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7 Suspects:
Inspector Shyamala Verma investigates the murder of a youth named Nandu, who is found strangled in a dark track inside a wooded area.
Unfortunately, due to heavy rains, no trace of any clue is left—no fingerprints, shoe or tyre marks. Even sniffer dogs fail to track any odour in the rain-soaked territory. Only five days ago, Nandu had been arrested for assaulting his girlfriend, Anjali, and was released on bail.
Who has done it? Could it be Anjali’s brother to avenge the attack on his sister? As Shyamala digs deeper into the mystery, several suspects emerge. A previously unknown half-brother of the deceased, who stands to gain immense property from Nandu’s death. A second boyfriend of Anjali, who regales her with his detective skills. A haggard-looking drug addict. And suddenly, a drug empire surfaces involving more suspects within the crosshairs of the police.
Can Inspector Shyamala match the wits of the killer?
Unfortunately, due to heavy rains, no trace of any clue is left—no fingerprints, shoe or tyre marks. Even sniffer dogs fail to track any odour in the rain-soaked territory. Only five days ago, Nandu had been arrested for assaulting his girlfriend, Anjali, and was released on bail.
Who has done it? Could it be Anjali’s brother to avenge the attack on his sister? As Shyamala digs deeper into the mystery, several suspects emerge. A previously unknown half-brother of the deceased, who stands to gain immense property from Nandu’s death. A second boyfriend of Anjali, who regales her with his detective skills. A haggard-looking drug addict. And suddenly, a drug empire surfaces involving more suspects within the crosshairs of the police.
Can Inspector Shyamala match the wits of the killer?
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2025
About the author
Surendra Nath
18 books43 followersSurendra Nath
Books by the author
1. Karna’s Alter Ego
2. Kavach of Surya
3. Kavyanjali Vol. 1
4. Kavyanjali Vol. 2
5. Kavyanjali Vol. 3
6. Kavyanjali Vol. 4
7. Kavyanjali Vol. 5
8. Selected Poems of Haldhar Nag
9. 7 Suspects (Seven Suspects)
Books by the author
1. Karna’s Alter Ego
2. Kavach of Surya
3. Kavyanjali Vol. 1
4. Kavyanjali Vol. 2
5. Kavyanjali Vol. 3
6. Kavyanjali Vol. 4
7. Kavyanjali Vol. 5
8. Selected Poems of Haldhar Nag
9. 7 Suspects (Seven Suspects)
He has a few other eBooks to his credit, namely, ‘Mysteries Surrounding Konark’, How to Self-Publish Your eBook’, Fourteen Folktales from Faraway Lands’. All are available online.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 8, 2026
"Seven Suspects" is a compelling murder mystery that had me racing through the pages, eager to see how the investigation would unfold. I couldn't put this book down.
What makes this book special is how authentically Indian it feels. This isn't a Western detective story transplanted to India—it's a proper Indian police procedural that captures the reality of how investigations actually work here. Rather than relying on a brilliant lone detective having eureka moments, the book follows the systematic, methodical process of police work: interviewing witnesses, checking alibis, following up leads, and painstakingly analyzing details. The detection is realistic and grounded, built on teamwork, grit, and smart thinking rather than convenient plot twists or gotcha moments. The characters behave like real Indians would, and that authenticity makes the story that much more engaging.
Shyamala is a fantastic lead character who works within the system rather than above it, and I'm already hoping for sequels featuring her. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, with people acting in believable, human ways throughout.
The police procedural aspects are excellent. Surendra Nath clearly understands how Indian law enforcement works—the hierarchy, the constraints, the step-by-step building of a case. While the book doesn't explicitly dwell on it, you can see the darker realities of our legal system in how the suspects are treated—the casual acceptance of interrogation tactics, the limited access to legal protections, how easily someone could be railroaded. It's sobering to infer these truths from the way the investigation unfolds, and it bothered me precisely because it feels so realistic.
The pacing is fantastic. This is a fast-paced whodunnit that keeps you guessing without cheating. The only minor quibble I have is that the romance subplot felt a bit silly, but it's a small flaw in an otherwise excellent book.
If you're looking for an Indian murder mystery that's grounded, intelligently plotted, and genuinely reflective of our country, this is it. After enjoying the author's previous book "Kavach of Surya," I knew I had to read this one—and I wasn't disappointed.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good mystery with an authentic Indian flavor.
What makes this book special is how authentically Indian it feels. This isn't a Western detective story transplanted to India—it's a proper Indian police procedural that captures the reality of how investigations actually work here. Rather than relying on a brilliant lone detective having eureka moments, the book follows the systematic, methodical process of police work: interviewing witnesses, checking alibis, following up leads, and painstakingly analyzing details. The detection is realistic and grounded, built on teamwork, grit, and smart thinking rather than convenient plot twists or gotcha moments. The characters behave like real Indians would, and that authenticity makes the story that much more engaging.
Shyamala is a fantastic lead character who works within the system rather than above it, and I'm already hoping for sequels featuring her. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, with people acting in believable, human ways throughout.
The police procedural aspects are excellent. Surendra Nath clearly understands how Indian law enforcement works—the hierarchy, the constraints, the step-by-step building of a case. While the book doesn't explicitly dwell on it, you can see the darker realities of our legal system in how the suspects are treated—the casual acceptance of interrogation tactics, the limited access to legal protections, how easily someone could be railroaded. It's sobering to infer these truths from the way the investigation unfolds, and it bothered me precisely because it feels so realistic.
The pacing is fantastic. This is a fast-paced whodunnit that keeps you guessing without cheating. The only minor quibble I have is that the romance subplot felt a bit silly, but it's a small flaw in an otherwise excellent book.
If you're looking for an Indian murder mystery that's grounded, intelligently plotted, and genuinely reflective of our country, this is it. After enjoying the author's previous book "Kavach of Surya," I knew I had to read this one—and I wasn't disappointed.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good mystery with an authentic Indian flavor.
May 20, 2026
7 Suspects. One Stellar Female Protagonist. 200 pages of realistic not over the top storytelling.
Got this book a long time ago but could not find to pick it up! But once picked it was a page turner.
You find very less books that are set in states like Odisha or MP or Chhattisgarh for that matter. This one is set in Cuttak although lesser regional influences or descriptions come into play in the story.
A crime is committed and the book sets off. As the female protagonist flips over stones to find out the culprit, another guy drops dead - the one who was in her custody just a while ago. The story weaves through multiple characters - none of which you could convict or acquit till the very end.
A girl gets thrashed by her abusive boyfriend, the boyfriend turns up dead after a while. The suspects are the girl's brother, girl's father, victim's step-brother, a small time henchman/goon from the neighbouring state, the girl's affair/new boyfriend/wannabe detective, the owner of the company where the victim was an employee, the manager of that company who replaced the victim.
I loved the protagonist's style of no-damns given attitude while investigating and how she plans a web to trap the villain - yes, we will call that person a villain and not an antagonist. Worthy of being called that - when you find out in the last 3 pages.
The story goes back and forth between these characters and keeps you engaged. Loved the flow of the storyline and character arcs were fully matured for the reader. The backstory of our main lead - the female inspector - leaves us wanting as very brief mentions of her past is mentioned. This was something that would have contributed to the sharp minded lady she was potrayed as. Could have given 4.5 to account for this and the fact that regional angles could be added about Odisha but this was not the genre - it is mystery and crime.
For the pace, engagement and page turner effect - 5 stars!
Got this book a long time ago but could not find to pick it up! But once picked it was a page turner.
You find very less books that are set in states like Odisha or MP or Chhattisgarh for that matter. This one is set in Cuttak although lesser regional influences or descriptions come into play in the story.
A crime is committed and the book sets off. As the female protagonist flips over stones to find out the culprit, another guy drops dead - the one who was in her custody just a while ago. The story weaves through multiple characters - none of which you could convict or acquit till the very end.
A girl gets thrashed by her abusive boyfriend, the boyfriend turns up dead after a while. The suspects are the girl's brother, girl's father, victim's step-brother, a small time henchman/goon from the neighbouring state, the girl's affair/new boyfriend/wannabe detective, the owner of the company where the victim was an employee, the manager of that company who replaced the victim.
I loved the protagonist's style of no-damns given attitude while investigating and how she plans a web to trap the villain - yes, we will call that person a villain and not an antagonist. Worthy of being called that - when you find out in the last 3 pages.
The story goes back and forth between these characters and keeps you engaged. Loved the flow of the storyline and character arcs were fully matured for the reader. The backstory of our main lead - the female inspector - leaves us wanting as very brief mentions of her past is mentioned. This was something that would have contributed to the sharp minded lady she was potrayed as. Could have given 4.5 to account for this and the fact that regional angles could be added about Odisha but this was not the genre - it is mystery and crime.
For the pace, engagement and page turner effect - 5 stars!
April 1, 2026
I got this book from Surendra Nath for a honest review. It took only 48 hrs to complete this one. An excellent read.
7 Suspects is the kind of thriller that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. Every chapter tightens the grip, pulling you deeper into a maze of suspicion, tension, and unanswered questions. Sleep becomes optional—you would really like to know what happens next. It starts with slow pace and quickly picks up the momentum.
What makes this novel truly powerful is its unapologetic authenticity. This isn’t a glossy, stylized detective story—it’s raw, grounded, and unmistakably Indian. The investigation unfolds with relentless realism: long interrogations, dead ends, conflicting statements, and the slow, painstaking assembly of truth. There are no miraculous breakthroughs here—only persistence, pressure, and the quiet intelligence of a team that refuses to give up. It feels real because it is real.
At the center stands Shyamala—a force not because she bends the rules, but because she works within them. Her strength lies in her restraint, her discipline, and her sharp understanding of the system she’s a part of. She doesn’t dominate the story with theatrics; she commands it with presence. You don’t just follow her—you trust her.
But beneath the surface of this gripping investigation lies something darker. The story subtly exposes the uncomfortable realities of the system-where power can blur lines, where interrogation methods can feel unsettlingly normalized, and where justice doesn’t always feel entirely secure.
These elements aren’t shouted—they linger, quietly disturbing, long after you’ve turned the page. New generation addicted to drugs and that leads them in to trouble. A murder investigation, then it leads to another and finally a cat and mouse game - few suspects.... who has done it, a big question mark...A real investigation thriller. I am not here to reveal the entire story. Read and enjoy.
The pacing is relentless. Every moment feels purposeful, every reveal earned. And just when you think you have it figured out, the story shifts, keeping you off balance till the very end. The sub plot was not that convincing but the story quickly regains its momentum.
This is a real police hunt—it’s an experience. Tense, immersive, and hauntingly believable.
A book to read , enjoy the thrill.
7 Suspects is the kind of thriller that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. Every chapter tightens the grip, pulling you deeper into a maze of suspicion, tension, and unanswered questions. Sleep becomes optional—you would really like to know what happens next. It starts with slow pace and quickly picks up the momentum.
What makes this novel truly powerful is its unapologetic authenticity. This isn’t a glossy, stylized detective story—it’s raw, grounded, and unmistakably Indian. The investigation unfolds with relentless realism: long interrogations, dead ends, conflicting statements, and the slow, painstaking assembly of truth. There are no miraculous breakthroughs here—only persistence, pressure, and the quiet intelligence of a team that refuses to give up. It feels real because it is real.
At the center stands Shyamala—a force not because she bends the rules, but because she works within them. Her strength lies in her restraint, her discipline, and her sharp understanding of the system she’s a part of. She doesn’t dominate the story with theatrics; she commands it with presence. You don’t just follow her—you trust her.
But beneath the surface of this gripping investigation lies something darker. The story subtly exposes the uncomfortable realities of the system-where power can blur lines, where interrogation methods can feel unsettlingly normalized, and where justice doesn’t always feel entirely secure.
These elements aren’t shouted—they linger, quietly disturbing, long after you’ve turned the page. New generation addicted to drugs and that leads them in to trouble. A murder investigation, then it leads to another and finally a cat and mouse game - few suspects.... who has done it, a big question mark...A real investigation thriller. I am not here to reveal the entire story. Read and enjoy.
The pacing is relentless. Every moment feels purposeful, every reveal earned. And just when you think you have it figured out, the story shifts, keeping you off balance till the very end. The sub plot was not that convincing but the story quickly regains its momentum.
This is a real police hunt—it’s an experience. Tense, immersive, and hauntingly believable.
A book to read , enjoy the thrill.
January 31, 2026
7 Suspects is a book that balances several ingredients of a suspense mystery very well. It works brilliantly as a procedural. The writer has portrayed the intricate workings of a police force in an Indian city convincingly. What I liked most was the depiction of how a resourceful inspector could find ways in which an investigation could be conducted within legal constraints that bind them. The tediousness of the operations, the sacrifices the investigators have to make in their personal lives to carry out their duties, the quick thinking they have to develop, and the manipulative tactics they use to bring situations under control are portrayed in detail.
The book is a taut mystery thriller that effectively uses the investigation methods of the local police and criminal psychology to tell a suspenseful story. This would be a perfect read for mystery aficionados who prefer procedural details without too many narrative frills.
The book is a taut mystery thriller that effectively uses the investigation methods of the local police and criminal psychology to tell a suspenseful story. This would be a perfect read for mystery aficionados who prefer procedural details without too many narrative frills.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews