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Raakshas: The Serial Killer
What made him a serial killer?
Was he born with homicidal tendencies?
Did a harrowing childhood render him criminally insane?
The questions haunt, Additional Commissioner of Police, Maithili Prasad as she discovers the horrific murders across Mumbai. As she spearheads the greatest manhunt in Mumbai’s history, she’s determined to contain the reign of terror unleashed by the ruthless serial killer. But before that she must grapple with her personal demons that surface to plague her with self-doubt.
Just as it seems that Maithili has begun to understand the deep-rooted resentment that drives the serial killer, he turns around and makes her the object of his revenge. Will she emerge unscathed from this ordeal?
This thrilling narrative of a serial killer’s life and the unusual and challenging investigation to catch him, uncovers a chilling trail of unspeakable torment and cruelty—the tale of… Raakshas.
Was he born with homicidal tendencies?
Did a harrowing childhood render him criminally insane?
The questions haunt, Additional Commissioner of Police, Maithili Prasad as she discovers the horrific murders across Mumbai. As she spearheads the greatest manhunt in Mumbai’s history, she’s determined to contain the reign of terror unleashed by the ruthless serial killer. But before that she must grapple with her personal demons that surface to plague her with self-doubt.
Just as it seems that Maithili has begun to understand the deep-rooted resentment that drives the serial killer, he turns around and makes her the object of his revenge. Will she emerge unscathed from this ordeal?
This thrilling narrative of a serial killer’s life and the unusual and challenging investigation to catch him, uncovers a chilling trail of unspeakable torment and cruelty—the tale of… Raakshas.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2015
9 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Piyush Jha
8 books48 followersPiyush Jha is the author of the bestselling noir crime-fiction novels, Mumbaistan and Compass Box Killer, Anti-Social Network, Raakshas: India's No.1 Serial Killer and the satirical e-short novellas, The Great Indian Bowel Movement and The Urinationalist.
A student political leader at university, he pursued a career in advertising management after acquiring an MBA degree. Later, he switched tracks, first to make commercials for some of the country’s largest brands, and then to write and direct feature films. An acclaimed film director, Piyush's films include Chalo America, King of Bollywood and Sikandar.
He lives in his beloved Mumbai, where he can often be found walking the streets that inspire his stories.
A student political leader at university, he pursued a career in advertising management after acquiring an MBA degree. Later, he switched tracks, first to make commercials for some of the country’s largest brands, and then to write and direct feature films. An acclaimed film director, Piyush's films include Chalo America, King of Bollywood and Sikandar.
He lives in his beloved Mumbai, where he can often be found walking the streets that inspire his stories.
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November 4, 2022
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Raakshas by Piyush Jha narrates the thrilling, sometimes heartrending and sometimes horrifying journey of the making of a serial killer who transforms from a normal person to a Raakshas (devil), a serial killer so terrible that there is no other word to describe him.
When I first heard about the book, I was intrigued by the unconventional topic of the book and its title "Raakshas". I hadn't read a book that focused on giving light to a killer's perspective and this, added to the fact that I had heard so much about Piyush Jha but never got a chance to read his work until now, I knew I had to read this book.
The cover, title and blurb are an interesting and intriguing first glance package that are sure to attract the attention of the readers.
The plot is different and well researched which shows right from the start. The author managed to capture my attention right from the first chapter and soon had me feeling a multitude of emotions right from feeling sympathetic to the misfortune of a child to feeling horrified at the cruelty prevailing in the world around us, seemingly hidden behind the normal looking faces of people who are so devilish that I was thrown by the way their mind works and their heartlessness.
The book is crisp, fast paced and had me sitting at the edge of my seat throughout. Even when I felt repulsed by, horrified at and so heartbroken by the torture endured by the Raakshas that formed his childhood and made him a devil, I could not keep down the book- I was so intrigued and eager to read more!
Piyush has a way of bringing out the right emotions from the readers and had me totally engaged in the book. However, despite his extensive research and detailed narrative, at places I felt the narrative deviating, getting a bit vague and had me feeling like instead of a story I was reading a research paper. Maithili's narrations ended abruptly many times which could have been toned down to end more smoothly.
The world building is impressive and the author showcases a very dark and a very different Mumbai from the sparkling one that we know. A perfect setting for the serial killer, I got goosebumps reading the story and know I will never look at Mumbai the same way again.
The murders are very detailed but still after a time they stopped shocking me, maybe because I was expecting them. Maithili is a strong character but I felt her character could have been made more impressive. Her past trauma and that of the serial killer makes one feel both sorry and more connected with these characters. This is the first book in a long time that had me sympathizing with the villain and thinking about the various ways through which he could have been saved from losing his innocence and from becoming an abhorred killer.
The last few chapters look hurried and I think could have been made more crisp and appealing. While I enjoyed the book, I do feel that the last part is weak and had so much potential to end in a blast.
Still, this is a book that I enjoyed reading.
The bonus section that includes information about many serial killers in India is a pleasant surprise and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
All in all, Raakshas is a book with a different plot that had me sitting glued to the story right till the end. Recommended to everyone especially to lovers of crime/thriller fiction, I give Raakshas 3.5 out of 5. Go read it and enjoy! I know I will checking the other works by Piyush Jha in the future.
This review is also available on Njkinny's World of Books & Stuff
Raakshas by Piyush Jha narrates the thrilling, sometimes heartrending and sometimes horrifying journey of the making of a serial killer who transforms from a normal person to a Raakshas (devil), a serial killer so terrible that there is no other word to describe him.
When I first heard about the book, I was intrigued by the unconventional topic of the book and its title "Raakshas". I hadn't read a book that focused on giving light to a killer's perspective and this, added to the fact that I had heard so much about Piyush Jha but never got a chance to read his work until now, I knew I had to read this book.
The cover, title and blurb are an interesting and intriguing first glance package that are sure to attract the attention of the readers.
The plot is different and well researched which shows right from the start. The author managed to capture my attention right from the first chapter and soon had me feeling a multitude of emotions right from feeling sympathetic to the misfortune of a child to feeling horrified at the cruelty prevailing in the world around us, seemingly hidden behind the normal looking faces of people who are so devilish that I was thrown by the way their mind works and their heartlessness.
The book is crisp, fast paced and had me sitting at the edge of my seat throughout. Even when I felt repulsed by, horrified at and so heartbroken by the torture endured by the Raakshas that formed his childhood and made him a devil, I could not keep down the book- I was so intrigued and eager to read more!
Piyush has a way of bringing out the right emotions from the readers and had me totally engaged in the book. However, despite his extensive research and detailed narrative, at places I felt the narrative deviating, getting a bit vague and had me feeling like instead of a story I was reading a research paper. Maithili's narrations ended abruptly many times which could have been toned down to end more smoothly.
The world building is impressive and the author showcases a very dark and a very different Mumbai from the sparkling one that we know. A perfect setting for the serial killer, I got goosebumps reading the story and know I will never look at Mumbai the same way again.
The murders are very detailed but still after a time they stopped shocking me, maybe because I was expecting them. Maithili is a strong character but I felt her character could have been made more impressive. Her past trauma and that of the serial killer makes one feel both sorry and more connected with these characters. This is the first book in a long time that had me sympathizing with the villain and thinking about the various ways through which he could have been saved from losing his innocence and from becoming an abhorred killer.
The last few chapters look hurried and I think could have been made more crisp and appealing. While I enjoyed the book, I do feel that the last part is weak and had so much potential to end in a blast.
Still, this is a book that I enjoyed reading.
The bonus section that includes information about many serial killers in India is a pleasant surprise and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
All in all, Raakshas is a book with a different plot that had me sitting glued to the story right till the end. Recommended to everyone especially to lovers of crime/thriller fiction, I give Raakshas 3.5 out of 5. Go read it and enjoy! I know I will checking the other works by Piyush Jha in the future.
This review is also available on Njkinny's World of Books & Stuff
August 14, 2016
Piyush Jha is quite a renowned name in the genre of Indian crime thrillers. His latest publication, Raakshas: India's No.1 Serial Killer, is a new feather in his cap. Serial killers always said to have a different mindset and their brains work without any fear or contrition. In this book Piyush has unfolded the life of an infamous serial killer who went havoc in Mumbai. Not only the author has delineated the killer's early childhood and prepubescent days and then, his becoming a terror, but he has also raised a question, do human beings are born as serial killers? Or they are made into one?
The story is narrated from the point of view of a female IPS, who happens to be the investigating officer of the case. She is the first one to identify the similarities in the modus operendi between two consecutive murders in Mumbai and assumes the nefarious activity of the said serial-killer. Then, after a few days, all hell breaks loose as the killer strikes again and again. Each time, he is one step ahead of the police force and even shows the audacity to mock 'Madam' over the phone. A number of failed attempts on the officer's part earns her severe opprobrium, but she is determined to unmask the killer. She has a past of her own with secrets buried in the depth of her mind that trouble her whenever she sees another dead body, a victim of the serial killer. Will she ever be able to unearth the secrets behind this killing? Will she be able to win the war against the faceless, brutal killer? The book reveals the answers in the most intriguing way!
It took me 3 hours to finish the book. This absolute page-turner compelled me to burn the midnight oil! The psycho-analysis of the killer and, depiction of the events throw lights on the complex labyrinths of the killer's mind. An unputdownable work.
The lone editing error is on page 201. (Oh, well, forget it!)
The story is narrated from the point of view of a female IPS, who happens to be the investigating officer of the case. She is the first one to identify the similarities in the modus operendi between two consecutive murders in Mumbai and assumes the nefarious activity of the said serial-killer. Then, after a few days, all hell breaks loose as the killer strikes again and again. Each time, he is one step ahead of the police force and even shows the audacity to mock 'Madam' over the phone. A number of failed attempts on the officer's part earns her severe opprobrium, but she is determined to unmask the killer. She has a past of her own with secrets buried in the depth of her mind that trouble her whenever she sees another dead body, a victim of the serial killer. Will she ever be able to unearth the secrets behind this killing? Will she be able to win the war against the faceless, brutal killer? The book reveals the answers in the most intriguing way!
It took me 3 hours to finish the book. This absolute page-turner compelled me to burn the midnight oil! The psycho-analysis of the killer and, depiction of the events throw lights on the complex labyrinths of the killer's mind. An unputdownable work.
The lone editing error is on page 201. (Oh, well, forget it!)
February 22, 2016
FIRST IMPRESSION:
The cover seemed chilling enough. The simple mugshot of a man with a bloodied knife and bloodshot eyes felt very apt for the title. Raakshas - a demon, devil, someone ruthless. Having already read a previous work of the author, (Anti Social Network), I thought I knew what to expect. The blurb about a troubled female police officer trying to track a dangerous serial killer and ending up being on his hit list seemed strangely generic but also left enough options open for different interpretations.
I took the 'Soon to be a major motion picture' tag with a pinch of salt. That is not a deal clincher in my opinion.
REVIEW:
There are very few books that manage to hook the reader into the story in page one. Most books try, though. The story promises to be about India's number one serial killer, a man who is everyone's nightmare, a man who makes people afraid to even walk on the streets. The beginning though, is not what one would expect from such a book. Having read about serial killers in many previous books, I had assumed this book would also begin with a chilling murder and set the tone for the story. Instead, it begins with the birth of a child who would one day terrorise the city. The second chapter though, again begins with the birth of another character. By this time, I had trained my mind to expect the journeys of both these characters penned in the chronological order to and after the point where their lives cross.
No. It does not do that, not exactly. But it does that, in one way. The previous few lines are examples of how the story has been sequenced in this book. What started out with great expectations faltered in the way it was presented. I would not go so far as to say it ruined the story and premise, but all through the book I had a nagging feeling that with proper presentation this could have been even better. Maithili Prasad, a cop with a troubled past, an officer who keeps insisting that murders happening in the city are the work of a serial killer and doggedly follows that line.
The highlight of the book is easily the background story of the serial killer. It does not sympathise with the killer as is, nor does it justify the actions he has committed. But it does give us a little insight into what makes serial killers. Are the parents to blame? Or is it the society? What makes a normal human into such a developed version of a psychopath that he takes pleasure in killing other people? What makes a man think being 'Mumbai's number one serial killer' is an achievement he needs to obtain? The book tells a generic story that could have happened, and maybe is happening to many young boys and girls.
But where the book falters is in its execution. The story is convincing, but some places could have been written better. The killings lose their horrifying thrills after a point of time. Sometimes there is no time for the reader to get acquainted with the victims and therefore feel for the loss of their life - a crucial element in making a book on serial killers chilling and emotionally wounding. The most believable part of the story is the place where the killer himself becomes obsessed with his pursuer, a cliche formula that is the sad truth. Stoking his ego by rating him was a master touch, and shows the insensitivity of some media houses during such important times. A lesson that can never be overdone.
WHAT I LIKED:
The additional information on lesser known serial killers (an appendix of sorts)
The background story of what made the serial killer the man he had become.
The title and the summary.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
Maybe it is the prominently displayed 'soon to be a motion picture' tagline on the cover that did it, or maybe it was the style itself, but the narration did feel like a recollection more than a chronological story.
The killings lose their thrill factor after some time.
No matter what backstory, the reader can never symphatise with the killer!
VERDICT:
Raakshas - not as thrilling as the title, but still a terrific book!
RATING: 3.5/5
The cover seemed chilling enough. The simple mugshot of a man with a bloodied knife and bloodshot eyes felt very apt for the title. Raakshas - a demon, devil, someone ruthless. Having already read a previous work of the author, (Anti Social Network), I thought I knew what to expect. The blurb about a troubled female police officer trying to track a dangerous serial killer and ending up being on his hit list seemed strangely generic but also left enough options open for different interpretations.
I took the 'Soon to be a major motion picture' tag with a pinch of salt. That is not a deal clincher in my opinion.
REVIEW:
There are very few books that manage to hook the reader into the story in page one. Most books try, though. The story promises to be about India's number one serial killer, a man who is everyone's nightmare, a man who makes people afraid to even walk on the streets. The beginning though, is not what one would expect from such a book. Having read about serial killers in many previous books, I had assumed this book would also begin with a chilling murder and set the tone for the story. Instead, it begins with the birth of a child who would one day terrorise the city. The second chapter though, again begins with the birth of another character. By this time, I had trained my mind to expect the journeys of both these characters penned in the chronological order to and after the point where their lives cross.
No. It does not do that, not exactly. But it does that, in one way. The previous few lines are examples of how the story has been sequenced in this book. What started out with great expectations faltered in the way it was presented. I would not go so far as to say it ruined the story and premise, but all through the book I had a nagging feeling that with proper presentation this could have been even better. Maithili Prasad, a cop with a troubled past, an officer who keeps insisting that murders happening in the city are the work of a serial killer and doggedly follows that line.
The highlight of the book is easily the background story of the serial killer. It does not sympathise with the killer as is, nor does it justify the actions he has committed. But it does give us a little insight into what makes serial killers. Are the parents to blame? Or is it the society? What makes a normal human into such a developed version of a psychopath that he takes pleasure in killing other people? What makes a man think being 'Mumbai's number one serial killer' is an achievement he needs to obtain? The book tells a generic story that could have happened, and maybe is happening to many young boys and girls.
But where the book falters is in its execution. The story is convincing, but some places could have been written better. The killings lose their horrifying thrills after a point of time. Sometimes there is no time for the reader to get acquainted with the victims and therefore feel for the loss of their life - a crucial element in making a book on serial killers chilling and emotionally wounding. The most believable part of the story is the place where the killer himself becomes obsessed with his pursuer, a cliche formula that is the sad truth. Stoking his ego by rating him was a master touch, and shows the insensitivity of some media houses during such important times. A lesson that can never be overdone.
WHAT I LIKED:
The additional information on lesser known serial killers (an appendix of sorts)
The background story of what made the serial killer the man he had become.
The title and the summary.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
Maybe it is the prominently displayed 'soon to be a motion picture' tagline on the cover that did it, or maybe it was the style itself, but the narration did feel like a recollection more than a chronological story.
The killings lose their thrill factor after some time.
No matter what backstory, the reader can never symphatise with the killer!
VERDICT:
Raakshas - not as thrilling as the title, but still a terrific book!
RATING: 3.5/5
March 7, 2016
I finished Raakshas last night and I am still dwelling on the plot. A bit haunting but a wonderful read.
Raakshas by Piyush Jha - A fast paced, spine chilling story of a serial killer and the police officer who’s in pursuit.
Piyush Jha, an acclaimed Bollywood director, is famous for his best selling crime fiction novels. And it’s one genre that always entices me. Do I have to give more reasons to pick this book?
First impression - the cover page is too good and the title, catchy. Raakshas : India’s No. 1 Serial Killer : India's No. 1 Serial Killer is the story of a young man on a killing spree in the murky streets of Mumbai and how the police department handles the case.
The protagonist is Mallika Prasad, Additional Commissioner of Mumbai, who investigates this maniac serial killer case. Despite having a troubled past, one day she realizes that her dream is to bring justice to the society. She tries hard and plans well for this case but then the killer is always a step ahead of her.
The antagonist, who had a tormented childhood grows up to be a young man only to treat murder and brutality as his normal lifestyle.
Both of their characterization was well crafted with their strong back stories. I found the shades of the characters, especially around the antagonist, were only black and white.
The book is captivating, fast, well-written to hold your attention as soon as you start reading. It only took me few hours to finish. With the good language and impressive narration, I was able to visualize the scenes as they unfolded. The plot was quite interesting but with more consistency and intricate characterization and details, it could have been even better.
The entire story is actually narrated by the cop while I think a two way narration would have given much more thrill to the reader. As a reader, I would have preferred the perspective of the serial killer rather than just the cop's.
The relationship between the serial killer and Mallika could have been more complex. The story would have had definitely piqued the interest if their conversations had been longer and deeper. The descriptions of murders were gruesome and I started getting knots in my stomach. But after a while, they became predictive and those grotesque moments were not much effective.
I liked Mallika's plans to catch the killer. But I was awed by the killer's activities, how he was smooth and smart when it comes to charming his victims, the determination he shows during his hiding after almost getting caught and then especially, his way of clearing the evidence.
The book started with a bang but then the climax fell flat. I think this book deserves a better ending after all.
Is the story trying to create sympathy towards the young boy or trying to rationalize his reasons for turning into a serial killer? It's unclear. Perhaps that could be taken as a plus for this particular plot.
The bonus section at the end, where the author narrates the real life incidents of some infamous gruesome serial killers of India, is strangely enticing to read.
Raakshas is dangerous but not very thrilling. It’s a wonderful script for a movie, but for a book, it is little less. Pick this only if you're interested in psycho thriller or crime novels.
Altogether, it is a gripping one time read which is a sure page turner.
Raakshas by Piyush Jha - A fast paced, spine chilling story of a serial killer and the police officer who’s in pursuit.
Piyush Jha, an acclaimed Bollywood director, is famous for his best selling crime fiction novels. And it’s one genre that always entices me. Do I have to give more reasons to pick this book?
First impression - the cover page is too good and the title, catchy. Raakshas : India’s No. 1 Serial Killer : India's No. 1 Serial Killer is the story of a young man on a killing spree in the murky streets of Mumbai and how the police department handles the case.
The protagonist is Mallika Prasad, Additional Commissioner of Mumbai, who investigates this maniac serial killer case. Despite having a troubled past, one day she realizes that her dream is to bring justice to the society. She tries hard and plans well for this case but then the killer is always a step ahead of her.
The antagonist, who had a tormented childhood grows up to be a young man only to treat murder and brutality as his normal lifestyle.
Both of their characterization was well crafted with their strong back stories. I found the shades of the characters, especially around the antagonist, were only black and white.
The book is captivating, fast, well-written to hold your attention as soon as you start reading. It only took me few hours to finish. With the good language and impressive narration, I was able to visualize the scenes as they unfolded. The plot was quite interesting but with more consistency and intricate characterization and details, it could have been even better.
The entire story is actually narrated by the cop while I think a two way narration would have given much more thrill to the reader. As a reader, I would have preferred the perspective of the serial killer rather than just the cop's.
The relationship between the serial killer and Mallika could have been more complex. The story would have had definitely piqued the interest if their conversations had been longer and deeper. The descriptions of murders were gruesome and I started getting knots in my stomach. But after a while, they became predictive and those grotesque moments were not much effective.
I liked Mallika's plans to catch the killer. But I was awed by the killer's activities, how he was smooth and smart when it comes to charming his victims, the determination he shows during his hiding after almost getting caught and then especially, his way of clearing the evidence.
The book started with a bang but then the climax fell flat. I think this book deserves a better ending after all.
Is the story trying to create sympathy towards the young boy or trying to rationalize his reasons for turning into a serial killer? It's unclear. Perhaps that could be taken as a plus for this particular plot.
The bonus section at the end, where the author narrates the real life incidents of some infamous gruesome serial killers of India, is strangely enticing to read.
Raakshas is dangerous but not very thrilling. It’s a wonderful script for a movie, but for a book, it is little less. Pick this only if you're interested in psycho thriller or crime novels.
Altogether, it is a gripping one time read which is a sure page turner.
April 1, 2016
Victims of circumstances in the past have two options, either they can continue feeling sad, scared, miserable or angry and seek revenge thereby becoming victimizers themselves or they can break the chains of negative thoughts and choose to deal with mistakes, tragedies, and trials to ensure that no one else goes through the same.
Scarred and scared by traumatic past, the two protagonists of Raakshas chose two different paths. One went on to become India’s No. 1 serial killer and the other a crusader of law and order. Who will be the victor between this battle of good and evil?
The city of Mumbai sees an unusual rise in bizarre and gruesome murders. Multiple victims, all young girls and women, surface all around the city. The killer leaves his unique signature on the crimes he had committed and his notoriety grows. The Additional Commissioner of Police, Maithili Prasad spearheads the greatest manhunt in the history of Mumbai city. But the killer with a high IQ is a step ahead of her and is clever enough to not get caught. The killer enjoys as the media scrambles to showcase his sensational crimes, but is unhappy as he is not recognized for his genius and is not declared the country’s no. 1 serial killer. Will the Mundi-Cut Killer as the media dubs him, ever be caught?
This book grabbed my attention like no other in the recent past. I just sat and turned page after page as the story gripped me from the word go. Raakshas with its intense story line kept me in the edge of my seat and got me all anxious to see how it would end. The inhumane treatment, the atrocities and abuse along with blood, guts and gore keep me hooked and intrigued. The mystery and suspense and the desire to know the answers made reading Raakshas a thrilling roller coaster ride.
This ride despite being racy, raised questions like what makes a serial killer? Are the reasons physiological or psychological or both? Are they born with homicidal tendencies? Does a traumatic childhood make them criminally insane? How the mind can adapt and fight to stay alive?
The background of the killer and the barbaric treatment and cruelty that was meted out to him as a child, sounded a bit unbelievable initially, but that’s how criminals are made or born. It could be due to genetic predisposition or environmental cues.
A section at the end of the book which had spine chilling account and stories of India’s least known serial killers gave me many creepy moments that nightmares are made of.
Raakshas is a chilling, disturbing and suspenseful thriller that is recommended to fans of this genre.
One of the best reads in a long time. Thank you, Piyush Jha.
Scarred and scared by traumatic past, the two protagonists of Raakshas chose two different paths. One went on to become India’s No. 1 serial killer and the other a crusader of law and order. Who will be the victor between this battle of good and evil?
The city of Mumbai sees an unusual rise in bizarre and gruesome murders. Multiple victims, all young girls and women, surface all around the city. The killer leaves his unique signature on the crimes he had committed and his notoriety grows. The Additional Commissioner of Police, Maithili Prasad spearheads the greatest manhunt in the history of Mumbai city. But the killer with a high IQ is a step ahead of her and is clever enough to not get caught. The killer enjoys as the media scrambles to showcase his sensational crimes, but is unhappy as he is not recognized for his genius and is not declared the country’s no. 1 serial killer. Will the Mundi-Cut Killer as the media dubs him, ever be caught?
This book grabbed my attention like no other in the recent past. I just sat and turned page after page as the story gripped me from the word go. Raakshas with its intense story line kept me in the edge of my seat and got me all anxious to see how it would end. The inhumane treatment, the atrocities and abuse along with blood, guts and gore keep me hooked and intrigued. The mystery and suspense and the desire to know the answers made reading Raakshas a thrilling roller coaster ride.
This ride despite being racy, raised questions like what makes a serial killer? Are the reasons physiological or psychological or both? Are they born with homicidal tendencies? Does a traumatic childhood make them criminally insane? How the mind can adapt and fight to stay alive?
The background of the killer and the barbaric treatment and cruelty that was meted out to him as a child, sounded a bit unbelievable initially, but that’s how criminals are made or born. It could be due to genetic predisposition or environmental cues.
A section at the end of the book which had spine chilling account and stories of India’s least known serial killers gave me many creepy moments that nightmares are made of.
Raakshas is a chilling, disturbing and suspenseful thriller that is recommended to fans of this genre.
One of the best reads in a long time. Thank you, Piyush Jha.
February 24, 2016
A Fast-Paced Book, full of guile !!!
Truth be told, I received this book today itself, as a review copy in exchange for an honest review & wrapped it up in a single sitting.
Beginning with the striking front cover which I believe is one of the finest reason for any reader to pick this book in an instant his/her eyes fell on it. Picture of a man, with blood red eyes, holding a knife upright embedded on an iconic plain background.
The story begins with the birth of a devil who brought the death of his mother as soon as he stepped into the world and his father, Brahmanand, was a senior scientist who stays buried in his research didn't have a single second to waste on his son. Brahmanand's inability to cope up with the situation lead Latika to take little infant in her care but her decision wasn't welcomed by her husband & five years later, still young, devil returned to his own home & whatever happened after that triggered the chain of events that made him the No. 1 serial killer of India . And on another side, a super lady-cop living with a guilt took the case to hunt down this maniac killer but found him a step ahead till she put herself as a bait.
Apart from the two protagonists, the only person that covers an important part of the story is Kalantak Baba who truly took the boy under his wing & imparted him his vast knowledge of small & big confidence tricks. He taught him everything that he would need to survive on his own.
Author has delivered a package of the racy plot with an elegant writing & delightful language.
Situations with the plot:
# Albeit the plot is pacy but I felt some loopholes in the story. Our killer hopped from one prey to another quite frequently that too with conflicted pattern.
# Lack of research, I guess, causes the unclear image of the police official & their working scenarios.Like really, no cop ever thinks of his/her forensics to work at snail's speed, had never read in fiction & surely never happens in real life.
# Character of Rozy seems to be inserted forcefully just to wrap the plot & hence the same reason flags up ' Lack of Research ' while writing serial-killer thriller.
So' Raakshas ' is pacy but an unconvincing tale that 'll pull the strings of the brain.
Truth be told, I received this book today itself, as a review copy in exchange for an honest review & wrapped it up in a single sitting.
Beginning with the striking front cover which I believe is one of the finest reason for any reader to pick this book in an instant his/her eyes fell on it. Picture of a man, with blood red eyes, holding a knife upright embedded on an iconic plain background.
The story begins with the birth of a devil who brought the death of his mother as soon as he stepped into the world and his father, Brahmanand, was a senior scientist who stays buried in his research didn't have a single second to waste on his son. Brahmanand's inability to cope up with the situation lead Latika to take little infant in her care but her decision wasn't welcomed by her husband & five years later, still young, devil returned to his own home & whatever happened after that triggered the chain of events that made him the No. 1 serial killer of India . And on another side, a super lady-cop living with a guilt took the case to hunt down this maniac killer but found him a step ahead till she put herself as a bait.
Apart from the two protagonists, the only person that covers an important part of the story is Kalantak Baba who truly took the boy under his wing & imparted him his vast knowledge of small & big confidence tricks. He taught him everything that he would need to survive on his own.
Author has delivered a package of the racy plot with an elegant writing & delightful language.
Situations with the plot:
# Albeit the plot is pacy but I felt some loopholes in the story. Our killer hopped from one prey to another quite frequently that too with conflicted pattern.
# Lack of research, I guess, causes the unclear image of the police official & their working scenarios.Like really, no cop ever thinks of his/her forensics to work at snail's speed, had never read in fiction & surely never happens in real life.
# Character of Rozy seems to be inserted forcefully just to wrap the plot & hence the same reason flags up ' Lack of Research ' while writing serial-killer thriller.
So' Raakshas ' is pacy but an unconvincing tale that 'll pull the strings of the brain.
March 1, 2021
Serial killers. Murders. Dead bodies. Victims. These words have always given us chills, whether encountered in novels, movies or in news. But have we ever thought about the motive behind these brutal killings by the serial killers? The answer is that they have absolutely no real motive. It’s just the urge that drives them to kill. And that makes this latest novel by Piyush Jha, ‘Raakshas’, an epitome of a thriller; a story that not only talks about the deeds of the infamous Mundi-Cut killer of Mumbai, the protagonist of the story, but also the reasons which made him a serial killer.
The book begins by the line ‘He became a killer the minute he was born. His mother died in childbirth’. And then the story begins in fast pace, revolving around the life of this killer and what drove him to this behavior. The Mundi-Cut killer, as fearfully known in Mumbai, spreads terror in the city, as he skillfully catches many women into his trap and murders them cruelly. But why did he do that? Why did he murder only women?
What makes the story more interesting is the entry of a bold and determined police woman, Maithili Prasad, the Additional Commissioner of Police, Mumbai. She is determined to conquer the Mundi-Cut killer and begin the greatest man-hunt in the history of Mumbai. But will she float above her grave history as a teenager and free Mumbai from his reigns of terror?
The serial killer is determined to prove himself the No. 1 serial killer of India, while Maithili is determined to capture this killer, no matter what. But there has to be only one winner in such a race. Who will be the one?
The story is fast-paced, not once slowing down. I liked the language used, the descriptions of murders gives goosebumps. My favorite character is Maithili, the determination with which she tries all the ways to catch the serial killer, leaving her personal safety behind, is inspiring. I specially loved the afterword by the author where he has explained the research on the behavior of serial killers. The novel is a must read for thriller lovers. ‘Raakshas’ promises a dangerous and thrilling story and it sure keeps up to the promise.
The book begins by the line ‘He became a killer the minute he was born. His mother died in childbirth’. And then the story begins in fast pace, revolving around the life of this killer and what drove him to this behavior. The Mundi-Cut killer, as fearfully known in Mumbai, spreads terror in the city, as he skillfully catches many women into his trap and murders them cruelly. But why did he do that? Why did he murder only women?
What makes the story more interesting is the entry of a bold and determined police woman, Maithili Prasad, the Additional Commissioner of Police, Mumbai. She is determined to conquer the Mundi-Cut killer and begin the greatest man-hunt in the history of Mumbai. But will she float above her grave history as a teenager and free Mumbai from his reigns of terror?
The serial killer is determined to prove himself the No. 1 serial killer of India, while Maithili is determined to capture this killer, no matter what. But there has to be only one winner in such a race. Who will be the one?
The story is fast-paced, not once slowing down. I liked the language used, the descriptions of murders gives goosebumps. My favorite character is Maithili, the determination with which she tries all the ways to catch the serial killer, leaving her personal safety behind, is inspiring. I specially loved the afterword by the author where he has explained the research on the behavior of serial killers. The novel is a must read for thriller lovers. ‘Raakshas’ promises a dangerous and thrilling story and it sure keeps up to the promise.
March 9, 2016
I received the book for an honest review from the publishers.
The novel alternates between the stories of the main characters starting at the births and constantly reminds us of how coincidence (destiny?) can make a person a police officer while the other a killer on the run. Both the characters have met death and have been responsible for deaths, before their adulthood. They have an extremely contrasting family brought up and thus arising the question if that had anything to do with the killer's actions.
I finished the book in a single sitting, thanks to the long train journey to Bengaluru and the fast pace of the book. The writing was crisp and an easy read, yet I was unable to reach out to any of the characters. Even after all the tragedy that killer has gone through I could not feel bad for him, and much lesser for the ACP. In fact, after a point my mind lost the ability to react to the innumerable murders, however gruesome they were. I would have felt happy if only there were more actions from the police to catch the serial killer, at least as such as the media seemed to be contributing.
I always get excited for a serial killer (fictional, obviously) and this book promised to show me the psychology behind their action. Thanks to shows like Dexter and Hannibal Lecter which have showed us a glimpse of the persons that the killers are, my hopes were too high and I was more than curious to read about the psychology of the killer from the book but was left to be satisfied with the appendix. Oh I loved the other part of the appendix which had a brief about the lesser known serial killers from India.
Though it might be due to the 'soon to be a motion picture' tag on the cover, that I read the whole book like it was a movie, rather than a novel and I felt there were traces of the yesteryear's movie called Sivapu rojakal (Red Rose, Hindi) in the story line.
If you want to read about a Indian serial killer, this might be a sure catch up.
The novel alternates between the stories of the main characters starting at the births and constantly reminds us of how coincidence (destiny?) can make a person a police officer while the other a killer on the run. Both the characters have met death and have been responsible for deaths, before their adulthood. They have an extremely contrasting family brought up and thus arising the question if that had anything to do with the killer's actions.
