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As Dark as Blood: A Roshan Rana Mystery
A MAN VANISHES WITHOUT A TRACE IN DARJEELING
Tormented Delhi cop Roshan Rana is dragged into a high-stakes investigation in which he wants no part. Roshan’s personal life is in ruins. Dementia is eroding his father’s memory. The thought of being forgotten by his father, as his own son has done with him, cuts deep. As a chilling case unfolds in the serene but secretive hill town, Roshan’s buried past comes back to haunt him.
ONE BY ONE, THE BODIES BEGIN TO PILE UP
What starts as a missing-person case soon spirals into a nightmare as Darjeeling becomes a hunting ground for a ruthless and cunning psychopath. With a wave of brutal murders, Roshan realizes the serial killer isn’t just targetting individuals — he’s dismantling a community, piece by piece, with a savage, calculated precision.
CAN ROSHAN CONFRONT HIS OWN DEMONS AND STOP THE KILLER BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE?
Racing against time, Roshan pieces together a trail of horror that spans years and cities, uncovering a crime far more twisted than imaginable. As he closes in on the psychopath, the line between hunter and hunted begins to blur.
Gripping, atmospheric, and emotionally charged, As Dark as Blood is much more than a sharp crime thriller. Layered with intrigue and psychological depth it leaves you breathless until the last page.
Tormented Delhi cop Roshan Rana is dragged into a high-stakes investigation in which he wants no part. Roshan’s personal life is in ruins. Dementia is eroding his father’s memory. The thought of being forgotten by his father, as his own son has done with him, cuts deep. As a chilling case unfolds in the serene but secretive hill town, Roshan’s buried past comes back to haunt him.
ONE BY ONE, THE BODIES BEGIN TO PILE UP
What starts as a missing-person case soon spirals into a nightmare as Darjeeling becomes a hunting ground for a ruthless and cunning psychopath. With a wave of brutal murders, Roshan realizes the serial killer isn’t just targetting individuals — he’s dismantling a community, piece by piece, with a savage, calculated precision.
CAN ROSHAN CONFRONT HIS OWN DEMONS AND STOP THE KILLER BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE?
Racing against time, Roshan pieces together a trail of horror that spans years and cities, uncovering a crime far more twisted than imaginable. As he closes in on the psychopath, the line between hunter and hunted begins to blur.
Gripping, atmospheric, and emotionally charged, As Dark as Blood is much more than a sharp crime thriller. Layered with intrigue and psychological depth it leaves you breathless until the last page.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 2, 2025
Yasser Usman’s As Dark as Blood delivers a chilling and emotionally resonant crime thriller set against the atmospheric backdrop of Darjeeling. The narrative follows tormented Delhi cop Roshan Rana, a man grappling with personal demons, as he is drawn into a high-stakes investigation involving a series of brutal murders. What begins as a missing person case quickly escalates into a hunt for a ruthless serial killer, forcing Roshan to confront not only the darkness within the town but also the shadows of his past. The evocative setting of Darjeeling, with its misty hills and hidden secrets, enhances the sense of unease and mystery, contributing significantly to the book’s overall atmosphere.
Roshan Rana stands out as a compelling protagonist, a flawed and deeply human character whose struggles with dementia-stricken father and broken family add layers of emotional complexity to the story. His journey is not just about catching a killer; it’s about confronting his inner turmoil and finding redemption. The unfolding mystery, coupled with Roshan’s struggles, creates a powerful emotional impact, leaving a lasting impression. The exploration of the father-son relationship adds a heartfelt dimension, balancing the suspenseful elements with moments of poignant reflection.
The book’s exploration of psychological themes, coupled with its gripping plot, makes it a must-read for fans of crime thrillers. The narrative’s cinematic quality, with its atmospheric setting and compelling characters, makes it easy to imagine as a film adaptation. The combination of intense suspense and emotional depth makes “As Dark as Blood” a standout thriller that leaves readers both breathless and deeply moved.
Roshan Rana stands out as a compelling protagonist, a flawed and deeply human character whose struggles with dementia-stricken father and broken family add layers of emotional complexity to the story. His journey is not just about catching a killer; it’s about confronting his inner turmoil and finding redemption. The unfolding mystery, coupled with Roshan’s struggles, creates a powerful emotional impact, leaving a lasting impression. The exploration of the father-son relationship adds a heartfelt dimension, balancing the suspenseful elements with moments of poignant reflection.
The book’s exploration of psychological themes, coupled with its gripping plot, makes it a must-read for fans of crime thrillers. The narrative’s cinematic quality, with its atmospheric setting and compelling characters, makes it easy to imagine as a film adaptation. The combination of intense suspense and emotional depth makes “As Dark as Blood” a standout thriller that leaves readers both breathless and deeply moved.
March 31, 2025
as dark as blood by yasser usman
genre : investigative suspense
My 💭:
[28/3/25 10.21 PM]
OH MY GOD! What a suspense! 😵
First of all, hats off to the author for creating SUCH a perfectly tense atmosphere and dark ambience for the story's plot. It was almost like watching a Netflix mini series live. 🙌
And I was right. Reading this book WAS an experience.
The story starts with Delhi cop Roshan Rana going to Darjeeling to solve a high profile murder case. I already knew he was batting something dark in his mind but it wasn't until much later when I understood how deep rooted his troubles were. This story isn't just a murder investigation suspense. It's also a deeply emotional story about a father trying to mend bridges with his only son after driving him away from himself in the worst possible way.
The twists and investigation were awesome. But being a sucker for emotional stuff, it was Roshan's character development and journey that I enjoyed the most. Being a staunch LGBTQ community ally, it was hard to digest some parts of this book but it really showed the reality of our country without sugarcoating anything. I know this because I have seen what most men write in the comment section of reels about queer people. So much hatred and disgust towards others just because of lack of understanding. It's really heartbreaking. Homophobia forms the heart of this story and as much it hurt me to read about the current situation, I still did because that's the least I can do. Gods, I wish humans were more compassionate!
I somewhat figured out the identity of the villain about midway *pats my own back 😎*. And believe me, it was a pure evil kind of villain twist. And from the start till the end, I was terrified that my favourite character will be 💀. It added on to my anxiety 😂.
Idk why it took me so long to finish this book. Life has been a bit full of surprises lately, not in a bad way though. But I need to re-find my centre of gravity in books and calm myself. Happy reading booksta people!
TW : homophobia, r@pe, paedophilia
genre : investigative suspense
My 💭:
[28/3/25 10.21 PM]
OH MY GOD! What a suspense! 😵
First of all, hats off to the author for creating SUCH a perfectly tense atmosphere and dark ambience for the story's plot. It was almost like watching a Netflix mini series live. 🙌
And I was right. Reading this book WAS an experience.
The story starts with Delhi cop Roshan Rana going to Darjeeling to solve a high profile murder case. I already knew he was batting something dark in his mind but it wasn't until much later when I understood how deep rooted his troubles were. This story isn't just a murder investigation suspense. It's also a deeply emotional story about a father trying to mend bridges with his only son after driving him away from himself in the worst possible way.
The twists and investigation were awesome. But being a sucker for emotional stuff, it was Roshan's character development and journey that I enjoyed the most. Being a staunch LGBTQ community ally, it was hard to digest some parts of this book but it really showed the reality of our country without sugarcoating anything. I know this because I have seen what most men write in the comment section of reels about queer people. So much hatred and disgust towards others just because of lack of understanding. It's really heartbreaking. Homophobia forms the heart of this story and as much it hurt me to read about the current situation, I still did because that's the least I can do. Gods, I wish humans were more compassionate!
I somewhat figured out the identity of the villain about midway *pats my own back 😎*. And believe me, it was a pure evil kind of villain twist. And from the start till the end, I was terrified that my favourite character will be 💀. It added on to my anxiety 😂.
Idk why it took me so long to finish this book. Life has been a bit full of surprises lately, not in a bad way though. But I need to re-find my centre of gravity in books and calm myself. Happy reading booksta people!
TW : homophobia, r@pe, paedophilia
March 11, 2025
-Gritty And Thrilling-
Review of 'As Dark As Blood'
Quote Alert
'𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐎𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝. 𝐎𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐨 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝.'
Abandoned by his son and grappling with the absence of his wife, tough cop Roshan Rana has his family in tatters. His father has been diagnosed with dementia. He feels guilty that he gets a new case, a chance to go to verdant hills of Darjeeling by escaping the daily drudgery of the millennium city, Gurgaon. What starts as a missing persons case though snowballs into a nightmarish blood bath orchestrated by a psychopath.
Struggling with his own demons of the past which are now being unearthed one by one, Roshan feels these killings are not only a gruesome work of an unhinged murderer but a slow and cruel fragmentation of a community. The chills and thrills are well paced, keeping them layered up with the character growth. When Roshan discovers that this dance of debauchery isn't limited to one city or one year, all hell breaks loose.
The author tries to lighten up the atmosphere a bit. What can only be called as a clever way to work humour in, the author tries to slip a smile into a serious situation when he wishes his boss to have a bit of dementia too. I like these flashes of trying to find humour wherever one can. It prevents the story from becoming too self-conscious. I also liked the peppering of language with hindi. It gives the dialogues a certain earthiness.
Leaving you with my favorite lines- 'Nostalgia is a cat. It prowls through the corridors of our memories. It slinks into our minds, uninvited yet oddly comforting, leaving a trail of longing in its wake. It can curl up in our laps and allow us to stroke its fur, basking in the soothing embrace of familiarity. But like a cat, nostalgia is also a cunning creature. It can sharpen its claws, stirring up a sense of longing that pierces our hearts.'
Review of 'As Dark As Blood'
Quote Alert
'𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐎𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝. 𝐎𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐨 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝.'
Abandoned by his son and grappling with the absence of his wife, tough cop Roshan Rana has his family in tatters. His father has been diagnosed with dementia. He feels guilty that he gets a new case, a chance to go to verdant hills of Darjeeling by escaping the daily drudgery of the millennium city, Gurgaon. What starts as a missing persons case though snowballs into a nightmarish blood bath orchestrated by a psychopath.
Struggling with his own demons of the past which are now being unearthed one by one, Roshan feels these killings are not only a gruesome work of an unhinged murderer but a slow and cruel fragmentation of a community. The chills and thrills are well paced, keeping them layered up with the character growth. When Roshan discovers that this dance of debauchery isn't limited to one city or one year, all hell breaks loose.
The author tries to lighten up the atmosphere a bit. What can only be called as a clever way to work humour in, the author tries to slip a smile into a serious situation when he wishes his boss to have a bit of dementia too. I like these flashes of trying to find humour wherever one can. It prevents the story from becoming too self-conscious. I also liked the peppering of language with hindi. It gives the dialogues a certain earthiness.
Leaving you with my favorite lines- 'Nostalgia is a cat. It prowls through the corridors of our memories. It slinks into our minds, uninvited yet oddly comforting, leaving a trail of longing in its wake. It can curl up in our laps and allow us to stroke its fur, basking in the soothing embrace of familiarity. But like a cat, nostalgia is also a cunning creature. It can sharpen its claws, stirring up a sense of longing that pierces our hearts.'
March 13, 2025
As Dark as Blood by Yasser Usman is a gripping crime thriller that explores the depths of human nature, both inner and outer. The novel revolves around Roshan Rana, a battered Delhi cop, who is dragged into a missing-person case in Darjeeling against his will. What starts off as a routine inquiry soon turns out to be a grisly sequence of savage murders, compelling Roshan to face his own demons as well as to crack the case.
The atmosphere of Darjeeling is nothing less than engrossing. The rolling hills and peaceful surroundings are contrasted with the dark forces hiding under the surface, mirroring the conflict within both the town and its people. Darjeeling, in its understated loveliness and secrets hidden, is itself a character, an echo of the inner life of Roshan and others connected with the case. Being a Bengali eternally in love with the hill station it attracted me more.
Roshan Rana is not your typical detective. His personal struggles, including his father's battle with dementia and a fractured relationship with his son, add a layer of complexity to his character. The author does a brilliant job of weaving these personal challenges with the escalating mystery, creating a character who is deeply flawed yet empathetic. Roshan’s internal conflict brings a sense of realism to the story, making his journey both heart-wrenching and compelling.
The story is cleverly structured with suspense, with every twist having the reader on the edge of their seat. Usman's writing makes you wonder, with unanticipated turns that contribute to the tension. The psychological suspense is not the only thing in this book that sets it apart, but also the manner in which it uses larger social issues such as homophobia and misogyny, so it is a thoughtful read.
For me this is a well-written thriller, in a lovely atmospheric setting, with difficult characters and a compelling plot that will keep you enthralled from beginning to end.
The atmosphere of Darjeeling is nothing less than engrossing. The rolling hills and peaceful surroundings are contrasted with the dark forces hiding under the surface, mirroring the conflict within both the town and its people. Darjeeling, in its understated loveliness and secrets hidden, is itself a character, an echo of the inner life of Roshan and others connected with the case. Being a Bengali eternally in love with the hill station it attracted me more.
Roshan Rana is not your typical detective. His personal struggles, including his father's battle with dementia and a fractured relationship with his son, add a layer of complexity to his character. The author does a brilliant job of weaving these personal challenges with the escalating mystery, creating a character who is deeply flawed yet empathetic. Roshan’s internal conflict brings a sense of realism to the story, making his journey both heart-wrenching and compelling.
The story is cleverly structured with suspense, with every twist having the reader on the edge of their seat. Usman's writing makes you wonder, with unanticipated turns that contribute to the tension. The psychological suspense is not the only thing in this book that sets it apart, but also the manner in which it uses larger social issues such as homophobia and misogyny, so it is a thoughtful read.
For me this is a well-written thriller, in a lovely atmospheric setting, with difficult characters and a compelling plot that will keep you enthralled from beginning to end.
March 31, 2025
Yasser Usman’s As Dark as Blood is an intense crime thriller set in the misty hills of Darjeeling, where secrets lurk beneath its serene surface. The story follows Roshan Rana, a former investigator grappling with his past while getting entangled in a chilling murder mystery. Usman’s background in Bollywood and crime journalism shines through in his storytelling—his writing is fast-paced, cinematic, and rich in atmosphere, making Darjeeling feel almost alive with its eerie charm.
What makes this book stand out is its emotional and psychological depth. It’s not just about solving a crime; it’s about Roshan confronting his own demons, from his father’s deteriorating health to his strained relationship with his son. The book also touches on real societal issues, including prejudice, homophobia, and the fragility of justice, making the thriller feel raw and relevant. Usman balances the dark themes with sharp, authentic dialogue and subtle humor, keeping the narrative gripping yet grounded.
Beyond its suspenseful plot, As Dark as Blood leaves a lasting impact by exploring the complexities of human relationships, memory, and identity. It masterfully contrasts Darjeeling’s picturesque beauty with the darkness that lurks beneath, mirroring the struggles of its characters. This isn’t just a murder mystery—it’s a deeply layered story that keeps you hooked while making you reflect long after the final page.
What makes this book stand out is its emotional and psychological depth. It’s not just about solving a crime; it’s about Roshan confronting his own demons, from his father’s deteriorating health to his strained relationship with his son. The book also touches on real societal issues, including prejudice, homophobia, and the fragility of justice, making the thriller feel raw and relevant. Usman balances the dark themes with sharp, authentic dialogue and subtle humor, keeping the narrative gripping yet grounded.
Beyond its suspenseful plot, As Dark as Blood leaves a lasting impact by exploring the complexities of human relationships, memory, and identity. It masterfully contrasts Darjeeling’s picturesque beauty with the darkness that lurks beneath, mirroring the struggles of its characters. This isn’t just a murder mystery—it’s a deeply layered story that keeps you hooked while making you reflect long after the final page.
April 10, 2025
Roshan Vir Rana, inspector in the crime branch of Delhi Police, has taken a break from work to spend time with his ailing father who has been losing himself to dementia. When the young son of an industrialist and Rajya Sabha MP, Rohit Jaiswal went missing during his vacation in Darjeeling, Roshan is called over by the DCP to crack the case.
Reluctant to leave behind his father and cut short his leave, Roshan reached Darjeeling but local Inspector Lepcha was hostile to Roshan as he felt Roshan was overstepping their investigation.Roshan luckily found support from Tanvir who once worked with Roshan in Delhi police but now moved to Darjeeling to run his fleet of taxis.
Soon Rohit’s dead body is found in a battered manner and before Roshan could make solid progress finding the culprit, more dead bodies are found with victims found in similar circumstances and the modus operandi of the killer seemed identical. While the local police refused to acknowledge as a serial killer, Roshan being a non-local had to chase multiple leads with minimal support, while also dealing with his emotions for his estranged son who now lived in Darjeeling.
Will Roshan be able to stop the serial killer before he strikes again, forms the rest of the story.
This story merges two parallel tracks — Roshan trying to catch the culprit while dealing with his personal demons and his lost relationships. Though the reader will not be able to guess at the beginning of the book, Roshan’s personal life is well connected to the ending by the author. The story begins as a typical thriller but as it progresses, the author deftly ties multiple threads and multiple characters, that help the story to standout.
The highlight is how the protagonist cracks the culprit’s identity from hidden clues that are not obvious. Roshan Rana is not the ideal hero; he is flawed, orthodox but he has this restlessness to solve crimes that makes him a perfect crime branch inspector. His redemption towards the end is slow and organic and does not feel abrupt or forced.
The author does not just weave a crime story that is filled with thrills and turns, he also has a subtle social commentary about many contemporary issues. Especially how high-profile cases have all the attention from the police force while missing person cases from low income families are closed even before they are opened.
The author also gives a detailed backdrop of the antagonist and his past life, giving insight into his psyche and how he developed the criminal mindset. The author also maintains the dark theme of the story throughout, with Darjeeling playing a perfect backdrop of mystery.
Overall, As Dark as Blood is a perfect read for thriller lovers.
Reluctant to leave behind his father and cut short his leave, Roshan reached Darjeeling but local Inspector Lepcha was hostile to Roshan as he felt Roshan was overstepping their investigation.Roshan luckily found support from Tanvir who once worked with Roshan in Delhi police but now moved to Darjeeling to run his fleet of taxis.
Soon Rohit’s dead body is found in a battered manner and before Roshan could make solid progress finding the culprit, more dead bodies are found with victims found in similar circumstances and the modus operandi of the killer seemed identical. While the local police refused to acknowledge as a serial killer, Roshan being a non-local had to chase multiple leads with minimal support, while also dealing with his emotions for his estranged son who now lived in Darjeeling.
Will Roshan be able to stop the serial killer before he strikes again, forms the rest of the story.
This story merges two parallel tracks — Roshan trying to catch the culprit while dealing with his personal demons and his lost relationships. Though the reader will not be able to guess at the beginning of the book, Roshan’s personal life is well connected to the ending by the author. The story begins as a typical thriller but as it progresses, the author deftly ties multiple threads and multiple characters, that help the story to standout.
The highlight is how the protagonist cracks the culprit’s identity from hidden clues that are not obvious. Roshan Rana is not the ideal hero; he is flawed, orthodox but he has this restlessness to solve crimes that makes him a perfect crime branch inspector. His redemption towards the end is slow and organic and does not feel abrupt or forced.
The author does not just weave a crime story that is filled with thrills and turns, he also has a subtle social commentary about many contemporary issues. Especially how high-profile cases have all the attention from the police force while missing person cases from low income families are closed even before they are opened.
The author also gives a detailed backdrop of the antagonist and his past life, giving insight into his psyche and how he developed the criminal mindset. The author also maintains the dark theme of the story throughout, with Darjeeling playing a perfect backdrop of mystery.
Overall, As Dark as Blood is a perfect read for thriller lovers.
March 5, 2025
Roshan Rana, a troubled cop from Delhi, is reluctantly pulled into a missing-person case in Darjeeling that quickly escalates into a string of brutal murders. As he uncovers the dark secrets of the town, Roshan is forced to confront his own personal demons, including his father’s dementia and a strained relationship with his son. The case becomes a race against time, as a psychopathic killer dismantles the community, one victim at a time.
Yasser Usman has created a gripping, atmospheric thriller that kept me on edge from start to finish. I was drawn not only to the twisting murder mystery but to Roshan's emotional turmoil. His internal struggle, coupled with his haunting past, added real depth to the story. The short chapters really engage the reader and make it a nail-biting page-turner. The twists and turns are compelling.
The setting of Darjeeling, with its quiet beauty and hidden darkness, perfectly mirrored the characters' emotional landscapes. With the author's experience in bollywood, television and crime-investigative shows, this book turns out it be a cinematically portrayed storyline, totally mesmerizing. By the end, I was left with a sense of unease that lingered long after I turned the final page, marking this as a standout read.
Yasser Usman has created a gripping, atmospheric thriller that kept me on edge from start to finish. I was drawn not only to the twisting murder mystery but to Roshan's emotional turmoil. His internal struggle, coupled with his haunting past, added real depth to the story. The short chapters really engage the reader and make it a nail-biting page-turner. The twists and turns are compelling.
The setting of Darjeeling, with its quiet beauty and hidden darkness, perfectly mirrored the characters' emotional landscapes. With the author's experience in bollywood, television and crime-investigative shows, this book turns out it be a cinematically portrayed storyline, totally mesmerizing. By the end, I was left with a sense of unease that lingered long after I turned the final page, marking this as a standout read.
March 14, 2025
AS DARK AS BLOOD - YASSER USAMAN
4.5⭐
PLOT
Roshan Rana is a troubled cop who is dragged into a high profile case in Darjeeling. But on investigation it's clear that it's a case of a serial killer who is dismantling a community piece by piece with a calculated precision.
Can Rana confront his own demons and stop the killer before it's too late?
MY THOUGHTS
As Dark as Blood is an atmospheric, gripping page turner so cleverly narrated where secrets and clues are uncovered regularly. Roshan Rana's character needs to uncover the truth and his emotional turmoil is so well depicted and is totally on point as a police officer.
This story is set a few decades ago where homosexuality was considered a crime and combining that in a story with the psychology of people living in non metro cities , their take on crimes and subsequent apathy towards local cops was unfortunately a sad reality.
In his acknowledgement the author mentions that this book was originally planned as TV series but I wish that now it does have a screen adaptation as it's cinematic narration, atmospheric setting and all the compelling characterization will make it a perfect fit for it.
After a long time I have read an Indian Crime Thriller worthy of all the recognition that it deserves.
4.5⭐
PLOT
Roshan Rana is a troubled cop who is dragged into a high profile case in Darjeeling. But on investigation it's clear that it's a case of a serial killer who is dismantling a community piece by piece with a calculated precision.
Can Rana confront his own demons and stop the killer before it's too late?
MY THOUGHTS
As Dark as Blood is an atmospheric, gripping page turner so cleverly narrated where secrets and clues are uncovered regularly. Roshan Rana's character needs to uncover the truth and his emotional turmoil is so well depicted and is totally on point as a police officer.
This story is set a few decades ago where homosexuality was considered a crime and combining that in a story with the psychology of people living in non metro cities , their take on crimes and subsequent apathy towards local cops was unfortunately a sad reality.
In his acknowledgement the author mentions that this book was originally planned as TV series but I wish that now it does have a screen adaptation as it's cinematic narration, atmospheric setting and all the compelling characterization will make it a perfect fit for it.
After a long time I have read an Indian Crime Thriller worthy of all the recognition that it deserves.
April 17, 2025
Set mostly in Delhi, Darjeeling and Murshidabad (yes to the Bengal representation), this dark psychological thriller is a highly addictive that takes you on a cat-and-mouse chase between a highly decorated Police Inspector who has a dark past and a serial killer who has hunted down innocent lives for decades.
Roshan Rana gets to investigate a case in Darjeeling against his will where the young son of a Delhi politician goes missing. What seems to be a small missing person case at first, soon becomes a tragedy that unfolds the heinous crimes against the gay community. This book only offers you the delectable thrill of a psychological thriller, but also a deep peak into the prejudice and hatred faced by the young gay men in India.
The book was fast paced and didn't feel like it was 400 pages. The characters were brilliantly fleshed out (even the minor ones) and the protagonist had his own unredeemable characteristics that made the book interesting. I loved how one clue led to another and there were so many twists in the book that not a single character, or any single event, felt out of place.
It was highly addictive, made me stay up at night, and the thrill it provided had my heart racing fast. Genuinely loved this book.
Roshan Rana gets to investigate a case in Darjeeling against his will where the young son of a Delhi politician goes missing. What seems to be a small missing person case at first, soon becomes a tragedy that unfolds the heinous crimes against the gay community. This book only offers you the delectable thrill of a psychological thriller, but also a deep peak into the prejudice and hatred faced by the young gay men in India.
The book was fast paced and didn't feel like it was 400 pages. The characters were brilliantly fleshed out (even the minor ones) and the protagonist had his own unredeemable characteristics that made the book interesting. I loved how one clue led to another and there were so many twists in the book that not a single character, or any single event, felt out of place.
It was highly addictive, made me stay up at night, and the thrill it provided had my heart racing fast. Genuinely loved this book.
July 14, 2025
Almost 3.5 ⭐️
First of all let's start with pros...
The atmosphere and ambience of the book was ten on ten. The author did fantastic job in making readers feel they are actually in Darjeeling. Another thing, story was quiet amazing and author did a good job of portraying a serial killer. Suspense was also good. However, this is where the pros end.
Now the cons...
I felt the book was way too dragged. I did not feel the need to pick the book and find out what's happening, rather I would have to force myself to complete the book. I also felt that there were a lot of repetition and after 200 pages I was just bored. Another thing, I did not know the book would be this Dark. I did not see any trigger warnings ( if there were I missed to see them )
If instead of 400 pages the book finished at 300 pages I would've given better rating. Also when the killer was actually revealed I felt it hard to remember who this person in the story was. There were quite alot of characters and I found it hard to remember their significant role in the story. Although I do understand that all the characters were necessary I still felt it was hard to keep them in mind.
Trigger warnings for anyone who's interested to read it...
R@pe
Paedophile
Homophobia
First of all let's start with pros...
The atmosphere and ambience of the book was ten on ten. The author did fantastic job in making readers feel they are actually in Darjeeling. Another thing, story was quiet amazing and author did a good job of portraying a serial killer. Suspense was also good. However, this is where the pros end.
Now the cons...
I felt the book was way too dragged. I did not feel the need to pick the book and find out what's happening, rather I would have to force myself to complete the book. I also felt that there were a lot of repetition and after 200 pages I was just bored. Another thing, I did not know the book would be this Dark. I did not see any trigger warnings ( if there were I missed to see them )
If instead of 400 pages the book finished at 300 pages I would've given better rating. Also when the killer was actually revealed I felt it hard to remember who this person in the story was. There were quite alot of characters and I found it hard to remember their significant role in the story. Although I do understand that all the characters were necessary I still felt it was hard to keep them in mind.
Trigger warnings for anyone who's interested to read it...
R@pe
Paedophile
Homophobia
March 2, 2025
‘As Dark As Blood’ is a haunting exploration of justice and prejudice, wrapped in the spine chilling cloak of a serial killer thriller. The story follows Inspector Roshan Rana, a Delhi cop wrestling with his own battles as he is thrust into a case that begins with a disappearance but unravels into a spree of gruesome murders.
Roshan Rana is no conventional hero. His flaws including a crumbling marriage, strained relationship with his son make him achingly human. Roshan publicly disowns his son Arsh during a protest, prioritizing his rigid moral code over paternal instinct, underscores his internal chaos. The author crafts Roshan’s duality masterfully: i.e. a man torn between duty and compassion, justice and hypocrisy thereby mirroring the societal contradictions the novel critiques.
The narrative thrives on unpredictability. Usman avoids clichés, weaving a plot where it is impossible to predict the killer. Beyond the suspense, the novel’s heart lies in its unflinching indictment of homophobia and misogyny. Overall it is not just a crime novel, it’s a mirror to societal rot demanding reflection on how hatred fractures lives. A standout thriller!
Roshan Rana is no conventional hero. His flaws including a crumbling marriage, strained relationship with his son make him achingly human. Roshan publicly disowns his son Arsh during a protest, prioritizing his rigid moral code over paternal instinct, underscores his internal chaos. The author crafts Roshan’s duality masterfully: i.e. a man torn between duty and compassion, justice and hypocrisy thereby mirroring the societal contradictions the novel critiques.
The narrative thrives on unpredictability. Usman avoids clichés, weaving a plot where it is impossible to predict the killer. Beyond the suspense, the novel’s heart lies in its unflinching indictment of homophobia and misogyny. Overall it is not just a crime novel, it’s a mirror to societal rot demanding reflection on how hatred fractures lives. A standout thriller!
February 17, 2025
Quick BLURB
A man disappears without a trace in Darjeeling. What seems like a simple missing case soon turns into a nightmare of brutal murders.
Delhi cop Roshan Rana is soon pulled into this case, but he’s already battling his own demons. His Father’s fading memory, his broken family, and the pain of being forgotten.
But when a ruthless serial killer starts tearing through the town, Roshan has no other choice but to hunt him down.
As the bodies begin to pile up, Roshan realizes that this isn’t just about murder but it is a twisted game. And before he can stop the killer, he has to face his own haunting past.
How all these are connected and how he solves the case is something which you’ll find out after you have read this book.
Why I Loved It
🔥 Dark, Gripping & Intense
This book is more than just a crime thriller. It takes us into a deep, emotional, and chilling journey that stays with us even after we have finished reading this book.
🕵🏻♂️ A Detective with Depth
Roshan Rana is not someone who is like your typical hero. He’s flawed, real, and struggling, making his story even more powerful.
🌲 Darjeeling Like You’ve Never Seen before
The setting adds perfectly to the mystery especially the misty hills, hidden secrets, and a town on edge.
Why You Should Read It
If you are someone who loves fast-paced, psychological crime thrillers that keeps you guessing, As Dark as Blood is for you. It is dark, suspenseful, and impossible to put down!
April 3, 2025
Author brilliantly portrayed a social issue enveloped in a hunted thriller, a grotesque murder mystery laced with a topic that challenges social norms, an investigation that navigates readers through picturesque Darjeeling and the way he uncovered layer in characters that creates mind-blowing transformation, the transition is sheer brilliance with head spinning plot twists, I am just blown away!!!
When I first read that author is inspired from Guru Dutt Saab I held my heart and really started expecting something deep and what I explored was one extremely compelling narration that hooked me till the last page.
The vivid description created a hunting atmosphere which makes this book unforgettable. Beside the mystery this book delivered a delicate issue, Indian father and son relationship, the conflicts and psychological aspects waves exquisite exploration in a way that carved a philosophical pedestal for the plot and gives food for thoughts to readers.
The way its plot unfolds, the reader's mind easily gets caught inside the cobweb of mystery. I can say it's one of the finest, twisted thrillers by an Indian authors I have read in the last few years.
This book is meant to stay with you for long time, the characters won't leave you easily. I can talk about this book whole night 😄
When I first read that author is inspired from Guru Dutt Saab I held my heart and really started expecting something deep and what I explored was one extremely compelling narration that hooked me till the last page.
The vivid description created a hunting atmosphere which makes this book unforgettable. Beside the mystery this book delivered a delicate issue, Indian father and son relationship, the conflicts and psychological aspects waves exquisite exploration in a way that carved a philosophical pedestal for the plot and gives food for thoughts to readers.
The way its plot unfolds, the reader's mind easily gets caught inside the cobweb of mystery. I can say it's one of the finest, twisted thrillers by an Indian authors I have read in the last few years.
This book is meant to stay with you for long time, the characters won't leave you easily. I can talk about this book whole night 😄
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