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Inspector Saralkar Mystery #3
3 and a Half Murders
Two corpses . . . a woman lying dead on her bed, a man hanging from the ceiling fan.
A suicide note cum murder confession.
And a name . . . Shaunak Sodhi.
When the case comes their way, Senior Inspector Saralkar has just been diagnosed with hypertension and PSI Motkar is busy with rehearsals of an amateur play.
What appears at first to be a commonplace crime by a debt-ridden, cuckolded husband, who has killed his unfaithful wife and then hung himself, soon begins to unfold as a baffling mystery.
As clues point to a seven-year-old unsolved murder in Bangalore and other leads emerge closer home, Saralkar and Motkar find themselves investigating shady secrets, bitter grudges, fishy land deals, carnal desires, the dead woman Anushka Doshi’s sinister obsession with past life regression and her husband’s links to a suspicious, small-time god-man, Rangdev Baba. And then, suddenly, the murderer resurfaces and yet another life is in grave danger . . .
Can Saralkar and Motkar get to the bottom of an unimaginably shocking motive and stop the malevolent killer from committing the fourth murder . . .?
A suicide note cum murder confession.
And a name . . . Shaunak Sodhi.
When the case comes their way, Senior Inspector Saralkar has just been diagnosed with hypertension and PSI Motkar is busy with rehearsals of an amateur play.
What appears at first to be a commonplace crime by a debt-ridden, cuckolded husband, who has killed his unfaithful wife and then hung himself, soon begins to unfold as a baffling mystery.
As clues point to a seven-year-old unsolved murder in Bangalore and other leads emerge closer home, Saralkar and Motkar find themselves investigating shady secrets, bitter grudges, fishy land deals, carnal desires, the dead woman Anushka Doshi’s sinister obsession with past life regression and her husband’s links to a suspicious, small-time god-man, Rangdev Baba. And then, suddenly, the murderer resurfaces and yet another life is in grave danger . . .
Can Saralkar and Motkar get to the bottom of an unimaginably shocking motive and stop the malevolent killer from committing the fourth murder . . .?
347 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2017
98 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Salil Desai
12 books94 followersSalil Desai is the author of the much-acclaimed Inspector Saralkar Mystery Series, that includes - The Kid Killer (2023), Murder Milestone (2020), 3 and a Half Murders (2017), The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen (2015) and Killing Ashish Karve (2014). The books are currently being adapted into a web series by Jio Studios.
Titled 'Kalsutra', the first season of the web-series is based on 'Murder Milestone' and is due for release in 2025. Salil is also the lead writer of the screenplay of 'Kalsutra'.
Salil’s other popular books are Murder on a Side Street (2011), Lost Libido and Other Gulp Fiction (2012), as well as The Sane Psychopath (2018). Salil's short story 'Sound Motive' has also appeared in The Hachette Book of Indian Detective Fiction (2024), while other short fiction has been published in anthologies by Penguin, Westland and Unisun.
His latest novel ‘The Grudges of Gajanan Godbole’, a wacky crime thriller, has just been published by Hachette India in November 2024.
His short story ‘The Perfect Day’ and novel ‘The Sane Psychopath’ are also in the process of being adapted for screen as feature films.
Salil’s books have been reviewed in The Hindu, New Indian Express, The Pioneer, Bangalore Mirror, DNA, First City, The Tribune, among others. His work has been praised by veteran authors Dr Shashi Tharoor, Shobhaa De and film-makers Sriram Raghavan and Sujoy Ghosh.
An alumnus of Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Salil also conducts intensive workshops in creative fiction writing, story and scenario design, screenplay writing and film-making at leading liberal arts institutions and media & communication colleges across India.
He is a seasoned newspaper columnist, with over 400 articles, op-ed pieces, features and travelogues in leading dailies like The Times of India, Indian Express, DNA, The Tribune, Reader’s Digest, Deccan Herald, The Hindu etc.
Salil was one of the four international authors worldwide selected for the HALD International Writers’ Residency in Denmark, hosted by the Danish Centre for Writers & Translators in June 2016. He was also invited to Gullkistan Centre for Creativity, Iceland and spent the month of May 2023 there as a Resident.
Know more about him at www.salildesai.com
Titled 'Kalsutra', the first season of the web-series is based on 'Murder Milestone' and is due for release in 2025. Salil is also the lead writer of the screenplay of 'Kalsutra'.
Salil’s other popular books are Murder on a Side Street (2011), Lost Libido and Other Gulp Fiction (2012), as well as The Sane Psychopath (2018). Salil's short story 'Sound Motive' has also appeared in The Hachette Book of Indian Detective Fiction (2024), while other short fiction has been published in anthologies by Penguin, Westland and Unisun.
His latest novel ‘The Grudges of Gajanan Godbole’, a wacky crime thriller, has just been published by Hachette India in November 2024.
His short story ‘The Perfect Day’ and novel ‘The Sane Psychopath’ are also in the process of being adapted for screen as feature films.
Salil’s books have been reviewed in The Hindu, New Indian Express, The Pioneer, Bangalore Mirror, DNA, First City, The Tribune, among others. His work has been praised by veteran authors Dr Shashi Tharoor, Shobhaa De and film-makers Sriram Raghavan and Sujoy Ghosh.
An alumnus of Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Salil also conducts intensive workshops in creative fiction writing, story and scenario design, screenplay writing and film-making at leading liberal arts institutions and media & communication colleges across India.
He is a seasoned newspaper columnist, with over 400 articles, op-ed pieces, features and travelogues in leading dailies like The Times of India, Indian Express, DNA, The Tribune, Reader’s Digest, Deccan Herald, The Hindu etc.
Salil was one of the four international authors worldwide selected for the HALD International Writers’ Residency in Denmark, hosted by the Danish Centre for Writers & Translators in June 2016. He was also invited to Gullkistan Centre for Creativity, Iceland and spent the month of May 2023 there as a Resident.
Know more about him at www.salildesai.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
February 4, 2022
This is my first book by this author. The story is actually quite interesting, but in a case of trying too hard to appeal, falls short.
