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The Endgame
THE MENTORPROTÉGÉ DUO IS BACK. THIS TIME, THE STAKES ARE EVEN HIGHER Its been three years since Shahwaz Ali Mirza and Vikrant Singh foiled dreaded terrorist Munafiqs attempt to leak State secrets from a naval server in Lakshadweep. Now posted with RAW, they have the task of providing security for BSF Special Director General Somesh Kumar, on his way to visit former Prime Minister Parmeshwar Naidu, who has been hospitalized after a car accident. However, Kumars convoy is attacked by terrorists. They manage to kill him before being gunned down themselves. Amidst accusations of intelligence failure and cries for revenge, Mirza and Vikrant are told to investigate the case.A tip-off from a friend in MOSSAD leads the duo to a hotel on Mira Road where the prime suspect, Al Muqadam, is hiding. Although Al Muqadam manages to escape, Vikrant recognizes him as Ayyub, the brother of one of his long-time informants, Mazhar Khan.Just when it looks like things cant get more difficult, Major Daniel Fernando, now engaged to Parmeshwar Naidus daughter Vaishali, gets in touch claiming that there is more to Naidus accident than meets the eye. Soon, the entire team from the Lakshadweep operation finds itself getting together for a new mission Hussain Zaidi is back with his irresistible cast of characters in this sizzling story of politics, betrayal and unimaginable terror.
- GenresThriller
240 pages, Paperback
Published July 30, 2020
19 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
S. Hussain Zaidi
25 books571 followersS. Hussain Zaidi is a prominent Indian author, journalist, and screenwriter celebrated for his invaluable contributions to the world of crime reporting, investigative journalism, and storytelling. Born on February 28, 1962, in Mumbai, India, Zaidi has left an indelible mark on the literary and cinematic landscapes of India, particularly in the realm of crime and the Mumbai underworld.
S. Hussain Zaidi embarked on his career as a crime reporter, where he honed his skills in uncovering hidden truths and delving into the intricacies of organized crime in Mumbai. His early experiences as a journalist provided him with a deep understanding of the criminal world and its dynamics.
Over the years, Zaidi transitioned from journalism to writing and screenwriting, bringing his unparalleled insights and storytelling prowess to a wider audience. His unique ability to humanize the characters in his narratives, whether they are criminals or law enforcement officers, sets his work apart.
"Black Friday: The True Story of the Bombay Bomb Blasts" - Zaidi's book "Black Friday" is a compelling account of the 1993 Bombay bombings. It presents a factual and thorough examination of the events leading up to the blasts and their aftermath.
"Dongri to Dubai: Six Decades of the Mumbai Mafia" - This critically acclaimed book stands as one of Zaidi's most notable works. It meticulously traces the evolution of organized crime in Mumbai over six decades. The book offers a comprehensive and gripping account of the city's criminal history.
"Mafia Queens of Mumbai: Stories of Women from the Ganglands" - In this compelling book, Zaidi sheds light on the powerful and enigmatic women who played significant roles in Mumbai's underworld. He tells their stories with empathy and detail, providing a fresh perspective on the world of crime.
S. Hussain Zaidi's influential literary works have transcended the confines of the written word and made a powerful impact on the silver screen. Some noteworthy adaptations of his books include:
"Black Friday" (2007) - Directed by Anurag Kashyap.
"Shootout at Wadala" (2013) - Directed by Sanjay Gupta.
"Class of '83" (2020) - Directed by Atul Sabharwal.
"Gangubai Kathiawadi" (2022) - Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, among many others.
In addition to his contributions to the film industry, S. Hussain Zaidi has harnessed his creative prowess in the realm of film and web series production. His noteworthy productions encompass projects like "Bard of Blood" and "Scoop" on Netflix, as well as the recent addition "Bambai Meri Jaan," available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
S. Hussain Zaidi has played a pivotal role in nurturing emerging literary talents within the authorship realm. Notably, individuals such as Bilal Siddique, Neeraj Kumar (Commissioner of Delhi Police), Kashif Mashaikh, and many more have found their path to success as authors under his guidance. This mentoring initiative is facilitated through "Blue Salt Media," an imprint in collaboration with Penguin India.
S. Hussain Zaidi's work, both in literature and cinema, continues to captivate audiences with its gritty realism, engaging storytelling, and insights into the complex world of crime and law enforcement in India. His contributions have not only enriched the true crime genre but have also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring writers, journalists, and filmmakers.
S. Hussain Zaidi embarked on his career as a crime reporter, where he honed his skills in uncovering hidden truths and delving into the intricacies of organized crime in Mumbai. His early experiences as a journalist provided him with a deep understanding of the criminal world and its dynamics.
Over the years, Zaidi transitioned from journalism to writing and screenwriting, bringing his unparalleled insights and storytelling prowess to a wider audience. His unique ability to humanize the characters in his narratives, whether they are criminals or law enforcement officers, sets his work apart.
"Black Friday: The True Story of the Bombay Bomb Blasts" - Zaidi's book "Black Friday" is a compelling account of the 1993 Bombay bombings. It presents a factual and thorough examination of the events leading up to the blasts and their aftermath.
