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A Brutal Hand: There's No Escape
When a wealthy business owner is found dead in a Mumbai parking lot, the police are flummoxed. Alok Dalal was a family man, with a wife and a teenage daughter. There are no apparent enemies his family or associates know of. Who could want him dead? And the only clue is a note with the word ‘Sorry’ on it—what could it mean? As Inspector Abhay Rastogi investigates the baffling crime, the police find another body with a similar note. Is this a copycat crime, or are the two murders related? Will there be more bodies? Inspector Rastogi must race against time to catch an alarmingly elusive killer. Packed with twists and turns, and non-stop action, A Brutal Hand will keep readers guessing until the very end.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2020
26 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Ravi Subramanian
27 books802 followersRavi Subramanian's latest book - IN THE NAME OF GOD - a thriller, releases on June 26, 2017
Ravi Subramanian, an alumnus of IIM Bengaluru, has spent two decades working his way up the ladder of power in the amazingly exciting and adrenaline-pumping world of global banks in India.
He is the award winning author of eight bestselling books :
If God was a Banker (2007),
I Bought the Monks Ferrari (2007),
Devil in Pinstripes (2009),
The Incredible Banker (2011),
The Bankster (2012),
Bankerupt (2013).
God is a Gamer (2014)
The Bestseller She Wrote (2015)
His 9th book IN THE NAME OF GOD will release in 2017
If God was a Banker won him the Golden Quill readers choice award in 2008. He also won the Economist Crossword Book Award for The Incredible Banker in 2012. "The Bankster", released in 2012 won him the Crossword Book Award in 2013. In 2014 he won the Raymond Crossword book award for Bankerupt. His books have been translated into Hindi and Latvian. He lives in Mumbai with his wife, Dharini, and daughter, Anusha.
To connect with him, log on to Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorravisubramanian or tweet to @subramanianravi or email him at info@ravisubramanian.in
Ravi Subramanian, an alumnus of IIM Bengaluru, has spent two decades working his way up the ladder of power in the amazingly exciting and adrenaline-pumping world of global banks in India.
He is the award winning author of eight bestselling books :
If God was a Banker (2007),
I Bought the Monks Ferrari (2007),
Devil in Pinstripes (2009),
The Incredible Banker (2011),
The Bankster (2012),
Bankerupt (2013).
God is a Gamer (2014)
The Bestseller She Wrote (2015)
His 9th book IN THE NAME OF GOD will release in 2017
If God was a Banker won him the Golden Quill readers choice award in 2008. He also won the Economist Crossword Book Award for The Incredible Banker in 2012. "The Bankster", released in 2012 won him the Crossword Book Award in 2013. In 2014 he won the Raymond Crossword book award for Bankerupt. His books have been translated into Hindi and Latvian. He lives in Mumbai with his wife, Dharini, and daughter, Anusha.
To connect with him, log on to Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorravisubramanian or tweet to @subramanianravi or email him at info@ravisubramanian.in
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 39 reviews
November 4, 2020
Nice plot and very simplified writing.. The concept of "Shortz" is a great thought, like how an evening snack is soul satisfying compared to full lunch or dinner.. I read this only during my breaks as part of relaxation.. A page turner for sure and exciting thriller.. Don't miss it..
November 26, 2022
Short, 🔪gripping plot, thrilling and really a page turner !! 💜🙌
October 20, 2020
Short,Crisp and Engaging. Simple language, essential page turner for a short 1-1.5 hours. Nest suited for young readers.suspense is suggestive but still holds good. More than average.Better than Insomnia.
June 23, 2021
20th Book of 2021
Ravi Subramanian’s new venture called “Shortz Thrills Uninterrupted” is a very nice gesture to promote other skilled authors who can write good thrillers in as less words as possible. He has been himself the face of Indian thrilling world for more than a decade and frankly speaking, I got into the world of suspense and thriller through his banking novels. I must say that I remember every experience of reading his books and have learnt so much about literature through the perfection he has in blending elements into his stories. This time, the book I have read under this venture is “A Brutal Hand” which is co-written with Jigs Ashar, the author who has written individual books too but getting featured here seems to be doing wonders with his increasing fan following.
The book comes with a tag line that says, “There’s no escape”. The book is summed up in around 175 pages and I must say this is one of the shortest thrillers I have read which has appealed me. Kudos to Westland Publication. It kept me grasped and intrigued right from the first page. Author has written a perfect page-turner which makes you want to know how the investigation will proceed and how the killer will be identified. The narration is quite good as even though the story keeps moving on a fast pace, you find it bit easy to go hand-in-hand with it. You never feel the complexities in the plot even when this is a thriller genre book. I don’t think there could have been a better way to write a short thriller than this.
All the chapters are so nicely divided here that you can imagine each of them as different scenes and visualize it like frame changes in movies and web-series these days. The characters are very nicely woven that you can relate with each one of them. Even when there are few characters who are spooky, you still feel that you are with them, and you can feel what they are going through. There are many worlds involved here – like psychiatrist, jail, police, rehab etc. You will love how the character from different world gets connected to each other when the police start investigating the case. I really found it very appropriate and precise.
Throughout the story, I could keep guessing the murderer in different people but when the unexpected happened in the climax, I really got very happy to be proved wrong as it tells you that the book you picked up has beaten your perceptions. I just felt that author could have kept the interrogation round little more descriptive and helped us understand the psyche and emotions of the killer in a better way. Reading this climax, it felt as if we are just told who the killer is in a Breaking News format and why did he kill the victims in just a formal manner. There should have been a Longz version of this part even if the whole story is written in the shortz format.
Overall, this book will place Jigs Ashar in the top list and you will find the presence of Ravi Subramanian in this story for sure. I give this book 4 stars out of 5. This book has the potential to be adapted into a web-series format due to its fast-paced and intelligent investigation elements.
Thanks.
WRITING BUDDHA
Ravi Subramanian’s new venture called “Shortz Thrills Uninterrupted” is a very nice gesture to promote other skilled authors who can write good thrillers in as less words as possible. He has been himself the face of Indian thrilling world for more than a decade and frankly speaking, I got into the world of suspense and thriller through his banking novels. I must say that I remember every experience of reading his books and have learnt so much about literature through the perfection he has in blending elements into his stories. This time, the book I have read under this venture is “A Brutal Hand” which is co-written with Jigs Ashar, the author who has written individual books too but getting featured here seems to be doing wonders with his increasing fan following.
The book comes with a tag line that says, “There’s no escape”. The book is summed up in around 175 pages and I must say this is one of the shortest thrillers I have read which has appealed me. Kudos to Westland Publication. It kept me grasped and intrigued right from the first page. Author has written a perfect page-turner which makes you want to know how the investigation will proceed and how the killer will be identified. The narration is quite good as even though the story keeps moving on a fast pace, you find it bit easy to go hand-in-hand with it. You never feel the complexities in the plot even when this is a thriller genre book. I don’t think there could have been a better way to write a short thriller than this.
All the chapters are so nicely divided here that you can imagine each of them as different scenes and visualize it like frame changes in movies and web-series these days. The characters are very nicely woven that you can relate with each one of them. Even when there are few characters who are spooky, you still feel that you are with them, and you can feel what they are going through. There are many worlds involved here – like psychiatrist, jail, police, rehab etc. You will love how the character from different world gets connected to each other when the police start investigating the case. I really found it very appropriate and precise.
Throughout the story, I could keep guessing the murderer in different people but when the unexpected happened in the climax, I really got very happy to be proved wrong as it tells you that the book you picked up has beaten your perceptions. I just felt that author could have kept the interrogation round little more descriptive and helped us understand the psyche and emotions of the killer in a better way. Reading this climax, it felt as if we are just told who the killer is in a Breaking News format and why did he kill the victims in just a formal manner. There should have been a Longz version of this part even if the whole story is written in the shortz format.
Overall, this book will place Jigs Ashar in the top list and you will find the presence of Ravi Subramanian in this story for sure. I give this book 4 stars out of 5. This book has the potential to be adapted into a web-series format due to its fast-paced and intelligent investigation elements.
Thanks.
WRITING BUDDHA
September 14, 2020
Brilliant Thriller
Another fast-paced Shortz read from the duo of Jigs Asher and Ravi Subramanian. In fact, I found this one to be more captivating than 'Insomnia'. The suspense was tightly held onto until the very edge and it was indeed a revelation against the expectations. The characters were neatly evolved and the storyline was quite focussed on the plot. A great weekend read to relax oneself from the routine chores. Both Shortz is based on locations in Mumbai and therefore could relate to the locales. The investigating officer furthermore meticulously analyzes the case which seems independent at first, but then carefully joins the missing dots and follows the trail to nab the perpetrator. Overall a great read in the so-called T20 format of crime and recommended to all lovers of crime and thrillers. Wishing all the best to the debutant author and many thanks to mentor Ravi Subramanian in helping develop new talents to write in this genre.
Another fast-paced Shortz read from the duo of Jigs Asher and Ravi Subramanian. In fact, I found this one to be more captivating than 'Insomnia'. The suspense was tightly held onto until the very edge and it was indeed a revelation against the expectations. The characters were neatly evolved and the storyline was quite focussed on the plot. A great weekend read to relax oneself from the routine chores. Both Shortz is based on locations in Mumbai and therefore could relate to the locales. The investigating officer furthermore meticulously analyzes the case which seems independent at first, but then carefully joins the missing dots and follows the trail to nab the perpetrator. Overall a great read in the so-called T20 format of crime and recommended to all lovers of crime and thrillers. Wishing all the best to the debutant author and many thanks to mentor Ravi Subramanian in helping develop new talents to write in this genre.
December 7, 2020
Book 34 of 2020 - A Brutal Hand by Ravi Subramanian and Jigs Ashar. I have been a fan of Ravi Subramanian's works ever since I read If God Was a Gamer. The twist and plot of this novel too sends the reader on a roller coaster ride, thinking, wondering and contemplating. Every word makes keeps the reader hooked to the novel, true to the promise the authors have made to the readers in the foreword of this superbly written and conceptualized book.
Two murders have taken place and there is someone who wouldn't stop at this. Who is committing the murders? Why is the murderer leaving a "Sorry" note after every murder? Is the murderer unstoppable? A superb read.
#book34of2020 #abrutalhand #ravisubramanian #jigsashar #booksof2020 #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram
Two murders have taken place and there is someone who wouldn't stop at this. Who is committing the murders? Why is the murderer leaving a "Sorry" note after every murder? Is the murderer unstoppable? A superb read.
#book34of2020 #abrutalhand #ravisubramanian #jigsashar #booksof2020 #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram
February 25, 2022
Alok Dalal, a wealthy business owner found dead in a Mumbai parking lot with a note of 'sorry'. What does it mean?
Is it a serial killer who left a note of sorry after murder?
Is he or she feel sorry in guilt?
The beginning and the rhythm of the book was really amazing. I liked the plot as well. And I loved the characters very much like Neel Burman (a psychiatrist), Inspector Abhay Rastogi and Sub inspector Kadam, Manohar, Deshmukh, Arti and Nitya. All the characters played great roles. The book was easy to read and fast paced. Loved the overall story of the book. It kept me glued till the end.
But i feel disappointment with the climax. The ending was not so in detail. It was a very short and didn't understand to the readers well. Due to this, the characters story seems useless.
Is it a serial killer who left a note of sorry after murder?
Is he or she feel sorry in guilt?
The beginning and the rhythm of the book was really amazing. I liked the plot as well. And I loved the characters very much like Neel Burman (a psychiatrist), Inspector Abhay Rastogi and Sub inspector Kadam, Manohar, Deshmukh, Arti and Nitya. All the characters played great roles. The book was easy to read and fast paced. Loved the overall story of the book. It kept me glued till the end.
But i feel disappointment with the climax. The ending was not so in detail. It was a very short and didn't understand to the readers well. Due to this, the characters story seems useless.
November 24, 2020
A new concept of writing shortz crime stories. This is a fast read which will appeal to the younger new readers.
Based in Mumbai it deals with the mystery of two identical murders. A detailed investigation follows. A bit of psychology and mental health is covered.
Enjoyable as a weekend read.
Based in Mumbai it deals with the mystery of two identical murders. A detailed investigation follows. A bit of psychology and mental health is covered.
Enjoyable as a weekend read.
January 14, 2021
Not That Brutal!
My 2nd read of the SHORTZ series. Though the plot looks interesting, it lacks the depth of a murder investigation novel.
A well known businessman and a jain superintendent are murdered. Inspector Rastogi is in charge of finding out the murderer.
A simple and short read.
My 2nd read of the SHORTZ series. Though the plot looks interesting, it lacks the depth of a murder investigation novel.
A well known businessman and a jain superintendent are murdered. Inspector Rastogi is in charge of finding out the murderer.
A simple and short read.
July 28, 2024
My first book by Ravi Subramanian. I like the vision of 'shortz'; meaning short chapters. Fast-paced, easy to read, page-turner, and a murder mystery/thriller book. What else does a reader need? I think a chapter should've extended the book to clear some doubts that a reader might have. I gave this book a solid 4 stars and would read more books by this author in the future.
December 27, 2024
This is my first book by Ravi Subramanium. The book can be completed within 2 hours. Not a gripping novel.
The story revolves around four characters Dr.Neel, his wife. A cruel police officer named Deshmukh. A killer in a hoody dress attacking people with a sorry note.
Climax was average
The outset was good.
The story revolves around four characters Dr.Neel, his wife. A cruel police officer named Deshmukh. A killer in a hoody dress attacking people with a sorry note.
Climax was average
The outset was good.
September 29, 2020
Its Really Shortz
Read Ravi Subramanian for the first time and its really moving, finished the whole book in few hours without any break. Every page headed towards something new. Loved the book and it's a must read for suspenese/ crime lovers.
Read Ravi Subramanian for the first time and its really moving, finished the whole book in few hours without any break. Every page headed towards something new. Loved the book and it's a must read for suspenese/ crime lovers.
September 30, 2020
Very short read. Given the language is very simple and easy, it can be easily finished in an hour in one go. Been a huge fan of Ravi Subramanian's work. It was fun reading a short novel like this one.
April 6, 2021
A Murder Mystery
This short stories are of continues events with little drama and twists. Good part is it contains thrill and can finish in one shot. Looking forward on many more like this on banking and finance in which Ravi has specialization.
This short stories are of continues events with little drama and twists. Good part is it contains thrill and can finish in one shot. Looking forward on many more like this on banking and finance in which Ravi has specialization.
June 19, 2021
A good, slick and smart novella. A good read if you only have 2-3 hours and want an engaging read.
I guessed who the killer was halfway into the book. That could also be because I doubt every character’s motive when they are introduced in the book.
I guessed who the killer was halfway into the book. That could also be because I doubt every character’s motive when they are introduced in the book.
January 28, 2022
2/5 stars
एक सिटींग में पढ़ी जा सकती हैं जिसमे इंस्पेक्टर रस्तोगी का रोल काफी बढ़िया हैं लेकिन कहानी काफी कमजोर हैं औऱ predictable हो जाती हैं.... कॉलेज, स्कूल बच्चो के लिए अच्छा ऑप्शन हो सकता हैं, for me its an average book👍🏾
एक सिटींग में पढ़ी जा सकती हैं जिसमे इंस्पेक्टर रस्तोगी का रोल काफी बढ़िया हैं लेकिन कहानी काफी कमजोर हैं औऱ predictable हो जाती हैं.... कॉलेज, स्कूल बच्चो के लिए अच्छा ऑप्शन हो सकता हैं, for me its an average book👍🏾
September 12, 2020
Amazing, fast paced thriller, finished in one sitting
September 14, 2020
A quick read
September 30, 2020
It was a quick one..
October 2, 2020
A good thriller after a long time
October 8, 2020
Somewhat better than Insomnia!!
October 20, 2020
Although a short thriller, I found the ending too abrupt. Could have extended the suspense a bit more.
October 24, 2020
A short, gripping read true to its name! A very unexpected and surprising twist! Recommended for thriller and crime fans 👍🏻
November 4, 2020
A gripping novel once again from Ravi Subramanian.
December 28, 2020
A Brutal Hand: There's no escape review
An interesting fast-paced read. Plot is taut. Well written and has everything that makes a good thriller. Waiting for more such Shorts
An interesting fast-paced read. Plot is taut. Well written and has everything that makes a good thriller. Waiting for more such Shorts
December 31, 2020
A quick read
A racy, quick read. Ideal for an in between read...
If you are reading something serious and want to refresh you should pick this up. Easy on the mind. Fresh writing...
A racy, quick read. Ideal for an in between read...
If you are reading something serious and want to refresh you should pick this up. Easy on the mind. Fresh writing...
January 2, 2021
Quick one day read the other shorts book was better. Didn’t like the story line especially the concept but nevertheless a quick fast read
January 5, 2021
Pathetic
The story is typical. End is abrupt and too predictable. No emphasis on killer's childhood trauma which led to all this. Not recommended at all.
The story is typical. End is abrupt and too predictable. No emphasis on killer's childhood trauma which led to all this. Not recommended at all.
March 8, 2021
Shortz as name suggests is a short and thrilling read. Typical Ravi Subramanian of the plot that keeps us guessing till the last. We doubt on everyone until the real perpetrator is revealed.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 39 reviews