The Secret Diary of a Conman

by Vish Dhamija

One heist. One night. No second chances.

Fresh out of prison after being double-crossed by his former partners, a cardsharp turned conman extraordinaire finds that Mumbai’s underworld is no place for a failed criminal. Having spent years amassing a fortune and securing a reputation that few can compete with, he has learnt the hard way that playing high stakes is a dangerous game – especially when one’s comrades can be just as crooked as one’s rivals.

He plots an elaborate heist to take an epic night of gambling amongst the city’s upper echelons, with crores of rupees – and his life – on the line. When the ever-thickening web of lies and deception he has woven begins to threaten those he loves most, he is forced to make an impossible choice. The deck is stacked against him … but this master conman has a final ace up his sleeve.

Genres: Fiction

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2024

About the author

Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vish_Dh...
FB: https://www.facebook.com/VishDhamija/...
Twitter: @vishdhamija
Amazon India: http://tiny.cc/vishdhamija

Books:
Nothing Lasts Forever
Bhendi Bazaar
Deja Karma
Doosra
Nothing Else Matters

Reviews

[Aakanksha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently released from prison after being betrayed by his former associates, a skilled card sharp turned con man discovers that the criminal underbelly of Mumbai is unforgiving to those who falter. After years of building a fortune and a formidable reputation, he realizes that high-stakes gambling is fraught with peril, especially when allies can be just as treacherous as enemies.
Determined to reclaim his status, he devises an intricate heist aimed at a lavish night of gambling among the city's elite, with his everything at stake and when this spun begins to endanger his loved ones, he faces tough decisions. The odds are stacked against him, but this cunning conman has one last trick up his sleeve.

This conman I must say was a reliably unreliable narrator as well. I am kind of going through a slump but this the writing style of this book made me stay to read what will happen when I'll turn the page. No big twists and such but a story interesting enough to keep you thinking about what will happen next. I liked how sharp the narrator is, and how easily he misdirected me after saying at the very start that he would. This felt like a Bollywood movie script as well, of course, it's centred around Mumbai it will give that vibe. ✨
It involves details and layout of card games and I agree, there is something addictive about the game, we have seen so many examples of how this addiction makes everything go south.
I felt I was actually reading the diary of a Con Artist so the author definitely has succeeded in justifying the title it seems ..loved the doodling in the corners, gave the feeling of a diary and after reading his different avatars over the chapters I can say enjoyed this book. You can definitely go on with it if you're in the mood for a light thriller and yes I made many speculations about the end of the heist but guess who was wrong for the nth time?👀

Ps. He's a 🐈 person, you'll know why this info is worthy of mentioning here after you read this book.✨

[Deotima Sarkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vish Dhamija's The Secret Diary of a Conman is an artful thriller that invites readers inside the mind of a master conman. The protagonist, through his unapologetically offbeat diary entries, offers an engrossing peep into his world of misdirection. His penchant for straying from the topic at hand, even when integral to his situation, speaks volumes on his love for deception, keeping readers guessing. Occasionally frustrating, these digressions lend his character a veneer of realism and render him as slippery as the cons he pulls.
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The plot is replete with twists, distorted reality, and a mega heist. The fact that Dhamija was able to keep the secret of the protagonist's plot until the very end is something that ensures the suspense builds up in this novel. Although full of schemes at times confusing to comprehend, the payoff is quite worth it with numerous unexpected twists adding a satisfying finish to it. The big reveal, though a bit Bollywood-esque, does manage to surprise.
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What really makes the book is his devotion to his oldest friends-a human side, adding a little warmth to an otherwise calculating man. The supporting cast-Zara, Puja, and Ranjit-are well-developed, and the dynamics of those relationships just breed loyalty, which is crucial to any trust-based relationship, even in a world sustained on lies and treachery.
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Sleek and immersive, Dhamija's storytelling nails each chapter to a perfectly matched song that adds another layer to the reading experience. The diary format, replete with margin scribbles, is immersive; it pulls readers in and makes them feel they've found the personal confessions of a truly gifted conman.
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The beautiful writing and contrivance make The Secret Diary of a Conman a deceptively delightful read, proving yet again that Dhamija knows how to keep his audience hooked.
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[a_geminireader · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if your closest allies turned on you? How far would you go to settle the score? Vish Dhamija’s " The Secret Diary of a Conman" takes you on a thrilling ride through the life of a master con artist, and trust me, you won’t want to get off.

Presented as a series of diary entries, this book is like finding a secret journal filled with confessions, schemes, and haunting regrets. The format, complete with doodles and margin notes, makes the experience feel personal, almost as if the protagonist is whispering his story directly to you.

Divided into five sections, each reflecting a suit in a deck of cards, the narrative is tied to a curated Spotify playlist, adding a cinematic touch to the storytelling. The protagonist’s journey is packed with twists and turns as he plots his revenge against those who betrayed him. With crores of rupees and lives at stake, the tension rises with every page, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

But this isn’t just a story about heists and deception. It’s about the complexities of human nature. The protagonist’s moral ambiguity will have you rooting for him one moment and questioning his choices the next. And then there’s Zeenat, the stray cat who brings unexpected warmth to this otherwise high-stakes drama.

Vish Dhamija’s sharp and precise writing pulls you into the conman’s world with remarkable authenticity. The tricks of the trade, the psychological toll of betrayal, and the high-risk lifestyle of a cardsharp are brought to life in vivid detail. It’s clear a lot of thought and research went into crafting this immersive narrative.

If you’re a fan of thrillers like Money Heist, this book is a must-read. "The Secret Diary of a Conman" isn’t just a story—it’s an experience that will keep you guessing until the very end.

[Tejaswini Rao · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick and engaging read about a conman who ends up in jail after being betrayed. Determined to seek revenge, he plans the biggest scam of all time.

The story starts off a bit slow, but the pace picks up significantly as the plot unfolds. The writing is interesting and at one point I found myself suspecting foul play from every character except the protagonist. Also, there are a lot of twists at the end of the book.

Something unique about this book is that it doesn’t end when you think it will. Just when you feel the story is wrapping up there is a twist and that makes you wonder where the plot is heading.

If you’re someone who enjoys tales of scams, trickery, and unexpected turns, this book is worth picking up. It’s a well-crafted story that keeps you hooked until the last page.

[Fictionandme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Name : The Secret Diary Of A Conman
Author : Vish Dhamija
Genre : Thriller

My 💭:
[18/07/24 9.14PM]

This is the first time I have read a book that has its own Spotify playlist curated by the author himself! I listened to the entire playlist while reading this book, as requested by the author, and it was an awesome experience. Thank you author for this brilliant reading and listening experience! (Although Spotify didn't allow me to turn the shuffle option off and I'd rather starve myself than pay Spotify for it 😌)

Okay, so today I was not in a reading mood to be honest. I wanted to binge watch a tv series I was watching, but then the title and theme of the book gave me a very 'Inventing Anna' vibe. I can NEVER resist reading a gray character's story, I repeat, never. That is the very reason I had got my hands on this book in the first place. So I started reading in the evening and 4 hours later, I am done 😎.

This book brought back a lot of memories from the movie '21'. If I remember correctly, that movie dealt with card games and cons involving lots and lots of money. I myself enjoyed playing card games when I was in school and now I have graduated to Uno, that I absolutely adore 🤭. Idk about others but there's a strange addiction in winning card games, I will tell you that. So I can imagine why people get addicted to card games and gambling, because who wouldn't like to win the game and make tons of money? Sadly, in this situation, the game becomes a vice.

The protagonist is a true conman, but he is immensely gifted and talented. His love for misdirection and deceit is so deep that he even does it with the invisible audience of his diary. And the way he kept rambling on off topic, and confidently not apologising for it, shows us his real nature. But I enjoyed his narration. I found his many avatars quite entertaining and his loyalty for his oldest friends is commendable. Though, I wish he didn't get off topic so many times during important events 😂. I'll remember to never ramble on like him in my own diary 😁.

The plot is good - lots of twists, deceits, thefts and misdirections involved. And yes, there's a grand heist that kept me hooked to the book. Lots of planning involved behind it that made up most of the story. Since the plans are not revealed to us, it did get a bit confusing at times but the wait is worth it. The ending twists (yes plural) made me go HUH?! multiple times. They were not mind bending but they were unexpected indeed. A bit Bollywood-y though. I had actually imagined that Laila (you know who 😉) might turn out to be secret detective, but but but...

