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Silent Witness

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Akhil Garg, a real estate developer in Kolkata, dies after drinking a can of soda bought from a local superstore. Others who drank soda from the same superstore suffer food poisoning too, but Akhil is the only one to die. Is Akhil’s death an accident? Akhil’s real estate company, Garg Developers, is insured for a hundred crores, and his business partners, who are also his family and close friends, stand to gain tremendously from the insurance payout if his death is proved accidental.
The owner of the superstore is Mr. Bagri, a poor relation of the Garg family, whom Akhil had insulted just a few days before his death. Did Mr. Bagri take revenge by poisoning Akhil? Or was it a tenant whom he was trying to evict? Or could it be his flamboyant nephew Dinesh, who resented and despised him?
Bad blood can destroy dynasties. Akhil Garg’s mansion was protected by high gates and security measures designed to keep bad elements out. But what if the enemy was within? As the investigation proceeds, a blood bath starts as one by one, the partners and employees of Akhil’s company start dying. There are suspects aplenty, and Vikram Rana has the challenging task of identifying whether Akhil’s death was an accident or a homicide.

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2020

3 people are currently reading
14 people want to read

About the author

Sharmishtha Shenoy

13 books52 followers
Sharmishtha Shenoy is a bestselling Indian author of crime fiction and psychological thrillers, with over 1 million pages read on Kindle Unlimited, making her one of the most widely read independent crime writers on KU in India.

Shenoy is the author of the true crime novels titled The Hyderabad Heist, and Candle in the Wind. Both the novels have been imprinted by Rupa Publications.

She is also the creator of the popular Vikram Rana Mystery Series, which includes A Season for Dying, Silent Witness, A Thousand Scars -Book 1: The Hunter and Book 2: The Hunted, among others.

Her standalone works include the psychological thriller Murder in the Chowdhury Palace (Vishwakarma Publications) and the short story collection Quirky Tales.

In a unique honour, Silent Witness has been selected for a PhD thesis at Dayalbagh Educational Institute, where it is being studied from a psychological perspective.

Prior to her writing career, Shenoy worked in the tech industry with companies like TCS, Satyam, Infosys, and Microsoft. She holds an M.Tech from the University of Reading, UK, and brings analytical rigour to her storytelling.

A native of Calcutta, now based in Hyderabad, Shenoy is currently pursuing a screenwriting course at NFYU to adapt her novels for film and streaming platforms. She describes herself as “happily married to Mr. Shenoy, but fictionally wedded to Vikram Rana.”

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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Arti.
661 reviews107 followers
January 29, 2021
I loved the story and Kolkata and the various Bengali dishes described in the book, this book really pulled me back to Kolkata and its streets.
There are many characters and each character is complicated. Though they are related to each other, yet they are jealous of each other. And as we think, we know who did it, there is a twist in the tale.
The language is simple and easily understandable and the story moves at a fast pace. The descriptions, be it of the persons, places, food or even the weather, are detailed. And as the plot becomes twisted, the book becomes unputdownable.
I loved the book and would recommend it.

12 reviews
December 23, 2020
What makes a successful detective? An uncanny ability to look at things & situations from a 'different' point of view, the subtle art of keeping a poker face even when faced with shocking, surprising situations, a charming personality to entice people to 'spill the beans' or a nondescript manner, which allows you to work in peace without ruffling too many feathers?

Well, Sharmishtha Shenoy's Vikram Rana has all of these qualities & also a jolly, hearty love of good food that makes him real, relatable & so much more human, as described by the author in an early introduction in the book.

This time, the detective is in the City of Joy, Kolkata enjoying a vacation with his family (and being fed lots of yummy food by his mother-in-law) when he stumbles on to a murder case in his neighborhood. As chance would have it, he is also invited by the insurance company to investigate the matter & he takes on the case, which is full of twists and turns.

Involving a family feud with multiple characters, all significantly related to each other in more ways than one, the plot is intriguing & keeps you hooked from start to finish. Sharmishtha brings out the nuances in each personality, all of which have a role to play in the murder mystery.

The author writes in simple English & you are almost transported to the bylanes of Kolkata, as she speaks of the city with much fondness, taking us through a virtual tour through her words. The city itself forms a backdrop for the heinous crime & equal space is given to all the characters to develop.

My only slight grouse with the author is the sort of cliched way in which the women in the story are represented. They are realistic I am sure, but I would have liked them to have a bit more spunk & personality, free from stereotypes.

As with murder mysteries, you don't actually find out who the murderer is till the very end, but the twist at the end is commendable & throws some light into the inner workings of rich business families in our country.

It'll keep you on the edge of your seat and/or biting your fingernails, so if you're a fan of this genre you must read it!
Profile Image for BhagyaSree.
15 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2020
I've been following the books of this author since the first. I read all of her books, the amazing thing about books is they are written in simple English and are very easy to understand. And every link of the story is so beautifully tied. There are no loopholes or doubts after you finish the murder mystery. Climax of the book explains every single detail and clarifies all of it. It's page turner since very start.
Profile Image for ZARA Choksi.
20 reviews
January 19, 2021
Another master mystery by Sharmistha mam, This is the 5th book in the Vikram Rana series, and it's really tough for me to tell which of the Vikram Rana is my Fav. Sharmistha mam keeps giving one after another best of her the tales from her Super Pandora. I loved this book too. ’Silent Witness’ is a thrilling nail-biting murder mystery. A marvelous piece of a job by the author, the beautiful way she has described the historic events and co-related it with the story is really artful. I was always fascinated by Kolkata, it has always been on my bucket travel list, but after reading about Kolkata as described by Sharmistha mam I’m too eager to visit there and see all the places that she has mentioned in the book.
Now coming back to the story, once again you will find our super brilliant protagonist detective Vikram Rana who is in Kolkata for a vacation with his family, gets a case of Akhil Garg’s accidental death. And as usual, he accepts it. As a reader, the case is awfully complicated. The needle of the suspect keeps jumping from one character to another as the story keeps moving from chapter to chapter. The series of a couple of more deaths adds to the complexity of the story. The ease and comfort with which Vikram tackles the tangled case seem like a Cake Walk for him...
A must-read suggested for all looking out for a thrilling, nail-biting, and page-turner crime fiction. Bravo Sharmistha mam!
3 reviews
November 13, 2021
Nice plot

The plot was interesting and had few nice twists. Really also enjoyed the settings in Kolkotta with various sites and places like that was well laid out without being excessive.

I have read all the previous Vikram Rana books and am eagerly awaiting the next one.
Profile Image for Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ).
2,233 reviews82 followers
September 14, 2020
Book Title: Silent Witness
Author: Sharmishta Shenoy
Format: Kindle

Book Title:
The title of the book ' Silent Witness ' is captivating and interesting.

Book Cover:
The cover image of the book is a capture of a soda can and a bottle of liquid medicine. The image syncs with the story blurb. With this simple image, there is a story behind it. Minimalism at its best is what I would say!

My review:
The Vikram Rana series has been a favorite one since the first book. With relatable places, names, and some known nuances of people from different strata of society, Author Sharmishta's every attempt is proven worthy. As I always state my affinity towards Indian Authors, I would recommend her books. Her books appease readers easily. Though light reads, the depth illustrated in every story is worth appreciating. As we say story is the soul of a book, her books have good stories. Never I felt the story being dragged or uncanny.

As usual, to keep my review spoiler alert, I will not disclose further details. I recommend the book to everyone who loves to read swift and good stories.


What I like:
1. The plot
2. The current incidents and scenarios have been well combined in the main story
3. The emotional quotient that every character portrays is laudable.
4. Realistic scenes that happen in certain rich and business families are well interpreted.
5. The City Of Joy, Kolkata has been beautifully and differently described.
6. The fun and frolic with a sense of responsibility that the character of Vikram Rana showcases with his wife Veena and mother-in-law, Kamini is my favorite thing.

What I didn't like:
There is nothing to dislike as it is a clean entertainer.

Characters:
There are many characters in the story. Each character is given ample space and scope in the story and every character has an important role regarding the murder of the central and passive character, Akhil Garg. Kailash Garg is my favorite character other than the hero, Vikram Rana. Bhanu and Ritu are the characters who twist the tale.

All the characters show many emotions. This is a very good trait of good storytelling. With intrinsic details like dressing, lifestyle, expressions, and surroundings, the characters become alive while reading. Visualizing the characters becomes easy with the author's clear writing.

Narration:
Silent Witness has an engaging narration with many intrinsic and hidden details. Unlike general murder mysteries, this book has some interesting characters which will make the reader believe that he or she is the culprit. Here is the catch. If a reader estimates a character to be the murderer, the author surprises you! This is one of the characteristic that I like in Author Sharmishta's story-telling. Though detailed, she will make sure that you re-read to unveil the hidden mystery.

The book is a definite page-turner but with care, if read, the story is the most entertaining one.


Language & Grammar:
Author Sharmishta's books have always been Grammar error-free. Nowhere the language was mistyped. Be it the vocabulary or the grammar or other literary constructs, her books have always been neat and clear in language. This book, another one in Vikram Rana's mysteries is an example. When reading a Kindle version usually I tend to check for errors, but nowhere I could find.

The simple and clear language allures reader of every age. Her books are meant for any age group readers.

My Final Verdict:
A tale of relations gone sour!

Book Title: 3/5
Book Cover: 3/5
Inside the book: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Narration: 3/5
Language & Grammar: 5/5
Final Rating: 4/5
Profile Image for Suresh Nair.
65 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2026
Sharmishtha Shenoy demonstrates her mastery of the crime‑thriller genre with her book, Silent Witness, which is a gripping tale that explores the destructive power of greed within business families. The novel opens with the mysterious death of Akhil Garg, a wealthy real estate developer in Kolkata, who collapses after drinking a soda from a local superstore, owned by estranged brother-in-law. While others suffer food poisoning, Akhil alone dies—setting off a chain of suspicion, intrigue, and hidden motives.

What makes this book stand out is Shenoy’s ability to weave complex human emotions with razor‑sharp suspense. She doesn’t just deliver a whodunit; she paints a vivid portrait of ambition, betrayal, and the fragile bonds that hold families together. Each character, from the insulted superstore owner Mr. Bagri, to the flamboyant nephew Dinesh, to tenants and business partners—feels layered and real, with motives that keep readers guessing until the end.

The narrative is fast‑paced yet thoughtful, balancing the thrill of investigation with deeper reflections on how greed corrodes trust and relationships. Shenoy’s prose is crisp, her plotting meticulous, and her storytelling immersive. Readers are drawn into a world where wealth and power blur the lines between loyalty and treachery, and where justice is never straightforward.

Sharmishtha Shenoy deserves praise for her consistent ability to blend entertainment with insight. She has carved a niche in Indian crime fiction by creating stories that are not only thrilling but also socially relevant. In Silent Witness, she shows how greed can be as lethal as poison, leaving readers both entertained and reflective.
Profile Image for Bookish Veenita.
108 reviews8 followers
December 31, 2020
"Vikram Rana is a Rajput, born and brought up in Hyderabad. He likes aloo parathas and masala chai and is a hardcore foodie. Over six feet tall, he has an athletic build, which he maintains by swimming and jogging regularly. He is also a yoga addict. A lady-killer in his youth, Vikram, like George Clooney and good wine, is only getting better with age."
I guess that's enough for us to be hooked.

For a more detailed review visit my blog https://bookishveenita.wordpress.com

Akhil Garg, a wealthy businessman dies after drinking soda, hallucinating about his own older brother's death. The family is mourning his untimely death. Vikram Rana is asked to investigate and he finds that there is a lot brushed under the carpet. Is Akhil's family really mourning or are they rejoicing the death secretly?

I must say a well-written murder mystery from Sharmishta Shenoy. As a veteran writer, she knows how to pack the right amount of punches at the right places. The writing is vivid and well depicted, Characters are drawn well. The setting is Kolkata and she has described the city so well, I loved it.
However, the ending is quite predictable. If you read the book with attention and click the clues together, knowing who the actual perpetrators are quite easy.
A very good one time read. 4 stars. I strongly recommend this to murder mystery lovers.
29 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2020
Intriguing and interesting read

I have read all the books of this author and I love vikram rana series so it was natural for me to wait and grab the book as soon as it get released.

As far as this book is concerned, I absolutely loved the title and page cover. I feel it's totally intriguing. The author Sharmishtha always gives beautiful character sketch which literally helps me to picturize them. The story happens in one of my fav cities kolkata. She made sure to show another side of the place which holds lots of historical heritage. I have mentally noted to visit these places when I visit the city next time. It was that exciting to even read through it.

The way the story travel and the killer unfolds was a journey altogether with lots of twists and turns. I couldnt put the book down after a point of time. I recommend thriller lovers to grab this book and I am sure you ll fall in love with vikram rana and the author all over again just like I did 💜💜💜
669 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2021
Silent witness by Sharmistha Shenoy is a very good book in crime thriller genre. It is well plotted and amazingly narrated story.

According to the plot, Vikram Rana is the protagonist of the story who is a detective. This book is from the Vikram Rana series. In this plot, detective Vikram Rana takes a murder case of Akhil Garg.

As always all the incidents are lively narrated. Captivating plot consists of thrill, mystery, twists and turns. I have read previous books in this series. This time also felt the same delight and perfection of author's work. Each and every character is portrayed well. An impressive work by the author.

Lucid language used. Title is catchy. Cover is apt to the plot. Really enjoyed reading.

My rating- 4/5
Profile Image for Anil Dhingra.
697 reviews9 followers
April 29, 2022
Another murdered mystery in the Vikram Rana series'. This time based in Calcutta where Vikram is on vacation.
Akhil Garg is a builder who suddenly dies. Immediate cause is apparently accidental poisoning due to a soda water bottle contamination. However his 200 crores insurance cover raises a red flag and the insurance company hires Vikram to investigate. He has the full cooperation of the investigation officer of the Calcutta police.
There are lot of suspects from the family itself including his wife, brother, office staff, a priest. A story of complex interpersonal relationships emerges with many twists and turns.
The ending is not exactly unexpected but does have an additional angle.
This author writes crime fiction well. Recommended
4 reviews
April 8, 2022
Engaging read

Thoroughly enjoyed it. A good mix of suspense and Emotions. Also was just wondering if Akhil was being slow poisoned what was the need to tamper the soda bottles. May be for that big hit so death could occur instantly and to set up Dinesh and Ritu. Also how would you add poison to a soda bottle or can without opening it. These are some small lack of details I noticed. Other than these overall a good read.
Profile Image for Archana Guruprasadh.
58 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2020
The cover is very apt for this book. The best part of this book is the suspece is carried throughout the story .And certain characters in the story like foody Vikram Rana ,his bossy wife ,his mother in law who.cooks delicious food for Rana etchas made the story lively . I would strongly recommend this book for thiller lovers it will definitely be a treat.
Profile Image for Harshita Nanda.
Author 6 books15 followers
December 10, 2020
This is my first Vikram Rana book and I have to admit that I was not disappointed! The book has an intriguing plot, the twists and turns keep the reader engaged. Time flies while reading the book as you keep turning pages one after the other.
To read my detailed review please visit my blog link. https://undecidedindubai.wordpress.co...
7 reviews
May 3, 2021
Mysterious Affairs at Ashiyana

Certainly inspired by Mysterious Affairs at Styles. Death of Ritu was uncalled for and did not add to plot that much. India is too populated to find empty lanes at 10pm in cities. Bhanu is definitely ab accomplice.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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