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Inspector Virkar #1
Compass Box Killer
This book is a crime thriller, set in the by-lanes of Mumbai. One muggy afternoon, a senior police officer is found murdered at his desk. When Inspector Virkar from the Crime Branch arrives at the scene, he finds a cryptic note that spills out of a student’s compass box. Then begins a series of killings and in each, a telltale compass box reveals more clues.
Accompanied by the attractive, ambitious TV reporter, Raashi Hunerwal, Virkar has to race against time to catch the Compass Box Killer before the bodies pile up. As the investigation shuttles from Mumbai to Khandala to Belgaum, Virkar is taken deep into a labyrinth of backroom deals that lead to shocking revelations about the ruthless killer’s motives.
Slick plot twists and high-adrenaline action mark the first of the Inspector Virkar Crime Thrillers—part of the Mumbaistan series. Tough, daring and relentless in his pursuit of justice, Inspector Virkar is a policeman one wishes every city had.
Accompanied by the attractive, ambitious TV reporter, Raashi Hunerwal, Virkar has to race against time to catch the Compass Box Killer before the bodies pile up. As the investigation shuttles from Mumbai to Khandala to Belgaum, Virkar is taken deep into a labyrinth of backroom deals that lead to shocking revelations about the ruthless killer’s motives.
Slick plot twists and high-adrenaline action mark the first of the Inspector Virkar Crime Thrillers—part of the Mumbaistan series. Tough, daring and relentless in his pursuit of justice, Inspector Virkar is a policeman one wishes every city had.
240 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2013
13 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Piyush Jha
8 books48 followersPiyush Jha is the author of the bestselling noir crime-fiction novels, Mumbaistan and Compass Box Killer, Anti-Social Network, Raakshas: India's No.1 Serial Killer and the satirical e-short novellas, The Great Indian Bowel Movement and The Urinationalist.
A student political leader at university, he pursued a career in advertising management after acquiring an MBA degree. Later, he switched tracks, first to make commercials for some of the country’s largest brands, and then to write and direct feature films. An acclaimed film director, Piyush's films include Chalo America, King of Bollywood and Sikandar.
He lives in his beloved Mumbai, where he can often be found walking the streets that inspire his stories.
A student political leader at university, he pursued a career in advertising management after acquiring an MBA degree. Later, he switched tracks, first to make commercials for some of the country’s largest brands, and then to write and direct feature films. An acclaimed film director, Piyush's films include Chalo America, King of Bollywood and Sikandar.
He lives in his beloved Mumbai, where he can often be found walking the streets that inspire his stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 6, 2019
THIS is what a full-fledged Masala thriller should be!
With liberal dosage of sex, dark humour, gruesome violence, romance, twists, and a truly heroic protagonist, this book is itching to be made into a blockbuster. Inspector Virkar, our hero, seems to have been developed as someone who can be portrayed by Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, or Ranveer Singh. The antagonist's persona immediately brings Tahir Raj Bhasin to mind. And finally the story is as Filmy and as enjoyable as it can be.
Overall, this is one thriller that is guaranteed to entertain you.
Highly Recommended.
With liberal dosage of sex, dark humour, gruesome violence, romance, twists, and a truly heroic protagonist, this book is itching to be made into a blockbuster. Inspector Virkar, our hero, seems to have been developed as someone who can be portrayed by Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, or Ranveer Singh. The antagonist's persona immediately brings Tahir Raj Bhasin to mind. And finally the story is as Filmy and as enjoyable as it can be.
Overall, this is one thriller that is guaranteed to entertain you.
Highly Recommended.
August 21, 2013
My Rating: 3.5 stars
The prologue starts with a raunchy love-making event(s) between an unknown pair in an unbeknownst year, with a brutal end. The story then directly shifts to the present where the killer is in its primary act to kill his first victim, a Sr. Insp. of Police in Mumbai. Inspector Virkar makes a good entry when he is tasked to find this killer. He visits the crime scene and discovers a compass box with the identity of the killer's next victim.
Dazzled and baffled, Insp. Virkar gets involved in the relentless pursuit to find the killer but fails miserably despite having deciphered the killer's codes for his next victims. Unpardoned by the media (due to not so suave but charming journalist Raashi) and pulled out from the investigation by his boss, Virkar takes it to himself to discover the true identity of the indi-genius killer taking clues from the final words of one of the dying victims. What follows is a saga of tracing and tracking the compass box killer and his motives which takes him to different places, putting them (Virkar and Raashi) in the path of danger, while uncovering the mask from the face of killer's next and final victim.
Does Inspector Virkar succeed in his trail? What dangerous cover-ups he gets wandered to while solving the case? Can he really love Raashi? Who is the final victim and is he even worth saving?!
Read the full book review at --> http://vps3361.blogspot.in/2013/08/bo...
The prologue starts with a raunchy love-making event(s) between an unknown pair in an unbeknownst year, with a brutal end. The story then directly shifts to the present where the killer is in its primary act to kill his first victim, a Sr. Insp. of Police in Mumbai. Inspector Virkar makes a good entry when he is tasked to find this killer. He visits the crime scene and discovers a compass box with the identity of the killer's next victim.
Dazzled and baffled, Insp. Virkar gets involved in the relentless pursuit to find the killer but fails miserably despite having deciphered the killer's codes for his next victims. Unpardoned by the media (due to not so suave but charming journalist Raashi) and pulled out from the investigation by his boss, Virkar takes it to himself to discover the true identity of the indi-genius killer taking clues from the final words of one of the dying victims. What follows is a saga of tracing and tracking the compass box killer and his motives which takes him to different places, putting them (Virkar and Raashi) in the path of danger, while uncovering the mask from the face of killer's next and final victim.
Does Inspector Virkar succeed in his trail? What dangerous cover-ups he gets wandered to while solving the case? Can he really love Raashi? Who is the final victim and is he even worth saving?!
Read the full book review at --> http://vps3361.blogspot.in/2013/08/bo...
August 21, 2013
My Rating : 3.5 Coffee cups
Book Cover : Well, It's a fun cover, on first glace you would know it not something too complex or cryptic but a mystery you can enjoy specially in your long boring train journeys. I like the color scheme a lot, and of course the review quote from Madhur Bhandarkar saying "An edge-of-the-seat thriller. Full Jalwa."
Story Line, characters and writing style :
Book opens up with expressions of feelings that made me think it's a murder scene but second-third line just said otherwise, it is in fact a sleazy love-making scene leading to an unintentional murder and then the story starts taking a reader to the present scenario.
Senior Inspector Akurle is murdered and Inspector Virkar of Mumbai Crime Branch enters to investigate the case, his entry was rather dramatic, he seems like an Inspector with good sense of humor. On the crime scene a student's geometry box is found, colloquially known as "Compass Box Killer" with a note written in dried blood. By each murder scene a Compass box is found with the a signature note giving clues to the next murder written in dried blood.
Yes, killer with oily slicked-black hair and the soorma in his eyes is on the loose, killing each of his victim and Inspector Virkar is unable to save them despite of the prior knowledge, Is Inspector Virkar less vigilant? No but our Killer is much smarter, always a step ahead. In this pursuit, hide and seek many characters are wrapped up together, one of them is Raashi, a news reporter of CrimeNews Channel. Whenever a media person enters,they start to breath down the neck of investigation that's exactly Raashi is doing but the tension between Insp. Virkar and Raashi is visible as an electric shock from the very beginning.
Insp. Virkar has always lived in Mumbai, grown up in Colaba Macchi bazar, well acquainted with every nook and corner of Mumbai, he rides a bullet like many other Inspectors we know but he is drop dead handsome with a devils tongue and eyes that are capable of shedding tears. Raashi on the other hand is still a mystery to me, I believe there is more to her character then shown in this book, I guess we will be seeing some hidden sides of her in next installments of the series. I would have liked to know how the male protagonist, Inap. Virkar looked like, it's hard to imagine him with the little details provided in this context. Plot was rather predictable, perhaps a little more complex plot would have made it more interesting.
As Insp. Virkar decodes the clues and unveils the trues identity of the 'Compass box' Killer and his motives, reader is taken back and forth the time and cities, running down an engaging mix of romance, betrayal, hurt, revenge and hidden motives.
Piyush Jha's writing style is very lucid, being a film maker he knows well enough where to stress and what to elaborate. How to keep it interesting without letting the readers to frown over.
Is Compass box killer really the culprit? Will Inspector Virkar make him stop? and most importantly who is 'Smooth Operator'? Is love is really love or just the hunger of success?
I won't be surprised to see this one on silver screens soon, the plot is created just for the complete bollywood masala movie.
In one line, this is an engaging read one will enjoy when in mood to pamper their cravings for a thriller read without getting stressed over the complexity of the plot.
Book Cover : Well, It's a fun cover, on first glace you would know it not something too complex or cryptic but a mystery you can enjoy specially in your long boring train journeys. I like the color scheme a lot, and of course the review quote from Madhur Bhandarkar saying "An edge-of-the-seat thriller. Full Jalwa."
Story Line, characters and writing style :
Book opens up with expressions of feelings that made me think it's a murder scene but second-third line just said otherwise, it is in fact a sleazy love-making scene leading to an unintentional murder and then the story starts taking a reader to the present scenario.
Senior Inspector Akurle is murdered and Inspector Virkar of Mumbai Crime Branch enters to investigate the case, his entry was rather dramatic, he seems like an Inspector with good sense of humor. On the crime scene a student's geometry box is found, colloquially known as "Compass Box Killer" with a note written in dried blood. By each murder scene a Compass box is found with the a signature note giving clues to the next murder written in dried blood.
Yes, killer with oily slicked-black hair and the soorma in his eyes is on the loose, killing each of his victim and Inspector Virkar is unable to save them despite of the prior knowledge, Is Inspector Virkar less vigilant? No but our Killer is much smarter, always a step ahead. In this pursuit, hide and seek many characters are wrapped up together, one of them is Raashi, a news reporter of CrimeNews Channel. Whenever a media person enters,they start to breath down the neck of investigation that's exactly Raashi is doing but the tension between Insp. Virkar and Raashi is visible as an electric shock from the very beginning.
Insp. Virkar has always lived in Mumbai, grown up in Colaba Macchi bazar, well acquainted with every nook and corner of Mumbai, he rides a bullet like many other Inspectors we know but he is drop dead handsome with a devils tongue and eyes that are capable of shedding tears. Raashi on the other hand is still a mystery to me, I believe there is more to her character then shown in this book, I guess we will be seeing some hidden sides of her in next installments of the series. I would have liked to know how the male protagonist, Inap. Virkar looked like, it's hard to imagine him with the little details provided in this context. Plot was rather predictable, perhaps a little more complex plot would have made it more interesting.
As Insp. Virkar decodes the clues and unveils the trues identity of the 'Compass box' Killer and his motives, reader is taken back and forth the time and cities, running down an engaging mix of romance, betrayal, hurt, revenge and hidden motives.
Piyush Jha's writing style is very lucid, being a film maker he knows well enough where to stress and what to elaborate. How to keep it interesting without letting the readers to frown over.
Is Compass box killer really the culprit? Will Inspector Virkar make him stop? and most importantly who is 'Smooth Operator'? Is love is really love or just the hunger of success?
I won't be surprised to see this one on silver screens soon, the plot is created just for the complete bollywood masala movie.
In one line, this is an engaging read one will enjoy when in mood to pamper their cravings for a thriller read without getting stressed over the complexity of the plot.
July 10, 2013
Finally we have a notable fictional character in Indian Crime Fiction scene courtesy Piyush Jha. We have heard many legendary names throughout two decades of Crime Fiction namely Knapp, Reacher, Bourne, Inspector Harry Hole etc. who have left a deep mark on the reader's mind. Indians have got one of their own too. His name in Inspector Virkar.
As the name suggests it's a serial killer on the loose with very brutal methods to kill his targets and Inspector Virkar is pushed into the scene to flush out the criminal. The story runs from glittering Mumbai to Belgaum in order to get a sniff of the serial killer.
Well Piyush Jha has done commendable job in order to create a character and then weave a story which will keep readers hooked till the end. Surprise elements and few grumpy characters and the portrayal of Virkar in the story makes it an interesting choice for the readers.
The story gets a little predictable in the latter half of the book but it'll make up for that with few surprises up the sleeve as you turn around the pages.
It's a smooth read like a newly built highway with no hurdles and connects with the reader well. Story is gripping, gory, surprising, predictable yet edgy to hold the fort till the end.
Fans of crime fiction can rejoice after reading this book. Some similarities can be drawn from the Jo Nesbo's lead protagonist Inspector Harry Hole but the story is fresh new and has a good Indian flavor to it.
All in all a story with not many details but a piece of crime fiction which wont disappoint readers one bit.
A very good effort and I would love to see one more Inspector Virkar thriller in the series to make it a good one for the future.
As the name suggests it's a serial killer on the loose with very brutal methods to kill his targets and Inspector Virkar is pushed into the scene to flush out the criminal. The story runs from glittering Mumbai to Belgaum in order to get a sniff of the serial killer.
Well Piyush Jha has done commendable job in order to create a character and then weave a story which will keep readers hooked till the end. Surprise elements and few grumpy characters and the portrayal of Virkar in the story makes it an interesting choice for the readers.
The story gets a little predictable in the latter half of the book but it'll make up for that with few surprises up the sleeve as you turn around the pages.
It's a smooth read like a newly built highway with no hurdles and connects with the reader well. Story is gripping, gory, surprising, predictable yet edgy to hold the fort till the end.
Fans of crime fiction can rejoice after reading this book. Some similarities can be drawn from the Jo Nesbo's lead protagonist Inspector Harry Hole but the story is fresh new and has a good Indian flavor to it.
All in all a story with not many details but a piece of crime fiction which wont disappoint readers one bit.
A very good effort and I would love to see one more Inspector Virkar thriller in the series to make it a good one for the future.
August 3, 2013
Compass Box Killer by Piyush Jha has to be one of the better books I have ready by any Indian writer so far. The story was so gripping that I found it hard to put it down. It barely took me a day to complete it. Thriller is not my favourite genre but this is one book that kept me hooked from cover to cover. After the Millennium Trilogy this has to be a book which kept me engaged.
January 2, 2019
It starts off on a very good note. The narrative revolves around Mumbai- Pune- Lonavala and it feels refreshing for English literature. The story comes off to a dull conclusion, look forward to more from Piyush in upcoming stroies.
August 8, 2023
The story is about Inspector Virkar, a detective who is called to investigate the murder of a respected senior inspector in the Mumbai Police. He finds a compass box at the crime scene, which holds the name of the next victim. The killer is dubbed the "Compass Box Killer" because they leave a compass box behind at each crime scene.
Despite knowing the killer's future targets and taking precautions, Virkar fails to stop the murderer who claims two more victims - a doctor and an NGO activist. Determined to uncover the motive behind the killings and catch the killer, Virkar races against time.
The book, written by Bollywood director Piyush Jha, is filled with drama and excitement, similar to Hindi movies. Virkar's witty one-liners in Hindi add a lighthearted touch. The author provides realistic descriptions of the Mumbai police, media, and NGOs, creating an authentic backdrop for the story.
Inspector Virkar is a captivating character with exceptional skills and attention to detail. His preference for a particular drink, Godfather beer, adds an interesting element to his personality.
Overall, the book is a suspenseful murder-mystery with a Bollywood flavor. It is recommended for those who enjoy thrilling stories with a touch of humor.
Despite knowing the killer's future targets and taking precautions, Virkar fails to stop the murderer who claims two more victims - a doctor and an NGO activist. Determined to uncover the motive behind the killings and catch the killer, Virkar races against time.
The book, written by Bollywood director Piyush Jha, is filled with drama and excitement, similar to Hindi movies. Virkar's witty one-liners in Hindi add a lighthearted touch. The author provides realistic descriptions of the Mumbai police, media, and NGOs, creating an authentic backdrop for the story.
Inspector Virkar is a captivating character with exceptional skills and attention to detail. His preference for a particular drink, Godfather beer, adds an interesting element to his personality.
Overall, the book is a suspenseful murder-mystery with a Bollywood flavor. It is recommended for those who enjoy thrilling stories with a touch of humor.
December 29, 2024
"Absolute Cinema"
Akurle is just the first to die. To find out who is next, find me first.'
The first note from the killer sets you in such a way that you will hardly keep yourself away from the book. Proper whodunnit for the readers who love to enjoy murder mysteries.
The character of Inspector Vikrar is written so beautifully that you just want the book to be adapted into a web series or movie. (Although the web series has been adapted from the 2nd book of the series, "Anti-Social Network: An Inspector Virkar Crime Thriller.")
Murders in the book are so scary and horrifying, which tells you that the author has done proper research before writing this badass story.
Story offers you full masala with lovemaking and modern-day scenarios of casual dating and situationship. It also shows how media works nowadays and how an ambitious reporter can ruin the life of anyone for her career growth and channel TRP.
The story mainly revolves around the area between Mumbai, Pune, and Lonavala. The story is fast-paced and makes you tightly hooked with every single page.
P.S.:-Highly recommended for the one who is in search of good web series but couldn't find the one.
Akurle is just the first to die. To find out who is next, find me first.'
The first note from the killer sets you in such a way that you will hardly keep yourself away from the book. Proper whodunnit for the readers who love to enjoy murder mysteries.
The character of Inspector Vikrar is written so beautifully that you just want the book to be adapted into a web series or movie. (Although the web series has been adapted from the 2nd book of the series, "Anti-Social Network: An Inspector Virkar Crime Thriller.")
Murders in the book are so scary and horrifying, which tells you that the author has done proper research before writing this badass story.
Story offers you full masala with lovemaking and modern-day scenarios of casual dating and situationship. It also shows how media works nowadays and how an ambitious reporter can ruin the life of anyone for her career growth and channel TRP.
The story mainly revolves around the area between Mumbai, Pune, and Lonavala. The story is fast-paced and makes you tightly hooked with every single page.
P.S.:-Highly recommended for the one who is in search of good web series but couldn't find the one.
March 8, 2021
This book can be classified as pulp fiction and eventhough I am not really a big fan of the genre, this one is quite engrossing and I couldn't really put it down. Planning to read the second one in the series too.
July 10, 2018
Good writing. Fast paced and action packed. A definite page turner.
February 12, 2022
Got hinged toward the end, very interesting and thrilling book !!
June 26, 2023
Fast paced entertainer...dosent bore u...keep u wanna reading...good simple book
July 21, 2024
One of the best thrillers i ever read, it's quite gripping. i loved the narrative. its a good book, you can read without a second thought, will be worth the time you spent on it.
July 19, 2013
Compass Box Killer by Piyush Jha, the first of the Inspector Virkar Crime Thrillers and part of the Mumbaistan series, is a slickly written story that is marked with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, making for an engaging read.
In typical Hindi potboiler fashion, Jha introduces his leading man, Inspector Virkar, as a swashbuckling cop, who is not afraid to toss the rule book out of the window, when required, in order to get results.
Compass Box Killer is about a killer, named with the typical flair that the television news media displays for labeling police cases and pigeonholing other people’s tragedies.
In a remarkable deviation from other works of its kind, Jha lets you into the novel from the murderer’s side of the story. Or rather from the viewpoint of the soon-to-be murderer.
It all starts with the murder of Senior Inspector Tukaram Akurle. Virkar, who is assigned the case, finds an old geometry instrument box, colloquially known among students in india as a compass box. The box reveals a chit of paper with a message written by the killer, telling Virkar that if he wants to know the identity of the next victim, he must find him first.
Virkar manages to find the room that the killer shares with many others, but his quarry has flown the coop. A search of the killer’s few belongings reveals another compass box, with a chit naming the next victim.
Virkar’s attempts to provide special protection to the four Dr Prabhat Bhandaris found is rejected by his seniors, enabling the killer to strike Dr Bhandari successfully. Strangely, as the bodies pile up, the murderer always informs Virkar about the identity of his next victim. Is it over-confidence that causes the killer to keep Virkar informed? Or something else?
Along the way, Raashi Hunerwal, ambitious crime reporter from CrimeNews channel, joins forces with Virkar, seemingly anxious to make amends for having mocked him on her TV programme earlier.
As Virkar begins to join the dots, connecting the murder victims, in an investigation that takes him from Mumbai to Khandala and Belgaum in a high-adrenaline drama, that this killer is no ordinary serial killer. And the murders are the tip of a secret cover-up.
Jha is a master of realistic description. His description of the puke-ridden death of Senior Inspector Akurle was enough to cause my stomach to churn. I had to shut the book at this point, and it was some time before I could take it up again, and that too by skimming the paragraph and quickly jumping to the next.
At first, Raashi seems a typical specimen of her ilk, stopping at nothing in her bid to get Breaking News, and even ridiculing Virkar for his refusal to talk to her. But his attempts to save the life of NGO activist and lawyer Nigel Colasco, change her mind and she becomes sympathetic towards him. Or so it seems.
The best part of Compass Box Killer is the delineation of the character of Virkar. The inspector is very real, not some romanticized version of a hero. He belches, is uncomfortable with cutlery and, in Jha’s characterisation, stays true to his roots. What makes him extremely interesting and fascinating as a character is the fact that he once considered being a part of a petty gang himself, before better sense prevailed.
Jha also does a fine job of representing the news media in the shape of the attractive Raashi Hunerwal. While the media has the potential to be a watchdog, more often than not, it is to be found essaying the role of a mangy stray that won’t stop annoying and growling at those around it.
In spite of showing the killer’s actions in real time, Jha never loses his hold on the reader’s interest. Inspector Virkar and Nandu, the killer, play a game of cat and mouse. The stakes are high, and it seems that where Virkar is dogged and wily, Nandu is ruthless.
Jha’s writing is pithy and gritty. Despite knowing the identity of the killer, we are drawn along by the desire to learn about the motivation for his blood thirst.
I look forward to the next in the Mumbaistan series.
In typical Hindi potboiler fashion, Jha introduces his leading man, Inspector Virkar, as a swashbuckling cop, who is not afraid to toss the rule book out of the window, when required, in order to get results.
Compass Box Killer is about a killer, named with the typical flair that the television news media displays for labeling police cases and pigeonholing other people’s tragedies.
In a remarkable deviation from other works of its kind, Jha lets you into the novel from the murderer’s side of the story. Or rather from the viewpoint of the soon-to-be murderer.
It all starts with the murder of Senior Inspector Tukaram Akurle. Virkar, who is assigned the case, finds an old geometry instrument box, colloquially known among students in india as a compass box. The box reveals a chit of paper with a message written by the killer, telling Virkar that if he wants to know the identity of the next victim, he must find him first.
Virkar manages to find the room that the killer shares with many others, but his quarry has flown the coop. A search of the killer’s few belongings reveals another compass box, with a chit naming the next victim.
Virkar’s attempts to provide special protection to the four Dr Prabhat Bhandaris found is rejected by his seniors, enabling the killer to strike Dr Bhandari successfully. Strangely, as the bodies pile up, the murderer always informs Virkar about the identity of his next victim. Is it over-confidence that causes the killer to keep Virkar informed? Or something else?
Along the way, Raashi Hunerwal, ambitious crime reporter from CrimeNews channel, joins forces with Virkar, seemingly anxious to make amends for having mocked him on her TV programme earlier.
As Virkar begins to join the dots, connecting the murder victims, in an investigation that takes him from Mumbai to Khandala and Belgaum in a high-adrenaline drama, that this killer is no ordinary serial killer. And the murders are the tip of a secret cover-up.
Jha is a master of realistic description. His description of the puke-ridden death of Senior Inspector Akurle was enough to cause my stomach to churn. I had to shut the book at this point, and it was some time before I could take it up again, and that too by skimming the paragraph and quickly jumping to the next.
At first, Raashi seems a typical specimen of her ilk, stopping at nothing in her bid to get Breaking News, and even ridiculing Virkar for his refusal to talk to her. But his attempts to save the life of NGO activist and lawyer Nigel Colasco, change her mind and she becomes sympathetic towards him. Or so it seems.
The best part of Compass Box Killer is the delineation of the character of Virkar. The inspector is very real, not some romanticized version of a hero. He belches, is uncomfortable with cutlery and, in Jha’s characterisation, stays true to his roots. What makes him extremely interesting and fascinating as a character is the fact that he once considered being a part of a petty gang himself, before better sense prevailed.
Jha also does a fine job of representing the news media in the shape of the attractive Raashi Hunerwal. While the media has the potential to be a watchdog, more often than not, it is to be found essaying the role of a mangy stray that won’t stop annoying and growling at those around it.
In spite of showing the killer’s actions in real time, Jha never loses his hold on the reader’s interest. Inspector Virkar and Nandu, the killer, play a game of cat and mouse. The stakes are high, and it seems that where Virkar is dogged and wily, Nandu is ruthless.
Jha’s writing is pithy and gritty. Despite knowing the identity of the killer, we are drawn along by the desire to learn about the motivation for his blood thirst.
I look forward to the next in the Mumbaistan series.
July 27, 2018
awsm book. suspense was good. absolute page turner. go for it
July 20, 2013
By Piyush Jha. Grade: A
This book is an A-Grade, edge of the seat thriller, with more than just a little garnish of Bollywood. Complete with a valiant hero, a pretty heroine, a notorious villain, action sequences, and characters that are not hackneyed, I won’t be surprised if this one turns into a movie soon.
A killer is on the lose. And he is smart. His victims succumb to his treacherous murder plans. His trademark: an old metallic compass box at the crime scene with a note written in blood revealing his next victim. Motive: unknown to everyone except him. He uses the most unimaginable and devious schemes and executes them with perfection. Set in modern Mumbai, the author takes us back in time with prepossessing flashbacks from Khandala, and then back again, only to unveil a secret that had been there all along.
The story unravels impeccably with the just the right amount of information at each step. The suspense physically restrains and practically dares to put down the book even once. The officer in-charge is Inspector Vikar, who like our typical Bollywood hero chases bad guys all over the town. He works against time to catch the killer in one swift move, but is sensitive enough to go against the law and reunite a father with his lost daughter. A strong character, Virkar is as stubborn as a mule and refuses to let go. The way Agatha Cristie’s Poirot taught us the basic French, Inspector Virkar would soon make us fluent in Marathi as well. Full of delicious little adages like, ”Naseeb gandu toh kya karega Pandu” and “Kha, pee, kar anand, aaj raat ban ja Dev Anand!“, his dialogues are a delight to read! Then there is the blue eyed (lenses) “heroine” of the book, Raashi, who is a news reporter looking for a big break and follows Virkar everywhere.
Together with clues left by the compass box killer and a little help from bribed officers and broken-in offices, Piyush Jha manages to take the reader through a nail-biting murder mystery which increases the excitement with every chapter. What follows is an interesting mixture of twists and turns, romance, betrayal, buried secrets, fancy bad guys and even fancier dialogues.
This one is a must read, and those who read this would agree with me when I say that I can’t wait for another installment of the Inspector Virkar series. Those of you who love your Bollywood and your share of crime fiction, this one is a perfect hybrid.
Originally reviewed at Vaultofbooks.com, a close-knit community of fanatical readers. We are looking for perceptive readers who can write well, and we are eager to provide lots of free books in exchange for reviews. Shot us a mail at contact@vaultofbooks.com
This book is an A-Grade, edge of the seat thriller, with more than just a little garnish of Bollywood. Complete with a valiant hero, a pretty heroine, a notorious villain, action sequences, and characters that are not hackneyed, I won’t be surprised if this one turns into a movie soon.
A killer is on the lose. And he is smart. His victims succumb to his treacherous murder plans. His trademark: an old metallic compass box at the crime scene with a note written in blood revealing his next victim. Motive: unknown to everyone except him. He uses the most unimaginable and devious schemes and executes them with perfection. Set in modern Mumbai, the author takes us back in time with prepossessing flashbacks from Khandala, and then back again, only to unveil a secret that had been there all along.
The story unravels impeccably with the just the right amount of information at each step. The suspense physically restrains and practically dares to put down the book even once. The officer in-charge is Inspector Vikar, who like our typical Bollywood hero chases bad guys all over the town. He works against time to catch the killer in one swift move, but is sensitive enough to go against the law and reunite a father with his lost daughter. A strong character, Virkar is as stubborn as a mule and refuses to let go. The way Agatha Cristie’s Poirot taught us the basic French, Inspector Virkar would soon make us fluent in Marathi as well. Full of delicious little adages like, ”Naseeb gandu toh kya karega Pandu” and “Kha, pee, kar anand, aaj raat ban ja Dev Anand!“, his dialogues are a delight to read! Then there is the blue eyed (lenses) “heroine” of the book, Raashi, who is a news reporter looking for a big break and follows Virkar everywhere.
Together with clues left by the compass box killer and a little help from bribed officers and broken-in offices, Piyush Jha manages to take the reader through a nail-biting murder mystery which increases the excitement with every chapter. What follows is an interesting mixture of twists and turns, romance, betrayal, buried secrets, fancy bad guys and even fancier dialogues.
This one is a must read, and those who read this would agree with me when I say that I can’t wait for another installment of the Inspector Virkar series. Those of you who love your Bollywood and your share of crime fiction, this one is a perfect hybrid.
Originally reviewed at Vaultofbooks.com, a close-knit community of fanatical readers. We are looking for perceptive readers who can write well, and we are eager to provide lots of free books in exchange for reviews. Shot us a mail at contact@vaultofbooks.com
February 19, 2016
Positives: Inspector Virkar and his character has been well sketched. The plot is good. The killing methods are amazing (I do appreciate intelligence in all forms :P). In most parts you will enjoy the book more than any crime series you have ever watched. Also the suspense is well kept, I couldn't guess the killer till his identity was revealed.
Negatives:
First of all I have read Piyush Jha's Mumbaistan and loved it. I has rated it 4/5 and looked eagerly to read this one. However it failed to match the thrill of Mumbaistan. The reasons I believe are:
1. The character of the reporter Raashi could have been sketched better. The twist involving her was very predictable.
2. Too descriptive at certain places. The author would go on and on describing at certain places where all the reader needs is pace. Some of it could have been avoided totally, making it crisper. This was the major drawback of the book in my opinion.
Piyush Jha himself had set his standard of writing a thriller via Mumbaistan so high, that raised the bars of expectations which wasn't unfortunately met by this book.
The Verdict: An entertaining thriller. 3 stars on 5. Would still recommend Mumbaistan over this one.
Merged review:
The Review:
Positives: Inspector Virkar and his character has been well sketched. The plot is good. The killing methods are amazing (I do appreciate intelligence in all forms :P). In most parts you will enjoy the book more than any crime series you have ever watched. Also the suspense is well kept, I couldn't guess the killer till his identity was revealed.
Negatives:
First of all I have read Piyush Jha's Mumbaistan and loved it. I has rated it 4/5 and looked eagerly to read this one. However it failed to match the thrill of Mumbaistan. The reasons I believe are:
1. The character of the reporter Raashi could have been sketched better. The twist involving her was very predictable.
2. Too descriptive at certain places. The author would go on and on describing at certain places where all the reader needs is pace. Some of it could have been avoided totally, making it crisper. This was the major drawback of the book in my opinion.
Piyush Jha himself had set his standard of writing a thriller via Mumbaistan so high, that raised the bars of expectations which wasn't unfortunately met by this book.
The Verdict: An entertaining thriller. 3 stars on 5. Would still recommend Mumbaistan over this one.
Negatives:
First of all I have read Piyush Jha's Mumbaistan and loved it. I has rated it 4/5 and looked eagerly to read this one. However it failed to match the thrill of Mumbaistan. The reasons I believe are:
1. The character of the reporter Raashi could have been sketched better. The twist involving her was very predictable.
2. Too descriptive at certain places. The author would go on and on describing at certain places where all the reader needs is pace. Some of it could have been avoided totally, making it crisper. This was the major drawback of the book in my opinion.
Piyush Jha himself had set his standard of writing a thriller via Mumbaistan so high, that raised the bars of expectations which wasn't unfortunately met by this book.
The Verdict: An entertaining thriller. 3 stars on 5. Would still recommend Mumbaistan over this one.
Merged review:
The Review:
Positives: Inspector Virkar and his character has been well sketched. The plot is good. The killing methods are amazing (I do appreciate intelligence in all forms :P). In most parts you will enjoy the book more than any crime series you have ever watched. Also the suspense is well kept, I couldn't guess the killer till his identity was revealed.
Negatives:
First of all I have read Piyush Jha's Mumbaistan and loved it. I has rated it 4/5 and looked eagerly to read this one. However it failed to match the thrill of Mumbaistan. The reasons I believe are:
1. The character of the reporter Raashi could have been sketched better. The twist involving her was very predictable.
2. Too descriptive at certain places. The author would go on and on describing at certain places where all the reader needs is pace. Some of it could have been avoided totally, making it crisper. This was the major drawback of the book in my opinion.
Piyush Jha himself had set his standard of writing a thriller via Mumbaistan so high, that raised the bars of expectations which wasn't unfortunately met by this book.
The Verdict: An entertaining thriller. 3 stars on 5. Would still recommend Mumbaistan over this one.
January 27, 2014
About the story: When senior police officer, Akurle, is found dead at his own desk inside the bustling police station, Inspector Virkar, from Mumbai Crime Branch, knows that this is no ordinary killer. The only clue that Virkar has, is an old compass box with the name of the next victim, which the killer leaves behind at each murder scene. While managing the internal politics within the police force, Virkar has to also stay a step ahead of the wily and devious crime reporter, Raashi Hunerwal. Raashi, tries to play the famously nefarious media games with Virkar, before realizing that he’s just an honest officer trying to get to the bottom of the grisly murders.
With a vague profile sketch of the killer, Virkar dashes from Mumbai to Khandala to Belgaum, in the ultimate race against time before the killer strikes off another name in his hit-list. The killer’s ingenuity in murdering his targets without being caught baffles and frustrates Virkar.
Somewhere during his pursuit of nabbing the Compass Box Killer, Virkar also falls prey to Raashi’s charm, who accompanies him on the pretext of helping him in the investigation. But as Virkar inches closer to truth, he realizes that appearances can be deceptive and what lies behind the façade of glamour, money and power is a murky web of deceit, corruption and betrayal.
My Review: It is so hard to find good, crime-related thrillers by Indian authors, that I was pleasantly surprised after reading this book. This book has all the ingredients in the right dose for creating a mind-blowing potboiler crime fiction. There’s the quirky inspector, the sexy siren, the spine-chilling serial killer, the atrocious crimes, red tape bureaucracies in Indian police force, deceit and a plenty of twists and turns.
The author, who is also an acclaimed film director, portrays the characters in true cinematic style. The introduction scene of Inspector Virkar brought to my mind, the innumerable scenes of Salman Khan, clad in Khaki uniform, spewing dialogues and witty one-liners.
The narration is taut and the author has managed to keep the suspense intact till the climax. There are a few editing glitches but those can be ignored since it does not detract the readers from the plot.
I would definitely recommend this book for all the fans of crime/thriller fiction novels.
With a vague profile sketch of the killer, Virkar dashes from Mumbai to Khandala to Belgaum, in the ultimate race against time before the killer strikes off another name in his hit-list. The killer’s ingenuity in murdering his targets without being caught baffles and frustrates Virkar.
Somewhere during his pursuit of nabbing the Compass Box Killer, Virkar also falls prey to Raashi’s charm, who accompanies him on the pretext of helping him in the investigation. But as Virkar inches closer to truth, he realizes that appearances can be deceptive and what lies behind the façade of glamour, money and power is a murky web of deceit, corruption and betrayal.
My Review: It is so hard to find good, crime-related thrillers by Indian authors, that I was pleasantly surprised after reading this book. This book has all the ingredients in the right dose for creating a mind-blowing potboiler crime fiction. There’s the quirky inspector, the sexy siren, the spine-chilling serial killer, the atrocious crimes, red tape bureaucracies in Indian police force, deceit and a plenty of twists and turns.
The author, who is also an acclaimed film director, portrays the characters in true cinematic style. The introduction scene of Inspector Virkar brought to my mind, the innumerable scenes of Salman Khan, clad in Khaki uniform, spewing dialogues and witty one-liners.
The narration is taut and the author has managed to keep the suspense intact till the climax. There are a few editing glitches but those can be ignored since it does not detract the readers from the plot.
I would definitely recommend this book for all the fans of crime/thriller fiction novels.
August 6, 2013
If this Monsoon, you want to take a thrilling ride, you can definitely pick this book up. It has all the ingredients to keep you fasten to your seat belts.
The book is set in Mumbai. It begins with the death of senior police officer Ankurle. Definitely it could have passed off as a case of food poisoning. But Inspector Virkar who is incharge of the case finds a note inside an old compass box, thus the name Compass Box Killer was coined. In the box the killer leaves the name of his next victim who is Dr. Bhandari. Inspite of all security round-ups that Inspector Virkar adds, the killer smoothly kills his victim, leaving another compass box with another victim’s name. This all leaves Virkar clueless about the killer, who seems to very educated and highly intelligent. He also cannot figure out why the murderer is leaving names of his next victim.
To add injury to his agony, crime reporter Raashi is always after him. She needs the next breaking news to add to her over ambitious career.
The next victim is Nigel Colasco, who is a very well loved man specially in the slums of Mumbai, for his continuous work to uplift their lives. Virkar is at his wit-ends when even Colasco gets killed right infront of him and he unable to do a thing about it. The killer again leaves another clue leaving the name of his next victim “The smooth operator.” Raashi joins him as his aid. An old song from Sade seems to join some parts. He and Raashi makes the journey from Mumbai to Khandala and then to Belgaun to trace the killer.
After a series of bizarre incidents Virkar returns to Mumbai to find the truth. And the truth brings him closer to something which was beyond his imagination.
Piyush Jha for sure knows the pulse of his readers and does not disappoint an ounce.
The book is an easy and fast read with crisp editing, without any over detailing. It can be read over a weekend or over a travel, and you would not regret this fast paced thriller with Inspector Virkar. And with the monsoon, a cup of chaai definitely invites this book, to your reading list.
The book is set in Mumbai. It begins with the death of senior police officer Ankurle. Definitely it could have passed off as a case of food poisoning. But Inspector Virkar who is incharge of the case finds a note inside an old compass box, thus the name Compass Box Killer was coined. In the box the killer leaves the name of his next victim who is Dr. Bhandari. Inspite of all security round-ups that Inspector Virkar adds, the killer smoothly kills his victim, leaving another compass box with another victim’s name. This all leaves Virkar clueless about the killer, who seems to very educated and highly intelligent. He also cannot figure out why the murderer is leaving names of his next victim.
To add injury to his agony, crime reporter Raashi is always after him. She needs the next breaking news to add to her over ambitious career.
The next victim is Nigel Colasco, who is a very well loved man specially in the slums of Mumbai, for his continuous work to uplift their lives. Virkar is at his wit-ends when even Colasco gets killed right infront of him and he unable to do a thing about it. The killer again leaves another clue leaving the name of his next victim “The smooth operator.” Raashi joins him as his aid. An old song from Sade seems to join some parts. He and Raashi makes the journey from Mumbai to Khandala and then to Belgaun to trace the killer.
After a series of bizarre incidents Virkar returns to Mumbai to find the truth. And the truth brings him closer to something which was beyond his imagination.
Piyush Jha for sure knows the pulse of his readers and does not disappoint an ounce.
The book is an easy and fast read with crisp editing, without any over detailing. It can be read over a weekend or over a travel, and you would not regret this fast paced thriller with Inspector Virkar. And with the monsoon, a cup of chaai definitely invites this book, to your reading list.
February 19, 2016
Review: The review has been presented in a dramatized manner as a conversation between me and my friend Tiasha.
Me: Hey Tiasha, I just finished this ‘Compass Box Killer’ and I must say it is an extremely gripping novel. You have got to read this.
Tiasha: And what is it about?
Me: It is a crime thriller set in Mumbai.
Tiasha: Urgh, I hate crime thrillers. That genre is not for me. You know right?
Me: Yup I know. Even I am not much fond of crime thrillers. But this one is really gripping. The plot will get on to you right from the start. A killer commits a series of murders and leaves behind a compass box containing a cryptic message. Doesn’t that sound exciting?
Tiasha: Hmmm…a bit. So, who is the author?
Kindly read the rest at my blog link
http://thirstydesires.blogspot.in/201...
Merged review:
Review: The review has been presented in a dramatized manner as a conversation between me and my friend Tiasha.
Me: Hey Tiasha, I just finished this ‘Compass Box Killer’ and I must say it is an extremely gripping novel. You have got to read this.
Tiasha: And what is it about?
Me: It is a crime thriller set in Mumbai.
Tiasha: Urgh, I hate crime thrillers. That genre is not for me. You know right?
Me: Yup I know. Even I am not much fond of crime thrillers. But this one is really gripping. The plot will get on to you right from the start. A killer commits a series of murders and leaves behind a compass box containing a cryptic message. Doesn’t that sound exciting?
Tiasha: Hmmm…a bit. So, who is the author?
Kindly read the rest at my blog link
http://thirstydesires.blogspot.in/201...
August 9, 2013
If it were to be made into a movie, Compass Box Killer would be your masaledar (spicy, for lack of a better word) Bollywood film with somebody like Abhishek Bacchan playing Virkar and Priyanka Chopra as Raashi. Why ? Because it has all the ingredients of a box office hit. It has a story line with stereotypical characters. It is a whoddunit with some action, a smart talking main character, a good looking female and an unknown villain who is a serial killer. There is politics, love, sex, betrayal and some smart thinking on the part of the hero.
The book does has a predictable story line and I was left wondering what Virkar actually looks like as the only words used by Virkar by the author are that he has an unconventionally handsome face. The other things about his appearance are left to the reader’s imagination. There could have been more detailing done by the author.
This book for those not heavily interested in reading and are just looking for a way to pass time because it is the perfect book to read in a train or the metro. It is fast and does hold your attention. Read it if you are in the mood for a fast and light read as it is a good de-stresser after a hectic day.
More reviews here: www.booksandalotmore.com
The book does has a predictable story line and I was left wondering what Virkar actually looks like as the only words used by Virkar by the author are that he has an unconventionally handsome face. The other things about his appearance are left to the reader’s imagination. There could have been more detailing done by the author.
This book for those not heavily interested in reading and are just looking for a way to pass time because it is the perfect book to read in a train or the metro. It is fast and does hold your attention. Read it if you are in the mood for a fast and light read as it is a good de-stresser after a hectic day.
More reviews here: www.booksandalotmore.com
July 16, 2013
Piyush Jha's films are noted for the unconventionality of the subject matter and treatment. For instance, Chalo America is about young college boys and emigration, but it does not stray into having a typical Bollywood type love track. Similarly, Sikandar has young teenagers as the leads, while King of Bollywood has a British Documentary filmmaker through whose eyes the story unfolds.
Similarly, his book also unfolds the story in a rather unconventional manner. A truly remarkable crime thriller story set with Mumbai as its backdrop, but it lacks depth. It is a fascinating read, but it won't leave you craving for more. None of the characters are so well developed to make you fall in love with them, except Inspector Virkar who is tough, daring and relentless in his pursuit of justice, a policeman one wishes every city had.
**SPOILER BEGINS**
I wish the author had spent some more time on refining his work emotionally by sharing some more flashback sequences showing the development of bond between Tracy and Hari. That way the readers might have connected to Hari emotionally to understand his feelings.
**SPOILER ENDS**
Similarly, his book also unfolds the story in a rather unconventional manner. A truly remarkable crime thriller story set with Mumbai as its backdrop, but it lacks depth. It is a fascinating read, but it won't leave you craving for more. None of the characters are so well developed to make you fall in love with them, except Inspector Virkar who is tough, daring and relentless in his pursuit of justice, a policeman one wishes every city had.
**SPOILER BEGINS**
I wish the author had spent some more time on refining his work emotionally by sharing some more flashback sequences showing the development of bond between Tracy and Hari. That way the readers might have connected to Hari emotionally to understand his feelings.
**SPOILER ENDS**
July 30, 2013
Except Virkar's habit to say those hindi dialogues , half of which did not mean much to me in the flow of things , I liked the character Piyush has created - honest , hard working , compassionate and a straight forward clever guy who believes in getting justice for all , by any means possible. The book got me hooked from the very first chapter. There is something so damn attractive about a man who knows his ways in the world - his habits , his space , his duty and his sensibility intact under all scenarios. Add to that an intelligent killer who improvises with every strike. who would not love a well matched pair in a book.
Another thing I like about a book is that it should give you a feel and context of the places it is set in , which was done to perfection in compass box killer. The people , the places , their reactions and the expectations from every character was met. Absolute spell binding reading time happened with Compass box killer. I am soon gonna grab Piyush's first book now.
Another thing I like about a book is that it should give you a feel and context of the places it is set in , which was done to perfection in compass box killer. The people , the places , their reactions and the expectations from every character was met. Absolute spell binding reading time happened with Compass box killer. I am soon gonna grab Piyush's first book now.
December 26, 2013
Complex sentences, colloquial Hindi/Marathi dialogues with generous expletives thrown in, the narrative falls short. But the author makes it up with an interesting plot and sticky-enough characters.
Virkar (I find the name odd), an inspector with the Mumbai police’s crime branch, impresses with his never-say-die attitude, as he hunts the compass-box killer in Mumbai, Khandala and Belgaum, cities the novel is set in. Raashi Hunerwal (odd sir name again), the blue eyed television journo is curiously unusual and a near true shadow of today’s liberated professional women in big cities. Though with a misplaced sense of ambition, I thought, which she accomplishes with a high lust-quotient. But this is a story after all, so it fits.
Perhaps with more work on the language, we will see a better new Virkar novel soon. A few typos I noticed. Like at Page 46 it says, ‘...he clicked his lips’. And at page 198 ‘...unique technique of driving the animal of out of its hidden liar in the jungle.’ Some more.
Overall, 2.75.
Virkar (I find the name odd), an inspector with the Mumbai police’s crime branch, impresses with his never-say-die attitude, as he hunts the compass-box killer in Mumbai, Khandala and Belgaum, cities the novel is set in. Raashi Hunerwal (odd sir name again), the blue eyed television journo is curiously unusual and a near true shadow of today’s liberated professional women in big cities. Though with a misplaced sense of ambition, I thought, which she accomplishes with a high lust-quotient. But this is a story after all, so it fits.
Perhaps with more work on the language, we will see a better new Virkar novel soon. A few typos I noticed. Like at Page 46 it says, ‘...he clicked his lips’. And at page 198 ‘...unique technique of driving the animal of out of its hidden liar in the jungle.’ Some more.
Overall, 2.75.
August 22, 2013
Incredible book by Piyush Jha. Had been looking forward to reading such thrillers for a long time. Happy to see an Indian author stealing the show by and by among all the international thrillers stacked on my crowded bookshelf!
He is not your gentlemanly Murdoch or sassy Lynley- he is a man with passion set whole hearted for work. He is inspector Virkar- the otherwise amchi mumbaite. The city that reeks of crime and that gives least introduction of the underworld the roams free in the streets. But the compass Box killer- is not connected with the Big Fishes of the crime world. The twist is not just in the name- the twist is about the mastermind that leaves behind such tantalizing and spine chilling notes written in blood.
read more
He is not your gentlemanly Murdoch or sassy Lynley- he is a man with passion set whole hearted for work. He is inspector Virkar- the otherwise amchi mumbaite. The city that reeks of crime and that gives least introduction of the underworld the roams free in the streets. But the compass Box killer- is not connected with the Big Fishes of the crime world. The twist is not just in the name- the twist is about the mastermind that leaves behind such tantalizing and spine chilling notes written in blood.
read more
September 18, 2013
It targets casual readers and appears to be adapted straight from a typical Bollywood masala thriller – ample pulpiness enmeshed in the broad canvas of crime, suspense, romance and revenge. Yes, most of the characters are stereotypical to celluloid – daring, cool and tough hero who is relentless in the pursuit of justice, sexy, flirtatious and ambitious heroine titillating the readers with romance and love making, a notoriously brilliant killer surrounded with intrigue and mystery; yet, the plot has enough substance that the reader harmlessly bears the occasional pulpiness and cheesiness of the novel in the backdrop of fast-paced action, suspense and plot twists. Read more: http://www.indiabookstore.net/bookish...
May 12, 2014
I picked up this book just out of curiosity, Was browsing through the books by Indian author on amazon and came across this book. The summary and details got me to get this book and start reading it.
The cover and the design looks total filmy , bollywood style and after reading the book i can confirm that the book is also bollywood material. We can see this getting made into a book pretty soon :)
The book has good flow m the pace at which the book moves is good , there is always something or the other happening and the characters are built nicely. ACP waagh, raashi, virkar and all the small characters are nice and have a good presence.
The language is pretty good and easy to comprehend.
I can see a sequel of this coming soon enough.
overall 3.5/5
The cover and the design looks total filmy , bollywood style and after reading the book i can confirm that the book is also bollywood material. We can see this getting made into a book pretty soon :)
The book has good flow m the pace at which the book moves is good , there is always something or the other happening and the characters are built nicely. ACP waagh, raashi, virkar and all the small characters are nice and have a good presence.
The language is pretty good and easy to comprehend.
I can see a sequel of this coming soon enough.
overall 3.5/5
March 29, 2015
I got this book through Goodreads giveaway.
First of all,i liked the book cover a lot it's intriguing, made me stare at it when i received the copy.anyway,to the book-it has a good plot. i liked inspector virkar's character.the suspense was what kept me reading.i liked where the investigation went. the killing methods were interesting. i couldn't have guessed how people got killed(i'll surely make a bad detective)
what i didn't like in this book was the character of reporter Raashi.the twist with her was so predictable. didn't liked it a bit.
but overall it was an appealing read. piyush has done an admirable work.it did repress my thriller craving!
July 18, 2013
My review: http://wp.me/p2J8yh-2p4
A sensible inspector who is a little gullible under the influence, a reporter who tries to help him (or not), and an intelligent criminal who ties the investigation in knots. Made for a wonderful plot, and one that went through in one reading! As far as crime thrillers go, this was every bit as interesting and gripping as I hoped it would be. I haven’t read his debut novel, and I would be trying to get my hands on it as soon as possible. I look forward to more in the Mumbaistan series as well.
A sensible inspector who is a little gullible under the influence, a reporter who tries to help him (or not), and an intelligent criminal who ties the investigation in knots. Made for a wonderful plot, and one that went through in one reading! As far as crime thrillers go, this was every bit as interesting and gripping as I hoped it would be. I haven’t read his debut novel, and I would be trying to get my hands on it as soon as possible. I look forward to more in the Mumbaistan series as well.
July 30, 2013
Read the full review on BookGeeks.in
The book, “Compass Box Killer”, begins with the murder of a Senior Inspector in Mumbai Police. When Inspector Virkar of the Crime Branch is called in to investigate the death, he quickly concludes that it is a murder and also discovers an old & battered student’s compass box at the scene. The compass box contains the name of the next victim
The book, “Compass Box Killer”, begins with the murder of a Senior Inspector in Mumbai Police. When Inspector Virkar of the Crime Branch is called in to investigate the death, he quickly concludes that it is a murder and also discovers an old & battered student’s compass box at the scene. The compass box contains the name of the next victim
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews