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The Celeritas Files

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Experience the story of Shaina Desai, who finds herself in the middle of a sinister plot to steal her prized invention, which happens to be the principal subject of valuation for a multi-million dollar cross-border investment in what could be termed as one of the most brutal attempts at intellectual property theft in the history of corporate India.
Will she be forced to give up her dream to save her son’s life? Or will she lose him to the ruthless kidnappers?
A tale of professional pride and the heart-breaking choices forced upon the individual, of love and betrayal, and the dark games ruthlessly played in the corporate world, under the veneer of professional ethics…

314 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2017

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77 people want to read

About the author

Ishan Majumdar

3 books7 followers
Ishan is a qualified Chartered Accountant and holds a Master’s degree in Management from HEC Paris (Grande Ecole). Born and brought up in the suburbs of Mumbai, Ishan went on to complete his graduation from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics and moved to Europe for further studies. He has a rich corporate exposure, having worked in investment banking and strategy roles in multinational companies such as BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole, and Danone.


Ishan is fluent in six languages including French and Spanish, as a large part of his working life was spent in France and Spain. He owns and operates a Dubai-based financial research company called Baptista Research.

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Vishnu Chevli.
650 reviews602 followers
December 5, 2017
The Celeritas File by Ishan Majumdar is a book that I could call "a damn good thriller". I fall into the category of readers who don't like thriller much, but this book is clearly an exception for me. While reading the book I literally felt being there experiencing all the events in front of my eyes. And that experience was mind-boggling. This book held me from the first page to the last page. I have completed this book in merely two days in 3-4 sittings.

The story started with four friends Ravi, Nandini, Aaman and, Shaina with her son Rajiv meeting at the nightclub. They all worked at an electronic technology firm, Bilksem technologies. The party ended with the murder of Ravi and kidnapping of Rajiv. The reason for the murder and kidnapping was an impossible invention in the field of technology by Bilksem firm. The kidnappers wanted only one thing as ransom the invitation known as the Celeritas file. What are the twist and turns? And will Shaina save her son's life or the greatest invention?

I enjoyed this book throughout. What I didn't like was the amount of information dumped in the beginning, it would have been much better if that had developed with the story flow. Anyways, I enjoyed the suspense of the book. I also enjoyed the climax where antagonist explain how he had done all the things. His letter to Shaina was something that I didn't expect.

Last time I liked any thriller as much as the Celeritas file was Dan Brown's books, so if you are Dan Brown fan then you'll definitely love this book. It is the first book of Ishan and he has done paise worthy job. I am looking forward to reading his second book.

Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2017/12...
Profile Image for Sam Arnold.
Author 9 books19 followers
October 17, 2017
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. The Celeritas Files is what I would call a damn good thriller, set in the unfamiliar world of technology and mobile phone markets. The book initially sets the scene of the technology development in India. The environment for the first couple of scenes is described well and you genuinely get a feel for India. I wonder if the use of Indian names will put some people off, but, if this is the case any reader should be ashamed of themselves. Not to mention they will miss out on a brilliant read.

As the novel twists and turns you get to know the main characters well. The characters are well written and on the majority of the cases likeable. The book is a little slow in the middle section for 100 pages but soon picks up again to the dramatic ending. I have to admit to not seeing the twist at the end, others may disagree. The ending is left slightly open so a sequel maybe possible.

Overall this is a brilliant debut novel from an author I believe has great potential. You will not be disappointed to pick this up.
Profile Image for Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws.
1,617 reviews259 followers
December 6, 2017
The book begins with a bang as we see a murder and a kidnap happen over the first few pages. What follows is a thrilling story set in the corporate world with Shaina in the bang middle of it all. When she receives a ransom call, things are set into motion as what the kidnapper wants is not something that can be handed over without second thoughts. By the time the climax rolls in, the readers are left wondering if Shaina will be able to come out on the top or will she loose much more than a piece of technology by the time it is all over.

The first thing that I liked about the book is that Shaina is a very solid character. We do not see women in position of power and standing in IWE very often, let alone in a novel that is set in the corporate world. I would have certainly liked it more if her character was a bit more rounded, but that is just my quirk – I always want and expect more and more from the strong female characters. The supporting roles were played well by the various characters – and that is all I will say for I fear I may give out spoilers on the antagonist if I start talking about the other characters.

Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
Profile Image for Sheetal Maurya - Godse (Halo of Books) .
324 reviews31 followers
October 21, 2017
You hardly come across with the thriller book which is based in the corporate world. The cover and the title of this book is an instant catch. As I have not read much of the corporate-based books, I was not sure to like this book. However, when I start reading this book, I found it truly amazing. I would like to congratulate the author for his debut book as well as would like to show my gratitude for giving me a chance to read and review it.

You may read full book review here http://www.haloofbooks.com/celeritas-...

Set in the backdrop of New Delhi, four colleagues Ravi, Shaina, Nandini and Amaan of Bliksem Technologies are enjoying a weekend dinner. They have also accompanied the 5-years-old son of Shaina, Rajiv. Everything was going fine until Ravi got shot dead by a hooded man and Shaina’s son gets kidnapped.

Then the story moves to the past. Shaina, Nandini, and Ravi are the researchers in the Bliksem Technologies. Shaina is the head of R & D department. She is a strong-willed lady who refuses to abort the baby after getting pregnant before the marriage. She is a single mother, who loves her son more than anything.

The R & D department of Bliksem, under the direction of Shaina, has developed a rare technology, which has the power to bring revolution to the portable devices. The project is called as ‘The Celeritas Files’. Bliksem is on the verge of getting bankrupt and this discovery gives them a hope to survive. They decide to partner with a renowned French company and Shaina’s impeccable presentation convinces them.

There were a lot of hopes but what happens next is something sinister. Rajiv’s kidnapper demands the Celeritas file as ransom. The technology is worth of millions and Shaina found herself in middle of personal and professional commitment. Kidnappers left no clue, leading Police to a dead-end.

Who is the mastermind behind these events? Will exchange of ‘The Celeritas Files’ saves Rajiv? With various twists and turns, this story goes on to reveal the dark side of corporate India.

My Perception:

I truly enjoyed this book, there was not a single moment in this book when I thought to skip or was boring. The author has first created mysterious, then go on to reveal it. You can guess the perpetrator, but can’t be sure until you reach the last chapter and I think this is the success of any thriller book. The characterization is another strong point of this book; each and every character plays a vital role to develop the story. Being a girl, I love the strong character of Shaina who tries to live on her own terms. This book is totally riveting and different from the regular books with a strong story, gripping narration, and unpredictable twist. If you love great books, then I strongly recommend this to you.
Profile Image for Poulami.
372 reviews38 followers
October 20, 2017
Originally posted on Daydreaming Books.

*I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*

Shaina Desai and her team of scientists have managed to do the impossible in the field of technology but soon her future is threatened due to this very reason. Her best friend gets murdered in front of her and son gets kidnapped on the same day. The kidnapper only wants one thing, her invention, a.k.a the Celeritas Files in exchange for her son’s life. Will she be able to give away her life’s most precious work or will she end up losing her son?

The plot of this book was definitely addicting to keep me glued to the pages. It revolves around a group of friends who are also colleagues, Ravi, Shaina, Nandini and Amaan all work under the Bliksem Technologies, among them Amaan has joined the team recently. Shaina’s life turns down on Christmas when Ravi gets shot and her son Rajiv gets kidnapped when they are about to return home after a little bit of celebration. One of the things I didn’t enjoy much about the book was the amount of info-dumping in the beginning, I would have liked it better if it came in slow pieces as the book proceeded.

Anyway, I enjoyed how the suspense was handled throughout the book. The characters were also complex and layered which was a bonus, especially Amaan. Shaina poured her life’s work into creating the Celeritas Files but when it’s her son’s life on the line, she didn’t hesitate one bit to decide what to do. Other than Shaina, this book also revolved around Sivakumar, the owner of Bliksem Technologies, all he wanted was some recognition and he I really felt bad for that guy. The sudden romance between Amaan and Shaina simply felt weird to me and although I liked Amaan, there was something different about the guy from the beginning. I couldn’t even imagine how sinister the plot twist was! Although I kind of guessed who the culprit was but when it’s finally revealed, I still felt disgusted.

Overall, The Celeritas Files was an interesting read. The plot was executed neatly and the ending was definitely shocking, though I hoped for a little bit more but everything was portrayed realistically, I can absolutely see that happening in the real world. Anyway, I enjoyed the mystery and the writing was smooth and the pace was even throughout the book.

Recommend it?

Yes.
Profile Image for Nusrat Mahmood.
594 reviews737 followers
November 12, 2017
*I was given this book by the author for exchange of an honest review.*

I love thriller. Specially fast paced thriller where from the very first page the story successfully engages me into it and does not beat around the bush. This book is just like that. It does not talk anything extra, does not brag about any unnecessary situations. It's so straight forward that the readers enjoy the main plot uninterruptedly and has the ability to get someone out of reading slump.

The Celeritas Files's plot evolves around the world of business and technology and set a thriller in the technology world of India. I personally enjoyed it as I do have some idea about patent law as well as business law and corporate strategies which makes the environment of this book familiar to me. However, it's not important to have an heavy idea of these grounds to enjoy this brilliant read.

To be honest, to some extent I have found the formation of the story quite similar to Dan Brown's style. But the writer successfully created his own aura. The book as earlier said is fast paced so it does not let the story fall. It would be more enjoyable for me but I guess the culprit right while reading the second half of the book. I have not actually find the characters very complex or with layers which works fine for me.

As a debut book, it's brilliant but I would like to see a new cover of it. What I did not like is the letter at the end of the story which shows the emotional side of this character who I would prefer to be focused and strongly rockhard emotionless person due to his job. I mean that letter just made that person like other ordinary people where he/she could be stand out from the crowd and would be very much likable personally for readers like me. Hope there will be a sequal as the ending is so open and can see this person with new dimension.

why I have not give it 5 stars? because the romance showed in this book or the starting of such romantic relationship in the circumstance that the author explained seems a bit unrealistic to me and so do some other tiny character's behavior. But will I want to read a sequal of this book or recommend it to others? - Yes, Definitely.
Profile Image for Caroline.
761 reviews5 followers
October 26, 2017
I enjoyed this novel as it is a little out of my comfort zone as a reader that said you can tell it’s the authors first novel, it suffers a little from over description at times and the characters don’t feel very real. However the concept is intriguing and the action is full paced and relatively believable. I enjoyed the high tech aspect to the novel and liked the different reflection of India as a developing business mecca. I do feel like the company had slightly poor business skills but they existed to set the story up. The novel does leave you on a cliff hanger and i will be intrigued to see how the author improves and continues to develop. A 3.5 star read for me.
Profile Image for Sameer Gudhate.
1,366 reviews46 followers
August 23, 2023
Step into the riveting world of "The Celeritas Files: Unveiling the Dark Side of Corporate India" by Ishan Majumdar, where revolutionary technology collides with greed, betrayal, and heart-wrenching choices. Get ready for a roller-coaster of emotions and corporate intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The novel revolves around Shaina Desai, the creator of a groundbreaking invention that becomes the target of a sinister plot. As her invention becomes the centerpiece of a multi-million dollar cross-border investment, her best friend's murder and her son's kidnapping propel her into a treacherous journey to protect what's hers. The story delves into the ruthless world of corporate theft, blurring the lines between professional ethics and personal sacrifices.

Ishan Majumdar's writing style is engrossing and immersive. The pacing is well-crafted, offering a perfect blend of suspense and emotion. The descriptions vividly paint the scenes, making it easy to visualize the characters and settings.

Shaina Desai's character is a strong and relatable protagonist who faces unimaginable challenges. The cast is well-developed, each adding layers to the intricate plot. The author successfully explores the ideas of ambition, love, and the moral dilemmas that arise when professional aspirations clash with personal values.

The plot is intricately woven, keeping readers engaged from the very first page. Twists and turns are expertly executed, making it impossible to predict the outcome. The structure effectively alternates between tense moments of action and emotional introspection.

"The Celeritas Files" delves into themes of professional pride, love, betrayal, and the consequences of ethical compromise. It raises questions about the fine line between success and personal integrity in a cutthroat corporate world.

The emotional impact is palpable throughout the book. From the heart-wrenching choices Shaina is forced to make to the tension of the kidnapping, readers will find themselves emotionally invested in the characters' fates.

The book's strength lies in its gripping narrative and well-defined characters. The portrayal of corporate machinations is both intriguing and chilling. However, some readers might find certain plot points overly dramatic.

"The Celeritas Files" is an enthralling read that masterfully combines suspense, emotion, and social commentary. It exposes the dark underbelly of corporate India while delving into the human psyche in the face of adversity.

In "The Celeritas Files: Unveiling the Dark Side of Corporate India," Ishan Majumdar delivers a compelling tale that explores the lengths one will go to protect what they hold dear. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a blend of thrilling suspense, emotional depth, and thought-provoking themes. Get ready to embark on a journey that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
Profile Image for Vidhya Thakkar.
1,086 reviews140 followers
January 8, 2018
A story of four friends working in an electronics technology firm meeting for a dinner. Nandini, Ravi, Aaman, and Shaina. At that night a murder and a kidnapping case happen which changed each and everyone's life. It's all about the corporate culture and an impossible invention in the field of technology by Bilksem firm. The story is all about one' hard work, ego, expectations, and money. It gives a clear view of the corporate culture.

The story had its grip on reader throughout. I enjoyed reading this amazing thriller story. The book has a lot of drama to keep readers engaged. The friendship, Love, corporate culture, work ethics and much more. The author managed to keep readers engaged throughout figuring who will be the kidnapper. One can easily connect with the story and visualize each and every aspect. I loved how the author built each and every character well. Shaina was a solid and a strong character. Each character had it's own personality and taste. from inspector to the boss of the company, everyone added to the story. The plot that the author set was brief and engaging. The author made sure not to reveal suspense till the end and create doubts in our mind till the very end. I loved the conclusion part. The tempo of the story was also good, There are twists and turns, suspense, love, everything placed correctly. The pace of the story is lil slow but the interest that the author build covered it well. The author brilliantly managed to show the dark side of the corporate world. The language that the author used was simple and interesting. The cover and the title of the book was also impressive.

Overall, It's a good and engaging read. If you like reading a thriller, crime fictions go for it.

looking forward to reading some more books by the author.

Profile Image for Devika Ramadoss.
92 reviews21 followers
November 15, 2017
The story starts with four people Ravi, Nandhini Amaan, shaina with her son Rajiv meeting up at a nightclub. They all Work at an electronic technology firm , Bliksem Technologies. The party ends up with the murder of Ravi and kidnap of Rajiv. Who is the kidnaper? Who killed Ravi? Are these both incident related to each other? What’s the reason behind these incident? Will Rajiv be saved? What’s the ransom?

Welcome you all to the story which parades you to the real corporate world.The ego, the urge to succeed ,the loopholes in the system everything was neatly communicated by the Author as the story progress. The story gives us the clear picture how money plays in the real world where the human life and emotions have no worth.

I really liked the author’s detailed technical terminologies and the knowledge induced to our brain. The characters were introduced at right notch. Author will give us a hint about the suspense but makes sure that we doubt our finding till we reach the end of the story.

Sivakumar character was not discussed much after the kidnapping or murder sequence. How Sivakumar was able to trust Shaina and leave the papers with her after that important incident? If Sivakumar character was involved a bit more, the story would have been even better.

The confession of the antagonist was brilliant ,I just felt the final sentimental drama could have been limited less than which was written so that I would have loved the perfect job of antagonist much more.

Overall this book will make you to finish it in one go and summarize the dark side of the corporate world with the right mirror.
Profile Image for Aparna Sahai.
2 reviews
January 5, 2018
Ishan Majumdar makes his mark in the fiction world of crime and thrillers with his book - The Celeritas Files. What’s commendable is that this is the debut novel of the author, and yet it feels nothing like it thanks to the crazy amount of research that has been put into explaining the breakthrough technology (MaxCharge) around which the plot revolves. The mini-recap sessions ensure you don’t get confused with the names and the characters and stay updated with the progress of the plot if you pick the book after longer gaps (which was the case with me).

I really liked the writing style of the author and how he presented the story, opening it with a murder and kidnapping, and then taking you back in time to give a more elaborate background of all the characters, unravel their stories and how they all came to be associated with Bliksem Technologies. As you learn more about the characters and their relationships with each other, you can’t help but constantly try to solve the mystery on your own as to who could have been the real mastermind behind it all.

For me, the most powerful lines in the book that holds the entire essence of this crime thriller set in the corporate world were, “Crime and corruption are the two legs of corporate India. You can limp forward with one of them and run forward with both.” Brilliantly put. Indeed it’s not hard to imagine a corporate world with people driven by insecurity, deceit, anger, and lies to an extent that the end is this sinister. The author manages to portray this very realistically.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and see a great potential in the author. Really look forward to reading more of his books.
Profile Image for Spinach Reads.
5 reviews7 followers
November 1, 2017
Set in the backdrop of corporate world, Ishan Majumdar’s ‘The Celeritas Files’ serves what it aims to: a good gripping thriller that keeps your mind engaged with its twists and turns. For me, reading thriller is an uncommon habit. Yet this novel did not fail to keep my attention and interest intact. The story revolves around a prized technology invention whose release will reinvent the mobile industry. Placing a massive temptation as the base, you will see each character’s emotions unraveling: desperation and rage, insecurity and desire, happiness and fear. Overall, I love each character with their virtues and vices. The leading character, Shaina, has been written well. I feel lot of Indian authors fail to write a strong female character despite best of their intentions. Ishan Majumdar’s has given a substance to her character: a single mother who, despite societal odds, has charged through her life. The author narrative is smooth and the flow of the story doesn't feel distorted or broken. The novel, even though grounded in technology, is simple to understand and author has kept in mind to explain any jargon used.

Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed the book. Once I picked it up it was hard to stop and in times when I was not reading it, my mind was always thinking about the twists and turns.

The Celeritas Files is a definite page turner!
Profile Image for Gillian.
127 reviews9 followers
November 6, 2017
It’s Christmas Eve 2016 Ravi Shergill has managed to secure a corner table (in a much sought after restaurant come nightclub) for himself, Shaina along with 5 year old son Rajiv, Nandini and Amaan who are colleagues and friends, who work for Bliksem Technologies. They are celebrating a years hard work which will result in the world of technology changing forever, they are on the verge of completing a massive deal which will save the company also give it the recognition it deserves.
As midnight approaches Rajiv needs a peepee Amaan takes him to mens toilet, Nandini pays the bill while Ravi staggers out to have a smoke Shaina goes with Ravi to keep him upright. Once outside Ravi needs a peepee and goes to a nearby lane another man follows Ravi stands beside him pulls out a pistol and shoots him straight on the side of his forehead as he falls to the ground his brains are spilling everywhere.
Shaina tells Nandini Ravi’s dead and they need to find Amaan and Rajiv. That’s when her phone vibrates it’s police chief on Amaans phone saying he’d been struck on the back leaving him unconscious and that her son had been kidnapped.
The story is based in New Delhi in the corporate world of electronics. Having found the answer to all future technologies success Bliksem are set to be a recognised name. That’s when it all goes wrong. I love the characters the way interact with one another but when things go wrong who will stick together. A brilliant read from a brilliant new author I sincerely hope there will be more to follow. 5 stars from me.
Profile Image for Guttu.
182 reviews36 followers
July 26, 2020
This was one of the long pending books which was nudging me every now and then. So I thought of reading a thriller for a change.

The crux of the story is corporate espionage. It begins with a ground breaking discovery at Bilksem technologies which would revolutionize the world of mobile. The discovery, which is mostly the hard work of R&D department of the company which is headed by Shaina, Ravi and Nandini. They are in celebratory mood due to the discovery and they decide to go on a dinner at a local Pub accompanied by newly joined Aaman. A twist of events take place at the venue where in Ravi is killed and Shaina's son is kidnapped. I'll leave the rest for you to read from book.

It's written in simple language making it a quick read. Most of you guys can finish this in one sitting. A good pace of events is maintained throughout the book which makes you forget about everything and finish the book first. The last quarter of the book is crude, which makes your blood boil. It makes you think that there is no place for honesty in corporate. I did find a few loopholes in the story along with the odd  and easy assumptions made by the author. This is where it feels like the author was in a hurry to wrap up the book.

Yet, it makes a decent thriller. 
Profile Image for Carolyn Injoy.
1,240 reviews146 followers
December 24, 2019
The Celeritas Files, Unveiling the Dark Side of Corporate India by Ishan Majumdar is about Shaina Desai who is about to be the victim of intellectual property theft. I gave it four stars.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. That did not change my opinion for this review.

About the creator Shaina Desai: "Will she be forced to give up her dream to save her son’s life? Or will she lose him to the ruthless kidnappers?"

Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Celeritas-File...

http://ishanmajumdar.com/
61 reviews
June 14, 2022
Gives you the ups and downs of a corporate thriller.
Little predictable.
The author manages fiction , science and corporates well.self publishing
674 reviews18 followers
January 22, 2021
Tragic read on corporate espionage

Usually novels have an happy ending but this one does not. Yet an insight into the world of espionage and one of the rare reads from India
Profile Image for Mani.
187 reviews
May 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. This book has elements of thriller, suspense and what not. The author worked really hard on it. You will know it when you will read it. This book was a learning process for me since it contains a lot of information. I didn’t like the ending though. Why? Cause I felt the story was incomplete and what happened to Shaina after that was not mentioned. Moreover, I didn’t expect the ending to be like this.  I took really long to finish it. But the story was this good that it left me wanting for more. The characters were very well presented. Though I feel the character of Sivakumar was stretched a bit. He didn’t have that important a role in Shaina’s life but so much details were given about Sivakumar that I thought he must have something to do with the kidnapping or stuff. Aman was a good character. His love for children and a tragic story of life makes him a desirable man. I guessed the name of the kidnapper but the ending was unexpected. The author played well with his knowledge. I liked how the author even added components of love in this story and made it a versatile read. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly waiting for the author’s next.
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