The Babel Murders

by Abhishek Roy

In a near-future world torn apart by frequent school shootings, society is divided between the Globalists, who want unity, global uniformity and peace, and the Segmentists, who fight for individual freedom and expression. Amidst this chaos, a group of academics studying an ancient Amazonian tribe is mysteriously killed, sparking a series of deaths among top linguists and scientists.

Professor Neel Dutta is plunged into investigating these murders linked to Neo-Esperanto, a primordial perceptive language that could enhance human communication. With his ex-girlfriend and fellow academic, Devin Jones, they must outsmart deadly assassins, unravel the Mertongue Project’s secrets and confront the enigmatic Thanatos across continents to prevent a global catastrophe while confronting their own pasts and the dark secrets of those they once trusted.

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2025

Reviews

[Varma Shagun · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞:
"Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth."

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
I enjoy reading thrillers and wanted to explore the dystopian genre. This book seemed like a perfect fit.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
I absolutely loved the book cover. The smart illustration makes it intriguing and instantly eye catching. The title is relevant and grabs attention immediately.

𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
✓ The story takes us into a dystopian world where civilisation is divided into two groups Globalists and Segmentists. A mysterious murder of a group of academics draws Professor Neel Dutta into a deeply mind bending investigation.
✓ Neel and Devin’s bond felt very realistic and relatable. I was impressed by how the author incorporated emotional realism into a dystopian thriller. The way Neel is reminded of their past courtship every time he sees her felt genuine.
✓ I remained genuinely intrigued till the very end. The narration plays a strong role in maintaining suspense. It is more or less medium paced and while it could have been slightly faster, it did not affect the overall experience much.
✓ The characters and scenarios are well synchronised and nothing feels misplaced.
✓ I would not recommend this to absolute beginners as the intense plot and length might feel overwhelming. However, it is highly recommended for readers who enjoy dystopian thrillers.

[Yamini · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intense read, especially when it comes to the mystery. Once the story settles in, it rarely gives you space to breathe.

The writing stood out for me the most. It is clear and detailed without being overwhelming. Small touches, like the description of a bespoke suit or a scent lingering in a room, make the scenes easy to visualise. You are not just following events, you can actually see them play out.

The narrative moves across multiple cities around the world, all tied together by a single thread of murder and investigation. Despite the constant shift in locations, the story does not feel scattered. Each place adds something meaningful, whether through a clue, a conversation, or an ideological conflict. There are quite a few characters, and at one point it felt like too many, but that feeling fades as the story progresses. Eventually, it becomes clear why each character is necessary and how they fit into the larger picture.

What adds depth to the mystery is how the story engages with bigger ideas. It touches on ideology, the role of education, language, and crime, without letting those themes overpower the narrative.

This is an easy recommendation for readers who enjoy complex storylines and epic climaxes. If you like books that leave you feeling mentally stretched by the end, this one is worth picking up.