Cold Sun

Detective Vijay Patel #1

by Anita Sivakumaran

In the golden afternoon light, the young woman lies perfectly still, her dark hair fanning out behind her. She is dressed in a rose red sari, shot through with gold. Just like the others.

The last time Detective Vijay Patel visited India, he vowed never to return. After a devastating accident, the country holds only bitter memories and broken dreams. But when three young women are murdered in mysterious circumstances, Patel is pulled back to his past.

Leaving his fiancée Sarah behind in London, Patel rushes to a beautiful apartment on a tree-lined street where the body of Sarita Mohan, a successful businesswoman, has been found. Floating on a sea of black satin, she is dressed in red silk, a tiny silver ring on the fourth toe of her right foot.

Desperate to find a link between the murders, Patel digs into the other cases and spots the missing link. The toe ring is a symbol of marriage and the distinctive red saris are traditionally worn for weddings. What is the killer trying to tell them? Why leave each body posed like a bride?

Then Sarah is kidnapped, and Patel is frantic to find the woman he loves before she becomes the next victim. As he desperately re-reads the killer's last cryptic message, Patel finds the critical clue he's been searching for, and hopefully a chance to save Sarah.

Determined to rescue the woman he loves, can Patel outwit the deadliest killer he has ever faced? Or is he already too late?

Utterly unputdownable, this breathless thriller will keep you guessing until the final, shocking twist. Fans of Ian Rankin, Abir Mukherjee and Val McDermid will be totally gripped!

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2021

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in what appears to be a new series by Anita Sivakumaran featuring the fish out of water DS Vijay Patel, sent to Bangalore in India by a Superintendent Skinner of the London Met who is not keen on him. Patel's family are from Uganda, and he is a Leicester man who ended up playing cricket as a fast bowler for the England team, only to be forced to retire after a wrist injury. After this, he retrained as a police officer, who in Yorkshire struck lucky when he was responsible for catching a serial killer. He knows he got a lucky break, but it means he shoulders heavy responsibilities and burdens with the high expectations of his talents, the reasons why he is chosen to help the Indian police in a case that has seen prominent women murdered, dressed in red saris, and killed with a rather unusual weapon.

However, his troubled personal life, he is engaged to artist and sculptor Sarah Saunders, means that he is not entirely unhappy to be travelling to the sub-continent. The British interest is that the Foreign Secretary, Alex Goldblum's ex-wife, the 34 year old Sarita Mohan is one of the victims. As can be imagined, not everyone in the Indian police force is keen on his arrival, but Police Chief Rajkumar is under heavy pressure to make an arrest. With his role identified as a consultant, Patel works closely with Assistant Commissioner Chandra Subramanium, a tough woman who has had to survive in a profession that is heavily male dominated. He finds himself part of a murder inquiry where there are no leads, unable to speak the language and a colourful vibrant culture he is unfamilar with, and a spicy cuisine that he is struggling to stomach. He is helped back in London by Inspector Rima Seth.

Patel finds himself being the intense focus of the media, but the murders continue at a faster rate, and he has caught the eye of the killer, Manu, a unreconstructed man who has traditional ideas on the role of women and how they should behave. This is an entertaining crime read primarily for its great sense of location in India and the great character of Chandra. It is marred slightly by the identity of Manu being far too easy to decipher early on, but otherwise this a good crime mystery, although I am wondering where the author will take Patel on his next outing. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cold Sun is the first instalment in the Detective Vijay Patel series, set against the backdrop of searingly hot Bengaluru (previously known as Bangalore) in the state of Karnataka, where high tech industry thrives and the city erupts with energetic nightlife and the greenery and scenery of its parks. This is a richly atmospheric amalgamation of crime thriller, police procedural and Bollywood Noir. DS Vijay Patel is the Leicester-born son of Gujarati immigrants. A first-class cricketer, whose England career was ended abruptly by injury, now works as a Detective Sergeant at Scotland Yard. Brilliant, but lacking confidence, and with a crumbling personal life, he’s sent to Bangalore to assist in the investigation of the murder of several high-profile, glamorous women, one of whom is the British Foreign Minister’s ex-wife. The only clues from the killer, who calls himself ‘Gentleman’, are the mysterious weapon that delivers the killing blow and the identical red saris he leaves draped on the bodies of all the women. Patel is a stranger in a strange land - though one who looks like a local.

He must work with Assistant Commissioner Chandra Subramanium, a dynamic, ruthless Indian policewoman who resents the British intrusion. With differing methods and near-fatal results, together they must hunt the psychopath killer, before he takes another life. This is a compulsive, captivating and fast-paced thriller in which debut genre author Sivakumaran weaves a richly described and intriguing story full of drama, wonderful insights into Indian culture and a cast of distinctive and engaging characters. The location is a character in itself and brings such a lot of intrigue to the novel with the lush descriptions of the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling city. Primarily told from Patel’s perspective with some interspersed musings of the killer, Maru, I found it fresh, exciting and thoroughly entertaining; it had no problem capturing my interest from start to finish. Patel is impulsive, determined and ambivalent, and the dynamic between Chandra and Patel is a fascinating one. I can't wait to see what direction the series will head in when Black Rain arrives in 2022. Highly recommended.

[Nadishka Aloysius · Rating 5 out of 5]

A British Indian cop in India...
I loved the setting and concept of this book. The descriptions felt brutally honest (I'm from neighbouring Sri Lanka, so I should have some idea, yeah?) although sometimes over the top (do they have such bad internet connections in 2021?)
Serial killers are always interesting and this was exceptionally unique because he thought himself equal to a Hindu god. So much scope there! I also liked how some of the story is filtered through the killer's eyes but you don't know for sure who it is since there are two possible candidates dangled enticingly before you. Although some western readers may not get a few jokes (like the very Bollywood references) I think this is a good read for any fan of mystery books.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a free copy.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow . I just couldn’t put this one down. An absolute masterpiece. Gritty, fast paced, brilliant. Offering an unapologetically honest yet fond glimpse of modern India with its foibles and contradictions. Reminded me of Harlan Coben’s Myron Bolitar books - the same breathtakingly supercharged thrill, but coupled with beautiful writing and wonderful, authentic Indian flavour. Loved loved all the characters, especially Chandra. Felt for Sarah. I cannot wait for more from Inspector Patel and I do so hope Chandra features too.This is definitely one of the best crime books I have ever read. Just wonderful. Will be recommending this to everyone.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, for an advance copy of Cold Sun, the first novel to feature DS Vijay Patel set in Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), India.

When the former wife of the British Foreign Secretary becomes the fourth wealthy woman to be murdered in Bengaluru DS Vijay Patel is sent to India to consult with the local force. He joins forces with Assistant Commissioner Chandra Subramanium to find the killer.

I thoroughly enjoyed Cold Sun, which has a novel take on foreign detectives and a good plot that make it a fun read. It is mostly told from Patel’s point of view with the killer, who calls himself Manu, occasionally providing his thoughts. This is an interesting contrast as Manu is an unregenerate traditionalist while Patel is anything but. He is a former professional cricketer, forced to retire young through injury, turned detective, born and bred in Leicester and apart from a hotel stay for cricket has never been in India. Oh, and he doesn’t like spicy food. This throws up all sorts of questions, like why he was chosen to go, but you’ll have to read the novel to get the answers. I really like him with his ambivalence, occasional lack of motivation and ability to wholeheartedly throw himself into danger.

The plot held my attention throughout. Much of this is due to Patel’s introduction to Indian life and policing through the fiery Chandra Subramanium, a woman in a man’s world. The stereotypes keep falling in this novel. I loved the interaction between these two characters. The plot itself doesn’t offer anything new in terms of motive, or even in the strange murder weapon, but the window dressing keeps it fresh and entertaining. The only mild criticism I would have of the novel is the reveal of Manu’s identity and the final showdown. I guessed his identity about 60% in and he is revealed at 80% in. This latter is too soon as it detracts from the final action scene, which, in itself, is one of the least credible parts of the novel.

Cold Sun is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Shanti Shanmugananthan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, for an advance copy of Cold Sun, which features DS Vijay Patel. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the setting, mainly in Bengalaru, India. I loved Anita’s writing style and the pace of the book. It’s refreshing to come across a book these days that does not need editing corrections.
It would be silly to give a synopsis of the story as it’s already been given, but the twist at the end, although it didn’t surprise me, was neatly tied up and there were no loose ends.
I thoroughly recommend the book and I look forward the the next in this series.

[Duncan Beattie (Fiction From Afar) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cold Sun marks the start of a new crime series featuring DI Vijay Patel by Anita Sivakumaran. Based in the London Metropolitan Police, Patel has previously solved the case of The Dales Ripper during a posting in Yorkshire some three years before the start of this story. Yet there is a feeling that he is treading water in London when his superintendent calls him to his office. Patel is told that he will be sent to Bangalore in India to help the Indian police to solve the murder of the ex-wife of the British foreign minister. While he is told that out of 24 homicide detectives, he is the right man for the job, he is left with the suspicion that he is actually the one with the right skin colour. In fact Patel was born in Leicester to parents who came from Uganda while his grandparents came from Gujarat which located on India’s Arabian Sea western coast. The only time he had previously been to India was to play in a cricket tournament 10 years earlier.

Landing in Bangalore (referred to the novel as Bengaluru), he encounters initial confusion about his identity from the city police chief Rajkumar before resentment that this British detective has been sent. “The Bengaluru police force with its hundred and seventy detectives isn’t enough. It isn’t equipped with such prowess, such brains as you Mr Patel”.

While Rajkumar is hard to please, Patel does manage to develop what appears to be a more satisfactory working relationship with Assistant Commissionaire Chandra Subramanium buy referring to his role as that of a consultant. As Chandra has studied Criminology at Cardiff University she has a better understanding of his Britishness, although reprimands him for not speaking more clearly to her fellow Indians. She is also far too keen to use her ‘lathi’ baton when questioning suspects for his liking, claiming his superior morals make him ‘a white man in dark skin’.

Author Sivakumaran has previously published 3 titles including The Queen which was made into a high profile television series. Born in Madras, now known as Chennai, her descriptions of modern day India really give Cold Sun a strong sense of setting. The below describes Patel’s introduction to the police station:

“They passed police lockups populated by lowlifes and prostitutes. Habitués, he supposed. They huddled or lounged chatting or silent. Many stared at him as he passed. Chemical and metal smells: the ammonia in urine saturating the bricks, the metallic sourness of human sweat on iron bars. The stink of desperation, the musk of apathy. Bare bulbs glinted. Pan juice, the colour of old blood stained the walls.”

It's not a particularly pleasant beginning to the trip for Patel who is also reflecting on his unsatisfactory relationship with his girlfriend back in London. Unlike southern Indians he also struggles with the spicy food. It soon becomes evident that the police are looking for a serial killer who is targeting women of a high social standing in Bengaluru. There is a memorable scene where Patel is rating the women on their attractiveness to consider if this could be a link.

Patel’s presence brings unwanted personal attention to him from the press with news reports that even hark back to his professional cricket playing days. He is not aided by Rajkumar’s insistence on regular press conferences which seem to be geared towards his own self-preservation. When the deaths become more frequent and one has a tenuous link to Patel, could it be that the police chief will use him as a scapegoat for their failure to progress in capturing the killer?
In addition to the investigation, Sivakumaran strongly reveals life in a city on the border between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu where the locals speak either the Kannada or Tamil languages. It’s a place where the population as a whole appear more trusting of the British than politicians in New Delhi. A city where first world technology does not always function with a third world infrastructure. Yet one where answering a mobile phone call or message apparently is the most normal or crucial of activities irrespective of what the person is doing at the time. In some aspects it is more progressive, in Chandra's team the male police officers are subordinate to her with no sign of resentment, in contrast to the UK.

At its best Cold Sun immerses the reader into the unfamiliar sights and sounds of Bangalore where Patel has to deal with people from a range of social classes with often unexpected or unpredictable results. The situation almost becomes too much for our main protagonist yet when he starts to believe Chandra is in danger, the novels speeds up to an exciting finale where the identity of the killer.

Cold Sun is an enjoyable novel which I feel realistically and effectively portrays a stranger in a strange land. I did feel that perhaps there were a few unnecessary steps, such as Patel’s trip to Goa which while valid as it did reveal some very outdated British views towards India, did appear slotted in and somewhat interrupted the flow of the story. I’d perhaps have enjoyed a bit more urgency within the storyline at times but that might be due to personal preference. The key attraction to the novel was following a British born detective's participation in solving a crime in India and I would certainly recommend Cold Sun on that basis. I am interested to see where Sivakumaran intends to take Patel’s character in subsequent novels as the challenge will be to maintain such a level of intrigue.

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cold Sun is the first novel in the DS Vijay Patel detective series from Anita Sivakumaran and what a compelling introduction to a series it is. As a murderous individual targets well-to-do women in Banglalore, now Bengaluru, leaving the city police baffled and disorganised, an unusual consultant is called upon to help track down a killer…

As a crime reader embarking on a new series it’s always intrinsically important for the author to make a solid connection with the reader with their main protagonist. In Leicester born, Gujarati DS Vijay Patel, Sivakumaran has certainly achieved this, with an interesting back story, an unsettled personal life and his new, and largely reluctant role working within an unfamiliar police team, in a largely unfamiliar country.

“The Indian wealthy were trapped in the East, where poverty and lawlessness, unsentimental fatalism and merry-go-round logic made the whole place a beast of eccentricity that toyed with their petty Western aspirations. He was in the lawless East. Mind-bending eccentric East.”

As Sivakumaran immerses us in the bustling and chaotic environs of Bangalore, pulsating with life and energy, the colour and the heady smells, whilst representing equally the extreme poverty with the extreme wealth, she really gives us a sense of the bombardment of the senses and mind that Patel experiences. It was also interesting to see the social and cultural differences of this region in comparison to India as a whole, Bengaluru being one of India’s most populous cities. Although Patel has gained a certain amount of kudos back in Yorkshire, having been instrumental in the capturing of a serial killer, I loved the way that the author subtly undermines this former success, as we see Patel struggling with the vagaries of Indian policing, navigating the local culture, and perhaps more disturbingly the effect the local cuisine has on his digestive system.

Weighed down by the expectations of his new police colleagues, and in the firing line of both the media and the Foreign Secretary having been bought in as a specialist consultant, Sivakumaran is given plenty of scope to put Patel under extreme pressure. Throw into the mix a crumbling personal relationship, which was more of a distraction, adding a predictability to the plot, and a mercurial female detective in the form of Chandra Subraminium, a fierce, and not altogether unattractive colleague who keeps Patel on his toes and under her spell, there is plenty of entertainment to be had at the expense of the initially bewildered Patel. As he observes,

“This unpredictable madness. Chandra dealt in this every day. Policing by the skin of her teeth. She selectively used or discarded the law according to her own idea of what was right or wrong… He was without the will or wherewithal to question his path through the Indian jungle. Chandra hacked a trail for him and he simply followed.”

The spiky relationship between himself and Subraminium works very well, and it was good to once again see a female character with purpose and drive, who, at times, plays Patel like a fiddle, whilst nursing a grudging respect for his professional achievements, amongst other things…

Although the main plot of Cold Sun is a little linear, and the identity of the misogynistic killer ‘Gentleman’ not as well disguised as maybe it could have been, overall I enjoyed this first foray into the world of DS Vijay Patel, mainly due to the characterisation, and the depiction of the culture and atmosphere of Bangalore. I’m interested to see how this character is developed in follow up books, and how far afield his future cases take him, as the bar has set been quite high initially in terms of being transported to India on an international case. I look forward to finding out. Recommended.

[Arunaa (IG: rebelbooksta) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Sun by Anita Sivakumaran is a scintillating #whodunnit releasing on 12th August.

Deeply grateful to #netgalley #littlebrown for this #ARC.

DS Vijay Patel, a once famous cricketer from Leicester, born to Gujarati parents from Uganda has a penchant for cracking crime like Sherlock Holmes. He naturally gravitated to criminology, joined Scotland Yard after he sustained a permanent injury that ousted him from his cricketing career.

He goes on a stint to Bengaluru, pairs with a femme fatale Assistant Commissioner Chandra in hunting down a psychopathic serial killer. I will not ruin the suspense for you. You do the #whodunnit homework yourself when you read this book.

Killer's agenda: A megalomaniac (hindutva), also anglophillic with a puritanical ambition to cleanse the womanhood from all our sins such as smoking, drinking, whoring and her matching clothing. Uncle "transforms" the sinner woman to become righteous and pure in her afterlife by delivering the instantaneous death blow. There's the tunnel-visioned Hindu red bindi connotation - righteous god-fearing women sporting the symbol on the forehead. He drapes a red saree with a matching red blouse on all his victims. Red for fire / purification. Because uncle considers himself as the "Manu Purush".
(I'd sponsor the kerosense all by myself if batches of real life uncle and aunty Purush can be annihilated.)

Vijay finds himself in a conundrum. He follows the traditional Scotland Yard police procedural and CSI while Chandra begged to differ by deploying the infamous Indian Policing method.

I'm so captivated by Anita Sivakumaran's writing and mental presence in this story. The plot's trajectory or the foreshadowing took off from the 4th chapter onwards. Anita's knowledge of the arts, poem, geography incorporated with delectable slangs of British, Welsh, Aussie, and even my very own Tamil were works of brilliance. A worldly-crime outfit. Chandra's sardonic wit complimented Vijay's wry humour. And Anita has brilliantly distinguished the individual narratives.

Crime writing requires a special intellect and sharp sensibilities. Cold sun fulfills the sightscape, soundscape sensualities, the psychological schema of a criminal, the crescendo in tension kept me on edge the whole night. The face off between the criminal and his alter-ego - the detective was a smooth finishing.

There's speed, method, mental agility and almost watertight in this case of #whodunnit . The undercurrents of political and social perfectly layered the crime atmosphere. Also, there's the "No Country For Old Men" cameo!

A monumental crime story. Take a bow, Anita. Here's to many more of the #crimebusters duo, Vijay Patel and Chandra. Faith in crime stories is restored. I slept contentedly last night after devouring the Cold Sun. 

5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

#ColdSun #AnitaSivakumaran #Whodunnit #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booksofinstagram #sgbookstagram #CrimeNovel #CrimeFiction #CrimeStory #CrimeThriller #IGReads #Whatareyoureadingsg #readingnationsg #netgalley #ARC #littlebrownhouse #bookreviewer #bookreviews #booklover #bibliophile #crime #book #read #crimeseries #murder #CSI #ScotlandYard #dialoguebooks 

[Denis Wheller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Police procedures in India are structurally similar to those in the UK, but functionally a world apart – as Detective Sergeant Vijay Patel is about to find out. Born and bred in Leicester, his parents having been part of Amin’s expulsion of Asians from Uganda, he became a star bowler for England’s Test Team. A wrist injury ended that career and he is now a DS at Scotland Yard. Having solved a major case he is feted by all – except his boss, Superintendent Skinner. In his personal life he is caught between Sarah, his long term girlfriend, and Inspector Rima, his Immediate boss with whom he is heavily ‘flirting’.
At the same time, in Bengaluru, a fanatical serial killer is using a sort of captive bolt pistol to kill, and thus ‘purify’, the rich, westernised, women he targets. This would normally have no impact on the UK except that the latest victim is the ex-wife of the Foreign Minister. Help is requested of Scotland Yard and Skinner, anticipating ignominious failure, assigns Patel as a consultant.
Arriving in Bengaluru, he quickly becomes aware that the local police hierarchy, resent his presence. This is especially so for Assistant Commissioner Chandra Subramanium , the SIO, a highly intelligent, westernised and very attractive, woman. The clash of professional cultures, and the underlying sexual frisson, provide an interesting dynamic. So too does the clash between Patel’s totally anglicised ‘Indian’ background and the reality of the real India; described in glorious detail with all its mess, and colour, and noise and smells.
In some respects this is a slow build story as Vijay and Chandra become settled as a team and try to identify the killer. As it progresses, the action speeds up as we head towards the action packed denouement. The writer shows considerable skill in assembling and relating her tale, as she here takes off in a surprising direction – very different from her previous works of history and poetry. Although all is resolved, there is a feeling that Patel, as a character, has a lot left to develop and I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes the start of a series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Cold Sun’ is a promising start to a series which focuses on DI Vijay Patel, an ex-cricketer turned policeman man who lucked out when he found the Dales Ripper. He is now based at the Met and is asked to consult on a case in India, Bengaluru, as one of the victims is the Foreign Ministers ex-wife. Thrown in the deep end, in a country he has never visited, a system with none of the regulations he adheres to and a killer who becomes focused on him, it's a countdown to a dramatic showing.

I once visited Bangalore when I was 9 years old and the opening scene with the fasting holy man brought back memories of being in Sai Baba’s ashram with my mother. So right away I was hooked and yes I had a strange childhood hence the reason I found the book Burnt Sugar quite uncomfortable to read. The authenticity of India came through the pages and I felt as if I was right back there. Vijay as a character is complex, raw, and importantly realistic. I felt his thoughts about his injury and catching the Dales Ripper were spot on! I laughed when I saw he can't handle his spice though. I found it fascinating seeing Chandra, an female policewoman exerting so much influence in a man’s world. I don't think I have ever read crime fiction set in India with a female detective before so bravo!

I did work out who the killer was before the final showdown but it didn't detract from a well-plotted gripping narrative. Also, what a showdown eh! I loved the mix of Scotland Yard and the riot of culture that is India and I hope that this is a mix that continues. However, I have a feeling the next one will be when Chandra is over in London! Fingers crossed there is more to come from these characters as I would love to read more!

An easy recommendation from me! Let me know your thoughts.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow . I just couldn’t put this one down. An absolute masterpiece. Gritty, fast paced, brilliant. Offering an unapologetically honest yet fond glimpse of modern India with its foibles and contradictions. Reminded me of Harlan Coben’s Myron Bolitar books - the same breathtakingly supercharged thrill, but coupled with beautiful writing and wonderful, authentic Indian flavour. Loved loved all the characters, especially Chandra. Felt for Sarah. I cannot wait for more from Inspector Patel and I do so hope Chandra features too.This is definitely one of the best crime books I have ever read. Just wonderful. Will be recommending this to everyone.

[Nimalee Ravi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by the author and this book features DI Vijay Patel, former cricketer and now a Scotland Yard detective.

Series of murders including an English politician's wife is killed in Bangalore, India, DI Patel is sent to advice and assist.

The writing style of Anita is simply brilliant. You can see her knowledge and research into arts, politics and description of places, languages including slangs were spot on.

Cold Sun is a brilliant read and I can not wait to see more of DI Patel and Chandra. Definitely recommend this book.

[Jonathan Marcellus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read, full of energy and suspense. The idea of the UK-born detective of Indian heritage returning to an India he is whole unfamiliar with, to help solve a crime, is just such a brilliant notion. The author uses it very well, with India painted from the inside and out at the same time, as it were. It's tense, gripping and often witty all at the same time. Very much recommend this novel!

[Chris Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a very promising series featuring Scotland Yard detective Vijay Patel, former cricketer and rising star. When a series of murders in Bangalore baffle the local police, one of the victims being the wife of an English politician, Patel is seconded to India to advise. The novel is greatly enhanced by the author's knowledge of local geography and customs and the plot is fascinating throughout, with a number of surprising revelations. I look forward to the next in the series.

[Alex Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in a promising new series by Anita Sivakumaran introduces intriguing DS Vijay Patel, an ex cricketer and now Scotland Yard copper, sent to India to help out with a case when the ex wife of a British Minister is found dead.

Completely out of his depth, never having set foot in India other than to play a game of cricket, Patel is the fish out of water in hot and humid Bangalore.

With more prominent women coming to strange ends, Patel is paired with the tough and uncompromising female cop, Chandra, who takes no prisoners, often shaking Patel and his more western policing ideas to his bones.

With problems of his own, with health and home life , and dealing with a way of working he cant get used to with interfering superiors, the embattled DS has a world of issues in a race against the clock as the killer becomes more bloodthirsty.

This is an excellent debut crime thriller, and whilst the killer wasn’t unexpected, the reveal
was done very well, and this fast paced thriller set in an unusual setting with a new protagonist a little different to the norm.

I thoroughly enjoyed this well crafted thriller, bursting with the sounds and bright colours of Indian culture and traditions, and hope for more from DS Patel.

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Yusuf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping it Real

Can’t say enough about this book, or this author. This is a book that feels like, tastes like, smells like, sounds like… the real thing. Unlike the philosopher attempting to teach a lesson about appearances when presenting an elephant to the blindfolded, this is a work of fiction that presents the full monty. Kudos to the author for an amazing detective novel.

[Robert Burgon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed the atmosphere of Bangalore (Bengaluru), I thought that this novel moved from thriller to farce and at times it was hard to take it seriously. It was almost like an episode of Murder in Paradise set in India. While I am sure many will enjoy it, it wasn't really for me.

[Asha KRISHNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced read strong on setting.

Leicester DI and his Indian counterpart make a great team in this crime debut by Anita Sivakumaran.
Check out my review here:
http://onerightword.blogspot.com/2021...

[Anna M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel began with such promise- nuanced characters, an intriguing plot, well constructed prose- and devolved into an incredulously nonsensical and rushed ending that read like a first draft. This is the fault of an editor, if anyone.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent start to series! Injured ex cricketer Vijay now an inspector at Scotland Yard is sent to India to assist with enquiries into a serial killer.

[Alison Lockley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant detective novel - kept me engaged. Lots of mention of Leicester where I live!

[Chris B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving thus a headline 4 stars, but would in fact prefer to give 3.5: the killer's identity is in fact obvious well before "the final shocking revelation" claimed in the back cover blurb

[Jonathan Marcellus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read, full of energy and suspense. The idea of the UK-born detective of Indian heritage returning to an India he is whole unfamiliar with, to help solve a crime, is just such a brilliant notion. The author uses it very well, with India painted from the inside and out at the same time, as it were. It's tense, gripping and often witty all at the same time. Very much recommend this novel!

[Jamad · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pod read. Some of the portrayal of India brought back memories of visits there.

While I enjoyed it, the book seemed overly wordy - could have been 50 plus pages shorter or perhaps that is because I read a hard copy as opposed to electronic.

[dafydd raw-rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most enjoyable book, well written with convincing characters. Aed it in on go, more or less !