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Siya Rajput Mysteries #1
Where Are They Now
She has a dark past. And a deep connection with a serial killer.
Former criminal defence lawyer Siya Rajput made a grave mistake three years back because of which she quit practising law. But now, a stunning new case forces her to return.
When a woman is brutally murdered, an astounding clue is found at the crime scene. It proves that Siya’s mother, who has been missing and presumed dead for sixteen years, is still alive. The killer has also left behind a special message for Siya, challenging her to take part in a chilling game.
In her most dangerous and personal case yet, Siya has to go to the darkest corners of her mind, communicate with a psychopathic serial killer in jail and be prepared to be wrong about everything she knows to be real in her life.
Siya is only certain of two things. First, the killer will strike again and again. And second, if she fails this time, she will lose her mother forever.
Former criminal defence lawyer Siya Rajput made a grave mistake three years back because of which she quit practising law. But now, a stunning new case forces her to return.
When a woman is brutally murdered, an astounding clue is found at the crime scene. It proves that Siya’s mother, who has been missing and presumed dead for sixteen years, is still alive. The killer has also left behind a special message for Siya, challenging her to take part in a chilling game.
In her most dangerous and personal case yet, Siya has to go to the darkest corners of her mind, communicate with a psychopathic serial killer in jail and be prepared to be wrong about everything she knows to be real in her life.
Siya is only certain of two things. First, the killer will strike again and again. And second, if she fails this time, she will lose her mother forever.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2019
320 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 28, 2020
When CID of Pune (India’s 8th biggest metropole, aka Poona) is called for the murder of a young professional woman in one of the affluent area’s of the city, inspector Kapil Rathod notices similarities with the crime scene of a woman that disappeared 16 years earlier. When not only a lock of hair from the kidnapped Naina Rajput is found but also a message in her blood to her daughter Siya Rajput (there’s more to come, say hi to Siya) the old investigation is opened again.
3 years ago, lawyer and private investigator Siya Rajput made a mistake when she defended a murderer she believed to be innocent, who went straight back to killing once he was free. Ever since then, she keeps away from legal affairs. She works now as a teacher in a college and planned to have her legal license expire. Now with this new evidence, her options change. Will she leave this to CID or will she investigate herself? Not only her mother disappeared, but 3 months later, her dad vanished as well. Is there any doubt that she will continue the search for her mother?
Then, 5 years ago, she was elemental in the catch of Kishore Zakkal, the man responsible for the kidnapping of Siya’s mother and 6 other women and a murder in America. He never wanted to disclose if the women he took were still alive or their whereabouts. Now they now that Naina was still alive very recently, at the time her hair was pulled out. So even from his cell, Zakkal has still the reigns in his hand and obviously, he has a ‘student’ or ‘protegee’ that follows the same MO and tactics. However much control Zakkal thinks he has, he cannot pull the strings of someone else as efficiently as his own.
Apart from the names and places, you can hardly tell that this story takes place in India. The author rarely mentions a traditional costume, a song on the radio or other local habits. This could be anywhere in the world. Siya definitely has a weakness for Chinese cuisine, that I can hardly imagine as being the lame version we see over here. If this proves anything it’s that India is not a third world country for a growing part of the population. The poorer areas of the city are mentioned only once as the place where the wife of a murdered inmate lives and are not described. There are few descriptions, apart from the villa where they live, in the book anyway.
The writer is not blind though for the widespread corruption and bribery amongst politicians, lawyers, prison guards, and the police just as well as in other sectors, due to very low wages and greed.
I put questions by the pleasant and easy cooperation from the police with a private detective who’s also family of one of the victims.
I also doubt that the police can go to a prison at night to interrogate a prisoner. I don’t know, maybe it has to do with the climate or so but in Belgium urgent or not, over here prisons close for visitors, lawyers and the police at night.
I like the idea of pet-friendly cafes. But I’m not sure what’s understood as a café in India. Here in Belgium, a café is mainly a pub, similar to the French café-bar-tabac. Or do they mean something like an English café, like a greasy spoon what you see on Eastenders? From the context and the characteristics of Radha herself, I imagine something that we call a tearoom, especially as it’s also a book-café.
The psychology of the criminals, their motivations and the relation between both killers are very meticulously researched and the author paints a gruesome, frightening picture of predators that lurk unnoticed (until it’s too late) amongst us. I must say that in several places Zakkal reminds me of Hannibal Lecter.
This is a well-constructed story with credible and likeable characters. Although Siya is a bit too perfect for my liking. She could do with a few flaws. The book is suspenseful and a thrilling read. You want so much that she finds her mother alive and well.
I received a free ARC from the author, this is my review of it
3 years ago, lawyer and private investigator Siya Rajput made a mistake when she defended a murderer she believed to be innocent, who went straight back to killing once he was free. Ever since then, she keeps away from legal affairs. She works now as a teacher in a college and planned to have her legal license expire. Now with this new evidence, her options change. Will she leave this to CID or will she investigate herself? Not only her mother disappeared, but 3 months later, her dad vanished as well. Is there any doubt that she will continue the search for her mother?
Then, 5 years ago, she was elemental in the catch of Kishore Zakkal, the man responsible for the kidnapping of Siya’s mother and 6 other women and a murder in America. He never wanted to disclose if the women he took were still alive or their whereabouts. Now they now that Naina was still alive very recently, at the time her hair was pulled out. So even from his cell, Zakkal has still the reigns in his hand and obviously, he has a ‘student’ or ‘protegee’ that follows the same MO and tactics. However much control Zakkal thinks he has, he cannot pull the strings of someone else as efficiently as his own.
Apart from the names and places, you can hardly tell that this story takes place in India. The author rarely mentions a traditional costume, a song on the radio or other local habits. This could be anywhere in the world. Siya definitely has a weakness for Chinese cuisine, that I can hardly imagine as being the lame version we see over here. If this proves anything it’s that India is not a third world country for a growing part of the population. The poorer areas of the city are mentioned only once as the place where the wife of a murdered inmate lives and are not described. There are few descriptions, apart from the villa where they live, in the book anyway.
The writer is not blind though for the widespread corruption and bribery amongst politicians, lawyers, prison guards, and the police just as well as in other sectors, due to very low wages and greed.
I put questions by the pleasant and easy cooperation from the police with a private detective who’s also family of one of the victims.
I also doubt that the police can go to a prison at night to interrogate a prisoner. I don’t know, maybe it has to do with the climate or so but in Belgium urgent or not, over here prisons close for visitors, lawyers and the police at night.
I like the idea of pet-friendly cafes. But I’m not sure what’s understood as a café in India. Here in Belgium, a café is mainly a pub, similar to the French café-bar-tabac. Or do they mean something like an English café, like a greasy spoon what you see on Eastenders? From the context and the characteristics of Radha herself, I imagine something that we call a tearoom, especially as it’s also a book-café.
The psychology of the criminals, their motivations and the relation between both killers are very meticulously researched and the author paints a gruesome, frightening picture of predators that lurk unnoticed (until it’s too late) amongst us. I must say that in several places Zakkal reminds me of Hannibal Lecter.
This is a well-constructed story with credible and likeable characters. Although Siya is a bit too perfect for my liking. She could do with a few flaws. The book is suspenseful and a thrilling read. You want so much that she finds her mother alive and well.
I received a free ARC from the author, this is my review of it
March 3, 2019
Gripping enough to make me check my loft!!
I always tell my daughter that a book is a girl's best friend. One can never be lonely with a good book. Where are they now is a gripping book with well researched nuances that a murder mystery should have to make it real. It's "un-putdown able" and I can't wait to read what Siya Rajput does next! I think I can safely say...move over Jack Reacher, Siya Rajput has arrived!
UD Yasha, keep writing and get us your new book soon!
I always tell my daughter that a book is a girl's best friend. One can never be lonely with a good book. Where are they now is a gripping book with well researched nuances that a murder mystery should have to make it real. It's "un-putdown able" and I can't wait to read what Siya Rajput does next! I think I can safely say...move over Jack Reacher, Siya Rajput has arrived!
UD Yasha, keep writing and get us your new book soon!
February 5, 2022
This was very reminiscent of Silence of the Lambs, albeit set in India. I was able to figure out who the bad guy was pretty easily but it was still very suspenseful. It dragged a little at first but then got to the point where I just wanted to see how it ended—which was on a bit of a cliffhanger. I’ll definitely read the next in the series.
June 21, 2020
formulaic..don't bother
February 1, 2022
This is a balance between a cozy and a procedural. The main detective is a retired lawyer and investigator who gets pulled back into investigations when a murder brings back an unresolved case from the past that involved her family.
Siya Rajput is about to turn thirty and celebrating with her sister and her sisters boyfriend. They've formed a nice, warm, loving unit since their mother was abducted years ago. Their father went missing shortly after. Now there are links to their mother found at a new crime scene, and Siya is being asked to join for es with an old friend on the police force. Siya left the law and the police after she defended a guilty man who harmed a young girl after his release, so she has conflicted feelings about rejoining this world of danger, and interrupting the safe cocoon of her family.
Shades of The Silence of the Lambs come into play as Siya revisits an old nemesis in jail. This book is set in Pune, a large city in India, and the world of tech firms and forensics. The plot is nicely woven and the characters are likeable and drawn well in this debut novel, with room for more development, especially of Siya's family, in the next book. There are some surprises and twists.
If you enjoy dipping into Indian culture, and enjoy mysteries, this is a recommended book for you. I googled some places and foods and, on a side note, the author has the nicest biography I've seen :) . I will read more in his series.
Siya Rajput is about to turn thirty and celebrating with her sister and her sisters boyfriend. They've formed a nice, warm, loving unit since their mother was abducted years ago. Their father went missing shortly after. Now there are links to their mother found at a new crime scene, and Siya is being asked to join for es with an old friend on the police force. Siya left the law and the police after she defended a guilty man who harmed a young girl after his release, so she has conflicted feelings about rejoining this world of danger, and interrupting the safe cocoon of her family.
Shades of The Silence of the Lambs come into play as Siya revisits an old nemesis in jail. This book is set in Pune, a large city in India, and the world of tech firms and forensics. The plot is nicely woven and the characters are likeable and drawn well in this debut novel, with room for more development, especially of Siya's family, in the next book. There are some surprises and twists.
If you enjoy dipping into Indian culture, and enjoy mysteries, this is a recommended book for you. I googled some places and foods and, on a side note, the author has the nicest biography I've seen :) . I will read more in his series.
May 26, 2022
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
3.5 hearts
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on January 27, 2022 (currently free at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post)
Something is odd about the story here and I'm not sure if it is a cultural difference or writing style. I did enjoy reading Where Are They Now? The Sija Rajput Mysteries start here and are based in India. Sija is a former criminal defense attorney who now teaches. A case she worked in the past has come to the forefront again. Sija was instrumental in capturing a killer and abductor of women. In fact, Siya's own mother was abducted 16 years ago and a new crime scene proves she is still alive. We see everything from Sija's point of view.
Sija goes to work on the case to find out who is copying the crimes when the original criminal is still behind bars. Somehow she, and her sister and sister's fiance, are able to take time away from work without notice. Sija get police cooperation and collaboration on everything. Partly, this is because the killer in prison has said he will only talk to her. Sija is smart, follows reasonable strategy and leads, and she does take precautions for herself and the others in her family.
I understand her efforts on this because of her mother even if no one is hiring her. It's weird she can just take off her work and that the police hand over everything to her and include her on searches, raids and interviews. I figured out a few details in advance but not the actual copycat carrying out the original killer's plan. Both the original killer and the copycat "apprentice" were fairly well-developed and believable characters, although psychopaths.
I found the world interesting. There were some things I expected like misogyny and strong family connections, but the police worked rather differently than some other places. The reasons Sija left her law practice were understandable. The following grief and insecurity being mostly resolved by an event now seemed a bit contrived.
The plot was suspenseful and engaging. I enjoyed reading and will need to read another in the series to see if some aspects are different when one of the victims is not in Sija's family with a history of her being involved in the case.
3.5 hearts
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on January 27, 2022 (currently free at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post)
Something is odd about the story here and I'm not sure if it is a cultural difference or writing style. I did enjoy reading Where Are They Now? The Sija Rajput Mysteries start here and are based in India. Sija is a former criminal defense attorney who now teaches. A case she worked in the past has come to the forefront again. Sija was instrumental in capturing a killer and abductor of women. In fact, Siya's own mother was abducted 16 years ago and a new crime scene proves she is still alive. We see everything from Sija's point of view.
Sija goes to work on the case to find out who is copying the crimes when the original criminal is still behind bars. Somehow she, and her sister and sister's fiance, are able to take time away from work without notice. Sija get police cooperation and collaboration on everything. Partly, this is because the killer in prison has said he will only talk to her. Sija is smart, follows reasonable strategy and leads, and she does take precautions for herself and the others in her family.
I understand her efforts on this because of her mother even if no one is hiring her. It's weird she can just take off her work and that the police hand over everything to her and include her on searches, raids and interviews. I figured out a few details in advance but not the actual copycat carrying out the original killer's plan. Both the original killer and the copycat "apprentice" were fairly well-developed and believable characters, although psychopaths.
I found the world interesting. There were some things I expected like misogyny and strong family connections, but the police worked rather differently than some other places. The reasons Sija left her law practice were understandable. The following grief and insecurity being mostly resolved by an event now seemed a bit contrived.
The plot was suspenseful and engaging. I enjoyed reading and will need to read another in the series to see if some aspects are different when one of the victims is not in Sija's family with a history of her being involved in the case.
April 19, 2019
Author: U.D. Yasha
Pages: 302
Genre: Crime Thriller
Rating: 4.2/5
Summary:
Siya Rajput our protagonist is a defence lawyer. Three years back she quit practising because of a mistake she had done. But now a stunning new case forces her to return. She is investigating two serial killers. One of whom she had put in jail three years back. When a woman is brutally murdered, an astonishing clue is found at the crime scene. It proves that Siya’s mother is still alive who had gone missed 16 years ago. The killer also left behind a special message for Siya challenging her to take part in a chilling game. Siya is only certain of two things. First the killer will strike again and again. Second if she fails this time, she will lose her mother forever.
Review:
Where are they now will make you to sit at the edge. A gripping story with an intriguing plot. The characters are lively and developed good. Siya’s character is just mind blowing. This one is first book of this series. I’m eagerly waiting for the upcoming book. the pace is bit slow. I’ll recommend this book to all the crime lovers.
Pages: 302
Genre: Crime Thriller
Rating: 4.2/5
Summary:
Siya Rajput our protagonist is a defence lawyer. Three years back she quit practising because of a mistake she had done. But now a stunning new case forces her to return. She is investigating two serial killers. One of whom she had put in jail three years back. When a woman is brutally murdered, an astonishing clue is found at the crime scene. It proves that Siya’s mother is still alive who had gone missed 16 years ago. The killer also left behind a special message for Siya challenging her to take part in a chilling game. Siya is only certain of two things. First the killer will strike again and again. Second if she fails this time, she will lose her mother forever.
Review:
Where are they now will make you to sit at the edge. A gripping story with an intriguing plot. The characters are lively and developed good. Siya’s character is just mind blowing. This one is first book of this series. I’m eagerly waiting for the upcoming book. the pace is bit slow. I’ll recommend this book to all the crime lovers.
March 4, 2019
the scariest serial killer you will read, don't miss this
Where Are They Now is a edge of the seat thriller that has Siya Rajput, former lawyer and private detective, investigating two serial killers - one of whom she had caught before and is serving his time in jail.
The author has written extremely engaging characters that come to life because of their personalities and small nuances. They have flaws, crack jokes and appear very real. I would keep coming back to future books in this series because of the characters. Siya's crew and team is fabulous.
The plot is gripping and I could not let go of this book literally. I would buy all the books in this series if they were out. waiting for the next one eagerly.
Where Are They Now is a edge of the seat thriller that has Siya Rajput, former lawyer and private detective, investigating two serial killers - one of whom she had caught before and is serving his time in jail.
The author has written extremely engaging characters that come to life because of their personalities and small nuances. They have flaws, crack jokes and appear very real. I would keep coming back to future books in this series because of the characters. Siya's crew and team is fabulous.
The plot is gripping and I could not let go of this book literally. I would buy all the books in this series if they were out. waiting for the next one eagerly.
March 8, 2022
gripping
A killer is on what we call death row when there is a murder with obvious similarities. Soya Rajput is called in to provide input as the person who caught the killer. This book had my attention throughout. It is a psychological description of the mind of a killer as well as the mind of an investigator. It is also a very good procedural. A non-Indian reader will need to pay careful attention to names, as it is easy to confuse several characters with similar names. Also, be mindful of the time frames in the early parts of the story. There is some looking into the past without warning. There are a few errors that were not caught in editing, but they aren’t distracting in frequency.
A killer is on what we call death row when there is a murder with obvious similarities. Soya Rajput is called in to provide input as the person who caught the killer. This book had my attention throughout. It is a psychological description of the mind of a killer as well as the mind of an investigator. It is also a very good procedural. A non-Indian reader will need to pay careful attention to names, as it is easy to confuse several characters with similar names. Also, be mindful of the time frames in the early parts of the story. There is some looking into the past without warning. There are a few errors that were not caught in editing, but they aren’t distracting in frequency.
April 3, 2022
Great premise & story, but it is a chore to read.
The plots were intriguing with twists and turns unexpected. The characters basically cardboard cut outs. The meaningless details unending & did not add to the story or plot lines. The translation to English was terrible, even humorous. I plodded through this story because the premise is captivating, but I resented it's unnecessary length and unsatisfactory reward.
The plots were intriguing with twists and turns unexpected. The characters basically cardboard cut outs. The meaningless details unending & did not add to the story or plot lines. The translation to English was terrible, even humorous. I plodded through this story because the premise is captivating, but I resented it's unnecessary length and unsatisfactory reward.
August 25, 2019
Gripping story.
I enjoy reading stories set in foreign countries, especially if especially if they are well-written, as is this. The only fault for me is use of the f-bomb, plus a few other crude language. If this crude language was gone then I would recommend this whole heartedly.
I enjoy reading stories set in foreign countries, especially if especially if they are well-written, as is this. The only fault for me is use of the f-bomb, plus a few other crude language. If this crude language was gone then I would recommend this whole heartedly.
January 30, 2022
Fantastic
I found this book extremely thrilling, keeping me thoroughly engrossed until the end. I congratulate the author for coming up with one of the best psychological thrillers I have ever read. The identity of the murderer is not revealed until the climax which is sooo good that you won't be able to put the book down.
I found this book extremely thrilling, keeping me thoroughly engrossed until the end. I congratulate the author for coming up with one of the best psychological thrillers I have ever read. The identity of the murderer is not revealed until the climax which is sooo good that you won't be able to put the book down.
February 1, 2022
Siya is a former attorney turned detective who finds herself helping to investigate a serial killer. At the same time, she is trying to reconcile the disappearance of her mother and father years earlier. The book is set in India and both the criminal elements and character development were very good. I really enjoyed this book and hope to read more by this author.
February 1, 2022
India with gruesome murder
It is difficult to follow unfamiliar names for people and places especially when other than food this story could have located any where in the world.. The twisting plot from one suspect to the next carries the reader along with the case as it develops. The ending was flat with little. But the cliff hanger will lead to the next book in the series.
It is difficult to follow unfamiliar names for people and places especially when other than food this story could have located any where in the world.. The twisting plot from one suspect to the next carries the reader along with the case as it develops. The ending was flat with little. But the cliff hanger will lead to the next book in the series.
February 1, 2022
nail bitter of a Mystery!
A rather creepy read, but with the twists and turns, you are dying to know what happens. Can you imagine a serial killer living in your home, being under your bed, listening to everything you say, knows everything you do? One is killed but another escapes, to lead you into the next book. What an ending….. that doesn’t really end!!
A rather creepy read, but with the twists and turns, you are dying to know what happens. Can you imagine a serial killer living in your home, being under your bed, listening to everything you say, knows everything you do? One is killed but another escapes, to lead you into the next book. What an ending….. that doesn’t really end!!
October 14, 2022
It took me a long while to finish this book because I kept falling asleep.Perfect for insomnia! It is a Silence of the Lambs set in India. A serial killer has been imprisoned for many years when a copycat of the crime is committed, with fresh blood from Sija's mother who has been missing for 16 years. Sija is pulled into the investigation. There is a lot of getting everyone from the house into the car and sitting around waiting It was obvious to me who the copycat had to be, and it was no surprise when the copycat is finally revealed. Not a terrible book though I confess I had trouble with the names keeping them straight, but not one I couldn't put down.
January 27, 2022
THIS REMINDED ME A LITTLE OF "THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS"BECAUSE IT HAD A LECTOR LIKE CHARACTER AND CLARICE LIKE DETECTIVE. I FOUND THE WRITING STYLE CONFUSING AT TIMES, THE CHACTERS FLAT AND STIFF. THE STORYLINE DID'NT FLOW SMOOTHLY AND WAS KIND OF REPETATIVE, TOO DRAGGED OUT. ;<
February 1, 2022
Where Are They Now
A great serial killer thriller novel. Never a dull moment in the book. It was like reading an action packed book. I can't imagine what the next book will reveal !!!!
A great serial killer thriller novel. Never a dull moment in the book. It was like reading an action packed book. I can't imagine what the next book will reveal !!!!
February 17, 2022
Lots of suspense, a couple of plot twists and great characters.
I really felt that I was in India - her atmosphere is well described
Hopefully the next book will soon be available at a heavily discounted price!!
I really felt that I was in India - her atmosphere is well described
Hopefully the next book will soon be available at a heavily discounted price!!
August 21, 2022
A strange book, very disjointed and flat. The overall plot was excellent but the execution was poor in too many places and their were too many loose ends especially when the sudden reveal came at the end and the glossing over of what happened to Maa- inexplicable!
November 15, 2022
Wonderful Thriller
Incredibly fabulous imagination, sprinkled with slew of countless twists and turns. I wud rather, keep up the good work and churn out more and more, quite frequently. By the way, I am also Punekar, retired IT guy and I sincerely enjoyed reading this book.👍
Incredibly fabulous imagination, sprinkled with slew of countless twists and turns. I wud rather, keep up the good work and churn out more and more, quite frequently. By the way, I am also Punekar, retired IT guy and I sincerely enjoyed reading this book.👍
June 25, 2019
It’s an unputdownable book. I found the book to be extremely gripping which keeps you at the edge of your seat till the end. Cannot wait to read the upcoming books in the Siya Rajput series.
January 30, 2022
Good read
Interesting and likeable characters. Good storyline. My kind of genre. Always enjoy learning about other countries, food, customs , scenery.
Interesting and likeable characters. Good storyline. My kind of genre. Always enjoy learning about other countries, food, customs , scenery.
January 31, 2022
Could not put it down
I liked the book but I had a very hard time keeping the characters straight. All most all the names were alike to me
I liked the book but I had a very hard time keeping the characters straight. All most all the names were alike to me
February 5, 2022
I enjoy books set in India. Characters were good and well intertwined with interesting story.
Look forward to reading the next books in the series.
Look forward to reading the next books in the series.
February 20, 2022
Cliff Hanger
This is a very exciting police adventure story and I didn't want to put the book down. I'm sure you will love it too!
This is a very exciting police adventure story and I didn't want to put the book down. I'm sure you will love it too!
Read
February 26, 2022To hard following the characters by their names. Too confusing for me. I did a lot of skiping around though.
October 12, 2019
Gripping! Fast paced, good plot line & believable characters.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews