From the #1 bestselling crime of author of Bhendi Bazaar comes a legal thriller like no other.
Jay Singh is the best defence lawyer in New Delhi that money can buy. But Jay Singh is a closet alcoholic; he has a dark and ominous past. His mother has been accused and convicted of killing his father..something he doesn't accept even after twenty years. Flamboyant, wicket, lethal, Jay Singh never loses a case, though his methods might not always be within the law. If the law is after you - guilty or not - there is only one man who can save you. If Jay Singh takes your case, witnesses for the prosecution disappear or turn hostile, evidence evaporates, technology and science fail to provide any cogent support. What's more - Jay Singh can even provide you with an ironclad alibi. And then he gets a case that can completely destroy him.
If he loses the high-profile he can kiss his career goodbye ; if he wins the case he better keep his obituary ready.
Praise for Dhamija
'India's John Grisham' - Glimpse Magazine
'Ingeniously Plotted' - DNA
'If it were a movie it would keep you, biting your nails, at the edge of your seat.' - The Times of India
'...(keeps) the reader hooked till the end.' - The New Indian Express
About Vish Dhamija
Vish Dhamija is a crime fiction author of two bestselling novels : Bhendi Bazaar and Nothing Lasts Forever. He is best known for his multi-layered plots, believable characterisation and captivating storylines. In a recent survey by eBooks India website, Vish was listed along the top 51 Indian authors you must follow.
The writing is sloppy at best, the plot is predictable from the start and the characters are downright maddening. It was either this borrowed book or 12 hours of polite nodding at barely understood conversations while stranded in a mini-van, and I regret choosing the former.
This is my first novel by Vish Dhamija and I was pulled into the book from the beginning. As Jay Singh shares his story and things started moving so fast I realized I am going to enjoy an Indian thriller after a long time.
The beauty of the book is that there are not too many characters in the story but the interest quotient is so high! The story is all about Jay and how he is this hotshot lawyer. The humble beginnings to being the lawyer every one fears and looks up to. The story is very interesting and keeps the curiosity of the reader alive right till end. The plot is simple enough, how his past changes him and his whole life and success still feel inadequate to him because he is scared by the events of his youth.
Deja Karma reads like not just like a diary but also as that of a guy looking inward, trying to find meaning and purpose in his life. His life is plotted and as he describes his life and doings, we also get to read it from another point of view. Kudos to the author for not let it get confusing. If anything the dual narrative provides more clarity. It also reminded me of Sidney Sheldon, yes hints of some superb suspense. Half way through the book, during one of his sessions with his friends and Manavi, I realized the problem he was facing and even that did not put a damper on my reading.
The one issue I had with this book was the botchy editing, there were some very silly errors that could have been easily avoided, marring the reading experience. It is just that the story is so well written even though at some places the author uses big, big words that don’t really gel with the narrative or the character that is using them made me cringe, looking up a dictionary for them. (Check the pic.)
Everyone loves a good mystery and this one had not one but two murders, four if you count the one not proven and the one that was foretold! The suspense is build up and Vinay Kumar is no simpleton but then he won’t have asked Jay to defend him if he was. I found the women characters equally fleshed out as the men in the book. The only character I missed was the politician; Vinay’s father. There was not much said about him except that he is a very powerful big shot. Never is he shown, I found that odd, a glimpse would have been good. Rita, his wife comes across as a typical Indian wife but I found her character progressed very well. It is difficult for a wife not to support her husband even though he might be ‘glad eyed idiot’.
Bhima, the ever faithful, man Friday for Jay was the real hero of the book for me, his support, strength and actions all make him an endearing character. All through the book I was searching for his thoughts and views so powerful was his character. Sam Cooper, and Akbar Ali and a couple of more people bring so much to the story. The characters of the opposition lawyer, Talwar and the lady physiatrist; Manavi’s boss made me want to know more about them, maybe another story with them?
I recommend this book to lovers of suspense, mystery and thrillers. Deja Karma is a very Indian tale; perverse and intriguing till the last page. Sadhus, politicians, murders, twisted minds and lots of second guessing leads to some surprising results.
(I received a copy of the book from the publisher Rumour Books, thoughts are my own,)
My love for the mystery and thriller fictions led me to pick up the book Dèjá Karma. apparently the author Vish Dhamija is also known as "India's John Grisham".