"Dongri to Dubai: Six Decades of the Mumbai Mafia" - This critically acclaimed book stands as one of Zaidi's most notable works. It meticulously traces the evolution of organized crime in Mumbai over six decades. The book offers a comprehensive and gripping account of the city's criminal history.
"Mafia Queens of Mumbai: Stories of Women from the Ganglands" - In this compelling book, Zaidi sheds light on the powerful and enigmatic women who played significant roles in Mumbai's underworld. He tells their stories with empathy and detail, providing a fresh perspective on the world of crime.
S. Hussain Zaidi's influential literary works have transcended the confines of the written word and made a powerful impact on the silver screen. Some noteworthy adaptations of his books include:
"Black Friday" (2007) - Directed by Anurag Kashyap.
"Shootout at Wadala" (2013) - Directed by Sanjay Gupta.
"Class of '83" (2020) - Directed by Atul Sabharwal.
"Gangubai Kathiawadi" (2022) - Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, among many others.
In addition to his contributions to the film industry, S. Hussain Zaidi has harnessed his creative prowess in the realm of film and web series production. His noteworthy productions encompass projects like "Bard of Blood" and "Scoop" on Netflix, as well as the recent addition "Bambai Meri Jaan," available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
S. Hussain Zaidi has played a pivotal role in nurturing emerging literary talents within the authorship realm. Notably, individuals such as Bilal Siddique, Neeraj Kumar (Commissioner of Delhi Police), Kashif Mashaikh, and many more have found their path to success as authors under his guidance. This mentoring initiative is facilitated through "Blue Salt Media," an imprint in collaboration with Penguin India.
S. Hussain Zaidi's work, both in literature and cinema, continues to captivate audiences with its gritty realism, engaging storytelling, and insights into the complex world of crime and law enforcement in India. His contributions have not only enriched the true crime genre but have also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring writers, journalists, and filmmakers.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 6, 2021
What a remarkable thriller it was, finished it in one read. I could visualize the whole story in my mind while reading this, A good read though.
July 24, 2020
It's very engaging and keeps the grip. I loved the team of Shahwaz Ali Mirza and Vikrant Singh. I am following character of Vikrant since Mumbai Avengers. Ordered an E book. Go for it guys, S Hussain Zaidi is a master story teller. It is a sequel to The Eleventh Hour.
July 18, 2020
Firstly, I may call myself lucky to get a copy of this book before its release. It's still hard for me to believe that I completed this book in 5 days. I may run out on words expressing and reviewing this amazing book. The author S. Hussain Zaidi has bought the Mentor-Protégé, Shahwaz Ali Mirza, and Vikrant Singh back from his previous thriller book THE ELEVENTH HOUR. This book has an amazing storyline and grips the reader until you finish the book. I am sure thriller readers will love this book. Like always, the author satisfies the reader's quench for thrills. I would recommend people to read this book if you love reading Crime, thriller-fiction books. Especially by S. Hussain Zaidi.
December 22, 2020
I was actually a little sceptical before reading the book. Most of the time when I have seen Indian authors tackling a topic like this, they generally go way overhead. The book deals properly with nationalism, without making it jingoistic. Took a dig at the government and other current affairs.
The pace and the action in the book is brilliant. It's written well and compacted properly.
My only complaint is how they concluded the book. Both the climax and anti-climax was rushed and dissatisfied.
The pace and the action in the book is brilliant. It's written well and compacted properly.
My only complaint is how they concluded the book. Both the climax and anti-climax was rushed and dissatisfied.
August 9, 2022
I managed to finish this book in around 6 hours and I think that’s the best review I can say about this book. A sequel that is as good as its predecessor, This one is the actual definition of Page Turner.
Someone just please make a film about this universe. Can’t wait to read the 3rd book of this series now.
Someone just please make a film about this universe. Can’t wait to read the 3rd book of this series now.
December 5, 2020
Enthralling Plot
This was my first book by Hussain Zaidi and it was just enthralling from the very first page itself. The plot is based on the assassination of a senior general of BSF following his visit to meet the ex-Prime Minister, who has been hospitalized after a freak road accident. The mentor-protege duo of Mirza and Vikrant are assigned the case file and together with a chosen few elites from the national security and local law enforcement agencies, they are on a crusade to unearth the truth behind the nefarious and gruesome act of terrorism. As the investigation unfolds, the plot gets further murky and a complex web of conspiracy and deceit is unveiled. How the mentor-protege duo along with their trusted lieutenants reaches the core of the scandal and unmasks the mastermind behind these acts is brilliantly composed, jaw-dropping, and keeps the reader on the edge of the seats. At one time, there is an impression of too many characters, people, and agencies involved, but the author has neatly developed, crafted, and dove-tailed their roles flawlessly into the machination. Although, this is a sequel to the book titled "The Eleventh Hour", it can be read as a stand-alone. A well-recommended read for crime thriller lovers. This book has enticed my attention to read its prequel and will be doing so at the first available opportunity.
This was my first book by Hussain Zaidi and it was just enthralling from the very first page itself. The plot is based on the assassination of a senior general of BSF following his visit to meet the ex-Prime Minister, who has been hospitalized after a freak road accident. The mentor-protege duo of Mirza and Vikrant are assigned the case file and together with a chosen few elites from the national security and local law enforcement agencies, they are on a crusade to unearth the truth behind the nefarious and gruesome act of terrorism. As the investigation unfolds, the plot gets further murky and a complex web of conspiracy and deceit is unveiled. How the mentor-protege duo along with their trusted lieutenants reaches the core of the scandal and unmasks the mastermind behind these acts is brilliantly composed, jaw-dropping, and keeps the reader on the edge of the seats. At one time, there is an impression of too many characters, people, and agencies involved, but the author has neatly developed, crafted, and dove-tailed their roles flawlessly into the machination. Although, this is a sequel to the book titled "The Eleventh Hour", it can be read as a stand-alone. A well-recommended read for crime thriller lovers. This book has enticed my attention to read its prequel and will be doing so at the first available opportunity.
October 19, 2020
The Endgame starts off as a very engaging thriller, based on people and national security. There are a lot of characters and different agencies and locations the story covers. I was reading a fiction book after a long time and that too, a first one when it comes to thrillers in an Indian context.
The book however suffers from 2 main issues and to me, those are not minor ones.
1. Narrative of the book is difficult to appreciate. Story is broken down into small chapters and there is abrupt change in the situation with each chapter. This writing style works for thriller genre usually. But the author makes the chapters so small (hardly 3 pages each), that nothing much happens and there are unnecessary jerks in narrative.
2. This book looks like an excuse of a story for the author to propagate his own biases on religion, victimisation and communities. While I respect his views, but would not endorse them in the context of a fictional book.
The book however suffers from 2 main issues and to me, those are not minor ones.
1. Narrative of the book is difficult to appreciate. Story is broken down into small chapters and there is abrupt change in the situation with each chapter. This writing style works for thriller genre usually. But the author makes the chapters so small (hardly 3 pages each), that nothing much happens and there are unnecessary jerks in narrative.
2. This book looks like an excuse of a story for the author to propagate his own biases on religion, victimisation and communities. While I respect his views, but would not endorse them in the context of a fictional book.
September 27, 2020
I like Zaidi because he writes faction--a combination of facts and fiction. This latest book is a sequel to the Eleventh hour with the same team trying to solve another threat to the nation.
An attempt on the life of ex PM, killing of a DG initiate a high tech, multi probe into sleeper cells.
Latest technology, exploitation of loopholes in the internet by the criminals are revealed.
Though an easy read, at times the flow of the narrative suffers as the author tries to explain technical issues or facts.
Still a good author to read for lovers of crime fiction.
An attempt on the life of ex PM, killing of a DG initiate a high tech, multi probe into sleeper cells.
Latest technology, exploitation of loopholes in the internet by the criminals are revealed.
Though an easy read, at times the flow of the narrative suffers as the author tries to explain technical issues or facts.
Still a good author to read for lovers of crime fiction.
December 13, 2021
Quick weekend read. I finished it in one and a half day. The mentor-protégé duo is back and they're back with a bang. This is more fast paced than the 'eleventh hour' and doesn't falter on its promise. It's a dramatic read and is not long drawn, the suspense is just perfect. Mr. Zaidi just knows how to connect the dots.
One will need to read The Eleventh Hour before they read The Endgame. It's not that you'll miss out on plot points, you'll miss out on different references made to the main team that was on the "Lakshadweep mission."
One will need to read The Eleventh Hour before they read The Endgame. It's not that you'll miss out on plot points, you'll miss out on different references made to the main team that was on the "Lakshadweep mission."
September 12, 2020
A nice afternoon read. Great follow up to the Eleventh hour. Since I had read the first book only a few days before, the characters were fresh in my mind, so I have a feeling that's why I enjoyed it better than a standalone book after 3 years.
August 16, 2021
A very simple plot based on terrorism. The climax or end seems somewhat unfinished and could have been better. The various chapters seems loosely coupled and there is an abrupt shift in the context in some of the chapters.
This book is a good candidate for a Web Series.
This book is a good candidate for a Web Series.
August 7, 2020
Sequel to 11th hour, this book is a thriller on how the team comes together to save the day again. Not as good as the earlier one, however could have been with a tighter ending.
November 14, 2020
Eleventh hour was better, you would want to finish the book quickly and good candidate for a movie or web series but that’s the point its more of a gripping script than an unputdownable book.
May 12, 2021
A typical Hussain Zaidi book that takes you through various parts of Mumbai as the story unfolds. It’s gripping to say the least.
May 22, 2021
Breezy Read
February 15, 2022
The fact that I finished it in few hours means it was better than the prequel.
March 30, 2022
Loved reading it.
March 5, 2025
Thriller book which keeps you at edge & amazing strategy & execution by the characters. It is always lovely to read this authors book.
December 31, 2025
This is my 3rd book by Zaidi. After being impressed by the earlier 2, this one dissapointed me. The plot was lame, most of the book was just poor storytelling. I only enjoyed last 20 pages may be.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews