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Conspirator
When headlines are for hire, greed in inevitable. So is murder.
– A YOUNG REPORTER dies a dramatic death.
– A VETERAN JOURNALIST investigating paid news is murdered in his hotel room
– A BUSINESS TYCOON tries to seize control of a large media group
In the midst of a private party hosted by a media mogul in Coorg, murder strikes, sending shockwaves through its influential guests.
When Inspector Dhruvi Kishore arrives at the scene, she finds, to her consternation, that some of her suspects – prominent politicians, businessmen, a blackmailer and a purveyor of fake news – have fled. She pursues them to Delhi, only to find herself drawn into the bewildering world of fake news, paid news and tailored news. Fighting forces trying to shut down her investigation, Dhruvi struggles to weed out the truth from a web of well-constructed lies before time runs out.
Revealing a world where ethics are scarce and lucre is abundant, Conspirator weaves a thrilling tale about how the people who uncover others' secrets often have the most to hide.
Conspirator is the fourth novel in RV Raman’s corporate thriller series that explores white-collar crime in India.
– A YOUNG REPORTER dies a dramatic death.
– A VETERAN JOURNALIST investigating paid news is murdered in his hotel room
– A BUSINESS TYCOON tries to seize control of a large media group
In the midst of a private party hosted by a media mogul in Coorg, murder strikes, sending shockwaves through its influential guests.
When Inspector Dhruvi Kishore arrives at the scene, she finds, to her consternation, that some of her suspects – prominent politicians, businessmen, a blackmailer and a purveyor of fake news – have fled. She pursues them to Delhi, only to find herself drawn into the bewildering world of fake news, paid news and tailored news. Fighting forces trying to shut down her investigation, Dhruvi struggles to weed out the truth from a web of well-constructed lies before time runs out.
Revealing a world where ethics are scarce and lucre is abundant, Conspirator weaves a thrilling tale about how the people who uncover others' secrets often have the most to hide.
Conspirator is the fourth novel in RV Raman’s corporate thriller series that explores white-collar crime in India.
359 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2018
11 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
R.V. Raman
11 books122 followersMY BACKSTORY
After a corporate career spanning four decades and as many continents, I’ve moved away from full time roles to pursue other interests. I now serve as an independent director on company boards and write. In my earlier avatar, I had advised companies, banks, regulators, governments, etc. on various matters.
Tired of extensive physical travel, I now prefer less punishing mental excursions into fictional worlds of my own creation.
ABOUT MY CORPORATE THRILLERS
Surely, there must be men like Professor Moriarty in corporate India. They may not be such intellectual colossuses or consummate masters, but they would share some key traits with him – wile, ingenuity, drive and utter ruthlessness. And they would understand the psychology of temptation.
What kind of schemes would such men device? That is the question I seek to answer through these novels.
Apart from bringing in truckloads of money, these schemes would have to satisfy the fabled professor’s taste for elegant, water-tight designs; designs that ride on the motivations and vulnerabilities of intelligent but weak-minded men. My antagonists may not have Moriarty’s guile or panache, and my detectives may be intellectual pygmies before Holmes. Nevertheless, I have taken a shot (four shots, actually) at crafting credible stories of intelligent crimes in corporate India. Each of my four novels is set in a different industry.
ABOUT MY WHODUNITS
After four corporate thrillers, I turned to writing a series of murder mysteries (whodunits) with a new protagonist (Harith Athreya). I’ve tried to model these on the Golden Age Mysteries, while keeping them current with modern technology like mobile phones. And, as is the case with all my writing, I eschew vulgarity and profanity so that my stories are appropriate for readers of all ages. The only exception is the rare cuss-word that is used as an intensifier for emphasis.
SCIENCE FICTION
And most lately, I am trying my hand at science fiction. 2080: The Lattice is my first foray into this genre and is set in a world where mankind is addicted to AI. Unfortunately, the AI has become deeply biased, even prejudiced. Additionally, the internet has evolved to an extent where it carries all five senses perfectly, making virtual presence undistinguishable from physical reality.
Meanwhile, I continue experimenting with short stories set in contemporary India. Some of them are available on Amazon.
The list of my full-length novels so far:
Fraudster
Insider
Saboteur
Conspirator
A Will to Kill
A Dire Isle / Grave Intentions
Praying Mantis
The Last Resort
2080: The Lattice
Website.
RV Raman on Facebook
After a corporate career spanning four decades and as many continents, I’ve moved away from full time roles to pursue other interests. I now serve as an independent director on company boards and write. In my earlier avatar, I had advised companies, banks, regulators, governments, etc. on various matters.
Tired of extensive physical travel, I now prefer less punishing mental excursions into fictional worlds of my own creation.
ABOUT MY CORPORATE THRILLERS
Surely, there must be men like Professor Moriarty in corporate India. They may not be such intellectual colossuses or consummate masters, but they would share some key traits with him – wile, ingenuity, drive and utter ruthlessness. And they would understand the psychology of temptation.
What kind of schemes would such men device? That is the question I seek to answer through these novels.
Apart from bringing in truckloads of money, these schemes would have to satisfy the fabled professor’s taste for elegant, water-tight designs; designs that ride on the motivations and vulnerabilities of intelligent but weak-minded men. My antagonists may not have Moriarty’s guile or panache, and my detectives may be intellectual pygmies before Holmes. Nevertheless, I have taken a shot (four shots, actually) at crafting credible stories of intelligent crimes in corporate India. Each of my four novels is set in a different industry.
ABOUT MY WHODUNITS
After four corporate thrillers, I turned to writing a series of murder mysteries (whodunits) with a new protagonist (Harith Athreya). I’ve tried to model these on the Golden Age Mysteries, while keeping them current with modern technology like mobile phones. And, as is the case with all my writing, I eschew vulgarity and profanity so that my stories are appropriate for readers of all ages. The only exception is the rare cuss-word that is used as an intensifier for emphasis.
SCIENCE FICTION
And most lately, I am trying my hand at science fiction. 2080: The Lattice is my first foray into this genre and is set in a world where mankind is addicted to AI. Unfortunately, the AI has become deeply biased, even prejudiced. Additionally, the internet has evolved to an extent where it carries all five senses perfectly, making virtual presence undistinguishable from physical reality.
Meanwhile, I continue experimenting with short stories set in contemporary India. Some of them are available on Amazon.
The list of my full-length novels so far:
Fraudster
Insider
Saboteur
Conspirator
A Will to Kill
A Dire Isle / Grave Intentions
Praying Mantis
The Last Resort
2080: The Lattice
Website.
RV Raman on Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 11, 2018
“Newspapers are not made any longer by news or journalism. They are made by sheer weight of money expressed in free gift schemes. They serve not the interests of the many, but the vested interests of the few.”
----Oswald Mosley
R.V. Raman, an Indian author, has penned a gripping thriller called, Conspirator that sheds much light into the dark underbelly of new trend setting belief called fake news that are tailored as per the standards and requirements of the high-profile and elite class clients from politicians to shady business tycoons. This story surrounds around the murder of two influential journalists at a media tycoon's private party at a resort somewhere secluded in Coorg, and little did the assigned detective knew that the world of journalism would not only be cutthroat, but would also be unexpectedly dark with zero ethics and is owned by the filthy rich people of the society.
Synopsis:
When headlines are for hire, greed in inevitable. So is murder.
– A YOUNG REPORTER dies a dramatic death.
– A VETERAN JOURNALIST investigating paid news is murdered in his hotel room
– A BUSINESS TYCOON tries to seize control of a large media group
In the midst of a private party hosted by a media mogul in Coorg, murder strikes, sending shockwaves through its influential guests.
When Inspector Dhruvi Kishore arrives at the scene, she finds, to her consternation, that some of her suspects – prominent politicians, businessmen, a blackmailer and a purveyor of fake news – have fled. She pursues them to Delhi, only to find herself drawn into the bewildering world of fake news, paid news and tailored news. Fighting forces trying to shut down her investigation, Dhruvi struggles to weed out the truth from a web of well-constructed lies before time runs out.
Revealing a world where ethics are scarce and lucre is abundant, Conspirator weaves a thrilling tale about how the people who uncover others' secrets often have the most to hide.
Conspirator is the fourth novel in RV Raman’s corporate thriller series that explores white-collar crime in India.
When Inspector Dhruvi arrives at the scene of murder in private resort in Coorg where a media mogul has thrown an all-exclusive party for his friends from media, journalism field and politicians, she finds out that even though some influential and reputed dignitaries have already fled the scene leaving behind a chaos of drama, scandal and conspiracy theories. And as Dhruvi delves deeper into the underbelly of journalism and its darker sides, she realizes there is more to the story under the facades of fake and tailored news trend, that can remove and eliminate any journalist, if taken a different track. Although, initial investigation points finger to the mastermind behind fake news owner and controllers, but later the story takes an altogether different track to prove otherwise, otherwise, why would someone kill a veteran and popular journalist along with a newbie journalist?
R.V. Raman's take on the world of the white collar crimes is simply fantastic, starkly honest and is filled with enough drama to keep the readers rooted in their seats. Likewise, in his new book too, the author has achieved the same amount of tensions and suspense to keep the readers engaged and guessing till the turn of the very last page. The world of fake news is growing like a wild fire and with the support of politicians and business tycoons, fake news has become mandatory in order to survive the cutthroat world of journalism and media. And that the author has depicted brilliantly through this story.
The author's writing style is excellent and quite articulate, laced tightly with gripping tension and edgy suspense. The pacing is really fast, as the story has so many layers that will only intrigue the readers and will keep the readers turning the pages of this book frantically. The narrative is captivating and is kept very close to reality, hence the readers will find it easy to comprehend with the characters' varied perspectives. The mystery is concocted really well, and is packed tightly with unpredictable twists and turns that will keep the readers anticipating till the very climax, which I might say is a bomb that not even seasoned crime fiction readers can see it coming.
The characters in the book, though doesn't have a detailed sketch of their personalities, but still from the edge only, they looked so devious, scheming and realistic enough. Inspector Dhruvi's character has a lot of light and backstory to support her strong, bold, sharp and fearless demeanor in the eyes of the readers. The huge cast of supporting characters are kept distinct and unique that are going to leave a lasting impression in the hearts of the readers.
In a nutshell, this is a must read corporate thriller that spills a lot of beans about "behind-the-curtain" drama in the world of journalism and media and is going to keep the readers glued to the edges of their seat till the very end.
Verdict: A satisfying read!
Courtesy: Thanks to the publishers from Hachette India for giving me and opportunity to read and review this book.
----Oswald Mosley
R.V. Raman, an Indian author, has penned a gripping thriller called, Conspirator that sheds much light into the dark underbelly of new trend setting belief called fake news that are tailored as per the standards and requirements of the high-profile and elite class clients from politicians to shady business tycoons. This story surrounds around the murder of two influential journalists at a media tycoon's private party at a resort somewhere secluded in Coorg, and little did the assigned detective knew that the world of journalism would not only be cutthroat, but would also be unexpectedly dark with zero ethics and is owned by the filthy rich people of the society.
Synopsis:
When headlines are for hire, greed in inevitable. So is murder.
– A YOUNG REPORTER dies a dramatic death.
– A VETERAN JOURNALIST investigating paid news is murdered in his hotel room
– A BUSINESS TYCOON tries to seize control of a large media group
In the midst of a private party hosted by a media mogul in Coorg, murder strikes, sending shockwaves through its influential guests.
When Inspector Dhruvi Kishore arrives at the scene, she finds, to her consternation, that some of her suspects – prominent politicians, businessmen, a blackmailer and a purveyor of fake news – have fled. She pursues them to Delhi, only to find herself drawn into the bewildering world of fake news, paid news and tailored news. Fighting forces trying to shut down her investigation, Dhruvi struggles to weed out the truth from a web of well-constructed lies before time runs out.
Revealing a world where ethics are scarce and lucre is abundant, Conspirator weaves a thrilling tale about how the people who uncover others' secrets often have the most to hide.
Conspirator is the fourth novel in RV Raman’s corporate thriller series that explores white-collar crime in India.
When Inspector Dhruvi arrives at the scene of murder in private resort in Coorg where a media mogul has thrown an all-exclusive party for his friends from media, journalism field and politicians, she finds out that even though some influential and reputed dignitaries have already fled the scene leaving behind a chaos of drama, scandal and conspiracy theories. And as Dhruvi delves deeper into the underbelly of journalism and its darker sides, she realizes there is more to the story under the facades of fake and tailored news trend, that can remove and eliminate any journalist, if taken a different track. Although, initial investigation points finger to the mastermind behind fake news owner and controllers, but later the story takes an altogether different track to prove otherwise, otherwise, why would someone kill a veteran and popular journalist along with a newbie journalist?
R.V. Raman's take on the world of the white collar crimes is simply fantastic, starkly honest and is filled with enough drama to keep the readers rooted in their seats. Likewise, in his new book too, the author has achieved the same amount of tensions and suspense to keep the readers engaged and guessing till the turn of the very last page. The world of fake news is growing like a wild fire and with the support of politicians and business tycoons, fake news has become mandatory in order to survive the cutthroat world of journalism and media. And that the author has depicted brilliantly through this story.
The author's writing style is excellent and quite articulate, laced tightly with gripping tension and edgy suspense. The pacing is really fast, as the story has so many layers that will only intrigue the readers and will keep the readers turning the pages of this book frantically. The narrative is captivating and is kept very close to reality, hence the readers will find it easy to comprehend with the characters' varied perspectives. The mystery is concocted really well, and is packed tightly with unpredictable twists and turns that will keep the readers anticipating till the very climax, which I might say is a bomb that not even seasoned crime fiction readers can see it coming.
The characters in the book, though doesn't have a detailed sketch of their personalities, but still from the edge only, they looked so devious, scheming and realistic enough. Inspector Dhruvi's character has a lot of light and backstory to support her strong, bold, sharp and fearless demeanor in the eyes of the readers. The huge cast of supporting characters are kept distinct and unique that are going to leave a lasting impression in the hearts of the readers.
In a nutshell, this is a must read corporate thriller that spills a lot of beans about "behind-the-curtain" drama in the world of journalism and media and is going to keep the readers glued to the edges of their seat till the very end.
Verdict: A satisfying read!
Courtesy: Thanks to the publishers from Hachette India for giving me and opportunity to read and review this book.
May 27, 2018
rating : 4.75
I am a sucker for mystery novels. It is a total win-win moment when you race your mind along the book to find who the culprit is but what happens when you can't figure out who the mastermind is? Conspirators by RV Raman had me at the edge of my seat throughout the book and it was a shock to find out who was behind all the mystery.
RV Raman through his book sheds light on the trend of "fake news" followed by the new-gen media industry. The book opens up in a private party by one of the leading media houses where something big is going to drop down. But what? Amidst all the manipulations and fabrications , a girl is found dead. A ruckus is created amidst the high profile names present in the party and before the police arrives , many fled the scene.
With no guest list in hand or witness to question , Inspector Dhruvi is in a rough state. Page by page some mysteries unfold , some lose connections and private affairs come in light and what comes thereafter is for you to guess.
Honestly, this book had me at every single chapter. I couldn't put down the book. The writing style is engrossing , clear and cut and gripping. The author has done a commendable job in not only highlighting the fake news tailoring trend but has also provided in depth analysis of how the whole "fake news" comes into the print and digital media.
This is not your usual mystery novel but an eye opening story too. Highly recommended.
Ambition is a powerful drug. Once it takes over you , you are no longer yourself.
I am a sucker for mystery novels. It is a total win-win moment when you race your mind along the book to find who the culprit is but what happens when you can't figure out who the mastermind is? Conspirators by RV Raman had me at the edge of my seat throughout the book and it was a shock to find out who was behind all the mystery.
RV Raman through his book sheds light on the trend of "fake news" followed by the new-gen media industry. The book opens up in a private party by one of the leading media houses where something big is going to drop down. But what? Amidst all the manipulations and fabrications , a girl is found dead. A ruckus is created amidst the high profile names present in the party and before the police arrives , many fled the scene.
With no guest list in hand or witness to question , Inspector Dhruvi is in a rough state. Page by page some mysteries unfold , some lose connections and private affairs come in light and what comes thereafter is for you to guess.
When headlines are for hire, greed in inevitable. So is murder.
Honestly, this book had me at every single chapter. I couldn't put down the book. The writing style is engrossing , clear and cut and gripping. The author has done a commendable job in not only highlighting the fake news tailoring trend but has also provided in depth analysis of how the whole "fake news" comes into the print and digital media.
This is not your usual mystery novel but an eye opening story too. Highly recommended.
March 26, 2018
Another typical R.V. Raman thriller -- intense, fast-paced and with a lot of content. I find it remarkable that he is able to create credible stories in different sectors each time. After banks, stock market and e-tailing, he has now written about the shady world of TV and newspapers. John Grisham used to write such intense stories, but all of them were in the legal sector (at least in his first avatar). In that regard, Raman is like Arthur Hailey, who wrote stories in different sectors. Needless to say, this book too is very readable and takes you on one hell of a ride from Coorg to Delhi. If you have read any of his earlier books, you will know what I mean. After crafting complex white collar crimes in four sectors, I wonder which sector he will take up next. Can't wait to know.
August 10, 2018
This book reminded me of Jeffrey Archer’s “Fourth Estate”. Not only because both books are about the media, but also because how they begin. Both stories begin with a media mogul, his manipulations, and his worries. While Archer’s book then moves back in time, Raman’s novel moves forward into deceit and murder.
To me, this book is about four people – two men and two women. Of the two men, one is the owner of a media house and the other is his chief editor, a journalist of the old school who values his independence highly. The conflict between them is a classic – the editor wants to be unbiased and independent, while the owner wishes the reportage to suit private interests. The two women were once close friends until suspicion of disloyalty in marriage came between them. One is a beautiful and highly successful TV anchor, while the other is a dancer and the impulsive wife of the chief editor.
There are other intriguing characters too – a filthy blackmailer, a creator/distributor of fake news, a loud-mouth TV anchor, a “Faker” who masquerades as a socialite, a powerful business tycoon, the media mogul’s confidant, the chief editor’s son, etc. And of course, there is Dhruvi, the lady-inspector from Raman’s previous book and her assistant, Alex. Both do a great job in this book too.
The book demonstrates how headlines and content are manipulated to suit private interests. There are instances where newspapers give news the spin they desire by deliberately interpreting information in certain ways. And there is duplicity in TV news too – a TV reporter deliberately stands in front of an advertising hoarding to slyly promote the product advertised on the hoarding.
The murder mystery at the core of the book is as engrossing as the deception media companies practise. As was the case with Raman’s earlier books, the white collar crime here is meaty and complex, and I liked the way the protagonists go about unraveling it. Both the crime and the detection are sophisticated, and the writing is assured. There are some wonderful details that I can't mention in this review, lest I spoil the fun of reading.
All in all, it’s a well-constructed book with well-etched characters and an intriguing plot. The twist at the end adds a thrill. As usual, the language is clean, there is no sleaze (despite an unsavory backstory), and the women characters are strong and deep. Recommended.
To me, this book is about four people – two men and two women. Of the two men, one is the owner of a media house and the other is his chief editor, a journalist of the old school who values his independence highly. The conflict between them is a classic – the editor wants to be unbiased and independent, while the owner wishes the reportage to suit private interests. The two women were once close friends until suspicion of disloyalty in marriage came between them. One is a beautiful and highly successful TV anchor, while the other is a dancer and the impulsive wife of the chief editor.
There are other intriguing characters too – a filthy blackmailer, a creator/distributor of fake news, a loud-mouth TV anchor, a “Faker” who masquerades as a socialite, a powerful business tycoon, the media mogul’s confidant, the chief editor’s son, etc. And of course, there is Dhruvi, the lady-inspector from Raman’s previous book and her assistant, Alex. Both do a great job in this book too.
