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A Rita Ferreira Thriller #3
Lipstick
DCP Rita Ferreira is called into the investigation after a third corpse is discovered in Mumbai, which confirms it is the work of the same killer who paints his victims' lips with dark red lipstick. The Lipstick Killer, like all serial killers, is fast decompensating - the time interval between the murders shortening, the victims shifting from street-side hookers to high-heeled wives ... And he watches everything and everyone - the news of his exploits, Rita, the investigation - and talks. However, he only talks to you: 'When I'm gone, some people may tell you that I was evil, perhaps even call me a psychopath. Don't believe them. I am not. I am anything but irrational and impractical; perhaps only slightly more detached than your average guy on the street.'
- GenresThriller
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2019
6 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Vish Dhamija
23 books106 followersWiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vish_Dh...
FB: https://www.facebook.com/VishDhamija/...
Twitter: @vishdhamija
Amazon India: http://tiny.cc/vishdhamija
Books:
Nothing Lasts Forever
Bhendi Bazaar
Deja Karma
Doosra
Nothing Else Matters
FB: https://www.facebook.com/VishDhamija/...
Twitter: @vishdhamija
Amazon India: http://tiny.cc/vishdhamija
Books:
Nothing Lasts Forever
Bhendi Bazaar
Deja Karma
Doosra
Nothing Else Matters
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 31, 2020
My teammate had reviewed "The Heist Artis" by Vish Dhamija. And he had recommended me to read Vish's work. Before the release of Lipstick, I have seen a feed that the series (Rita Ferreira) was soon gonna be adopted. So when Lipstick's picture came to my social feed I was very excited to read it. I know I had reservations because. I haven't read the first two books of the series Bhendi Bazaar & Doosra. But I have done many times in the past which did with this book and that was to go ahead of this one at least. Now after reading this, I am sure in the near future I will read the first two books as well.
Those who want to directly read this part, don't worry I have done it. And I found 90-95% content independent of previous installments. The only relation you may miss will be crew around Rita & their ongoing challenges which were discussed in previous parts. Crime is completely new. So just grab your chair and read this book.
Well, Lipstick is focused on a serial killer who left no trail of the crime except the red lipstick mark. Rita was called on the case when already their incidents happened. Rita and her team also found case tricky as finding clues was difficult. But every case has its own story so a job for Rita was to catch the killer before toll on innocent (or not) people's lives reached high. On the other hand, Killer got a good stage, I would stage. Those who have read serial killer books knew how important the role of the killer's background. The justification was visible in the book.
Good points
1) Suspense & thrill
2) Easy language usage
3) Character buildup (I didn't feel that I was missing anything)
4) Medium length
Points of improvements
1) Pace - through the medium pace at places it became too slow
2) Gray conclusion of Killer's past
3) Some repeated conversation between investigators were slowing the pace
Still a nice read worth 3.5 out of 5.
Detailed review link https://chevusread.blogspot.com/2020/...
Those who want to directly read this part, don't worry I have done it. And I found 90-95% content independent of previous installments. The only relation you may miss will be crew around Rita & their ongoing challenges which were discussed in previous parts. Crime is completely new. So just grab your chair and read this book.
Well, Lipstick is focused on a serial killer who left no trail of the crime except the red lipstick mark. Rita was called on the case when already their incidents happened. Rita and her team also found case tricky as finding clues was difficult. But every case has its own story so a job for Rita was to catch the killer before toll on innocent (or not) people's lives reached high. On the other hand, Killer got a good stage, I would stage. Those who have read serial killer books knew how important the role of the killer's background. The justification was visible in the book.
Good points
1) Suspense & thrill
2) Easy language usage
3) Character buildup (I didn't feel that I was missing anything)
4) Medium length
Points of improvements
1) Pace - through the medium pace at places it became too slow
2) Gray conclusion of Killer's past
3) Some repeated conversation between investigators were slowing the pace
Still a nice read worth 3.5 out of 5.
Detailed review link https://chevusread.blogspot.com/2020/...
February 12, 2020
8th book of 2020 (132nd book overall)
Quote from the Book I Liked - 'The only thing worse than being sad is pretending to be happy.' (Page no. 141)
Rating - 3 Stars
Plot Summary - DCP Rita Ferreira is called into the investigation after a third corpse is discovered in Mumbai, which confirms it is the work of the same killer who paints his victims' lips with dark red lipstick. The Lipstick Killer, like all serial killers, is fast decompensating - the time interval between the murders shortening, the victims shifting from street-side hookers to high-heeled wives ... And he watches everything and everyone - the news of his exploits, Rita, the investigation - and talks. However, he only talks to you: 'When I'm gone, some people may tell you that I was evil, perhaps even call me a psychopath. Don't believe them. I am not. I am anything but irrational and impractical; perhaps only slightly more detached than your average guy on the street.'
My Review - The book is another thriller suspense of a serial killer. DCP Rita Ferreira from Crime branch gets an urgent call when yet another body is found with the same MO of the serial killer they've been searching for. The mystery seems to get more suffocating for the Crime branch team when they did not find any clue in the third murder from the same serial killer who is now labelled as 'The Lipstick Killer' by the media. The team tries to investigate deeper and deeper to get any link between the gruesome murder and what they next to find the killer is a story to read. The phycology of the serial killers is explained wisely along with some humour from the team members of Crime branch. Though it seems to be a complete book with no loopholes yet for me, the story seems too mundane and nothing too exciting to go for. It felt more like a yet another Crime thriller. Although the book is good to be read once, I felt too common and nothing unique to specially go for it.
Conclusion - A good thriller but lacked felt too mundane.
Full Review on Blog.
Link to Blog - The Tales of Fugitive Biker
Quote from the Book I Liked - 'The only thing worse than being sad is pretending to be happy.' (Page no. 141)
Rating - 3 Stars
Plot Summary - DCP Rita Ferreira is called into the investigation after a third corpse is discovered in Mumbai, which confirms it is the work of the same killer who paints his victims' lips with dark red lipstick. The Lipstick Killer, like all serial killers, is fast decompensating - the time interval between the murders shortening, the victims shifting from street-side hookers to high-heeled wives ... And he watches everything and everyone - the news of his exploits, Rita, the investigation - and talks. However, he only talks to you: 'When I'm gone, some people may tell you that I was evil, perhaps even call me a psychopath. Don't believe them. I am not. I am anything but irrational and impractical; perhaps only slightly more detached than your average guy on the street.'
My Review - The book is another thriller suspense of a serial killer. DCP Rita Ferreira from Crime branch gets an urgent call when yet another body is found with the same MO of the serial killer they've been searching for. The mystery seems to get more suffocating for the Crime branch team when they did not find any clue in the third murder from the same serial killer who is now labelled as 'The Lipstick Killer' by the media. The team tries to investigate deeper and deeper to get any link between the gruesome murder and what they next to find the killer is a story to read. The phycology of the serial killers is explained wisely along with some humour from the team members of Crime branch. Though it seems to be a complete book with no loopholes yet for me, the story seems too mundane and nothing too exciting to go for. It felt more like a yet another Crime thriller. Although the book is good to be read once, I felt too common and nothing unique to specially go for it.
Conclusion - A good thriller but lacked felt too mundane.
Full Review on Blog.
Link to Blog - The Tales of Fugitive Biker
January 28, 2020
Full review on my blog:
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2019/12/bo...
A third dead body is found when DCP Rita Ferreira had to be called in and the three cases are handed over to the Mumbai crime branch. Along with her team, Rita quickly sets up an ops center and gets onto the job of nabbing the criminal, who is believed to be the same person involved in all the three incidents looking at the similarity in the modus operand. As with most serial killers, this one too has a set of rituals that he follows - one that stood out was how he painted the women's lips with a dark red lipstick and then bit it off.
The killers took extreme care to not leave back any clues, or DNA like hair or body fluids, hence making the case complicated. As the crime branch start their chase to unearth the killer, there are more bodies that are found, and the killer gets onto a spree of ruthless killings. How does Rita find an end to this while dealing with a highly intelligent and psychotic killer forms the rest of the story.
As the blurb suggests, the story is of a serial killer who teases the police with his smart techniques of killing, however what sets the story apart is the way author delves into the psych and background of how a person turns into a brutal killer. Mid way through the story, some parts of the story is also narrated from the killer's point of view making it interesting, how he blames an imaginary inner self for his negative qualities. The built up of suspense and narration from the point when the police start with zero clues about the killer to investigating from multiple dimensions is what keeps the story engaging.
There are of course few threads the reader would want the protagonist to further explore instead of leaving them to end abruptly. Also, some portions towards the end seems rushed up as the actions of the killer could have been explained better, like his daily lifestyle and his interactions with people other than his targeted victims. However, excusing these minor hiccups the book makes for a racy thriller and serves as perfect example of how to build an interesting narrative about a serial killer.
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2019/12/bo...
A third dead body is found when DCP Rita Ferreira had to be called in and the three cases are handed over to the Mumbai crime branch. Along with her team, Rita quickly sets up an ops center and gets onto the job of nabbing the criminal, who is believed to be the same person involved in all the three incidents looking at the similarity in the modus operand. As with most serial killers, this one too has a set of rituals that he follows - one that stood out was how he painted the women's lips with a dark red lipstick and then bit it off.
The killers took extreme care to not leave back any clues, or DNA like hair or body fluids, hence making the case complicated. As the crime branch start their chase to unearth the killer, there are more bodies that are found, and the killer gets onto a spree of ruthless killings. How does Rita find an end to this while dealing with a highly intelligent and psychotic killer forms the rest of the story.
As the blurb suggests, the story is of a serial killer who teases the police with his smart techniques of killing, however what sets the story apart is the way author delves into the psych and background of how a person turns into a brutal killer. Mid way through the story, some parts of the story is also narrated from the killer's point of view making it interesting, how he blames an imaginary inner self for his negative qualities. The built up of suspense and narration from the point when the police start with zero clues about the killer to investigating from multiple dimensions is what keeps the story engaging.
There are of course few threads the reader would want the protagonist to further explore instead of leaving them to end abruptly. Also, some portions towards the end seems rushed up as the actions of the killer could have been explained better, like his daily lifestyle and his interactions with people other than his targeted victims. However, excusing these minor hiccups the book makes for a racy thriller and serves as perfect example of how to build an interesting narrative about a serial killer.
June 29, 2020
In a serious attempt to explore various genres written by Indian Authors 'goodreads' suggested me to read Lipstick by Vish Dhamija. A little bit off research was enough to know the buzz Vish has created in the market by his popular Rita Ferreira series.
To be honest I have not read the first two books in the series and jumped directly on to the Lipstick . Knowing that the series soon is going to be a TV series was an inspiration enough to kick start the journey .
Lipstick is an instant page-turner, and Vish almost instantly introduces you to the vicious psychopath who is on the loose. The macabre and the morbid crime scene will wrench your gut enough to hate the serial killer.
One catchy thing in the writing style is how creatively Vish tries to educate his readers about other (in)famous serial killers, their techniques and flaws as well. Via his writing, Vish also introduces you to the the all-alive Mumbai . The elegant and precise sentence keeps you on the track and also will engage you to imagine the scene as well.
Character Development:-
Since I directly jumped to the third part of the series , I felt that the character of the protagonist was flat and didn't grow with the story . As this book was a page-turner , this fact did not hurt me , but obviously I missed the connection with the protagonist. She obviously is smart and her approach to solve the case is remarkably awesome.
The antagonist, our serial-killer, I believe did stole the limelight if we talk about character development. Vish has invested the exact amount of time which was needed to feel the creepiness and sickness of the killer's motivation behind his gruesome act. His whole , journey and how he grew to eventually become the monster is presented in a splendid way. You will hate him , period.
Apart from these two characters, the only character which I found appealing was Ruby's. I believe I would have loved more reading about her. Her role, in the story is pivotal. And I won't spoil the story writing about it.
Plot Development:-
The true challenge which a writer faces is how to keep his audience engaged. The story starts at a very perfect pace , slowly introducing to the horrors which are being unleashed by the notorious Lipstick killer. The marvelous ease in which Lipstick killer has blended into the society will even make you question the intentions of your neighbors. The cat-and-mouse chase will keep you on the hook that's for sure. You won't be able to guess the true killer by the very end . And you will thoroughly enjoy the development of the plot.
Book nowhere falls flat and lives brilliantly upto my expectations and hype it has created.
In an interview with yourstory.com Vish himself states that crime thriller as a genre has not grown much among the indian audience. But it is slowly growing and propelling further.
IMHO , Vish is truly pushing off the boundaries and presenting a very serious craft with his writing.
Lipstick is truly a brilliant book which you won't regret reading . !
Thought provoking quote:-
The ability to be a child passed away when one's parents passed away.
To be honest I have not read the first two books in the series and jumped directly on to the Lipstick . Knowing that the series soon is going to be a TV series was an inspiration enough to kick start the journey .
Lipstick is an instant page-turner, and Vish almost instantly introduces you to the vicious psychopath who is on the loose. The macabre and the morbid crime scene will wrench your gut enough to hate the serial killer.
One catchy thing in the writing style is how creatively Vish tries to educate his readers about other (in)famous serial killers, their techniques and flaws as well. Via his writing, Vish also introduces you to the the all-alive Mumbai . The elegant and precise sentence keeps you on the track and also will engage you to imagine the scene as well.
Character Development:-
Since I directly jumped to the third part of the series , I felt that the character of the protagonist was flat and didn't grow with the story . As this book was a page-turner , this fact did not hurt me , but obviously I missed the connection with the protagonist. She obviously is smart and her approach to solve the case is remarkably awesome.
The antagonist, our serial-killer, I believe did stole the limelight if we talk about character development. Vish has invested the exact amount of time which was needed to feel the creepiness and sickness of the killer's motivation behind his gruesome act. His whole , journey and how he grew to eventually become the monster is presented in a splendid way. You will hate him , period.
Apart from these two characters, the only character which I found appealing was Ruby's. I believe I would have loved more reading about her. Her role, in the story is pivotal. And I won't spoil the story writing about it.
Plot Development:-
The true challenge which a writer faces is how to keep his audience engaged. The story starts at a very perfect pace , slowly introducing to the horrors which are being unleashed by the notorious Lipstick killer. The marvelous ease in which Lipstick killer has blended into the society will even make you question the intentions of your neighbors. The cat-and-mouse chase will keep you on the hook that's for sure. You won't be able to guess the true killer by the very end . And you will thoroughly enjoy the development of the plot.
Book nowhere falls flat and lives brilliantly upto my expectations and hype it has created.
In an interview with yourstory.com Vish himself states that crime thriller as a genre has not grown much among the indian audience. But it is slowly growing and propelling further.
IMHO , Vish is truly pushing off the boundaries and presenting a very serious craft with his writing.
Lipstick is truly a brilliant book which you won't regret reading . !
Thought provoking quote:-
The ability to be a child passed away when one's parents passed away.
February 24, 2020
The plot is dominated with the blood and gore and how perverted the perpetrator's mind has been. Rita Ferreira is introduced to yet another serial killer, a cleverer and preverted one this time. The more savage the crime is the cleverer the culprit gets. He leaves nothing behind, no fingerprints, no foorprints, no bodyfluids and not even a single strand of hair. Rita is associated with Harry, a smart rookie who never fails to include a Hindi idiom translated in English in the funniest manner possible. Rita is in a "part-time" relationship with Ash Mittel. While she is trying to decode the death of the hookers, the next slaughter of a respectable house wife turns the table for the investigative team. While trying to find the connection between the women they zero in on Ranbeer who has supplied systems to these women.
Once Ranbeer gets arrested, the whole scenario changes. Further what happens is the crux of the book.
The characters are idetified by their idiosycrasies rather than their personality, barring Rita and Ash. The character of Ash is close to reality. How an ordinary person deals with long distance relationship is portrayed honestly through Ash. Coming to the antagonist, I would say the timing was right because we, in Kerala, just got enlightened with the news of a woman who led a normal respectful life but was a serial killer. The antagonist in the movie is the male counterpart of this real life woman but since the book was written before that it should me surmised that the author has a gift of god. The murders are all gruesome which shows the insanity of the culprit but the fact that he has a reapectable life, shows his ability to hide his ogre head. Other characters are all supporting the plot. Notwithstading the importance in the plot, they are not given much space to develop.
The narration style is impeccable. It's mid way through a vernacular and literary style hence it targets hardcore readers as well a beginners. The parallel story line which depicts the backstory of the anatagonist is similar to that of his previous book.
The climax is impeccable and unprecedented. When the readers are on the edge of the seat and just about to know who is who, the unexpected and unprecedented twists drops them on the seat wondering what is happening. It makes the book all the more unique. The second half is stretched to no end resulting in the readers losing interest after a point but later the pace is revamped.
Once Ranbeer gets arrested, the whole scenario changes. Further what happens is the crux of the book.
The characters are idetified by their idiosycrasies rather than their personality, barring Rita and Ash. The character of Ash is close to reality. How an ordinary person deals with long distance relationship is portrayed honestly through Ash. Coming to the antagonist, I would say the timing was right because we, in Kerala, just got enlightened with the news of a woman who led a normal respectful life but was a serial killer. The antagonist in the movie is the male counterpart of this real life woman but since the book was written before that it should me surmised that the author has a gift of god. The murders are all gruesome which shows the insanity of the culprit but the fact that he has a reapectable life, shows his ability to hide his ogre head. Other characters are all supporting the plot. Notwithstading the importance in the plot, they are not given much space to develop.
The narration style is impeccable. It's mid way through a vernacular and literary style hence it targets hardcore readers as well a beginners. The parallel story line which depicts the backstory of the anatagonist is similar to that of his previous book.
The climax is impeccable and unprecedented. When the readers are on the edge of the seat and just about to know who is who, the unexpected and unprecedented twists drops them on the seat wondering what is happening. It makes the book all the more unique. The second half is stretched to no end resulting in the readers losing interest after a point but later the pace is revamped.
November 7, 2019
LIPSTIK
LIPSTIK Vish dhamija’s 8th book & 3rd after Bhindi Bazaar & Doosra in DCP Rita Ferreria series ,Lipstick is an another addictive thriller story for all those crime-fiction fans out there!
The engaging plot with evocative writing made it easier to picture the whole story, and I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end . As the story progresses, the mysteries and clues are unraveled like pieces of a puzzle that are scattered here and there, it keeps us guessing who the killer could be. The inclusion of a few chapters, told from the culprit's side depicts the brutality of the killer's thoughts and actions. I was proved utterly wrong when I thought I knew the ending. All the pieces are glued together to give an unpredictable ending. I never saw that coming!
Vish Dhamija knows how to keep the readers tied up to his work with a fascinating storyline, amazing characters, and a very impressive story building. Lipstik is a book not to be missed for all the thriller fiction lovers. A realistic story with a diligent detective protagonist will keep you hooked to the story from the first page to the last. Highly recommended!
LIPSTIK Vish dhamija’s 8th book & 3rd after Bhindi Bazaar & Doosra in DCP Rita Ferreria series ,Lipstick is an another addictive thriller story for all those crime-fiction fans out there!
The engaging plot with evocative writing made it easier to picture the whole story, and I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end . As the story progresses, the mysteries and clues are unraveled like pieces of a puzzle that are scattered here and there, it keeps us guessing who the killer could be. The inclusion of a few chapters, told from the culprit's side depicts the brutality of the killer's thoughts and actions. I was proved utterly wrong when I thought I knew the ending. All the pieces are glued together to give an unpredictable ending. I never saw that coming!
Vish Dhamija knows how to keep the readers tied up to his work with a fascinating storyline, amazing characters, and a very impressive story building. Lipstik is a book not to be missed for all the thriller fiction lovers. A realistic story with a diligent detective protagonist will keep you hooked to the story from the first page to the last. Highly recommended!
June 2, 2024
Risky, absorbing and murderous, Lipstick by Vish Dhamija is a work of thriller mystery that pulses along the categories of a "who dunnit?"
When the 3rd corpse of a woman is found at Dr. Annie Besant Road in Mumbai, Rita Ferreira and Co. knew that "He has struck again". He, the Lipstick Killer, who horrendously murders woman and paints his victim's lips with dark wine red lipstick, has captured another victim after striking the roads of Kandivali and Andheri.
The Lipstick killer always 10 steps ahead of the police with his sharp psychotic brain keeps the police on their tenterhooks.
And as the blurb says- "he watches everything and everyone- the news of his exploits, Rita, the investigation- and talks. However, he only talks to you." which brings us to the chapters where the Mr. Lipstick Killer talks to the readers, tells what goes through his mind and how he loves what he does." , the Author, Mr. Vish Dhamija, has done a great job in writing all the interludes through the point of view of a psychopath and all the other chapters from a third person narrative and one can see how much research has been done throughout the book.
The writing and the language is always spot on in Mr. Dhamija's works and the plot is a fusion of human psychology, suspense and ofcourse, murders. The ending revealed the killer, who didn't turn out to be the one I predicted in the starting = bonus points😍, but even then I still felt a bit disappointed with the ending, particularly the climax. Another thing, that I missed was seeing Rita Ferreira in her true action and not using the help of a 'Facebook ad' to just magically help them solve the case.
I've read the earlier works of Mr. Vish Dhamija and although I didn't like this one as much as The Mogul and The Heist Artist, probably due to the gory details(🤦🏻♀️) in the book and the climax, it still was a good read stuffed full of captivating drama, deception and red herrings.
♥️My Rating: 3.85/ 5🌟
♥️TW: gory details of sexual abuse, rape fantasy
When the 3rd corpse of a woman is found at Dr. Annie Besant Road in Mumbai, Rita Ferreira and Co. knew that "He has struck again". He, the Lipstick Killer, who horrendously murders woman and paints his victim's lips with dark wine red lipstick, has captured another victim after striking the roads of Kandivali and Andheri.
The Lipstick killer always 10 steps ahead of the police with his sharp psychotic brain keeps the police on their tenterhooks.
And as the blurb says- "he watches everything and everyone- the news of his exploits, Rita, the investigation- and talks. However, he only talks to you." which brings us to the chapters where the Mr. Lipstick Killer talks to the readers, tells what goes through his mind and how he loves what he does." , the Author, Mr. Vish Dhamija, has done a great job in writing all the interludes through the point of view of a psychopath and all the other chapters from a third person narrative and one can see how much research has been done throughout the book.
The writing and the language is always spot on in Mr. Dhamija's works and the plot is a fusion of human psychology, suspense and ofcourse, murders. The ending revealed the killer, who didn't turn out to be the one I predicted in the starting = bonus points😍, but even then I still felt a bit disappointed with the ending, particularly the climax. Another thing, that I missed was seeing Rita Ferreira in her true action and not using the help of a 'Facebook ad' to just magically help them solve the case.
I've read the earlier works of Mr. Vish Dhamija and although I didn't like this one as much as The Mogul and The Heist Artist, probably due to the gory details(🤦🏻♀️) in the book and the climax, it still was a good read stuffed full of captivating drama, deception and red herrings.
♥️My Rating: 3.85/ 5🌟
♥️TW: gory details of sexual abuse, rape fantasy
January 30, 2020
Rita Ferreira is back again for her new homicide investigation. she was absolutely fantastic in Behndi bazaar and Doosra but in this book Rita was not much of her what she was in first two books. May be this book was all about the killer, killer way. The Serial killer absorbed most of the pages for himself. Is the killer intelligent here?He would never repeat the mistake he did in his first kill. His “nutty me” however pushes him to be enthusiastic during the act ,he would never distract himself to leave a trail. A trail would destroy his “nutty me” forever.He wouldn’t cost that. The killer is not intelligent but he is highly cautious. He hides in a plain sight which makes him more dangerous.
Author succeeded in not to reveal the killer identity or give a clue even to readers as in story flow. Readers were as much blank as police detectives.
The story had a great base but mid along the pace,the story slowed down. I felt author didn’t push the police investigation to be more interesting. The thrill was missing while reading those crucial pages. I know that every discussion of police would end up to a dead point as it involves a cautious serial killer yet I expected at least the magic of “Pretend to be thrilled” .Each killing M/O and discussion was similar or repetitive.I also felt the killer psychological story or his real life alias was hanging half way even at the end. Lipstick was a good story still I couldn’t pin a point what I exactly miss in this story. The story had ample turning points(believe me it had many)but ended just like that.
The Narration and language was easy and neat. Author tried to bring most characters associated with Rita in this book too. Ash and Rita were great as usual in this book.Ash’s work about the killer was the interesting part which gave an angle for Rita to move a different direction from her investigation.Will Ash be back? I will miss his works.
Overall “Lipstick” is a good come back for Rita’s thriller after years. The story would have made a great deal if the loops had been looped in together for the gripping flow of the story.
Author succeeded in not to reveal the killer identity or give a clue even to readers as in story flow. Readers were as much blank as police detectives.
The story had a great base but mid along the pace,the story slowed down. I felt author didn’t push the police investigation to be more interesting. The thrill was missing while reading those crucial pages. I know that every discussion of police would end up to a dead point as it involves a cautious serial killer yet I expected at least the magic of “Pretend to be thrilled” .Each killing M/O and discussion was similar or repetitive.I also felt the killer psychological story or his real life alias was hanging half way even at the end. Lipstick was a good story still I couldn’t pin a point what I exactly miss in this story. The story had ample turning points(believe me it had many)but ended just like that.
The Narration and language was easy and neat. Author tried to bring most characters associated with Rita in this book too. Ash and Rita were great as usual in this book.Ash’s work about the killer was the interesting part which gave an angle for Rita to move a different direction from her investigation.Will Ash be back? I will miss his works.
Overall “Lipstick” is a good come back for Rita’s thriller after years. The story would have made a great deal if the loops had been looped in together for the gripping flow of the story.
February 11, 2020
A Rita Ferreira thriller ‘Lipstick’ is the story of a psychotic serial killer, one with a dual personality. Meticulous to the core, The Lipstick Killer sees the best of Mumbai Police sweat it out to nab him. Always one step ahead of them, he is proud of his exploits till……. To know more you will have to pick up the book.
When three murders identical in nature take place, Rita Ferriera the super cop finds herself faced with a dilemma of sorts. The MO is identical, but while the first two victims share an identical background, the third one is from an entirely different one. Added to this is the fact that the killer shares no definite pattern regarding the interval between two hits and / or location. It all seems random. To compound the problem we have an overactive media that is out to conduct a public trial of sorts, dish out hypothetical theories and come to a conclusion even before the culprit is identified, just for the sake of TRP. Lipstick sees a clash of identities and reasoning but makes sure that emotions don’t run high. One is introduced to the killer right from the word ‘go’, and finds it easy to understand the motivation behind his crimes. Then what is it that makes the book a thriller, and adds an element of suspense to a plot that reveals the criminal? …….It is the identity of the perverted mind behind the gory deaths. Gory? Yes, gory are the scenes of crime, and gorier is the modus operandi of the killer. One can feel goosebumps and also a shade of disgust build up when one envisages it from the narration, such is the skill of the author in creating the scene of the crime. If there is anything that proved as a dampener then it is the investigation part. Felt as though it was lacking in that element that is known as a twist and turns. There was nothing out of the ordinary there. The end too appeared to be rushed through.
VERDICT
A psychological thriller that gives an insight into how childhood scars tend to shape one’s personality, Lipstick scores a three on a scale of five.
When three murders identical in nature take place, Rita Ferriera the super cop finds herself faced with a dilemma of sorts. The MO is identical, but while the first two victims share an identical background, the third one is from an entirely different one. Added to this is the fact that the killer shares no definite pattern regarding the interval between two hits and / or location. It all seems random. To compound the problem we have an overactive media that is out to conduct a public trial of sorts, dish out hypothetical theories and come to a conclusion even before the culprit is identified, just for the sake of TRP. Lipstick sees a clash of identities and reasoning but makes sure that emotions don’t run high. One is introduced to the killer right from the word ‘go’, and finds it easy to understand the motivation behind his crimes. Then what is it that makes the book a thriller, and adds an element of suspense to a plot that reveals the criminal? …….It is the identity of the perverted mind behind the gory deaths. Gory? Yes, gory are the scenes of crime, and gorier is the modus operandi of the killer. One can feel goosebumps and also a shade of disgust build up when one envisages it from the narration, such is the skill of the author in creating the scene of the crime. If there is anything that proved as a dampener then it is the investigation part. Felt as though it was lacking in that element that is known as a twist and turns. There was nothing out of the ordinary there. The end too appeared to be rushed through.
VERDICT
A psychological thriller that gives an insight into how childhood scars tend to shape one’s personality, Lipstick scores a three on a scale of five.
December 14, 2019
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A heinous crime calls out DCP Rita from a retirement party to the scene of crime. The woman has been killed by strangulation and her body desecrated. This is the third in the series of similar murders of seemingly unconnected women. Unable to find a link and therefore the suspect, Rita and co look at unlikely places including the company that installed computers in the victims' homes. When the computer engineer gets murdered, Rita realizes the obvious connection was a red herring and begins the search anew in yet unlikely places.
I particularly liked that Vish used FB as the fulcrum to track the killer and in the current setting this is relevant. Every killer has a back story as per the premise in these books and the same has been interspersed so the book flits between past and present, weaving a tapestry in such a way that the readers feel they are close to solving the crime even though there are bits and pieces that indicate that the perpetrator is rich whereas the red herring is not, the perpetrator has a high class girl friend and the poor sod has none.
Once the red herring is murdered, the reader knows that there is another dangerous guy who is the killer and the story is not yet over, even though one would have imagined the story wouldn't be so straightforward as to present the murderer on a platter,
On the personal side, Ash continues to serve annoying, repetitive dialogues and didn't provide insights even, hence the credit to the solving of the crime can fully be given to Rita and co.
A heinous crime calls out DCP Rita from a retirement party to the scene of crime. The woman has been killed by strangulation and her body desecrated. This is the third in the series of similar murders of seemingly unconnected women. Unable to find a link and therefore the suspect, Rita and co look at unlikely places including the company that installed computers in the victims' homes. When the computer engineer gets murdered, Rita realizes the obvious connection was a red herring and begins the search anew in yet unlikely places.
I particularly liked that Vish used FB as the fulcrum to track the killer and in the current setting this is relevant. Every killer has a back story as per the premise in these books and the same has been interspersed so the book flits between past and present, weaving a tapestry in such a way that the readers feel they are close to solving the crime even though there are bits and pieces that indicate that the perpetrator is rich whereas the red herring is not, the perpetrator has a high class girl friend and the poor sod has none.
Once the red herring is murdered, the reader knows that there is another dangerous guy who is the killer and the story is not yet over, even though one would have imagined the story wouldn't be so straightforward as to present the murderer on a platter,
On the personal side, Ash continues to serve annoying, repetitive dialogues and didn't provide insights even, hence the credit to the solving of the crime can fully be given to Rita and co.
Read
December 11, 2019 Lipstick is the third book in the Rita Ferriera series. This book is a Murder mystery of serial killing and is based on the funda of "Who dun'it?". The other characters apart from Rita - her crew/characters were there in the previous two books too, but in this book looks like all the characters are more matured, crisp, detailed and more lovable. It's the art of master craftsmen to keep the characters maturing book by book so the readers keep getting newness in their read. The Story Line, Characters and justification with those characters and language all keep getting better and better. Yes, Ash Mattels' decision is quite disappointing, Just falling in love with 'Sexy' - Commissioner Saxena after Rita now. Though you are still intrigued as to how it was done? or Why it was done? the story keeps you stick to its suspense of who did it? I would surely like to say the language of the book is quite inspiring to learn, vocable. Bonus you will get to know a lot about good songs/web series and movies. The hard work of the author can be felt and it can be known that a lot of effort has been put while creating this super-intelligent thriller that can be seen in every chapter. Loved reading it and would mark it as MUST READ
February 14, 2020
Vish Dhamija enthralled me with his first book Bhendi Bazaar. What a delightful read that was. I like the authors' other Not-Rita-Ferreira novels but they were good reads but not captivating. I was excited for Doosra but it was a disappointment but still couldn't dismiss Dhamija as a one time magic as his language command was romantic. The flow is so perfect, the words so well placed and the chapters so well paced. I thought Doosra was a one time slip.
BUT
now I am pretty sure that Bhendi Bazaar could be a one time magic. Where Lipstick fails is that, this is no novel where the protagonist assembles all the clues to provide you a big reveal. The protagonist doesn't even gives the "big break" in the unsolvable case. The antagonist is being caught because Facebook stores your cache memory and provides suggestions. Like really.. I felt offended. With this "Facebook help", the antagonist is just trapped in the police bait because he's a perv and a retarded fellow. A guy who does petty thievings does more cautious sleuth works than this purported intelligent killer.
I'd say the worst book until now in Rita Ferreira series. I think Dhamija is busy wirting screenplays for his Rita series. I hope he comes back to his Bhendi Bazaar days and form.
BUT
now I am pretty sure that Bhendi Bazaar could be a one time magic. Where Lipstick fails is that, this is no novel where the protagonist assembles all the clues to provide you a big reveal. The protagonist doesn't even gives the "big break" in the unsolvable case. The antagonist is being caught because Facebook stores your cache memory and provides suggestions. Like really.. I felt offended. With this "Facebook help", the antagonist is just trapped in the police bait because he's a perv and a retarded fellow. A guy who does petty thievings does more cautious sleuth works than this purported intelligent killer.
I'd say the worst book until now in Rita Ferreira series. I think Dhamija is busy wirting screenplays for his Rita series. I hope he comes back to his Bhendi Bazaar days and form.
February 3, 2020
Like most thrillers, this one also starts with a murder. This one was the third murder where the murderer used the same modus operand. DCP Rita Ferreria was assigned these cases and she rushes to the crime scene as soon as she gets the information. Like most serial killers, this one too had a signature. What stood out of all the tree murders was that this killer painted the women's lips with a dark red lipstick and then bit it off.
The killer was extremely smart and intelligent and would not leave any clue behind, not even a strand of hair. He would wipe everything down before leaving the crime scene and hence, it was getting more difficult for the officers at the crime branch to find the killer. DCP Rita had to look at this case very differently as there were no obvious connects and starts to look at the most unlikely places.
Read the complete review on my blog - http://blushesandsparkle.com/lipstick...
The killer was extremely smart and intelligent and would not leave any clue behind, not even a strand of hair. He would wipe everything down before leaving the crime scene and hence, it was getting more difficult for the officers at the crime branch to find the killer. DCP Rita had to look at this case very differently as there were no obvious connects and starts to look at the most unlikely places.
Read the complete review on my blog - http://blushesandsparkle.com/lipstick...
February 3, 2023
I don't read thriller stuff much, but the name of the book attracted me to it & somehow I knew at the back of my mind what it was about.
The way the story & the plot is written is pretty engaging, it was easier for me to picture the entire crime happening, the police investigating, findling link between the murders, following the leads & the role the media plays in sabotaging the criminal investigation all became very realistic. The portions where the murders were described were a little difficult for me to read, but that did not stop me from knowing how the police nabbed the killer.
Come to think of it, we all have dual personalities, one that we show to the world, one that stays with us. In my quest to find a message in the book, I only felt neglect & troubled childhood could be a major aspect in ruining a person's personality, their choices & their future.
The way the story & the plot is written is pretty engaging, it was easier for me to picture the entire crime happening, the police investigating, findling link between the murders, following the leads & the role the media plays in sabotaging the criminal investigation all became very realistic. The portions where the murders were described were a little difficult for me to read, but that did not stop me from knowing how the police nabbed the killer.
Come to think of it, we all have dual personalities, one that we show to the world, one that stays with us. In my quest to find a message in the book, I only felt neglect & troubled childhood could be a major aspect in ruining a person's personality, their choices & their future.
January 22, 2020
Lipstick by Vish Dhamija
This is my first Vish Dhamija novel. I had heard a lot about him and absolutely he came up to the mark and even above it.
It is a crime-thriller for sure. The lead in this story is Rita. She is just amazing and believe me you will not be able to predict a single thing it' so much suspense. It has a very engaging plot and as the story moves further you will not be able to keep down the book.
This is a realistic kind of story and you should really go for it. You will surely fall in love with it. I am not revealing the plot because you should directly read the book as it will keep you more glued to the story.
This is my first Vish Dhamija novel. I had heard a lot about him and absolutely he came up to the mark and even above it.
It is a crime-thriller for sure. The lead in this story is Rita. She is just amazing and believe me you will not be able to predict a single thing it' so much suspense. It has a very engaging plot and as the story moves further you will not be able to keep down the book.
This is a realistic kind of story and you should really go for it. You will surely fall in love with it. I am not revealing the plot because you should directly read the book as it will keep you more glued to the story.
February 8, 2020
Books like these open our eyes to how twisted human minds can be. Being evil is not always taught, it just creeps in the psyche and grapples the victim. Dhamija has very vividly described this in his book.
Dhamija has been very meticulous even with the police proceedings, how tricky and lengthy they can be.
He didn’t try to mellow down or go overboard with the storyline. He hit the grave reality to the T. There are scenes that can be very disturbing but that’s where his deftness in writing lies.
The cat and mouse chase will keep you at an edge through every page.
Dhamija has been very meticulous even with the police proceedings, how tricky and lengthy they can be.
He didn’t try to mellow down or go overboard with the storyline. He hit the grave reality to the T. There are scenes that can be very disturbing but that’s where his deftness in writing lies.
The cat and mouse chase will keep you at an edge through every page.
February 14, 2020
The best part was the story from the perspective of the killer. The thoughts of the damaged mind, which tried to rationalize its judgments.
The killer was so much indulged in his agenda that human lives felt rather meaningless for him. The measures he took all his life, to seem normal. Building his life around lies, just so he could be himself in secrecy, that is some real evil.
The book doesn't have random revelations that solve everything, the case has been solved step by step, and its a treat.
Full review- https://www.banajaprakashini.in/revie...
The killer was so much indulged in his agenda that human lives felt rather meaningless for him. The measures he took all his life, to seem normal. Building his life around lies, just so he could be himself in secrecy, that is some real evil.
The book doesn't have random revelations that solve everything, the case has been solved step by step, and its a treat.
Full review- https://www.banajaprakashini.in/revie...
March 13, 2020
A crime thriller from Vish Dhamija, the third featuring DCP Rita, IPS of Mumbai police. A series of murders of young women having the same MO, most typical being dark lipstick on the mutilated lips.
Along with the interesting crime investigation there are interludes which describe the killer from this growing years to become the killer he was--the anatomy of a psychopath.
A good book to read.
Along with the interesting crime investigation there are interludes which describe the killer from this growing years to become the killer he was--the anatomy of a psychopath.
A good book to read.
October 31, 2020
Master of twists.
There wasn't a moment of dullness with this story. Every scene hold equal excitement and keeps you guessing always.. the last jolt on the head was phenomenal and was holding the breath in anticipation of coming in contact with the live wire. A must read for those whose interests are in crime or physiological thrillers.. except for the complicated english in the beginning, it was a exciting experience.. 😊
There wasn't a moment of dullness with this story. Every scene hold equal excitement and keeps you guessing always.. the last jolt on the head was phenomenal and was holding the breath in anticipation of coming in contact with the live wire. A must read for those whose interests are in crime or physiological thrillers.. except for the complicated english in the beginning, it was a exciting experience.. 😊
July 13, 2021
🤐🤐🤐
If you are into thriller and mystery plots then it's the book for you.
" Strong willed female protagonist and An expert psycho. "
Will he ever get caught and kill innocent lives or will she be able to save those lives ?
If you are into thriller and mystery plots then it's the book for you.
" Strong willed female protagonist and An expert psycho. "
Will he ever get caught and kill innocent lives or will she be able to save those lives ?
December 9, 2019
Brilliant book a must read thriller
January 15, 2020
Easy and quick read. Who done it?
February 23, 2020
Gripping from the first page and a tense and thrilling read. The climax is a slight let down though.
July 28, 2021
Good, but I think it is a soft porno 😂
November 10, 2021
One of those typical books which might inspire other psychopaths.
Research done is commendable.
Fast paced and intriguing but felt as if it was predictable.
Research done is commendable.
Fast paced and intriguing but felt as if it was predictable.
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