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Mehrunisa Trilogy #2
The Hunt for Kohinoor
A spine-chilling ninety-six hour hunt through the world’s most dangerous terrain where history collides with gunfire - will Mehrunisa get out of this one alive?
One morning on her way to work, Mehrunisa gets a call that will change her life forever. The truth about her missing father is at her fingertips - but it will take her on the most desperate chase of her lifetime.
A chase that will pit her against hardened Jihadis plotting the deadliest terror attack on India, that will test her mettle against history’s deep secrets, that will teach her that the price of love can mean bloodied hands ...
The Hunt for Kohinoor hurtles from from icy Kashmir to snow-clad Hindukush, from the sinister corridors of a military hospital to the warrens of Peshawar, even as the clock counts down to the impending catastrophe.
One morning on her way to work, Mehrunisa gets a call that will change her life forever. The truth about her missing father is at her fingertips - but it will take her on the most desperate chase of her lifetime.
A chase that will pit her against hardened Jihadis plotting the deadliest terror attack on India, that will test her mettle against history’s deep secrets, that will teach her that the price of love can mean bloodied hands ...
The Hunt for Kohinoor hurtles from from icy Kashmir to snow-clad Hindukush, from the sinister corridors of a military hospital to the warrens of Peshawar, even as the clock counts down to the impending catastrophe.
432 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2013
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438 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 7, 2014
This is the second book I read from the Someshwar 'Thriller' stable and I am not picking up the third one. Its just heart-breaking to know that some writers in India still want to emulate someone from the west and end up doing such a bad job of it. There are some people who claim Someshwar doesn't copy Dan Brown. Well in that case can someone help me with how the secret code to decipher the Koh-i-noor is a direct lift from the 'Da Vinci Code'. Remember, Da Vinci's mirror writing?
However I feel that the plot was somewhat better than The Taj Conspiracy, at least the turn of events made sense. Though I'm yet to figure whatever happened with that whole Saby and the american agent episode? It just came appeared from nowhere and disappeared into oblivion.
I also wonder how everything in this story happens just like Sodhi would want it to be.I mean I know its her story but you cant take circumstances so much for granted just because its your story and you are writing fiction. Its like the universe is conspiring to make things happen for Mehrunissa. Isn't it too much of an co-incidence,that just before Mehrunissa is sent on a secret RAW Mission, Jadhav who was nowhere connected to the intelligence bureau ends up there? Or that RP Singh was trekking somewhere in the badlands of Pak-Afghanistan when Mehru landed up there? I mean seriously, how many visitors go trekking in Afghanistan?
Though the filled with irregularities and characters joining and leaving like out of a Houdini show, The plot is definitely better than her last book. Harry's character is well sketched, and the turn of events fall into place. The better on of the two, in case you 'JUST HAVE' to read an Indian Thriller. However if you have better options, you can junk it.
However I feel that the plot was somewhat better than The Taj Conspiracy, at least the turn of events made sense. Though I'm yet to figure whatever happened with that whole Saby and the american agent episode? It just came appeared from nowhere and disappeared into oblivion.
I also wonder how everything in this story happens just like Sodhi would want it to be.I mean I know its her story but you cant take circumstances so much for granted just because its your story and you are writing fiction. Its like the universe is conspiring to make things happen for Mehrunissa. Isn't it too much of an co-incidence,that just before Mehrunissa is sent on a secret RAW Mission, Jadhav who was nowhere connected to the intelligence bureau ends up there? Or that RP Singh was trekking somewhere in the badlands of Pak-Afghanistan when Mehru landed up there? I mean seriously, how many visitors go trekking in Afghanistan?
Though the filled with irregularities and characters joining and leaving like out of a Houdini show, The plot is definitely better than her last book. Harry's character is well sketched, and the turn of events fall into place. The better on of the two, in case you 'JUST HAVE' to read an Indian Thriller. However if you have better options, you can junk it.
March 12, 2014
I enjoyed this Indian spy thriller by Manreet Singh Someshwar. Anyone who understands the political situation in south Asia would enjoy this. The Indian Premier and the Pakistani leader are about to meet at a secret location when the Pak leader is blown to smithereens. As his briefcase, containing top secret documents, is incinerated along with him, it becomes imperative to find copies of those documents. Enter Raghav and Mehrunisa, two capable intelligence gatherers. He’s a member of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) of the Indian Foreign Ministry and she’s an art historian of mixed Iranian and Indian parentage, the daughter of an old RAW hand. She wants to spend time with her long lost father (did I mention he’s been missing for years? No?) but before she can, she must do RAW’s bidding and find those documents, preferably yesterday. As she negotiates Pakistani terrain with Taliban terror yapping at her heels, you heart will be in your mouth. She’s quite the princess, our Mehrun. No furtive lovemaking holds up the action, no time wasting sentimental balderdash. Not that there’s no love interest. There is, to be honest, but it comes a distant second to finding those freaking documents. Which is perfectly as it should be. That’s reason enough to give this capable author the full five stars. This story follows a tight timeline. The action never flags, nor sags. There’s even a hint of humour here and there, although the story is pretty damn serious.
The conclusion will give the reader satisfaction, although you’ll have to work for it. If I had just one nitpick, it’s the fact that while I know nothing of the way RAW works, I simply can’t see them ordering one of their operative’s children to go on an assignment. I would presume, as I’m sure many others would, that RAW would be a bit more professional in recruitment of its agents. Okay so Mehrunisa is a history boffin, but like, so what? She was a civilian, never mind the fact that her father was the Indian James Bond. So, in a way, it was a little hard for me to suspend my disbelief and just let go with the story. But eventually I did, because the story was absolutely compulsive.
There’s room for a sequel here. These characters, Mehrunisa, her father and R.P. Singh, the love interest of Mehrunisa, will stay with me for a long time and the vision of Mehrun’s turquoise pashmina shawl will be anchored in my memory.
A great read. Definitely paisa vasool, as we say in India.
The conclusion will give the reader satisfaction, although you’ll have to work for it. If I had just one nitpick, it’s the fact that while I know nothing of the way RAW works, I simply can’t see them ordering one of their operative’s children to go on an assignment. I would presume, as I’m sure many others would, that RAW would be a bit more professional in recruitment of its agents. Okay so Mehrunisa is a history boffin, but like, so what? She was a civilian, never mind the fact that her father was the Indian James Bond. So, in a way, it was a little hard for me to suspend my disbelief and just let go with the story. But eventually I did, because the story was absolutely compulsive.