I finished the book in a single sitting, thanks to the long train journey to Bengaluru and the fast pace of the book. The writing was crisp and an easy read, yet I was unable to reach out to any of the characters. Even after all the tragedy that killer has gone through I could not feel bad for him, and much lesser for the ACP. In fact, after a point my mind lost the ability to react to the innumerable murders, however gruesome they were. I would have felt happy if only there were more actions from the police to catch the serial killer, at least as such as the media seemed to be contributing.
I always get excited for a serial killer (fictional, obviously) and this book promised to show me the psychology behind their action. Thanks to shows like Dexter and Hannibal Lecter which have showed us a glimpse of the persons that the killers are, my hopes were too high and I was more than curious to read about the psychology of the killer from the book but was left to be satisfied with the appendix. Oh I loved the other part of the appendix which had a brief about the lesser known serial killers from India.
Though it might be due to the 'soon to be a motion picture' tag on the cover, that I read the whole book like it was a movie, rather than a novel and I felt there were traces of the yesteryear's movie called Sivapu rojakal (Red Rose, Hindi) in the story line.
If you want to read about a Indian serial killer, this might be a sure catch up.
March 11, 2016
A cold blooded, savage murderer with a woeful past and a righteous police officer who treads upon the heels of the culprit- The plot is quite familiar through books as well as movies. Yet author succeeded in maintaining the novelty of the topic through a different narrative style. Initially the narration seems like a switch between third person and first person but later while drawn into the grotesque plot, the reader discerns that the story is in fact the first person narration of the police officer in charge of the investigation.
The story starts with the childhood of the serial killer. Yet, the suspense element has been maintained till the end. The climax was more or less predictable but there is a swiftness in narration that let you go on with the story till the end.
Author seemed to lose the grip of the story time and again but manages to smoothly land into place. Needless to say that the author is a born writer. His book is a born movie material. Each instance of the story was evidently and apparently written with a movie scene in mind. I could visualize Siddharth Malhothra or Arjun Kapoor running around as the serial killer and Priyanka Chopra or Ranu Mukherjee as the Police officer. Overall the book is an easy read with good language but the plot lacked novelty.
As a footnote I would like to mention the list of least known serial killers in the end. The list and the method of their murder was priceless information especially in today's scenario. It is a message for the human race to look out for the wolves in lamb's disguise. It earned a half star.
Reviewed for WritersMelon
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The story starts with the childhood of the serial killer. Yet, the suspense element has been maintained till the end. The climax was more or less predictable but there is a swiftness in narration that let you go on with the story till the end.
Author seemed to lose the grip of the story time and again but manages to smoothly land into place. Needless to say that the author is a born writer. His book is a born movie material. Each instance of the story was evidently and apparently written with a movie scene in mind. I could visualize Siddharth Malhothra or Arjun Kapoor running around as the serial killer and Priyanka Chopra or Ranu Mukherjee as the Police officer. Overall the book is an easy read with good language but the plot lacked novelty.
As a footnote I would like to mention the list of least known serial killers in the end. The list and the method of their murder was priceless information especially in today's scenario. It is a message for the human race to look out for the wolves in lamb's disguise. It earned a half star.
Reviewed for WritersMelon
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
February 22, 2016
There is something insanely enchanting about serial killers and the story surrounding them. Organized crime with a motive has always been thrilling, but when there is a lack of motive and only a DRIVE that urges one to kill, it becomes even more fascinating.
Piyush Jha’s latest offering “Raakshas” is one such novel. Describing the parallel lives of a serial killer and an investigating officer, this novel is racy, thrilling and keeps you hooked till the end.
Piyush Jha’s unconventional writing style makes a lot of difference. Most of the passages and portions are in indirect speech, with less dialogues. This reduces the intensity at times but creates a rather eerie atmosphere at times.
The killings are described vividly and in the most gruesome way possible. But Piyush does that with conviction. There is a finesse and subtlety even in that. The weak hearted might find the killing descriptions nauseating, but then what did you expect in a novel based on a serial killer?
OVERALL, “RAAKSHAS” delivers as promised. A taut, gripping, on-the-edge thriller about a serial killer, this one keeps you engaged till the last page. Considering the fact that a film is being made on the book, it would be highly interesting to see the plot of the book transformed into a cinematic picture.
Recommended for people who love thrillers.
Piyush Jha’s latest offering “Raakshas” is one such novel. Describing the parallel lives of a serial killer and an investigating officer, this novel is racy, thrilling and keeps you hooked till the end.
Piyush Jha’s unconventional writing style makes a lot of difference. Most of the passages and portions are in indirect speech, with less dialogues. This reduces the intensity at times but creates a rather eerie atmosphere at times.
The killings are described vividly and in the most gruesome way possible. But Piyush does that with conviction. There is a finesse and subtlety even in that. The weak hearted might find the killing descriptions nauseating, but then what did you expect in a novel based on a serial killer?
OVERALL, “RAAKSHAS” delivers as promised. A taut, gripping, on-the-edge thriller about a serial killer, this one keeps you engaged till the last page. Considering the fact that a film is being made on the book, it would be highly interesting to see the plot of the book transformed into a cinematic picture.
Recommended for people who love thrillers.
September 10, 2016
Raakshas, as the title say is the story of a serial killer who claims himself to be India's No.1 serial killer. The inception of the story begins with how Raakshas has been mistreated by many people and fell into the trap of a sadhu and how he transforms into a beast going on a killing spree. The book goes like a movie and must accept it has a racy feel of the screenplay where the author Piyush Jha has scored the minds of the readers. The characters doesn't mostly stay in our minds, but readers would keep on guessing an ongoing connection whether Maithili, the police handed over with the in-charge of the case has with the serial killer. Initial pages of hovering between the narrations of the serial killers childhood and Maithili's ones were confusing but after we get on it is not to be worries. the author has informed the name of the serial killer who has named by her grandmother only in the climax of the story and the linearity strikes there. The only thing missing was that the conversations between the serial killer and the police could have been longer as it would have increased much curiosity. The book was a real page turner and can be finished in a single sitting. Recommended for hard core Crime Fiction Thriller fans.
Read
February 16, 2016Some books make you read until the end without leaving us the option of a hiatus keeping the bookmarks inbetween the pages of the book. Raakshas falls in that category of books and its a good return of money for the readers. The story is about how a boy converts into a serial killer with life unfolding its mysteries of horror for him and how Mythili Prasad, a police officer catches him to close his case. The twist in the climax and the additional information on serial killers is a good take by the author. The book is such a page turner and it makes us irresistible until we finish the book. The author who a screenplay writer has chosen a perfect story for his fourth novel and wish it could soon unfurl to us as an bollywood movie as soon as possible.
February 13, 2016
This is not a novel where the plot is obvious, but the facts are presented in such a smooth manner that catapult the reader into the story of the childhood of the serial killer, making Maithili discover a world to investigate with curiosity the human mind, sometimes sick, but too often glossy. Despite the narrative tension between one page and the other the clear mold in which the author has deliberately stamped in the book, the end result is a clear and user-friendly work.
April 19, 2017
Warning - Spoilers Ahead!
Stories on serial killers based on India is definitely a refreshing idea. After having read too many such stories from the west, I enjoyed reading this story set in India and our context. However, I would have loved it if the story was built as a suspense giving the reader a task to guess who might be the killer or how he was caught. Giving all the information up-front made it a little boring for me.
Stories on serial killers based on India is definitely a refreshing idea. After having read too many such stories from the west, I enjoyed reading this story set in India and our context. However, I would have loved it if the story was built as a suspense giving the reader a task to guess who might be the killer or how he was caught. Giving all the information up-front made it a little boring for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2025
Raakshas: The Serial Killer is a gripping thriller that plunges readers into the dark and twisted mind of a serial killer. The novel skillfully weaves suspense, psychological depth, and intense action to keep readers hooked from the first page to the last.
What stands out most in Raakshas is the author’s ability to create a chilling atmosphere that explores the duality of human nature — the battle between good and evil, sanity and madness. The protagonist, often caught in a moral and emotional conflict, adds a layer of complexity to the storyline, making it more than just a typical crime thriller.
The pacing is brisk, with twists and turns that feel both surprising and earned. The supporting characters are well-developed, each playing a vital role in the unfolding mystery. The author also does a commendable job in portraying the procedural aspects of crime-solving without bogging down the narrative in technical jargon.
However, the novel’s dark themes and graphic scenes might not be for the faint-hearted. The story does not shy away from exploring the gruesome realities of serial crimes, making it a chilling but compelling read.
Overall, Raakshas: The Serial Killer is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts who appreciate a mix of psychological depth and edge-of-the-seat suspense. It leaves readers questioning the nature of evil and the thin line that separates predator from prey.
What stands out most in Raakshas is the author’s ability to create a chilling atmosphere that explores the duality of human nature — the battle between good and evil, sanity and madness. The protagonist, often caught in a moral and emotional conflict, adds a layer of complexity to the storyline, making it more than just a typical crime thriller.
The pacing is brisk, with twists and turns that feel both surprising and earned. The supporting characters are well-developed, each playing a vital role in the unfolding mystery. The author also does a commendable job in portraying the procedural aspects of crime-solving without bogging down the narrative in technical jargon.
However, the novel’s dark themes and graphic scenes might not be for the faint-hearted. The story does not shy away from exploring the gruesome realities of serial crimes, making it a chilling but compelling read.
Overall, Raakshas: The Serial Killer is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts who appreciate a mix of psychological depth and edge-of-the-seat suspense. It leaves readers questioning the nature of evil and the thin line that separates predator from prey.
June 10, 2017
The book ends suddenly. Pretty average story telling. Can't believe that the Raaksha was so easily fooled at the end. 3*. One additional * for the research and documentation of other serial killers in India.
July 21, 2018
This is my fourth book of author Piyush Jha. Enjoyed reading this one as well. The premise is about how a boy under the bad influence of evil people has become a serial killer and how the protagonist tries to bring him to justice.
February 9, 2024
Very interesting book on serial killers in India. Read the Afterword. Quick read, some difficulty on Hindu? words. Can figure most out. The author has a unique style of writing. Would like to read his other books.
October 27, 2016
Very nice and clear writing. You can imagine every scene and the mental state of both the characters in the novel. It is a gripping story. Hope to read more novels from Piyush Jha.
January 9, 2020
A good read portraying life of a serial killer. A fast paced story.
September 19, 2017
One time read
Decent read, however the end seemed to be rushed like a movie where you need to close it kind of anti climactic.
Decent read, however the end seemed to be rushed like a movie where you need to close it kind of anti climactic.
February 29, 2016
I love Piyush Jha’s body of work as a director. First, there was Chalo America – a semi-satirical observation of the fascination we Indians have with Uncle Sam’s country. A NFDC funded movie, it barely created any flutters in mainstream Bollywood but cultists remember it as the only decent movie which Aashish Chaudhary acted in – his most notable claim to fame till date being a movie called Girlfriend where he enacted an almost perfect role reversal of the eye candy starlet cliché in other Bollywood movies – and also for Deven Bhojani’s (Dekh Bhai Dekh, Shrimaan Shrimati) “mod” Gujju portrayal.
He followed that up with a full blown satire called King of Bollywood but it suffered mostly as it came on the heels of a similar movie Bollywood Calling which was released a year earlier and had bigger names like Nagesh Kukunoor and Mira Nair associated with it. His last film was the terrorism drama Sikandar starring a grown-up Parzan Dastur (the cute Punjabi kid from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai).
Since then he seems to have turned himself into a full-time author with Mumbaistan and two detective novels starring his creation Inspector Virkar. I have but only had the opportunity to skim through his works on my frequent visits to the very popular Blossoms Book Store in Bangalore but, even in that limited time, noticed some traits in his writing – the personification of Mumbai as a character, police-gangster face-offs and nexuses, prostitutes, gruesome murders and so on. In short, all the masala you can get in Bollywood movies made on the maximum city ever since Prakash Mehra and Manmohan Desai burst onto the scene.
All of it and more is on show in Raakshas: India’s No. 1 Serial Killer where Piyush draws up his narrative about a terrifying serial killer stalking the murky streets of India’s Big Apple. The book is a fast-paced narrative even though the author does devote enough time and energy in sketching out the backstories of the two main characters. In fact, you would be forgiven for mistaking it to be a film script as you flip your way through the pages. The “Soon To Be a Major Motion Picture” sticker element on the cover only heightens these apprehensions.
And this is where Raakshas fails to cross the line between an engrossing one-time read and a rip-roaring action thriller. The antagonist (or should we say the protagonist?) is shown to be a victim of circumstances while his opponent has a tainted past. He is prone to feelings like love (both filial and romantic) and anxiety while she is a hardened taskmaster ready to sacrifice a few in the interest of many. My question to Piyush here – you based your last film on a Stephen King novel so why can’t you have a character who is purely and remorselessly evil? Heck, even Shaktimaan had Tamraaj Kilvish. In blurring the lines between good and bad, the author consciously panders to the audience member who will be watching Raakshas at a movie hall with an expensive tub of popcorn and feeling extremely disconcerted (yet gratified) at the demonization of an innocent.
The book has its’ share of good things. It not only brings the point of Indian serial killers out of the closet but also explains why their representation in popular media (ala Hannibal Lector) have been so limited with the exception of a Sangharsh or The Stoneman Murders. The bonus section at the end is a morbidly delightful read – I started reading the book from there. And the buildup to the climax will definitely catch you unawares.
But the climax is so soggy that you could mistake it for an umbrella in Mawsynram. It seems forced – almost like a movie which has extended the attention span of the viewer. Too much is left to chance and to the rant against society which is to follow. This isn’t the only bad thing about the book though. I noticed a spelling mistake and another couple of grammatical errors while the language vacillates from Queen’s English to Hinglish slang. The bit about becoming "India's Number 1 Serial Killer" gets repeated once too often and starts grating on your nerves. The TV show rating incident (not explained because of spoilers) is frankly laughable. However all this would have been eminently bearable had it not been for the ending.
I finish with a request to Piyush – Raakshas has the definite potential to be a Silence of The Lambs; please do not dumb it down to be a run-of-the-mill 100 crore grosser at the box office.
He followed that up with a full blown satire called King of Bollywood but it suffered mostly as it came on the heels of a similar movie Bollywood Calling which was released a year earlier and had bigger names like Nagesh Kukunoor and Mira Nair associated with it. His last film was the terrorism drama Sikandar starring a grown-up Parzan Dastur (the cute Punjabi kid from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai).
Since then he seems to have turned himself into a full-time author with Mumbaistan and two detective novels starring his creation Inspector Virkar. I have but only had the opportunity to skim through his works on my frequent visits to the very popular Blossoms Book Store in Bangalore but, even in that limited time, noticed some traits in his writing – the personification of Mumbai as a character, police-gangster face-offs and nexuses, prostitutes, gruesome murders and so on. In short, all the masala you can get in Bollywood movies made on the maximum city ever since Prakash Mehra and Manmohan Desai burst onto the scene.
All of it and more is on show in Raakshas: India’s No. 1 Serial Killer where Piyush draws up his narrative about a terrifying serial killer stalking the murky streets of India’s Big Apple. The book is a fast-paced narrative even though the author does devote enough time and energy in sketching out the backstories of the two main characters. In fact, you would be forgiven for mistaking it to be a film script as you flip your way through the pages. The “Soon To Be a Major Motion Picture” sticker element on the cover only heightens these apprehensions.
And this is where Raakshas fails to cross the line between an engrossing one-time read and a rip-roaring action thriller. The antagonist (or should we say the protagonist?) is shown to be a victim of circumstances while his opponent has a tainted past. He is prone to feelings like love (both filial and romantic) and anxiety while she is a hardened taskmaster ready to sacrifice a few in the interest of many. My question to Piyush here – you based your last film on a Stephen King novel so why can’t you have a character who is purely and remorselessly evil? Heck, even Shaktimaan had Tamraaj Kilvish. In blurring the lines between good and bad, the author consciously panders to the audience member who will be watching Raakshas at a movie hall with an expensive tub of popcorn and feeling extremely disconcerted (yet gratified) at the demonization of an innocent.
The book has its’ share of good things. It not only brings the point of Indian serial killers out of the closet but also explains why their representation in popular media (ala Hannibal Lector) have been so limited with the exception of a Sangharsh or The Stoneman Murders. The bonus section at the end is a morbidly delightful read – I started reading the book from there. And the buildup to the climax will definitely catch you unawares.
But the climax is so soggy that you could mistake it for an umbrella in Mawsynram. It seems forced – almost like a movie which has extended the attention span of the viewer. Too much is left to chance and to the rant against society which is to follow. This isn’t the only bad thing about the book though. I noticed a spelling mistake and another couple of grammatical errors while the language vacillates from Queen’s English to Hinglish slang. The bit about becoming "India's Number 1 Serial Killer" gets repeated once too often and starts grating on your nerves. The TV show rating incident (not explained because of spoilers) is frankly laughable. However all this would have been eminently bearable had it not been for the ending.
I finish with a request to Piyush – Raakshas has the definite potential to be a Silence of The Lambs; please do not dumb it down to be a run-of-the-mill 100 crore grosser at the box office.
March 2, 2016
Expounding the 'Anima'
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Firstly, let me start with the book cover which very rightly requires a special mention. The cover has been intelligently designed, as it fits the story and the title to the tee. The look of the person on the cover is deceptive,wherein he appears calm and introspective but quite intimidating with the knife.On a closer look, one gets to see the blood shot eyes of a killer- hungry for revenge and bloodshed which in turn speaks volumes of his actual psyche.
The story, as the blurb conveys, is that of ‘India’s No.1 Serial Killer’ which in turn is narrated by Maithili-a police officer who is fighting her own questionable past apart from being the investigative officer of the serial killer’s case.
‘Raakshas’- opens with the birth of a baby boy to a scientist and his educated wife. The wife dies at child birth and the baby is blamed for the untimely demise of his mother by all the family members barring his aunt, who has a soft corner for the boy. The aunt takes the child under her care however the circumstances forces the same boy to transform later into a serial killer. What forces the child of such educated parents to transform into a monster forms the crux of the story. Parallel to the boy’s story we have Maithili whose past as a ‘killer’ haunts her into her present and affects the working of an efficient police officer.To know more about the transformation of an innocent child into a serial killer and Maithili’s past, you have to read the book !
Piyush Jha as a writer has been successful in keeping the reader intrigued with- a compelling narrative of the spine chilling killings, reflecting on the psyche of a person with a disturbed childhood and by alternating two parallel stories. Yes, some of the descriptions of the gory acts are grisly and awful,but they are of prime importance.As a reader one is forced to be taken on an emotional roller coaster , riding on the feelings of sympathy as well as hatred for the serial killer: Sympathy for his past and hatred for his present.If not for the descriptions ,the acts of the serial killer will be justified and commiserated.
The writer has also reflected on issues of -the law and order situation of our country, the red tape nuisance, the inefficient police force, lack of support and encouragement for efficient uniformed men and women due to political pressure, the Media trials which happens for the sake of TRPs, the boom of ‘ fake babas and sadhus’ and the ever increasing number of people duped by these fake babas.At the end of the book, there are some real life accounts of the serial killers of India, which is again petrifying. All this has been conveyed in a simple and intelligible Indian English.
The only grey area of the story would be the random rattling away of the names of streets and places of Mumbai and Pune during the course of the story. The writer could have devoted some more paragraphs in giving vivid descriptions of these streets to make it more authentic and convincing.
Underlying all this, the fact that no one is born a serial killer but the circumstances forces a person to become one, keeps reckoning in the reader’s mind till the end.Also,a very strong message of 'How parental guidance and upbringing can influence a child to transform either into a Marvel or a Monster' forms the undercurrent of this book.These aspects give the story a humane touch though being a crime thriller and this is where the writer in Piyush Jha excels.The story of ‘Raakshas’ has got all the ingredients to be transformed onto the silver screen .I am eagerly awaiting the release! As for the book, it makes a very good read and keeps the reader on tenterhooks till the end.Go for it!
I give this book a rating of 3.5 / 5 !
Title: Raakshas
Writer : Piyush Jha
Number of pages: 233
Publishers: Westland Pvt Ltd
To read other reviews visit polkajunction.wordpress.com
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Firstly, let me start with the book cover which very rightly requires a special mention. The cover has been intelligently designed, as it fits the story and the title to the tee. The look of the person on the cover is deceptive,wherein he appears calm and introspective but quite intimidating with the knife.On a closer look, one gets to see the blood shot eyes of a killer- hungry for revenge and bloodshed which in turn speaks volumes of his actual psyche.
The story, as the blurb conveys, is that of ‘India’s No.1 Serial Killer’ which in turn is narrated by Maithili-a police officer who is fighting her own questionable past apart from being the investigative officer of the serial killer’s case.
‘Raakshas’- opens with the birth of a baby boy to a scientist and his educated wife. The wife dies at child birth and the baby is blamed for the untimely demise of his mother by all the family members barring his aunt, who has a soft corner for the boy. The aunt takes the child under her care however the circumstances forces the same boy to transform later into a serial killer. What forces the child of such educated parents to transform into a monster forms the crux of the story. Parallel to the boy’s story we have Maithili whose past as a ‘killer’ haunts her into her present and affects the working of an efficient police officer.To know more about the transformation of an innocent child into a serial killer and Maithili’s past, you have to read the book !
Piyush Jha as a writer has been successful in keeping the reader intrigued with- a compelling narrative of the spine chilling killings, reflecting on the psyche of a person with a disturbed childhood and by alternating two parallel stories. Yes, some of the descriptions of the gory acts are grisly and awful,but they are of prime importance.As a reader one is forced to be taken on an emotional roller coaster , riding on the feelings of sympathy as well as hatred for the serial killer: Sympathy for his past and hatred for his present.If not for the descriptions ,the acts of the serial killer will be justified and commiserated.
The writer has also reflected on issues of -the law and order situation of our country, the red tape nuisance, the inefficient police force, lack of support and encouragement for efficient uniformed men and women due to political pressure, the Media trials which happens for the sake of TRPs, the boom of ‘ fake babas and sadhus’ and the ever increasing number of people duped by these fake babas.At the end of the book, there are some real life accounts of the serial killers of India, which is again petrifying. All this has been conveyed in a simple and intelligible Indian English.
The only grey area of the story would be the random rattling away of the names of streets and places of Mumbai and Pune during the course of the story. The writer could have devoted some more paragraphs in giving vivid descriptions of these streets to make it more authentic and convincing.
Underlying all this, the fact that no one is born a serial killer but the circumstances forces a person to become one, keeps reckoning in the reader’s mind till the end.Also,a very strong message of 'How parental guidance and upbringing can influence a child to transform either into a Marvel or a Monster' forms the undercurrent of this book.These aspects give the story a humane touch though being a crime thriller and this is where the writer in Piyush Jha excels.The story of ‘Raakshas’ has got all the ingredients to be transformed onto the silver screen .I am eagerly awaiting the release! As for the book, it makes a very good read and keeps the reader on tenterhooks till the end.Go for it!
I give this book a rating of 3.5 / 5 !
Title: Raakshas
Writer : Piyush Jha
Number of pages: 233
Publishers: Westland Pvt Ltd
To read other reviews visit polkajunction.wordpress.com
December 30, 2016
FIRST IMPRESSION:
The cover seemed chilling enough. The simple mugshot of a man with a bloodied knife and bloodshot eyes felt very apt for the title. Raakshas - a demon, devil, someone ruthless. Having already read a previous work of the author, (Anti Social Network), I thought I knew what to expect. The blurb about a troubled female police officer trying to track a dangerous serial killer and ending up being on his hit list seemed strangely generic but also left enough options open for different interpretations.
I took the 'Soon to be a major motion picture' tag with a pinch of salt. That is not a deal clincher in my opinion.
REVIEW:
There are very few books that manage to hook the reader into the story in page one. Most books try, though. The story promises to be about India's number one serial killer, a man who is everyone's nightmare, a man who makes people afraid to even walk on the streets. The beginning though, is not what one would expect from such a book. Having read about serial killers in many previous books, I had assumed this book would also begin with a chilling murder and set the tone for the story. Instead, it begins with the birth of a child who would one day terrorise the city. The second chapter though, again begins with the birth of another character. By this time, I had trained my mind to expect the journeys of both these characters penned in the chronological order to and after the point where their lives cross.
No. It does not do that, not exactly. But it does that, in one way. The previous few lines are examples of how the story has been sequenced in this book. What started out with great expectations faltered in the way it was presented. I would not go so far as to say it ruined the story and premise, but all through the book I had a nagging feeling that with proper presentation this could have been even better. Maithili Prasad, a cop with a troubled past, an officer who keeps insisting that murders happening in the city are the work of a serial killer and doggedly follows that line.
The highlight of the book is easily the background story of the serial killer. It does not sympathise with the killer as is, nor does it justify the actions he has committed. But it does give us a little insight into what makes serial killers. Are the parents to blame? Or is it the society? What makes a normal human into such a developed version of a psychopath that he takes pleasure in killing other people? What makes a man think being 'Mumbai's number one serial killer' is an achievement he needs to obtain? The book tells a generic story that could have happened, and maybe is happening to many young boys and girls.
But where the book falters is in its execution. The story is convincing, but some places could have been written better. The killings lose their horrifying thrills after a point of time. Sometimes there is no time for the reader to get acquainted with the victims and therefore feel for the loss of their life - a crucial element in making a book on serial killers chilling and emotionally wounding. The most believable part of the story is the place where the killer himself becomes obsessed with his pursuer, a cliche formula that is the sad truth. Stoking his ego by rating him was a master touch, and shows the insensitivity of some media houses during such important times. A lesson that can never be overdone.
WHAT I LIKED:
The additional information on lesser known serial killers (an appendix of sorts)
The background story of what made the serial killer the man he had become.
The title and the summary.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
Maybe it is the prominently displayed 'soon to be a motion picture' tagline on the cover that did it, or maybe it was the style itself, but the narration did feel like a recollection more than a chronological story.
The killings lose their thrill factor after some time.
No matter what backstory, the reader can never symphatise with the killer!
VERDICT:
Raakshas - not as thrilling as the title, but still a terrific book!
RATING: 3.5/5
The cover seemed chilling enough. The simple mugshot of a man with a bloodied knife and bloodshot eyes felt very apt for the title. Raakshas - a demon, devil, someone ruthless. Having already read a previous work of the author, (Anti Social Network), I thought I knew what to expect. The blurb about a troubled female police officer trying to track a dangerous serial killer and ending up being on his hit list seemed strangely generic but also left enough options open for different interpretations.
I took the 'Soon to be a major motion picture' tag with a pinch of salt. That is not a deal clincher in my opinion.
REVIEW:
There are very few books that manage to hook the reader into the story in page one. Most books try, though. The story promises to be about India's number one serial killer, a man who is everyone's nightmare, a man who makes people afraid to even walk on the streets. The beginning though, is not what one would expect from such a book. Having read about serial killers in many previous books, I had assumed this book would also begin with a chilling murder and set the tone for the story. Instead, it begins with the birth of a child who would one day terrorise the city. The second chapter though, again begins with the birth of another character. By this time, I had trained my mind to expect the journeys of both these characters penned in the chronological order to and after the point where their lives cross.
No. It does not do that, not exactly. But it does that, in one way. The previous few lines are examples of how the story has been sequenced in this book. What started out with great expectations faltered in the way it was presented. I would not go so far as to say it ruined the story and premise, but all through the book I had a nagging feeling that with proper presentation this could have been even better. Maithili Prasad, a cop with a troubled past, an officer who keeps insisting that murders happening in the city are the work of a serial killer and doggedly follows that line.
The highlight of the book is easily the background story of the serial killer. It does not sympathise with the killer as is, nor does it justify the actions he has committed. But it does give us a little insight into what makes serial killers. Are the parents to blame? Or is it the society? What makes a normal human into such a developed version of a psychopath that he takes pleasure in killing other people? What makes a man think being 'Mumbai's number one serial killer' is an achievement he needs to obtain? The book tells a generic story that could have happened, and maybe is happening to many young boys and girls.
But where the book falters is in its execution. The story is convincing, but some places could have been written better. The killings lose their horrifying thrills after a point of time. Sometimes there is no time for the reader to get acquainted with the victims and therefore feel for the loss of their life - a crucial element in making a book on serial killers chilling and emotionally wounding. The most believable part of the story is the place where the killer himself becomes obsessed with his pursuer, a cliche formula that is the sad truth. Stoking his ego by rating him was a master touch, and shows the insensitivity of some media houses during such important times. A lesson that can never be overdone.
WHAT I LIKED:
The additional information on lesser known serial killers (an appendix of sorts)
The background story of what made the serial killer the man he had become.
The title and the summary.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
Maybe it is the prominently displayed 'soon to be a motion picture' tagline on the cover that did it, or maybe it was the style itself, but the narration did feel like a recollection more than a chronological story.
The killings lose their thrill factor after some time.
No matter what backstory, the reader can never symphatise with the killer!
VERDICT:
Raakshas - not as thrilling as the title, but still a terrific book!
RATING: 3.5/5
February 25, 2016
Raakshas: India’s No. 1 Serial Killer by Piyush Jha is an attempt to delve deep into the human consciousness and scrutinize the darkest corners of human mind. As the title of the book suggests, this book is the account of a young boy who was given a name that has been used to describe his life later on. This is the story of a man whose creative energy and positive thoughts have been distorted by the individuals who brought him up. This is the story of a boy who grew up treating homicide as a lifestyle. This is the narrative of a man whose evil state of mind overwhelmed any good feeling that his heart might be at the peril of securing. And, most importantly, this is the story of a serial-killer who lived among people and they did not even realize it until it was too late. So, let’s do a postmortem of this serial killer.
The book starts by giving a back-story of the main protagonist (the killer) of this novel. The book tells us about the hopes and dreams of this character. The book then throws light on those incidents which dashed these hopes and dreams. Then the book describes the effects of these incidents over the life of this main lead. So, in a way, the book tries to analyze the mind of this central lead by giving the readers some of the psychological insights. There is another narrative which runs parallel to the narrative of the main character. This is the back-story of Maithali Prasad (Additional Commissioner of Police). One of the incidents in her life has left a deep scar on her mind and readers get to know about that incident. Then the story moves into single narrative when the responsibility of catching the killer falls on the shoulders of Maithali. Hunting the killer down and putting an end to the terror he unleashed make the rest of the story.
The cover of this book grabs your attention easily if you love reading crime thrillers. The cover has been designed intelligently and the designer of the same should be complimented for this brilliant thinking. In addition, title and blurb are also interesting enough to attract the attention of the readers. However, it is the narrative which disappoints you. While the book is a nice read, you feel that the reading experience could have been much better. The pacing of the book was consistent throughout but as a reader you feel an absence of the thrilling components. Readers who love reading thrillers want to be thrilled and this book fails to generate that thrill and excitement. There are murders but these murders do not grip the readers in the gut. There are action scenes but these scenes somehow do not excite you. The book starts with a bang but somehow losses its charm in the middle and finally ends dramatically. Moreover, the last few chapters of the book look hurried and could have been more interesting and appealing.
While many books have been written on serial-killers, the topic of these killers had not attracted the attention of Indian writers so far. Therefore, the book under review becomes a special one. However, as mentioned above, the book could definitely have been much better. The book certainly had the potential of becoming a riveting and enthralling read. This potential, according to me, has not been exploited by the author correctly. The book has a bonus section which describes the lives of some of the gruesome serial-killers of India. This section unquestionably adds a certain charm to the book.
I received this book free from the publishers through writersmelon.com
Note: The review was originally posted on:
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com/2016/0...
The book starts by giving a back-story of the main protagonist (the killer) of this novel. The book tells us about the hopes and dreams of this character. The book then throws light on those incidents which dashed these hopes and dreams. Then the book describes the effects of these incidents over the life of this main lead. So, in a way, the book tries to analyze the mind of this central lead by giving the readers some of the psychological insights. There is another narrative which runs parallel to the narrative of the main character. This is the back-story of Maithali Prasad (Additional Commissioner of Police). One of the incidents in her life has left a deep scar on her mind and readers get to know about that incident. Then the story moves into single narrative when the responsibility of catching the killer falls on the shoulders of Maithali. Hunting the killer down and putting an end to the terror he unleashed make the rest of the story.
The cover of this book grabs your attention easily if you love reading crime thrillers. The cover has been designed intelligently and the designer of the same should be complimented for this brilliant thinking. In addition, title and blurb are also interesting enough to attract the attention of the readers. However, it is the narrative which disappoints you. While the book is a nice read, you feel that the reading experience could have been much better. The pacing of the book was consistent throughout but as a reader you feel an absence of the thrilling components. Readers who love reading thrillers want to be thrilled and this book fails to generate that thrill and excitement. There are murders but these murders do not grip the readers in the gut. There are action scenes but these scenes somehow do not excite you. The book starts with a bang but somehow losses its charm in the middle and finally ends dramatically. Moreover, the last few chapters of the book look hurried and could have been more interesting and appealing.
While many books have been written on serial-killers, the topic of these killers had not attracted the attention of Indian writers so far. Therefore, the book under review becomes a special one. However, as mentioned above, the book could definitely have been much better. The book certainly had the potential of becoming a riveting and enthralling read. This potential, according to me, has not been exploited by the author correctly. The book has a bonus section which describes the lives of some of the gruesome serial-killers of India. This section unquestionably adds a certain charm to the book.
I received this book free from the publishers through writersmelon.com
Note: The review was originally posted on:
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com/2016/0...
April 12, 2016
Deep inside you’re a good man. Review of ‘Raakshas’ by Piyush Jha
Arvind Passey
12 April 2016
Getting inside the mind of a killer makes for an engrossing topic for an essay… but if the writer happens to be Piyush Jha, the film-maker, the visualisation of how this happens gets a bone-chilling clarity.
‘Raakshas’ by Piyush Jha is a book that graphically traces the way the synapses in the brain fuse with each other and we are able to see distinctly how the ‘amygdala, which is the emotional centre of the brain, hijacks the pre-frontal cortex, which is the rational side’ and the story woven around this man who claims that ‘generations of my family were known to be quite courageous with written and spoken words, they were perhaps not as fearless when faced with dangers of the physical kind’ is all about how he evolves into ‘the mundi-cut killer’ obsessed with becoming the ‘Serial Killer No.1’. Coming after ‘Mumbaistan’, ‘Compass Box Killer’ and ‘Anti-Social Network’, Piyush Jha has written another book that is difficult to leave once you’ve begun reading it.
The narrative is never beyond belief even when it meanders through the gory details of the way a killing is planned or accomplished. One of the finer parts in the book are those when the reader comes face to face with the killer sharing the unsettling details of the way a killer needs to plan: ‘…establish a legitimate identity… quickly change it to another… stay under the radar by not making any lasting relationships… survive on his own… answer a policeman’s pointed questions and lead them away from understanding the full nature of the crime… turn on the charm when required, to trick women into believing him enough to literally follow him to their deaths…’
By the way, the killer that Maithili Prasad, the Additional Commissioner of Police decides to hunt down and puts an end to the terror he unleashed wasn’t born as one. She lets us into more insights into the way killers think and function and remarks: ‘How I wished to God that we would have all kept quiet and let him disappear silently into the night. Yet, I also realised that it was in his nature to kill and sooner or later his natural instinct would take over him and he would strike out without caring whether it was at a loved one or not.’ Maithili Prasad also realises at one point ‘that all the training and the best equipment are nothing in front a determined and vicious individual.’
The reader is also thoughtfully taken through the heart-wrenching ordeals that the killer had to face as a child and even then he was never ‘thinking of anything like escape. He was scared out of his wits and remained as quiet as a mouse, day in and day out, in an attempt to survive his ordeal.’ In the afterword the writer tells us that ‘most serial killers have had an extremely disturbed childhood. The turmoil experienced during those tender years has a far-reaching resonance that extends throughout their lives.’ As a proof of all his conclusions while researching and writing this novel, Piyush Jha has included a bonus section in the book that lists out and gives a short description of the sort of lives that India’s least-known serial killers have had. It is these parts that are vital for a reader because mere stories sometimes tend to be forgotten faster than those that come with documentation talking about the validity of the sort of character chosen for a work of fiction. These sections turn mere fiction into a real fiction...
...please read the complete review on my blog:
http://passey.info/2016/04/deep-insid...
*
Arvind Passey
12 April 2016
Getting inside the mind of a killer makes for an engrossing topic for an essay… but if the writer happens to be Piyush Jha, the film-maker, the visualisation of how this happens gets a bone-chilling clarity.
‘Raakshas’ by Piyush Jha is a book that graphically traces the way the synapses in the brain fuse with each other and we are able to see distinctly how the ‘amygdala, which is the emotional centre of the brain, hijacks the pre-frontal cortex, which is the rational side’ and the story woven around this man who claims that ‘generations of my family were known to be quite courageous with written and spoken words, they were perhaps not as fearless when faced with dangers of the physical kind’ is all about how he evolves into ‘the mundi-cut killer’ obsessed with becoming the ‘Serial Killer No.1’. Coming after ‘Mumbaistan’, ‘Compass Box Killer’ and ‘Anti-Social Network’, Piyush Jha has written another book that is difficult to leave once you’ve begun reading it.
The narrative is never beyond belief even when it meanders through the gory details of the way a killing is planned or accomplished. One of the finer parts in the book are those when the reader comes face to face with the killer sharing the unsettling details of the way a killer needs to plan: ‘…establish a legitimate identity… quickly change it to another… stay under the radar by not making any lasting relationships… survive on his own… answer a policeman’s pointed questions and lead them away from understanding the full nature of the crime… turn on the charm when required, to trick women into believing him enough to literally follow him to their deaths…’
By the way, the killer that Maithili Prasad, the Additional Commissioner of Police decides to hunt down and puts an end to the terror he unleashed wasn’t born as one. She lets us into more insights into the way killers think and function and remarks: ‘How I wished to God that we would have all kept quiet and let him disappear silently into the night. Yet, I also realised that it was in his nature to kill and sooner or later his natural instinct would take over him and he would strike out without caring whether it was at a loved one or not.’ Maithili Prasad also realises at one point ‘that all the training and the best equipment are nothing in front a determined and vicious individual.’
The reader is also thoughtfully taken through the heart-wrenching ordeals that the killer had to face as a child and even then he was never ‘thinking of anything like escape. He was scared out of his wits and remained as quiet as a mouse, day in and day out, in an attempt to survive his ordeal.’ In the afterword the writer tells us that ‘most serial killers have had an extremely disturbed childhood. The turmoil experienced during those tender years has a far-reaching resonance that extends throughout their lives.’ As a proof of all his conclusions while researching and writing this novel, Piyush Jha has included a bonus section in the book that lists out and gives a short description of the sort of lives that India’s least-known serial killers have had. It is these parts that are vital for a reader because mere stories sometimes tend to be forgotten faster than those that come with documentation talking about the validity of the sort of character chosen for a work of fiction. These sections turn mere fiction into a real fiction...
...please read the complete review on my blog:
http://passey.info/2016/04/deep-insid...
*
March 7, 2016
Piyush Jha’s ‘Raakshas’ is the story of a scheming and methodical killer and an investigating officer, ACP Maithili Prasad. The two forge a bond while chasing and being chased. The bond though inevitably turns fraught. The two have a very dissimilar background. While the killer had a lonely and torturous childhood, Maithili had a much protected and happy beginning. Her birth was celebrated and considered auspicious but the boy lost his mother at birth and ‘he became a killer the minute he was born.’ Brought up by a work-obsessed, slightly unhinged father who is increasingly cold, cruel and sadistic with his son, the boy’s gradual descent into hell commences almost on cue. Here the writer draws a contrast between the two protagonists. Even with a happy childhood, we find Maithili going through a turbulent teen phase by becoming indirectly responsible for a girl’s death. In the aftermath of this tragedy she inadvertently commits a murder. These blemish of their past haunt them through the entire story and mould them into what they become as adults.
The story is told alternately in the first and the third person. While the serial killer adopts the latter, Maithili Prasad’s account of her life is given in the first person. The story continues at a brisk pace, the killer on his murderous spree with the ACP just a step behind him every time. The killer perfects his macabre art and gets frustrated when he isn’t given due credit. He falls prey to a rating race designed by the media even when he was trying to mend his ways unknown to the rest of the world.
It is said of serial killers that they lack empathy. They are known to be recluses, shunning social contact as much as possible while always on the lookout for their next target. But there are exceptions such as Hannibal Lecter and Dexter Morgan. Parallels can be drawn between our protagonist and Dexter. Both of them have been shown to develop fondness for one of their victims. This quality acts as a redeeming factor in both their cases and garners sympathy from their audience. Of course there is no redemption for antagonists and we find our anti-hero dying at the end.
The fact that the killer dies is not a spoiler. Had I written about the cat and mouse chase between Maithili and the killer, then it would have qualified as the spoiler. You’ve much to look forward to when you read the book after reading this review. The book has all the elements of a good thriller. There’s gore, violence, blood-letting and multiple murders. Jha has raised some serious issues too in this book. We see the perils of modern living in a teeming metropolis like Mumbai where it is easy to sink into anonymity and where changing one’s appearance and identity doesn’t need much brilliance. Nobody notices any anomaly until it is too late. We are also shown the ease of entering into relationships with total strangers without a second thought. Somewhere along the line, these are the causes of exploitation in the modern society.
Piyush Jha’s style is good and much research has gone into the making of this book. The story line is gripping and makes one feel the danger and emotional turmoil each character is going through, very intricately. Even Kalantak Baba is no exception. We see in him an educated youth tail-spinning into a dark life as a result of betrayal. There are no black and white characters in this book. Everyone has a grey shade to live with. Just like life.
In a special bonus section, Jha has given accounts of some recent instances of some lesser-known serial killers of India which makes for a good read.
The story is told alternately in the first and the third person. While the serial killer adopts the latter, Maithili Prasad’s account of her life is given in the first person. The story continues at a brisk pace, the killer on his murderous spree with the ACP just a step behind him every time. The killer perfects his macabre art and gets frustrated when he isn’t given due credit. He falls prey to a rating race designed by the media even when he was trying to mend his ways unknown to the rest of the world.
It is said of serial killers that they lack empathy. They are known to be recluses, shunning social contact as much as possible while always on the lookout for their next target. But there are exceptions such as Hannibal Lecter and Dexter Morgan. Parallels can be drawn between our protagonist and Dexter. Both of them have been shown to develop fondness for one of their victims. This quality acts as a redeeming factor in both their cases and garners sympathy from their audience. Of course there is no redemption for antagonists and we find our anti-hero dying at the end.
The fact that the killer dies is not a spoiler. Had I written about the cat and mouse chase between Maithili and the killer, then it would have qualified as the spoiler. You’ve much to look forward to when you read the book after reading this review. The book has all the elements of a good thriller. There’s gore, violence, blood-letting and multiple murders. Jha has raised some serious issues too in this book. We see the perils of modern living in a teeming metropolis like Mumbai where it is easy to sink into anonymity and where changing one’s appearance and identity doesn’t need much brilliance. Nobody notices any anomaly until it is too late. We are also shown the ease of entering into relationships with total strangers without a second thought. Somewhere along the line, these are the causes of exploitation in the modern society.
Piyush Jha’s style is good and much research has gone into the making of this book. The story line is gripping and makes one feel the danger and emotional turmoil each character is going through, very intricately. Even Kalantak Baba is no exception. We see in him an educated youth tail-spinning into a dark life as a result of betrayal. There are no black and white characters in this book. Everyone has a grey shade to live with. Just like life.
In a special bonus section, Jha has given accounts of some recent instances of some lesser-known serial killers of India which makes for a good read.
November 15, 2017
When you read the life story of the serial killer, you begin to think: No wonder he turned into one. He was dealt a tough hand by everyone he knew! And when you think about Maithili, you think, how did someone like her become so righteous? No guilt associated? The story is, in a gist, is something we might have seen portrayed multiple times on screen in different languages, but it is so freshly put that the book turns out to be quite the thriller. The book reminds one eerily of the movie, Gangaajal, though, here, there’s the reasoning behind the bad man’s actions listed out in detail, too.
Maithili’s story, on the other hand, begins as one with reason behind her becoming a police officer and soon, tumbles into a resume of her accomplishments. As well it should, laying a foundation and letting the readers into the depths of her character. Her ghosts, though, do not let loose as easily, and she tries with a shaking bravado, to ignore them for the moment and focus on the case she is handling.
The reason the investigator becomes the pursued might be on throwaway remark, but as you think back about it, you realize the impact that remark might have had on the fragile ego of the serial killer. One thought does creep into your mind: Oooh! She shouldn’t have said that!
And now the game begins in full flow, if it wasn’t already.
Every step the killer takes is a direct assault on the senses not only of the person who managed to scratch at his ego, but also of the city, that begins to wilt under fear and an emotional pressure that drives one to be safe.
Cold and spine-chilling, Raakshas manages to induce a fear that any hapless victim would feel. Before you begin to feel sorry for either the victim or the killer, you cringe in disgust at what goes on in their heads. Piyush Jha portrays every negative emotion admirably – disgust, self-doubt, overconfidence, dwindling self-worth! He brings in the pursuit so smoothly; you blink twice before you realize that yes, it’s going to get murkier from here.
Further, Jha plays on the human tendency to think highly of oneself and in those lines, he makes you want to shout out; makes you want to shake the character and tell them not to be so self-absorbed. But this swings hard both ways – and you find yourself falling into the depths of further intrigue. He conveys everything a character is, and what a character is feeling, using minimum dialogues and maximum description. And he does it with such panache that you begin to want more!
Piyush Jha also speaks about the stigma associated with mental illness, especially in India, and strives to explain why serial killers are what they are. Listing out little known serial killers who once walked the country, he gets his point across fairly well.
All in all, a book that achieves what it sets out to do, eerily engaging and will push you to be careful about who you bond with next!
Review also posted at: https://themelodramaticbookworm.wordp...
Maithili’s story, on the other hand, begins as one with reason behind her becoming a police officer and soon, tumbles into a resume of her accomplishments. As well it should, laying a foundation and letting the readers into the depths of her character. Her ghosts, though, do not let loose as easily, and she tries with a shaking bravado, to ignore them for the moment and focus on the case she is handling.
The reason the investigator becomes the pursued might be on throwaway remark, but as you think back about it, you realize the impact that remark might have had on the fragile ego of the serial killer. One thought does creep into your mind: Oooh! She shouldn’t have said that!
And now the game begins in full flow, if it wasn’t already.
Every step the killer takes is a direct assault on the senses not only of the person who managed to scratch at his ego, but also of the city, that begins to wilt under fear and an emotional pressure that drives one to be safe.
Cold and spine-chilling, Raakshas manages to induce a fear that any hapless victim would feel. Before you begin to feel sorry for either the victim or the killer, you cringe in disgust at what goes on in their heads. Piyush Jha portrays every negative emotion admirably – disgust, self-doubt, overconfidence, dwindling self-worth! He brings in the pursuit so smoothly; you blink twice before you realize that yes, it’s going to get murkier from here.
Further, Jha plays on the human tendency to think highly of oneself and in those lines, he makes you want to shout out; makes you want to shake the character and tell them not to be so self-absorbed. But this swings hard both ways – and you find yourself falling into the depths of further intrigue. He conveys everything a character is, and what a character is feeling, using minimum dialogues and maximum description. And he does it with such panache that you begin to want more!
Piyush Jha also speaks about the stigma associated with mental illness, especially in India, and strives to explain why serial killers are what they are. Listing out little known serial killers who once walked the country, he gets his point across fairly well.
All in all, a book that achieves what it sets out to do, eerily engaging and will push you to be careful about who you bond with next!
Review also posted at: https://themelodramaticbookworm.wordp...
April 18, 2016
Piyush Jha is one of my favourite desi writers.Though not of high literary value, almost all his books have been national best-sellers.When it comes to writing fast paced,paisa-vasool thrillers, there aren't many Indian writers who can give him a run for his money!His latest work 'Raakshas' is no different.This book which traces the life of India's No 1 serial killer is undoubtedly an interesting read.
The plot is pretty generic.A serial killer is creating havoc in the city.Enter Maithili Sharma,the ACP who is determined to contain the reign of terror unleashed by the 'Raakshas'.But pretty soon,the hunter becomes the hunted and Maithili becomes his next 'target'!
As a book blogger,I have had the opportunity to read and review quite a number of 'serial-killer' stories.Though many of them have been decent enough works of fiction,what makes 'Raakshas' a cut above the rest is Jha's attention for detail and the strong back-story that he has given for his protagonist and antagonist.Most of the serial-killer thrillers follow a set pattern, the crime-the chase-the final confrontation.Jha has been bold enough to defy this conventional pattern of story telling.The novel opens with the birth of the 'Raakshas' and depicts his troubled childhood.Though illogical and unconvincing at times,it's difficult for the average reader to not to feel sorry for the harrowing experiences that the killer had to suffer as an innocent child.It's this detailing that makes this work different from the run-of-the-mill serial killer tale.
The writing is competent and the language is pretty functional and devoid of lengthy,pretentious prose.The characters are three dimensional and having shades of grey.Kudos to the writer for not portraying the protagonist as an epitome of all virtues.Likewise,the characterization of the killer is also very well done.Infact for me, the book worked more as a brilliant work of character study than a fast paced thriller.There are enough twists and turns happening at regular intervals which keeps the reader hooked to the proceedings.The cover design is also decently done though it would have been better if they had done away with that cheesy tag-line!(The book also has a bonus section about the lesser known serial-killers).
On the downside,there are atleast half a dozen plot twists which feel contrived and even illogical.For instance,Maithili's confrontation with the 15 year old drug peddler and it's aftermath (spoiler alert!) is far from convincing.But these minor flaws apart,'Raakshas' is a work which is truly worth your time and money.
Verdict-Worth Buying. I'm giving 3.5 out of 5
The plot is pretty generic.A serial killer is creating havoc in the city.Enter Maithili Sharma,the ACP who is determined to contain the reign of terror unleashed by the 'Raakshas'.But pretty soon,the hunter becomes the hunted and Maithili becomes his next 'target'!
As a book blogger,I have had the opportunity to read and review quite a number of 'serial-killer' stories.Though many of them have been decent enough works of fiction,what makes 'Raakshas' a cut above the rest is Jha's attention for detail and the strong back-story that he has given for his protagonist and antagonist.Most of the serial-killer thrillers follow a set pattern, the crime-the chase-the final confrontation.Jha has been bold enough to defy this conventional pattern of story telling.The novel opens with the birth of the 'Raakshas' and depicts his troubled childhood.Though illogical and unconvincing at times,it's difficult for the average reader to not to feel sorry for the harrowing experiences that the killer had to suffer as an innocent child.It's this detailing that makes this work different from the run-of-the-mill serial killer tale.
The writing is competent and the language is pretty functional and devoid of lengthy,pretentious prose.The characters are three dimensional and having shades of grey.Kudos to the writer for not portraying the protagonist as an epitome of all virtues.Likewise,the characterization of the killer is also very well done.Infact for me, the book worked more as a brilliant work of character study than a fast paced thriller.There are enough twists and turns happening at regular intervals which keeps the reader hooked to the proceedings.The cover design is also decently done though it would have been better if they had done away with that cheesy tag-line!(The book also has a bonus section about the lesser known serial-killers).
On the downside,there are atleast half a dozen plot twists which feel contrived and even illogical.For instance,Maithili's confrontation with the 15 year old drug peddler and it's aftermath (spoiler alert!) is far from convincing.But these minor flaws apart,'Raakshas' is a work which is truly worth your time and money.
Verdict-Worth Buying. I'm giving 3.5 out of 5
April 17, 2016
The book starts off quite interestingly with the introduction of the killer and the protagonist. The events the characters go through in their childhood times indeed build their path for the future and this has been beautifully put across by the author.
Raakshas is a story of a young boy who grows in an environment of hatred towards him. The author explains beautifully that ‘he was a murdered the moment he was born’ since his mother couldn’t survive the process. His father, who is busy with his research, sends him to stay with his aunt Latika but his uncle is indeed not happy with him staying with them. All this hatred and absence of love makes him concentrate on the negativities of life.
Besides the killer dominating the story, the story also introduces Maithali, who is a success with academics but being a child, she also has something negative related with his past, but that secret remains with her for her life. Still, it haunts her at moments, but she emerges victorious by choosing a path of eliminating the crime in a bid to escape from the thoughts that tag her as a criminal.
The author seems to have compressed a story into 200 pages what deserved to be a 400-page novel. Though the crime scenes have been given detailing and each killing an unique method of killing, several characters make an exit soon after their entry which goes unnoticed. By the time the last page of the book is turned, I indeed wished that the narration in the latter half was with similar detailing as was the introductory part, which set the stage for the story.
The psycho-analysis of the killer, detailing of the events and the race towards being famous for the job throw much wanted lights on the complex turns and twists moving across the serial killer’s mind. He emphasises the fact to be known as the No. 1 serial killer and no less, and in fact, few of his killings are just an attempt to be known as the best.
Another important aspect highlighted by the author in the book is the fragility of the relationships in our lives. ‘Handle with Care’ or the most beautiful relationship in our life might be gone sooner that one can even imagine. This is my takeaway from the book and certainly, something to be taken care of.
However, the book describes the crime scenes and the violent killings and hence, the standard disclaimer goes without saying that such books are not for the tender hearted and especially not to be read when alone in night. But at the same time, the book connects you with the harsh realities of the real world.
Raakshas is a story of a young boy who grows in an environment of hatred towards him. The author explains beautifully that ‘he was a murdered the moment he was born’ since his mother couldn’t survive the process. His father, who is busy with his research, sends him to stay with his aunt Latika but his uncle is indeed not happy with him staying with them. All this hatred and absence of love makes him concentrate on the negativities of life.
Besides the killer dominating the story, the story also introduces Maithali, who is a success with academics but being a child, she also has something negative related with his past, but that secret remains with her for her life. Still, it haunts her at moments, but she emerges victorious by choosing a path of eliminating the crime in a bid to escape from the thoughts that tag her as a criminal.
The author seems to have compressed a story into 200 pages what deserved to be a 400-page novel. Though the crime scenes have been given detailing and each killing an unique method of killing, several characters make an exit soon after their entry which goes unnoticed. By the time the last page of the book is turned, I indeed wished that the narration in the latter half was with similar detailing as was the introductory part, which set the stage for the story.
The psycho-analysis of the killer, detailing of the events and the race towards being famous for the job throw much wanted lights on the complex turns and twists moving across the serial killer’s mind. He emphasises the fact to be known as the No. 1 serial killer and no less, and in fact, few of his killings are just an attempt to be known as the best.
Another important aspect highlighted by the author in the book is the fragility of the relationships in our lives. ‘Handle with Care’ or the most beautiful relationship in our life might be gone sooner that one can even imagine. This is my takeaway from the book and certainly, something to be taken care of.
However, the book describes the crime scenes and the violent killings and hence, the standard disclaimer goes without saying that such books are not for the tender hearted and especially not to be read when alone in night. But at the same time, the book connects you with the harsh realities of the real world.
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