The plot also promised a cocky central character, and action packed storyline and a dangerous climax.
However, the book seemed more like a regular bollywood flick, with mystery however predictable, romance, and some fun in form of the conversation between the characters. Author seemed loosing interest in writing near the end and definitely seemed in hurry to finish the book.
Though the story was predictable but still I kept on reading with a hope that my prediction can also be wrong after all he's named as "India's John Grisham".
Because I adore the mystery and thrillers hence it would be little difficult for me to pick up any of his another writings; it might disappoint me again.
The best quote from the book is: "Heaven and Hell are both on earth. You choose where you want to end up. Do not even carry any belief other than this. This is it. This is life." (from "Deja Karma" by Vish Dhamija) .... the only thing seemed in sync with the title.... :p
Story of Deja Karma is good. But the story is very predictable since the beginning. The author Vish Dhamija has made all the efforts to make a great story, but the climax is not very well concealed. The protagonist keeps harping on the point that somebody else was there at the time of murder whereas all proofs prove that nobody else was present.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
"Deja Karma" by Vish Dhamja is a gripping legal thriller that masterfully combines elements of suspense, mystery, and moral complexity. At its heart, the story revolves around Jay Singh, a flamboyant and unorthodox defense lawyer in New Delhi who has never lost a case. With a reputation for bending the rules to secure victory, Jay is a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom.
However, beneath Jay's charismatic and seemingly invincible exterior lies a tormented past. The unsolved murder of his father and his mother's conviction haunt him, driving his relentless pursuit of justice. When a high-profile murder case lands on his desk, Jay finds himself facing a challenge that could unravel his career and his carefully guarded secrets.
Vish Dhamja's storytelling is both captivating and thought-provoking. He skillfully navigates the moral dilemmas faced by Jay, a lawyer whose methods are often ethically questionable. The tension in the narrative escalates as the case unfolds, and readers are kept on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the outcome.
What sets "Deja Karma" apart is its exploration of the blurred lines between right and wrong, justice and manipulation. Dhamja delves into the complexities of the legal system, the power of wealth and influence, and the lengths to which individuals are willing to go to protect their reputations and secrets.
The character development in the novel is exceptional, particularly in the case of Jay Singh, whose inner turmoil and moral conflict are palpable. The supporting cast adds depth to the story, with each character contributing to the overall intrigue and suspense.
As the past threatens to catch up with Jay, readers are taken on a thrilling ride through a web of lies, cover-ups, and unexpected twists. "Deja Karma" keeps its audience guessing until the final page, delivering a resolution that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.
All-in-all, "Deja Karma" is a compelling legal thriller that raises important questions about ethics, justice, and the consequences of one's actions. Vish Dhamja's skillful storytelling and complex characters make this book a must-read for fans of the genre. With its blend of suspense, moral ambiguity, and courtroom drama, "Deja Karma" is a riveting exploration of the human capacity for both redemption and deception.
Deja Karma by Vish Dhamija is a legal thriller that surrounds the life of Jay Singh, defense lawyer. He gets a high-profile murder case on his hands, a politician’s son is accused of murder, and he takes it. Losing this case could lose almost all that he worked for all these years.
Alongside this, there is another subplot taking place. The protagonist Jay has a traumatic past, something that happened in his childhood is still affecting him. He is seen dealing with his childhood trauma and setting out to find answers. He has Bhima, (a friend, a bodyguard, a valet, a security head- all in one) by his side, who is very loyal to him.
The very initial part of the story gives a hint of Agatha Christie telling. But the curiosity will kill you till the last chapter! This story feels more like an action bollywood movie where the ‘hero’ supposedly has all the powers. “Need hi-class weapons? I got it. Need to track someone? I got people. An overly attentive 24-hour bodyguard? I LITERALLY HAVE ONE!!”
Most parts of the story were predictable. But there were other instances that made me shake my head in excitement. This courtroom drama gets as spine-chilling as it can. But one thing I couldn’t wrap our head around was how the main love characters lacked chemistry. There was no building up of the romance, no development. It was as if the two just banged their heads together and fell head over heels in love with each other.
The language is not very difficult if one wants to start reading crime thriller books. Being a bollywood bluff wouldn’t hurt as well.
In my opinion, the story was amazing and gripping and I would love to explore other legal thrillers written by this author.
Jay Singh is the capital’s most notorious defence lawyer, a man seemingly with no ethics where defending his criminal clients is concerned. Dharmija shows him in action establishing very clearly what Jay Singh stands for. The John Grisham of India then takes us on a story of Jay Singh’s past, present and future – his alcoholism which leads to his being sent to a counsellor, the death of his father apparently at his mother’s hands and the arrival of a new client who is very obviously guilty but insists that he is not.
Dharmija’s narrative covers the details of Jay Singh’s luxurious life and implies that he has odd friends who visit him at odd time. Jay is guarded by Bhima his Man Friday, friend and more and served by his housekeeper Bahadur. Against this background of luxury, the reader gets ready for a lavish read of the expected kind. However, the title Deja Karma makes it obvious that everything isn’t what one expects it to be. Something is repeating itself in a very different way. Court details and procedure are faithfully provided as is Jay’s in depth research into the background of his clients along with the loyalty of Bhima who works late into the night to ensure that nothing is missed out.
And then Jay falls in love with his therapist’s receptionist the gorgeous twenty-seven-year-old Manavi, a first in his forty something life. He has issues with ageism and other worries which complicate his professional life a little however, other discoveries complicate it even more. Dharmija’s pace is leisurely, the story a good old-fashioned read, though one could wish for a few more answers in the plot. The whys remain.
Déjà Karma is a legal thriller that weaves together the complex world of defense lawyer Jay Singh and a high-profile murder case that could make or break his career.
Jay Singh, known for his flamboyance and unconventional methods, is a formidable legal force in the courtroom. However, beneath his confident exterior lies a haunting past which drives him to seek answers even as he takes on the challenging case of a politician's son accused of murder.
The story is a rollercoaster of suspense and action, with elements of mystery that kept me guessing until the very end.
The characters, especially Jay and his loyal friend Bhima, add depth to the story.
While some parts felt predictable, the courtroom drama was spine-tingling and reminded me of the #netflix show #Howtogetawaywithmurder (currently watching and loving)
If you enjoy reading crime/legal thrillers, this one is an accessible and engaging read perfect for a weekend escape.
I discovered this Indian author recently and loved the legal thriller genre he writes. Since then I have ordered all the books written by him from Amazon. This is one of his earlier books, written in 2015, in fact his first in the legal category. The book is based in Delhi, Gurgaon and revolves around an alcoholic, efficient lawyer with psychiatric disorder. An easy read, it's well written, though his newer books are much better
This book nowhere even came close to the thrill of Bhendi Bazaar. By the standards of a crime-court room-drama, its plot is simplistic and anyone who's read a few such books can fairly predict the plot. Not again Mr Dhamija.
Chilled beer getting warm and eventually losing it's fizz, is what I summarise about this novel. I humbly request Vish to use normal angrezi words instead of the too flowery one's.
Deja karma is a story about a defence advocate with schizophrenia.. both the killers were easily identifiable... His choice of words and quotes were really nice...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
When there is light, there is darkness too. So, the world of crime fascinates people since the time known. A lot of criminals are believed to have entered in the dark world due to the circumstance and surroundings. And, this theme is visible in movies, TV Shows and books around the world.
Vish Dhamija's book Deja Karma revolves around the philosophy of "Karma". This philosophy is at the root of Hinduism, the most straight-forward Dharma (not mere religion) - Hinduism. So, in this you find some references to the philosophy, thrilling incidents, legal battles, crimes and their punishments taking place at various stages.
The Plot: The story revolves around Jai Singh. He is a well-known criminal lawyer of the city and has his own means to win his cases. Always accompanied by Bhima - his confidante - Jai is a private person. His personal life is not very known. And, to keep it the same, he lives at the outskirts of the city.
While on the professional end he receives a case of a politician's son, on the personal he found his possible life-partner. And, he loses his mother too. So, things are moving in multiple direction for him.
What happens to Jai and the other characters is better to be explored in the book.
Views And Reviews: Strong characters is a plus point of this book. Be it of Jai, Bhima, Jai's mother or anyone else. Various layer's of their personalities explored gradually (as the story progresses). And eventually, this exploration grabs attention of a reader and makes him curious about the character.
The places and incidents are explored in very detail. The way a particular judge loves to run his court, or Jai's travel to a city in Rajashthan, or the clinic of the psychiatrist and Jai's interaction with her and her staff, the exploration of incidents happened in Jai's childhood, Jai's mother's life and truth, the home of Jai, Bhima's adventures to help Jai achieving his target,... there is a long list of positive things for a thriller lover.
It has some typographical and proofreading error that could have been avoided. Summary: I liked reading this thriller. If you love exploring thrillers with a little philosophical approach, this book is for you.
The style is different and the approach quite unique. This is what makes this book an interesting read. The story revolves around a usual murder mystery but the only mystery that emerges finally, and perhaps partly explained, is the mystery of life. This gets illustrated so eloquently in the persona of the chief protagonist. The author indeed has a sense of humour, using to good effect to describe a situation or truism. "Diesel may adorn your ass, but is the denim strong enough to save it" is one such example. He doesn't spare the media and the public when he so correctly remarks, "the media incessantly foraged for such incidents to feed the scavenging public". He is philosophical as well : "Nature is powerful.....but we underestimate the power of nurture and love". The the chief protagonist finally redeems himself: "Unlike Faust, I had decided that I would no longer provide my services to the Devil". This is what the book is all about........taking the final call and redeeming oneself even at the cost of one's own life.
Deja Karma - a gripping, compelling, astonishing legal thriller. It has everything one can ask for; the thrill, suspense, love, romance, loyalty, friendship, dictatorship and of course a genuine message to end it all. The story is crisp, fast paced; never ever let you put the book down. In the end it makes your eyes wet. Vish has taken a chance by narrating story in two voices; in a third person’s and in first person’s which tells about his life, his views, and his recognitions. Only thing I am disappointed with is if you have watched enough Bollywood movies, suspense is not at all difficult to crack. I could guess the plot well in advance and desperately wanted to be proven wrong throughout reading. But unfortunately I was correct. Perhaps narrating story helped it. The Sam Cooper character could have been presented with more realistic sense. Anyways it still is a fascinating read. And Vish Dhamija is one of the best crime thriller writers. Waiting for ‘The Doosra’.
Deja Karma by Vish Dhamija starts with introduction of Jay Singh, the protagonist and gives us a glimpse into his life. Jay Singh is the enviable character that makes every aspiration filled reader be like him. Every aspect about his life is enough to fuel your jealousy. His home, his car, his estate, and his company. Jay Singh is a defense lawyer, and one among the best; that this nation has seen.
Only once you dwell deeper, do you realize not everything about Jay's life is enviable.
Deja Karma is a hard core legal drama about a heinous murder. A lady has been shot dead. The prime suspect (Vinay Kumar) is a married man with two children who is also the son of a minster.
I read this book as part of the #BrunchBookChallenge. Though the book has an interesting subject matter I thought that the writer didn't do justice to it. A loosely knit plot and lukewarm ending marred the joy of reading a good legal thriller. At many places I found the plot wavering. The focus shifts from the high profile case to Jay's life problems and the narrative becomes a bit filmy. The romance etc doesn't lift the book either. The plot was highly predictable too. A tight narrative and logical ending with good editing would have made it a gripping read. Personally I was expecting a more engaging book.
This book is not as great as previous 2 books from Vish Dhamija. At the beginning we would get bored as there will not be a proper sequence of events happening and messing up of 2 or more characters. The story initially the story starts with investigation of Murder case but later it takes else where. But the final 2 chapters gives the touch for the story. that's where Vish Dhamija really stands.
The quality of the story is really reduced when compared with 'Bhendi Bazaar'. There is also an upcoming new book from the same author in 2016. I would continue to read his new book as well..
Have you ever read a book where everything is so predictable and there was absolutely nothing that surprises you yet at no point you could actually put the book down? Well, this book was just like that for me.
Gripping, but a bit loose-limbed and rambling, unlike Bhendi Bazaar. A 'centre-does-not-hold' feeling which leaves an anticlimactic aftertaste, but doesn't deter from completing the book.
Rambling and disjointed. I picked it up as the author had done a great job with the Rita Ferrira books. This one was not in the same class and I had to struggle through it.