Chicanery

by Timeri N Murari

After twenty years in exile David Richelieu returns to his homeland where an execution warrant awaits him for unspecified crimes. At the border, the AI cameras identify him as Cyomared, the ex-Prime Minister of that once democratic nation, and he is arrested at the border by the young assistant to the Minister of Culture. Cyomared ends up in prison. Cyomared’s interrogator, the Minister, has just one question, “Why did you return knowing you will die?” before carrying out the execution. Cyomared’s answer, that he returned for the woman he still loves and wishes to meet for one last time doesn’t convince the Minister. He suspects that Cyomared has been helping the Others to overthrow the despotic government in the general Elections that are just a few days away.

Desperate to stay alive to see his beloved country free once more, Cyomared tells the Minister he has some crucial information on the President which will assure him a pardon and save his life. The Minister refuses to hear him out.

Marge, Cyomared’s partner and companion while he was in exile comes to Cyomared’s city ostensibly as a tourist, and meets him in the presence of the woman he truly loves. While she is heartbroken, she accepts it as inevitable and is glad that she was able to help Cyomared achieve his objective.

How the Others manage to break the surveillance and control of the oligarchs and restore their people’s freedom, liberty and dignity, and how personal ambition, internecine rivalry and betrayal lead to the downfall of the men in power, is revealed in a racy, gripping tale of intrigue, dreams, hopes and commitment to a greater cause.

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2024

Reviews

[ishhreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chicanery is a political romance thriller. David Richelieu, who returns to his homeland after 20 years. He has been arrested in the border area, claiming that AI found him as Cyomared, who escaped the country 20 years ago after losing his party to the New Purity Party. The Minister of Culture was the one who arrested him and kept him in his custody to know why he returned back. He said he wanted to see his lover, Lady. But the minister was convinced enough to believe him.
 
The New Purity Party has been ruling their homeland for two decades. With their strict rules, no party, no one can be out of home after 8 p.m. till next morning 7 a.m., there were cameras installed in every nook of the country. They were given a particular book to believe that war was there to every people. They can’t go out their homeland visit other country, if they try to do they ll be killed. There is a recorder of what they say; if they speak against the country, they’ll be shot and arrested. No one should read books because it fills their mind with different things that shouldn’t happen. Will you survive in such a country??? It even built a fire wall to protect its enemies from attack.
 
It was a wonderful story about love, betrayal, ego, and greed. Each chapter has clearly spoken of characters that are involved. I loved Linux and Sasale. The author has really spoken reality, where in one country it exists. I couldn’t imagine how tortured it would have been for people to live. Though the end of the story was predictable. But I loved how it turned out in the end. Definitely a great read for thriller fans who enjoy it like me.

[The Biblioraptor (Ankit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chicanery
Noun

Origin:
Early 17th century: from French chicanerie, from chicaner meaning 'to quibble' (from Old French chican ‘petty dispute’).

Meanings:
The use of deception, subterfuge, or trickery to achieve a particular purpose, especially in legal, financial, or political contexts. (OED)



Chicanery is a thrilling plunge into a dystopian world where power, deception, and survival intertwine in a narrative that leaves you breathless and questioning the very nature of control. Timeri N. Murari, best known for The Taliban Cricket Club, brings his sharp storytelling prowess into a dark, speculative future, exploring the fragility of truth and the complex machinery of authoritarianism.

The story follows David Richelieu, a former Prime Minister who returns to his homeland after two decades of exile, knowing full well that an execution order awaits him. It’s a baffling choice—why would anyone walk straight into such danger? From the moment Richelieu is arrested and confronted by the Minister of Culture and his enigmatic assistant, the suspense mounts. The Minister is determined to uncover Richelieu’s true motives, while the assistant, a quiet yet dangerous figure, might just be the puppet master pulling the strings. This tense dynamic between Richelieu, the Minister, and the President plays out like a high-stakes chess match, filled with sharp dialogues and hidden agendas. What’s Richelieu really after? Is it love, or is he planning something much more dangerous? The novel keeps you guessing with its intricate character work, offering a complex, flawed protagonist who is as much an enigma as the regime he’s up against. And the Minister? He’s a paradox, embodying the system’s worst qualities while evoking a strange sympathy from the reader.

Murari’s writing is razor-sharp, each sentence carrying weight, with every scene revealing another layer of the puzzle. The world he crafts—a walled-in country where life is stifled, and freedom is a distant memory—feels all too plausible. Inspired by his impressions of North Korea, South America, and Europe, the setting in Chicanery is a chilling Orwellian state, where surveillance is constant, and dissent is crushed with precision. Murari’s portrayal of technology—AI systems, cameras, and data manipulation—isn’t just a futuristic cautionary tale; it’s a reflection of the pervasive control that technology can have in our own world. There’s no escape, not even in your thoughts. This creates an oppressive atmosphere where the emotional and psychological toll on the characters is palpable. What’s most remarkable is that Murari doesn’t preach; he simply lets the characters’ experiences speak for themselves, leading the reader to draw their own conclusions about the world we live in.

A key aspect of Chicanery is how it handles the treatment of women. Women aren’t just passive figures in this narrative—they are pivotal players in the intricate game of power. Through characters like Lady, Sasale, and Marge, Murari explores the intersection of resistance and subjugation. These women are survivors of the regime’s brutality, yet they wield their intellect and beauty as tools for survival and power. They challenge the very notion of victimhood, turning their oppression into a form of strength. The hidden memory sticks in the yellow blouse, microchip inside the earrings, and female hackers from India who breakdown the regime’s firewalls all serve as symbols of women’s immense ability of clean deception and how powerful it can be in face of systemic oppression. Murari’s world is one where even the smallest objects can hold explosive potential. Technology, which is used to control the masses, is also used by the oppressed to fight back—subtly and ingeniously.

Murari’s exploration of technology is chillingly realistic. It doesn’t feel like distant sci-fi; it feels like a threat we’re already living with. The ways in which surveillance, social media manipulation, and data control are used to oppress the population resonate deeply in today’s world. Yet, within this technological dystopia, there are sparks of defiance. Murari’s characters find ways to subvert the system—whether through coded language, networks of information hidden in plain sight, hacking and stealing money and data or acts of rebellion that evade the all-seeing eyes of the regime. These moments of resistance offer hope, even in a world where it feels like nothing can escape the watchful gaze of the state.

What elevates Chicanery beyond a typical political thriller is its focus on how power infiltrates every aspect of life. It’s not just about political machinations at the top—it’s about how these power structures shape relationships, identities, and even the very concept of freedom. Murari’s narrative digs deep into the personal, showing how authoritarian regimes bleed into the intimate corners of everyday life, leaving no room for privacy or self-determination.

By the end of the book, you’re left reflecting on the questions it raises about loyalty, truth, and power. If you’ve read Murari’s previous works, like The Taliban Cricket Club or Taj: A Story of Mughal India, you’ll recognize familiar themes—politics, human complexity, and the struggle for power. But Chicanery takes those themes into a new realm, exploring a speculative future that feels eerily close to home. It’s a bold shift, and it works. This novel is a searing commentary on our contemporary world, illustrating how technology and power are intertwined in ways we often don’t recognize. Chicanery isn’t just a novel—it’s a warning, one that should not be ignored.

[Yumna Gulvez · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Chicanery' by the bestselling author, Timeri N. Murari is a political fiction heightening the quest for power and love. The protagonist, David Richelieu returns to his homeland post 20 years in exile. However, his return awaits mysteries that unfold through an execution warrant against him. Just like the Ministers, the readers are set to presume the reasons behind David's return despite his execution warrant. A woman doesn't convince anyone - the mysteries thus unravel. Story of restoring liberty combined with personal ambition convinces the readers to read until some of the crucial mysteries are solved, making it an intriguing read.

The background of the narrative is disturbing but fascinating. There are facts about corruption within politics through a sudden shift in the democracy. While the people set to be in mere despair, events of unusual arrivals and revelations take place in the story. The complicated plot sets it apart; there is a complex web of characters and their roles. Each event unfolds a layer of mystery that seems difficult to figure out, but continue to entertain the readers until the another turn takes place.

Murari uses a language that is simple to understand, narrates in a manner that is interesting to dive into and weaves a plot that resonates till the last. This thrilling political fiction is richly packed with secrets and revelations. Murari combines politics, history, love and ambitions to bring a story that is compelling as well as timeless. The quest for power and revelations in the story within different areas hint towards rivalries and betrayals followed by hopes and commitments.

What I loved the most - division of the storyline into different chapters. Each chapter is distinct, yet doesn't let the story sink until weaved together. The tides of the story are though quite powerful and fierce, but provide comfort at last.
The story invites readers to embark on a heart-stirring journey through a plot that is thrilling and nail-biting.
A brilliant work of political fiction!

[Siddhant Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a wonderfully written story of how an authoritarian state functions and the role of AI in subjugating the populace. The story of how hope can revive the people to rise against tyranny is told wonderfully through the plot. The writing of the book is simple and easy to understand. The storytelling is quite interesting and it keeps you hooked. What I loved in the book was how the author has blended a dystopian future that awaits us along side the basic requirements of liberty and freedom. The aspect of AI and its role in enforcing the state’s agenda is also very well established and I loved that technology is central to this book. Another thing that I loved about the book was that how small and seemingly irrelevant red herrings are put in multiple places in the story that come out just at the right time and you are truly in for a treat when it happens. The idea of family and love stands at the core of this book. The author presents a multitude of aspects of love-be it for your family, your partner, your friend, and most of all your country. The climax of the book is quite good and while it is predictable, the path it takes to the end is quite interesting and fun to read.

The character development in the book is descriptive and the author has taken his time to build the characters and the world they live in. Right from the protagonists to the President, each of the character in the book is intricately penned and the connections have been meticulously planned. The character arcs and the “show-not-tell” method of character introductions was quite fun to read asl well. I also liked how his characters were operating in the grey and there is no good or bad, just people reacting to situations and the way they were treated.

[Kshitij Bajpai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review Ahead»»

Book - Chicanery
Author - Timeri N Murari
Pages - 424
Published - May 31 2024

⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️½/5
David Richelieu returns to his homeland after a 20 year exile, where at the border, he is identified as Cyomared, the ex-Prime Minister of that once democratic nation, and he is arrested to be executed for unspecified crimes. The Purity Party has been ruling his homeland for 2 decades and turned it into a soulless dystopian society. A revolt must arise, and arise it does in a grand manner!
Murari wrote in description what the dystopian country's citizens were going through: a few of what makes us feel like its a classic ultra nationalist country. Strict curfews, censorship of almost all literature, justifying it by saying that it would pollute the minds of the citizens, not allowing the citizens to leave the country and much more.
The narrative presents a disturbing yet captivating backdrop, exploring themes of political corruption amid a sudden democratic shift. As the populace descends into despair, unexpected arrivals and revelations unfold throughout the story. The intricate plot distinguishes it, featuring a complex web of characters and their interwoven roles.
Murari employs straightforward language that is easy to grasp, narrating in an engaging style that draws readers in and crafts a plot that remains impactful until the very end. This captivating political fiction is filled with secrets and surprise.
Chicanery is a racy, gripping tale of intrigue, dreams, hopes and commitment to a greater cause.

[Rutuja Ramteke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chicanery is a gripping tale of intrigue, set in a dystopian world where freedom has been eroded by a despotic government. David Richelieu, a man haunted by his past, returns to his homeland only to find himself facing an execution warrant. As Cyomared, the ex-Prime Minister, he's thrown into a perilous game of cat and mouse with the ruthless Minister of Culture.
The novel delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the unwavering pursuit of freedom. Richelieu's journey is a rollercoaster of emotions, as he navigates the treacherous political landscape, seeking to expose the corruption at the heart of the regime. His unwavering hope for a better future is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
The author's writing is vivid and engaging, creating a richly detailed world that is both familiar and alien. The characters are complex and believable, driven by their own desires and fears. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end.
Chicanery is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will leave a lasting impression. It's a must-read for fans of political thrillers and dystopian fiction.

[Purva • readwithpurva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chicanery is a fast-paced and gripping story about love, betrayal, and political power. It follows a former Prime Minister who returns to his country, knowing he might be executed, driven by his love for a woman and the country's struggle for freedom.

The novel vividly depicts a dystopian world where a harsh government strips away people's freedoms. The New Purity Party enforces strict curfews and uses cameras to create fear and paranoia, making the struggles of the citizens feel real.

The characters experience strong emotions like loyalty and ambition, showing how personal feelings connect to the fight for freedom. However, the ending felt predictable and anticlimactic, leaving me wishing for a more powerful conclusion. Overall, it’s an easy yet captivating read that keeps you engaged until the end.