The book demonstrates how headlines and content are manipulated to suit private interests. There are instances where newspapers give news the spin they desire by deliberately interpreting information in certain ways. And there is duplicity in TV news too – a TV reporter deliberately stands in front of an advertising hoarding to slyly promote the product advertised on the hoarding.
The murder mystery at the core of the book is as engrossing as the deception media companies practise. As was the case with Raman’s earlier books, the white collar crime here is meaty and complex, and I liked the way the protagonists go about unraveling it. Both the crime and the detection are sophisticated, and the writing is assured. There are some wonderful details that I can't mention in this review, lest I spoil the fun of reading.
All in all, it’s a well-constructed book with well-etched characters and an intriguing plot. The twist at the end adds a thrill. As usual, the language is clean, there is no sleaze (despite an unsavory backstory), and the women characters are strong and deep. Recommended.
August 13, 2020
Tight plot, excellent narration!
March 25, 2018
A well known Media personality and an upcoming journalist are found dead in a shady but upscale party run my media moghul, Nihir Seth. The party is a hush annual affair and inspector Dhruvi is pulled in to investigate the case. As she goes into the case,she tumbles across multiple personalities,all with secrets to hide and many having a sordid past. With such an array of characters,and diverse information coming her way, will this case ever be solved?
A cracker of a read,fast paced although difficult to remember all names. Typical RV Raman fare, packed with relatable stuff and definitely tale for the day, albeit imaginary. Do read.
A cracker of a read,fast paced although difficult to remember all names. Typical RV Raman fare, packed with relatable stuff and definitely tale for the day, albeit imaginary. Do read.
April 6, 2018
I haven't been reading many books lately, but I am making it a point to read a few selected authors. Really enjoyed this book. An engaging story, skillful characterization and the relentless pace make for a thrilling read. As was the case with the earlier books, there are some very strong characters here, half of whom are women. The examples of conspiracies hatched by the media were quite convincing. I really liked the way how greed/ambition, sophisticated crime, and the human element came together in this book. An engaging blend. The ending really made me think about the nature of temptation, and how powerful a force it can be.
April 12, 2018
There is something to be said for "serious" crime fiction. Some crime novels are run of the mill. Some are frankly quite flippant and unbelievable. A few have some serious substance. This book falls into the third category. A fair bit of work must have gone into this one. It was an eye opener for me. I always knew that the media is powerful, but this book showed me how powerful it could be if it embraced the wrong principles (fake news, customised headlines, manipulative TV anchors and that sort of thing). It opened a window into what is probably happening (or could happen) in corrupt media houses. In addition, you have a solid murder mystery that surprised me at the end. The tag line says it all ("When headlines are for hire ....."). Great book. Not the usual fare you get in Indian writing.
April 14, 2018
Unsettling, what the media can do. This book made me sit back think about my relationship with the media. Am I being influenced? Have I been manipulated? To what extent did newspapers and the TV determine my choices?
The cold, calculating and clinical way in which media persons go about making money in this book is a bit scary. Yeah, yeah, this is fiction, and there is some exaggeration and dramatising, but how much of this could be happening in real life? How much do “experts” who come on business channels influence stock prices, for example? Do news programs surreptitiously advertise products? Do newspaper headlines deliberately favour one brand over another? I don’t know, and that makes me uncomfortable.
Like in his earlier books, Mr Raman takes you behind closed doors, into the world of business. You get a sense that he has been there before. By the end of the book, you feel that you have been there too. Good, solid book.
The cold, calculating and clinical way in which media persons go about making money in this book is a bit scary. Yeah, yeah, this is fiction, and there is some exaggeration and dramatising, but how much of this could be happening in real life? How much do “experts” who come on business channels influence stock prices, for example? Do news programs surreptitiously advertise products? Do newspaper headlines deliberately favour one brand over another? I don’t know, and that makes me uncomfortable.
Like in his earlier books, Mr Raman takes you behind closed doors, into the world of business. You get a sense that he has been there before. By the end of the book, you feel that you have been there too. Good, solid book.
October 27, 2018
Gripping story and easy read... Story starts very slowly...Might read another book by this author.
May 13, 2018
I recently received this book in a giveaway by Hachtte.
News an integral part of everyone’s life is the most controversial business to be in. Through this book the author takes you through the various not-so-good aspects of the News Industry including fake news, tailored news, financial rackets, etc
The book opens in a super premium resort in Coorg owned by a Media Moghul runnning a TV network & Newspaper. At the party hosted for his friends & business associates, one of his jr employee gets murdered by a cross bow. Inspector Dhruvi is woken up by a call from her senior & is asked to reach the Coorg to investigate murder. Death of the Editor-In-Chief occurs next which leaves the top brass of the media house shocked. Soon the investigation turns into much more than a murder case.
The author takes you through the personal & professional journey of each character. With the characters defined clearly, one can actually visualise & relate. This one is an absolute page turner.
August 28, 2023
In the shadowy realm of Indian corporate thrillers, "Conspirator" by R.V. Raman emerges as a gripping addition. As an avid reader, author, and seasoned book critic, I delved into this web of deceit with great expectations. Raman's previous works had set a high bar, and "Conspirator" was no exception.
The novel immerses readers in a world where headlines can be bought, greed runs rampant, and murder is the consequence. The narrative unfolds with the mysterious death of a young reporter and the subsequent murder of a seasoned journalist investigating paid news. Inspector Dhruvi Kishore, a relentless pursuer of truth, enters the scene, only to find herself entangled in a web of fake news, paid news, and the ruthless pursuit of power by a business tycoon.
Raman's writing style is sharp and precise, a perfect fit for the fast-paced thriller genre. His ability to craft a complex narrative without losing the reader's attention is commendable. The prose flows effortlessly, carrying readers through a tumultuous sea of deception.
"Conspirator" thrives on its well-drawn characters. Inspector Dhruvi Kishore is a standout, a tenacious investigator navigating treacherous waters. The exploration of fake news and media manipulation is timely and thought-provoking, shedding light on the dark underbelly of journalism.
The novel's plot is intricately woven, with multiple threads converging in a suspenseful climax. Raman's ability to maintain tension throughout the story is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. The narrative's progression is both engaging and unpredictable.
Beneath the suspenseful exterior, "Conspirator" delves into the themes of ethics, greed, and the blurred lines between truth and manipulation. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unethical journalism and corporate machinations.
Raman's narrative doesn't just engage the mind; it also tugs at the heartstrings. The emotional stakes run high, particularly as Inspector Dhruvi races against time to unearth the truth. The story's emotional depth adds layers to the thrilling narrative.
A notable strength of "Conspirator" is its ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. However, at times, the intricacies of the plot may be overwhelming for those looking for a lighter read. Additionally, character development outside of Inspector Dhruvi could have been more pronounced.
As a critic, I relish novels that challenge conventions, and "Conspirator" does just that. It's a riveting exploration of the murky world of media manipulation and corporate greed. While it may not be a breezy read, its complexity is a testament to its depth.
"Conspirator" by R.V. Raman is a rollercoaster of a thriller that keeps readers guessing until the very end. With its thought-provoking themes and relentless pacing, it's a must-read for fans of the corporate thriller genre. Raman continues to establish himself as a prominent figure in the Indian literary landscape with this compelling addition to his series.
The novel immerses readers in a world where headlines can be bought, greed runs rampant, and murder is the consequence. The narrative unfolds with the mysterious death of a young reporter and the subsequent murder of a seasoned journalist investigating paid news. Inspector Dhruvi Kishore, a relentless pursuer of truth, enters the scene, only to find herself entangled in a web of fake news, paid news, and the ruthless pursuit of power by a business tycoon.
Raman's writing style is sharp and precise, a perfect fit for the fast-paced thriller genre. His ability to craft a complex narrative without losing the reader's attention is commendable. The prose flows effortlessly, carrying readers through a tumultuous sea of deception.
"Conspirator" thrives on its well-drawn characters. Inspector Dhruvi Kishore is a standout, a tenacious investigator navigating treacherous waters. The exploration of fake news and media manipulation is timely and thought-provoking, shedding light on the dark underbelly of journalism.
The novel's plot is intricately woven, with multiple threads converging in a suspenseful climax. Raman's ability to maintain tension throughout the story is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. The narrative's progression is both engaging and unpredictable.
Beneath the suspenseful exterior, "Conspirator" delves into the themes of ethics, greed, and the blurred lines between truth and manipulation. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unethical journalism and corporate machinations.
Raman's narrative doesn't just engage the mind; it also tugs at the heartstrings. The emotional stakes run high, particularly as Inspector Dhruvi races against time to unearth the truth. The story's emotional depth adds layers to the thrilling narrative.
A notable strength of "Conspirator" is its ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. However, at times, the intricacies of the plot may be overwhelming for those looking for a lighter read. Additionally, character development outside of Inspector Dhruvi could have been more pronounced.
As a critic, I relish novels that challenge conventions, and "Conspirator" does just that. It's a riveting exploration of the murky world of media manipulation and corporate greed. While it may not be a breezy read, its complexity is a testament to its depth.
"Conspirator" by R.V. Raman is a rollercoaster of a thriller that keeps readers guessing until the very end. With its thought-provoking themes and relentless pacing, it's a must-read for fans of the corporate thriller genre. Raman continues to establish himself as a prominent figure in the Indian literary landscape with this compelling addition to his series.
November 7, 2024
I am a sucker for Indian corporate drama. I don’t know if it is a defined genre. If not, it should be. I was introduced to it by Ravi Subramanian’s Banker series, and totally fell for it. Possibly because I could relate to the aspirations, apprehensions, and relationships of the characters. Having experienced those myself in the 7 years I spent in Indian corporate life.
RV Raman is a brilliant exponent of the Indian corporate drama genre, taking it a step further into murder mysteries. I had read two of his previous books along similar lines - Insider and Saboteur. Those were great, and as is Conspirator. I finished the book in a week - something of a record for me (I labored over Kanan Gill’s Acts of Got for over three weeks, and couldn’t get myself to read over 60% before finally giving up).
The plot of Conspirator revolves around the manipulation of news by media houses in India. It focuses on the employees - high and low ranking - of these media houses, ranging from the owners, to star TV news anchors, to moralistic editors, all the way down to unpaid interns. While there is a murder being solved by the energetic and optimistic Inspector Dhruvi, it merely serves as a thread to string together the orders of magnitude larger chaos around it, and I love it.
Raman’s writing is compelling. The story keeps moving forward at a reliable pace. The language is simple enough to be easily understandable, and yet not overly simplistic, so it doesn’t read like it was written by and for 8th graders (I’m looking at you, Chetan Bhagat).
I do find Inspector Dhruvi’s character a bit one-dimensional. She is a robot following a chain of logic. She doesn’t get resentful, disheartened, upset, mad, or have any emotions really, when her work is blocked twice - once by a DIG and once by a DCP - while she is actually trying to solve serious crimes. I don’t know if it’s just me, but if I am already going above and beyond my job description for the greater good, and I get pulled up, I am going to pretty pissed off. That is just one illustration, other than tearing up at the sight of dead bodies, Dhruvi doesn’t seem to develop any emotions at all. Seriously, she’s a young and attractive woman, she didn’t think one of the male characters was attractive? or ugly? She doesn’t have career ambitions? She doesn’t seem to have friends either. All this makes her character quite difficult to relate to.
I don’t love it when authors mess up languages they don’t speak natively, but their characters do. Like, look at the exchange below:
“Kaisi ho, beti? Sab changa?’ ‘Haan, sir. Upar wale ki dua.”
No Punjabi has ever said the words “Sab changa?”, the closest correct version would be “Sab theek?”. Raman would have found that out if he had asked one Punjabi person. Similarly, the second line, in Hindi, is also grossly wrong. Upar wala dua nahi deta, kripa karta hai.
Another, non-trivial observation I have is that the storyline, at many points, seem to imply that the
RV Raman is a brilliant exponent of the Indian corporate drama genre, taking it a step further into murder mysteries. I had read two of his previous books along similar lines - Insider and Saboteur. Those were great, and as is Conspirator. I finished the book in a week - something of a record for me (I labored over Kanan Gill’s Acts of Got for over three weeks, and couldn’t get myself to read over 60% before finally giving up).
The plot of Conspirator revolves around the manipulation of news by media houses in India. It focuses on the employees - high and low ranking - of these media houses, ranging from the owners, to star TV news anchors, to moralistic editors, all the way down to unpaid interns. While there is a murder being solved by the energetic and optimistic Inspector Dhruvi, it merely serves as a thread to string together the orders of magnitude larger chaos around it, and I love it.
Raman’s writing is compelling. The story keeps moving forward at a reliable pace. The language is simple enough to be easily understandable, and yet not overly simplistic, so it doesn’t read like it was written by and for 8th graders (I’m looking at you, Chetan Bhagat).
I do find Inspector Dhruvi’s character a bit one-dimensional. She is a robot following a chain of logic. She doesn’t get resentful, disheartened, upset, mad, or have any emotions really, when her work is blocked twice - once by a DIG and once by a DCP - while she is actually trying to solve serious crimes. I don’t know if it’s just me, but if I am already going above and beyond my job description for the greater good, and I get pulled up, I am going to pretty pissed off. That is just one illustration, other than tearing up at the sight of dead bodies, Dhruvi doesn’t seem to develop any emotions at all. Seriously, she’s a young and attractive woman, she didn’t think one of the male characters was attractive? or ugly? She doesn’t have career ambitions? She doesn’t seem to have friends either. All this makes her character quite difficult to relate to.
I don’t love it when authors mess up languages they don’t speak natively, but their characters do. Like, look at the exchange below:
“Kaisi ho, beti? Sab changa?’ ‘Haan, sir. Upar wale ki dua.”
No Punjabi has ever said the words “Sab changa?”, the closest correct version would be “Sab theek?”. Raman would have found that out if he had asked one Punjabi person. Similarly, the second line, in Hindi, is also grossly wrong. Upar wala dua nahi deta, kripa karta hai.
Another, non-trivial observation I have is that the storyline, at many points, seem to imply that the
April 12, 2018
Disclaimer: A physical copy was provided via Hachette India as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are however my own.
Actual Rating 4.5 Stars
This is my first book by RV Raman – and I have to say, I have become a fan. He has created a world that is terrifyingly realistic in its portrayal of a world that is as real to the laymen as it is fictional.
In fact, that’s the exact thought that comes to mind when I read this book – “Does this fantastical world could actually be real?” “Do people in power actually work like this?” “Do mechanisms in place work like a well – oiled machine to produce news that is beneficial just to a part of the population?”
The terrifying answer comes to me – Yes. Yes. It is definitely possible. And that’s the USP of this book; the fact that every mechanism, every manipulation in this book is definitely fictional but could also definitely be real!
The plot started off with the introduction of a media mogul, his worries, his manipulations and his way of doing business and moves forward to deceit, murder and mayhem.
When Inspector Dhruvi, a very competent police officer walks into the madness of the aftermath – she is left with unravelling webs of lies, manipulation and fabrications.
I adored the writing style of the author – it is clean, cut, simple yet confident it’s ability to engross the reader’s attention right till the end. The plot is engaging its monstrosity, the murder mystery at its core has the readers scrambling to understand the what, why, and who’s. The characters are strong, decisive and even when they creep you out, you can’t help but respect them.
Any readers of mystery, crime thrillers would enjoy the heck out of this book – strong, appealing plotline with solid characters, yes even the female ones with no sleazy situations. Highly recommended.
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January 30, 2023
Genuinely surprised by the high rating of this book!
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE RV Raman’s Harith Athreya series but this one just left me bored.
We follow Inspector Dhruvi as she unravels the many layers of fake news, stock market malfeasance, political misconduct and misogyny in the corporate world. Perhaps that’s the problem with it - the novel tries to tackle too many issues without the chops to impart any reasonable info effectively. The paragraphs explaining these instances just drone on uninterestingly.
Here are a few other things I disliked
- The story took quite long to build up that I almost stopped reading halfway
- Too many characters - I couldn’t tell them apart until the very end
A note on the women of Conspirator. The moment the female protagonist came into the picture, I was engaged. Sadly, that wore of pretty quickly as she was not fleshed out well by the writing. She seemed to be easily replaceable with any investigator from a generic whodunnit.
I also have a problem with how the women were written with such poor understanding. A very successful corporate bigwig laments her lack of a husband and children multiple times throughout the novel, saying “I have nobody”
Come on. Based on how this character was developed, I dare say that no woman who thinks like her would desire a life of subservience to a husband and children!
If you’re considering reading this, I’d give it a miss and focus on Raman's newer novels.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE RV Raman’s Harith Athreya series but this one just left me bored.
We follow Inspector Dhruvi as she unravels the many layers of fake news, stock market malfeasance, political misconduct and misogyny in the corporate world. Perhaps that’s the problem with it - the novel tries to tackle too many issues without the chops to impart any reasonable info effectively. The paragraphs explaining these instances just drone on uninterestingly.
Here are a few other things I disliked
- The story took quite long to build up that I almost stopped reading halfway
- Too many characters - I couldn’t tell them apart until the very end
A note on the women of Conspirator. The moment the female protagonist came into the picture, I was engaged. Sadly, that wore of pretty quickly as she was not fleshed out well by the writing. She seemed to be easily replaceable with any investigator from a generic whodunnit.
I also have a problem with how the women were written with such poor understanding. A very successful corporate bigwig laments her lack of a husband and children multiple times throughout the novel, saying “I have nobody”
Come on. Based on how this character was developed, I dare say that no woman who thinks like her would desire a life of subservience to a husband and children!
If you’re considering reading this, I’d give it a miss and focus on Raman's newer novels.
August 20, 2019
I returned to India after three years and picked up all the books Raman wrote in my absence. This is the second of them I read. A very topical book -- not just for India, but everywhere in the world too. It's about the compromised media (surprise! surprise!) where fake news and tailored news leads to murder. As usual, Raman's writing is fast, intriguing and provides an insight into the industry he chooses to set his story in. He's hit the nail on the head by interweaving politics, business, and the media. Great reading.
April 18, 2018
Thriller, who done it book. Fast paced thriller with contemporary theme - includes media various things around media including paid news, fake news etc., share market, social media.
April 25, 2018
Superb
Gripping Chilling and Eye Opener real face of MSM is what this book shows you greed, lust, deciet, money, power
Gripping Chilling and Eye Opener real face of MSM is what this book shows you greed, lust, deciet, money, power
Read
July 6, 2019Dhruvi again... enjoyed. Wondering why no one has asked for movie rights....
November 18, 2019
An awesome read which you will keep you next the book till the end. And yes, at the end, it will definetly blow your mind after finding the murderer.
Read
May 7, 2020Good one which suits the title. Readable and as usual RV Raman story telling and white collar crime.
October 17, 2020
Very topical. Excellent read.
April 26, 2021
Good plot but slow pace is a deterrent. Too much details about characters or processes bores.
January 19, 2025
Very good read . 2nd book which I have read by R V Raman . The current political and media situation is explained well. As well as the stock market manipulation is shown. Well explained the bank .
June 7, 2019
An above average thriller focussed on the world of news, journalism and the scams associated with the sectors.
A prominent chief editor and a young reporter are killed at Coorg during a social gathering of a media house.
What follows is the investigation by a young female cop and her team.
One is introduced to the world of paid news, planted journalism, use of social media and the scandals which are fairly contemporary.
Towards the end of the book it becomes a bit too technical but still I personally liked the book overall. A 3.5 rating.
A prominent chief editor and a young reporter are killed at Coorg during a social gathering of a media house.
What follows is the investigation by a young female cop and her team.
One is introduced to the world of paid news, planted journalism, use of social media and the scandals which are fairly contemporary.
Towards the end of the book it becomes a bit too technical but still I personally liked the book overall. A 3.5 rating.
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