Vikram Rana Investigates

Vikram Rana Mystery #1

by Sharmishtha Shenoy

Vikram Rana Murder Mysteries set in Hyderabad……The Mysterious Affair of the Lohia MansionWhen the glamourous socialite Richa Lohia is poisoned in her mansion in Jubilee Hills, her brother-in-law hires his mate, ex-cop Vikram Rana, to solve this murder. This is Vikram’s first case and he, along with Inspector Gopi Reddy, must solve the case even if they face opposition from the richest and powerful family in Hyderabad, who would stop at nothing to defend themselves.The Sonia Sinha CaseWhen property developer Krishna Dhavala is stabbed to death in Necklace Road, everyone suspects Mrs. Dhavala to be the murderer of her alcoholic and abusive husband. But is that really the case? Vikram Rana and Inspector Reddy have a tough time uncovering the murderer and Vikram himself almost dies trying to solve this case. Experience the mystery along with the duo as they fight their way through the maze of lies, deceit and greed.

Genres: Mystery, Indian Literature

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2016

About the author

Sharmishtha Shenoy is a bestselling Indian author of crime fiction and psychological thrillers, with over 1 million pages read on Kindle Unlimited, making her one of the most widely read independent crime writers on KU in India.

Shenoy is the author of the true crime novels titled The Hyderabad Heist, and Candle in the Wind. Both the novels have been imprinted by Rupa Publications.

She is also the creator of the popular Vikram Rana Mystery Series, which includes A Season for Dying, Silent Witness, A Thousand Scars -Book 1: The Hunter and Book 2: The Hunted, among others.

Her standalone works include the psychological thriller Murder in the Chowdhury Palace (Vishwakarma Publications) and the short story collection Quirky Tales.

In a unique honour, Silent Witness has been selected for a PhD thesis at Dayalbagh Educational Institute, where it is being studied from a psychological perspective.

Prior to her writing career, Shenoy worked in the tech industry with companies like TCS, Satyam, Infosys, and Microsoft. She holds an M.Tech from the University of Reading, UK, and brings analytical rigour to her storytelling.

A native of Calcutta, now based in Hyderabad, Shenoy is currently pursuing a screenwriting course at NFYU to adapt her novels for film and streaming platforms. She describes herself as “happily married to Mr. Shenoy, but fictionally wedded to Vikram Rana.”

Reviews

[Kavipriya Moorthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of 160 pages with 2 murder mystery stories – Vikram Rana Investigates. It was amusing at first because the title was engrossing and the cover was interesting, so I started reading the story with some anticipation. My review below:

The opening scene starts with the family chart and introduction of characters as chapters, am not really a fan of “telling” but “showing” – so with respect to the craft of writing, I am a bit disappointed.

The character of Vikram Rana is compelling, but other than that I didn’t sympathize with any other and the pace was slow to medium as well. The punch of a murder mystery went missing.

While I loved the worldbuilding and setting of the novella where each scene felt rooted and properly etched with the place in mind, and the dialogues were natural as well, but at some instances I felt it is detailed more than required, Could have been a bit more crispier.

I feel delighted that the author took enough care with respect to the language, grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, etc.. It is on par except at a few places. More than the story, I think the responsibility of the author to present a good story with the right elements in place impressed me as a reader.

A well-knit story with nothing cheesy to distract, the author did justice and is not carried away with any commercializing factors.

I did like the stories as a reader, since it is a murder mystery, am not giving any spoilers away. It would have been a great read though, because the pace and craft didn’t satisfy the mystery lover in me.

Overall a short novella with 2 mystery stories to read in one go! pick if you like the old-school type mystery with good language.

[Sundari Venkatraman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book consists of two detective novellas and Vikram Rana is the private investigator in both. The pace of the story is good and the author’s command of the language is impressive. The story pulls you in right from the beginning.

[Arti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The language of the book is very simple and easy to understand. The stories are fast paced and the book is a quick read. The stories are independent of each other and can be read individually. References to the first story in the second one could have been avoided but maybe the author has put them in to maintain continuity.
Both the stories kept me hooked because I really wanted to know ‘Who dunnit’ because whenever I felt that I had solved the mystery, a twist would come up. The stories have been well written and bring out the detective in the reader. There are a number of suspects in both the stories and the suspect changes from one character to the other till the main culprit is revealed at the end. Both the stories have been well wrapped up and the cases have been clinically worked up.
Vikram Rana’s character has been developed in a way that he will remain etched in the memory of the reader like our very own Karamchand or the international Remington Steele. The relationship between Inspector Gopi and Vikram Rana has been written well. The other characters in the episodes are relatable.
In the first story, it took me sometime to place the story in Hyderabad, because, somehow, I associate Lohias with Kolkata.
One flaw: on page 115, the author has mentioned that within eight months of setting up his detective business, he gained fame by the Lohia case and four months later he is working on Sonia Sinha Case. In the epilogue of the first case, their daughter is born, and in the beginning of the second case, she has even started crawling.
This book is suitable for young adults also.

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two great mysteries in one well written book; a must read for a mystery lovers. I found Vikram Rana Investigates to be well written; the characters are well developed, likeable, and easily relatable. Readers are given just the right amount of information to keep them guessing; and no, it’s not who you think it is.

This is the first book I’ve read by Shenoy, and I was not disappointed. He has an excellent writing style and his talent is obvious. To be honest, I’m not really into mystery, but I loved these stories. They were smooth and quick reads; I give them 4 Boundless stars....Beth

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[Manjri Gopalan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book that I have read of Sharmishtha Shenoy. 'A season for Dying' was my first book of Sharmishtha.

Vikram Rana Investigates is the first book in the series. This book has two episodes -
(a) The Mysterious Affair at the Lohia Mansion; and
(b) The Sonia Sinha Case

Vikram Rana is an ex-Police Officer, who quits his job with Hyderabad Police and starts a Private detective firm. His first case is the Mysterious Affair at the Lohia Mansion, where he is hired by his friend (Rahul Lohia, a rich Businessman) to investigate the murder mystery of his sister-in-law - Richa Lohia. The case attracts high media attention Vikram post solving the mystery becomes a hero.

What I like in Sharmishtha's book is the nail-biting mystery. The plots are well written. She builds up the suspense quite well in her book. However, after reading two books I feel there is a lot of repetition in the narration. The narration of Vikram past life (why he quits the Police job and starts his private firm) is completely same in all the three episodes that I have read so far (in her 2 books). Similarly, post every interview she summarises, which sometimes does not add value at all. But as I said in my previous book review, Sharmishtha’s books are a quick page turner, you can easily finish off the book in one or two sittings.

[Inderpreet Uppal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vikram Rana is the heart and soul of this book and he set my heart aflutter. He is an ex-cop but he is the kind I would root for, support and want on my side. The story is well knit and kept me guessing about the real murderers.

The author, Sharmishtha has woven a story of many layers and kept me guessing of the motives of many characters until the end of the stories. I cannot decide which of the two I liked better. While the Lohia Mansion was more obvious kind with the murder of the wife, the Sonia Singh case had so many possible killers that I had pinned the murder on many people before the real killer was found.

The mysteries reminded me of our lives and times as the stories could be breaking news and that connection is what makes them so relatable. The fact that these murders do actually happen and how Vikram solves them. In many cases in real life, a detective/cop like Vikram in real life would be a boon, bringing closure to many.


The handsome, dedicated cop who has just started his business is very well etched by the author. I liked the fact that he is growing with each story – a bit too fast sometimes as his personal life unfolds. Vikram is who keeps the pace of the book, his personality, quirks and his love for chai! Yes, I would love to share a cup of tea with him!

The story, The Mysterious Affair of the Lohia Mansion does have a couple of typical clichés in the stories like blaming the wrong guy or the indifferent relative but I cannot say more for that would give away the suspense. The life and times of the rich and famous are well etched and add to the story.

The Sonia Sinha Case is a story that had so many possible killers that I was guessing until the end, the author has managed to show so many evil sides to humans in this story. The killer might kill for any reason but to show that we all can have a reason to kill is remarkable indeed.

I enjoyed the way the author described the various minor characters, interesting and gave a peek into Vikram’s mind. His thoughts add to the fun of reading the mystery and learning about the many layers in various characters.

“She spoke as if she were in a temple and looked like she should have been one of the lingerie models in Victoria’s Secret shows.”

The titles of the chapters were very simple, a more interesting name for them will add to the suspense of the story.

“A Meeting with the Suranas and Dr Shetty”

“Rohan Lohia”

“Mrs Kamini Dhavala”

I think the author might have a reason for keeping the titles as per the names of the characters being investigated and it works in keeping us in the story. I feel that since it is a murder mystery and a title that leaves little doubt where the story is going is too obvious so maybe a little mystique in the titles is needed.

The time between the first story and the second one is more than a few months, a little bit about the smaller, low-profile cases Vikram handles in the meanwhile can be explored for the sake of continuity. The ending of some chapters and the beginning have the same scene being repeated, this can be avoided. Like the messy bedroom scene of the murder or the fact that Vikram and Gopi are driving to a specific place. This is for the sake of continuity but can be mentioned differently.

Vikram Rana and his life are shared in the book, it is not just about catching a killer but learning about Vikram too. The humane side is well explored by the author. His personality quirks and his weaknesses that made him just like us and no super human. The relationship with his wife Veena, the interaction with other officers and the support of Inspector Gopi make this a story that pleased me on many levels.

I am glad I found this book because I am going to follow all investigations by Vikram Rana now. Sharmishtha calmly pulled me into the world of deceit and murder, making me think of every person as evil and then surprised me with the real killer. A perfect weekend read with the two stand alone stories that are complete entertainers. And yes, you will fall for Vikram too!

[Archana Guruprasadh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book . I have read all the books of Sharmitha shenoy mam the language is simple and I have become a big fan of her . All the books of hers are highly recommended for crime fiction readers .

[Ritika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a book series. Enjoyed reading both the cases. The mix of Vikram Rana's personal and detective life was enjoyable and interesting to read.

[Ranjini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vikram Rana is an ex-cop who was transferred (from Hyderabad to Vizag) by the commissioner of police, when he was about to bust a corrupt politician.
Frustrated and homesick, he quits the force and comes back to Hyderabad, and opens his own detective agency.

This book is the first in the series and comprises of two short stories: Vikram’s first two cases.

Case 1:
The Mysterious Affair of the Lohia Mansion
A. glamourous socialite, Richa Lohia,is poisoned in her own house in Jubilee Hills. Rohan Lohia, her brother-in-law, asks his friend, Vikram, to solve the case.
This is Vikram’s first case and he, along with Inspector Gopi Reddy, leave no stone unturned in order to solve the case. Every person seems to be hiding something and every character is suspicious.

Case 2:
The Sonia Sinha Case
A notorious property developer, Krishna Dhavala, is found brutally murdered on Necklace Road.
A lot of people are under suspicion - the corrupt politician, Vamsi Rao, who was the backbone of Krishna; his partner’s son, who is seeking revenge for his father’s death, apparently killed by Krishna; and of course his wife, Mrs. Dhavala, since she had to endure his alcoholic abuse and the fact that he was a womaniser.
Or did he have other enemies as well?
Vikram Rana and Inspector Gopi Reddy find themselves at their wits end, since all clues and leads seem to be leading to a dead end.

The plots are quite twisted and complicated - which makes the read interesting.
It is definitely an achievement to have manoeuvred complex plots into short stories; however there were quite a few typos and basic errors - which leaves a gap in the editing and proof-reading.
While it’s an easy read - it’s not a literary masterpiece.

Pick it up for a quick and easy read.

[Anjali Anil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vikram Rana Investigates is one of those books you pick up thinking you will read a few pages, and suddenly you are halfway through without realising. It has two murder mysteries and both are written in a way that keeps you comfortably hooked. Nothing overly dramatic, nothing confusing, just good solid storytelling.

The first case in the Lohia Mansion has all the elements I love. A glamorous family, hidden motives, a suspicious death and everyone behaving as if they have something to hide. It starts quietly but the tension builds in a very steady way. I enjoyed how the investigation slowly exposes cracks in the picture-perfect family instead of forcing twists for the sake of it.

The second case, the Sonia Sinha one, felt sharper and a little more intense. The moment the murder happens, the story moves fast. Every time I thought I understood who was the killer, another small detail would change the direction. I liked how this case puts Vikram in real danger and shows a more vulnerable side of him.

Vikram Rana himself is the highlight. He has this calm confidence that makes you trust him instantly. No unnecessary heroism, no flashy behaviour. He observes, listens and quietly solves. His comfort with Inspector Gopi Reddy adds charm to the story, and their teamwork feels very natural. I also liked the small glimpses into his personal life.Those little moments with his wife give a warm balance to all the crime and tension.

The writing is simple, light and very easy to read. The author keeps the pace tight without overcomplicating anything. You never feel lost, and you never feel bored. Both cases feel like neat little puzzles and the final reveals land well.Not shocking or dramatic, but satisfying and believable.

So overall, Vikram Rana Investigates is a pleasant, engaging murder mystery collection. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy crime stories that are gripping but not heavy. A smooth one sitting read with characters you actually start liking. I would happily read more of Vikram Rana’s cases.

[Harsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

Liked the plot of Hyderabad as I am also currently based out in the same city, felt very much connected. Two short stories were interesting and was involved in it throughout

[Priya Patade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I njoyed reading this book throughout!!
Looking for more books of yours........

[Roma Misra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet surprise

I downloaded this book without reading any reviews and no knowledge about the author. I just liked the premise and also that it was short story. So happy I read it, it's a nicely written book. The mystery is good ( maybe predictable )but the way it is unravelled and presented more than makes up for it.

Highly recommended

[Inshirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has two stories, the first one was a little easy to predict whereas the second one was really intriguing and full of suspense. A good book to start with the mystery genre for any new reader.

[Deepti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharmishtha Shenoy is a true aficionado of Agatha Christie, as she proves, not only through the title of her novel ‘Vikram Rana Investigates’, but also in the writing style she adopts. There are two thrilling episodes set in Hyderabad, both of which draw the reader into “a web of deceit, lies and murder”.
Vikram Rana, the ex-cop turned private investigator, is macho and handsome with a soft corner for gorgeous women. He and Inspector Gopi Reddy (reminiscent of Christie’s Inspector Japp) work on parallel investigations, working together harmoniously to solve murder mysteries.
The first story titled ‘The Mysterious Affair of the Lohia Mansion’ revolves around the murder of socialite Richa Lohia, the wife of the hard-nosed businessman, Gaurav Lohia, who dominates his younger brother, Rohan, more drawn to the arts and theatre. Rohan calls in his childhood friend, Vikram Rana, to solve the mystery of his sister-in-law’s murder.
Numerous characters waltz in and out; the manipulative, failed Bollywood actor, Kalyan, his “young, ambitious and stunningly beautiful” niece, Juhi, the governess, the loyal servant, Laksmi, who knew more than she revealed, Richa’s children, Kinshuk, Gautam and Tia, and of course, Rohan, who was “ a better actor in private life than he was on stage”, as he played the roles of grieving brother-in-law, magnanimous employer, savvy businessman and protective brother, with the ease of a chameleon.
Sharmishtha etches out her characters in a convincing fashion. One can almost picture the narcissistic Gaurav ... “like his soul was gone... with cold eyes of glass” with his “haughty, slightly disdainful expression, as though he had a bad smell under his nose.”
As Vikram Rana introspects, putting together the various facts of the case in his mind, the penny suddenly drops and he arrives at the identity of the murderer in true Poirot style.
‘The Sonia Sinha Case’ begins with the murder of Krishna Mohan Dhavala, a kilometre from Necklace Road, and gets linked with the murder of his architect partner, Karuna Raju, six months ago. Mrs. Devika Raju, the latter’s widow, hires Vikram Rana to investigate Dhaval’s murder, not because she has any love lost for the man, but because her sensitive and peace-loving son, Pavel, has been implicated in the murder. Having lost her husband, she does not want to lose her precious son as well.
Many lives are intertwined in this riveting saga – the “ravishingly attractive” Kamini Dhavala who, to Rana’s susceptible heart, appears “like a beautiful fragile flower”, her close friend, Janaki, who helped her in her time of need, Janaki’s pretty daughter, Khushi who is Pavel’s childhood sweetheart, and Bilas, Kamini’s driver who lives a suspiciously extravagant lifestyle.
The story stems from the murder of Krishna, an unscrupulous land grabber, wife-beater, murderer and blackmailer, an unsavoury character if there ever was one! Once again, Sharmishtha Shenoy proves that she is a brilliant storyteller as Vikram Rana picks up all the clues, discards the red herrings, and finally pounces on the actual murderer.
This book has all the elements of a modern whodunit. The chapters are short and pithy, and the titles hinge around the characters who play prominent roles. The language is clean, shorn of unnecessary descriptions that slow down the tempo, and both episodes hurtle towards their climaxes at breakneck speed.
The only minor glitches were in the few printers’ devils in the punctuation, which could have been caught by the editor.

