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The Girl in the Glass Case
A jealous psychopath hunting another serial killer to regain lost limelight.
A feisty young detective caught in the crossfire.
Can she end the carnage before she joins the body count?
Simone Singh, assistant superintendent of police, would rather spend her days locking up criminals than apologizing for her lack of social skills. And she refuses to let anyone stand in the way of her pursuit of the Doll Maker, a ruthless serial killer who dresses up little kids as Barbie dolls and displays their bodies in glass cases. But Simone knows that time is running out to piece together the clues as the Doll Maker has made it clear that the killings have only just begun . . .
Another serial killer, the Clipper, who enjoyed nine years of infamy as India's most notorious butcher, erupts into an all-consuming rage when he is cast aside by the media in favour of the sick new slayer-the Doll Maker. The Clipper turns his fury into blood-soaked revenge to capture the top spot. As corpses start to pile up, Simone fights to maneuver the Doll Maker into a clever trap. But the Clipper is hell-bent on striking first and regaining the crown with his most grisly murder yet.
Can Simone take down the two serial killers and stop the psychotic competition before it gets out of hand?
The Girl in the Glass Case is a jaw-dropping psychological crime thriller. If you like determined heroines, nail-biting twists and chilling serial murderers, then you'll love this rollercoaster ride.
Read The Girl in the Glass Case today to step into the arena of deadly competition!
A feisty young detective caught in the crossfire.
Can she end the carnage before she joins the body count?
Simone Singh, assistant superintendent of police, would rather spend her days locking up criminals than apologizing for her lack of social skills. And she refuses to let anyone stand in the way of her pursuit of the Doll Maker, a ruthless serial killer who dresses up little kids as Barbie dolls and displays their bodies in glass cases. But Simone knows that time is running out to piece together the clues as the Doll Maker has made it clear that the killings have only just begun . . .
Another serial killer, the Clipper, who enjoyed nine years of infamy as India's most notorious butcher, erupts into an all-consuming rage when he is cast aside by the media in favour of the sick new slayer-the Doll Maker. The Clipper turns his fury into blood-soaked revenge to capture the top spot. As corpses start to pile up, Simone fights to maneuver the Doll Maker into a clever trap. But the Clipper is hell-bent on striking first and regaining the crown with his most grisly murder yet.
Can Simone take down the two serial killers and stop the psychotic competition before it gets out of hand?
The Girl in the Glass Case is a jaw-dropping psychological crime thriller. If you like determined heroines, nail-biting twists and chilling serial murderers, then you'll love this rollercoaster ride.
Read The Girl in the Glass Case today to step into the arena of deadly competition!
344 pages, Paperback
Published January 10, 2022
About the author
Devashish Sardana
6 books107 followersDevashish Sardana is the author of The Apple, an Amazon Bestseller which won the second prize among 5000 entries at the Amazon India Pen-to-Publish Literary Award 2019.
Devashish's second novel - The Girl in the Glass Case, a nail-biting psychological thriller - will be published by Penguin Random House in January 2022.
Devashish also writes 100-word thrillers on 10x10 Thrills, a blog on both Facebook and Instagram with 150,000+ followers. The blog reached over 12 million readers in 2020.
He lives in Singapore with his wife and college sweetheart, Megha. He currently flits across the globe selling hope in a jar (beauty creams).
Devashish's second novel - The Girl in the Glass Case, a nail-biting psychological thriller - will be published by Penguin Random House in January 2022.
Devashish also writes 100-word thrillers on 10x10 Thrills, a blog on both Facebook and Instagram with 150,000+ followers. The blog reached over 12 million readers in 2020.
He lives in Singapore with his wife and college sweetheart, Megha. He currently flits across the globe selling hope in a jar (beauty creams).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 582 reviews
June 21, 2026
started off with a lot of promise and had me genuinely hooked in the beginning. The mystery and setup were intriguing but the story gradually became overly dramatic.What could have been a gripping thriller ended up feeling more like a soap opera at times. Some twists felt forced rather than earned.Still an engaging enough read but it didn’t fully deliver on its potential.
January 13, 2022
3.5
ASP Simone Singh would rather spend her days locking up criminals than apolozining for her lack of social skills. As she returns from her suspension she is handed the case of Doll Maker, a ruthless serial killer who loves to display the body of his victims as barbie dolls in glass cases. Another serial killer who enjoyed nine years of infamy as India's most notorious butcher erupts into all-consuming rage and jealousy, he is determined to grab his top spot. As corpses start to pile up, it is up to Simone now to stop this massacre at once.
The Girl in The Glass Case is an action-packed crime thriller. This is a fast paced book that keeps you hooked from cover to cover with its detailed police work and mind boggling loose ends. The storyline is very engaging but has too much giveaway, the story was pretty mysterious but then it started to unravel way too soon, giving away names, it was easy to connect the dots. I actually figured out the perp by connecing the clues left behind the chapters.
The characters were pretty much good, I paid more attention to the criminals than the police officers. They all have their little bit of background but the psyche of the criminals could have been sketched in more elaborate ways.
Written in layman's style and very flowy, juggling between several plots, by several means more than five plots running parallel. It didn't mess up the story but was pacy and did make my heart racing with exciting twist and turns. The ending came as a shocker though. For its easy writing and simple narration I would suggest this book to beginners.
ASP Simone Singh would rather spend her days locking up criminals than apolozining for her lack of social skills. As she returns from her suspension she is handed the case of Doll Maker, a ruthless serial killer who loves to display the body of his victims as barbie dolls in glass cases. Another serial killer who enjoyed nine years of infamy as India's most notorious butcher erupts into all-consuming rage and jealousy, he is determined to grab his top spot. As corpses start to pile up, it is up to Simone now to stop this massacre at once.
The Girl in The Glass Case is an action-packed crime thriller. This is a fast paced book that keeps you hooked from cover to cover with its detailed police work and mind boggling loose ends. The storyline is very engaging but has too much giveaway, the story was pretty mysterious but then it started to unravel way too soon, giving away names, it was easy to connect the dots. I actually figured out the perp by connecing the clues left behind the chapters.
The characters were pretty much good, I paid more attention to the criminals than the police officers. They all have their little bit of background but the psyche of the criminals could have been sketched in more elaborate ways.
Written in layman's style and very flowy, juggling between several plots, by several means more than five plots running parallel. It didn't mess up the story but was pacy and did make my heart racing with exciting twist and turns. The ending came as a shocker though. For its easy writing and simple narration I would suggest this book to beginners.
November 26, 2022
Too disturbing to read. Disturbing characters alert. Assault. Abuse. Gruesome scenes. Don’t read this if you love your peace of mind.
June 27, 2025
2.5 Stars.
Snarky characters, a recycled twist, logic holes, and emotionally stunted prose—there was so much potential, but it all crumbled under the weight of its own cleverness. I'm tired. I’m annoyed. And I need a palate cleanser immediately.
This book reminded me—painfully—why I tend to steer clear of Indian thriller authors, even the ones living abroad. Nalini Singh remains a glorious exception, but this? This was an exercise in patience.
Let’s start with Simone. In the beginning, she was sharp-tongued and entertaining, the kind of character who doesn’t shy away from saying what we’re all thinking. That moment on page 5? Gold.
I was sold. But somewhere around the 30% mark, her tone turned from witty to downright irritating. Take this line for example:
Unnecessary. Petty. It became harder and harder to root for her, especially when the narrative tried to convince me—out of nowhere—that she was some emotionally deprived cinnamon roll just longing for friendship.
Really? After pages of biting sarcasm and emotional whiplash? That moment was supposed to be tender, but it just made me roll my eyes. Simone's constant snark felt less like character and more like the author’s frustration bleeding through. Yes, I get that sometimes, everything and everyone is out to annoy you but with this happening in my real life, I couldn't take hers as well. I wanted a bit of stability in her, a personal choice, maybe not necessarily author's fault.
Talking about the inconsistencies, let's discuss biggest one: Sunny’s kidnapping. The Doll Maker’s entire twisted logic was about “reuniting children with their dead mothers.” So why in the world is she kidnapping Sunny from his living mother’s home? Sure, his parents are divorced and he was just visiting, but this completely undercuts the killer’s motive. This wasn’t a last-minute impulse—it was a planned abduction. Sunny was supposed to be the final victim. The only reason I can think for this narrative blunder? Maybe the author wanted to add a dramatic punch by having one of the police force's own get involved. But it felt forced and unconvincing.
And I get it—serial killers aren’t supposed to be rational. But the book asks us to buy into this elaborate psychological framework, only to abandon its internal logic when it’s convenient for the twist.
Now let’s get spicy about the writing. There’s something about the way many Indian authors write English that feels... off. It’s not about grammar—it’s the tone, the rhythm, the unnatural phrasing. The dialogues often sound like someone is translating emotion rather than living it. It lacks the fluidity and nuance that comes from thinking in the language. That might sound nitpicky, but when you’re trying to immerse yourself in a thriller, those little language hiccups add up.
I could ignore all of the above. They are the icks I have developed over time. Not necessarily author's fault and maybe other readers won't even notice them. The book was on the way to a solid 4 Star but the reveal on Page 265, it made me almost chuck the book straight out of my room's window. The ever-so-exhausted trope of multiple personality disorder as the ultimate twist. Can we please leave this in the dusty corner of “once-cool plot devices that got overused to death”? Initially when it was introduced in mystery novels, it was intriguing. Now, it’s the equivalent of slapping duct tape on a broken story and calling it psychological depth. It gives the author a convenient way out—every inconsistency can be waved away with, “Ah, but it was the other personality.” And it sucks the fun right out of the guessing game.
Let’s not even start on the epilogue. Actually, let’s. It was deeply unsatisfying. We never really see Irshad's emotional aftermath after learning the Clipper’s true identity. No real reaction, no reckoning. For me the novel tapers off abruptly. With how much emotions we say Irshad putting in to find the Clipper, we saw none of it when he finally found him.
Lastly—why are Indian authors so determined to name their characters something like Simone, Irshad, or Rachel... in Bhopal? This isn’t an international crime thriller set in New York. Use Indian names, please. The dissonance was distracting and unnecessary.
Snarky characters, a recycled twist, logic holes, and emotionally stunted prose—there was so much potential, but it all crumbled under the weight of its own cleverness. I'm tired. I’m annoyed. And I need a palate cleanser immediately.
This book reminded me—painfully—why I tend to steer clear of Indian thriller authors, even the ones living abroad. Nalini Singh remains a glorious exception, but this? This was an exercise in patience.
Let’s start with Simone. In the beginning, she was sharp-tongued and entertaining, the kind of character who doesn’t shy away from saying what we’re all thinking. That moment on page 5? Gold.
'... when dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion...'
'Tell me about it,' Simone muttered.
'... creatures bristling with prejudice and motivated by pride and vanity. Don't criticize '
'What a crap!' Simone laughed in mock amusement. 'If you don't criticize people, how are they going to learn'
I was sold. But somewhere around the 30% mark, her tone turned from witty to downright irritating. Take this line for example:
Simone glanced down at Zoya's weathered boots, more from the weight they endured than the time gone by, Simone supposed snidely.
Unnecessary. Petty. It became harder and harder to root for her, especially when the narrative tried to convince me—out of nowhere—that she was some emotionally deprived cinnamon roll just longing for friendship.
'Her heart swelled, like a weight had suddenly been lifted. She had never had a friend. Never knew companionship. But, today, in this moment, for the very first time, she experienced the soft embrace of friendship. Someone who understood her. Someone who saw her for who she could be, not just for who she was. It both broke and mended her heart.'
Really? After pages of biting sarcasm and emotional whiplash? That moment was supposed to be tender, but it just made me roll my eyes. Simone's constant snark felt less like character and more like the author’s frustration bleeding through. Yes, I get that sometimes, everything and everyone is out to annoy you but with this happening in my real life, I couldn't take hers as well. I wanted a bit of stability in her, a personal choice, maybe not necessarily author's fault.
Talking about the inconsistencies, let's discuss biggest one: Sunny’s kidnapping. The Doll Maker’s entire twisted logic was about “reuniting children with their dead mothers.” So why in the world is she kidnapping Sunny from his living mother’s home? Sure, his parents are divorced and he was just visiting, but this completely undercuts the killer’s motive. This wasn’t a last-minute impulse—it was a planned abduction. Sunny was supposed to be the final victim. The only reason I can think for this narrative blunder? Maybe the author wanted to add a dramatic punch by having one of the police force's own get involved. But it felt forced and unconvincing.
And I get it—serial killers aren’t supposed to be rational. But the book asks us to buy into this elaborate psychological framework, only to abandon its internal logic when it’s convenient for the twist.
Now let’s get spicy about the writing. There’s something about the way many Indian authors write English that feels... off. It’s not about grammar—it’s the tone, the rhythm, the unnatural phrasing. The dialogues often sound like someone is translating emotion rather than living it. It lacks the fluidity and nuance that comes from thinking in the language. That might sound nitpicky, but when you’re trying to immerse yourself in a thriller, those little language hiccups add up.
I could ignore all of the above. They are the icks I have developed over time. Not necessarily author's fault and maybe other readers won't even notice them. The book was on the way to a solid 4 Star but the reveal on Page 265, it made me almost chuck the book straight out of my room's window. The ever-so-exhausted trope of multiple personality disorder as the ultimate twist. Can we please leave this in the dusty corner of “once-cool plot devices that got overused to death”? Initially when it was introduced in mystery novels, it was intriguing. Now, it’s the equivalent of slapping duct tape on a broken story and calling it psychological depth. It gives the author a convenient way out—every inconsistency can be waved away with, “Ah, but it was the other personality.” And it sucks the fun right out of the guessing game.
Let’s not even start on the epilogue. Actually, let’s. It was deeply unsatisfying. We never really see Irshad's emotional aftermath after learning the Clipper’s true identity. No real reaction, no reckoning. For me the novel tapers off abruptly. With how much emotions we say Irshad putting in to find the Clipper, we saw none of it when he finally found him.
Lastly—why are Indian authors so determined to name their characters something like Simone, Irshad, or Rachel... in Bhopal? This isn’t an international crime thriller set in New York. Use Indian names, please. The dissonance was distracting and unnecessary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2022
The Girl in the Glass Case is a mind-blowing tale of excruciating pain, heinous crimes, and alter egos. It is a story that picks up one end, follows the thread, and comes to tie the loose end that has a bigger knot at it.
Two blood-thirsty psychopaths are out to kill others. One, the Clipper targets transgender men while the other, the Doll Maker puts young boys to sleep. Their acts are gruesome, intent more sinister. And reading the reality behind their beings is a giddy experience.
Simone Singh, ASP, and Zoya Bharucha, DSP, are given the task to solve the case of the murder of young boys. Their senior Irshad has failed to get cues on the Clipper who has been killing for nine years in a row now. How would this case solve and how would it unfold remains to be seen.
Set in the city of Bhopal, The Girl in the Glass Case is an action-packed crime thriller that leaves barely any room for casual reading. One is hooked and on the edge as they go page after page to solve the intriguing mystery.
Layers after layers, this book is at once heartbreaking and spine chilling. And the surreal effect created by the author's writing makes sure a reader is all into this story.
One of my recent reads dealt with psychological trauma and I remembered how curious I was to finish it. This book had the same effect, in fact, more intense! It was interesting to read how one's mind can trick them into assuming roles and act. How a serial killer and their calculated moves leave innocent at risk.
I loved this book for its representation of the LGBTQIA+ community and society's disdain towards it. How difficult it is to breathe when we cannot accept who we are. I absolutely loved the flow of this story and would certainly recommend it to anyone interested in crime thrillers.
Two blood-thirsty psychopaths are out to kill others. One, the Clipper targets transgender men while the other, the Doll Maker puts young boys to sleep. Their acts are gruesome, intent more sinister. And reading the reality behind their beings is a giddy experience.
Simone Singh, ASP, and Zoya Bharucha, DSP, are given the task to solve the case of the murder of young boys. Their senior Irshad has failed to get cues on the Clipper who has been killing for nine years in a row now. How would this case solve and how would it unfold remains to be seen.
Set in the city of Bhopal, The Girl in the Glass Case is an action-packed crime thriller that leaves barely any room for casual reading. One is hooked and on the edge as they go page after page to solve the intriguing mystery.
Layers after layers, this book is at once heartbreaking and spine chilling. And the surreal effect created by the author's writing makes sure a reader is all into this story.
One of my recent reads dealt with psychological trauma and I remembered how curious I was to finish it. This book had the same effect, in fact, more intense! It was interesting to read how one's mind can trick them into assuming roles and act. How a serial killer and their calculated moves leave innocent at risk.
I loved this book for its representation of the LGBTQIA+ community and society's disdain towards it. How difficult it is to breathe when we cannot accept who we are. I absolutely loved the flow of this story and would certainly recommend it to anyone interested in crime thrillers.
March 15, 2026
Have you ever read a thriller so good that you start feeling unsafe in your own home even if you don't fit the victim dynamics in the said book? Yes, that's how good it was.
The story is based in Bhopal, India, where police starts seeing a strange series of murder of little boys. The police calls the killer "Doll Maker". But there's not just one serial killer, but there's also a killer with more experience and reputation, known as "Clipper". Clipper feels threatened by the growing fame of Doll Maker and in midst all this is police department, trying to solve the mysteries behind both the killers.
This is an extremely fast paced book, from start to finish. My heart was racing the entire time. The premise is also refreshing and intriguing. The author put a lot of thought into the details and it shows. I predicted some things, but the ending is something I didn't see coming. It's a good execution and one of the finest pieces of thriller I have seen in a while.
But if I had to bring up one thing that could be improved, that would be the character development. Simone's character was too disagreeable from the start and No, I don't have a problem with her being disagreeable. Some interactions of Simone feel very forced and obviously forced. As a reader, I want to see the character in a flow, not in a state of fulfilling commands just for the sake of it.
All in all, a unique thriller and fast paced beast.
The story is based in Bhopal, India, where police starts seeing a strange series of murder of little boys. The police calls the killer "Doll Maker". But there's not just one serial killer, but there's also a killer with more experience and reputation, known as "Clipper". Clipper feels threatened by the growing fame of Doll Maker and in midst all this is police department, trying to solve the mysteries behind both the killers.
This is an extremely fast paced book, from start to finish. My heart was racing the entire time. The premise is also refreshing and intriguing. The author put a lot of thought into the details and it shows. I predicted some things, but the ending is something I didn't see coming. It's a good execution and one of the finest pieces of thriller I have seen in a while.
But if I had to bring up one thing that could be improved, that would be the character development. Simone's character was too disagreeable from the start and No, I don't have a problem with her being disagreeable. Some interactions of Simone feel very forced and obviously forced. As a reader, I want to see the character in a flow, not in a state of fulfilling commands just for the sake of it.
All in all, a unique thriller and fast paced beast.
October 27, 2023
NO SPOILERS
It was the WORST book I have read in my life. The main character was very annoying and not at all relatable, she would be a good person one second and bursting with anger at a person who cares about her in literally the same line. I am not disturbed by gruesome scenes but these scenes were literally disgusting. The whole time I was reading the book it felt like I was watching a typical Indian serial, which was so dramatic. I had higher expectations than I had. I wish I could give it 0 stars.
It was the WORST book I have read in my life. The main character was very annoying and not at all relatable, she would be a good person one second and bursting with anger at a person who cares about her in literally the same line. I am not disturbed by gruesome scenes but these scenes were literally disgusting. The whole time I was reading the book it felt like I was watching a typical Indian serial, which was so dramatic. I had higher expectations than I had. I wish I could give it 0 stars.
July 15, 2025
The story had a good start, just what a mystery thriller needed.
But it felt like the author wanted to take a leaf out of every mystery thriller movie he has watched, to give us something to hook on every 5 chapters. which clearly didn't work out for me.
When the plot focuses mainly on trans women, it should have been treated better rather than using it just as a prop so that it can standout than the usual thrillers.
But it felt like the author wanted to take a leaf out of every mystery thriller movie he has watched, to give us something to hook on every 5 chapters. which clearly didn't work out for me.
When the plot focuses mainly on trans women, it should have been treated better rather than using it just as a prop so that it can standout than the usual thrillers.
February 19, 2022
The first psycho thriller I have loved the most. I had been facing reading slump since past two months but this is the book that has got me back to reading.
It’s crisp, it’s grasping, it’s intriguing, it’s enlightening, it’s terrifying, it’s fast paced.
The happiness I felt when I guessed out the villain even before it was revealed to the police characters truly showed that this book enticed me. It kept me hooked and it felt like I was watching a thriller movie. Every character had it’s perfect balance of both kindness and selfishness. A fight between two villains with the ending revealing a huge twist is what I have loved the most in this book. Somehow I have loved how the villains character was crafted. Multiple personality disorder concept was used and it was enlightening to know how people suffering with such a disease behave and how they have their own beliefs about life. Even though Simone was a main police officer character, I loved Zoya the most. Zoya was soft, understanding, supporting but even harsh where she was required to be.
I would definitely recommend this book to everybody. It’s not everyday that we come across such gripping thrillers. The revelations and the twists in the plot are appreciable.
It’s crisp, it’s grasping, it’s intriguing, it’s enlightening, it’s terrifying, it’s fast paced.
The happiness I felt when I guessed out the villain even before it was revealed to the police characters truly showed that this book enticed me. It kept me hooked and it felt like I was watching a thriller movie. Every character had it’s perfect balance of both kindness and selfishness. A fight between two villains with the ending revealing a huge twist is what I have loved the most in this book. Somehow I have loved how the villains character was crafted. Multiple personality disorder concept was used and it was enlightening to know how people suffering with such a disease behave and how they have their own beliefs about life. Even though Simone was a main police officer character, I loved Zoya the most. Zoya was soft, understanding, supporting but even harsh where she was required to be.
I would definitely recommend this book to everybody. It’s not everyday that we come across such gripping thrillers. The revelations and the twists in the plot are appreciable.
January 21, 2022
Devashish Sardana presents a very well-plotted story with an action-filled climax and a pinch of humor in the book- The Girl in the Glass Case. The story is packed with twists, unexpected revelations, suspense, action, and a lot of thrill to keep you hooked with this book.
I really like the setting of the novel. Its carefully drawn-out plot with sufficient details is what I find exciting. The language is pretty easy, and the narration is engaging. The author has done good research to establish the murders skillfully. The process is explained precisely about the mysterious fingerprints and the murder weapon.
However, I feel the MPD part was loosely connected in the storyline. The timelines of the alter egos didn’t sync with each others’ actions. While that tika part on the forehead with vermillion was a great addition to the plot, according to me, it wasn’t established properly. How come so many people at the mall didn’t notice that vermillion mark and got busy adoring the dolls instead?
Read the full review on:
https://bit.ly/3rBGddc
I really like the setting of the novel. Its carefully drawn-out plot with sufficient details is what I find exciting. The language is pretty easy, and the narration is engaging. The author has done good research to establish the murders skillfully. The process is explained precisely about the mysterious fingerprints and the murder weapon.
However, I feel the MPD part was loosely connected in the storyline. The timelines of the alter egos didn’t sync with each others’ actions. While that tika part on the forehead with vermillion was a great addition to the plot, according to me, it wasn’t established properly. How come so many people at the mall didn’t notice that vermillion mark and got busy adoring the dolls instead?
Read the full review on:
https://bit.ly/3rBGddc
May 14, 2025
What a unique serial crime thriller!! Basically you get books where there's one serial killer and the detectives are behind that one, or there are two mysterious murders to disclose. But in this book you have two similar psycho serial killers, and the respective detectives are behind them. But the twist is these are going to be connected to each other in a very surprising way.
The thing I most like about the book is the characters; the author fleshed out the characters, both the good ones and the bad ones, pretty well. And the author gives us the POV of all the main characters. There are characters of Superintendent Irshad who have been trying to find a serial killer for the last 9 years. The failure and the trauma of it. Then there's Simone and Zoya, both with their own personal problems with the pressure of finding the dollmaker, which is also done well. And I love reading their POVs, their thinking, and how complex a human character can be.
The best part is the POV of all the villains we meet here. Which gives depth to the story as well as makes the whole reading more complicated and filled with more suspense.
As for the plot, it's mind-blowing. It won't feel like that in the beginning, but when you see how all the loose ends connect with each other, you will feel it. There are twists and turns that you can easily predict, and then there are some you would not. And I enjoyed all of them because of the execution of the plot.
I enjoyed reading the whole story, and I highly recommend it if you are also a thriller lover like me, who loves dark and complex psychological thrillers.
The thing I most like about the book is the characters; the author fleshed out the characters, both the good ones and the bad ones, pretty well. And the author gives us the POV of all the main characters. There are characters of Superintendent Irshad who have been trying to find a serial killer for the last 9 years. The failure and the trauma of it. Then there's Simone and Zoya, both with their own personal problems with the pressure of finding the dollmaker, which is also done well. And I love reading their POVs, their thinking, and how complex a human character can be.
The best part is the POV of all the villains we meet here. Which gives depth to the story as well as makes the whole reading more complicated and filled with more suspense.
As for the plot, it's mind-blowing. It won't feel like that in the beginning, but when you see how all the loose ends connect with each other, you will feel it. There are twists and turns that you can easily predict, and then there are some you would not. And I enjoyed all of them because of the execution of the plot.
I enjoyed reading the whole story, and I highly recommend it if you are also a thriller lover like me, who loves dark and complex psychological thrillers.
August 2, 2023
An Indian man writing women protagonists that are insufferable filled with misogyny added to which is the nonchalant body shaming in the narration. Poor plot weaving and half-baked grandiose ideas. A definite skip recommendation for sure
April 1, 2025
This book should be placed in a glass case and be hidden in the storeroom.It had a good plot no kidding but the way it was written was horrible.
September 12, 2024
Hard to understand, not that good. I think if the plot was a little more interesting, it would've been slightly better.
July 15, 2025
A wrongly suspended cop, Simone, is working on tracking down a ruthless serial killer, along with another woman in the force, Zoya. Despite their differences, their partnership was an amazing part of this story. Watching their relationship change throughout the book was interesting to read.
The case of the “Doll Maker” is a high-profile one, given that the k!ller dresses up his victims, who are mainly children, as dolls and displays them for the world to see. It’s great that this case was assigned to a couple of women, although the fact that they had to report to an incompetent male officer was a bit disappointing (we get to know that their head isn’t that great of a cop and is still trying to catch his arch-nemesis after nine years, and 40+ murd€rs).
With two serial k!llers on the loose, practically dropping victims everyday, and the media breathing down their necks, the police have their work cut out for them.
The book keeps a fast pace, and around halfway through, you find out most of what needs to be uncovered. I liked the pacing, because all you need is a couple of hours or a little bit more to finish reading it.
While the book did a great job of showcasing the ability of the women cops, I was disappointed with the way it portrayed transgender women. There were a few phrases and references that I thought were a bit offensive and could have been avoided.
Now, if you’re a huge fan of thrillers, you’re probably going to guess the killer(s?) even before the cops in the book do, because the author gives hints that are hard to miss.
