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Inspector Saralkar Mystery #2
The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen
Late one November night, the mutilated corpse of a young Finnish tourist is found in a public garden in Pune. It looks like a case of brutal rape and murder, but Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar find themselves probing further....delving deeper.
Standing virtually clueless, except for a single white sandal found on the scene of the crime, the policemen duo start looking for suspects.
Things get murkier when Saralkar's old friend and colleague, Inspector Patange, seeks his help to establish the identity of another murder victim - an old man found by a wooded hillside on the outskirts of Pune. Not only do the old man's injuries match the wounds inflicted on the Finnish girl, but he is also found wearing the other white sandal.
As Saralkar and Motkar struggle to find the link that connects the two murders, nothing is what it seems....The emerging truth seems far more dangerous and the motive far more bizarre!
Who murdered Sonia , and why? The truth will chill you to the bone!
Standing virtually clueless, except for a single white sandal found on the scene of the crime, the policemen duo start looking for suspects.
Things get murkier when Saralkar's old friend and colleague, Inspector Patange, seeks his help to establish the identity of another murder victim - an old man found by a wooded hillside on the outskirts of Pune. Not only do the old man's injuries match the wounds inflicted on the Finnish girl, but he is also found wearing the other white sandal.
As Saralkar and Motkar struggle to find the link that connects the two murders, nothing is what it seems....The emerging truth seems far more dangerous and the motive far more bizarre!
Who murdered Sonia , and why? The truth will chill you to the bone!
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2015
34 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Salil Desai
11 books94 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 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 26, 2022
I read “3 and a Half Murders” by the author earlier this year. While I liked the build-up, the last sections had silly and far-fetched twists. Since I read quite a bit of crime novels and there are not too many Indian authors writing crime, I decided to give this a go. This book was much better!
Sonia Raikkonen is a young Finnish tourist who has been visiting India since the past few years. She stays at the Lake Garden hotel in Pune this time and is found murdered in a garden a short distance from the hotel, and it appears to be a brutal rape and murder. Inspector Saralkar and his sub-ordinate Motkar investigate. Sonia’s parents are shocked and ask Inkeri Savla, Sonia’s cousin based in Delhi to help. Other than the trail of blood, they find a single slipper and also scour the place for forensic evidence. Their investigation reveals a long list of suspects who must be investigated – her boyfriend Vaino Gardstrom with whom she had a fallout a few days back, the cab driver Badri Tiwari, who has now left for his hometown claiming his son is unwell, Badri’s friend Munna, a mechanic who returned the car Badri drove Sonia, back to the car company in his absence, some local boys at the local gym – Vikram Mohla, Bobby & Rahul who seem to have taken a fancy to her, the manager at the hotel Ashok Chandwani and his staff who seem to be engaged in some illegal dealings. Other than that, it appears that Sonia was in India to check on some events in her past and had also sought some advice from Advocate Anish Khade. Her questions into some past events had ruffled some feathers including a local politician, and she had apparently also received threats. Adding to the mystery is when an elderly man Mohan Deshmukh is found dead some distance away and the second slipper is at the scene.
The build-up is good with multiple threads and makes for engrossing reading. Somehow the character development of Inspector Saralkar is not as good as I would have liked it to be. The ending is unexpected but a little deviant from the rest of the story, and there could have been better options for the last sections. Nevertheless, a decent crime novel with an interesting story and pace.
My rating: 3.75 / 5.
Sonia Raikkonen is a young Finnish tourist who has been visiting India since the past few years. She stays at the Lake Garden hotel in Pune this time and is found murdered in a garden a short distance from the hotel, and it appears to be a brutal rape and murder. Inspector Saralkar and his sub-ordinate Motkar investigate. Sonia’s parents are shocked and ask Inkeri Savla, Sonia’s cousin based in Delhi to help. Other than the trail of blood, they find a single slipper and also scour the place for forensic evidence. Their investigation reveals a long list of suspects who must be investigated – her boyfriend Vaino Gardstrom with whom she had a fallout a few days back, the cab driver Badri Tiwari, who has now left for his hometown claiming his son is unwell, Badri’s friend Munna, a mechanic who returned the car Badri drove Sonia, back to the car company in his absence, some local boys at the local gym – Vikram Mohla, Bobby & Rahul who seem to have taken a fancy to her, the manager at the hotel Ashok Chandwani and his staff who seem to be engaged in some illegal dealings. Other than that, it appears that Sonia was in India to check on some events in her past and had also sought some advice from Advocate Anish Khade. Her questions into some past events had ruffled some feathers including a local politician, and she had apparently also received threats. Adding to the mystery is when an elderly man Mohan Deshmukh is found dead some distance away and the second slipper is at the scene.
The build-up is good with multiple threads and makes for engrossing reading. Somehow the character development of Inspector Saralkar is not as good as I would have liked it to be. The ending is unexpected but a little deviant from the rest of the story, and there could have been better options for the last sections. Nevertheless, a decent crime novel with an interesting story and pace.
My rating: 3.75 / 5.
February 16, 2025
I love being proved wrong. I really do. There's no underlying sarcasm marring that simple sentence. The last time I read an Inspector Saralkar mystery was (way) back in 2021. I had not read a Salil Desai prior to that experience and decided to start off with the very first book in this particular series. For those who are aware of it, the book is called 'Killing Ashish Karve.'
And, safe to say, I was not a fan. Now that I think about it, I can barely remember much about the book other than the nature of its crime and the identity of the perpetrator(s). Something that left a sour taste in my unsuspecting mouth. No wonder I did not spend my time writing a review for it back then, rather, confining my energy to scribbling random points in my notes app to mask the disappointment.
Going through these notes in the present day make it very clear how much I lamented the lack of chemistry between the Saralkar-Motkar pairing. There was a sense of dullness that shadowed our protagonists like that of the plague. But maybe that was the point, which my inexperience failed to grasp. Even more so when it pertained to police officers and their roles in the corrugated lens of Indian judiciary. A dull cog in a canopied machinery, who can blend in easily.
'The Murder of Sonya Raikkonen' focuses on exactly what the name entails. Saralkar is roused from his slumber with an emergency call regarding a brutal murder in the Lake Gardens of Pune. The victim is Sonya Raikkonen, a Finnish tourist visiting India on a personal errand. Alarms are raised over the death of a foreigner in such a gruesome manner. Taking a turn for the worse, when the police posit that she might have also been assaulted prior to being murdered that night.
Saralkar and the homicide department investigate dispassionately, making up a police procedural that doesn't try to jump beyond the very basics. It does not aim to be super smart or surprise the readers with outlandish acts of brainy detection, which I admired a lot. So many Indian authors try to mould a mystery series around a police inspector and then go on to make them yet another 'know-it-all' caricature dressed up in Sherlock hand-me-downs.
That is simply not how it works. Crime solving in real life is a much slower, more tedious affair that requires as much legwork as it does racking one's brains for the clues. Desai delivers on this front steadily. Beyond Saralkar, the Motkars and the Salunkhes of the department all adhere to the division of labour. They systematically follow several leads, knock down closed doors, interrogate shady suspects, and try to haggle for answers beyond the clear and obvious.
Maybe it does not make up for a riveting read, like a proper pulpy mystery would have. But I found myself invested, appreciating the pace with which Desai paints his canvas with patience. And yet, the intrigue is never compromised for once. The book blazed past me. The narrative, despite the slow-burn approach, is a great read that I could not help but wrap up within a couple of days. It'll probably take even less time for you if you're not in a (weird) headspace like I am at the time of writing. So that says a lot.
However, the author falters at times when it comes to writing his European characters. There are a few chapters in the very beginning that take place entirely in Finnish towns. And it comes off as clunky. The dialogues are unnatural. And the exchanges feel grating to some extent. Might even catch one off-guard if they're more in-tune with the hard-boiled world of Scandi-Noirs and such. Although it does get better as the book progresses. Or maybe as a reader, one simply gets acclimatised to Desai's writing style better.
Either way, it makes the journey lose a few good points in the process.
I also can't vouch for Saralkar being a more well-rounded character this time around. He's clearly one of those grumpy police cutouts, with questionable ideas swirling amidst the bluntness. And it's a welcome trait, don't get me wrong. No officer is a saint in this country. Saralkar does not need to be one either. It happily adds to the grimy sense of realism. And the awkward dynamic he shares with his subordinates.
He showcases traits of casual misogyny that'd make Harry Callahan proud. Sexualises a couple of women in the process. Partakes in the age-old 'marriage is a curse, women are a bane' brand of humour. And also does not sigh, for sighs are feminine in nature. Choosing to grunt, rather, to assert his bloated masculinity. If nothing, this adds to the greyness of his character. Gives him some dimension to work out with. Even if it's not all that clever or well-pronounced.
However, what irked me genuinely was when Saralkar started discussing rape—as a criminal offence—with Motkar, that too over a cup of tea. The officers partake in an odd little exchange that goes like... (Trigger Warning!)
"I have always wondered why some of them kill the victim after raping her. Why compound the crime so that you become not just a rapist but also a murderer?" Motkar remarked.
Saralkar's eyes were staring into the distance. He shrugged. "That's why some experts argue that rape shouldn't be made an offence punishable by death. It's like signing the death warrant of all victims. If a man knows he'll hang for committing rape, all the more reason for him to kill the victim in the hope that he'll escape detection."
It's a baffling conversation that takes place quite early in the book, which in turn made me question my reading preferences to some degree. I understand a bit of what the author was going for here. And it probably sounded way better inside his head. But that final sentence is outright dismal when read contextually. Really hope this is Inspector Saralkar speaking and not the author, Salil Desai himself. A guy can wonder, can he not?
Anyways. Thankfully, there was a much better and much more solid crime thriller beyond the initial ick, which managed to salvage quite a lot of the goodwill for me. I'll probably stick around as a result and read the next one in the near future, so there we go.
(3/5 || February, 2025)
And, safe to say, I was not a fan. Now that I think about it, I can barely remember much about the book other than the nature of its crime and the identity of the perpetrator(s). Something that left a sour taste in my unsuspecting mouth. No wonder I did not spend my time writing a review for it back then, rather, confining my energy to scribbling random points in my notes app to mask the disappointment.
Going through these notes in the present day make it very clear how much I lamented the lack of chemistry between the Saralkar-Motkar pairing. There was a sense of dullness that shadowed our protagonists like that of the plague. But maybe that was the point, which my inexperience failed to grasp. Even more so when it pertained to police officers and their roles in the corrugated lens of Indian judiciary. A dull cog in a canopied machinery, who can blend in easily.
'The Murder of Sonya Raikkonen' focuses on exactly what the name entails. Saralkar is roused from his slumber with an emergency call regarding a brutal murder in the Lake Gardens of Pune. The victim is Sonya Raikkonen, a Finnish tourist visiting India on a personal errand. Alarms are raised over the death of a foreigner in such a gruesome manner. Taking a turn for the worse, when the police posit that she might have also been assaulted prior to being murdered that night.
Saralkar and the homicide department investigate dispassionately, making up a police procedural that doesn't try to jump beyond the very basics. It does not aim to be super smart or surprise the readers with outlandish acts of brainy detection, which I admired a lot. So many Indian authors try to mould a mystery series around a police inspector and then go on to make them yet another 'know-it-all' caricature dressed up in Sherlock hand-me-downs.
That is simply not how it works. Crime solving in real life is a much slower, more tedious affair that requires as much legwork as it does racking one's brains for the clues. Desai delivers on this front steadily. Beyond Saralkar, the Motkars and the Salunkhes of the department all adhere to the division of labour. They systematically follow several leads, knock down closed doors, interrogate shady suspects, and try to haggle for answers beyond the clear and obvious.
Maybe it does not make up for a riveting read, like a proper pulpy mystery would have. But I found myself invested, appreciating the pace with which Desai paints his canvas with patience. And yet, the intrigue is never compromised for once. The book blazed past me. The narrative, despite the slow-burn approach, is a great read that I could not help but wrap up within a couple of days. It'll probably take even less time for you if you're not in a (weird) headspace like I am at the time of writing. So that says a lot.
However, the author falters at times when it comes to writing his European characters. There are a few chapters in the very beginning that take place entirely in Finnish towns. And it comes off as clunky. The dialogues are unnatural. And the exchanges feel grating to some extent. Might even catch one off-guard if they're more in-tune with the hard-boiled world of Scandi-Noirs and such. Although it does get better as the book progresses. Or maybe as a reader, one simply gets acclimatised to Desai's writing style better.
Either way, it makes the journey lose a few good points in the process.
I also can't vouch for Saralkar being a more well-rounded character this time around. He's clearly one of those grumpy police cutouts, with questionable ideas swirling amidst the bluntness. And it's a welcome trait, don't get me wrong. No officer is a saint in this country. Saralkar does not need to be one either. It happily adds to the grimy sense of realism. And the awkward dynamic he shares with his subordinates.
He showcases traits of casual misogyny that'd make Harry Callahan proud. Sexualises a couple of women in the process. Partakes in the age-old 'marriage is a curse, women are a bane' brand of humour. And also does not sigh, for sighs are feminine in nature. Choosing to grunt, rather, to assert his bloated masculinity. If nothing, this adds to the greyness of his character. Gives him some dimension to work out with. Even if it's not all that clever or well-pronounced.
However, what irked me genuinely was when Saralkar started discussing rape—as a criminal offence—with Motkar, that too over a cup of tea. The officers partake in an odd little exchange that goes like... (Trigger Warning!)
"I have always wondered why some of them kill the victim after raping her. Why compound the crime so that you become not just a rapist but also a murderer?" Motkar remarked.
Saralkar's eyes were staring into the distance. He shrugged. "That's why some experts argue that rape shouldn't be made an offence punishable by death. It's like signing the death warrant of all victims. If a man knows he'll hang for committing rape, all the more reason for him to kill the victim in the hope that he'll escape detection."
It's a baffling conversation that takes place quite early in the book, which in turn made me question my reading preferences to some degree. I understand a bit of what the author was going for here. And it probably sounded way better inside his head. But that final sentence is outright dismal when read contextually. Really hope this is Inspector Saralkar speaking and not the author, Salil Desai himself. A guy can wonder, can he not?
Anyways. Thankfully, there was a much better and much more solid crime thriller beyond the initial ick, which managed to salvage quite a lot of the goodwill for me. I'll probably stick around as a result and read the next one in the near future, so there we go.
(3/5 || February, 2025)
May 9, 2020
Another wonderful book by Salil Desai
Review may come
Review may come
March 3, 2017
Extremely brilliant piece of work by salil Desai, which is a police procedural murder mystery. A Finnish national is allegedly raped and murdered in pune in a very gory way in the jurisdiction of inspector saralkar.
The author takes u on this very Interesting journey of solving the case, the characterisation is very good, but plot is engaging and its worth ur time and money.
We have a certain mould where the investigating officer has to be like James Bond, it took me some time to get hold of the personality of Inspector saralkar, who constantly chides and pulls legs of his subordinates and doesn't leave a chance to to assert his authority with his unsavory comments and wicked sense of humour, but it turns very entertaining and u start to enjoy that trait.
Looking forward to meet inspector saralkar again.
The author takes u on this very Interesting journey of solving the case, the characterisation is very good, but plot is engaging and its worth ur time and money.
We have a certain mould where the investigating officer has to be like James Bond, it took me some time to get hold of the personality of Inspector saralkar, who constantly chides and pulls legs of his subordinates and doesn't leave a chance to to assert his authority with his unsavory comments and wicked sense of humour, but it turns very entertaining and u start to enjoy that trait.
Looking forward to meet inspector saralkar again.
March 5, 2017
Inspector Saralkar (whose motto is 'real men never sigh, they grunt') and his underlings SI Motkar and SI Salunkye are dragged into the murder investigation of Sonia Raikkonen, a Finnish lady who had come to Pune on a mysterious quest. Her Finnish boyfriend, Vaiko, who's accompanied her had just left her after a nasty quarrel when the deed occured. Soon , another dead body is found which is linked to this murder, and there are many people with half baked motives, including a taxi driver, three gym infesting men, the hotel owner and his underling, to name a few. Later on politicians and crusading lawyers come to the fray. Inkeya, Sonia's cousin too stays in India..and it seems they are not on good terms.
Throughout this taut, well written book, I enjoyed the acerbic wit and continual sparrings between the Inspector and his subs. I am adding Inspector Saralkar to my contingent of Police investigators I adore.
The first 60% was superb, almost 5 star quality, but the last quarter was a bit lacking. Still a book that I can freely recommend to all police procedural buffs.
I will surely be perusing the other books in this series.
Throughout this taut, well written book, I enjoyed the acerbic wit and continual sparrings between the Inspector and his subs. I am adding Inspector Saralkar to my contingent of Police investigators I adore.
The first 60% was superb, almost 5 star quality, but the last quarter was a bit lacking. Still a book that I can freely recommend to all police procedural buffs.
I will surely be perusing the other books in this series.
September 7, 2023
The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen surpasses all expectations for a great murder mystery book. It has everything you want in just the right amounts. The story starts when Sonia, a Finnish girl, is found murdered in a park near a fancy neighborhood in Pune. There are several suspects, from a taxi driver she was with to a group of gym-goers who had bothered her before. Even a corrupt minister and her Finnish boyfriend are questioned. Who killed Sonia? Why? Can Savalkar solve this seemingly impossible mystery? This thrilling story is full of twists and turns, keeping you hooked until the end. The book is exciting from the start, and the ending is well-crafted. Overall, The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen is a fantastic read that I recommend to all mystery lovers.
April 12, 2015
A very nice plot, gripping story line, the suspense is definitely thrilling. "Killing is a contact sport, my friend.." says one of the characters. The story reminds us of how the society can make or brake us, especially during childhood. Reminds me one of Freud's quotes "insanity does not differ in it's kind, only in degree". It is such a page turner. A must read especially for people who try to contemplate the dilemmas of childhood and the trauma of not having loving parents and its effects. Thumbs up.
February 17, 2017
This is the second book in the Inspector Saralkar mystery series… But this is the first time I have read Salil Desai’s book.
Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar are summoned to a public garden where the body of a Finnish tourist has been discovered. Sonia Raikkonen seemed to have fallen victim to brutal rape and murder. The only clue the duo has is a single white sandal found on the scene. Though there seem to be a lot of suspects to choose from, the case gets murkier when they realise that the murder may be connected to a second murder… Will Saralkar and Motkar be able to solve this case or is it way over their heads?
Frankly having not read Salil Desai’s works before, I did not know what to expect. But I am always drawn towards a mystery novel which is why I ended up reading this one.
The best thing about this book is its characters. Each of them has been developed individually and with distinctive characteristics. Saralkar, the protagonist, is a very likeable character. With his honest and intelligent approach to the case to his sense of humour, makes him a very entertaining lead. Motkar, provides the necessary support and brings about a sense of balance between the two. Aside from the individual characters, the dynamics between the recurring characters are also fleshed out well. For instance the dynamics between Saralkar and Motkar is actually interesting… it is not typically a professional dynamic between two colleagues, nor is it the dynamic between two close friends. It lies somewhere in between those two, bringing in the best of both worlds. The plot was interesting and it was easy to get hooked right at the beginning. The author has provided enough clues, twists and turns throughout the novel so that the reader can play the whodunit game along as the plot progresses. Certain twists also ensured that the readers were taken by surprise at certain point and even elevate the stakes. The narration style was just perfect for a reader to get close to the characters and in the thick of the plot; especially the dialogue delivery was quite impressive.
The only let down of the book was its climax. It really did not do justice to all the buildup and twists in the plot. I had the murderer pinned from an early stage and was hoping to be proven wrong. But the red-herrings did not really work and I was right, much to my own disappointment. However, that should not, in any way, deter you from picking up this book. It was an thrilling ride to take along with Saralkar.
Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar are summoned to a public garden where the body of a Finnish tourist has been discovered. Sonia Raikkonen seemed to have fallen victim to brutal rape and murder. The only clue the duo has is a single white sandal found on the scene. Though there seem to be a lot of suspects to choose from, the case gets murkier when they realise that the murder may be connected to a second murder… Will Saralkar and Motkar be able to solve this case or is it way over their heads?
Frankly having not read Salil Desai’s works before, I did not know what to expect. But I am always drawn towards a mystery novel which is why I ended up reading this one.
The best thing about this book is its characters. Each of them has been developed individually and with distinctive characteristics. Saralkar, the protagonist, is a very likeable character. With his honest and intelligent approach to the case to his sense of humour, makes him a very entertaining lead. Motkar, provides the necessary support and brings about a sense of balance between the two. Aside from the individual characters, the dynamics between the recurring characters are also fleshed out well. For instance the dynamics between Saralkar and Motkar is actually interesting… it is not typically a professional dynamic between two colleagues, nor is it the dynamic between two close friends. It lies somewhere in between those two, bringing in the best of both worlds. The plot was interesting and it was easy to get hooked right at the beginning. The author has provided enough clues, twists and turns throughout the novel so that the reader can play the whodunit game along as the plot progresses. Certain twists also ensured that the readers were taken by surprise at certain point and even elevate the stakes. The narration style was just perfect for a reader to get close to the characters and in the thick of the plot; especially the dialogue delivery was quite impressive.
The only let down of the book was its climax. It really did not do justice to all the buildup and twists in the plot. I had the murderer pinned from an early stage and was hoping to be proven wrong. But the red-herrings did not really work and I was right, much to my own disappointment. However, that should not, in any way, deter you from picking up this book. It was an thrilling ride to take along with Saralkar.
September 7, 2023
This is easily the best out of the three Inspector Saralkar books. A Finnish citizen found dead with hardly any clues to go on and a large list of suspects. A well put together police procedural.
March 17, 2015
With the second mystery in the Inspector Saralkar series, author Salil Desai refreshes our memories of the whimsical working relationship that Saralkar and PSI Motkar share and how they compliment each other during the various grim homicide investigations they undertake together. In this book, the victim is a young Finnish girl Sonia Raikkonen who, from the looks of it has been raped and then brutally murdered. Armed with a lone white sandal, the duo set out to uncover more than just the proverbial can of worms in the course of bringing the murderer to justice. Just like the first book in the series, this one too details the police procedures like no other book has or probably ever can. A lovely read, for sure.
June 10, 2016
Holy shit! Yeah! That' all that i could think of after finishing the book. Seriously, This is the second book in the Inspector Saralkar mystery series and this is the first book i read by Desai. It's a good page turner and involves different polts but tells you how important it is for investigation purposes that if you miss one minute detail, you would end up at wrong conclusion.
Also the author tries to take readers into the dark word of crime through the police perspective. How much it affects their personal life, dealing with psychotic people all round the clock.
The climax could have been a bit better but, all in all, its a good read and must read at least once.
Also the author tries to take readers into the dark word of crime through the police perspective. How much it affects their personal life, dealing with psychotic people all round the clock.
The climax could have been a bit better but, all in all, its a good read and must read at least once.
May 24, 2018
3.5/5 Better than the first book in the series - Killing Ashish Karve : An Inspector Saralkar Mystery but a little disappointed with the ending again. Worth a read though if u are a fan of crime fiction based on conversations and slow, subtle revelations.
August 25, 2015
Slowly and steadily thrillers and murder mysteries as a genre are gaining acceptance and popularity in India. This phenomenon can be attested by the ever increasing number of such books which are constantly being featured..
Read the full review here - http://www.bookgeeks.in/entries/thril...
Read the full review here - http://www.bookgeeks.in/entries/thril...
September 26, 2016
Read my review here:
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com/2016/0...
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com/2016/0...
August 23, 2023
Get ready to be immersed in a chilling mystery as you dive into the pages of "The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen" by Salil Desai. This gripping tale takes you on a suspenseful journey that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
"The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen" kicks off with a haunting scene – the mutilated body of a young Finnish tourist discovered in a public garden in Pune. From the get-go, the author hooks you with a sense of intrigue that doesn't let go.
Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar are assigned to the brutal rape and murder case. What seems like a straightforward investigation quickly spirals into a complex web of secrets and deceit. The discovery of a single white sandal at the crime scene sets off a chain of events that lead the investigators down a dark and twisted path.
Salil Desai's writing style is taut and evocative, effortlessly transporting readers into the heart of the investigation. The narrative is vividly descriptive, painting a clear picture of the surroundings and the characters' emotions.
Saralkar and Motkar make for a dynamic and relatable duo. Their determination and vulnerabilities create a strong emotional connection with readers. Inspector Patange's involvement adds another layer of intrigue, as his request for help with another murder victim establishes a spine-tingling link.
The plot unfolds seamlessly, alternating between gripping police procedural work and unexpected twists that keep you guessing. The story weaves together two seemingly unrelated murders into a perplexing puzzle, making each revelation more shocking than the last.
Desai expertly tackles themes of darkness lurking beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. The exploration of motive and the unveiling of the truth is both thought-provoking and spine-chilling.
The emotional impact is palpable as you navigate the characters' struggles, fears, and motivations. The stakes are high, and Desai ensures that you're emotionally invested in every turn of events.
Strength lies in the author's ability to keep you engrossed with his meticulous attention to detail and character development. However, some might find the complexity of the plot a bit challenging to follow.
"The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen" is a gripping thriller that masterfully balances suspense and emotion. Salil Desai's storytelling prowess shines, making it a must-read for mystery enthusiasts.
In conclusion, "The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen" is a riveting journey into the depths of a sinister mystery. The book's intricate plot, well-developed characters, and skillful writing will leave you haunted and thrilled long after you've turned the final page.
"The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen" kicks off with a haunting scene – the mutilated body of a young Finnish tourist discovered in a public garden in Pune. From the get-go, the author hooks you with a sense of intrigue that doesn't let go.
Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar are assigned to the brutal rape and murder case. What seems like a straightforward investigation quickly spirals into a complex web of secrets and deceit. The discovery of a single white sandal at the crime scene sets off a chain of events that lead the investigators down a dark and twisted path.
Salil Desai's writing style is taut and evocative, effortlessly transporting readers into the heart of the investigation. The narrative is vividly descriptive, painting a clear picture of the surroundings and the characters' emotions.
Saralkar and Motkar make for a dynamic and relatable duo. Their determination and vulnerabilities create a strong emotional connection with readers. Inspector Patange's involvement adds another layer of intrigue, as his request for help with another murder victim establishes a spine-tingling link.
The plot unfolds seamlessly, alternating between gripping police procedural work and unexpected twists that keep you guessing. The story weaves together two seemingly unrelated murders into a perplexing puzzle, making each revelation more shocking than the last.
Desai expertly tackles themes of darkness lurking beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. The exploration of motive and the unveiling of the truth is both thought-provoking and spine-chilling.
The emotional impact is palpable as you navigate the characters' struggles, fears, and motivations. The stakes are high, and Desai ensures that you're emotionally invested in every turn of events.
Strength lies in the author's ability to keep you engrossed with his meticulous attention to detail and character development. However, some might find the complexity of the plot a bit challenging to follow.
"The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen" is a gripping thriller that masterfully balances suspense and emotion. Salil Desai's storytelling prowess shines, making it a must-read for mystery enthusiasts.
In conclusion, "The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen" is a riveting journey into the depths of a sinister mystery. The book's intricate plot, well-developed characters, and skillful writing will leave you haunted and thrilled long after you've turned the final page.
May 10, 2017
Another nice Police Procedural by Salil Desai.
Intrigued by reading 3 and a half murders – a police procedural setup in Indian environment – I have decided to read other two books in Inspector Saralkar Series penned by Salil Desai. And I enjoyed reading it.
If to skip the prologue the book starts as:
A girl’s body was found in quite early morning in a garden in Pune and she was found murdered brutally.
The scene confirms that she should have been physically assaulted and murdered afterwords.
Recognized as Sonia Raikkonen, her body was found in indecent condition. When started chasing for the clues, initially Saralkar and team was clueless but eventually he got to know that she was staying at a near by hotel.
So who did this crime? Inspector Saralkar, assisted by PSI Motkar and team tries to uncover the truth. How it is uncovered is the rest of the book.
However not exactly the spoiler, but the prologue serves as a kind of spoiler. It may be the only downside of the book in addition to have missing glossary.
If you are crime thriller lover and got a hint about who is the killer, then also it is definitely worth to go through the event. Salil is in complete control here and I enjoyed the book thoroughly.
In addition to the thrilling moments, Saralkar's sarcasm gives light moments nicely. The human attributes of the police officers explored, makes the characters even more effective. Then in news - The Anna Hazare moments - and it's impact on Indian society during the period is refereed intelligently. So when the book was released, its contemporariness was definitely there. And those who are following Indian politics and happenings, will surely be able to relate to them when reading the book even today.
There are some philosophical lines in the book like "A world without people would have been paradise."
Also be warned that there is a little adult material in the book. Though to the writer’s credit neither he is intended to lure the readers nor titillation is aimed. Also remember that you may or may not be convinced with the reason the killer have for his/her actions. But then, it is a psychological thriller and you cannot understand psyche of everyone, especially the criminal.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Detailed review is available at: http://thinkerviews.com/books/english...
Intrigued by reading 3 and a half murders – a police procedural setup in Indian environment – I have decided to read other two books in Inspector Saralkar Series penned by Salil Desai. And I enjoyed reading it.
If to skip the prologue the book starts as:
A girl’s body was found in quite early morning in a garden in Pune and she was found murdered brutally.
The scene confirms that she should have been physically assaulted and murdered afterwords.
Recognized as Sonia Raikkonen, her body was found in indecent condition. When started chasing for the clues, initially Saralkar and team was clueless but eventually he got to know that she was staying at a near by hotel.
So who did this crime? Inspector Saralkar, assisted by PSI Motkar and team tries to uncover the truth. How it is uncovered is the rest of the book.
However not exactly the spoiler, but the prologue serves as a kind of spoiler. It may be the only downside of the book in addition to have missing glossary.
If you are crime thriller lover and got a hint about who is the killer, then also it is definitely worth to go through the event. Salil is in complete control here and I enjoyed the book thoroughly.
In addition to the thrilling moments, Saralkar's sarcasm gives light moments nicely. The human attributes of the police officers explored, makes the characters even more effective. Then in news - The Anna Hazare moments - and it's impact on Indian society during the period is refereed intelligently. So when the book was released, its contemporariness was definitely there. And those who are following Indian politics and happenings, will surely be able to relate to them when reading the book even today.
There are some philosophical lines in the book like "A world without people would have been paradise."
Also be warned that there is a little adult material in the book. Though to the writer’s credit neither he is intended to lure the readers nor titillation is aimed. Also remember that you may or may not be convinced with the reason the killer have for his/her actions. But then, it is a psychological thriller and you cannot understand psyche of everyone, especially the criminal.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Detailed review is available at: http://thinkerviews.com/books/english...
August 29, 2019
Book Title: The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen: An Inspector Saralkar Mystery
Author: Salil Desai
Format: Paperback
Book Title:
The title of the book is ‘The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen: An Inspector Saralkar Mystery’ is intriguing
Book Cover:
The cover of the book is an image of a corpse of a woman lying on the ground with blood stains around it.
Plot:
The plot of the story is set in the Pune city with Senior Inspector Saralkar and his sub-ordinate Motkar as the main characters.
The gross and disturbing murdered body of a Finnish woman is found in the public garden of Pune. Saralkar and Motkar arrive at the site to inspect and find their first clue, white sandal. Both of them start suspecting people who are involved in this frightening murder.
As they are busy in suspecting the victims, Saralkar gets a call from his old friend and colleague Patange. He seeks help from him to solve another murder mystery. As he reaches the site he will see an old man’s dead body which is stabbed vigorously and leaves the body in a bad condition. Saralkar finds another white sandal in this site and finds that there is a connection between these two brutal murders. As the two cops cross the levels while solving the cases, they find some dreadful and scary truths behind these crimes.
What is the connection between those two murders and who is behind it? How the police duo will solve the cases?
Read this suspense and nail-biting story ‘The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen: An Inspector Saralkar Mystery’ by Salil Desai
What I like:
1. The police duo is the essence of this story. Most importantly, the humor and zeal to solve this case will grab the attention of the readers.
2. The two different cases and the relation between them are shown in a remarkable way.
3. The suspense is maintained until the ending of the story.
What I didn’t like:
The thrill and suspense are maintained very well but the story was dragged in between and a bit complex which will leave the readers confused. But overall the story is interesting and good.
Narration:
The narration is done in a good way and it could be more interesting and enthusiastic.
Language & Grammar:
A clear language with neat and uncomplicated grammar is used in the book
My Final Verdict:
An interesting book with a unique storyline which leaves the readers with an awesome feeling.
Book Title: 3/5
Book Cover:3/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Narration: 3/5
Language & Grammar: 3/5
Final Rating: 3/5
Author: Salil Desai
Format: Paperback
Book Title:
The title of the book is ‘The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen: An Inspector Saralkar Mystery’ is intriguing
Book Cover:
The cover of the book is an image of a corpse of a woman lying on the ground with blood stains around it.
Plot:
The plot of the story is set in the Pune city with Senior Inspector Saralkar and his sub-ordinate Motkar as the main characters.
The gross and disturbing murdered body of a Finnish woman is found in the public garden of Pune. Saralkar and Motkar arrive at the site to inspect and find their first clue, white sandal. Both of them start suspecting people who are involved in this frightening murder.
As they are busy in suspecting the victims, Saralkar gets a call from his old friend and colleague Patange. He seeks help from him to solve another murder mystery. As he reaches the site he will see an old man’s dead body which is stabbed vigorously and leaves the body in a bad condition. Saralkar finds another white sandal in this site and finds that there is a connection between these two brutal murders. As the two cops cross the levels while solving the cases, they find some dreadful and scary truths behind these crimes.
What is the connection between those two murders and who is behind it? How the police duo will solve the cases?
Read this suspense and nail-biting story ‘The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen: An Inspector Saralkar Mystery’ by Salil Desai
What I like:
1. The police duo is the essence of this story. Most importantly, the humor and zeal to solve this case will grab the attention of the readers.
2. The two different cases and the relation between them are shown in a remarkable way.
3. The suspense is maintained until the ending of the story.
What I didn’t like:
The thrill and suspense are maintained very well but the story was dragged in between and a bit complex which will leave the readers confused. But overall the story is interesting and good.
Narration:
The narration is done in a good way and it could be more interesting and enthusiastic.
Language & Grammar:
A clear language with neat and uncomplicated grammar is used in the book
My Final Verdict:
An interesting book with a unique storyline which leaves the readers with an awesome feeling.
Book Title: 3/5
Book Cover:3/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Narration: 3/5
Language & Grammar: 3/5
Final Rating: 3/5
June 11, 2021
Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar are back in the second instalment trying to find the killer of Finnish tourist Sonia Raikkonen. What appears to be a brutal rape and murder, turns out to be something more sinister with each page. Things take a turn when another dead body is found with a piece of evidence from Raikkonen's murder.
As Saralkar and Motkar try to connect the dots, Desai gives the reader a bunch of suspects with each having something to hide. He uses the bureaucracy and prevalent corruption in the Police system to great effect leaving the reader slightly frustrated.
Excellent twists and turns as the motives become clearer and the evidence begins to line up.
I really liked this one and would recommend for those looking for a police procedure murder mystery investigation.
As Saralkar and Motkar try to connect the dots, Desai gives the reader a bunch of suspects with each having something to hide. He uses the bureaucracy and prevalent corruption in the Police system to great effect leaving the reader slightly frustrated.
Excellent twists and turns as the motives become clearer and the evidence begins to line up.
I really liked this one and would recommend for those looking for a police procedure murder mystery investigation.
October 24, 2019
The best things about Salil Desai's 'Inspector Saralkar Mystery' series are:
1. They are 100% pure, 'shuddh deshi' Indian Police Procedurals.
2. Chemistry between Saralkar and Motkar lighten the ambience while driving it forward as well.
3. Indian urban and rural landscape truly comes alive in these stories, with all their charm and insanity, helplessness and irrepressible survival strategies.
This story, the second one in the series, was no exception.
What begins as an investigation into rape and murder soon grows into a hornets' nest full of issues, twists and terrors.
And the denouement comes neatly, where red-herrings are discarded. We are left only with a picture that's extremely dark and disturbing.
Until the next mystery, then?
In the meanwhile, highly recommended.
1. They are 100% pure, 'shuddh deshi' Indian Police Procedurals.
2. Chemistry between Saralkar and Motkar lighten the ambience while driving it forward as well.
3. Indian urban and rural landscape truly comes alive in these stories, with all their charm and insanity, helplessness and irrepressible survival strategies.
This story, the second one in the series, was no exception.
What begins as an investigation into rape and murder soon grows into a hornets' nest full of issues, twists and terrors.
And the denouement comes neatly, where red-herrings are discarded. We are left only with a picture that's extremely dark and disturbing.
Until the next mystery, then?
In the meanwhile, highly recommended.
March 9, 2018
Its the same Duo Senior Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar , just about this duo , this time around i found Saralkar a bit cruel and extremely rude. No one should have a boss like him. If Salil Desai is trying to portray Sherlock Holmes and Dr.Watson he has failed miserable. Yes Holmes is obnoxious but not cruel . SI. Saralkar takes pleasure out of being rude.
Now the plot as the Title suggest is a Horrific Murder of Sonia Raikkonen , we can easily guess the murderer, but there are reams of pages showing possible murders. There are loose ends left .
Not one of his best murder mystery.
Now the plot as the Title suggest is a Horrific Murder of Sonia Raikkonen , we can easily guess the murderer, but there are reams of pages showing possible murders. There are loose ends left .
Not one of his best murder mystery.
June 20, 2023
Enjoyed reading this crime thriller featuring the Saralkar-Motkar duo, with Salunkhe thrown in for good measure.
The murder of Sonia Raikkonen, a foreign visitor to Pune, open's the Pandora's box highlighting the viciousness of the underbelly, as one clue after another leads the Police to a wild goose chase.
The ending left me a little disappointed though. Would have loved it if the culprit had been punished suitably.
My rating - 3.5/5
Look forward to the next book in the series and more of the Saralkar-Motkar bante
The murder of Sonia Raikkonen, a foreign visitor to Pune, open's the Pandora's box highlighting the viciousness of the underbelly, as one clue after another leads the Police to a wild goose chase.
The ending left me a little disappointed though. Would have loved it if the culprit had been punished suitably.
My rating - 3.5/5
Look forward to the next book in the series and more of the Saralkar-Motkar bante
April 12, 2022
I am glad that I didn’t read the books in the series in chronological order, the plot and twists in 3 and a half murders were a lot more sinister and entertaining than in this one. Although The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen didn’t keep me at the edge of my seat all the time, it was fun to try to solve the case and figure out how and why Sonia must’ve been killed. I can’t help but ponder over the thought that maybe I have already read the best book in the series (I hope that’s not the case) considering how I was far less entertained in the second book of the series.
The series has 2 more books left, Killing Ashish Karve and Murder Milestone which are chronologically first and fourth in the series and I plan on reading and reviewing them both.
The series has 2 more books left, Killing Ashish Karve and Murder Milestone which are chronologically first and fourth in the series and I plan on reading and reviewing them both.
February 25, 2023
Salil Desai as an author is in full control of the plot. The way the character grows will make you acquainted with them and in turn the book. Most importantly the human attributes of the characters will make you to feel them real. They are not perfect ones like we see in films. They have their strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, the cover page of the book fits in with the story. You will enjoy this police procedural for sure if crime thrillers are your cup of tea.
August 19, 2022
Salil's plot never fails to mesmerize me, but what I feel over and over again reading his stories is a lack of smooth flow. The conversation and the way things are laid before often reminds me that I'm reading a fiction novel, and not blessed to be in a different life. However, it takes some time to get me hooked to his stories, but it engages me whatsoever.
October 26, 2022
The plot had an interesting ring to it but the execution fell flat on its face. Many turning points in the whole case were presented very blandly without much excitement which a murder mystery demands. Felt as if the mystery of the murder was revealed in the first 50 pages of the book itself. And the ending feels like an unnecessary drag.
June 29, 2017
An amazing read and I would be giving 5 stars to the author. Click on the below link to read my complete review.
https://reviewzoneweb.wordpress.com/2...
https://reviewzoneweb.wordpress.com/2...
April 12, 2019
An exciting murder mystery based in Pune. The young Finnish girl is murdered and I Pune police inspector Saralkar and his team is get down to solve it.
Crisp gripping narrative. Fast read. A touch of humor and quite a bit of contemporary information and thoughts thrown in.
Crisp gripping narrative. Fast read. A touch of humor and quite a bit of contemporary information and thoughts thrown in.
October 30, 2020
Universal plot
Good to read one more book of salil desai.gripping and with excellent turn twist.suspense is secondary against good plot and script.saralkar and motekar series is excellent. __ uresh shah
Good to read one more book of salil desai.gripping and with excellent turn twist.suspense is secondary against good plot and script.saralkar and motekar series is excellent. __ uresh shah
July 3, 2018
Very good thriller,
July 12, 2018
I loved the mystery. It was nail bitting till the last page💙
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