There’s room for a sequel here. These characters, Mehrunisa, her father and R.P. Singh, the love interest of Mehrunisa, will stay with me for a long time and the vision of Mehrun’s turquoise pashmina shawl will be anchored in my memory.
A great read. Definitely paisa vasool, as we say in India.
February 21, 2014
‘The Hunt for Kohinoor’ authored by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar, is a sequel to her ‘Taj Conspiracy’. I have not read the ‘Taj Conspiracy’, hence when I received ‘The Hunt for Kohinoor’ for review, I was a bit apprehensive. But once I started reading it, it does not make you wish you had read the first one, except of course the fact that you will definitely want to read the first one because now you know how well she writes!
Manreet Sodhi Someshwar is the first Indian female Indian author whom I have read who writes a fascinating nail biting thriller that is unputdownable! Though it is written over four hundred and twenty five pages, not once does the story seem stretched. You just flow with the narration and be a part of the plot that twists and turns through the high mountain passes of Afghanistan and the twisted lanes of espionage that has its share of double crossers and traitors and the diehard patriots.
All characters have been fleshed out so neatly that not once you feel any of them are not in place.
The plot is beautifully woven with a hairline difference between fact and fiction. It is regarding how the peace process is derailed between India and Pakistan by the terror outfits. The American interest in the subcontinent is also portrayed very well.
Manreet Sodhi Someshwar has done her homework very well and it shows as she takes you on a journey full of thrills and spills.
Suffice to say that it is a must read for all lovers of espionage as divulging anything more would be tantamount to being a spoilsport.
You can visit her at www.manreetsodhisomeshwar.com and the-long-walk-home.blogspot.com , via Facebook at www.facebook.com/ManreetSodhiSomeshwar , via Twitter @manreetss
Published by westland ltd. In 2013, it is available on Flipkart.com and Amazon.in (free delivery)
Manreet Sodhi Someshwar is the first Indian female Indian author whom I have read who writes a fascinating nail biting thriller that is unputdownable! Though it is written over four hundred and twenty five pages, not once does the story seem stretched. You just flow with the narration and be a part of the plot that twists and turns through the high mountain passes of Afghanistan and the twisted lanes of espionage that has its share of double crossers and traitors and the diehard patriots.
All characters have been fleshed out so neatly that not once you feel any of them are not in place.
The plot is beautifully woven with a hairline difference between fact and fiction. It is regarding how the peace process is derailed between India and Pakistan by the terror outfits. The American interest in the subcontinent is also portrayed very well.
Manreet Sodhi Someshwar has done her homework very well and it shows as she takes you on a journey full of thrills and spills.
Suffice to say that it is a must read for all lovers of espionage as divulging anything more would be tantamount to being a spoilsport.
You can visit her at www.manreetsodhisomeshwar.com and the-long-walk-home.blogspot.com , via Facebook at www.facebook.com/ManreetSodhiSomeshwar , via Twitter @manreetss
Published by westland ltd. In 2013, it is available on Flipkart.com and Amazon.in (free delivery)
June 23, 2020
Review at A Bookworm’s Musing: http://wp.me/p2J8yh-2B1
Read this book for the engaging style of narration, which also breathes life into the setting as well as the action that happens. The plot is well woven too. There are few parts that would feel dull, and characters also seem to materialize out of nowhere, which feel odd.
Read this book for the engaging style of narration, which also breathes life into the setting as well as the action that happens. The plot is well woven too. There are few parts that would feel dull, and characters also seem to materialize out of nowhere, which feel odd.
June 9, 2021
A fine read indeed!
Very interesting use of metaphors throughout the book added a lot to the imagination.
Alongwith being a fast paced read, the elaborate display of the north-western region of the Indian subcontinent added to the faint familiarity for many.
The use of research to portray the political climate in the AfPak region in addition to the international poking being done since decades tells a mischievous tale on the part of many nations.
Barring few ideas that felt obvious were taken from Dan Brown, it was all in all a good book, especially for those who like reading up on the Indian-Pakistan relations and whole Afghan dynamics that goes along with it.
Very interesting use of metaphors throughout the book added a lot to the imagination.
Alongwith being a fast paced read, the elaborate display of the north-western region of the Indian subcontinent added to the faint familiarity for many.
The use of research to portray the political climate in the AfPak region in addition to the international poking being done since decades tells a mischievous tale on the part of many nations.
Barring few ideas that felt obvious were taken from Dan Brown, it was all in all a good book, especially for those who like reading up on the Indian-Pakistan relations and whole Afghan dynamics that goes along with it.
March 17, 2014
The joys of reading a book are manifold. The fact that language could be used in such a variety of ways to describe the same old mundane thing is refreshing. This is the feeling I got while reviewing The Hunt For Kohinoor by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar, an opportunity I was given by Westland Publishers.
The Hunt For Kohinoor is a book that revolves around its main character – art historian and fresco specialist Mehrunisa Khosa. The half Sikh half Muslim girl, who played a pivotal role in cracking the first book of this series, The Taj Conspiracy, is pushed into war ravaged and ever hostile plains and places on the AfPak border where war can break out just at the fall of a match, to crack a case that hardly has got anything to do with her trade.
Reconciling with the disappearance of her father, who she later realizes is a an Indian Intelligence agent, while she was just five, she comes face to face with him after sixteen years as he is being treated for injuries from a blast that killed the President of Pakistan just as he was to seal a treaty of peace with India by sharing the Kohinoor - confidential information abiut the location of a 26/11 type attack in India by the Taliban within the next 96 hours. Unable to send in his most trusted spy – Mehrunisa’s father, commonly referred as Snow Leopard, Harinder Singh Khosa or Harry, Jag Mishra – The Chanakya of the Indian Intelligence Pakistan Desk sends in his daughter as the bait to get Harry back into the field in no time. It’s the same Chanakya that Mehrunisa learns who kept her father away from her while he suffered a memory loss in one of the operations.
While Mehrunisa goes from pillar to post trying to decode the clues she finds on the way she finds herself in the constant battle with herself over the sudden disappearance and appearance of her lost and found father. But the case doesn’t give her luxury to ponder further as she and her close aides encounter ghastly attacks carried out both by the enemy and from within. Constantly fighting and losing accomplices on the way, she is kidnapped by the infamous Babur Khan, an American soldier who switched to the other side to connect to his roots. Well versed in American tactics he galvanises the Pathan’s and Taliban of the region, imposes strict Islamic laws where girls are buried alive if they speak to any unknown males, and becomes their supreme commander.
If you haven’t read a book in a long time, then this book is a good place to develop the lost reading habit. Its language is good and keeps you in the midst of what’s happening. At some places you will find pearls of wisdom just thrown in which could make for a collector’s edition.
"Peace is a bloody business, wherein the seeds of war are sowed; terror is then reaped in abundance."
"Trust no one, not even mirrors."
“What the mullahs forget is that when a woman wears a burqa, it hides her looks, not her brain.”
“The only time a snow leopard might become aggressive if its cubs are threatened or it is.”
“The Americans have a chronic weakness: they believe they are the centre of the world.”
“The biggest enemy of this country were its leaders”
"With love you could persuade a Pathan to go to hell, but by force you couln’t even take him to heaven."
“Because Naxals wore police uniforms.”
However, it would have been better if the title was changed to something more appropriate. Half way through the book the Kohinoor has been hunted, which is sort of disappointing if you have a Da Vinci code at the back of your mind. What’s left is averting the attack on India and rescuing Mehrunisa from the clutches of Babur Khan hidden in the lawless and rugged area of North West Afghanistan. Certain parts could have been done with to make the book shorter. However certain parts could have been extended to give a more gripping feel. I couldn’t focus at the climax, more so because I lost interest by the time I reached there.
- See more at: http://justamin.blogspot.in/2014/03/b...
The Hunt For Kohinoor is a book that revolves around its main character – art historian and fresco specialist Mehrunisa Khosa. The half Sikh half Muslim girl, who played a pivotal role in cracking the first book of this series, The Taj Conspiracy, is pushed into war ravaged and ever hostile plains and places on the AfPak border where war can break out just at the fall of a match, to crack a case that hardly has got anything to do with her trade.
Reconciling with the disappearance of her father, who she later realizes is a an Indian Intelligence agent, while she was just five, she comes face to face with him after sixteen years as he is being treated for injuries from a blast that killed the President of Pakistan just as he was to seal a treaty of peace with India by sharing the Kohinoor - confidential information abiut the location of a 26/11 type attack in India by the Taliban within the next 96 hours. Unable to send in his most trusted spy – Mehrunisa’s father, commonly referred as Snow Leopard, Harinder Singh Khosa or Harry, Jag Mishra – The Chanakya of the Indian Intelligence Pakistan Desk sends in his daughter as the bait to get Harry back into the field in no time. It’s the same Chanakya that Mehrunisa learns who kept her father away from her while he suffered a memory loss in one of the operations.
While Mehrunisa goes from pillar to post trying to decode the clues she finds on the way she finds herself in the constant battle with herself over the sudden disappearance and appearance of her lost and found father. But the case doesn’t give her luxury to ponder further as she and her close aides encounter ghastly attacks carried out both by the enemy and from within. Constantly fighting and losing accomplices on the way, she is kidnapped by the infamous Babur Khan, an American soldier who switched to the other side to connect to his roots. Well versed in American tactics he galvanises the Pathan’s and Taliban of the region, imposes strict Islamic laws where girls are buried alive if they speak to any unknown males, and becomes their supreme commander.
If you haven’t read a book in a long time, then this book is a good place to develop the lost reading habit. Its language is good and keeps you in the midst of what’s happening. At some places you will find pearls of wisdom just thrown in which could make for a collector’s edition.
"Peace is a bloody business, wherein the seeds of war are sowed; terror is then reaped in abundance."
"Trust no one, not even mirrors."
“What the mullahs forget is that when a woman wears a burqa, it hides her looks, not her brain.”
“The only time a snow leopard might become aggressive if its cubs are threatened or it is.”
“The Americans have a chronic weakness: they believe they are the centre of the world.”
“The biggest enemy of this country were its leaders”
"With love you could persuade a Pathan to go to hell, but by force you couln’t even take him to heaven."
“Because Naxals wore police uniforms.”
However, it would have been better if the title was changed to something more appropriate. Half way through the book the Kohinoor has been hunted, which is sort of disappointing if you have a Da Vinci code at the back of your mind. What’s left is averting the attack on India and rescuing Mehrunisa from the clutches of Babur Khan hidden in the lawless and rugged area of North West Afghanistan. Certain parts could have been done with to make the book shorter. However certain parts could have been extended to give a more gripping feel. I couldn’t focus at the climax, more so because I lost interest by the time I reached there.
- See more at: http://justamin.blogspot.in/2014/03/b...
February 27, 2014
There is something about Mehrunisa Khosa that breathes within you, long after you have finished the book. The aura of surreal mysticism, and yet embracing a reality that’s profound and introspective, you, as a reader, find yourself drawn towards this lady. A historian, blessed with the skill to decipher cryptic codes, Mehr turns out to be the readers’ fantasy, her intelligence coupled with her good looks, silently caressing through the words, so beautifully penned by the author, Manreet Sodhi Someshwar.
‘The Hunt For Kohinoor’ is the second book in the thriller series featuring Mehrunisa Khosa. While ‘The Taj Conspiracy’, the first, was built around the beautiful monument and one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, ‘The Hunt For Kohinoor’ delves into the search for the legendary Kohinoor, with a modern metaphoric connotation to it, and that’s where the brilliance of the author emanates so bright. A concoction of history and a thrilling adventure involving a ninety-six hours hunt across borders, from Kashmir to Hindukush, and you know you have the right book in your hands.
The character of Mehrunisa progresses with this book. We get to know more about her, her upbringings, her father whom she had long supposed to be dead, her pains and turmoil, and we fall in love with this lady. The author creates a sense of deep respect around her protagonist, and that flows in to the readers. Perhaps it’s the gift of the words that the author uses so benevolently that you seem to meander through the plot. The pace, initially slow, builds up gradually. The events are correlated, and very well sketched, each leading to the other, the strings connected firm and tight. The description is detailed when needed, specially the mention of the different landscapes that Mehr visits, and subtle and not over stretched at other places, making it both entertaining and insightful.
Mehrunisa shines throughout the book. However, as a reader I would have also loved to read more about R. P. Singh. His appearance in the book was sudden, his character mainly playing a support role alongside Mehrunisa. However, a proper detailing of R.P. Singh is very much needed, and hopefully the author will take care of it in the next book in the series.
Now, the question arises, how perfect is this book as a thriller? Though Manreet scores high with her narration and plot, the high-octane chase and unraveling secret codes that you expect from a book belonging to this genre, seems to be missing in this piece. True, there are a few instances here and there, but then again, they come in patches. Sometimes, you feel that the codes are being deciphered too easily. You wouldn't be disappointed though if you do not compare this novel with the other thrillers, and let it find a place of its own. There is enough action, drama and emotion to keep the readers hooked, but labeling it as a perfect thriller – I wouldn't do that. In short, this is a wonderful read, a great story, and a good blend of various genres, that should be read not only for the gripping plot, but also for the dollops of knowledge related to places and events that come packed with it.
‘The Hunt For Kohinoor’ is the second book in the thriller series featuring Mehrunisa Khosa. While ‘The Taj Conspiracy’, the first, was built around the beautiful monument and one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, ‘The Hunt For Kohinoor’ delves into the search for the legendary Kohinoor, with a modern metaphoric connotation to it, and that’s where the brilliance of the author emanates so bright. A concoction of history and a thrilling adventure involving a ninety-six hours hunt across borders, from Kashmir to Hindukush, and you know you have the right book in your hands.
The character of Mehrunisa progresses with this book. We get to know more about her, her upbringings, her father whom she had long supposed to be dead, her pains and turmoil, and we fall in love with this lady. The author creates a sense of deep respect around her protagonist, and that flows in to the readers. Perhaps it’s the gift of the words that the author uses so benevolently that you seem to meander through the plot. The pace, initially slow, builds up gradually. The events are correlated, and very well sketched, each leading to the other, the strings connected firm and tight. The description is detailed when needed, specially the mention of the different landscapes that Mehr visits, and subtle and not over stretched at other places, making it both entertaining and insightful.
Mehrunisa shines throughout the book. However, as a reader I would have also loved to read more about R. P. Singh. His appearance in the book was sudden, his character mainly playing a support role alongside Mehrunisa. However, a proper detailing of R.P. Singh is very much needed, and hopefully the author will take care of it in the next book in the series.
Now, the question arises, how perfect is this book as a thriller? Though Manreet scores high with her narration and plot, the high-octane chase and unraveling secret codes that you expect from a book belonging to this genre, seems to be missing in this piece. True, there are a few instances here and there, but then again, they come in patches. Sometimes, you feel that the codes are being deciphered too easily. You wouldn't be disappointed though if you do not compare this novel with the other thrillers, and let it find a place of its own. There is enough action, drama and emotion to keep the readers hooked, but labeling it as a perfect thriller – I wouldn't do that. In short, this is a wonderful read, a great story, and a good blend of various genres, that should be read not only for the gripping plot, but also for the dollops of knowledge related to places and events that come packed with it.
June 5, 2014
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Book Review: The Hunt For Kohinoor: Trust Nothing, Not Even The Mirror
The Hunt For Kohinoor: Book 2 of the Thriller Series Featuring Mehrunisa Khosa by Manpreet Sodhi Someshwar is an excellent thriller that keeps you intact and hooked to this 425 pages novel. The thriller keeps you on your toes while vigorously moving you among various locations in India, Pakistan, PoK and Afghanistan. In fact the start itself goes along with an explosive murder of the Pakistan Premier who is going to sign a major deal with Indian Premier so as to get closed a year on year, long time ongoing tension between the two countries - about Kashmir. The signing of deal was going to happen along with a major disclosure by Pak Premier about a terrorist attack being planned inside India at one of the most strategically critical location - Bhakra Nangal Dam.
But all of a sudden with this attack things get a major turnaround by giving terrorists an upper edge. The chief of RAW, the top most Indian Intelligence Services, has no other choice but send a civilian young lady Mehrunisa, who is an historian and the daughter of a Afghani mother and Indian Sikh father. Mehrunisa, who was under the impression that her father was no more in this world, all of a sudden finds him alive and that too in a state where he needed her help to get out of the situation. Mehrunisa is sent to Pakistan on a special mission to find out Kohinoor, and save India from a major crisis.
Mehrunisa aka Mehr aka Mehrunisa Khosa gets her father Harinder Singh Khosa aka Harry aka Snow Leopard lost when he gets kidnapped in front of her and then for a long haul of years she keeps remembering him and thinking that she has lost her forever. Harry on the other hand meets with an accident and lost his memory for the portion of his life where he had a wife and a daughter. And then when after so many years in the same explosion where President of Pakistan gets murdered by terrorist's plan by planting a suicidal bomb, his memory returns back and he starts hunting for his wife and daughter. It is RAW chief Jag Mishra aka Chanakya who had kept a regular track of Harry's daughter for a purpose and, it is the same strategic mind, who decided for Mehr to go to Pakistan and hunt for the documents, named as Kohinoor, that had the details of planning of Terrorist group and Jihadis to disrupt normal life in India in a big way.
It was Babur Khan aka Badhshah Khan who was leading this serious attack that was going to happen within 4 days of Pakistan's President murder. Overall, an intense and engrossing stuff that keeps interest flowing right from the word 'go' and after every page you just ask yourself - what next?
Author Manreet Sodhi Someshwar has an intelligent way of writing interesting story and weaving plot. At few places, you might feel story getting over extended but still not to the mark of getting it in a boring slot in The Hunt For Kohinoor.
Book Review: The Hunt For Kohinoor: Trust Nothing, Not Even The Mirror
The Hunt For Kohinoor: Book 2 of the Thriller Series Featuring Mehrunisa Khosa by Manpreet Sodhi Someshwar is an excellent thriller that keeps you intact and hooked to this 425 pages novel. The thriller keeps you on your toes while vigorously moving you among various locations in India, Pakistan, PoK and Afghanistan. In fact the start itself goes along with an explosive murder of the Pakistan Premier who is going to sign a major deal with Indian Premier so as to get closed a year on year, long time ongoing tension between the two countries - about Kashmir. The signing of deal was going to happen along with a major disclosure by Pak Premier about a terrorist attack being planned inside India at one of the most strategically critical location - Bhakra Nangal Dam.
But all of a sudden with this attack things get a major turnaround by giving terrorists an upper edge. The chief of RAW, the top most Indian Intelligence Services, has no other choice but send a civilian young lady Mehrunisa, who is an historian and the daughter of a Afghani mother and Indian Sikh father. Mehrunisa, who was under the impression that her father was no more in this world, all of a sudden finds him alive and that too in a state where he needed her help to get out of the situation. Mehrunisa is sent to Pakistan on a special mission to find out Kohinoor, and save India from a major crisis.
Mehrunisa aka Mehr aka Mehrunisa Khosa gets her father Harinder Singh Khosa aka Harry aka Snow Leopard lost when he gets kidnapped in front of her and then for a long haul of years she keeps remembering him and thinking that she has lost her forever. Harry on the other hand meets with an accident and lost his memory for the portion of his life where he had a wife and a daughter. And then when after so many years in the same explosion where President of Pakistan gets murdered by terrorist's plan by planting a suicidal bomb, his memory returns back and he starts hunting for his wife and daughter. It is RAW chief Jag Mishra aka Chanakya who had kept a regular track of Harry's daughter for a purpose and, it is the same strategic mind, who decided for Mehr to go to Pakistan and hunt for the documents, named as Kohinoor, that had the details of planning of Terrorist group and Jihadis to disrupt normal life in India in a big way.
It was Babur Khan aka Badhshah Khan who was leading this serious attack that was going to happen within 4 days of Pakistan's President murder. Overall, an intense and engrossing stuff that keeps interest flowing right from the word 'go' and after every page you just ask yourself - what next?
Author Manreet Sodhi Someshwar has an intelligent way of writing interesting story and weaving plot. At few places, you might feel story getting over extended but still not to the mark of getting it in a boring slot in The Hunt For Kohinoor.
February 25, 2014
The Hunt For Kohinoor is the second book in the thriller series featuring Mehrunisa Khosa written by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar. The book's blurb reads: "A spine-chilling ninety-six hour hunt through the world's most dangerous terrain where history collides with gunfire - will Mehrunisa get out of this one alive?
One morning on her way to work, Mehrunisa gets a call that will change her life forever. The truth about her missing father is at her fingertips - but it will take her on the most desperate chase of her lifetime.
A chase that will pit her against hardened jihadis plotting the deadliest terror attack on India, that will test her mettle against history's deep secrets, that will teach her that the price of love can mean bloodied hands ...
The Hunt For Kohinoor hurtles from icy Kashmir to snow-clad Hindukush, from the sinister corridors of a military hospital to the warrens of Peshawar, even as the clock counts down to the impending catastrophe."
The book is a historical thriller popularized by the likes of Dan Brown and Ashwin Sanghi. The book brings together an art curator, the Indian military, RAW agents and jihadis in a mission intended to create panic amongst the Indian population. Mehrunisa, an art curator, is summoned asked to go to Pakistan to find out a secret. And she has 96 hours to finish this life-threatening mission.
How she goes about it, whose help does she elicit, is she finally successful and at what price form the rest of the book.
The author's style of writing is evocative especially when she describes the various landscapes her protagonist travels in search of the secret. And she has done a lot of homework when it comes to narrating the history of a particular place or incident or event mentioned in the book. So, it is not just a passing mention but a detailed description that accompanies it.
And though we know what the ending will be, the book turned out to be a page turner.
On the downside, I personally felt the book had a lot of characters so it became difficult to keep track of them individually. And each of them had a background story leading up to where they were currently. That led to some confusion for me while reading the book.
On the whole, the book is an enjoyable read. I would rate it 3 on 5.
Disclaimer: I was given a review copy of the book by Westland.
This review first appeared on my blog www.pallsworld.blogspot.com
One morning on her way to work, Mehrunisa gets a call that will change her life forever. The truth about her missing father is at her fingertips - but it will take her on the most desperate chase of her lifetime.
A chase that will pit her against hardened jihadis plotting the deadliest terror attack on India, that will test her mettle against history's deep secrets, that will teach her that the price of love can mean bloodied hands ...
The Hunt For Kohinoor hurtles from icy Kashmir to snow-clad Hindukush, from the sinister corridors of a military hospital to the warrens of Peshawar, even as the clock counts down to the impending catastrophe."
The book is a historical thriller popularized by the likes of Dan Brown and Ashwin Sanghi. The book brings together an art curator, the Indian military, RAW agents and jihadis in a mission intended to create panic amongst the Indian population. Mehrunisa, an art curator, is summoned asked to go to Pakistan to find out a secret. And she has 96 hours to finish this life-threatening mission.
How she goes about it, whose help does she elicit, is she finally successful and at what price form the rest of the book.
The author's style of writing is evocative especially when she describes the various landscapes her protagonist travels in search of the secret. And she has done a lot of homework when it comes to narrating the history of a particular place or incident or event mentioned in the book. So, it is not just a passing mention but a detailed description that accompanies it.
And though we know what the ending will be, the book turned out to be a page turner.
On the downside, I personally felt the book had a lot of characters so it became difficult to keep track of them individually. And each of them had a background story leading up to where they were currently. That led to some confusion for me while reading the book.
On the whole, the book is an enjoyable read. I would rate it 3 on 5.
Disclaimer: I was given a review copy of the book by Westland.
This review first appeared on my blog www.pallsworld.blogspot.com
November 2, 2017
This is the book which establishes the characterisation of Mehrunissa Khosa, started in the first book in much more firm tones. She is more deeply etched and defined. It is a book about Mehrunissa Khosa - start to finish, and no one else. It is about how she gets entangled in a major terror plot, and is practically forced to help in the investigation, with grave risk to her own life and liberty, in a headlong 96-hour race that will determine the lives of hundreds, perhaps thousands - as well as the lives of her loved ones. It is a book of an innocent citizen getting caught in the biggest international hot-spot - India/Pakistan, and how she is brutally used to further national interest. It is also about how she finally manages to see both the national interest and her own, and win.
The characterisation, is in keeping with the boundaries established in the first book., and has in fact given us a deeper understanding of the central character of the series, who emerges much more clearly defined. All other characters are subjugated in terms of characterisation, which is in keeping with the objective of the series - which is about Mehrunissa Khosa. Of course, the author will need to ensure that RP Singh is also adequately fleshed out later in the series, as the main support character.
The book builds up slowly, first establishing the plot and the background. The story starts almost in a apologetic mode, in a hesitant fashion - but engaging as well, as our heroine gets caught in the elaborate trap. The story matches the expected reaction - slow and hesitant. You cant expect a historian to become a spy at the flick of a switch, unlike so many other novels I have read. The change is slow, hesitant and stumbling. Then, just as a normal person would adjust to the new realities, so too the story as well picks up pace, as Mehrunissa goes about her assigned tasks.
Read More : https://reflectionsvvk.blogspot.in/20...
The characterisation, is in keeping with the boundaries established in the first book., and has in fact given us a deeper understanding of the central character of the series, who emerges much more clearly defined. All other characters are subjugated in terms of characterisation, which is in keeping with the objective of the series - which is about Mehrunissa Khosa. Of course, the author will need to ensure that RP Singh is also adequately fleshed out later in the series, as the main support character.
The book builds up slowly, first establishing the plot and the background. The story starts almost in a apologetic mode, in a hesitant fashion - but engaging as well, as our heroine gets caught in the elaborate trap. The story matches the expected reaction - slow and hesitant. You cant expect a historian to become a spy at the flick of a switch, unlike so many other novels I have read. The change is slow, hesitant and stumbling. Then, just as a normal person would adjust to the new realities, so too the story as well picks up pace, as Mehrunissa goes about her assigned tasks.
Read More : https://reflectionsvvk.blogspot.in/20...
March 16, 2014
The Hunt for Kohinoor is essentially the story of Mehrunisa Khosa. An art historian, the Mughal period being her area of expertise, a phone call changes her life. She is required to prevent the deadliest terror attack ever planned on Indian soil. Her journey will take her through the rough terrains of warring territories, and she has less than 96 hours to accomplish the impossible. Why would she do this? Because in exchange she is offered the truth about her missing father. But even as she races against time, she realizes the price to pay is not hers alone. Guns blaze in response to questions, and history has deep dark secrets that better stay buried. The quest for the cursed Kohinoor may never leave her alive.
Manreet Sodhi Someshwar weaves a vivid story. She is adept at setting the stage and letting the performances speak for themselves. One read through the prologue and you know this book is going to take more than just your time. The authoress has a firm command over the subject. She has managed to craft an effective timeline, and has included screenshots of horror stories that otherwise we have dismissed as ‘news’. The book reminds you that peace is a bloody business, wherein the seeds of war are sowed; terror is then reaped in abundance. The creation of the Taliban, the sorry state of border forces, the bickering nation politics and the interference of Uncle Sam, Manreet hits the nail on the head. Some references chill you to your bones. Teens are brainwashed into being suicide bombers for a slice of heaven; women are buried alive for daring to breathe without permission. You know this happens, even as we call ourselves civilized. Yet, when you read it, you can’t help but put the book away. I did. I needed to feel the safety of my cocoon.
Read the rest here http://blogwatig.com/2014/03/the-hunt...
Manreet Sodhi Someshwar weaves a vivid story. She is adept at setting the stage and letting the performances speak for themselves. One read through the prologue and you know this book is going to take more than just your time. The authoress has a firm command over the subject. She has managed to craft an effective timeline, and has included screenshots of horror stories that otherwise we have dismissed as ‘news’. The book reminds you that peace is a bloody business, wherein the seeds of war are sowed; terror is then reaped in abundance. The creation of the Taliban, the sorry state of border forces, the bickering nation politics and the interference of Uncle Sam, Manreet hits the nail on the head. Some references chill you to your bones. Teens are brainwashed into being suicide bombers for a slice of heaven; women are buried alive for daring to breathe without permission. You know this happens, even as we call ourselves civilized. Yet, when you read it, you can’t help but put the book away. I did. I needed to feel the safety of my cocoon.
Read the rest here http://blogwatig.com/2014/03/the-hunt...
February 12, 2014
The book starts slow but picks up pace in course of time. Manreet takes ample time to acquaint her readers with the setting, (physical, natural and mental) and the characters. The conspiracy is revealed later once the readers know who and what they are dealing with. Each character justifies his or her actions and thus the reader’s sympathy is with all of them, resulting in a promising read. The descriptions of events are so vivid that the scenes almost start playing in front of you. The writer seems much aware of the local, regional and religious cultures and tactics of the places the story touches, and this helps a reader understand even the smallest bits.
Though I loved the book, there are things that I see otherwise. Promising to be a thriller featuring Mehr, the book somehow could not do full justice to her and ultimately, it is someone else who emerges as the show-stopper. Secondly, the whole plot building and the conspiracy eases into a few short chapters, a very common ending in my view. I would have liked to see more involvement of our historian spy and a better climax in the story.
Overall, the author does a great job in having come up with a story like this. It is different in many ways – the characters and their dedication towards their assignments, the descriptions of the events and places, the mixture of history skills in a thriller and the timing of events. The whole experience of reading this book prompts me to go pick a copy of her previous book, The Taj Consipiracy. While talking this, I must conclude that reading The Hunt for Kohinoor did not demand previous reading of the first book in the Mehr series and I could enjoy it fully without feeling empty or blank for any moment.
Though I loved the book, there are things that I see otherwise. Promising to be a thriller featuring Mehr, the book somehow could not do full justice to her and ultimately, it is someone else who emerges as the show-stopper. Secondly, the whole plot building and the conspiracy eases into a few short chapters, a very common ending in my view. I would have liked to see more involvement of our historian spy and a better climax in the story.
Overall, the author does a great job in having come up with a story like this. It is different in many ways – the characters and their dedication towards their assignments, the descriptions of the events and places, the mixture of history skills in a thriller and the timing of events. The whole experience of reading this book prompts me to go pick a copy of her previous book, The Taj Consipiracy. While talking this, I must conclude that reading The Hunt for Kohinoor did not demand previous reading of the first book in the Mehr series and I could enjoy it fully without feeling empty or blank for any moment.
March 28, 2014
The novel has several aspects which hold the reader – the under-current of a daughter meeting her father who was considered dead for many years and on the other side the father has recovered from a partial memory loss. The father being held captive so that the daughter can do some spy-work ... something for which she is neither trained nor does she have the skills. The story is about love and friendship, loyalty and patriotism, action and adventure, India-Pak-Afghanistan-US political and military as well as spies.
There are many characters in the story and you begin to identify with each one of them. Each one manages to create their own space in spite of their ‘guest appearances’. Manreet has done justice to the character development of the key actors in the story and at some point in time while reading the story; you may begin to understand the character so well that you may begin to cast Bollywood/Hollywood actors into the roles.
I have always loved the inner conflicts and inner demons of characters and Manreet pays special attention to this aspect of the character development. None of the characters are untouched.
The story of ‘Hunt for Kohinoor’ is not only multi-faceted but also multi-layered and you often wonder how much has the author packed into the 400 pages. The novel feels compact and tightly packed with no time or words wasted in unnecessary descriptions or plot lines.
It has a very nice build-up of the story and an equally action-packed climax.
There are many characters in the story and you begin to identify with each one of them. Each one manages to create their own space in spite of their ‘guest appearances’. Manreet has done justice to the character development of the key actors in the story and at some point in time while reading the story; you may begin to understand the character so well that you may begin to cast Bollywood/Hollywood actors into the roles.
I have always loved the inner conflicts and inner demons of characters and Manreet pays special attention to this aspect of the character development. None of the characters are untouched.
The story of ‘Hunt for Kohinoor’ is not only multi-faceted but also multi-layered and you often wonder how much has the author packed into the 400 pages. The novel feels compact and tightly packed with no time or words wasted in unnecessary descriptions or plot lines.
It has a very nice build-up of the story and an equally action-packed climax.
March 17, 2014
It is astonishing to read a fast paced engaging thriller that races past in ninety six hours, without giving away the plot and reading in redundancy.
Her language was simple and lucid with connotative vocabulary in the narration. What held my attention was the protagonist and her daunting adventures, for the Indian fiction market such a character is the rarest of rare. It would make for a great bollywood script with thrilling elements like terrorism and national security in the picture. The story is set in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan with picturesque locales that leave you spellbound. The book begins at a snail's pace which gave the reader all the time in the world to get acquainted with the characters and their mannerisms.
Mehr the main protagonist suddenly discovers that her dead father is alive when a high profile politician of Pakistan gets murdered. Mehr is pushed to investigate the lives of people who are posing as a serious threat to national security.
Much like a Bollywood thriller, it has every kind of a character that a perfect racer of a thriller needs. The characters help the story to flow although the large number of characters crowd the plot, at certain places and make you confused.
Read the rest of the review here
http://rinzurajan.blogspot.in/2014/03...
Her language was simple and lucid with connotative vocabulary in the narration. What held my attention was the protagonist and her daunting adventures, for the Indian fiction market such a character is the rarest of rare. It would make for a great bollywood script with thrilling elements like terrorism and national security in the picture. The story is set in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan with picturesque locales that leave you spellbound. The book begins at a snail's pace which gave the reader all the time in the world to get acquainted with the characters and their mannerisms.
Mehr the main protagonist suddenly discovers that her dead father is alive when a high profile politician of Pakistan gets murdered. Mehr is pushed to investigate the lives of people who are posing as a serious threat to national security.
Much like a Bollywood thriller, it has every kind of a character that a perfect racer of a thriller needs. The characters help the story to flow although the large number of characters crowd the plot, at certain places and make you confused.
Read the rest of the review here
http://rinzurajan.blogspot.in/2014/03...
April 14, 2015
Have always ignored books that had plot connected to politics. But, I think the view is getting changed after reading this brilliantly paced thriller by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar. This one is such superb amalgamation of a political plot and history lessons, aided with thrilling 96 hours journey of a spy.
Extreme detailing is not limited to just characters. The backdrop of Afghanistan, FATA, POK, Pakistan and places around - are given in so much details that it leaves you stunned. Add to that, the political history, the games that USA, Russia and Pakistan played on playground of Afghanistan. How and who got the benefits of those. And how India is thrown in the picture with what connection. Everything looks so well researched and that makes the journey more authentic. You feel transported to those sandy deserts of Afghanistan, those killer peaks of Hindu Kush and even those dark, cruel caves.
Unputdownable - the word is used n'times. But this one surely is. Because of its pace. Because how it takes you on a ride that goes from cliffs to caves, barren deserts to chilling peaks, museums to terror camps. Would certainly recommend this.
Extreme detailing is not limited to just characters. The backdrop of Afghanistan, FATA, POK, Pakistan and places around - are given in so much details that it leaves you stunned. Add to that, the political history, the games that USA, Russia and Pakistan played on playground of Afghanistan. How and who got the benefits of those. And how India is thrown in the picture with what connection. Everything looks so well researched and that makes the journey more authentic. You feel transported to those sandy deserts of Afghanistan, those killer peaks of Hindu Kush and even those dark, cruel caves.
Unputdownable - the word is used n'times. But this one surely is. Because of its pace. Because how it takes you on a ride that goes from cliffs to caves, barren deserts to chilling peaks, museums to terror camps. Would certainly recommend this.
March 10, 2014
Got the copy from the publisher. Loved the plot, writing and interplay of characters. An impending attack on the Indian soil(bolder than 26/11), a dead Pakistani President and an important document on the loose..RAW chief Jag Mishra has 96 hours to select the right team, pull the right levers. Will the trio of art historian Mehrunisa, RAW officer Raghav and CBI Agent R.P.Singh be able to resolve the murders.
An action packed saga in Dan Brown style. Thunderous start, slow midriff, but a good thriller, few chapters down the line. This one takes the readers through the border town of India, terrains of AfPak Border and historical lanes of Lahore.
Has tempted me now to dig my hands into Taj Conspiracy. My review at http://readersbioscope.wordpress.com/...
An action packed saga in Dan Brown style. Thunderous start, slow midriff, but a good thriller, few chapters down the line. This one takes the readers through the border town of India, terrains of AfPak Border and historical lanes of Lahore.
Has tempted me now to dig my hands into Taj Conspiracy. My review at http://readersbioscope.wordpress.com/...
Read
March 4, 2014The single biggest thing that pleased me about the book is that all the character sketches were believable, realistic and straight onto the reader’s face - an integral part of any book that is missing in so many recent Indian writings.
This book receives thumbs up from dream peddler, definitely! Apart from a few sketchy characters, a couple of loose ends, this makes good read, during a 4 hour long flight from Calcutta to Mumbai. This book has enough inside it, to keep you gripped, enchanted and especially if you are a woman, you would definitely feel that this place is a tough one for them. Beautifully scripted, wonderfully executed and acclaimed.
http://dreampeddler.in/blogs/the-hunt...
This book receives thumbs up from dream peddler, definitely! Apart from a few sketchy characters, a couple of loose ends, this makes good read, during a 4 hour long flight from Calcutta to Mumbai. This book has enough inside it, to keep you gripped, enchanted and especially if you are a woman, you would definitely feel that this place is a tough one for them. Beautifully scripted, wonderfully executed and acclaimed.
http://dreampeddler.in/blogs/the-hunt...
September 15, 2014
Full Review: http://antorjatikbangali.wordpress.co...
Close on the heels of the thriving success of The Taj Conspiracy, Manreet Sodhi Someshwar is back with yet another adventure trail. The ‘Dan Brown’ of India, Sodhi takes us through one of the best thrillers ever written in Indian literature.The book chronicles the journey of Mehrunisa- an Iranian-Indian, trained in Renaissance art and Mughal history; who has an aristocratic look that masks a tenacious and strong-willed woman with a troubled past. The strings that were left untied in the first book of the trilogy – regarding Mehrunisa’s past – have been cleared in this segment.
Close on the heels of the thriving success of The Taj Conspiracy, Manreet Sodhi Someshwar is back with yet another adventure trail. The ‘Dan Brown’ of India, Sodhi takes us through one of the best thrillers ever written in Indian literature.The book chronicles the journey of Mehrunisa- an Iranian-Indian, trained in Renaissance art and Mughal history; who has an aristocratic look that masks a tenacious and strong-willed woman with a troubled past. The strings that were left untied in the first book of the trilogy – regarding Mehrunisa’s past – have been cleared in this segment.
February 14, 2014
This is a great book that holds your interest from start to finish. Since all thrillers more or less have predictable outcomes ( the hero never loses does he?) this book too fits the formula but in a well written and well crafted book, Manreet Sodhi Someshwar keeps up the pace of Mehrunisa Khosa's nail biting adventure to find and unlock the secret of the Kohinoor.
I loved this book which takes the reader on a roller coaster ride from Kashmir to Bora Bora across cultures and eras.
Read my review on my blog at
http://chowmiaow.blogspot.in/2014/02/...
I loved this book which takes the reader on a roller coaster ride from Kashmir to Bora Bora across cultures and eras.
Read my review on my blog at
http://chowmiaow.blogspot.in/2014/02/...
March 5, 2014
The Hunt For Kohinoor, is one of those suspense thrillers that makes a great one time read and keeps you yearning for more of this genre. I received the book at about 7 pm and was done with it within 10 pm and had to forgo my dinner as the book simply wouldn't let me go! There are a few dull moments in the book, especially in the journey through Pakistan, but the narrative flows freely and keeps the mind occupied, imagining the scenic vistas through which the protagonist travels.
July 21, 2015
An gripping tale of cross border conspiracies that is full of turns and twists and some really fast paced action . The author has done good research on the book and gives very detailed account of how international spy networks, weapons, and spy recruitment works. All the thrill is enhanced by the Dan Brown type chasing of clues across the border and taking clues from history of Indian Subcontinent now spread across multiple countries that were one just a generation ago. Read The Hunt For Kohinoor for a very historical take on international espionage that is fresh and very interesting.
September 12, 2014
Manreet does it again. Yet again a fast paced, un-put-down-able stuff. And on this occasion no one can blame her of copying the Da Vinci style as was done with reference to the "Taj Conspiracy". The beauty is that the book is well researched in terms of facts on which this fiction is built and even this fiction too is not totally in the realm of fantasy as the story is a credible one. The narration is taut and redundant descriptions have been avoided. The crescendo is built naturally and keeps the reader hooked.
March 3, 2014
The Hunt For Kohinoor is fast paced with great research done to bring to life every scene as if we were watching it happen live. The plot has been woven on the political grounds of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Russia with great care taken to keep it close to the reality yet gifting it the leeway of fiction writing.
For a detailed review please read : https://theerailivedin.wordpress.com/...
For a detailed review please read : https://theerailivedin.wordpress.com/...
August 4, 2014
One of the best thrillers i have read this year. The writer writes with an experienced hand and knows how to plot a good thriller.
The plot and storyline is good and engaging and fast paced. Although the writer doesn't give Mehrunisa much to do in this novel.......her loved ones more than make up for it.
The plot and storyline is good and engaging and fast paced. Although the writer doesn't give Mehrunisa much to do in this novel.......her loved ones more than make up for it.
May 26, 2016
Nicely paced spy story .. Loved the plot ... Liked the small details covering every aspect of plot and no loose thread but one what was pak president doing at border with kohinoor details hidden in Lahore ??
Looking forward to the next book of the series to see both snow-leopard and his cub into action together ...
Looking forward to the next book of the series to see both snow-leopard and his cub into action together ...
December 30, 2013
Interesting story line dealing with spy, intelligence services of various stakeholders in the subcontinent. Those who enjoy the conspiracy related mysteries with action go for the book. Easy and quick read.
March 4, 2014
Manreet Sodhi Someshwar has done a good job with this Thriller. Mehrunisa, the protagonist is a strong character, and she discovers herself in this novel. A Mughal History & Artifact expert she is sent to Pakistan on a quest.
You can read my detaled review http://bit.ly/1bZMd5N
You can read my detaled review http://bit.ly/1bZMd5N
March 10, 2014
If you are looking for a fast paced thriller which is full of insights, action, adventure and suspense, go for The Hunt for Kohinoor. Definitely a must read.
More details on the blog : http://shilpaagarg.com/2014/03/the-hu...
More details on the blog : http://shilpaagarg.com/2014/03/the-hu...
January 9, 2016
Amazing thriller!!! excellent combination of Medieval history & Modern day conditions. I really like the style of writing! short chaptetrs keep the story crisp & the reader hooked... eagerly waiting for the 3rd book of the series.
September 10, 2015
a gripping thriller. unlike the other book from the same author, this one definitely lives up to the expectations, at least mine. from start to finish, the book has all the features of a blockbuster and if a good director may, he can make a hit movie out of it.
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