise, and very well-written.
Second: My Favourite
None of the books I’ve ever read could have put forth the egoism and self-importance underlying the conversations between the people of rank. You can understand just how they manipulate their words to get what they want at just the right instance, proving that even the officials/most decorated men are sometimes (most of the times) led by their egos.
Also, my favourite part, the author has this notorious flair of inflating egos of characters and sabotaging it in the next line. I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed that trait so much before!
Truly like an Indian parent who, after listing two good qualities about their child, shoots off six negative ones for neutralization purposes. It came to be one of the best things I liked about the book, of creating an absolute awe around a character then purposefully dissolving it.
And of course, there are cricket innuendos. Of course.
You ain’t reading no Indian book without cricket innuendos wedged into a corner somewhere.
The plot, the twists and turns were slick but somehow weren’t strained enough. Some twists were revealed a little too easily that had the potential to be a punch in the gut had it been better crafted. So, if he could just work on that and add the result further up to his superb writing, the combination could be Exploding.
Third: *Spoiler ahead. Enter at your own risk*
And I’m lying prostate on my divan thinking,"No more. No more twists.” While the masochist part of mine shuts me up, saying,"Where were we?”
So, if it isn’t already put forth, I totally dig this book and highly recommend it.
And I'm all about his next book The Guardians Of Halahal.
June 21, 2016
A decent debut. Fast paced Forsyth kind of action thriller around agents, intelligence and spy network between India and Pakistan.
Usage of a few Hindi dialogues (one-liners) should have been translated for the English readers.
Usage of a few Hindi dialogues (one-liners) should have been translated for the English readers.
May 25, 2013
Three Indian commandos take the path of the assassin and set out on a life-defying secret mission to Pakistan. Their task--to kill India's most wanted terrorist who is in hiding under the protection of the ISI. As the story unfolds, it is soon clear that there is more to this mission than meets the eye. Confounded at every turn, the soldiers must face and deal with setback after setback that sends them hurtling towards a very frightening and dangerous exposure. The author weaves a shocking trail of lies, betrayal, deceit and as the book unravels, the soldiers' worst nightmares come alive.
I loved the author's clear, easy style, his impeccable research (yes, this really could have happened) and the incredibly unpredictable twist to this tale. However, the characterization could certainly have been more endearing and etched with greater depth. For instance, it would have been great to know more about these men who so willingly rushed headlong into enemy territory without expecting even the slightest reward or recognition. What were their childhoods like? What makes them tick? I had difficulty keeping the Arabic names of some of the characters straight. My other grouse is that the bad guys are rather predictable and true to stereotype. The action slows perceptibly in the second part of the book, though the lightening-paced ending more than makes up for it. In all, a good read. Watch out for this author. He could be the next Archer of India.
I loved the author's clear, easy style, his impeccable research (yes, this really could have happened) and the incredibly unpredictable twist to this tale. However, the characterization could certainly have been more endearing and etched with greater depth. For instance, it would have been great to know more about these men who so willingly rushed headlong into enemy territory without expecting even the slightest reward or recognition. What were their childhoods like? What makes them tick? I had difficulty keeping the Arabic names of some of the characters straight. My other grouse is that the bad guys are rather predictable and true to stereotype. The action slows perceptibly in the second part of the book, though the lightening-paced ending more than makes up for it. In all, a good read. Watch out for this author. He could be the next Archer of India.
October 7, 2017
Abhimanyu was the son of the great warrior Arjun who bravely broke and entered the complicated Chakravyuh in the historic battle of Mahabharat. However, he was not able to come out of it and lost his life. When Major Imtiaz Ahmed was called for Project Abhimanyu, he knew he was entering a Chakravyuh. Would he meet the fate of Abhimanyu during the project or would he emerge triumphant remains a mystery throughout the 250 odd pages of Karachi Deception.
The plot revolves around Unit Kilo, a highly specialized and covert cell of the Indian army which has to eliminate Irshad Dilawar. Dilawar is a name associated with every imaginable illegal activity and gravest of terrorist attacks in the Indian subcontinent. In spite of being in the most wanted list, Dilawar remains on the loose and flourishes under the protection of Pakistani government. While the Indian government works relentlessly to garner support on global platforms to declare Irshad Dilawar a terrorist and pressurise Karachi to surrender him, Dilawar lives comfortably in Pakistan and continues planning further attacks to claim innocent lives.
The Indo-Pak tussle is not a new subject and many books have already been penned on a similar plot. This book also is not an exception. However, a crisp writing style and a completely unpredictable twist at the end sets this one apart. The characters may have a striking resemblance to some living ones. The story flows smoothly and the description of incidents is vivid. It is interesting enough to finish in a couple of sittings.
The plot revolves around Unit Kilo, a highly specialized and covert cell of the Indian army which has to eliminate Irshad Dilawar. Dilawar is a name associated with every imaginable illegal activity and gravest of terrorist attacks in the Indian subcontinent. In spite of being in the most wanted list, Dilawar remains on the loose and flourishes under the protection of Pakistani government. While the Indian government works relentlessly to garner support on global platforms to declare Irshad Dilawar a terrorist and pressurise Karachi to surrender him, Dilawar lives comfortably in Pakistan and continues planning further attacks to claim innocent lives.
The Indo-Pak tussle is not a new subject and many books have already been penned on a similar plot. This book also is not an exception. However, a crisp writing style and a completely unpredictable twist at the end sets this one apart. The characters may have a striking resemblance to some living ones. The story flows smoothly and the description of incidents is vivid. It is interesting enough to finish in a couple of sittings.
September 20, 2013
With so many Indian authors entering the market, it's easy to allow a fall in standards while hoping to make a quick buck. But that isn't the case here. Shatrujeet Nath characters are well fleshed out, the twists and red herrings are scattered at the right time to make you guess and second guess his motives (always a good sign in a spy novel) and his hold over the language and intricate descriptions are far better than most of the new Indian authors in the market.
It is never easy to take up a genre and not evoke comparisons. Shatrujeet made me smile as I finished the novel because I was recalling the old Robert Ludlum novels I used to read as a teenager - where a knight in a game of chess realises he's just a pawn and isn't even sure what colours the surrounding pieces in the game are.
My in-depth review of the book is here: http://bit.ly/Y5qj4d
It is never easy to take up a genre and not evoke comparisons. Shatrujeet made me smile as I finished the novel because I was recalling the old Robert Ludlum novels I used to read as a teenager - where a knight in a game of chess realises he's just a pawn and isn't even sure what colours the surrounding pieces in the game are.
My in-depth review of the book is here: http://bit.ly/Y5qj4d
May 26, 2013
My review: http://wp.me/p2J8yh-2mU
This was one of the best thrillers I've read. Gripping pace, fluency in flow and language, right characters at the right time to get the reader interested, and threads connected seamlessly. Twist in the tale comes is completely unexpected and we almost can't believe that that twist is possible till it is suitably justified by the author later. Witty end too, and one which gets a smile. A very promising debut in the thriller genre. Congratulations to Shatrujeet indeed.
This was one of the best thrillers I've read. Gripping pace, fluency in flow and language, right characters at the right time to get the reader interested, and threads connected seamlessly. Twist in the tale comes is completely unexpected and we almost can't believe that that twist is possible till it is suitably justified by the author later. Witty end too, and one which gets a smile. A very promising debut in the thriller genre. Congratulations to Shatrujeet indeed.
May 24, 2014
A Karachi story written by an Indian and it's not a propaganda piece of literature! A fairly gripping action thriller, with small dab of realism thrown in - Dawood Ibrahim, OBL, et al ...
Not brilliant, but still fast paced, good twists and turns, and Karachi pretty thoroughly (and mostly accurately) depicted - pretty impressive for a debut novel!!
Not brilliant, but still fast paced, good twists and turns, and Karachi pretty thoroughly (and mostly accurately) depicted - pretty impressive for a debut novel!!
May 5, 2016
My Rating is 4.5
Three commandos assigned a task to assassinate a terrorist in a clandestine mission- The plot itself magnetically attracts the readers. Inciting inquisitiveness is the prime quality of a thriller, which, Karachi Deception possesses full throttle. The chronological order of the narration helps the reader comprehend the otherwise complicated story.
Commandos Major Imtiaz Ahmed, Captain Shamsheer Sulaiman, and Lieutenant Rafiq Mahmood, who sets out to accomplish the most prestigious mission, have to face unprecedented surprises and betrayal. Author succeeded in pulling off the story with utmost conviction.
Never for a second does the book gives us the impression of a debut attempt. A glimpse of David Baldacci and Frederick Forsyth was visible in the framework of the book, though the narration is comparatively simpler. The twist and turn of events in the story are maneuvered seamlessly.
The character galore in the book is a bit confusing chiefly due to the similarities in the names. As the story proceeds, readers are acquainted with the names. The build of the events could have been robust.
As I had mentioned in my review of Kashmir House, I have an affinity towards stories which incite the Indian emotion in me. Whenever a terrorist is arrested or incarcerated, fed with our tax amount, like most fellow citizens, I too wished if there were someone who could eliminate these rotten beings. Hence, the idea of assassinating a terrorist leader enticed me. This idea gets my special brownie points.
And yes, the twist in the climax is interesting.
Three commandos assigned a task to assassinate a terrorist in a clandestine mission- The plot itself magnetically attracts the readers. Inciting inquisitiveness is the prime quality of a thriller, which, Karachi Deception possesses full throttle. The chronological order of the narration helps the reader comprehend the otherwise complicated story.
Commandos Major Imtiaz Ahmed, Captain Shamsheer Sulaiman, and Lieutenant Rafiq Mahmood, who sets out to accomplish the most prestigious mission, have to face unprecedented surprises and betrayal. Author succeeded in pulling off the story with utmost conviction.
Never for a second does the book gives us the impression of a debut attempt. A glimpse of David Baldacci and Frederick Forsyth was visible in the framework of the book, though the narration is comparatively simpler. The twist and turn of events in the story are maneuvered seamlessly.
The character galore in the book is a bit confusing chiefly due to the similarities in the names. As the story proceeds, readers are acquainted with the names. The build of the events could have been robust.
As I had mentioned in my review of Kashmir House, I have an affinity towards stories which incite the Indian emotion in me. Whenever a terrorist is arrested or incarcerated, fed with our tax amount, like most fellow citizens, I too wished if there were someone who could eliminate these rotten beings. Hence, the idea of assassinating a terrorist leader enticed me. This idea gets my special brownie points.
And yes, the twist in the climax is interesting.
April 27, 2017
Actual rating- 3.5
When I first came across The Karachi Deception, I thought it sounded so good. Then when I met the author, I was literally begging Shatrujeet for a copy of it because I was so looking forward to reading the book everyone was raving about. When the book was published again at last, trust me, I was the happiest person, and while it took me a lot of time to get to the book and even more time to finish it, I am so glad I read it because it was entertaining and thrilling.
At first glance, The Karachi Deception is a very well organised book. By that, I mean that the various parts its divided into and the various situations that take place at once were very well done in a way that wasn't even a bit confusing, which is what tends to happen when there are too many things going on at once. While it takes a while to get used to the various divisions in the book, once I started reading, then whether it was after a gap of a few hours or a few days; I was completely into it because it was a very gripping plot.
While I'm not into thrillers, like I said before, there was just that special something about The Karachi Deception that made me want to read it. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised because I really enjoyed the guessing game that every chapter made me play. Shatrujeet's writing was very on point and that has made me a bigger fan of his. Everything in this book was so well done. I would definitely recommend it to fans of thrillers.
When I first came across The Karachi Deception, I thought it sounded so good. Then when I met the author, I was literally begging Shatrujeet for a copy of it because I was so looking forward to reading the book everyone was raving about. When the book was published again at last, trust me, I was the happiest person, and while it took me a lot of time to get to the book and even more time to finish it, I am so glad I read it because it was entertaining and thrilling.
At first glance, The Karachi Deception is a very well organised book. By that, I mean that the various parts its divided into and the various situations that take place at once were very well done in a way that wasn't even a bit confusing, which is what tends to happen when there are too many things going on at once. While it takes a while to get used to the various divisions in the book, once I started reading, then whether it was after a gap of a few hours or a few days; I was completely into it because it was a very gripping plot.
While I'm not into thrillers, like I said before, there was just that special something about The Karachi Deception that made me want to read it. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised because I really enjoyed the guessing game that every chapter made me play. Shatrujeet's writing was very on point and that has made me a bigger fan of his. Everything in this book was so well done. I would definitely recommend it to fans of thrillers.
June 27, 2013
'Unputdownable' is the right word to describe The Karachi Deception. The plot is so gripping that one wonders if there was some truth in it, given that the country backdrop is India-Pakistan. Nath's fluid prose and thorough research weaves a brilliant plot that speaks of both invaders and intruders. The twist in the end brings about that unpredictable O.Henry element in the plot. A must read for everyone.
October 6, 2013
Although I don't read novels of this genre and it clearly appeared anti-Pakistan on first glimpse, I still decided to go ahead and was not disappointed. Well balanced story, attention-grabing details, twists and turns and well researched geography for realistic story telling. Being resident of Karachi I did found a couple of oddities in description, but that is expected since author has no personal experience of the country.
A well-worth story for any enthusiast of espionage novels.
A well-worth story for any enthusiast of espionage novels.
February 8, 2019
3.5/5
Overall, it's a very well written book, especially coming from an Indian author. Except that somewhere between 80% to 90%, bollywood crept in. Could have been tackled in a better way I guess. There are parallels between the real-life characters that one cannot avoid to connect. But the twist was what I could never guess. In spite of a little weakness that I mentioned, this was a very enjoyable read. Recommended for those who love spy fiction.
Overall, it's a very well written book, especially coming from an Indian author. Except that somewhere between 80% to 90%, bollywood crept in. Could have been tackled in a better way I guess. There are parallels between the real-life characters that one cannot avoid to connect. But the twist was what I could never guess. In spite of a little weakness that I mentioned, this was a very enjoyable read. Recommended for those who love spy fiction.
September 14, 2016
The Karachi Deception is another amazing book penned down by Shatrujeet Nath. The book, with a gripping narrative, is an excellent spy thriller. Unlike most examples of this genre, this book takes you on a hell of a ride. In fact, the book truly outshines all the spy thrillers I have read so far. The labyrinthine twists and turns of this thriller will not only keep you awake all night, but will also keep you at the edges of your seats. Every chapter ends with a sensation of an ‘exciting bit’ that is about to happen in the next chapter. And, these cliffhangers keep the readers turning the pages. Overall, the book offers you a complicated, rationally appealing, nuanced, multi-layered, twisty-turny and unique plot. On top of that, the writing is great and the characters are powerful.
The story revolves around Irshad Dilawar, India’s most wanted terrorist. He is hiding in Pakistan under the protection of Pakistan’s agency ISI. Indian agencies (RAW and IB) and Indian Army come together and make a plan to eliminate this threat forever. The responsibility of accomplishing this life-defying task falls on the shoulders of Major Imtiaz Ahmed, Captain Shamsheer and Lieutenant Rafiq Mahmood. This team of three Indian commandos secretly goes to Pakistan with one single aim of killing Irshad Dilawar. As the story develops further, it gradually becomes clear that there is something else entirely to this secret mission. The team of three members face setback after setback in the form of unprecedented revelations and betrayal. A shadowy figure is working behind the scenes. He is pulling strings and dropping just the right amount of crumbs to lead enemies making assumptions. I am not going to uncover anything further as I would prefer not to ruin the story for you. I want you to enjoy and appreciate every single moment of this wonderfully written book without anyone else’s input. What I would like to say, however, is that this book, with an intricate plot, will keep you guessing all the way to the end. Yes, Shatrujeet offers the readers everything they could wish for.
The writing is well-expressed and you sail the entire book without any hitch. The story moves in different parts of the world and Shatrujeet has done really well in describing these places. The description of different places shows both an immaculate research and a realistic story-telling skill. While dialogues bring the characters to life, it is the plot where the author excels. However, at the same time, there are certain parts in the book which you may find as unbelievable or unrealistic, and some readers may find it difficult to digest such things. For me, these are the parts that make this book a great book. To me, this is a novel that is stunning from multiple points of view and forces readers to contemplate what it is to win in a game where others lose.
The book under review sets the bar high for all the writers who are planning to write a spy thriller.
Go for it! Highly recommended!
Note: The review was originally published on:
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com/2016/0...
The story revolves around Irshad Dilawar, India’s most wanted terrorist. He is hiding in Pakistan under the protection of Pakistan’s agency ISI. Indian agencies (RAW and IB) and Indian Army come together and make a plan to eliminate this threat forever. The responsibility of accomplishing this life-defying task falls on the shoulders of Major Imtiaz Ahmed, Captain Shamsheer and Lieutenant Rafiq Mahmood. This team of three Indian commandos secretly goes to Pakistan with one single aim of killing Irshad Dilawar. As the story develops further, it gradually becomes clear that there is something else entirely to this secret mission. The team of three members face setback after setback in the form of unprecedented revelations and betrayal. A shadowy figure is working behind the scenes. He is pulling strings and dropping just the right amount of crumbs to lead enemies making assumptions. I am not going to uncover anything further as I would prefer not to ruin the story for you. I want you to enjoy and appreciate every single moment of this wonderfully written book without anyone else’s input. What I would like to say, however, is that this book, with an intricate plot, will keep you guessing all the way to the end. Yes, Shatrujeet offers the readers everything they could wish for.
The writing is well-expressed and you sail the entire book without any hitch. The story moves in different parts of the world and Shatrujeet has done really well in describing these places. The description of different places shows both an immaculate research and a realistic story-telling skill. While dialogues bring the characters to life, it is the plot where the author excels. However, at the same time, there are certain parts in the book which you may find as unbelievable or unrealistic, and some readers may find it difficult to digest such things. For me, these are the parts that make this book a great book. To me, this is a novel that is stunning from multiple points of view and forces readers to contemplate what it is to win in a game where others lose.
The book under review sets the bar high for all the writers who are planning to write a spy thriller.
Go for it! Highly recommended!
Note: The review was originally published on:
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com/2016/0...
November 13, 2021
Full of twists, turns and deception. Extremely well written book.
September 1, 2014
What a book!!!!!
It has all the ingredients of a quintessential military-spy thriller and nothing has been overdone. The author has not tried to portray the protagonists of the story as swashbuckling and boisterous, which would made them look unrealistic. The Indian commandos who enter Pakistan for a secret mission have been sketched realistically. The entire plot is so realistic that the reader feels that he is not reading a novel but a case file of R&AW. The author has also paid great attention to detail and logic, the best example being an incident where even the logic behind choosing the signboard to place the camera for spying has been explained.
The plot of the story is simply superb and never do the twists introduced in the story seem to be forced on the plot just for the sake of it . There are three major twists and all of them are entirely unexpected and urge the reader to finish the book super quick. One advice: Restrain yourself from looking at the last page of the book beforehand.
The ending of the story is the icing on the cake and the way OBL is fitted in the plot (though just a fleeting mention) makes one wish that it were true. Overall the entire book makes the reader wish that the Indian intelligence agencies were as effective (if they aren't.....one can never know) as they are shown in the book and have pulled off the biggest coup in the history of espionage (which is the main twist in this book).
Highly recommended................. not just to fans of Indo-Pak stories but to anyone interested in spy thrillers. This book is comparable to the best in the business. Do yourself a favor and immerse in the depth of its plot.
It has all the ingredients of a quintessential military-spy thriller and nothing has been overdone. The author has not tried to portray the protagonists of the story as swashbuckling and boisterous, which would made them look unrealistic. The Indian commandos who enter Pakistan for a secret mission have been sketched realistically. The entire plot is so realistic that the reader feels that he is not reading a novel but a case file of R&AW. The author has also paid great attention to detail and logic, the best example being an incident where even the logic behind choosing the signboard to place the camera for spying has been explained.
The plot of the story is simply superb and never do the twists introduced in the story seem to be forced on the plot just for the sake of it . There are three major twists and all of them are entirely unexpected and urge the reader to finish the book super quick. One advice: Restrain yourself from looking at the last page of the book beforehand.
The ending of the story is the icing on the cake and the way OBL is fitted in the plot (though just a fleeting mention) makes one wish that it were true. Overall the entire book makes the reader wish that the Indian intelligence agencies were as effective (if they aren't.....one can never know) as they are shown in the book and have pulled off the biggest coup in the history of espionage (which is the main twist in this book).
Highly recommended................. not just to fans of Indo-Pak stories but to anyone interested in spy thrillers. This book is comparable to the best in the business. Do yourself a favor and immerse in the depth of its plot.
August 17, 2021
Irshad Dilawar is India’s underworld don backed by Pakistan and has dodged an assassination by chance. Another mercenary is hired to cover up the failed assassination as he is posing harm to his other ‘Friends’. Meanwhile, Indian military comes up with Project Abhimanyu to eliminate him by sending commandos from Unit Kilo, a special ops team formed to carry out dangerous secret missions. Major Imtiaz, Captain Shamsheer and Lieutenant Rafiq from the Unit infiltrate Pakistan to kill Dilawar in Karachi based on an intel from a spy in the neighboring country. Everything is in place but something is amiss to the Major. When suddenly the plugs are pulled off for the mission, a determined Imtiaz decides to complete the mission come what may. Why is the mission being called off? How will Imtiaz complete the mission without any support from the Indian Government? Will he be able to kill Irshad Dilawar or will the mercenary do the job? What is amiss in the entire mission?
All the characters are well defined and the suspense at every turn gives a thrilling experience. The story jumps from one scene to the other rapidly and the author has done a brilliant job of narration. All the time I was like ‘Oh My God! What now?’ Patriotism, common sense and thinking through first principles just oozes out in abundance. Your grit and determination can go a long way in helping you achieve your targets – This was my key takeaway.
If you love thrillers, you have to read it. Period.
Read my other reviews by clicking on the following link
https://mintiblog.wordpress.com/
All the characters are well defined and the suspense at every turn gives a thrilling experience. The story jumps from one scene to the other rapidly and the author has done a brilliant job of narration. All the time I was like ‘Oh My God! What now?’ Patriotism, common sense and thinking through first principles just oozes out in abundance. Your grit and determination can go a long way in helping you achieve your targets – This was my key takeaway.
If you love thrillers, you have to read it. Period.
Read my other reviews by clicking on the following link
https://mintiblog.wordpress.com/
December 19, 2014
This is one of the most, if not the most, slick and superb intelligence capers I have read in my life; sleek, swift and superbly crafted together. The story is a decently paced narrative that is not too slow, nor too fast - giving ample space for the proper buildup, detailing and background descriptions. These have been skillfully done, and add to the overall mystery and suspense. The charactarisation is adequate for the story, and is a vital aspect of the plot. The entire book is a masterpiece, and I rate it 5 stars. One of the best fiction books I have read, to be precise.
There is a total absence of obscenity and vulagarity in the book, unlike some other authors - both Indian as well as Western. There are no diversions of any kind, not even the female kind. This makes for a taut narrative, and a tightly knitted story with a powerful punch. The focused approach is a thing of sheer beauty, making for a thoroughly enjoyable read, and a book that can be re-read any number of times. This is a book that belongs in your collection....
There is a total absence of obscenity and vulagarity in the book, unlike some other authors - both Indian as well as Western. There are no diversions of any kind, not even the female kind. This makes for a taut narrative, and a tightly knitted story with a powerful punch. The focused approach is a thing of sheer beauty, making for a thoroughly enjoyable read, and a book that can be re-read any number of times. This is a book that belongs in your collection....
August 6, 2016
The Karachi Deception is a breathless espionage saga. The novel works at various levels -- the pace remains taut, thanks to the narrative structure and writing. The detailing and research depicting places as far apart as Karachi, Mali, Delhi, Baluchistan and Muscat adds to the mood and realism. Almost every character in the book exhibits shades of gray, as the story goes through its umpteen twists and turns, with the author tying it all up towards the end. Overall, The Karachi Deception marks a remarkable debut of a promising author. Look forward to The Guardians of the Halahala, Shatrujeet’s forthcoming book. Recommended reading. The Karachi Deception
August 15, 2025
Three Indian commandos go beyond borders and enter Pakistan to accomplish a secret mission by the RAW agency but what if they were deceived? not by the opponent but by the ones who are always with them. This thriller book explains about the geopolitical dramas between two countries. As normal people, we think the tensions arising in the borders are always to knock out the opponent but what if actually it is not.The author Shatrujeet Nath, though he calls this story as a fictional thriller,reveals an unbelievable geopolitics which most of the people inside the country are not aware of. Truly Shatrujeet Nath is a great screen writer, reading this book gave the feeling of watching a movie. Learnt so many new things from this book like the RAW agency, how CCTVs are hacked and many more.
July 20, 2013
Brilliant debut. An amazing geo political thriller set in the geo-political Indian subcontinent theatre. apart from the plot and it's amazing twists, the author has been able to take it's reader feel that he is actually in the scene of the story. Strong visuals and a brilliant ending makes it a 5 pointer. will not be surprised if this becomes a movie in the near future!
September 26, 2013
Enjoyed this book. Great suspense, fast-paced, with twists and turns every few pages. Forgot to breathe sometimes!
I'd never read a spy-thriller of this kind with characters, situations and places that are familiar to me. Really liked that about the book.
Warning - read it over the weekend, where you can afford to stay up into the night reading!
I'd never read a spy-thriller of this kind with characters, situations and places that are familiar to me. Really liked that about the book.
Warning - read it over the weekend, where you can afford to stay up into the night reading!
October 17, 2016
I just loved the book. Though my reading spaned for almost a week, it was well meticulated and each and every chapter was a nail biting scenario. If you love reading thriller books , then I would suggest you to read this. :)
$Cheers @Shatrujeetj Nath
$Cheers @Shatrujeetj Nath
November 5, 2016
Whole reading this book in the start you will feel you know the story what will happen but it will take you by surprise. Really an extraordinary book to read.
April 28, 2018
Plot:
The story revolves around a plot by a unit of the Indian army to infiltrate Pakistan and neutralise annunderworld don Irshad Dilawar ( Dawood Ibrahim wink wink..). However there is a small twist to the plan as there is a parrallel plot being hatched to assassinate Dilawar by an Algerian mafia with the assistance of a CIA operative through mercenaries and its how these two plots coincide and play along that make the crux of the story.
Also, if you think that is the end of the twists in the tale, then you are in for a shocker somewhere around 70% of the book. I will admit, that twist made me give a slight bow to the author indicating a subtle "Well Played". I am not for putting spoilers about books in my reviews especially when I want people to read those books and in this instance also I will abstain from anything of that sort.
Writing Style:
Trust me, although I said above about the twist later in the book, Mr.Nath has packed quiet a punch through his writing to keep you hooked on to the story whether any twists present themselves or not. There is beautiful detailing of the planning done by the Indian unit (3 officers). The paths they took to cross into Pakistan, the recce they conduct of their prey and their overall thought processes. It is a testament to the amount of research the author has clearly put in this book when he describes the landscapes in and around Karachi. Also, there is an equal amount of detailing given to the parallel plotting by the mercenaries and the various sub plots and political games that play around these two plans. The Pakistani angle of trying to ensure the safety of Dilawar is also superbly represented and somehow through all of this, the book doesn't slow down its pace.
This was the kind of book where once you finish it you realise the subtle hints /open ended plots left by the author at different stages which somehow seamlessly integrate towards the climax. Considering this was one of the author's first published works the impact is commendable. And then the spy story buff in me was aroused and I kept wondering whether Mr. Nath is also a fan of a certain Mr. Frederick Forsyth whose story lines and style of writing also display such nuances although in a more refined way. Please note, I am in no way saying the author has copied Forsyth's style but I feel , just like our parents, our favourite books or authors also leave an impact on us in the way we perceive stories or characters and I just felt a hint of that in the author's writing. In totality, I am a fan of his writing and will be desperately getting my hands on his other published works at the earliest opportunity. If possible, would love to get my hands on some unpublished / upcoming work of his also.....
Rating-
An excellent 4-4.5 out of 5 for me. This book is worth the time and money and will keep you riveted till the end.
The story revolves around a plot by a unit of the Indian army to infiltrate Pakistan and neutralise annunderworld don Irshad Dilawar ( Dawood Ibrahim wink wink..). However there is a small twist to the plan as there is a parrallel plot being hatched to assassinate Dilawar by an Algerian mafia with the assistance of a CIA operative through mercenaries and its how these two plots coincide and play along that make the crux of the story.
Also, if you think that is the end of the twists in the tale, then you are in for a shocker somewhere around 70% of the book. I will admit, that twist made me give a slight bow to the author indicating a subtle "Well Played". I am not for putting spoilers about books in my reviews especially when I want people to read those books and in this instance also I will abstain from anything of that sort.
Writing Style:
Trust me, although I said above about the twist later in the book, Mr.Nath has packed quiet a punch through his writing to keep you hooked on to the story whether any twists present themselves or not. There is beautiful detailing of the planning done by the Indian unit (3 officers). The paths they took to cross into Pakistan, the recce they conduct of their prey and their overall thought processes. It is a testament to the amount of research the author has clearly put in this book when he describes the landscapes in and around Karachi. Also, there is an equal amount of detailing given to the parallel plotting by the mercenaries and the various sub plots and political games that play around these two plans. The Pakistani angle of trying to ensure the safety of Dilawar is also superbly represented and somehow through all of this, the book doesn't slow down its pace.
This was the kind of book where once you finish it you realise the subtle hints /open ended plots left by the author at different stages which somehow seamlessly integrate towards the climax. Considering this was one of the author's first published works the impact is commendable. And then the spy story buff in me was aroused and I kept wondering whether Mr. Nath is also a fan of a certain Mr. Frederick Forsyth whose story lines and style of writing also display such nuances although in a more refined way. Please note, I am in no way saying the author has copied Forsyth's style but I feel , just like our parents, our favourite books or authors also leave an impact on us in the way we perceive stories or characters and I just felt a hint of that in the author's writing. In totality, I am a fan of his writing and will be desperately getting my hands on his other published works at the earliest opportunity. If possible, would love to get my hands on some unpublished / upcoming work of his also.....
Rating-
An excellent 4-4.5 out of 5 for me. This book is worth the time and money and will keep you riveted till the end.
January 7, 2023
Journalist, Shatrujeet Nath, a former assistant editor of The Economic Times in India, has written this espinage thriller filled with mystery and deceit. The Karachi Deception, is a stirring debut novel which delves deep into the plot with a lot of twist and turns.
Plot of the book is simple and not something that is unheard of, however it is fast faced and keeps the reader hooked. Three commandos of Indian Army are selected for secret mission, Project Abhimanyu to eliminate India’s most wanted terrorist living in Pakistan with the protection of ISI. After a short while in Pakistan, it seems a death trap with mission getting compromised. Book further explores the options and whether the mission is achieved or not.
Language of the book is simple and easy to follow with crisp writing and good narration. There are quite a few characters which could have been rounded well but sadly they don’t have any back stories that ultimately hampers the credibility and relatability factor. However, the tight plot and narration keeps the story together by challenging reader’s imagination while being a constant page turner. The book seems well researched with the geography of Pakistan and also military systems.
Overall, it is an enjoyable read which can be consumed in one or two sittings. Story is focused with no such distractions through sub plots that randomly wander around. The plot twist in the end is intriguing.
It’s simple, entertaining and can be read by anyone, anytime.
Plot of the book is simple and not something that is unheard of, however it is fast faced and keeps the reader hooked. Three commandos of Indian Army are selected for secret mission, Project Abhimanyu to eliminate India’s most wanted terrorist living in Pakistan with the protection of ISI. After a short while in Pakistan, it seems a death trap with mission getting compromised. Book further explores the options and whether the mission is achieved or not.
Language of the book is simple and easy to follow with crisp writing and good narration. There are quite a few characters which could have been rounded well but sadly they don’t have any back stories that ultimately hampers the credibility and relatability factor. However, the tight plot and narration keeps the story together by challenging reader’s imagination while being a constant page turner. The book seems well researched with the geography of Pakistan and also military systems.
Overall, it is an enjoyable read which can be consumed in one or two sittings. Story is focused with no such distractions through sub plots that randomly wander around. The plot twist in the end is intriguing.
It’s simple, entertaining and can be read by anyone, anytime.
January 11, 2021
This book is exceptional! EXCEPTIONAL! There isn't a single thing that I could point out and say "Nah, this didn't work for me". To be honest, I didn't have high expectations from this book, I simply took a chance. Had I known that my mind was about to be blown, I would have prepared myself a bit.
I haven't read many espionage thrillers, and the ones I have by Indian authors have read like a Bollywood movie's script. Throughout the book I expected the author to bring an element of that over the top, slow-mo action sequence that we are far too familiar with. But that didn't happen On the contrary, we get to experience very grounded and real action.
The author expertly handles the characters and their conversations, especially the ones between officers of the army and their contacts and the way they manipulate the conversation to get the desired result, it was a treat to read that.
There is no jingoism or chest thumping patriotism. The commandos didn't have to wear their heart on the sleeve to show their love for their country. Their actions said it all, and this was one of the best things I liked about the book.
This is one story I would like to watch as a miniseries, and I don't say this much for many books! No points for guessing that this is a must-read. You'll be missing out on a gem if you don't read this!
I haven't read many espionage thrillers, and the ones I have by Indian authors have read like a Bollywood movie's script. Throughout the book I expected the author to bring an element of that over the top, slow-mo action sequence that we are far too familiar with. But that didn't happen On the contrary, we get to experience very grounded and real action.
The author expertly handles the characters and their conversations, especially the ones between officers of the army and their contacts and the way they manipulate the conversation to get the desired result, it was a treat to read that.
There is no jingoism or chest thumping patriotism. The commandos didn't have to wear their heart on the sleeve to show their love for their country. Their actions said it all, and this was one of the best things I liked about the book.
This is one story I would like to watch as a miniseries, and I don't say this much for many books! No points for guessing that this is a must-read. You'll be missing out on a gem if you don't read this!
May 26, 2017
The Karachi Deception revolves around Project Abhimanyu – an audacious plot hatched by the RAW and the Indian Army intelligence to assassinate Mumbai’s dreaded underworld don Irshad Dilawar, who’s hiding in Pakistan and assisting the ISI in its proxy war against India.
Major Imtiaz Ahmed is picked to lead the special ops mission deep inside Pakistan – but the ISI and Dilawar are several steps ahead of the Indians. Beaten at every turn, Major Imtiaz is faced with the horrifying realisation that Project Abhimanyu has been compromised…and his men are being lured into a deadly trap.
When it comes to thrillers, the most important thing for me apart from the story is the pace of the story. Thankfully, the author has kept this in mind and thus the pace of the book is fast enough to ensure that all details are covered while keeping the readers engaged in the story. Kudos to the author for the strong story line and the narration. At no point of time....Read complete review here: http://www.coml13.com/the-karachi-dec...
Major Imtiaz Ahmed is picked to lead the special ops mission deep inside Pakistan – but the ISI and Dilawar are several steps ahead of the Indians. Beaten at every turn, Major Imtiaz is faced with the horrifying realisation that Project Abhimanyu has been compromised…and his men are being lured into a deadly trap.
When it comes to thrillers, the most important thing for me apart from the story is the pace of the story. Thankfully, the author has kept this in mind and thus the pace of the book is fast enough to ensure that all details are covered while keeping the readers engaged in the story. Kudos to the author for the strong story line and the narration. At no point of time....Read complete review here: http://www.coml13.com/the-karachi-dec...
March 10, 2019
The Karachi Deception - Shatrujeet Nath
I have been wanting to read Shatrujeet Nath's books after having heard rave reviews about them from DYRT members.Decided to start with his debut book last week - Its is a spy thriller that makes you feel you are actually reading a real life account of a mission by RAW. Its hard to believe its a debut novel and i am a big fan of Shatrujeet now.As you turn pages you will keep wondering where is the story moving and as you start building next move in your head story takes a different turn. These twists and turns are weaved so beautifully in the story and keep the suspense element of the book real high. It has all the ingredients of a good thriller, fast paced, fantastic plot, nail biting moments, right amount of inquisitiveness, mind games, beautifully etched and realistic characters. I have already raved about twists that build up enough suspense to keep you hooked to the book. Don't miss reading this masterpiece by Shatrujeet. Highly recommended. :)
I have been wanting to read Shatrujeet Nath's books after having heard rave reviews about them from DYRT members.Decided to start with his debut book last week - Its is a spy thriller that makes you feel you are actually reading a real life account of a mission by RAW. Its hard to believe its a debut novel and i am a big fan of Shatrujeet now.As you turn pages you will keep wondering where is the story moving and as you start building next move in your head story takes a different turn. These twists and turns are weaved so beautifully in the story and keep the suspense element of the book real high. It has all the ingredients of a good thriller, fast paced, fantastic plot, nail biting moments, right amount of inquisitiveness, mind games, beautifully etched and realistic characters. I have already raved about twists that build up enough suspense to keep you hooked to the book. Don't miss reading this masterpiece by Shatrujeet. Highly recommended. :)
January 10, 2018
This is my first time I am reading a spy thriller by an Indian author and I must say I really enjoyed it.
As the story is set in India and its neighbouring countries, it's very relatable.
A strong story line with a very good pace that haunts your mind till you complete reading it.
My respect for our countrymen in the forces has multiplied manifold especially for those who engage in covert operations. They are the true unsung heroes.
The story was so gripping and right at the moment that I felt I could predict what was happening there was a new twist. It doesn't cease to amaze you.
I recommend this read for all those who enjoy good spy thrillers.
As the story is set in India and its neighbouring countries, it's very relatable.
A strong story line with a very good pace that haunts your mind till you complete reading it.
My respect for our countrymen in the forces has multiplied manifold especially for those who engage in covert operations. They are the true unsung heroes.
The story was so gripping and right at the moment that I felt I could predict what was happening there was a new twist. It doesn't cease to amaze you.
I recommend this read for all those who enjoy good spy thrillers.
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