Verdict: A highly fast-paced book which whets the curiosity of the reader till the end!

[Pankaj Goyal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vikram Rana Investigates: Tales of Murder and Deception in Hyderabad by Sharmishtha Shenoy is a collection of two cozy murder mysteries. With tightly structured plots, both the stories keep you hooked till the end. In fact, it will not be wrong to say that both the stories have all the ingredients that a good murder mystery should have. The readers will find a couple of intriguing homicides with a number of suspects. There is Vikram Rana (the detective) to solve these cases. The needle of suspicions move from one character to the other and the main culprit is revealed at the end. I also find the ending in both the cases reasonable and satisfactory. While these endings will not leave you in a state of shock, you will definitely not get disappointed. Though I liked both the stories, the second one (The Sonia Sinha Case) impressed me more than the first one (The Mysterious Affair of the Lohia Mansion).

Building a captivating and suspenseful plot plays a very important role in the overall success of murder mysteries and I am happy to say that Sharmishtha Shenoy has given enough attention on this aspect. The stories will not only grip you, but will also create an environment of excitement in your mind. These stories are like little puzzles and certainly a pleasure to read.

The book throws a wonderful cast of colorful characters at your disposal and a number of these characters have been sketched well. Vikram Rana, the main protagonist of this book, is the life-line of this book. He is a charming and attractive young detective and certainly leaves an impression on you. Being the first book featuring Vikram Rana, you get your first impression of this sleuth. You come to know about his character and, slowly but steadily, you start to develop a liking towards him. At the same time, I would have loved to see some sort of idiosyncrasy or quirkiness associated with his character. This, according to me, would have added an extra charm to his character. Inspector Gopi is another important character in this book and plays an important role in both the investigations. Inspector Gopi’s relationship with Vikram Rana has been depicted well. However, what I liked most in this book is the chemistry between Vikram Rana and his wife. It has been skillfully portrayed and quite often brings a smile on your face.

The language in the book is simple but effective. The author has avoided the use of complicated words. The cover of the book is great but the blurb could certainly have been better. The book is a small one and the pace of the stories is such that you can finish it in one sitting. I noticed repetition of some of the scenes in the book and this could have been avoided.

On the whole, the book is a delightful read. The book certainly impresses you on several fronts and I will be waiting for a full-length novel featuring Vikram Rana. Go for it if you love to read murder mysteries.

Note: The review was originally posted on:
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com/2016/0...

[D.R. Downer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a die-hard mystery aficionado, I knew I have to take up this book to read and review the moment I saw the title. Thank you for not disappointing me, Ms. Shenoy.

Only to give you a quick and dirty gist of the protagonist; take one portion each of Karamchand, Agatha Christie, Byomkesh Bakshi, and a half measure of Sherlock Holmes. Put them all in a blender and churn them good. Pour out the mix in a tall, chilled glass and garnish with a big dollop of desi Hyderabadi tomato chutney. What you have in your hand is Vikram Rana.

The author has done a good job with maintaining the twists and turns all throughout the novel; which consists of two independent cases. The moment the reader tries to think ahead of the story and thinks s/he knows the killer, there comes another twist in the tale. This is exactly what forces the reader to ignore the wife calling out, the ringing phone, the email alerts, and keep on turning page after page.

WHAT I LIKED: The intrigue value is well maintained throughout, as is the plot twists. The language is simple and relatable. The necessary lure of the setting and the backdrop is well utilized.

WHAT I DISLIKED: I really wish the author would have taken care of the event timeline. There are a couple of instances where the sequence of events contradict each other. For example, the car breaks down today and won’t start, the next day it’s OK and the protagonist takes it to work, while it’s taken to the garage the day after. The speed, although fast, reads like rushed at a few places. If it weren’t for a few typos here and some avoidable repetition of past events there, I would have given the book a higher ranking.

Overall, ‘Vikram Rana Investigates’ is a nice, quick read for the lovers of mystery and suspense.

I give this book, a 4 out of 5 stars.

[Rahul Basu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Vikram Rana Investigates has two episodes. While both the episodes were very enjoyable, I liked the second episode better as I kept guessing who the murderer could be and the end came as a total surprise. It was an intriguing story with a smooth narrative flow. The scenes unfolded before my eyes like a movie. I loved the character of Vikram Rana and wish to be part of all his forthcoming adventures. The episodes remind me of stories written by Agatha Christie. The author has used humor very effectively these episodes stand out really well.

The episodes also shows that the author has a first hand knowledge about the streets of Hyderabad and the backdrop of the city has been used very effectively.

Last but not least the book is suitable for young adults as well and my teenaged niece really enjoyed the book.

[Anu Khendry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vikram Rana Investigates was a fun read!
The characters are real and one can relate to them in contemporary Hyderabad and India.
The suspense is also real ... you are constantly trying to guess who the killer is ... and it ends up to be the one you least suspect.
People familiar with Hyderabad will relate to the city and its localities, and even to its traffic jams!
Definitely recommended.

[Jasleen Kaur · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book came out to be a lot better then what I expected. The hopes were high from the first chapter itself. Mysteries were highly refined and interesting. Waiting to read more in the same series.

You can read the complete review here -

https://thesubtlebraiding.blogspot.in...

[Romila · Rating 3 out of 5]

The character of Vikram Rana is amazingly written by the author. Being from Hyderabad, the city, its localities and the traffic jams mentioned everything was so relatable to me. The Sonia Sinha Case and The Mysterious Affair of the Lohia Mansion both were written well and I liked reading both the cases.

[Mahesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debutante author, crime and mystery, a solid hero, two mysteries in one book. Uncomplicated writing. A good start and a welcome addition to the list of writers of crime fiction. Pacing varies in both tales and the second tale is a tad better than the first one. Go for the book :)

[Asha KRISHNA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thriller by debut author set in hyderabad.

For a detailed review please click on the link below or paste it onto your browser.

http://onerightword.blogspot.co.uk/20...

[Manikandan Chandrasekaran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graphics for this book not fully, but here and there would have made it better, as the stories plots looked ordinary

[Nisha Karkera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started reading with zero expectations .. but it kept me captivated ..
Worth a read if you enjoy detective stories

[ZARA Choksi · Rating 5 out of 5]

great start of an unputdownable book series journey with the Vikram Rana.
‘Vikram Rana Investigates’ is the first book among the rest books of the Vikram Rana series. A perfect characterization and storyline by the author where the magic touch of Vikram Rana touches his readers first in the place.
Vikaram Rana the protagonist, after leaving the police force starts his own detective agency. The very first case which approaches him is from his best friend to find the killer of his sister-in-law. The story revolves around the city’s one of the richest and powerful family ’The Lohia Family’. Almost all in the family are in the cast of suspects and everyone wants to defend themself at any cost. The way Vikram Rana and his friend Inspector Gopi Reddy lookout and investigate all the alibis that all suspects present is gonna keep the readers engaged till the end. The best part of the book is that the author has done the most brilliant job at the beginning of the story itself by giving the family tree picture so the readers at any given point can make out who is who . . . As the reader will feel that the fun ride is ending, it doesn’t end at the finding of the culprit of ’The Mysterious Affair of the Lohia Mansion’ it continues as Vikram Rana gets another case ‘The Sonia Sinha Case’ where a property dealer is murdered. The case is super sensitive and excellently described. In this story, the author has highlighted the integrity of Vikram Rana towards his passion to find the real killer. He almost dies trying to uncover the murderer. This is the story where Vikram & Gopi really have a tough time fighting their way in midst of deceit, lies & greed.
Sharmistha Mam’s books are meticulously word crafted and impactful. Her flaw of characterizations, selection of words which are impactful yet simple for the reader to stick to the pages and the most brilliant is her story making which holds up to the reader right from the starting of the book till the end. The time you start reading the stories holds you so close that you don’t wanna put them aside till the end. But once you end it you feel it got over so soon and keeps you craving for more and more….

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Title: Vikram Rana Investigates: Tales of Murder and Deception in Hyderabad
Author: Sharmishta Shenoy
Format: Kindle

Book Title:
The book title clearly talks about more than one murder in the city of pearls, Hyderabad.

Book Cover:
The book cover image is a consistently used image of the author's penned interesting stories of mystery with the name ' Vikram Rana Investigates '. But every city's silhouette image is the interesting part.

Plot:
The book narrates about two murders that happened in Hyderabad. With nicely structured plots, both the stories are found interesting. Both the stories have all the good points that a good murder mystery stories usually have. At places, the story is found very intriguing with many suspects. The protagonist, Vikram Rana solves the cases with his detective intellect. How are stories concluded is what the book is about.
What I like:
1. The dark side of human relationships is very well explained.
2. Simple narration with no great twists but ample amount of mystery is observed.

What I didn't like:
1. In one of the story, I found lack of depth and too much of fiction
2. Few narrative errors could have been checked.

Characters:
All the characters are very well plotted
Narration:
Engaging narration with nice twists makes the read an interesting one.
Language & Grammar:
Very clear language and good vocabulary are used.

My Final Verdict:
An evening tea time's engaging story

Book Title: 3/5
Book Cover: 2/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Narration: 3/5
Language & Grammar: 3/5
Final Rating: 3/5

[Tathagata Biswas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vikram Rama Investigates is a collection of two novellas - two stories based on Hyderabad. It's a good effort as this book is debut by the writer. The language is lucid and style of storytelling is good. The incidents are complex and Ms. Shenoy has nicely managed to link them up. Secondly, the characterization of different people is also appealing. However the praising part ends here. Let me tell you something what I did not like about this book.

Mr. Vikram Rana fails to scare people when he interrogates them. The writer herself is a fan of Bengali fictional sleuth Feluda. But Rana does not seem to have excellent observation power. An intelligent detective often surprises the suspects with his observations that are totally unexpected to them. The dialogues could have been more crisp and matured. You don't talk to the maid the way you talk to the owner of the house. Questions asked to driver or maid are generally to the point and are asked in a more commanding way. Finally, there is hardly any suspense buildup - it's more like a newspaper reporting as the writer keeps on narrating what the detective does. A good detective novel generally keeps some information untold or not clarified to the reader until the climax. However, the second novel tries to rectify this shortcoming to some extent.

I liked the book and would read another Vikram Rana novel in future. Let's hope our detective also matures with time.

[Sid Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just thoroughly enjoyed this novel for many reasons. First of all, it is not a typical murder mystery. It has all the elements to keep you engrossed while reading the novel.
Loved the language. Easy for even amateur Reader to read, but I have to call author a smart person for a special reason. The vocabulary used in the novel is not too difficult or weird but yet the author used a rich vocabulary throughout the novel that is suitable to the scenes, which makes it more interesting to read.
There are two cases that Vikram Rana solves. Both are interesting and intriguing. My personal favourite is the case of Lohia family. The best part is that the novel is lighthearted and I love such novels.
I also have to praise the author for writing the novel and setting the plot in such a manner that it seems too easy to read or understand for a reader, which is another tough task. Even though my exams datesheet is keeping me busy to plan about my preparation for the exams, I preferred reading this novel and enjoy it.
Also, I want to see a film on it. A movie on the investigations of Vikram Rana can do wonders at the box office and the 100% blockbuster script is available in this novel.

[Ankit Yadav · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was surprised to see how the writer has lifted the plot from Agatha Christie's "The mysterious affair at styles" and used it in Indian context in this book. The author even copied the name of the story. The similarities are highlighted below:

1. The title 'Vikram Rana Investigates' is lifted from the famous Christie's novel 'Poirot Investigates'.
2. The title of the first story 'The mysterious affair at Lohia Mansion' is lifted from Christie's first novel 'The mysterious affair at Styles'. And the story has the same elements as the original one.
3. In this book, the lady dies by poison behind closed doors in the same way as the Christie's novel. The 'will' of the lady, the prescription of the poison, the Doctor's presence, the turning out of incidences are exactly the same as the Christie's novel.

Anybody who has read 'The Mysterious Affair at Styles' will clearly know that. I wonder why this author did so. And nobody even questioned it.