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Inspector Saralkar Mystery #6
206 Bones
INSPECTOR SARALKAR IS BACK TO SOLVE ANOTHER BONE-CHILLING MYSTERY!
'Do you think half the murders in this world would have occurred if the killer had paused to think what they were going to do with the body?' Saralkar asked, cracking his fingers.
When a skeleton is unearthed beneath the lawns of Shanti Villa-an old bungalow being demolished for redevelopment-the Pune Homicide Unit has a new mystery on its hands. There are no leads and too many unknowns: who is the victim? How long ago was the skeleton buried? Who could be behind this crime-the couple who built the house and lived in it for more than three decades, one of their tenants, one of the many servants they employed over the years, their own children who have now inherited the villa, or someone else entirely?
Saralkar, Motkar and Zirpe have barely begun their investigation when they find themselves tangled up in another case: a high-profile murder-suicide involving disgraced DCP Kuldeep Khalap. He has survived a bullet in the brain, but his wife is dead and his two children-both witnesses-seem to be hiding something.
As the pressure to crack both cases builds, Saralkar's team must navigate a complex web of lies, guilt and silence. Pacy and suspenseful, 206 Bones will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end.
'Do you think half the murders in this world would have occurred if the killer had paused to think what they were going to do with the body?' Saralkar asked, cracking his fingers.
When a skeleton is unearthed beneath the lawns of Shanti Villa-an old bungalow being demolished for redevelopment-the Pune Homicide Unit has a new mystery on its hands. There are no leads and too many unknowns: who is the victim? How long ago was the skeleton buried? Who could be behind this crime-the couple who built the house and lived in it for more than three decades, one of their tenants, one of the many servants they employed over the years, their own children who have now inherited the villa, or someone else entirely?
Saralkar, Motkar and Zirpe have barely begun their investigation when they find themselves tangled up in another case: a high-profile murder-suicide involving disgraced DCP Kuldeep Khalap. He has survived a bullet in the brain, but his wife is dead and his two children-both witnesses-seem to be hiding something.
As the pressure to crack both cases builds, Saralkar's team must navigate a complex web of lies, guilt and silence. Pacy and suspenseful, 206 Bones will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end.
366 pages, Paperback
Published October 20, 2025
About the author
Salil Desai
12 books96 followersSalil Desai is the author of the much-acclaimed Inspector Saralkar Mystery Series, that includes - The Kid Killer (2023), Murder Milestone (2020), 3 and a Half Murders (2017), The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen (2015) and Killing Ashish Karve (2014). The books are currently being adapted into a web series by Jio Studios.
Titled 'Kalsutra', the first season of the web-series is based on 'Murder Milestone' and is due for release in 2025. Salil is also the lead writer of the screenplay of 'Kalsutra'.
Salil’s other popular books are Murder on a Side Street (2011), Lost Libido and Other Gulp Fiction (2012), as well as The Sane Psychopath (2018). Salil's short story 'Sound Motive' has also appeared in The Hachette Book of Indian Detective Fiction (2024), while other short fiction has been published in anthologies by Penguin, Westland and Unisun.
His latest novel ‘The Grudges of Gajanan Godbole’, a wacky crime thriller, has just been published by Hachette India in November 2024.
His short story ‘The Perfect Day’ and novel ‘The Sane Psychopath’ are also in the process of being adapted for screen as feature films.
Salil’s books have been reviewed in The Hindu, New Indian Express, The Pioneer, Bangalore Mirror, DNA, First City, The Tribune, among others. His work has been praised by veteran authors Dr Shashi Tharoor, Shobhaa De and film-makers Sriram Raghavan and Sujoy Ghosh.
An alumnus of Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Salil also conducts intensive workshops in creative fiction writing, story and scenario design, screenplay writing and film-making at leading liberal arts institutions and media & communication colleges across India.
He is a seasoned newspaper columnist, with over 400 articles, op-ed pieces, features and travelogues in leading dailies like The Times of India, Indian Express, DNA, The Tribune, Reader’s Digest, Deccan Herald, The Hindu etc.
Salil was one of the four international authors worldwide selected for the HALD International Writers’ Residency in Denmark, hosted by the Danish Centre for Writers & Translators in June 2016. He was also invited to Gullkistan Centre for Creativity, Iceland and spent the month of May 2023 there as a Resident.
Know more about him at www.salildesai.com
Titled 'Kalsutra', the first season of the web-series is based on 'Murder Milestone' and is due for release in 2025. Salil is also the lead writer of the screenplay of 'Kalsutra'.
Salil’s other popular books are Murder on a Side Street (2011), Lost Libido and Other Gulp Fiction (2012), as well as The Sane Psychopath (2018). Salil's short story 'Sound Motive' has also appeared in The Hachette Book of Indian Detective Fiction (2024), while other short fiction has been published in anthologies by Penguin, Westland and Unisun.
His latest novel ‘The Grudges of Gajanan Godbole’, a wacky crime thriller, has just been published by Hachette India in November 2024.
His short story ‘The Perfect Day’ and novel ‘The Sane Psychopath’ are also in the process of being adapted for screen as feature films.
Salil’s books have been reviewed in The Hindu, New Indian Express, The Pioneer, Bangalore Mirror, DNA, First City, The Tribune, among others. His work has been praised by veteran authors Dr Shashi Tharoor, Shobhaa De and film-makers Sriram Raghavan and Sujoy Ghosh.
An alumnus of Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Salil also conducts intensive workshops in creative fiction writing, story and scenario design, screenplay writing and film-making at leading liberal arts institutions and media & communication colleges across India.
He is a seasoned newspaper columnist, with over 400 articles, op-ed pieces, features and travelogues in leading dailies like The Times of India, Indian Express, DNA, The Tribune, Reader’s Digest, Deccan Herald, The Hindu etc.
Salil was one of the four international authors worldwide selected for the HALD International Writers’ Residency in Denmark, hosted by the Danish Centre for Writers & Translators in June 2016. He was also invited to Gullkistan Centre for Creativity, Iceland and spent the month of May 2023 there as a Resident.
Know more about him at www.salildesai.com
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 30, 2025
Crime Fiction at its best . Investigation procedures were well written . Overall a brilliant read.
July 14, 2026
Some mysteries don't just ask you to solve them, instead they pull you into their darkness.
206 Bones by Salil Desai is the kind of thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last page. What starts as a murder investigation gradually unfolds into a web of secrets, deception, and buried truths, making it almost impossible to stop turning the pages.
Salil Desai, as always, does a great job of balancing suspense with solid investigative work. The clues are carefully placed, the pacing remains engaging throughout, and just when you think you've figured everything out, the story takes another unexpected turn. The forensic details add authenticity without becoming overwhelming, making the mystery even more immersive.
What I enjoyed most was how every character seemed to have something to hide (and eventually tell and confess). The twists felt earned rather than forced, and the final reveal was both satisfying and surprising.
If you enjoy crime fiction, police procedurals, and mysteries filled with unexpected twists, 206 Bones is definitely worth picking up.
Recommended for: Fans of fast-paced murder mysteries, forensic thrillers, and suspense that keeps you second-guessing every suspect.
206 Bones by Salil Desai is the kind of thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last page. What starts as a murder investigation gradually unfolds into a web of secrets, deception, and buried truths, making it almost impossible to stop turning the pages.
Salil Desai, as always, does a great job of balancing suspense with solid investigative work. The clues are carefully placed, the pacing remains engaging throughout, and just when you think you've figured everything out, the story takes another unexpected turn. The forensic details add authenticity without becoming overwhelming, making the mystery even more immersive.
What I enjoyed most was how every character seemed to have something to hide (and eventually tell and confess). The twists felt earned rather than forced, and the final reveal was both satisfying and surprising.
If you enjoy crime fiction, police procedurals, and mysteries filled with unexpected twists, 206 Bones is definitely worth picking up.
Recommended for: Fans of fast-paced murder mysteries, forensic thrillers, and suspense that keeps you second-guessing every suspect.
June 21, 2026
This was my first experience with the Sarlakar series, and it certainly won’t be my last.
What impressed me most was the author’s ability to juggle multiple storylines while keeping the narrative focused and engaging. Each thread adds depth to the mystery, and the way they eventually converge feels both satisfying and well-earned.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of the police force. Rather than relying on the familiar trope of the lone, brooding detective, the characters here are presented as ordinary people navigating extraordinary circumstances. They are overworked, exhausted, constrained by bureaucracy, and under constant pressure—yet they remain resilient, relatable, and deeply human.
The result is a crime novel that feels grounded, authentic, and refreshingly different from much of the genre. With its compelling investigation, layered storytelling, and realistic characters, this is a book that crime fiction enthusiasts should not miss.
A must-read for anyone who enjoys intelligent, character-driven crime fiction.
What impressed me most was the author’s ability to juggle multiple storylines while keeping the narrative focused and engaging. Each thread adds depth to the mystery, and the way they eventually converge feels both satisfying and well-earned.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of the police force. Rather than relying on the familiar trope of the lone, brooding detective, the characters here are presented as ordinary people navigating extraordinary circumstances. They are overworked, exhausted, constrained by bureaucracy, and under constant pressure—yet they remain resilient, relatable, and deeply human.
The result is a crime novel that feels grounded, authentic, and refreshingly different from much of the genre. With its compelling investigation, layered storytelling, and realistic characters, this is a book that crime fiction enthusiasts should not miss.
A must-read for anyone who enjoys intelligent, character-driven crime fiction.
December 17, 2025
Salil Desai’s 206 Bones is a captivating crime thriller that blends suspense with sharp social observation. His storytelling grips you from the very first discovery of the skeleton and keeps you hooked through Inspector Saralkar’s witty, incisive investigation.
What makes the book stand out is not just the mystery, but the way Desai explores human nature, relationships, and hidden truths beneath everyday life. A brilliant addition to contemporary Indian crime fiction, and a testament to the author’s craft.
What makes the book stand out is not just the mystery, but the way Desai explores human nature, relationships, and hidden truths beneath everyday life. A brilliant addition to contemporary Indian crime fiction, and a testament to the author’s craft.
January 5, 2026
4.5*. Pretty solid, read it in one go almost, start to finish. Proper police procedural with interesting twists.
What shines in this series, apart from Mr Salil Desai's craft is, the social commentary and the authenticity of the characters. It all feels real in a sense and very sincere. I have been a fan since the first Saralkar mystery I read in 2017!
What shines in this series, apart from Mr Salil Desai's craft is, the social commentary and the authenticity of the characters. It all feels real in a sense and very sincere. I have been a fan since the first Saralkar mystery I read in 2017!
May 24, 2026
Loved the book . I was hooked on to it from start to end like a web series
July 6, 2026
Good investigative thriller, the twists are good and unpredicted.
An usual saralkar mystery!!
An usual saralkar mystery!!
August 16, 2026
I really enjoyed it, the author really has a talent for thrillers and how to add suspense to a story, I would love to read more books from him!!!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews