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Patang
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
'I hate the rain…I hate it, hate it, hate it. But the rain can’t stop me. No one can…I’ll go out and play tonight. I will kill only four. No more, no less. Just four.'
In the midst of one of the worst monsoons in Mumbai, a man is found brutally murdered, his body posed like a kite on the tallest cell tower in the city. As one corpse after another turns up in the unlikeliest of places, each gruesomely killed and carefully arranged in a grotesque manner, the Mumbai Police realize they have more on their hands than they can deal with.
Enter Chandrakant Rathod, a maverick investigator the police turn to in times of need, who plays by his own rules and lives for the thrill of the chase. Pitting his sharp instincts against the machinations of the sadistic, ruthless killer, the detective succeeds in nabbing the psychopath and putting him behind bars. Then, three months later, the killings begin again. A deadly game is afoot – a game that will challenge Rathod to the utmost, for it is a game that he cannot hope to win...
'I hate the rain…I hate it, hate it, hate it. But the rain can’t stop me. No one can…I’ll go out and play tonight. I will kill only four. No more, no less. Just four.'
In the midst of one of the worst monsoons in Mumbai, a man is found brutally murdered, his body posed like a kite on the tallest cell tower in the city. As one corpse after another turns up in the unlikeliest of places, each gruesomely killed and carefully arranged in a grotesque manner, the Mumbai Police realize they have more on their hands than they can deal with.
Enter Chandrakant Rathod, a maverick investigator the police turn to in times of need, who plays by his own rules and lives for the thrill of the chase. Pitting his sharp instincts against the machinations of the sadistic, ruthless killer, the detective succeeds in nabbing the psychopath and putting him behind bars. Then, three months later, the killings begin again. A deadly game is afoot – a game that will challenge Rathod to the utmost, for it is a game that he cannot hope to win...
256 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2016
23 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Bhaskar Chattopadhyay
17 books171 followersBhaskar Chattopadhyay is an author, translator, columnist and screenwriter. He is best known for the Janardan Maity series and for the translation of Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's iconic novel 'Aranyak'. His primary research interest is the life, literature, art and cinema of Satyajit Ray, and he has written several books on Ray. Bhaskar has also written several screenplays, all of which are in production. He teaches screenwriting to film students and aspiring filmmakers. Bhaskar lives and works in Toronto.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
July 26, 2018
Indian crime fiction scene is a mess littered with works, which at their best can be generic and predictable and at worst lazily written and poorly edited “thrillers”, written with the broadest of the strokes. I don’t think I ever read an ingenious crime fiction written by an Indian set in our milieu, our best crime stories come from Bollywood, or the news channels. Bhaskar Chattopadhyay’s Patang has a glowing review from Sriram Raghavan, the best genre filmmaker we have, and it is definitely a cut above the rest, Silence of the Lambs meets Shutter Island if you will, but ironically suffers both from predictability and improbability.
A serial killer strikes Mumbai in the monsoon season, writing to the media and the Police that he would be killing 4 people. A massive manhunt ensues, the modus operandi of the killer is explored, and he was even given a nickname by the media based on a theme he kills with and a clue he leaves at the scene of the crime. The Patang Killer, since he kills people at dizzying heights. Not particularly ingenious, I told you.
Mumbai Commissioner seeks help from Private Eye Chandrakant Rathod and I’m not sure what he is. He seems like a journalist turned private detective, but he seems to know who’s who of the entire Police Department, most of them fan-boys of his work and willing to put their jobs on stake for Rathod. Everyone calls him a genius and he in turn calls the killer a genius. We know each of them is a genius because the writer keeps telling us in every chapter, lest we forget that we are dealing with a couple of geniuses here. He nabs the connection between the murders, as is any detective’s wont, but the story isn’t strong enough and there are no red herrings, making it all easy for the genius detective.
There are some stray references to Mumbai monsoon, but the detailing is not as meticulous to consider the book to be atmospheric. The book scores some brownies in the way Bhaskar explores Chandrakant Rathod’s psyche and towards the end of the book, Rathod, seems to be overwhelmed and defeated by the task in hand and shows ominous signs of spiraling out of control. These parts were dealt well and the reader can sense Rathod’s desperation in solving the puzzle, but the ending spoils them all. Still as a character study, Rathod’s journey towards the end seems complete and the book redeems itself to become slightly better than the sum of its parts, in retrospect.
Bhaskar infuses the narrative with a sense of urgency and the pages fly through at a breakneck pace. It is difficult to put it away for a long time, which is an achievement in itself, and the writing shows up a lot of efforts that went in towards the later part of the book. As a genre piece, it checks all the boxes, right up to the twist ending, but all of it is a tad underwhelming for the genre fans. As I said earlier, it is better than a lot of Indian crime fiction we routinely find on book shelves across the country, but that is not saying much about the book.
A serial killer strikes Mumbai in the monsoon season, writing to the media and the Police that he would be killing 4 people. A massive manhunt ensues, the modus operandi of the killer is explored, and he was even given a nickname by the media based on a theme he kills with and a clue he leaves at the scene of the crime. The Patang Killer, since he kills people at dizzying heights. Not particularly ingenious, I told you.
Mumbai Commissioner seeks help from Private Eye Chandrakant Rathod and I’m not sure what he is. He seems like a journalist turned private detective, but he seems to know who’s who of the entire Police Department, most of them fan-boys of his work and willing to put their jobs on stake for Rathod. Everyone calls him a genius and he in turn calls the killer a genius. We know each of them is a genius because the writer keeps telling us in every chapter, lest we forget that we are dealing with a couple of geniuses here. He nabs the connection between the murders, as is any detective’s wont, but the story isn’t strong enough and there are no red herrings, making it all easy for the genius detective.
There are some stray references to Mumbai monsoon, but the detailing is not as meticulous to consider the book to be atmospheric. The book scores some brownies in the way Bhaskar explores Chandrakant Rathod’s psyche and towards the end of the book, Rathod, seems to be overwhelmed and defeated by the task in hand and shows ominous signs of spiraling out of control. These parts were dealt well and the reader can sense Rathod’s desperation in solving the puzzle, but the ending spoils them all. Still as a character study, Rathod’s journey towards the end seems complete and the book redeems itself to become slightly better than the sum of its parts, in retrospect.
Bhaskar infuses the narrative with a sense of urgency and the pages fly through at a breakneck pace. It is difficult to put it away for a long time, which is an achievement in itself, and the writing shows up a lot of efforts that went in towards the later part of the book. As a genre piece, it checks all the boxes, right up to the twist ending, but all of it is a tad underwhelming for the genre fans. As I said earlier, it is better than a lot of Indian crime fiction we routinely find on book shelves across the country, but that is not saying much about the book.
September 3, 2016
A deranged serial killer, a cop with an impeccable record and media frenzy to make the case more complicated. Patang by Bhaskar Chattopadhyay has every ingredient right for the perfect crime fiction concoction. And then, there is something extra as well. And that extra, the climax is something that makes you go "Mind Blowing"!! As his debut novel, Bhaskar has shown immense talent when it comes to captivating a reader's mind and creatively making you fall in love with the muse of his book.
Patang is a story of a number of murders happening in the Mumbai city during a grotesque monsoon. A famous builder is found dead on top of a Cell Tower by a labor worker. His body was found hanging like a Kite 'Patang'. A few days after, another victim is found, with same MO, hanging like a Patang. On the other hand, Mumbai Police receives a letter from the killer, sharing that he will kill only four. No more, No less, Just four.
Soon, Mumbai Police realizes that they have more on their hands than they could take on. Media has also gotten into the case, increasing pressure on cops to catch the Patang Killer. Enters Chandrakant Rathod, a cop who can sniff out Serial Killers. With an impeccable record of closing cases on such serial killers, Rathod is the only hope for Mumbai Police to catch the Patang Killer.
After chasing numerous leads and losing three more lives, Rathod manages to catch him. The city takes a breath of relief, Mumbai Police pats each other backs. But Rathod somehow knows that things have not just ended yet. And the puzzle cannot be so simple to solve. And his guess turns out to be right. Even when Patang Killer is in jail, Mumbai witnesses another murder, another victim hanging like a kite. But who is murdering these people now? Is it a copycat? Or an accomplice of Patang Killer?
The more Rathod tries to grasp the situation, the more it slips like sand from his hand. The more he tries to catch the Patang Killer, the more he feels defeated. In the end, the Patang Killer is caught. But who is he?? Is the same one who is rotting in Arthur Jail?? Or a new monster is born while hunting the real one??
Patang is a book that will keep you hooked since the very first page. There is hardly anything in this book that you won't like. From the characters to the MO of the Patang Killer, everything is a creative genius. The ways in which murders are conducted is also something grotesque yet so beautiful if you think in context intelligence application. Chandrakant Rathod stands out as a cop. He doesn't like media though he was once a reporter, he doesn't think like cops and believes in quick and swift action. And he is sharp, his senses like a spider. He doesn't believe in glamorisation of serial killers by the media. But then, I should congratulate the writer for creating such genius characters.
And the climax, I mean when you will come to the climax, you will begin to think that yes, finally the Patang Killer is caught. And then, a bomb of reality is dropped on you which is like mind blowing! You will never the see the climax coming and that is something that has made this book so brilliant to read. Now, another thing that I would like to share that if you compare this book with other international crime fiction writers, you won't enjoy it as much. Bhaskar has ensured that the essence and reality of Mumbai reflect in the story. And the reader should not have preset expectations from the story. Just open the first page and keep going, you will be amazed.
All in all, Patang is a book that is like "The Indian Crime Fiction" book that you simply cannot miss. For serious readers, for non-serious readers or for metro readers, it is a book that everyone can read and enjoy.
Patang is a story of a number of murders happening in the Mumbai city during a grotesque monsoon. A famous builder is found dead on top of a Cell Tower by a labor worker. His body was found hanging like a Kite 'Patang'. A few days after, another victim is found, with same MO, hanging like a Patang. On the other hand, Mumbai Police receives a letter from the killer, sharing that he will kill only four. No more, No less, Just four.
Soon, Mumbai Police realizes that they have more on their hands than they could take on. Media has also gotten into the case, increasing pressure on cops to catch the Patang Killer. Enters Chandrakant Rathod, a cop who can sniff out Serial Killers. With an impeccable record of closing cases on such serial killers, Rathod is the only hope for Mumbai Police to catch the Patang Killer.
After chasing numerous leads and losing three more lives, Rathod manages to catch him. The city takes a breath of relief, Mumbai Police pats each other backs. But Rathod somehow knows that things have not just ended yet. And the puzzle cannot be so simple to solve. And his guess turns out to be right. Even when Patang Killer is in jail, Mumbai witnesses another murder, another victim hanging like a kite. But who is murdering these people now? Is it a copycat? Or an accomplice of Patang Killer?
The more Rathod tries to grasp the situation, the more it slips like sand from his hand. The more he tries to catch the Patang Killer, the more he feels defeated. In the end, the Patang Killer is caught. But who is he?? Is the same one who is rotting in Arthur Jail?? Or a new monster is born while hunting the real one??
Patang is a book that will keep you hooked since the very first page. There is hardly anything in this book that you won't like. From the characters to the MO of the Patang Killer, everything is a creative genius. The ways in which murders are conducted is also something grotesque yet so beautiful if you think in context intelligence application. Chandrakant Rathod stands out as a cop. He doesn't like media though he was once a reporter, he doesn't think like cops and believes in quick and swift action. And he is sharp, his senses like a spider. He doesn't believe in glamorisation of serial killers by the media. But then, I should congratulate the writer for creating such genius characters.
And the climax, I mean when you will come to the climax, you will begin to think that yes, finally the Patang Killer is caught. And then, a bomb of reality is dropped on you which is like mind blowing! You will never the see the climax coming and that is something that has made this book so brilliant to read. Now, another thing that I would like to share that if you compare this book with other international crime fiction writers, you won't enjoy it as much. Bhaskar has ensured that the essence and reality of Mumbai reflect in the story. And the reader should not have preset expectations from the story. Just open the first page and keep going, you will be amazed.
All in all, Patang is a book that is like "The Indian Crime Fiction" book that you simply cannot miss. For serious readers, for non-serious readers or for metro readers, it is a book that everyone can read and enjoy.
March 30, 2019
This book was very fast-paced without feeling superificial or crass. From page 1 it grips you and doesnt let you go. And I didnt see the final twist coming.
Along with “3 and a half murders” by Salil Desai, the best Indian crime thrillers that I have read recently.
Increasingly nowadays the crime is very improbable and not explained in crime thrillers and this book too does the same.
Along with “3 and a half murders” by Salil Desai, the best Indian crime thrillers that I have read recently.
Increasingly nowadays the crime is very improbable and not explained in crime thrillers and this book too does the same.
June 26, 2025
In the middle of a severe monsoon in Mumbai, a man is found murdered and posed like a kite on a tall cell tower. More bodies are discovered in gruesome manners. Chandrakant Rathod, a bold investigator, is called in to solve the case. He captures the killer, but the murders start again three months later. A deadly game unfolds, challenging Rathod like never before.
The book "Patang" by Bhaskar Chattopadhyay is a gripping thriller that hooks you from the first page to the last. The local setting and Indian characters make it even more engaging. The author skillfully crafts a story with a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase between the detective and the killer, leading to a surprising and satisfying conclusion. Fans of crime thrillers will definitely enjoy this book.
April 14, 2023
Every time I read something by Bhaskar Chattopadhyay, I’m reminded of why I’m in awe of his writing. To me, there’s no other Indian writer who nails thrillers like he does. Not only are his plots so hard to predict but it often feels like your world has turned upside down by the time you finish his books. It’s like coming out of a movie theatre with a foggy head, the one that usually happens after you have watched a spectacular film. Patang too, was one such incredible book that shook me with its climax.
Chandrakant Rathod is roped in to solve what looks like a serial killer situation when bodies keep appearing in the strangest places. This mysterious man is well loved and respected by the police force but stays hidden from the public. Rathod loves a good puzzle, one that keeps his mind whirring and so he readily agrees to catch this serial killer when he spots a fellow genius in him. He goes on a wild goose’s chase, trying to stay one step ahead of the killer. I think the best part of this book is Chattopadhyay’s ability to keep us engaged in the story. It’s hard to think of anything else when you have this book in your hand and that, to me, is a major win.
As it so happens with his books, the climax blew my mind away! I did not see it coming and there were a few quiet moments after I finished the book where I tried to wrap it around my head. If our protagonist, Rathod is a genius then his creator, Chattopadhyay is a legend. He has again reinforced the fact that there is no other writer who executes such difficult storylines like he does.
I don’t think I’ll ever stop recommending his books and this may very well be at the top of my list this year.
You don’t know what you’re missing out on if you haven’t yet given him a chance.
Chandrakant Rathod is roped in to solve what looks like a serial killer situation when bodies keep appearing in the strangest places. This mysterious man is well loved and respected by the police force but stays hidden from the public. Rathod loves a good puzzle, one that keeps his mind whirring and so he readily agrees to catch this serial killer when he spots a fellow genius in him. He goes on a wild goose’s chase, trying to stay one step ahead of the killer. I think the best part of this book is Chattopadhyay’s ability to keep us engaged in the story. It’s hard to think of anything else when you have this book in your hand and that, to me, is a major win.
As it so happens with his books, the climax blew my mind away! I did not see it coming and there were a few quiet moments after I finished the book where I tried to wrap it around my head. If our protagonist, Rathod is a genius then his creator, Chattopadhyay is a legend. He has again reinforced the fact that there is no other writer who executes such difficult storylines like he does.
I don’t think I’ll ever stop recommending his books and this may very well be at the top of my list this year.
You don’t know what you’re missing out on if you haven’t yet given him a chance.
January 16, 2023
Part of the ‘One Month One Country’ challenge created by my friend
Country#1 : India
Definitely a page turner but I have to say I wasn’t convinced with the way everything unfolded … I feel like the author did not give the ending his full attention…the twist was his call but the way he wrapped it up didn’t do the story justice in my opinion.
Country#1 : India
Definitely a page turner but I have to say I wasn’t convinced with the way everything unfolded … I feel like the author did not give the ending his full attention…the twist was his call but the way he wrapped it up didn’t do the story justice in my opinion.
July 7, 2018
Lost in a sea of fantasy, science fiction, and unconventional fairy tales, I had spied the hazy outline of a ship from far-far away.
It promised salvation from the tempestuous wastes in the form of a crime thriller!
And this was it. A who-done-it twisted into how/why-done-it.
Couched in a deliciously gritty narrative we have here a rain-drenched Mumbai acting as the backdrop of a serial killer as he strikes terror at the heart of high & mighty.
Maverick investigator Rathod solves the crime, catches the killer...
Only to find, after three months, that the killings have begun again.
Questions erupt like noize from a hornets' nest. Panic settles.
Rathod keeps digging for the truth, irrespective oj its cost.
What happens then?
No, I am NOT going to answer that question. BUT, I can confidently say that while jaded readers like me understood the 'situation' pretty early, new readers would find this mystery quite baffling.
Overall, an exquisitely crafted mystery,which enables the reader to immerse himself into the landscape and happenings, while keeping him adequately aloof, so that the experience can be savoured.
Recommended.
It promised salvation from the tempestuous wastes in the form of a crime thriller!
And this was it. A who-done-it twisted into how/why-done-it.
Couched in a deliciously gritty narrative we have here a rain-drenched Mumbai acting as the backdrop of a serial killer as he strikes terror at the heart of high & mighty.
Maverick investigator Rathod solves the crime, catches the killer...
Only to find, after three months, that the killings have begun again.
Questions erupt like noize from a hornets' nest. Panic settles.
Rathod keeps digging for the truth, irrespective oj its cost.
What happens then?
No, I am NOT going to answer that question. BUT, I can confidently say that while jaded readers like me understood the 'situation' pretty early, new readers would find this mystery quite baffling.
Overall, an exquisitely crafted mystery,which enables the reader to immerse himself into the landscape and happenings, while keeping him adequately aloof, so that the experience can be savoured.
Recommended.
September 12, 2023
Wonderful story, kept me on the edges throughout the book. It felt as if I was watching a masala Bollywood movie.
Kudos !
Kudos !
April 14, 2018
Spellbound!! that’s how I would describe myself after having read “Patang”
The story grips you from the first page itself and the author deftly tightens the noose around the reader’s neck till you are left with no option but to read till the last page to escape from the grips of this thriller/murder mystery.
This is the author’s third work I read after “14 Stories that Inspired Satyajit Ray” and “Penumbra” and I will go on record in stating that if there is any thriller/mystery writer worth his salt in India then it has got to be Bhaskar Chattopadhyay.
The story’s pace never slackens, there are no useless prolonged interludes to add the number of pages, the cat and mouse chase moves at reckless pace and just when you think you have all the loose ends neatly tied up, the author hits you on the face with a twist which you didn’t see coming inspite of all the red herrings dropped throughout the story, and therein my friends lies the genius of Bhaskar da.
While devouring the story (I read it in one sitting till the wee hours of the morning inspite of knowing that this isn’t a weekend and I need to get up early to be in office) I was hoping that someone would make a movie out of it someday and I am glad that Bhaskar da acknowledges that a movie based on Patang is on the cards. Wish director Sriram Raghavan helms the director’s mantle as he has read and praised the story.
Bhaskar da, if you happen to read this review, let me tell you that you have got a lifelong fan of your stories in me. I admire very few writers of thriller genre and you are at par with my favorite thriller writer James Hadley Chase and that is saying a lot!!!
PS – Ordering “Here Falls the Shadow” on Amazon right now!!!
The story grips you from the first page itself and the author deftly tightens the noose around the reader’s neck till you are left with no option but to read till the last page to escape from the grips of this thriller/murder mystery.
This is the author’s third work I read after “14 Stories that Inspired Satyajit Ray” and “Penumbra” and I will go on record in stating that if there is any thriller/mystery writer worth his salt in India then it has got to be Bhaskar Chattopadhyay.
The story’s pace never slackens, there are no useless prolonged interludes to add the number of pages, the cat and mouse chase moves at reckless pace and just when you think you have all the loose ends neatly tied up, the author hits you on the face with a twist which you didn’t see coming inspite of all the red herrings dropped throughout the story, and therein my friends lies the genius of Bhaskar da.
While devouring the story (I read it in one sitting till the wee hours of the morning inspite of knowing that this isn’t a weekend and I need to get up early to be in office) I was hoping that someone would make a movie out of it someday and I am glad that Bhaskar da acknowledges that a movie based on Patang is on the cards. Wish director Sriram Raghavan helms the director’s mantle as he has read and praised the story.
Bhaskar da, if you happen to read this review, let me tell you that you have got a lifelong fan of your stories in me. I admire very few writers of thriller genre and you are at par with my favorite thriller writer James Hadley Chase and that is saying a lot!!!
PS – Ordering “Here Falls the Shadow” on Amazon right now!!!
September 20, 2018
4/5
A very fast-paced, page-turner after a long time. The beginning was very good and I immediately felt I should read this book. It starts with the description of rain in Mumbai buts gets your attention. By half-way through the book, the perpetrator of crime is nabbed and you wonder what's going to happen in the second half? And it starts again. A series of murders.
I couldn't give it 5/5 for the following reasons:
1. Some characters were not well developed. Like we could have known a bit more of Ananya.
2. As someone already pointed out, we are kept on reminding that Rathod and Tony are geniuses! Again and again? In every chapter?
3. As the revelation comes at the end, we are disappointed that there is nothing original about this. We have probably seen it in movies. But up to those last couple of chapters, the book gets your attention and you feel like finishing in one go.
The language is good and easy to read.
A very fast-paced, page-turner after a long time. The beginning was very good and I immediately felt I should read this book. It starts with the description of rain in Mumbai buts gets your attention. By half-way through the book, the perpetrator of crime is nabbed and you wonder what's going to happen in the second half? And it starts again. A series of murders.
I couldn't give it 5/5 for the following reasons:
1. Some characters were not well developed. Like we could have known a bit more of Ananya.
2. As someone already pointed out, we are kept on reminding that Rathod and Tony are geniuses! Again and again? In every chapter?
3. As the revelation comes at the end, we are disappointed that there is nothing original about this. We have probably seen it in movies. But up to those last couple of chapters, the book gets your attention and you feel like finishing in one go.
The language is good and easy to read.
August 4, 2016
You will not realize while reading this one that it comes from a new writer. The plot has been created with a lot of thought and writing style is simple. Characters are also detailed very nicely in such a way that you start putting yourself in their shoes when reading the book.
A simple everyday activity of a kid is taken and created into a murder mystery. I am surely going to think of a murder when I see a kite hanging around somewhere for the foreseeable future.
A simple everyday activity of a kid is taken and created into a murder mystery. I am surely going to think of a murder when I see a kite hanging around somewhere for the foreseeable future.
May 21, 2021
Imagine my surprise when I saw that I had already written a review of the book in Amazon back in 2016. It's funny that I don't even remember a thing from this book, forget about writing the review.
However, I stand by my original review in which I stated that I had underestimated this book. I truly did. The book is a riveting action crime drama that keeps you hooked till the end. The difference for me, as a reader from 2016 and now is that I have matured in terms of age and my reading preferences. Yet, the intrigue the book bought me was a dose of fresh air in what is otherwise a dying breed in Crime Thrillers.
It was probably because of my maturity as a reader and a reviewer that I could predict the plot.
It was probably the reason that I could have guessed what was happening. It could also be that I have shifted my attention towards Fantasy Fiction & Literature Fiction that I could see a pattern emerging. This is not to put the blame on the author. The story is wonderful and the characters are so well developed that I had to stop reading a few time to truly appreciate the work that was put here.
The following notes reveals the content and contains spoilers. The section is added to help me remind myself of the content of the book in case I come back to check the book after few years.
The story seems straight forward. There is a series of murder and you have to find the murder. What's interesting in the method of these murders are so unique that it required the skills of a special police officer. Welcome Inspector Rathod, who is not very known in the media circles, thanks to his behind the scenes work and lack of political acumen to gain the limelight.
Rathod was crucial to the solving a crucial case back during the days when the DIG Mule was not a DIG. It was Mule's suggestion to bring in Rathod to solve these mysterious crimes.
As a methodical detective, Rathod goes about his job, hunts down the story, finds the connection and nabs the killer. All within the first 40% of the book. This is what I liked the most about the book. No delay in hunting down the killer, no drama, just straight forward investigations. The surprise elements are really good and enjoyable to read.
The next part is to find the new killer in town who is using the same modus operandi to kill fresh targets. Who is the new killer? Is the person an accomplice or copy cat or a new serial killer? It's time for Rathod to find out.
However, I stand by my original review in which I stated that I had underestimated this book. I truly did. The book is a riveting action crime drama that keeps you hooked till the end. The difference for me, as a reader from 2016 and now is that I have matured in terms of age and my reading preferences. Yet, the intrigue the book bought me was a dose of fresh air in what is otherwise a dying breed in Crime Thrillers.
It was probably because of my maturity as a reader and a reviewer that I could predict the plot.
It was probably the reason that I could have guessed what was happening. It could also be that I have shifted my attention towards Fantasy Fiction & Literature Fiction that I could see a pattern emerging. This is not to put the blame on the author. The story is wonderful and the characters are so well developed that I had to stop reading a few time to truly appreciate the work that was put here.
The following notes reveals the content and contains spoilers. The section is added to help me remind myself of the content of the book in case I come back to check the book after few years.
The story seems straight forward. There is a series of murder and you have to find the murder. What's interesting in the method of these murders are so unique that it required the skills of a special police officer. Welcome Inspector Rathod, who is not very known in the media circles, thanks to his behind the scenes work and lack of political acumen to gain the limelight.
Rathod was crucial to the solving a crucial case back during the days when the DIG Mule was not a DIG. It was Mule's suggestion to bring in Rathod to solve these mysterious crimes.
As a methodical detective, Rathod goes about his job, hunts down the story, finds the connection and nabs the killer. All within the first 40% of the book. This is what I liked the most about the book. No delay in hunting down the killer, no drama, just straight forward investigations. The surprise elements are really good and enjoyable to read.
The next part is to find the new killer in town who is using the same modus operandi to kill fresh targets. Who is the new killer? Is the person an accomplice or copy cat or a new serial killer? It's time for Rathod to find out.
January 22, 2023
Oh Ri Jin ..
Country #1
.. India ..
As the debut novel of the author, I would say that he was successful ! The story was nice and easy to read. I am sure that many people would have enjoyed the story and liked everything about it .. even that twist !!
How could I put it in words hmm ..
I didn't see that coming for sure and of course I was surprised .
But still , I didn't like it that much ..
Maybe it's just how I see things cuz it's not that it is a bad ending .. but the thing for me is a bit weird hh
Simply, it's the way the characters are developed! I tend to expect that a well developed character deserves a well developed ending .. that's it !
Country #1
.. India ..
As the debut novel of the author, I would say that he was successful ! The story was nice and easy to read. I am sure that many people would have enjoyed the story and liked everything about it .. even that twist !!
How could I put it in words hmm ..
I didn't see that coming for sure and of course I was surprised .
But still , I didn't like it that much ..
Maybe it's just how I see things cuz it's not that it is a bad ending .. but the thing for me is a bit weird hh
Simply, it's the way the characters are developed! I tend to expect that a well developed character deserves a well developed ending .. that's it !
November 7, 2017
I could see the picture clearly as I read through the pages. Beautiful writing by Bhaskar. Beautiful turn of events. Quite unexpected ending. This book added mystery and thriller to my taste buds.
Loved reading it thoroughly!
Loved reading it thoroughly!
September 30, 2025
I love Bhaskar's work. Another one that was full of sharp twists and turns. Kept me hooked and on the edge. I am going to read more of this author!
July 20, 2018
Totally disappointed by the author. The whole book had a Bollywood Tadka in it. I felt I'm watching a Bollywood movie. For me rating was just 1 star but gave another 1 for the suspense. That was the only thing that I found better.
May 29, 2017
An edge of the seat thriller!! An engrossing read which will keep you guessing till the very end. And the end in itself is absolutely thrilling.
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July 10, 2020
I liked the movie till the end twist. Oh sorry, did I say movie? Well, actually going through this book was more like watching a movie. There wasn't much of character development, something which I expect in a book and not in a movie. But that was missing.
The start was awesome. The way, Bhaskar had described the rain in the 1st page of this book reminded me of Parasite, the way rain was captured in the movie. The story was going on well, the plot was interesting and fast paced. The connection between the murders, the revenge of Tony Mathew was was well conceived. The dialogues, conversation lacked humor, but that's okay.
But the end twist ruined everything. Come on ! It was completely devoid of any logic. Maybe if more focus was placed on development of the central characters, Dr Jekyl Mr Hyde plot wouldn't have seemed so ridiculous but for me, it was a complete let down.
However, those who like Srijit Mukherjee's crime thriller movies can read this book, because it has every potential to be adopted as Srijit's next movie, maybe a third installment of Baishe Shrabon.
For some, the book might work, but for me, it didn't. However, it was a good timepass during the lockdown, so thanks Bhaskar for that!
The start was awesome. The way, Bhaskar had described the rain in the 1st page of this book reminded me of Parasite, the way rain was captured in the movie. The story was going on well, the plot was interesting and fast paced. The connection between the murders, the revenge of Tony Mathew was was well conceived. The dialogues, conversation lacked humor, but that's okay.
But the end twist ruined everything. Come on ! It was completely devoid of any logic. Maybe if more focus was placed on development of the central characters, Dr Jekyl Mr Hyde plot wouldn't have seemed so ridiculous but for me, it was a complete let down.
However, those who like Srijit Mukherjee's crime thriller movies can read this book, because it has every potential to be adopted as Srijit's next movie, maybe a third installment of Baishe Shrabon.
For some, the book might work, but for me, it didn't. However, it was a good timepass during the lockdown, so thanks Bhaskar for that!
May 15, 2016
Incredible and intriguing!
Whats interesting is the way multiple characters and plots have been handled so easily. Yes, this is one book after many covered which forces you to complete it in a single go.
Looking forward to the interesting movie which this book shall help create!
Whats interesting is the way multiple characters and plots have been handled so easily. Yes, this is one book after many covered which forces you to complete it in a single go.
Looking forward to the interesting movie which this book shall help create!
May 27, 2016
A gruesomely detailed thriller, the likes of which I haven't read before in Indian lit. A thoroughly enjoyable summer read.
June 9, 2016
What a wonderfully written book! Fast paced, lovely metaphors, well researched and interesting twists.
February 3, 2019
A serial killer torments Mumbai amidst a backdrop of incessant rainfall. The modus operandi involves brutally slaying and then leaving the victims hanging at towering heights akin to a "kite". The ghastly murders are accompanied by letters posing open challenges to the brightest of minds to stop the deranged soul from "playing" the deadly game. With the death count increasing & unrest spreading far and wide, the Police seek help from an unofficial source. The Veteran, Chandrakant Rathod, who had a penchant & reputation for solving complex cases is called for aid. Will Rathod be able to crack the case and unravel the perpetrator is what "Patang" all about.
A serial killing mystery tale throws us into the murky World of the hunter and the hunted. It's like a battle of wits where the struggle becomes more psychological than physical. This is where Bhaskar weaves the plot deftly with subtle twists and nuanced sub plots. The pace is built gradually and one experiences delicate revelations at crucial junctures in the plot. The author borrows plot outlines from few of the famous movjes on the subject. One may draw parallel with Srijit Mukherji's Baishey Shrabon where Mule & Singh like Srivastava & Abhijit seek help of the "cat" to get rid of the "mouse". One can clearly find the shadow of "The Silence of the Lambs" when Rathod strives to find clues from an incarcerated ace criminal and will definitely remember a movie based on a Chuck Palahniuk novel in the concluding part.
However the clues concealed throughout the plot were cleverly devised. We learn how the usage of a simple preposition can be a clue. How a symbol can be deciphered from multiple angles & even a casual restaurant banter needs to read with rapt attention. Even though the denouement can be predicted in advance by the seasoned reader, the detailing is engrossing. What makes it further stand out is the lucid language which enables a free flow of events almost effortlessly. The dialogues were crisp and relatable. The interrogation room scene between the prisoner and Rathod was extremely well conceived and provides the apt platform for the transition of events. There were certain plot points which remained unexplained like - how did the killer took the ailing Mr. Miller out on the beach at late hours of the night? How was the terror stricken Mrinalini brought to the Church? Still as a whole the details do add up and the reader can connect the dots of the complex puzzle.
Overall a satisfactory read.
A serial killing mystery tale throws us into the murky World of the hunter and the hunted. It's like a battle of wits where the struggle becomes more psychological than physical. This is where Bhaskar weaves the plot deftly with subtle twists and nuanced sub plots. The pace is built gradually and one experiences delicate revelations at crucial junctures in the plot. The author borrows plot outlines from few of the famous movjes on the subject. One may draw parallel with Srijit Mukherji's Baishey Shrabon where Mule & Singh like Srivastava & Abhijit seek help of the "cat" to get rid of the "mouse". One can clearly find the shadow of "The Silence of the Lambs" when Rathod strives to find clues from an incarcerated ace criminal and will definitely remember a movie based on a Chuck Palahniuk novel in the concluding part.
However the clues concealed throughout the plot were cleverly devised. We learn how the usage of a simple preposition can be a clue. How a symbol can be deciphered from multiple angles & even a casual restaurant banter needs to read with rapt attention. Even though the denouement can be predicted in advance by the seasoned reader, the detailing is engrossing. What makes it further stand out is the lucid language which enables a free flow of events almost effortlessly. The dialogues were crisp and relatable. The interrogation room scene between the prisoner and Rathod was extremely well conceived and provides the apt platform for the transition of events. There were certain plot points which remained unexplained like - how did the killer took the ailing Mr. Miller out on the beach at late hours of the night? How was the terror stricken Mrinalini brought to the Church? Still as a whole the details do add up and the reader can connect the dots of the complex puzzle.
Overall a satisfactory read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2020
‘I hate the rain…I hate it, I hate it, I hate it. But the rain can’t stop me. No one can… I’ll go out and play tonight. I will kill only four. No more, no less. Just four’.
It’s the Mumbai monsoon and a deranged, genius killer brutally murders four people and sets the media into frenzy. As the police find themselves helpless, they seek help from Chandrakant Rathod, a maverick, genius himself (just like the killer, as we are reminded too often throughout the story). With the modus operandi explored, it is discovered that the killer is particularly fond of dizzying heights and so the media nicknames him the ‘Patang killer’. After the first two murders, a brilliant police officer, Aditya Mathur aids Rathod in the case. Somehow, the conversations between the two reminded me of the Chaudhary-Ansari duo from the Paatal Lok series.
The plot was neat. The twists unpredictable. It was difficult to put my kindle away for a long time, an achievement in itself. Also, Chattopadhyay has this thing of building the suspense, bit by bit. Not giving away but teasing, dangling the clues in front of your face. You will realise that a lot of research has gone into it. The parts with Rathod’s mental derailment at failing to solve the case, have been dealt with meticulously.
However, I found the reference to Mumbai monsoon not very well depicted, just some stray words here and there. Also, a few characters, originally involved in the storyline were abandoned midway, only to bring them again in the end. The pace too, looked urgent to me. Not fast, but urgent; at least the last few pages. As a thriller piece I would say it ticks all the boxes except the end, which left me quite disappointed.
I am addicted to thrillers, like people are to beverages. If I had my way, I ‘d read every single book in the genre. Having said that, I also find it difficult to review thrillers without giving away spoilers.
Anyway, for a debut novel ‘Patang’ seems decent than most Indian thrillers. Though, I liked ‘Penumbra’ better (check out my review on the same).
February 26, 2022
My Rating: 3.5
My interest to read an Indian thriller led me to pick up the Patang. This is a novel about a series of murders that are being committed with a self-righteous motive.
The book begins on an excellent note. The rain creates a perfect backdrop to the macabre storyline. The story has been developed well and captures our attention almost the entire novel. It being a shorter novel, we can complete the book quickly and put a checkmark on our Read-books list.
I found more cons and pros to this novel. This is a routine story and doesn’t excite you much as you read. It feels like we are watching a movie because the author didn’t take enough time to develop the characters. The narration goes scene by scene. The author should have added a few more pages to the novel to develop the characters and hook us to their emotions. The biggest bummer in the novel is the ending. The twist seems to be a force-fit with absurd logic.
I suggest this book only if you want to read an Indian thriller with some Bollywood-style narration.
My interest to read an Indian thriller led me to pick up the Patang. This is a novel about a series of murders that are being committed with a self-righteous motive.
The book begins on an excellent note. The rain creates a perfect backdrop to the macabre storyline. The story has been developed well and captures our attention almost the entire novel. It being a shorter novel, we can complete the book quickly and put a checkmark on our Read-books list.
I found more cons and pros to this novel. This is a routine story and doesn’t excite you much as you read. It feels like we are watching a movie because the author didn’t take enough time to develop the characters. The narration goes scene by scene. The author should have added a few more pages to the novel to develop the characters and hook us to their emotions. The biggest bummer in the novel is the ending. The twist seems to be a force-fit with absurd logic.
I suggest this book only if you want to read an Indian thriller with some Bollywood-style narration.
November 30, 2025
Wow wow wow, I tell you, however seasoned a noir reader I was , I wasn't prepared for this book lol. it just took me by surprise by being understated ya - like when you see a submarine in an ocean, you think oh woo hoo normal and ordinary but then you read further and read further more and thus you contemplate, you analyse and still I can bet you wouldn't have thought of the ending to be like that unless of course (sniggers) you watch Bollywood movies - then you will wonder what great a premise it is for the book to be turned into a movie.
I'm not even gonna tell you how interesting it is if you are an avid action fan reader + mystery particularly of Noir books - what pleasure it is to read the book right till the end
I'm not even gonna tell you how interesting it is if you are an avid action fan reader + mystery particularly of Noir books - what pleasure it is to read the book right till the end
February 2, 2025
PATANG is fast-paced, the story is fine but really implausible and caps off with an interesting twist, but the execution is very bland. The characters are one-note and the story, especially in the middle section feels very repetitive. Multiple times we are told how harrowing the crimes happening are or how intelligent the protagonist is, but for some reason, I wasn't completely feeling what was told, hence most of things felt kinda forced to me. The final twist is nice though, and it's done in a tasteful manner. Even the foreshadowing of the final twist is done brilliantly so that it's surprisingly enjoyable when you pick the pieces of puzzle during re-reads.
June 12, 2017
What i thought about the book.. Patang is a thriller , it involves gruesome murders , ones that will keep you awake at night. The main character Chandrakant Rathod is not so appealing as he is unkempt, does not have shaves and showers for days , i don't think lack of basic hygiene is romantic at all. The mystery is solve at the end in 4-5 pages. Will not discuss anything else as a small clue will bust the thriller completely.
In all Bhaskar Chattopadhyay has written a very complex novel.
One time read.
In all Bhaskar Chattopadhyay has written a very complex novel.
One time read.
December 28, 2017
Very smartly written Indian crime thriller involving a serial killer. Fast paced and crisp writing style with well connected threads. Loved the concept that the author committed to in the first half and the third quarter of the book. I felt disappointed with the end though probably because I could predict it and felt it was a lazy approach to a tightly sewn story so far. The focus on the plot worked out well whilst introducing characters just enough to set the background story. Expect a bollywood neo-crime caper hopefully with a different ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2018
While I enjoyed the novel thoroughly, and by thoroughly I mean the book was an absolute unputdownable, in the whodunit genre, somewhere at the back of my mind, albeit late into the novel started itching the movies like Fight club (Hollywood) and Royal Bengal Tiger (Tollywood). Yet, that itching never caused a problem. The graphic descriptions, especially those of the murders hooked me right in. I must admit, I have become a die hard fan of Bhaskar Chattopadhyay and I hope he soars up to even higher skies.
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