Blood money flows through the veins of Mumbai. People vanish around a night train. No one notices—until a pattern emerges.
Once a feared Mumbai encounter cop, Assistant Police Inspector Suryakant Patil now sits behind a desk, wrestling with the demons of his past. Something feels amiss, but he doesn’t know what. When he picks up on the pattern, Patil is compelled to return to the hunt.
At his side is Head Constable Thakur, a street-smart veteran who knows when to talk and when to strike. Elsewhere, Mohan—an upright railway TTE—moves between backroom teen patti games and crowded platforms, navigating the tracks with quiet purpose.
The deeper they dig, the murkier things get. The teeming alleys of Dadar, and the railway lines stretching into the hinterland, hide something dark.
Not every track leads to a destination. Some lead back in time. And those tracks aren’t meant to be followed. In the city and along the tracks, will Patil get to the truth, or will the truth get him first?
'Itarsi Express' by Vivek Duggal isn't your straight-up crime thriller. For me, it read like a story that listens closely to the quiet fears, overlooked lives, and moral grey zones that exist beneath the constant noise of India’s railway stations. With Mumbai as its restless heart and the railway lines stretching outward into the hinterland, the book creates a setting that feels alive, impatient, and slightly unforgiving.
The story begins with a tensed mystery of people disappearing in the shadow of a night train and steadily uncovers darker patterns that suggest organised crime, buried secrets, and a society that learns to ignore what it does not wish to see. At the heart of it all is Assistant Police Inspector Suryakant Patil, once known and feared for his sharp instincts, now dulled by years of bureaucratic experience. His restless inner voice, the disturbing sense ofand how his decision to trust it pulls him back into real detective work. His journey gives the story its spine, moving the plot forward with a tension that feels equal parts urgent and quietly disturbing. I could sense Vivek Duggal’s storytelling instincts at work in the way the book moves. The scenes unfold with a clear, almost cinematic sharpness, as if I’m watching the story cut from one frame to the next, while the tension builds naturally as clues fall into place and loyalties quietly rearrange themselves. Every scene stays rooted true to the vibe of the city, its streets, its systems, its rhythms, perhaps, making even the most complex turns of the plot feel real and believable.
What really surprised me is the story deepens against the ideas quietly running beneath the thriller surface. I saw Patil’s journey as a confrontation with memory and trauma. The book captures urban indifference, showing how, in a city this vast, people can disappear without causing a ripple, exposing a numbness that feels both unsettling and painfully familiar.
Itarsi Express felt like a tense yet deeply atmospheric journey through crime, conscience, and those hidden emotional corridors we rarely confront head-on. As a debut, it left a strong impression on me, marking Vivek Duggal as a writer who enters contemporary Indian fiction with confidence, depth, and a clear sense of purpose in his storytelling.
Itarsi Express is a slow-burning thriller that takes you on a journey through the 19th century while navigating the end of the 20th century. It revolves around a train on which passengers go missing after boarding. API Patil tries to find the culprit behind this mysterious phenomenon but what happens when he becomes the victim?
Mohan, a close acquaintance of Patil, works for the Indian Railways as a TTE. Thakur, a head Constable works along with Patil in the missing persons case. While everything went smoothly, it was the insanity of one person to continue the baseless cult tradition that raised havoc in the lives of innocent people.
I was eagerly waiting for a perfect climax but the author has shocked me with his story. Initially, it gave me the vibes of a retro movie, pinning every minute detail to the narration while highlighting the crimes of notorious thugs back in the 19th century. And the climax is a little different from usual. But still presenting the negative roles as why they were negative helps the readers understand the ways of the world and how humans act in accordance with their theories.
It was fast-paced and leaves you wondering about the possibility of seeing its sequel.
A 90s kid's fantasy come true! Trains, crime, killers, cops, chases, and mystery—all rolled into one irresistibly delicious package. The story constantly loops between the past and the present in a very Nolan-esque, nonlinear style, keeping you hooked from start to finish.
The surprises and twists come thick and fast, making it a genuinely fast-paced, breezy read. I only wish I had picked this up on a train journey—it would have added that extra zing and made the experience even more memorable!
I recently read Itarsi Express by Vivek Duggal, and it left a strong impression on me. The first thing that caught my attention was the striking and dramatic cover of the book. It immediately created curiosity and hinted at the suspenseful story waiting inside. The story mainly followed Assistant Police Inspector Suryakant Patil, once known as a feared encounter cop, who now struggled with the memories and consequences of his past. His character felt layered and complex, especially as he found himself drawn back into the investigation when something did not feel right. Alongside him, Head Constable Thakur brought a street-smart and practical presence to the story, while Mohan, the railway TTE, added another interesting perspective to the narrative. Initially, the pace of the book felt slightly slow as the characters, setting, and background of the story were being developed. However, as the plot progressed and the pattern behind the disappearances started to unfold, the pace picked up significantly. From that point onwards, the suspense kept building and I found it difficult to put the book down. What I particularly appreciated was how the book captured the darker and lesser-seen side of the city—the crowded railway platforms, hidden alleys, and the constant movement of trains that seemed to carry their own secrets. As the investigation went deeper, the mystery became more intense and engaging. One of the most memorable parts of the book was the climax. It was completely unexpected and added a powerful impact to the overall story. The way the narrative came together in the end made the journey of the investigation feel even more gripping. Overall, Itarsi Express felt like more than just a crime thriller. It also explored themes of past choices, guilt, and the hidden realities that often exist beneath the surface of a busy city.
If you love gritty crime stories set in the heart of Mumbai, this book pulls you in from page one. The story circles around a series of mysterious disappearances connected to a late-night train - something the city seems too busy to notice. That is, until Assistant Police Inspector Suryakant Patil steps in. Once a feared encounter specialist, Patil is now a man haunted by his past, trying to stay invisible behind paperwork. But when he stumbles upon a disturbing pattern, his instincts drag him back into the field.
Patil is joined by Head Constable Thakur, whose sharp wit and desi street sense add both grit and charm to the narrative. Another side character - Mohan, a railway TTE who quietly slips between platforms, card rooms, and secrets is one of the most memorable characters in the book.
As the investigation unfolds, the story uncovers a Mumbai that tourists never see - its cramped alleys, restless tracks, and long shadows where danger waits patiently. The tension builds beautifully, and every chapter makes you question who really controls the city after dark.
What makes this story truly stand out is the writing style. The author uses simple, clean language but paints vivid scenes - whether it’s a dim railway compartment, a noisy Dadar lane, or the quiet dread of a track stretching into darkness. The pacing is tight, the dialogues feel natural, and the tension builds layer by layer without ever overwhelming you.
Fast-paced, cinematic, and full of heart - this is a crime thriller that stays with you long after you close the book. Perfect for fans of raw, realistic Indian crime thrillers.
If you enjoy gritty crime thrillers set in the chaotic heart of Mumbai, Itarsi Express is a compelling ride worth taking.
The story follows Assistant Police Inspector Suryakant Patil, once a notorious police officer specializing in encounters, now sitting at his desk trying to exorcise the ghosts of his past. But when people begin disappearing around a night train and a mysterious chain of events unfolds, Patil finds himself embroiled again in the kind of investigation he had forgotten.
What's fascinating about this book is how realistic it feels. The author presents a vivid portrayal of Mumbai—from the crowded railway platforms to the deserted streets of Dadar—making it seem as if the entire setting is a character in the story. As the investigation progresses, layers of corruption, secrets, and danger are revealed, keeping the reader eager to find out what happens next.
Supporting characters also add depth to the narrative. Head Constable Thakur propels the story forward with his experience and practical wisdom, while railway TTE Mohan enters the story in a way that quietly connects the various aspects.
The story's pace is steady, and the tension gradually builds as the mystery deepens. If you enjoy crime stories that focus on atmosphere, flawed characters, and the dark side of a bustling city, this story will keep you hooked.
Overall, Itarsi Express is a gripping crime thriller with a strong sense of place and a slowly building suspense that keeps the reader engaged. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy Indian crime fiction, police action, and suspenseful stories set in a bustling city.
So, I have been a bit busy lately, but I have finally completed reading the book. I'm sharing my takes on Itarsi Express why you need to read this book.
Vivek Duggal’s book "Itarsi Express" has been like a time machine that has taken me back to the 1990s in Mumbai.
Mumbai in the 1990s has been a place of ambitions, crimes, and developments. At the center of the book is the character of Assistant Police Inspector Suryakant Patil, a man who has been the epitome of fear in Mumbai but is now struggling because of his regrets. However, it is his calling back into action with the help of Head Constable Thakur and Mohan, Ticket Ticketing Employee of the Railways, to solve the mystery of the disappearances associated with the night train that Mumbai Police is investigating. What makes "Itarsi Express" a good read as a book is not just the mystery that it presents but the pulse that it captures of the city of Mumbai. It is like a metaphor for time, destiny, transformation.
1. The setting is vivid. You can almost smell the trains. 2. The characters are well-developed. Especially the character of Patil, a complex character. 3. The blending of the thriller with social history is good.
The thing that I like the most about the book is that the author has not only given us an exciting plot. But has also made us think about the developments in the city and in the people. It is a book about crimes and about the nostalgia.
For me this book is a great read. It’s an intriguing reading experience. You’ll be thoroughly engulfed in the story. And because of that I'd rate this book as a 4.5/5.
I picked up Itarsi Express because the whole idea of people disappearing during a train journey sounded quite interesting. I also like stories that are set around trains and stations, so this one immediately caught my attention.
The story follows Assistant Police Inspector Suryakant Patil. He used to be known as a tough encounter cop but now he is mostly doing desk work and dealing with things from his past. When passengers start going missing on the Mumbai to Itarsi train route, the case slowly starts pulling him back into proper investigation again. With the help of Head Constable Thakur and railway TTE Mohan, he begins looking into the details and trying to understand what is really going on.
One thing I liked was the setting. The book really captures the feeling of railway stations and long train journeys. The crowds, the late night travel, people coming and going. While reading I could easily imagine those busy platforms and trains where everyone is travelling somewhere but nobody really knows each other.
The story takes its time building the mystery. At first it feels like a strange situation, but as Patil starts digging deeper the case becomes more serious and layered. I also liked that the characters felt believable and not over the top.
Overall I enjoyed reading Itarsi Express. It felt like a grounded crime story with a good mystery at the centre. If you enjoy suspense stories set in familiar Indian settings like trains and cities, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Sometimes there are books whose narration keeps on lingering your mind and “Itarsi Express” by Vivek Duggal is one such read which made me nostalgic, brought about old memories about Mumbai, gave me a lookout on the world surrounding Railways and Railway stations.
The book revolves around Suryakant Patil, who is one of the most feared encounter specialist but is pushed into desk job due to a case. Tagging along API Patil is veteran constable Thakur who plays a key role in the storyline, has a nice wit and good sharp mind. The most surprising character of the book is TTE Mohan who comes along as a normal TTE but has hidden secrets within himself.
When Patil comes across a case of missing person, he finds embroiled into a specific pattern continuously racing the same. The narration gives enough tension while reading thus creating an enthusiasm and giving chill vibes while reading. The pace is fast and Vivek ensures enough thrill and suspense is created thus making the readers glued to the book.
The vivid explanation of the Railways, the old mumbai makes the readers nostalgic thus giving us those old vibes. The action packed scenes feels like coming right out of an movie. If you are a fan of crime thriller then this book is surely your go to read.
A raw, atmospheric story that pulls you straight into its thrilling world.
Itarsi Express grabs your attention right from the cover it has that gangster, crime-fiction web-series feel, the kind of design that instantly tells you the story will be bold, dark, and gripping. The book starts its journey from Mumbai, the dream city of every artist, and from the first few pages you feel like you’ve stepped into a fast, atmospheric thriller.
There’s tension, twists, and a sense of pollution not just in the surroundings but in the lives and choices of the characters. The story keeps you hooked without giving away too much, and I won’t spoil it either, because discovering those turns yourself is part of the thrill. The narration feels almost cinematic, as if you’re watching a web series unfold scene by scene.
The language is simple, the flow is smooth, and the book holds your attention right till the end. From my side, I’d say the biggest strength of Itarsi Express is how immersive and visual it feels gritty, emotional, and engaging in a way that stays with you even after you finish it.
Itarsi Express is a crime-action thriller that begins with a simple yet chilling premise combining mystery and investigation into a layered narrative. The story begins by establishing a background about organised crime in Mumbai to set the tone of the story.
The story begins with ASI Patil, a cop known for his encounter history and tough reputation, who takes charge of a puzzling investigation wherein the passengers who board the overnight Itarsi-bound train from Mumbai start disappearing without a trace. The case comes into focus when a worried mother reports that her young son boarded the train but never reached home. What initially appears to be an isolated disappearance soon reveals a larger and more disturbing pattern, drawing the attention of the police.
As Patil begins digging into the case, he discovers that the disappearances are not random. The novel unexpectedly weaves in the history of thugs in Awadh in 1821, criminals who looted unsuspecting travellers during long, difficult journeys. The story frequently shifts between the present-day investigation and the past, describing how these groups used to rob travellers during long and dangerous journeys. These historical segments add depth to the story and make the mystery more intriguing, although the constant shifting of timelines can sometimes slow down the pace.
A night train. Passengers board. Some never reach their destination. Itarsi Express begins with a haunting mystery: people travelling on the Mumbai–Itarsi route start disappearing without a trace. When the pattern becomes impossible to ignore, former encounter specialist Suryakant Patil is drawn back into a world he thought he had left behind. Along with Head Constable Thakur and TTE Mohan, he begins unraveling a case that leads far beyond a routine investigation. What makes the story compelling is its gritty atmosphere. Duggal captures the chaos of railway stations, the shadows of Mumbai’s underbelly, and the quiet tension of long train journeys. The narrative also weaves in echoes of the infamous Thuggee cult, connecting the present-day mystery to a darker historical past. The plot moves at a steady pace, with short chapters that keep the suspense alive. Some shifts between timelines slightly slow the momentum, but they also add depth to the central mystery. The characters feel grounded and believable, especially Patil, whose past experiences add a layer of emotional complexity to the investigation. Overall, Itarsi Express reads like a cinematic crime thriller—dark, atmospheric, and intriguing. While the story resolves the central mystery, it leaves behind just enough unease to linger after the last page.
My Views - Mumbai in the ninetees was a hub for gangsters, dens, extortionists. But, one fearless police officer, API Swiyakant Patil, who is known as One of Mumbai's most notorious encounter specialist is sent on a special mission to neutralize one of the gangs but the mission failed and now the cop is at desk duty. But one mysterious disappearence of people in the night train again pulls him back the previous duty.
The story starts on a 90's Mumbai backdrop where Indian economy has started to bloom and MNC's are coming like a wave. But along with that crime rate is also going at a fast pace. The story from start to end is a also very fast pace ,keeping the readers engaged.The book is not just any regular crime thriller. There are many layers in the stories.
The protagonist API Patel's journey from being as the fearful encounter specialist to a regular police officer at a desk job feels painful and his story trully supports the storyline.
The book truly feels more that than anly a thriller and the author's debut work truly shines.
I picked up Itarsi Express not knowing what to expect from a debut novel, and I was pleasantly surprised. The story is set in Mumbai, where a former encounter cop named Suryakant Patil is now stuck at a desk job, but something pulls him back into investigation when a strange pattern appears around a night train. The Tribune What I liked most is how the author gives equal importance to each character. Nobody feels like a background character — everyone has a purpose. The Mumbai setting feels very alive and authentic, which makes the thriller atmosphere even stronger. The language is simple and direct, which made it an easy and fast read for me. You can tell that the author's background in advertising and storytelling has shaped how this book is written — every scene feels purposeful and tight. Eastern Herald My only small complaint is that I wanted a little more depth in some places, but overall this is a very strong debut. Recommended for fans of Indian crime fiction!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I am a fan of thrillers, and the attractive cover gave me one more reason to pick up this book. The book opens with setting a tone for organised crime in the financial hub of Mumbai. The book's vivid opening is enough to keep the reader hooked.
The story revolves around a missing-person case on an Itarsi-bound train originating in Mumbai. What is dismissed as an on-off incident slowly reveals itself as a pattern of regular disappearances from the train, revealing a deeper foul play. The investigator is Assistant Police Inspector Suryakant Patil, a sharp officer and keen observer.
Contrary to my perception, this is not a classical whodunnit. Various characters add depth to the story. What I loved about the book was its cover, its on-point opening, and its cinematic depiction of the Mumbai vibe, with its gritty lanes, eerie silence on the tracks, etc.
If you love crime thrillers and are curious to understand the dark side of a metropolitan city, this should be your pick.
Itarsi Express is one of those quiet, reflective reads that slowly grows on you. Set against the backdrop of a train journey, the story brings together strangers whose lives briefly intersect, yet leave a lasting impact on one another. What I really liked about this book is how relatable the characters feel. Each person carries their own emotional baggage—regrets, hopes, and unanswered questions—and as the journey progresses, these layers unfold in a very natural way. The writing is simple but effective, making it easy to connect with the story without feeling overwhelmed. The train setting adds a unique charm. It beautifully symbolizes life itself—people coming and going, moments passing by, and unexpected connections forming in between. Some parts of the book feel a bit slow, but that slowness actually suits the reflective tone of the story.
The plot revolves around the mysterious disappearances happening on the late-night Mumbai-Itarsi route. Suryakant Patil, once a notorious police officer known for encounter cases, finds himself drawn back into the kind of investigation he had long left behind. The story is fast-paced and full of suspense, which kept me hooked till the end. The characters add depth to the narrative and make the story even more engaging. What I really liked about this book is that it feels like watching a movie on paper; I could easily visualise the scenes while reading. If you enjoy crime and mystery stories with a fast-paced plot, this is definitely a book you should read.
“It was the beginning of a reign of terror, where peace came in installments, one every few months... and if one were affable and open to it, it was easy to come by.”
— Vivek Duggal, Itarsi Express
The story dates back to the 90s when the underworld exercised control over policemen and the city of Mumbai. Billa Bhai, a notorious don, emerged victorious against the coterie of men clad in uniform. Suryakant Patil's fame spread across the force as a trained encounter specialist. Owing to some serious lapses, he was suspended from duty.
“He operated in no man's land where results trumped procedure, and the end justified any means. His superiors turned a blind eye to his tactics, valuing the drop in crime statistics that followed in his wake.”
The primary characters are grappling with their inner demons when Patil encounters a case of missing person. The action scenes were written with great precision, focusing on the type of guns and bullets. The book unfolds in Mumbai, which is the heart and soul of the story. Dadar station, which ferries passengers to and fro in the city, is an inseparable part of it. Duggal expresses his feelings about the old loyalist of the city in the following statement—“It was a microcosm of Mumbai life, a million parallel worlds colliding and separating in the blink of an eye.”
The long chapters don't drown you in boredom; rather, you will like how it reads like a movie script. At many points, I felt as if I was walking side-by-side with the characters witnessing the tale unravel in real time.
If you have really enjoyed watching edgy police procedural drama like Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, you will definitely feel the pulse of ’Itarsi Express.’
"The Modern world, with its trains and technology, was a modern-day hunting ground. And for a true disciple of the ancient cult, it was teeming with game."
"Itrasi Express" by Vivek Duggal is a thriller set against the backdrop of 1994 and draws inspiration from the 1800s, when the infamous Thuggees were terrorizing travelers and merchants.
In the story, we meet the brave API Patil, who was once a feared encounter cop. However, after a messy situation, he is now stationed in Dadar, a relatively peaceful area known mostly for petty crimes. There, he meets several interesting characters, each with a compelling past.
His life had been moving along rather boringly when, one day, a missing person case came up. While digging into the case alongside a seasoned and brave veteran constable, they encounter something they had never imagined.
What I like most about the book is how the author gives us time with the characters. We get to know them through their perspectives throughout the book, and each character gets an ample amount of time, even the villain, which makes them more vivid. The author's writing and the build-up of the story will make you sit up straight, and you will want to finish the book without a break.
When you finally reach the end of the book, you will not be able to suppress your surprise. You will not be able to accept the outcome; you will want more, a comeback for sure. I absolutely enjoyed each page of the book and highly recommend it if you are also a thriller lover. The book is worth every minute.
The book Itarsi Express by Vivek Duggal is a heart-pounding crime thriller that masterfully captures the gritty atmosphere of 1990s Mumbai. The story follows Assistant Police Inspector Suryakant Patil, a once-feared encounter cop now relegated to a desk job, as he investigates a mysterious pattern of disappearances linked to a night train. It is author's debut novel and it establishes him as a bold new voice in contemporary Indian fiction.
The narrative is praiseworthy for its razor-sharp pacing and a killer sense of place that immerses readers in the city's railway underbelly. Duggal brilliantly crafts layered characters, including the street-smart Head Constable Thakur and an upright railway TTE named Mohan, who navigate the murky lines between duty and survival. The book's structure effortlessly moves back and forth in time, building a suspenseful plot that keeps readers hooked until the final page.
It comes across as a solid, no-nonsense thriller that offers both visceral action and deep insights into human character. Its cinematic quality and authentic police procedural elements make it a standout addition to the genre of Indian crime fiction. Ultimately, Itarsi Express is a riveting read for anyone seeking a gritty, atmospheric journey through the dark heart of Mumbai
A surprising crime thriller which takes the reader on the journey through time as well as sheds light on the complicated mindset of a killer. Placed in the notorious era of the Bombay of 90s, this story takes you back till the 1830s.
This tale starts with introducing Inspector Patil , known for his encounters. However, one miscalculated move lands him in the boring offices of a police station at Dadar. There he is faced with the case of several unexplained mysterious disappearances from a train. As he tries to unearth the culprit, the author presents the psychological angle of the story through the killer himself.
The narrative is surprisingly engaging and pleasantly unexpected in several ways. While the character building of Patil is thrilling , that of Mohan who is the other side of the story, is intense and layered. The characters have depth and display realistic traits and weaknesses.
The story itself switches between two settings and two timelines which is initially a surprise turn for the reader. Both the stories have been described in detail with attention to detail as well as the thought process of the characters. The story telling is precise and simple and has the tone of urgency.
An interesting crime thriller with a captivating story which keeps you hooked from the start to the end.
Itarsi express by Vivek Duggal is a haunting mystery crime thriller. I loved how the author has blended suspense into the story. It's fast paced and keeps you hooked from the beginning.
The story starts with the mysterious disappearances happening on late night routes at the railway station. What earlier appeared as a routine case slowly turned out to be far more layered, complicated and dangerous.
The story revolves around Assistant Police Inspector Suryakant Patil who was once feared by everyone. But now he is stuck at desk job. He is everything an officer should be sharp, observant and talented but he now doubts himself because of the past. Now when this case reaches him, he slowly returns to his old investigative mode and starts digging deeper.
The author has added different characters that adds to the depth of the story and makes it more interesting. Like Head Constable Thakur and TTE Mohan. Each character adds to the mystery, making the story more realistic but with the added twist of the suspense.
This story highlights the darker parts of the city life. The writing is simple but easy to understand and just pulls you in. This book will leave you thinking what hidden stories hide in our everyday lives.
Itarsi Express by Vivek Duggal is a gritty, atmospheric crime thriller that pulls readers into the dark underbelly of Mumbai and the mysteries surrounding its night trains. The story follows Assistant Police Inspector Suryakant Patil, a once-feared encounter cop now trapped behind a desk and haunted by his past. When people begin vanishing around a train route and a disturbing pattern emerges, Patil is forced back into the hunt.
Duggal builds suspense through Mumbai’s crowded platforms, Dadar’s alleys, railway shadows, and the moral weight carried by men who have seen too much. Patil’s partnership with the street-smart Head Constable Thakur adds sharp investigative energy, while Mohan, the principled railway TTE, brings another layered perspective to the unfolding mystery. Readers who enjoy police procedurals, railway thrillers, Mumbai noir, and stories where the past refuses to stay buried should absolutely buy Itarsi Express. It is tense, grounded, and compelling, perfect for anyone craving an Indian crime thriller with atmosphere, danger, and a mystery that tracks deeper than expected.
I read Itarsi Express because I generally like crime and mystery stories, especially when they are set in places that feel familiar. What I liked here was that the story takes its time and doesn’t try too hard to shock the reader in every chapter.
The part I found most interesting was when it starts becoming clear that the disappearances may actually be linked. Till that point, it feels like separate incidents, but after that the story becomes more engaging and you want to know where it is heading.
I also liked the railway station backdrop. It made the story feel more real. The late-night scenes and the overall atmosphere were written in a way that felt believable, and that added to the suspense.
The book is not full of flashy twists, but that actually worked for me. It is more about the investigation slowly opening up layer by layer.
Overall, I found it a decent and interesting read. If someone likes crime fiction with an Indian setting and a simple, steady mystery, this book is worth trying.
Blood money flows through the veins of Mumbai. People vanish around a night train. No one notices—until a pattern emerges.
Once a feared Mumbai encounter cop, Assistant Police Inspector Suryakant Patil now sits behind a desk, wrestling with the demons of his past. Something feels amiss, but he doesn’t know what. When he picks up on the pattern, Patil is compelled to return to the hunt.
At his side is Head Constable Thakur, a street-smart veteran who knows when to talk and when to strike. Elsewhere, Mohan—an upright railway TTE—moves between backroom teen patti games and crowded platforms, navigating the tracks with quiet purpose.
The deeper they dig, the murkier things get. The teeming alleys of Dadar, and the railway lines stretching into the hinterland, hide something dark. Not every track leads to a destination. Some lead back in time. And those tracks aren’t meant to be followed.
Darkest side of human world, high adrenaline rush, high voltage action drama seamlessly unfolded, if you love fast paced action thrillers this is your sign to pick this book.
Vivek Duggal’s Itarsi Express is a fast-paced, atmospheric journey that captures the unique pulse of life in transit. Set against the backdrop of one of India’s most iconic railway junctions, the story weaves together the lives of strangers, proving that sometimes the most profound connections happen when we are just passing through.
Duggal has a knack for sensory detail—you can almost smell the platform chai and hear the rumble of the tracks. It’s a nostalgic yet modern look at the stories hidden in plain sight. If you’re looking for a short, evocative read that feels like a window into the soul of a bustling station, this is a fantastic pick.
The moment I started reading this book, I knew I could not put it down. This story revolves around API Patil and the notorious extortion case we get to see in Mumbai. His character is so well defined, I see the pain of his consequences, the dedication of his actions and the need to serve justice in his eyes. Somewhere, I knew that the past traumas of his actions are soon going to come again on the surface. There's action which is so vividly described that you'll feel you're actually experiencing the whole scene with all the adrenaline rush. This fast paced thriller soon grabbed my attention.
My rating: 4.2/5 The world of visual entertainment is filled aplenty with cop dramas and crime thrillers through movies as well as shows. We have books in the same genre too but they somehow get lost in the shine of their counterparts, viz, the visual media. It is books like Itarsi Express which serve as a reminder that its the written medium which deserves more hype-because through its well-written sequences, this book dishes out a crime thriller that's not only gripping, has a medley of characters we fall in awe of or root for, but also has that 'hatke' flavour which probably sets it apart from other books in the genre.
Riveting, pacy read which had me hooked from page 1. Mumbai's streets and gritty underbelly came alive with characters that felt real and evolved organically across a time-shifting narrative. Perfect for fans of Sacred Games & White Tiger seeking authentic desi thrills!
Pacy crime thriller that brought Mumbai alive, and also very interesting with references to India of the 1800s and how crime survives through the ages. My favorite character was Inspector Patil, reminded me of Manoj Bajpai!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.