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No Trespassing
When Vedika and her family move into Fantasia, the place seems idyllic. The by-invitation, ultra-luxury gated community has breathtaking features. A centrally air-conditioned clubhouse with a bar, lounge and all sports facilities. Spanish styled villas set around a lake, a golf course, a zen garden, and a private forest. Emerging from a spartan, middleclass upbringing, Vedika is eager to befriend her elite neighbours.
Gradually, she senses that something is going wrong with her son, Sajan. He seems foggy at times, unable to follow simple orders. Strangely, a few other Fantasia children also seem to exhibit behavioural oddities. Before his scheduled appointment with a doctor, Sajan dies in a freak accident.
Vedika is jolted out of her numbing grief by a shocking revelation: Sajan was murdered. A tenacious Vedika starts investigating his death. She interrogates the children and the Fantasia staff. As she unravels her own memories, she finds sinister links between Fantasia and the past.
Gradually, she senses that something is going wrong with her son, Sajan. He seems foggy at times, unable to follow simple orders. Strangely, a few other Fantasia children also seem to exhibit behavioural oddities. Before his scheduled appointment with a doctor, Sajan dies in a freak accident.
Vedika is jolted out of her numbing grief by a shocking revelation: Sajan was murdered. A tenacious Vedika starts investigating his death. She interrogates the children and the Fantasia staff. As she unravels her own memories, she finds sinister links between Fantasia and the past.
346 pages, Unknown Binding
Published April 1, 2019
22 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 18, 2020
More like a 3.5 star book but i'll give it a 4 star just so that the algorithm can be favourable to this book. Now this is the kind of indie book that needs a hype because it's well deserved.
When I started it, I thought it was an Indian version of Big Little Lies. A domestic thriller but this book definitely went beyond that.
It definitely has it's flaws like it could have been edited better, too much description about too many things and the ending did leave out certain plot points but overall if you wanna read a Indian thriller about a kid being murdered in the uber rich gated community of Bangalore, this is it
When I started it, I thought it was an Indian version of Big Little Lies. A domestic thriller but this book definitely went beyond that.
It definitely has it's flaws like it could have been edited better, too much description about too many things and the ending did leave out certain plot points but overall if you wanna read a Indian thriller about a kid being murdered in the uber rich gated community of Bangalore, this is it
October 16, 2021
Statutory warning...once you start this book, you will want to finish reading it as soon as possible!
I am very impressed by the way the author held on to the plot till the very end. The pain of a parent on losing their young child is difficult to express in words and yet the author does a splendid job on tugging just the right amount of emotions.So if that small little fact isn't up your alley then this isn't your book to read.
In terms of crafting the whole mystery I'd say this book is right up there with Paula Hawkins genre. It deserves way more appreciation than it has got as yet.
If you are one for mystery thrillers , then I would highly recommend this book.
I am very impressed by the way the author held on to the plot till the very end. The pain of a parent on losing their young child is difficult to express in words and yet the author does a splendid job on tugging just the right amount of emotions.So if that small little fact isn't up your alley then this isn't your book to read.
In terms of crafting the whole mystery I'd say this book is right up there with Paula Hawkins genre. It deserves way more appreciation than it has got as yet.
If you are one for mystery thrillers , then I would highly recommend this book.
November 11, 2021
A thriller from the moment you open it, No Trespassing is like a fisherman's net, doing what it does best by capturing you, holding your attention until the end is nigh.
No Trespassing is a book about a mother's grief.
Of how maternal instincts, like a compass pointing north, point towards a possibility that others dismiss as an accident.
Of how maternal love, crushes the obstacles blocking her path to the truth.
Of maternal wrath, that longs to see the ones responsible answer for their crimes.
Of maternal arms, that embrace her other child, enveloping around her, the protection of mother's love.
Vedika's life changes when her family moves into a state-of-the-art, luxury gated community in Bangalore. It changes again through the death of her son, an incident that everyone dismisses as an accident.
But her heart knows. Deep down, she knows.
I was surprised at what a crest and trough journey this book was. The first instance I realized that the book is not going to be a light and breezy thriller is when I encountered the eerie atmosphere that Brinda so easily creates.
The book demands to be read and before I knew it, I was sitting there, nursing the last 100 pages in my hand, waiting for the mystery to crack and the truth to be revealed.
However, the book isn't all perfect. There are several inconsistencies that kinda slowed me down in the middle. The plot oftentimes took an extremely convenient route which did cause my brain to itch and eye to twitch but it's easier to move past this quagmire as the writing simply pulled me forward.
To be honest, the characters weren't that memorable and at the time of writing this, I hardly remembered most of their names. There's also a slight dramatic edge to various parts of the story which tickled my amusement more than my annoyment.
Other than these points, the book is a solid hitter. It might even work as a semi - horroresque thriller movie (@netflix_india are you listening) that enthusiasts can enjoy over the weekend.
This is one 'No Trespassing' sign that you needn't heed!
No Trespassing is a book about a mother's grief.
Of how maternal instincts, like a compass pointing north, point towards a possibility that others dismiss as an accident.
Of how maternal love, crushes the obstacles blocking her path to the truth.
Of maternal wrath, that longs to see the ones responsible answer for their crimes.
Of maternal arms, that embrace her other child, enveloping around her, the protection of mother's love.
Vedika's life changes when her family moves into a state-of-the-art, luxury gated community in Bangalore. It changes again through the death of her son, an incident that everyone dismisses as an accident.
But her heart knows. Deep down, she knows.
I was surprised at what a crest and trough journey this book was. The first instance I realized that the book is not going to be a light and breezy thriller is when I encountered the eerie atmosphere that Brinda so easily creates.
The book demands to be read and before I knew it, I was sitting there, nursing the last 100 pages in my hand, waiting for the mystery to crack and the truth to be revealed.
However, the book isn't all perfect. There are several inconsistencies that kinda slowed me down in the middle. The plot oftentimes took an extremely convenient route which did cause my brain to itch and eye to twitch but it's easier to move past this quagmire as the writing simply pulled me forward.
To be honest, the characters weren't that memorable and at the time of writing this, I hardly remembered most of their names. There's also a slight dramatic edge to various parts of the story which tickled my amusement more than my annoyment.
Other than these points, the book is a solid hitter. It might even work as a semi - horroresque thriller movie (@netflix_india are you listening) that enthusiasts can enjoy over the weekend.
This is one 'No Trespassing' sign that you needn't heed!
September 20, 2019
A gripping story revolving around a mysterious death of a child, narrated by the mother herself. She takes us back to the time when she moved to luxurious dream house in Bangalore with her perfect & happy family and the course of events that changed her life. Nail-biting at some points as she makes some shocking discoveries.
A mother's emotion is beautifully captured. There is a strong message at the end as she adopts Kartik. Who's Kartik ? Read it yourself ;)
A mother's emotion is beautifully captured. There is a strong message at the end as she adopts Kartik. Who's Kartik ? Read it yourself ;)
July 17, 2019
A gripping tale that will get your heart racing, written with an expertise that is hard to find in Indian authors these days.
It’s a stunning work of fiction that would make a fantastic feature film.
Westland Publications
Rs. 350/-
When tragedy strikes, how far would you go to get to the bottom of the truth? Finding out the truth is an arduous task, especially when you have no allies and your own people do not believe you. Throw in some repressed childhood trauma and it’s the perfect combination for delusional behaviour and paranoia. Brinda S. Narayan weaves a brilliant web that traps your attention and completely consumes you.
The story revolves around Vedika and her family that moves to a new gated community, called Fantasia. A series of oddities are seen in the behaviour of kids in the community that escalates to the unfortunate death of Vedika’s child. Ruled out as an accident, the reasoning does not sit well with the mother who investigates a little further, leading her to a shocking conclusion that her son was murdered in cold blood.
Set in a slightly dystopian social environment, Narayan shows us that elite communities are necessarily not as glamorous as they seem and illustrates a potentially dark side to urbanization. She has definitely done her ground work and has demonstrated a few powerful millennial issues throughout the book.
One of the best things about this is how real the characters seem. Narayan has done a spectacular job of defining and shaping her characters. The different layers each individual has makes them interesting to read about. While the work is purely fictional, one cannot help but relate to these fictional people on a deeply personal level.
The story has all the elements needed to make it terrifyingly good. The non-linear narration that goes back and forth in between timelines, paints a vivid picture in your head. It leaves you craving for more. This clear cut narrative is also why this could be made into a feature film that would surely have the audience on the edge of their seats.
All in all, this thriller is a must read. It earns a 4.8 stars on a scale of 5.
October 27, 2020
No spoilers🚫
🌼
It's well written and characters were beautifully sketched. It's a story about a mom's search for the cause of her son's "accidental death".
🌼
The writing style of the author interests me and I kept turning pages to know what's going to happen next.
🌼
At times, I felt the plots were too streched but overall it kept me engaged and hitched me throughout.
🌼
The author also brought in social issues and problems.
🌼
Many may criticize the ending while some may appreciate it. But I think it totally depends on the perspective of the reader. All were connected at the end and I find the ending wasn't fully revealed. May be author will reveal it in her next book.
🌼
Sure it's an excellent piece of literary work. This is definitely worth a read. Highly recommended.
🌼
It's well written and characters were beautifully sketched. It's a story about a mom's search for the cause of her son's "accidental death".
🌼
The writing style of the author interests me and I kept turning pages to know what's going to happen next.
🌼
At times, I felt the plots were too streched but overall it kept me engaged and hitched me throughout.
🌼
The author also brought in social issues and problems.
🌼
Many may criticize the ending while some may appreciate it. But I think it totally depends on the perspective of the reader. All were connected at the end and I find the ending wasn't fully revealed. May be author will reveal it in her next book.
🌼
Sure it's an excellent piece of literary work. This is definitely worth a read. Highly recommended.
December 19, 2020
This was a good thriller and kept me engaged till like 80% of the book. Moreover I had no clue who the culprit was so Kudos to the author for baffling the reader. I would say the book would have been more compact had there been less descriptions at some places. Also the whole thing was very elaborate I must say and it was good the reason for behavioural disorder and othe things. But somewhere I think I was left with questions unanswered. Overall it was good. Thank you
September 8, 2019
A five star book. Simply an unstoppable read.
Full of twists and turns, am happy that I came upon this books thanks to Amazon Prime Reading.
Will recommend to all mystery, crime, thriller and suspense lovers
Full of twists and turns, am happy that I came upon this books thanks to Amazon Prime Reading.
Will recommend to all mystery, crime, thriller and suspense lovers
December 20, 2020
🍁NO TRESPASSING BY BRINDA S. NARAYAN , witness us with a heart-wrenching story of a mother whose litte boy has been snatched from her and her journey to uncover the darkest secrets behind her son's murder which has been shown as an accident till then
🌸
🍃Vedika, the protagonist of the story and her family move into idyllic Fantasia an extravagant residential project by invitation, ultra luxury gated community with elite and fancy neighbours
🌸
🍃Life was going smoothly till she finds out her son, Sajan sudden change in behaviour he seems foggy at times not only Sajan but other Fantasia children show similar behaviours. Before his scheduled appointment with the doctor , Sajan dies in an accident which didn't looks like an accident to Vedika , she knows something else is behind his death
🌸
🍃In order to find out the real secrets she starts investigating his death and soon she finds out numerous clues in bits and pieces and everything connecting to one place 'Dhoolvansh' and has some mysterious links to her nightmares which she started having from a very tender age
🌸
🍃In the quest of unraveling her own memory and the reasons behind her son's death she unwraps some mystery that has been hidden till then . Soon every one in her own vicinity appears suspicious, her own life and her family was in verge of doom and everything is seemed to be a part of a foul play
🌸
🍃NO TRESPASSING is a stunning work of fiction with a perfect blend of suspence, spook , danger and mystery making it an absolute page turner. Gripping ,tense and a disquieting tale of love , loss and long forgotten dark past whose shadow lingers over till date. A journey and fight of a mother to find the real reason behind her son's death inspite of life threatening dangers proves how far a mom can go beyond boundaries for the sake of her children and families
🍀
🍂I urge everyone to read this mind-blowing book 🍂
🌸
🍃Vedika, the protagonist of the story and her family move into idyllic Fantasia an extravagant residential project by invitation, ultra luxury gated community with elite and fancy neighbours
🌸
🍃Life was going smoothly till she finds out her son, Sajan sudden change in behaviour he seems foggy at times not only Sajan but other Fantasia children show similar behaviours. Before his scheduled appointment with the doctor , Sajan dies in an accident which didn't looks like an accident to Vedika , she knows something else is behind his death
🌸
🍃In order to find out the real secrets she starts investigating his death and soon she finds out numerous clues in bits and pieces and everything connecting to one place 'Dhoolvansh' and has some mysterious links to her nightmares which she started having from a very tender age
🌸
🍃In the quest of unraveling her own memory and the reasons behind her son's death she unwraps some mystery that has been hidden till then . Soon every one in her own vicinity appears suspicious, her own life and her family was in verge of doom and everything is seemed to be a part of a foul play
🌸
🍃NO TRESPASSING is a stunning work of fiction with a perfect blend of suspence, spook , danger and mystery making it an absolute page turner. Gripping ,tense and a disquieting tale of love , loss and long forgotten dark past whose shadow lingers over till date. A journey and fight of a mother to find the real reason behind her son's death inspite of life threatening dangers proves how far a mom can go beyond boundaries for the sake of her children and families
🍀
🍂I urge everyone to read this mind-blowing book 🍂
November 30, 2020
No trespassing by Brinda S Narayan 📚
Check my review on my blog- https://inscribedinklings.wordpress.c...
"No trespassing" is a riveting tale of a mother seeking redemption for the death of her son. From page one, the book pulls you in and keeps providing us clues to unravel. The language of the book is exquisite and lucid. The narration is fluid and is narrated by the mother, Vedika.
The writing style the author uses is fluent and ornate. The tone and the mood of the book invoked the feeling of dread within me as I read the book. The characters were well etched and each person had lasting impact on the reader.
The central theme of the story is the anguish of faces by the mother while uncovering the scandal behind her son's death. The death of a young boy, Sajan occurs in a luxury gated community called Fantasia. While everyone is convince the death is only an unfortunate accident, Vedika is determined to find the murderer. She is herself haunted by recurring dreams from her past.
She goes on a journey that links her past and present in a morbid manner. Will she survive to tell the world the truth she discovered or does she die trying? Read to find out!
This is an absolute MUST READ for all thriller lovers. It maybe a bit slow to start off but it is worth it in the end. Hands down the best thriller I've read this year by an Indian Author.
Read it / Skip it- My verdict- READ📖
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
-Afreen
Check my review on my blog- https://inscribedinklings.wordpress.c...
"No trespassing" is a riveting tale of a mother seeking redemption for the death of her son. From page one, the book pulls you in and keeps providing us clues to unravel. The language of the book is exquisite and lucid. The narration is fluid and is narrated by the mother, Vedika.
The writing style the author uses is fluent and ornate. The tone and the mood of the book invoked the feeling of dread within me as I read the book. The characters were well etched and each person had lasting impact on the reader.
The central theme of the story is the anguish of faces by the mother while uncovering the scandal behind her son's death. The death of a young boy, Sajan occurs in a luxury gated community called Fantasia. While everyone is convince the death is only an unfortunate accident, Vedika is determined to find the murderer. She is herself haunted by recurring dreams from her past.
She goes on a journey that links her past and present in a morbid manner. Will she survive to tell the world the truth she discovered or does she die trying? Read to find out!
This is an absolute MUST READ for all thriller lovers. It maybe a bit slow to start off but it is worth it in the end. Hands down the best thriller I've read this year by an Indian Author.
Read it / Skip it- My verdict- READ📖
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
-Afreen
March 16, 2021
Indeed, a thriller Wednesday!! It all started when Vedika moved into her dream house, Fantasia and turn of events lead to the accidental death of her son as ruled out by the authorities. Even though it didn’t seem right, but having not enough evidence to point out the truth, Vedika tries to investigates further onto the case only to find out the real truth. This lands onto the series of gripping questions like is he murdered? Or was it an accidental death? Is Vedika imagining things or there is more to it?
This psychedelic read connects the past events of the life with present reality. This is a take on the societal structure, atrocities in the name of privilege. A tale to remember who we are and what we have become with the structural oppression.
The characterization is close to reality with a spectacular narration of events makes it an interesting read. This starts on a slow pace but picks up later. This is a call onto act collectively to articulate such atrocities. This is a must read for thriller buffs and one of the best work by Indian author.
This psychedelic read connects the past events of the life with present reality. This is a take on the societal structure, atrocities in the name of privilege. A tale to remember who we are and what we have become with the structural oppression.
The characterization is close to reality with a spectacular narration of events makes it an interesting read. This starts on a slow pace but picks up later. This is a call onto act collectively to articulate such atrocities. This is a must read for thriller buffs and one of the best work by Indian author.
March 31, 2023
Halfway through reading this book, I had to Google it to check on the genre. My revulsion towards horror be it movies or books overtook my yearning to continue reading.
How can this book be classified as a thriller mystery, when the depictions are so eerie? Despite being set in a lush gated community full of the upper caste and class, No Trespassing gives off a very sinister vibe throughout. More than any thriller I’ve read.
Brinda weaves her words beautifully, I particularly enjoyed her use of the language. The protagonist is fleshed out well. She isn’t very likeable but one can empathise with her.
I cannot say the same for the other characters, particularly the women in the community. Perhaps it was because there were so many of them - and nothing really set them apart from each other - nothing that I latched on to, at least.
Overall, this book kept me engaged throughout and even caused some disturbing dreams lol. Well done Brinda!
How can this book be classified as a thriller mystery, when the depictions are so eerie? Despite being set in a lush gated community full of the upper caste and class, No Trespassing gives off a very sinister vibe throughout. More than any thriller I’ve read.
Brinda weaves her words beautifully, I particularly enjoyed her use of the language. The protagonist is fleshed out well. She isn’t very likeable but one can empathise with her.
I cannot say the same for the other characters, particularly the women in the community. Perhaps it was because there were so many of them - and nothing really set them apart from each other - nothing that I latched on to, at least.
Overall, this book kept me engaged throughout and even caused some disturbing dreams lol. Well done Brinda!
November 8, 2020
I had this books for a few months but I always avoided reading it (don't know why ?). This suspense thriller (fiction) is all about how a mother tries to find how her son died which eventually leads to some nasty discoveries.
Strength of this book lies in its plot. All the characters and circumstances made so much sense due to the strength in the plot. Along with the plot, the writer has also described each thing beautifully as it becomes easy for the reader to imagine what is actually happening. The only thing I disliked was Climax. Maybe my expectations were increased due to great plot ?
The unique thing about this book is that it tries to give some message. However, it depends on the reader to consider it as social, cultural or environmental (or all ?).
Strength of this book lies in its plot. All the characters and circumstances made so much sense due to the strength in the plot. Along with the plot, the writer has also described each thing beautifully as it becomes easy for the reader to imagine what is actually happening. The only thing I disliked was Climax. Maybe my expectations were increased due to great plot ?
The unique thing about this book is that it tries to give some message. However, it depends on the reader to consider it as social, cultural or environmental (or all ?).
September 15, 2019
A daunting and bone-chilling story
What are we doing to our rivers and land? Maiming our kids and poisoning them unknowingly, anything like Fantasia might not be too far-fetched if we, as a society do not rearrange our priorities.
Brinda's carefully articulated tale demands our collective attention to the atrocities meted out to Nature in the name of development. I almost bit my nails off while figuring out the truth along with Vedika. Do read at leisure but do not forget the message in the tale. Highly recommended.
What are we doing to our rivers and land? Maiming our kids and poisoning them unknowingly, anything like Fantasia might not be too far-fetched if we, as a society do not rearrange our priorities.
Brinda's carefully articulated tale demands our collective attention to the atrocities meted out to Nature in the name of development. I almost bit my nails off while figuring out the truth along with Vedika. Do read at leisure but do not forget the message in the tale. Highly recommended.
September 17, 2019
Fast paced and gripping
The book is about mother's journey in her quest for the truth about her son's "accidental" death. Writing keeps you on edge with full of suspense and you go on a journey along with it's protagonist. Brinda' s writing is beautiful and while reading you literally see everything. Female writers bring certain feminine touch in the writing and the way they talk about the emotions and feelings as very few male writers can. That is why as woman myself, I enjoy reading female authors work.
The book is about mother's journey in her quest for the truth about her son's "accidental" death. Writing keeps you on edge with full of suspense and you go on a journey along with it's protagonist. Brinda' s writing is beautiful and while reading you literally see everything. Female writers bring certain feminine touch in the writing and the way they talk about the emotions and feelings as very few male writers can. That is why as woman myself, I enjoy reading female authors work.
September 15, 2019
Well written, intense
I gave the book five stars but I know I'll never be able to read it again. It's well written and gives a fascinating (to me) look into the minds of some memorable characters. So realistic in some ways that fiction-loving me will find it difficult to just move on from. Dark and yet logically (more or less) pulled together at the end, the writer's style of writing is as beautiful as the origami that peppers the book.
I gave the book five stars but I know I'll never be able to read it again. It's well written and gives a fascinating (to me) look into the minds of some memorable characters. So realistic in some ways that fiction-loving me will find it difficult to just move on from. Dark and yet logically (more or less) pulled together at the end, the writer's style of writing is as beautiful as the origami that peppers the book.
October 25, 2019
A gripping thriller
In other cases, i would think twice before giving a book 5 star. But not for this book. Without revealing much about the story, all i can say that it is a page turner and unputdownable book. A murder that shakes a family which would do everything to find out murderer and motive - with new facts pointing to new faces everytime, is surely a must read for book lovers in general and thriller lover in particular.
In other cases, i would think twice before giving a book 5 star. But not for this book. Without revealing much about the story, all i can say that it is a page turner and unputdownable book. A murder that shakes a family which would do everything to find out murderer and motive - with new facts pointing to new faces everytime, is surely a must read for book lovers in general and thriller lover in particular.
October 3, 2019
Though the story is good, I was not convinced with the climax. Seemed like the climax was made to somehow fit the story. I mean come on at the end its said that the don funded the projects (super lavish projects i must say) so damini can take revenge. Which don will do that?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2020
A Fantastic book finished after a long gap. The plot is much engaging...mystery being unveiled sentence by sentence. An atmosphere of thrill, suspense and fear frequently enveloped me while reading.. Vedika’s family lived on the edge while she was unfolding the pieces of her son’s murder mystery..
July 1, 2019
Brilliant piece of fiction - one of the best to emerge from an Indian author in recent years. A page-turner that keeps you guessing till the very end. A must-read.
August 21, 2019
Likes the way it was written and kept me excited to find what next although climax could be better.
September 5, 2019
Well written. Keep you gripped but the end could have been better.
November 3, 2019
Gripping. I forgot to breathe in parts.
December 23, 2019
Get me gripped throughout, with completely unexpected twists and turns.
March 27, 2020
Really well written and coming from an Indian author, this was a pleasant surprise. Until that last page, the thriller holds your breath.
July 7, 2020
A very intense story - I finished it in a day.
May 9, 2021
More like 3.5 .. too much of detailing.. could have been more better!
July 7, 2022
gripping page turner
May 20, 2021
Extremely Dull
oh boy, I am it page 125 but nothing seems to be moving. I don't know how people are giving this book 5 stars and calling it page Turner. It is extremely extremely boring.
events, far and few, are unbelievable.
I I cannot read any further.
oh boy, I am it page 125 but nothing seems to be moving. I don't know how people are giving this book 5 stars and calling it page Turner. It is extremely extremely boring.
events, far and few, are unbelievable.
I I cannot read any further.
November 5, 2021
Jarring and stretched. The pace is painfully slow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews