In Petrichor Twilight

by Vineeth Sastry

Outside the underworld, a handful have heard of Mary Helen. Those who know haven’t seen but fear for their lives lest they cross her. She’s their undisputed head and rules with a ruthless iron fist and a merciless heart. The handful who’ve heard are heads of Intelligence Departments. But what business does the NSA and RAW have deploying agents to find her. What has a gangster got to do with national/international security. And from where has the underworld got the sudden guts to conspire against her, knowing well she’ll skin them alive for even dreaming it. And while they’re trying to get her. Is Intelligence trying to get her out of the way. Is the ACP, Michael Ashish insanely in love or just insane to want to get with her.
A love story so intense and subtle, you won’t know it’s come and gone and left a mark till you recollect it in Petrichor Twilights.

334 pages, Paperback

Published August 9, 2024

Reviews

[♡ Diyasha ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

• Hi everyone,

How much do I adore "𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫"? And if that book is entertaining throughout, how much more do I love it? Now allow me to present 𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲'𝐬 "𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓." A novel comparable to your evening munchies!

• Now, let me say that I absolutely love this book cover. I was so tempted to purchase this book right away. The blurb then drew my attention. It is true that each journey presents a unique challenge. I was more impressed by the book journey than I was by the blurb.

• I found it really 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 to write down everything that was happening right away. To be more exact, I understood the point after page number 50. Perhaps it was the names that gave me trouble! This book has 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, some of them are American Indian or have strange American names! Really, there are so many characters!

• However, I began to like 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧 and 𝐀𝐂𝐏 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬. They have an overly 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. Well, you know, I suppose. Yes, that is what I meant when I said,
"𝐇𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐲."
What does this book contain, by the way? 𝐑𝐀𝐖, 𝐍𝐒𝐀, 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 and some 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬.

• And I was feeling like 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚 that I have known for a long time! Indeed, it is evident that Vineeth Sastry gave his first debut novel his best effort. However, I believe that the 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐲 in a book has been fiercely centered around.

• For individuals with a 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, this is ideal. I know you will fall in love with the journey, just like I did. It is true that I am 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞. This book's journey has me completely enamored with its slow, thoughtful love affair and suitable mindset.

[Dalia (book_o_creativity) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary Helen is a name that only a handful recognize, but those who do either fear her or work in intelligence agencies. She’s a legend in the underworld, an undisputed ruler who commands with an iron fist and a merciless heart. No one dares to cross her, yet suddenly, the tides are shifting. The NSA and RAW have deployed agents to track her down, raising a burning question: what does a criminal mastermind have to do with matters of national and international security? Meanwhile, the very underworld she dominates is conspiring against her, an unthinkable move, given that betrayal means certain death. As enemies close in from all sides, one more puzzle emerges. What is that puzzle?

'In Petrichor Twilight' is a gripping thriller that plunges readers into a world of love, power, deception, and intrigue. It promises to take us into an intense ride with high stakes action, complex characters, and an electrifying plot. This book varies on different themes, amalgamating complex human nature and psyche. To talk about the character, the author has tried his best keep them as original and relatable as possible. Although the book has an engaging narrative, it does get boring at times. The character sketches are good but could have been better, because it has plethora of characters, I think some of them are not well fleshed out.

Coming to the writing, the narrative as I said earlier is good but boring at times. Both the writing quality and style is good. The language is accessible and good for beginner readers. If you want to read something different and intriguing then definitely pick up this book.

[Prerna Shambhavee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In Petrichor Twilight" is a thrilling story that takes you into the dark world of organized crime. Vineeth Sastry's first book is an exciting page-turner that combines suspense, intrigue, and romance.

At the center of this maelstrom is Mary Helen, the enigmatic and feared head of the underworld. Her reputation precedes her, striking fear into the hearts of even the most hardened intelligence officials. But what drives the NSA and RAW to deploy agents to find her? Is she a threat to national security, or is there more to her story?

As the narrative unfolds, Sastry skillfully exposes the layers of Mary Helen's character, revealing a ruthless leader with a merciless heart, yet also hinting at a deeper vulnerability. Her complex persona is expertly juxtaposed with ACP Michael Ashish, who is either insanely in love or just insane to want to get close to her.

The romance that blossoms between Mary Helen and Michael is subtle yet intense, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's psyche. Sastry's writing is evocative, conjuring the petrichor twilight atmosphere that permeates the novel – a sense of foreboding, yet hope.

The characters are well-developed, from spies to underworld figures. Each one adds depth to the narrative. The author's writing is clear and detailed, making it easy to imagine the world of espionage and crime.

"In Petrichor Twilight" is an impressive debut that's a must-read for fans of thrillers, crime fiction, and romance.

🍄Recommendation:-

If you enjoy authors like John le Carré, Frederick Forsyth, and Vikram Chandra, you'll love "In Petrichor Twilight". It's a gripping thriller with unexpected romance.

[Sameeksha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Petrichor Twilight was a unique read for me, especially after a long time, with its engaging and twisted plot written with exceptional thrill and rich vocabulary. The story pulls readers into a world of thrilling crime, rife with suspense and intrigue.

The book features a wide array of characters, each meticulously developed, blending suspense with complexity. Mary, one of the central figures, is a layered character whose motives are as enigmatic as they are compelling. ACP Michael Ashish adds intrigue as he finds himself romantically entangled with her. Stormy, Trevor, Dutt, Sonakshi and Reuben caught my attention. Mike’s truth has me pause for moments. The depth of the characters is well-crafted, enhancing the dark, thrilling atmosphere of the narrative.

Thematically, the book delves into the shadowy lines power politics and vulnerability, leaving readers to ponder trust, deception, and the hidden motives that drive people. It also touches on Mary’s mysterious past and the lengths powerful entities like NSA and RAW go to uncover her secret.

The suspense surrounding Mary is so intense that intelligence agencies are desperate to find her. What terrifying secret does she hold that has everyone walking on eggshells? Is she a threat, or does she wield the power to bring something or someone down?

What I appreciated most about the book is the author's ability to weave a web of mysterious revelations that keep readers hooked. However, at times, the sheer number of characters made it a bit challenging to grasp each one individually. Despite that, it’s an extraordinary thriller with a suspenseful plot that keeps you on edge from start to finish.

[Book_withquotes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vineeth Sastry’s debut novel, “In Petrichor Twilight,” is a captivating blend of suspense, intrigue, and romance. The story revolves around Mary Helen, a feared crime boss whose power and cruelty strike terror into the hearts of those who cross her path. The novel’s plot is expertly crafted, drawing the reader into a world of espionage, organized crime, and political intrigue. The tension between Mary Helen’s iron-fisted control over the underworld and the quieter, more delicate emotions simmering beneath the surface is fascinating.

Sastry’s writing is evocative and atmospheric, creating a vivid and immersive world. The characters are well-developed, each with their unique motivations and secrets. Mary Helen, in particular, is a complex and enigmatic figure who is both feared and admired. The romance between Mary Helen and ACP Michael Ashish is a surprising element that adds depth to the story. It’s not a flashy love story but rather a subtle and nuanced connection that develops over time.

While the novel’s pacing is generally well-executed, there are a few moments where the plot can feel a bit convoluted. However, these moments are overshadowed by the overall suspense and intrigue of the story. Overall, “In Petrichor Twilight” is a highly recommended thriller that offers a unique and satisfying reading experience. Sastry’s impressive debut showcases his talent for crafting complex characters and engaging narratives.

[Srijani Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vineeth Sastry’s Petrichor Twilights is a fascinating mix of love story and nail biting suspense. It is difficult to imagine anyone going against Mary Helen, the fierce manager of the underworld. But as the world of intelligence agencies and especially anti terror outfits get embroiled in her web, one gets the impression that there is another edge to the story. This is coupled with ACP Michael Ashish’s obsession with Mary, which has an uncanny resemblance with love. Is that love? Or is he simply mad?

The book excels in plain telling, and avoids romanticizing a lifestyle, showing two lovers becoming entwined in the beautiful chaos around them, seamlessly. The combination of Helen Mary's inexplicable persona and Michael's fierce passion makes their relationship chilling yet compelling. The events, which contain intrigue and ethical disintegration, prepare a good context to examine human feelings in a nuanced way.

Petrichor Twilights, Bringing together romance with thrill in a way that the smell of petrichor stays in your mind long after, making it a book that all fans of emotional roller acers should read.
My rating: 4/5🌟

[Devanshi Sanghani · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a considerable amount of time to finish reading 𝐈𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲, mainly because there was a lot happening on every page, which required me to take time to process. The story has great potential to become a bestseller, but it gets tangled in a chaotic plot due to the overwhelming number of characters. The author’s narrative style could use some refinement, as there are moments when the dialogues are unclear and it’s difficult to determine which character is speaking.

The core theme of the book centers around mafias, drugs, and the police, which provides a thrilling backdrop. However, I found myself unsatisfied with the overall experience.

The cover and title of the book don’t quite do justice to the story. While it has the potential to be adapted into a blockbuster movie one day, the large number of characters may confuse readers about what’s really happening. Overall, it was an average read for me, as I feel the story could have been much stronger if the author had focused on just a few key characters.

[Pavireads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Petrichor Twilights masterfully intertwines the gritty underworld with the high-stakes realm of intelligence, delivering a story that’s equal parts suspense and emotion. Mary Helen is a commanding protagonist, radiating power and mystique, and her complex web of enemies, allies, and admirers keeps you hooked. The layered narrative seamlessly balances action, intrigue, and a love story so understated yet profound that its impact sneaks up on you, lingering long after the last page.

I loved how the book doesn’t rely on grand gestures or clichés to convey love but instead weaves it naturally into the chaos of its world. Mary Helen and ACP Michael Ashish’s dynamic is fascinating—both haunting and heartwarming in its intensity. This is more than just a thriller; it’s a reminder of how love can bloom in the most unlikely places, leaving an indelible mark like the smell of rain on parched earth.

[Mugdha Mahajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Petrichor Twilight” by Vineeth Sastry is a gripping mix of suspense and emotion, driven by the enigmatic figure of Mary Helen, a crime boss who balances ruthless power with a hidden vulnerability. What really drew me in was the intricate tension between her iron-fisted control over the underworld and the quieter, more delicate emotions simmering beneath the surface. The plot effortlessly weaves in elements of danger, conspiracy, and national security, keeping me on edge throughout, but it’s the subtle romance with ACP Michael Ashish that adds unexpected depth. It’s not a flashy love story—it’s more like a lingering presence that you don’t fully realize until it hits you.

Sastry’s ability to keep you guessing while still delivering emotional weight makes this a thrilling and satisfying read, especially if you enjoy novels where love and danger collide in unpredictable ways.

[bookswithkinkita · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Petrichor Twilight by Vineeth Sastry, a gripping blend of thriller and romance unfolds through the character of Mary Helen, a formidable underworld leader. Her tough exterior hides a complex emotional landscape, explored alongside ACP Michael Ashish, whose paths intertwine with hers. The narrative is rich with suspense, examining deep emotions and moral dilemmas. Their interactions are charged with passion and vulnerability, illustrating the fine line between love and enmity. Against a backdrop of organized crime and political intrigue, the meticulously crafted plot leads to unexpected twists, keeping readers engaged until the end. This thrilling journey, filled with danger and moral ambiguity, is a memorable addition to the genre.