Surekhabhai is a cook who first tells Mrs Tambe that their neighbours are not opening the door though the TV can be heard from their flat (in Kothrud, Pune). A person engaged to clear a beehive next spots Sanjay Doshi hanging from the ceiling and raises the alarm. Inspector Saralkar and his junior Matkar are assigned the case. At the outset it appears straightforward – there is a suicide letter purportedly written by Sanjay Doshi saying he had killed his wife as she was having an affair with one Saunak Sodhi, after that he writes that he had decided to also end his wife. His wife’s face is doused with acid.
Investigation, however, reveals that there is more to this than meets the eye. The murdered couple have a history from several years back in Bangalore and there is a set of land deals in the name of Saunak Sodhi who cannot be traced. And the story is never complete in most Indian novels & web series without a bland crooked Baba and there is one – Rangdev Baba.
Inspector Saralkar’s characterisation as a grumpy person is average. The same holds for a lot of the other characters. In the latter sections of the book, the author tries too hard to make the plot interesting, and it gets to be fairly convoluted. The pace is good throughout and is to the credit of the book.
Surekhabhai is a cook who first tells Mrs Tambe that their neighbours are not opening the door though the TV can be heard from their flat (in Kothrud, Pune). A person engaged to clear a beehive next spots Sanjay Doshi hanging from the ceiling and raises the alarm. Inspector Saralkar and his junior Matkar are assigned the case. At the outset it appears straightforward – there is a suicide letter purportedly written by Sanjay Doshi saying he had killed his wife as she was having an affair with one Saunak Sodhi, after that he writes that he had decided to also end his wife. His wife’s face is doused with acid.
Investigation, however, reveals that there is more to this than meets the eye. The murdered couple have a history from several years back in Bangalore and there is a set of land deals in the name of Saunak Sodhi who cannot be traced. And the story is never complete in most Indian novels & web series without a bland crooked Baba and there is one – Rangdev Baba.
Inspector Saralkar’s characterisation as a grumpy person is average. The same holds for a lot of the other characters. In the latter sections of the book, the author tries too hard to make the plot interesting, and it gets to be fairly convoluted. The pace is good throughout and is to the credit of the book.
May 28, 2018
4.5/5 This is perhaps one of the best police-procedurals I have read so far. There was a thick suspense around the Who , How and Why of the murders right till 80%. And as usual, I feel the ending was a bit clumsy and had an unnecessary twist. Feel the author needs to add a little finishing and present the endings better. Alongwith The Treasure of Kafur, the 2 Indian thrillers I can proudly recommend to any1.
With this I have also completed the Inspector Saralkar trilogy in less than a month. They were great fun to read and look forward to more.
With this I have also completed the Inspector Saralkar trilogy in less than a month. They were great fun to read and look forward to more.
August 22, 2017
Another captivating murder mystery involving Saralkar Motkar police duo who operate from Pune. A husband wife pair is found dead , initially thought to be a murder-suicide, but later bizarre facts are eked out by Saralkar and his team. Lots happen including money laundering, real estate, fake gurujis, admonishing doctors and absxonding fugitives , to name a few. Saralkar is also hounded by his doctor and wife who want him to take care of his health. The final few pages were so bozzare that my 5 stars turned into 4.
Nevertheless, an immensely readable Indian police procedural.
Nevertheless, an immensely readable Indian police procedural.
July 31, 2019
Detailed review will follow shortly
December 31, 2019
I am considered a snob by some because of my steadfast refusal to consume Indian pop culture. I watch a movie a day but have hardly watched a single Indian movie in years. 3 and a Half Murders justifies my apathy. It vindicates that my attitudes are not based on biases but solid empirical evidence. It shows when an Indian work is applauded, there is an implied caveat - It is only good relative to the rest of the crap that the directors and bestsellers churn out here. I picked this up against my better judgement and frankly this was a cringeworthy embarrassment of a book.
3 and a Half Murders is a police procedural where DI Saralkar (he is a bit like Harry Bosch - workaholic cop but a lot less likeable) investigate a suicide cum murder case which is not as straightforward as it seems. There are lots of issues with the plot - criminals do not ask for lawyers they confess everything after a few threats. At one point a skeleton is discovered, there are two viable options as to its identity. But cops just take the word of the chief suspect as to who it belongs to. Plus contrived eureka moments, an absurd, ridiculous ending. But let's forget specifics and delve into the deeper structural issues.
The biggest problem of Indian genre authors writing in English is their obvious discomfort with the language. Do they know the grammar? Sure. Do they know how native speakers talk? Absolutely not. This is most visible in the dialogue. It is stilted, expository and melodramatic. There is no rhythm to it, almost like two computers simulating a human conversation. The writing explains things as if it is pandering to kids aged below ten. The metaphors are corny - solving crime is like looking through 3d glasses, the lead laments memories can't be dumped in recycle bins. Desai apparently teaches creative writing courses. No wonder the one time I thought about enrolling in one here and had a chat with the head of the program, I figured forget the students, I know a hell lot more than the teachers. Anyway I will just list how Desai almost screws up the basics with every aspect of writing even though this is his third book.
1. Dialogue - Besides the obvious problems previously mentioned no one says anything here. They admonish gravely, refute grimly and almost everyone retorts sarcastically. Though most of it is not as sarcastic as Desai thinks it is. First rule of dialogue - keep yours adverbs in check.
2. Plot - 'Show not Tell' is as basic as writing tenets get. Desai however prefers 'Tell and then tell again.' He has a habit, specially in the first half of the book, to describe an incident in great detail. Then two pages later have one character explain the same thing to another in an extended scene. Redundant and stupid.
3. Characters - Desai tries to make his lead an edgy, no-nonsense man's man. He completely misses the mark and turns him into an asshole. Saralkar repeatedly snaps at his wife for no reason and goes out of his way to berate juniors when they politely point out his mistake. Apparently what makes him smart is that he can also be humble when dealing with people more powerful than him. So being a bully = smart.
4. Writing - Saralkar gets a lightbulb moment after watching a thirty year old Hindi movie. I can rip holes in the writing all day but that's the basic problem. He is writing in English about a culture where it does not belong. The setting and the prose never really meld organically. For example his characters curse by saying 'Bugger'. It's such a quintessential British slang, never heard Indians use it. I kept getting the feeling Desai gets his ideas or visualizes the whole storyboard in his native tongue and then he translates it in English creating a sort of dissonance that is obvious to any experienced reader.
This is a complete dumpster fire, avoid like the plague. My statement goes for most potboilers written in English in India - Fails at every level imaginable, amateurish beyond belief and worst I have read in years. Rating - 1/5
3 and a Half Murders is a police procedural where DI Saralkar (he is a bit like Harry Bosch - workaholic cop but a lot less likeable) investigate a suicide cum murder case which is not as straightforward as it seems. There are lots of issues with the plot - criminals do not ask for lawyers they confess everything after a few threats. At one point a skeleton is discovered, there are two viable options as to its identity. But cops just take the word of the chief suspect as to who it belongs to. Plus contrived eureka moments, an absurd, ridiculous ending. But let's forget specifics and delve into the deeper structural issues.
The biggest problem of Indian genre authors writing in English is their obvious discomfort with the language. Do they know the grammar? Sure. Do they know how native speakers talk? Absolutely not. This is most visible in the dialogue. It is stilted, expository and melodramatic. There is no rhythm to it, almost like two computers simulating a human conversation. The writing explains things as if it is pandering to kids aged below ten. The metaphors are corny - solving crime is like looking through 3d glasses, the lead laments memories can't be dumped in recycle bins. Desai apparently teaches creative writing courses. No wonder the one time I thought about enrolling in one here and had a chat with the head of the program, I figured forget the students, I know a hell lot more than the teachers. Anyway I will just list how Desai almost screws up the basics with every aspect of writing even though this is his third book.
1. Dialogue - Besides the obvious problems previously mentioned no one says anything here. They admonish gravely, refute grimly and almost everyone retorts sarcastically. Though most of it is not as sarcastic as Desai thinks it is. First rule of dialogue - keep yours adverbs in check.
2. Plot - 'Show not Tell' is as basic as writing tenets get. Desai however prefers 'Tell and then tell again.' He has a habit, specially in the first half of the book, to describe an incident in great detail. Then two pages later have one character explain the same thing to another in an extended scene. Redundant and stupid.
3. Characters - Desai tries to make his lead an edgy, no-nonsense man's man. He completely misses the mark and turns him into an asshole. Saralkar repeatedly snaps at his wife for no reason and goes out of his way to berate juniors when they politely point out his mistake. Apparently what makes him smart is that he can also be humble when dealing with people more powerful than him. So being a bully = smart.
4. Writing - Saralkar gets a lightbulb moment after watching a thirty year old Hindi movie. I can rip holes in the writing all day but that's the basic problem. He is writing in English about a culture where it does not belong. The setting and the prose never really meld organically. For example his characters curse by saying 'Bugger'. It's such a quintessential British slang, never heard Indians use it. I kept getting the feeling Desai gets his ideas or visualizes the whole storyboard in his native tongue and then he translates it in English creating a sort of dissonance that is obvious to any experienced reader.
This is a complete dumpster fire, avoid like the plague. My statement goes for most potboilers written in English in India - Fails at every level imaginable, amateurish beyond belief and worst I have read in years. Rating - 1/5
December 6, 2017
I received this book months ago but have gotten down to reviewing it only now. Not done, I know 🙄! But I must say that after a long time have I had the opportunity to read such an absorbing murder mystery. Simply thrilling!
Senior Inspector Saralkar is called upon a case where a couple are found dead inside their Pune flat. The husband, hanging down a rope and the wife, lying across a bed with her face brutally disfigured. A suicide note is found that clearly states that the husband killed his wife and then committed suicide as a result of an involvement of the wife in an affair. Although it seems straight forward at first, there are pieces that don’t fit together for Saralkar. He, along with his team, get down to solving this perplexed situation at hand, only to find things getting worse as they progress.
3 and a Half Murders is by Salil Desai, who has previously authored other mysteries as well. I loved the book! From the start, I was spellbound with the narration. A classic who-dun-it, the story moves in a neck breaking speed, indulging the readers with subtle clues and new snippets of information. The story line is intelligent with punches of emotions and humor from time to time. Straight-to-the point narrative, a clear plot and relatable characters is what makes the book extremely fascinting.
The story is based in Pune (happy dance!) and the character of Inspector Saralkar is so aptly portrayed. In fact, it checks all the right boxes for a murder mystery. Uh, did I mention it is one of the most absorbing murder mysteries I have read in a long time?
These are the kind of books that make me want to keep going back and drink more of the mystery juice! I am definitely going to look out for other books by the author and review them here, so watch this space for more.
I totally recommend 3 and a Half Murders if you are a murder mystery fan, I guarantee you’ll love it!
Senior Inspector Saralkar is called upon a case where a couple are found dead inside their Pune flat. The husband, hanging down a rope and the wife, lying across a bed with her face brutally disfigured. A suicide note is found that clearly states that the husband killed his wife and then committed suicide as a result of an involvement of the wife in an affair. Although it seems straight forward at first, there are pieces that don’t fit together for Saralkar. He, along with his team, get down to solving this perplexed situation at hand, only to find things getting worse as they progress.
3 and a Half Murders is by Salil Desai, who has previously authored other mysteries as well. I loved the book! From the start, I was spellbound with the narration. A classic who-dun-it, the story moves in a neck breaking speed, indulging the readers with subtle clues and new snippets of information. The story line is intelligent with punches of emotions and humor from time to time. Straight-to-the point narrative, a clear plot and relatable characters is what makes the book extremely fascinting.
The story is based in Pune (happy dance!) and the character of Inspector Saralkar is so aptly portrayed. In fact, it checks all the right boxes for a murder mystery. Uh, did I mention it is one of the most absorbing murder mysteries I have read in a long time?
These are the kind of books that make me want to keep going back and drink more of the mystery juice! I am definitely going to look out for other books by the author and review them here, so watch this space for more.
I totally recommend 3 and a Half Murders if you are a murder mystery fan, I guarantee you’ll love it!
June 28, 2017
Realistic, blood-tingling crime thriller novel.
Two corpses... A woman lying dead on her bed, a man hanging from the ceiling fan. A suicide note cum murder confession. And a name... Shaunak Sodhi!!
When I first got the copy of '3 and half murders' I was busy with my brother's marriage. I read it in the free time and then got along with the busy schedule. And I could not read any book for a long time. When I became free after marriage, my tbr list was huge. One night this book again got into my hands and I wonder why I didn't complete this electrifying book before. This is really a well written, well crafter masterpiece by Salil Desai.
This is the 3rd book in the Inspector Saralkar Mystry Series and my first. I will definitely try other two books too.
Two corpses... A woman lying dead on her bed, a man hanging from the ceiling fan. A suicide note cum murder confession. And a name... Shaunak Sodhi!!
When I first got the copy of '3 and half murders' I was busy with my brother's marriage. I read it in the free time and then got along with the busy schedule. And I could not read any book for a long time. When I became free after marriage, my tbr list was huge. One night this book again got into my hands and I wonder why I didn't complete this electrifying book before. This is really a well written, well crafter masterpiece by Salil Desai.
This is the 3rd book in the Inspector Saralkar Mystry Series and my first. I will definitely try other two books too.
March 28, 2018
At last a perfect murder mystery which absorbed me completely within itself. Well the plot gave me a hint that this book is going to be a power packed novel.This is my first book by the author and I have already decided to pick up other “Inspector Saralkar” books too.
The narration was clean and the mystery was bundled like tightly wrapped up ball with many small secrets.Only Saralkar mind was playing through out the book. The movie link was a best example to explain how a police or detectives work out each and every moment of their life to solve a case.
The bond which Saralkar and Motkar shared was extraordinary. Saralkar’s sarcasm and Motkar’s dutiful work inspite of his drama rehearsal were all a favourable factors to this novel.
The story grips us hard from the start itself. I loved the pattern of the twist and turns. It didn’t jump from one extreme to other extreme but as a “connect the dot” to frame the picture of the culprit. Even we could sense that every suspect was a bridge and there is a bigger bombshell for us to have in the end.
I was able to guess the murderer, but the reasons behind it was mind blowing. Unexpected execution of the mystery play. It’s a crime mystery so I will never voice out even a brick of the story line.
Overall If you want to read a clear and pure murder mystery with an exceptionally intellect criminal on the background ,then this book is for you. A must recommendation to the murder and crime lovers.
The narration was clean and the mystery was bundled like tightly wrapped up ball with many small secrets.Only Saralkar mind was playing through out the book. The movie link was a best example to explain how a police or detectives work out each and every moment of their life to solve a case.
The bond which Saralkar and Motkar shared was extraordinary. Saralkar’s sarcasm and Motkar’s dutiful work inspite of his drama rehearsal were all a favourable factors to this novel.
The story grips us hard from the start itself. I loved the pattern of the twist and turns. It didn’t jump from one extreme to other extreme but as a “connect the dot” to frame the picture of the culprit. Even we could sense that every suspect was a bridge and there is a bigger bombshell for us to have in the end.
I was able to guess the murderer, but the reasons behind it was mind blowing. Unexpected execution of the mystery play. It’s a crime mystery so I will never voice out even a brick of the story line.
Overall If you want to read a clear and pure murder mystery with an exceptionally intellect criminal on the background ,then this book is for you. A must recommendation to the murder and crime lovers.
August 18, 2017
The best murder mysteries are those which leave the reader asking for more and let him guess till the very end. The thirsty reader should always be able to see the mirage in his walk. That’s how Salil Desai has written his novel 3 and a half murder. Although the book is a part of series but it doesn’t matter whether you have read the previous parts or not, you’ll definitely enjoy this masterpiece.
Books open up with a description of an open and shut case where the husband killed his wife who was cheating on him and then commits suicide. With further investigation, layers of conspiracy opens up and at the end, author leaves you with wide eyes.
Positives:
•Detailed description of the scenes without leaving the story behind.
•One liners from Saralkar.
•The element of suspense.
•Background story attached of the protagonist. You’ll not only live the case but also the life of the inspector.
•Pace of narration is balanced.
Negatives:
•Somewhere, I don’t know where, the story lacks. I tried a lot to get this point but I don’t know, as a reader, somewhere I felt that the end came too quickly. I am still confused.
Overall, this is indeed a great read and the book deserves each and every single penny.
Books open up with a description of an open and shut case where the husband killed his wife who was cheating on him and then commits suicide. With further investigation, layers of conspiracy opens up and at the end, author leaves you with wide eyes.
Positives:
•Detailed description of the scenes without leaving the story behind.
•One liners from Saralkar.
•The element of suspense.
•Background story attached of the protagonist. You’ll not only live the case but also the life of the inspector.
•Pace of narration is balanced.
Negatives:
•Somewhere, I don’t know where, the story lacks. I tried a lot to get this point but I don’t know, as a reader, somewhere I felt that the end came too quickly. I am still confused.
Overall, this is indeed a great read and the book deserves each and every single penny.
August 11, 2023
"3 and a Half Murders" is an exciting murder mystery that starts with a double murder in Pune. But as the police dig deeper, they find links to a seven-year-old unsolved murder in Bangalore. The story takes us on a thrilling journey as they investigate shady land deals, a past life regression facilitator, an immigration scam, and a false godman. With multiple sub-plots and surprising twists, the book keeps you hooked until the end. The main character, Inspector Saralkar, is well-developed and steals the show. The writing style is excellent, and the climax is unpredictable. Overall, it's a highly recommended read for fans of murder mysteries.
June 22, 2018
This is Salil Desai’s best book. Not that the previous ones were bad. The best part for me, an Indian reader of English, is that one feels at home without the Indianess being thrust upon one and yet the setting, the people etc . are so Indian. The writing though not clever is lucid and smoothly pulls us along with the policemen conducting the investigation till a logical and well built up end. A weakness of the previous novels was that there was no cultural underpinning of the policemen’s thought process. As for virtually all Indians, that is the movies and often Bollywood. This book is closer to that reality. After all, unlike the British we cannot go around getting our understanding from Shakespeare or other masters of English literature! Even Inspector's relationship with his wife is better drawn. I would like to know how Non-Indians react to Salil Desai and other Indians who have started writing in English in mysteries and other popular genres.
May 7, 2021
It is a very decent Indian Detective/Police story. The story is set in Pune, and I would recommend all of my friends from Pune to read it. Well, I'd recommend everyone to read it.
Inspector Saralkar is a really fun character, and I liked him a lot. It isn't a perfect detective story, but a damn good one. The mystery will pull you in, but the twists are also not sudden.
It's a great one-time read if you love twisted murder and detective stories like I do.
Inspector Saralkar is a really fun character, and I liked him a lot. It isn't a perfect detective story, but a damn good one. The mystery will pull you in, but the twists are also not sudden.
It's a great one-time read if you love twisted murder and detective stories like I do.
December 28, 2019
This is undoubtedly the best 'Inspector Saralkar' mystery penned by Salil Desai.
It contained all the trademark features of the series where a seemingly commonplace yet gruesome death unfolds into a ghastly web of lies, deceit, corruption, perversion and murders. Amidst all these darkness walked flashes of wit, nicety and love, making the books remarkably readable.
The book sagged a little towards the end, probably because it sought to provide answers to many questions. But until then, and even afterwards, the pages practically turned on their own.
Highly recommended.
It contained all the trademark features of the series where a seemingly commonplace yet gruesome death unfolds into a ghastly web of lies, deceit, corruption, perversion and murders. Amidst all these darkness walked flashes of wit, nicety and love, making the books remarkably readable.
The book sagged a little towards the end, probably because it sought to provide answers to many questions. But until then, and even afterwards, the pages practically turned on their own.
Highly recommended.
April 24, 2017
It has been the 2nd time that I have read a thriller by Salil Desai and now I can claim that I am his newest fan in the list. What an author! When you write a thriller, you have to make your reader crave to know what’s going to happen next and make him/her die to reach the climax of the story. Salil Desai makes you tempt for this with his new book “3 And A Half Murders”. The journey of reading this book has been one of my best reading experiences because of the way Salil has treated the plot. The role of Inspector Saralkar has made this series one of the most awaited for Salil’s fans. The way the character has been executed by the author is incredible and delighting.
Salil Desai’s writing style is very convenient for any reader to read. The book is a great package that can be completed successfully in a single sitting despite it being 330 pages thick. The way author narrates a chapter and by the time the section reaches an interesting level, he changes the chapter and starts talking about a totally different scenario. This makes the narrative more interesting and intriguing. The built-up of every character is nicely done which makes you understand their psyche and intellect. Right from the chemistry between the dead couple to Saralkar and his wife to Saralkar and Motkar etc., every conversation that takes place between these characters are worth reading.
The best part about the book are the one-liners and punch lines that Saralkar keeps on making sarcastically either to Motkar, his wife or the suspects. Even the scenes of the interrogations are nicely written which makes them sound real. The way one or the other clues leads the Police department to their next investigations makes the story nail-biting. The anti-climax and the climax are nicely executed unlike the last book in the Saralkar series where the climax was quite predictable. The unpredictability and the backdrop of the criminal make the climax unbelievable and astonishing. The book impresses the reader with the final revelation. Overall, 3 And A Half Murders is a book that is in my recommendation list for the readers. I give it 4.25* out of 5.
Thanks.
ABHILASH RUHELA – VEERU!!!
Salil Desai’s writing style is very convenient for any reader to read. The book is a great package that can be completed successfully in a single sitting despite it being 330 pages thick. The way author narrates a chapter and by the time the section reaches an interesting level, he changes the chapter and starts talking about a totally different scenario. This makes the narrative more interesting and intriguing. The built-up of every character is nicely done which makes you understand their psyche and intellect. Right from the chemistry between the dead couple to Saralkar and his wife to Saralkar and Motkar etc., every conversation that takes place between these characters are worth reading.
The best part about the book are the one-liners and punch lines that Saralkar keeps on making sarcastically either to Motkar, his wife or the suspects. Even the scenes of the interrogations are nicely written which makes them sound real. The way one or the other clues leads the Police department to their next investigations makes the story nail-biting. The anti-climax and the climax are nicely executed unlike the last book in the Saralkar series where the climax was quite predictable. The unpredictability and the backdrop of the criminal make the climax unbelievable and astonishing. The book impresses the reader with the final revelation. Overall, 3 And A Half Murders is a book that is in my recommendation list for the readers. I give it 4.25* out of 5.
Thanks.
ABHILASH RUHELA – VEERU!!!
February 4, 2021
This book is full of thriller and mystery, leaving the readers in awe.
The story is gripping and is easy to read.
I often found the plot to be slow at times but as long as it was full of mystery I was okay with it!
The connection between characters has left me excited to a extent.
Whole review to come soon
The story is gripping and is easy to read.
I often found the plot to be slow at times but as long as it was full of mystery I was okay with it!
The connection between characters has left me excited to a extent.
Whole review to come soon
April 26, 2018
3.5/5 Ever since I read the first Inspector Saralkar book - Killing Ashish Karve - I decided to read all the books. The characterisations are perfect. The stage for the thrill all set. The unfolding of the mystery is nicely done. A good light read .
December 6, 2017
One of the best crime thriller book I have read. This book revolves around 3 criminals and 2 police namely Rahul, shaunak, Bhupathi and salarkar and motkar. loved the pace of story how it goes. overall it's a good Goodread... 😃
April 4, 2025
Exceptional. Still intriguing even on reading the second time after 5 years.
September 15, 2025
This turned out to be brilliant 👏. Quite darker than I expected at the end but bloody brilliant nonetheless. This series gets better book by book.
October 24, 2018
4.5 stars. I actually liked this one better than the last two. I was so not expecting the ending and it was kind of unsettling (in a not so creepy way) which I absolutely love in a murder mystery thriller. All in all it was time worth spent.
October 16, 2017
Love the thought and the plot. Salarkar makes an impressive homicide investigation officer and the way he creates theories for the crime make an interesting read. So glad to read such good ones from indian authors.
February 10, 2017
Easily the best book in the Inspector Saralkar series . Brilliant plot with lot of twists . Easily one of the best ever written crime fiction book by an Indian author . Looking forward to read more crime fiction books by the author in near future. Highly recommended book for crime fiction lovers .
August 7, 2021
A must mystery book.
February 19, 2017
Salil Desai writes with planning and detail, making the book entertaining. Crime novels are half puzzles and are half sadness for their portrayal of human lives which have gone on a downward spiral. The book took me through one such long spiral, leaving clues and sadness on the wayside and the ending brings a note of relief as a good crime novel should.
That's probably just half the job done. I have read all the other books from the author and Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar have now become familiar figures to me and I can't help feeling a sense of affection both for the ordinary humans and the good investigators that they are. They work in a non-sterile environment with all the troubles that beset them in solving the crime and in their personal lives, making them very real.
That's probably just half the job done. I have read all the other books from the author and Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar have now become familiar figures to me and I can't help feeling a sense of affection both for the ordinary humans and the good investigators that they are. They work in a non-sterile environment with all the troubles that beset them in solving the crime and in their personal lives, making them very real.
December 12, 2018
#এক_অসৎ_পাঠকের_বইপড়া
বই: থ্রি এন্ড হাফ মার্ডার
লেখক: সলিল দেশাই
ইংরেজি ভাষাতে অর্নব রায়, আশিষ গুপ্তা, কল্পনা স্বামীনাথনের মত ভারতীয় লেখকরা মানুষের মনের অন্ধকার দিক গুলো নিয়ে যে ভাবে কাজ করে চলেছেন তা দেখে পাঠক হিসেবে একদিকে আনন্দ হয় আবার অন্যদিকে কোলকাতাতে সেই সব বালখিল্য স্বরুপ থ্রিলার পড়লে একজন থ্রিলার প্রেমিক হিসেবে কষ্ট হয়। এখানকার লেখকরা বিদেশী সাহিত্যের অক্ষম অনুকরণ অথবা থোড় বড়ি খাড়া মার্কা দায়সারা গোছের থ্রিলার লিখেই ক্ষান্ত দিচ্ছেন। সামান্য কিছু কাজ কেউ কেউ করছেন বটে কিন্তু তার সংখ্যা এতই কম যে হাতে গোনা যায��।
সম্প্রতি শেষ করলাম সলিল দেশাইয়ের থ্রী এন্ড হাফ মার্ডার বইটি। পুনে শহরে এক দেনাগ্রস্থ স্বামী সন্জয় দোশী , তার স্ত্রী অনুস্কা দোশী কে খুন করে আত্মহত্যা করেন। তদন্তের ভার পরে হোমিসাইড ডিপার্টমেন্টর অভিজ্ঞ সিনিয়র ইন্সপেক্টর সরলকার ও তার সহকারী মোতকারের ওপর। তদন্ত শুরু করে এনারা বুঝতে পারেন যে এটা শুধুমাত্র একটা খুন আর আত্মহত্যার কেস নয়। অনেক জটিল ও দুরূহ এই কেসটা। এর শিকড হল ব্যাঙ্গালুরু তে। তদন্তে জানা যায় যে সন্জয় দোশীর আসল নাম কৃষ্ণা ভুপতি একজন জেল পালানো আসামী। যার আসল নিবাস ব্যাঙ্গালুরু। তাদের দু নম্বরী ব্যবস��র তিন অংশীদারের একজন কে সে খুন করেছিল। যত এগোতে থাকে তদন্ত ততই ঘনীভূত হতে থাকে রহস্য। শেষে যখন আসল সত্য সামনে আসে তখন একাধারে পাঠক ও তদন্তকারী দুই অফিসার স্তম্ভিত ও একাধারে শিহরিত হয়ে পড়ে সেই সাংঘাতিক অপরাধের পেছনের এক ভয়ংকর ধুর্ত মাথাটা কে দেখে।
অসম্ভব উপভোগ্য টানটান বইটি আশাকরি ভাল লাগবে পাঠকদের।
বই: থ্রি এন্ড হাফ মার্ডার
লেখক: সলিল দেশাই
ইংরেজি ভাষাতে অর্নব রায়, আশিষ গুপ্তা, কল্পনা স্বামীনাথনের মত ভারতীয় লেখকরা মানুষের মনের অন্ধকার দিক গুলো নিয়ে যে ভাবে কাজ করে চলেছেন তা দেখে পাঠক হিসেবে একদিকে আনন্দ হয় আবার অন্যদিকে কোলকাতাতে সেই সব বালখিল্য স্বরুপ থ্রিলার পড়লে একজন থ্রিলার প্রেমিক হিসেবে কষ্ট হয়। এখানকার লেখকরা বিদেশী সাহিত্যের অক্ষম অনুকরণ অথবা থোড় বড়ি খাড়া মার্কা দায়সারা গোছের থ্রিলার লিখেই ক্ষান্ত দিচ্ছেন। সামান্য কিছু কাজ কেউ কেউ করছেন বটে কিন্তু তার সংখ্যা এতই কম যে হাতে গোনা যায��।
সম্প্রতি শেষ করলাম সলিল দেশাইয়ের থ্রী এন্ড হাফ মার্ডার বইটি। পুনে শহরে এক দেনাগ্রস্থ স্বামী সন্জয় দোশী , তার স্ত্রী অনুস্কা দোশী কে খুন করে আত্মহত্যা করেন। তদন্তের ভার পরে হোমিসাইড ডিপার্টমেন্টর অভিজ্ঞ সিনিয়র ইন্সপেক্টর সরলকার ও তার সহকারী মোতকারের ওপর। তদন্ত শুরু করে এনারা বুঝতে পারেন যে এটা শুধুমাত্র একটা খুন আর আত্মহত্যার কেস নয়। অনেক জটিল ও দুরূহ এই কেসটা। এর শিকড হল ব্যাঙ্গালুরু তে। তদন্তে জানা যায় যে সন্জয় দোশীর আসল নাম কৃষ্ণা ভুপতি একজন জেল পালানো আসামী। যার আসল নিবাস ব্যাঙ্গালুরু। তাদের দু নম্বরী ব্যবস��র তিন অংশীদারের একজন কে সে খুন করেছিল। যত এগোতে থাকে তদন্ত ততই ঘনীভূত হতে থাকে রহস্য। শেষে যখন আসল সত্য সামনে আসে তখন একাধারে পাঠক ও তদন্তকারী দুই অফিসার স্তম্ভিত ও একাধারে শিহরিত হয়ে পড়ে সেই সাংঘাতিক অপরাধের পেছনের এক ভয়ংকর ধুর্ত মাথাটা কে দেখে।
অসম্ভব উপভোগ্য টানটান বইটি আশাকরি ভাল লাগবে পাঠকদের।
April 16, 2022
Honestly, this took me a long time to finish it, even though I was busy, the book played a part too.
The story was okay, though it was a bit too convoluted and revolting.
The story was not written nicely at all, I hated the writing style. It was as if the author was not following up, we would just start off at different scenes with no connection between them. Frankly the book didn't live up to my expectations at all, there was no thrill, adventure or excitement, which was why it took me so long to complete it, I was bored.
The story was okay, though it was a bit too convoluted and revolting.
The story was not written nicely at all, I hated the writing style. It was as if the author was not following up, we would just start off at different scenes with no connection between them. Frankly the book didn't live up to my expectations at all, there was no thrill, adventure or excitement, which was why it took me so long to complete it, I was bored.
September 25, 2019
Book Title: 3 and a Half Murders: An Inspector Saralkar Mystery
Author: Salil Desai
Format: Paperback
Book Title:
The title of the book is ‘3 and a Half Murders: An Inspector Saralkar Mystery’ is mysterious
Book Cover:
The cover of the book is an image of a person hanging from the ceiling with a bloody shadow and stains of blood on the floor.
Plot:
This is another case of Saralkar and Motar, where they find the two dead bodies in a single room. One woman’s body lying on the bed and other body hanging from the ceiling fan. They find a note in the same room which clears their doubt. It is a murder confession and a suicide note.
The man who hung himself kills his wife for being unfaithful with him. As the case unfolds, the inspectors will soon get a clear understanding of the case and it is connected to the case of a murdered boy from another state. Soon they will dig into the case as much as they can and find out the dark side of the cases which includes betrayal, cliques, greed, and grudge.
Within no time they get the information regarding the next to be the victim and set their journey to save him,
Will Sarkar and his sub-ordinate solve the mystery? What is the secret behind these three murders?
What I like:
1. The story is a roller-coaster ride which takes the readers to various levels of investigation and leaves with a surprise and thrill feelings.
2. The case-solving method is catchy and the reader will not lose the track.
3. Unlike other thrillers, the story is not predictable and it is unique.
What I didn’t like:
There are no negative points to be observed, but the narration could be more interesting which can catch the mind of the readers.
Narration:
The narration is done in a good way and it could be more enthusiastic.
Language & Grammar:
A clear language with neat and uncomplicated grammar is used in the book
My Final Verdict:
A thrilling storyline filled with suspense and drama. The book which is apt for the readers who are interested in the murder mysteries.
Book Title: 3/5
Book Cover:3/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Narration: 3/5
Language & Grammar: 3/5
Final Rating: 3/5
Author: Salil Desai
Format: Paperback
Book Title:
The title of the book is ‘3 and a Half Murders: An Inspector Saralkar Mystery’ is mysterious
Book Cover:
The cover of the book is an image of a person hanging from the ceiling with a bloody shadow and stains of blood on the floor.
Plot:
This is another case of Saralkar and Motar, where they find the two dead bodies in a single room. One woman’s body lying on the bed and other body hanging from the ceiling fan. They find a note in the same room which clears their doubt. It is a murder confession and a suicide note.
The man who hung himself kills his wife for being unfaithful with him. As the case unfolds, the inspectors will soon get a clear understanding of the case and it is connected to the case of a murdered boy from another state. Soon they will dig into the case as much as they can and find out the dark side of the cases which includes betrayal, cliques, greed, and grudge.
Within no time they get the information regarding the next to be the victim and set their journey to save him,
Will Sarkar and his sub-ordinate solve the mystery? What is the secret behind these three murders?
What I like:
1. The story is a roller-coaster ride which takes the readers to various levels of investigation and leaves with a surprise and thrill feelings.
2. The case-solving method is catchy and the reader will not lose the track.
3. Unlike other thrillers, the story is not predictable and it is unique.
What I didn’t like:
There are no negative points to be observed, but the narration could be more interesting which can catch the mind of the readers.
Narration:
The narration is done in a good way and it could be more enthusiastic.
Language & Grammar:
A clear language with neat and uncomplicated grammar is used in the book
My Final Verdict:
A thrilling storyline filled with suspense and drama. The book which is apt for the readers who are interested in the murder mysteries.
Book Title: 3/5
Book Cover:3/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Narration: 3/5
Language & Grammar: 3/5
Final Rating: 3/5
June 1, 2017
This is a very strong book, and the absolute best in the series so far. Inspector Saralkar and his sidekick Motkar are back investigating what seems to be a straight-forward murder-suicide by a husband-wife couple. However, as they investigate their backgrounds, unsettling facts come to light, which makes them question whether this could be a murder.
And if so by whom?
Soon they are on the track of the mysterious Shaunak Sodhi who is named in the suicide letter. But why would a killer openly put his name in a suicide letter?
Very soon, the case deals us some very surprising twists and turns. And I have to tell you that these twists were magnificently done.
I read this at the same time I read a very hotly promoted thriller (Into the Water by Paula Hawkins), and I have to say 3 and a half murders was the superior book when it comes to keeping the mystery alive till the very end. I couldn’t guess the killer correctly until the reveal – and of course when it does happen, every incident so far in the book made perfect sense.
On the personal front, there is Motkar who is inveigled into participating in a play. Unfortunately, the case gets in the way of his rehearsals and that he is forced to endure unrelenting mockery of his acting ambitions provides the comic touch to the book. I have always enjoyed this back and forth between Saralkar and Motkar and think their rapport is one of the biggest strengths in these Salil Desai novels.
Saralkar’s hypertension makes a couple of guest appearances in the book, but doesn’t really get in the way of his solving the mystery and catching the culprit. And again in this book, I enjoyed the salty Saralkar’s relationship with his wife.
In short, this was one very enjoyable book. I like police procedurals generally but am always wary because such plots can get repetitive as the series progresses. So far, Salil Desai has avoided that particular pitfall providing us 3 very different types of mysteries in this series.
And if so by whom?
Soon they are on the track of the mysterious Shaunak Sodhi who is named in the suicide letter. But why would a killer openly put his name in a suicide letter?
Very soon, the case deals us some very surprising twists and turns. And I have to tell you that these twists were magnificently done.
I read this at the same time I read a very hotly promoted thriller (Into the Water by Paula Hawkins), and I have to say 3 and a half murders was the superior book when it comes to keeping the mystery alive till the very end. I couldn’t guess the killer correctly until the reveal – and of course when it does happen, every incident so far in the book made perfect sense.
On the personal front, there is Motkar who is inveigled into participating in a play. Unfortunately, the case gets in the way of his rehearsals and that he is forced to endure unrelenting mockery of his acting ambitions provides the comic touch to the book. I have always enjoyed this back and forth between Saralkar and Motkar and think their rapport is one of the biggest strengths in these Salil Desai novels.
Saralkar’s hypertension makes a couple of guest appearances in the book, but doesn’t really get in the way of his solving the mystery and catching the culprit. And again in this book, I enjoyed the salty Saralkar’s relationship with his wife.
In short, this was one very enjoyable book. I like police procedurals generally but am always wary because such plots can get repetitive as the series progresses. So far, Salil Desai has avoided that particular pitfall providing us 3 very different types of mysteries in this series.
August 7, 2017
This is the first book I've read of this author. I wouldn't mind reading another after a while.
As a murder mystery written by an Indian film-maker, this is a nicely woven and well-narrated story. It was almost like watching a well directed motion picture. Though it is not an extraordinary story (I've read better whodunits), it is still a good read over a weekend.
The action and thrills were gradual and well drawn out throughout. There were no boring moments. There were no page-fillers which had nothing to do with the story, so I didn't find the need to skip or skim through pages at any point. I count this as the biggest plus of this work, which made it definitely readable.
Characterization was good; almost all characters were believable. The human side of the detective, the cops, their families and the antagonists shone through nicely. This was the second plus, as it made me relate to the characters and kept me hooked to know what happens to them.
Events (and clues) unfold in a realistic, well-balanced manner throughout the story. Nothing is hidden from the readers, as they are allowed to follow the case along with the detectives. So readers can also form their conjectures as the story develops, which will not be far removed from those of the investigators, until finally arriving at the final realization.
Perhaps by now it may already be obvious that there are no wild and thrilling twists and turns in this story. No sudden surprises at any point, but only a smooth and normal transition. So if you are a lover of whodunits by authors such as Sathyajith Ray, Sydney Sheldon, Agatha Christie, Edgar Allan Poe or Conan Doyle, then you should know that this story is certainly not in the same league. This is one of the main reasons I gave it 3-stars.
It is a simple, realistic, well-balanced story, but not extraordinary.
As a murder mystery written by an Indian film-maker, this is a nicely woven and well-narrated story. It was almost like watching a well directed motion picture. Though it is not an extraordinary story (I've read better whodunits), it is still a good read over a weekend.
The action and thrills were gradual and well drawn out throughout. There were no boring moments. There were no page-fillers which had nothing to do with the story, so I didn't find the need to skip or skim through pages at any point. I count this as the biggest plus of this work, which made it definitely readable.
Characterization was good; almost all characters were believable. The human side of the detective, the cops, their families and the antagonists shone through nicely. This was the second plus, as it made me relate to the characters and kept me hooked to know what happens to them.
Events (and clues) unfold in a realistic, well-balanced manner throughout the story. Nothing is hidden from the readers, as they are allowed to follow the case along with the detectives. So readers can also form their conjectures as the story develops, which will not be far removed from those of the investigators, until finally arriving at the final realization.
Perhaps by now it may already be obvious that there are no wild and thrilling twists and turns in this story. No sudden surprises at any point, but only a smooth and normal transition. So if you are a lover of whodunits by authors such as Sathyajith Ray, Sydney Sheldon, Agatha Christie, Edgar Allan Poe or Conan Doyle, then you should know that this story is certainly not in the same league. This is one of the main reasons I gave it 3-stars.
It is a simple, realistic, well-balanced story, but not extraordinary.
July 4, 2022
Sanjay and Anushka Doshi are found dead inside their flat in Pune. Sanjay was found hanging down a rope and his wife Anushka was killed by Sanjay after he brutally disfigured her face using Acid.
Sanjay has left behind a suicide note saying that he has killed his wife due to her extra marital affair with Shaunak Sodhi and that he is committing suicide due to this and his financial issues.
This supposedly straightforward suicide (or murder) must be investigated by SI Saralkar and PSI Motkar. They are the not so perfect duo who don’t credit each other for their good work but believe and trust in each other’s abilities.
A plethora of characters keep coming into the story from many police officers to characters in Sanjay Doshi and Shaunak Sodhi’s lives, including a Godman! In addition to these characters and their back stories, we also understand that Inspector Saralkar is a grumpy person who is exhausted with work, has health issues (high BP0) and is trying to adopt a child. Although none of these stops SI Saralkar from getting to the bottom of this case and finding out the truth.
Apparently this is the third novel by the author in the SI Saralkar and PSI Motkar series and my first! I was a bit disappointed with the whole story and felt the plot was a bit slow and boring at places. It could have been more interesting.
Who killed Sanjay and Anushka Doshi and why is it 3 ½ murders? Read the book to find out more!!!
Sanjay has left behind a suicide note saying that he has killed his wife due to her extra marital affair with Shaunak Sodhi and that he is committing suicide due to this and his financial issues.
This supposedly straightforward suicide (or murder) must be investigated by SI Saralkar and PSI Motkar. They are the not so perfect duo who don’t credit each other for their good work but believe and trust in each other’s abilities.
A plethora of characters keep coming into the story from many police officers to characters in Sanjay Doshi and Shaunak Sodhi’s lives, including a Godman! In addition to these characters and their back stories, we also understand that Inspector Saralkar is a grumpy person who is exhausted with work, has health issues (high BP0) and is trying to adopt a child. Although none of these stops SI Saralkar from getting to the bottom of this case and finding out the truth.
Apparently this is the third novel by the author in the SI Saralkar and PSI Motkar series and my first! I was a bit disappointed with the whole story and felt the plot was a bit slow and boring at places. It could have been more interesting.
Who killed Sanjay and Anushka Doshi and why is it 3 ½ murders? Read the book to find out more!!!
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