Like the other Vish Dhamija thrillers I have read, this one also made a good evening read for me! 🤓

P.S. loved the doodles! They made this book feel like a real diary 👌

P.P.S. loooooved Zeenat, the dramatic 🐈.

[Prriyankaa Singh | the.bookish.epicure · Rating 2 out of 5]

Revenge is best served cold as the old adage goes.

I'm sure we've all been hurt or betrayed sometime or the other and gone through the motions of planning out how to extract revenge, taking great pleasure in the painstaking details. For most, we only take it to tbe planning stage and let the visuals in out head suffice while karma does its part.

And for some... it's about going that extra mile to hoodwink and take great pride in one upping the other.

Our protagonist is a cardsharp turned conman who's on a mission to extract his pound of flesh and more; after being double crossed by his ex-partner. Prison time gave him a lot of time to hone his plan and it's time to play it out.

The plot unfolds with subsequent undated entries, each chapter with a theme song to herald it. You can check the playlist Vish Dhamija has complied in the next list. The fact that it opens with a big mention to Jeffery Archer's Prison Diaries set the expectations high but on a whole it was a very lukewarm reading experience for me.

The language for starts was pretty pompous and repetitive. It made me think much of the days when I devoured Chetan Bhagat and Ravinder Singh alongside Christie and still thought they were good. The characters lacked depth which only made the story seem even more superficial. A whole lot of telling not showing.

What I did find interesting was the whole gambling lingo that had me going through youtube videos to check out the tricks and a brilliant playlist that took me down a memory lane. The cute doodles definitely kept my eyes straying.

An unreliable narrator whose plot was even more unreliable, made me lose my interest. The surprise element wasn't so surprising when you've grown up on a staple of Christies for mental food. The constant frowning tone the writer chose to adopt made me feel like I was being talked back at constantly. That and lack of detailing to a master-plot and everything coming together just like that, was unbelievable to the point of scoffing.

I'll say, the plot has great potential if only it had been executed differently or a different tone adopted. As a movie script, I think it would do great. It's got the typical Bolly-masala and even points where a song-and-dance sequence can be inserted (I kid you not!). In fact, the whole cinematography in my head was somewhat like the recent Monica, Oh my Darling (iykyk)

[Siddhant Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are stories about conmen and heists, and then there is this book which cons the reader itself with multiple misdirects. The book is written in the form of diary entries by a man who is a card sharp and was double crossed by his partners. The book then explores the story of how he plots his revenge with his partners. What I loved about the book was the manner in which it is written and in the first person narrative, takes you through his life as a cardsharp and how he came into this life. The book is divided into 5 sections, each corresponding to one suit, and an extra chapter for the Hearts. Vish’s writing is excellent and you are drawn into the story so much that you miss the subtle cues that he has placed throughout the book. Each chapter corresponds to a song which matches perfectly with the vibe of the book and if you plug into the playlist and hum while you read, trust me, you’ll enjoy the book a lot more. True to the format of diary entry, there are scribbles on the margins that also fit in with the storyline, and give you the feel of reading someone’s diary. There are moments in the book where you, as a reader, are fooled into a sense of discomfort and miss the cues that misdirect you completely. Another aspect of the story that I loved was the research and the mind-boggling planning it would have taken to plan out the events in the book, given that not a word out of context is mentioned, and I take the example of the “three doorbells” here, giving no spoilers at all. The climax of the book, however, is the cherry atop the cake. It takes deviousness of another level to come up with what happens in the end.

I’ve always been a fan of Vish’s writing, and the way he likes to play around with his characters’ emotions, and by extension the readers’. Even in this book, you cannot help but feel sorry for our Dimpy Raja when you read his story. Another lovely character was that of Zara and how she added that zest to the entire story through her role in the entire con. Then there is this sub-plot of importance of friends that is the key to this entire story. Puja and Ranjit’s characters were crafted beautifully. In the relationship between the three of them, Vish manages to highlight how the friends we make when we are young are the ones we can bank upon, even for the craziest and the riskiest of plans.

[Anusuya Sarkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Name- The Secret Diary of a Conman ♠️🃏
Author- @vish_dhamija
Publisher- @panmacmillanindia
Genre- Thriller/Suspense
Pages- 296
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“money made the law, and the law now protects those who have the money?“
The book is written in the form of diary entries by a man who is a card sharp and was double crossed by his partners. It explores the story of how he plots his revenge with his partners. The way it is written in the first person narrative, takes you through his life as a cardsharp and how he came into this life. It is divided into 5 sections, each corresponding to one suit. Each chapter relates to a song which matches perfectly with the vibe. There are scribbles on the margins that also fits in with the storyline, and gives you the feel of reading someone’s diary. The author’s writing is sharp and precise, perfectly capturing the voice of a man who lives on the edge, always one step ahead of his enemies, yet repeatedly haunted by the shadows of his past. The narrator has done the job with utmost honesty I must say. At one point you will find yourself simultaneously rooting for him and questioning his choices, confused between admiration for his cunning and discomfort with the darker aspects of his personality. It is a story which not only entertains but also challenges your perceptions of right and wrong. The cat, Zeenat, is a lovable feline character that adds more spark to the story. Addictions makes you a slave until you decide to stop it by your own choice. Every addict things that they can quit it any time but for that firstly they need to try to do so. All the addictions like- gambling, drugs etc are injurious except book addiction. Lastly, if you have enjoyed watching Money Heist and wondered what the Professor’s diary would read like, then this book is the perfect option to give it a try.
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Thank you @panmacmillanindia for sending me this beautiful book. 😊❤️

[The Indian Book Club · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of us must have been duped by people whom we trust. There are some betrayals that can burn our hearts seeking revenge. These kinds of betrayals happen mostly when money is involved. Most of us swallow our emotions, lick our wounds, and go on about life. Maybe some plan revenge but it's quite rare that people follow up on the plan and execute it. This book is about a Conman who, after being tricked and sent to jail by a business acquaintance, decides to get revenge. He carefully plans and prepares his revenge with help from his friends, and the story of his cold revenge is told through his diary. His revenge falls nothing short of the cliche: "Revenge is a dish best served cold".

The narrator, who is also the main character, has a relaxed and casual way of telling the story. This easygoing style can sometimes seem odd given the serious situation, making the book feel a bit like a Bollywood movie. The main character is really good with card tricks, and while some tricks are new, none are extremely impressive. He is a master of misdirection. A lot of times the readers fall for his tricks. He conveniently moves into a tangent when narrating something important. The narrator sometimes plays to the gallery by retorting to casual sexual jokes or sexual talk.

The book has limited characters. The shape-shifting protagonist Dimpy Raja, who has multiple other identities. He has a couple of loyal friends, who are a couple. Their friendship is admirable. And his girlfriend Zara, establishing her importance to the story is complicated. Their love story is nothing to write about. These are the main characters, "Awesome Foursome" as the narrator calls them. Then there are trainees the protagonist hired. And Boris, the casino manager.

Read more about the book here:
https://theindianbookclub.com/readers...

[Book_withquotes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vish Dhamija’s The Secret Diary of a Conman offers an exhilarating ride through Mumbai’s underworld, weaving a tale of high-stakes gambling, treachery, and redemption. Fresh out of prison after being double-crossed by his former partners, our protagonist—an unnamed cardsharp and master conman with numerous aliases—finds himself back in the perilousgame of deception and deceit. Determined to reclaim his fortune and reputation, he plots an elaborate heist to infiltrate a high-stakes gambling night among the city’s elite.

The narrative is driven by suspense and humor, with each chapter title tied to a song on a curated Spotify playlist, adding a unique, immersive experience. The conman’s journey is complex and multifaceted, filled with twists and turns that keep readers on edge. His meticulous plan, concocted with the help of childhood friends Ranjit and Puja, draws parallels to the intricate schemes of the Professor from Money Heist. The plot thickens as the conman’s web of lies begins to endanger those he loves, forcing him to confront impossible choices with crores of rupees—and his life—at stake.

The book’s charm lies in its diary format, complete with doodles that give it a personal touch. The protagonist’s encounters, his reflections on a stray cat named Zeenat, and his cunning strategies create an engaging and authentic narrative. Dhamija’s portrayal of a small-town conman using impeccable English might stretch believability, but it’s a minor quibble in an otherwise original and entertaining story. The Secret Diary of a Conman is a bold and audacious tale that combines suspense, humour, and a deep dive into the world of gambling and crime. For fans of thrillers and heist stories, this book is a must-read, offering a fresh and intriguing perspective on the life of a conman.

[Archana Ashok · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Concentrate. Repeat. Rinse. Repeat. Cheat. Repeat."

Long ago, I'd watched a movie on the concept of a conman. Till then, I didn't know the meaning behind the term. But after knowing about Vish Dhamija's new book on a conman, I knew this HAD to be read. Also, I'm not new to Vish's writing.

The best part about the book is the diary of the conman. He definitely played many characters. I loved the intricacies, the narration style, and the overall idea. To give the aesthetics of a diary, the author has put in doodles on the sides, just like how one scribbles on their diary.

The story kept me hooked right from page one. I somehow felt enthu while I was reading it. If you're looking for a quick, light, and an engaging read, then I urge you to pick it up.

[Chitrranshi · Rating 3 out of 5]

As you grow as a reader, you tend to start loving the thriller genre even more. And, hence I have completed another thriller genre in few weeks. This is my first book by Vish Dhamija and so I am all set to dive in his gripping plots and clever characters. With The Secret Diary of a Conman, author continues to show his writing acumen towards suspenseful narratives.

The book is deep diving into the mind of a conman in the underworld of Mumbai. I so much liked the chapters named on the songs. It will keep you guessing how the next chapter begins. The story follows a recently released cardsharp, double-crossed by his former partners, as he plans a high-stakes heist to reclaim his fortune and reputation. Also, the unexpected part of the book are the creative doodles, I know that you know what I mean. They make you smile, wonder and add a personal touch to the narrative. The character development is top notch and gives the story unexpected depth.

It was an easy and fun read for me, gives so much to talk about. I also love understanding psychology and this seems a perfect book for it. Overall, this book is a mix fun, thrill and humor.

Thank you do much @panmacmillanindia for sending this my way!💗

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Crime is only illegal if the criminal gets caught."

"The Secret Diary of a Conman" is a gripping thriller by author Vish Dhamija that delves into the mind of a charismatic conman in Mumbai's underworld. It is a captivating tale of deception, betrayal, revenge, and redemption that will keep you guessing until the end about what will happen next.

The novel begins humorously, introducing the conman, who is out of prison after being betrayed by someone he once worked with. He is a pro at card tricks, and as you read, you'll gain insight into his mindset, motivations, and the intricate plots he weaves. How will he take revenge, and what consequences will he face further?

This is my first book by Vish Dhamija, and I appreciate his skill in crafting plot twists. The suspense is well-maintained until the end. The character development is strong, particularly in how the protagonist navigates his morally ambiguous life, which raises questions about ethics and the nature of trust. The characters of Ranjit and Puja are equally compelling.

The book is divided into five parts. As the title suggests, it is just like a diary. The author adds a personal touch with doodles, making it feel like someone's actual diary. He has also curated a Spotify playlist of songs related to the chapters.

If you're looking for a thrilling page-turner or want to explore the mind of a conman, this is the perfect choice.

Disclaimer : Theme of gambling

[Aruna Kumar Gadepalli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story in the form diary of a conman. Taking revenge for the loss.

[Veda Waikul · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a guy from a small town who is a singer and knows card tricks gets sucked into the world of gambling. He is just out of jail and he is planning a heist and we get to see the entire process of the planning , the heist and the after effects of the said heist.
The book is written in first point of view and its like we are reading the main character's diary, hence the name. This is a very unique style and it was refreshing. I liked the entire character cast, they all had their own personalities, which made them real. His friends and the cat were my personal favourites though.
The actual heist was interesting and I was on the edge of my seat to know exactly what's going to happen even though we knew all about planning and prep. The author kept a certain parts mystery which kept the book interesting. I anticipated some twists and turns but overall I really enjoyed it.
Rating:3.75