It’s very simple to read and understand, with no unnecessary interruptions to the flow of reading. If you’re looking for an easy to read thriller, this should be the book you pick.
The case of the “Doll Maker” is a high-profile one, given that the k!ller dresses up his victims, who are mainly children, as dolls and displays them for the world to see. It’s great that this case was assigned to a couple of women, although the fact that they had to report to an incompetent male officer was a bit disappointing (we get to know that their head isn’t that great of a cop and is still trying to catch his arch-nemesis after nine years, and 40+ murd€rs).
With two serial k!llers on the loose, practically dropping victims everyday, and the media breathing down their necks, the police have their work cut out for them.
The book keeps a fast pace, and around halfway through, you find out most of what needs to be uncovered. I liked the pacing, because all you need is a couple of hours or a little bit more to finish reading it.
While the book did a great job of showcasing the ability of the women cops, I was disappointed with the way it portrayed transgender women. There were a few phrases and references that I thought were a bit offensive and could have been avoided.
Now, if you’re a huge fan of thrillers, you’re probably going to guess the killer(s?) even before the cops in the book do, because the author gives hints that are hard to miss.
It’s very simple to read and understand, with no unnecessary interruptions to the flow of reading. If you’re looking for an easy to read thriller, this should be the book you pick.
April 14, 2026
Now that I've slept it off a little, I'd like to clarify that it's not that I hated the book but more so that I hated the ending. Though, if I'm being honest, there wasn't much new explored here.
We got a strong-headed female protagonist who's mean for no reason other than 'social ineptitude' and this perceived superiority to the others around her. And yeah, I guess we were supposed to sympathise with her cause she's 'different' but really, Simone Singh was just a bitch and more or less incompetent.
In fact, that's almost everyone in this book, excluding the serial killer(s). Zoya was okayish in the beginning but then she starts psychoanalysing people randomly and gets annoying too.
Anyways, this wasn't even my real problem with the novel, it was the very anticlimactic ending. There was so much buildup and I was really looking forward to the confrontation between the two serial killers and police only for the author to pull...that shitty ending.
So yeah, I wasted god knows how many hours on reading this and I'm terribly disappointed.
We got a strong-headed female protagonist who's mean for no reason other than 'social ineptitude' and this perceived superiority to the others around her. And yeah, I guess we were supposed to sympathise with her cause she's 'different' but really, Simone Singh was just a bitch and more or less incompetent.
In fact, that's almost everyone in this book, excluding the serial killer(s). Zoya was okayish in the beginning but then she starts psychoanalysing people randomly and gets annoying too.
Anyways, this wasn't even my real problem with the novel, it was the very anticlimactic ending. There was so much buildup and I was really looking forward to the confrontation between the two serial killers and police only for the author to pull...that shitty ending.
So yeah, I wasted god knows how many hours on reading this and I'm terribly disappointed.
May 4, 2025
A book with serial killers, not one but two? Sign me up!
This book has me hooked from the beginning. The story revolves around two serial killers: the "Doll Maker," who dresses young boy victims as Barbie dolls and displays them in glass cases, and the "Clipper," who targets transgenders. ASP Simone Singh who is a strong-headed officer is teamed up with DSP Zoya with a contrasting personality.
The book and its plot are engaging, fast-paced, and easy to read with all the twists and turns on every page. The suspense is built slowly and kept me guessing till the end. I liked Simone growing throughout the book from an emotionless one to becoming camaraderie with Zoya. However, I felt the plot was inconsistent. It lacked depth in the main characters part and has some loopholes related to serial killers' past that could have been explored more in-depth.
If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller and want to get out of a reading slump, this book might be the one.
This book has me hooked from the beginning. The story revolves around two serial killers: the "Doll Maker," who dresses young boy victims as Barbie dolls and displays them in glass cases, and the "Clipper," who targets transgenders. ASP Simone Singh who is a strong-headed officer is teamed up with DSP Zoya with a contrasting personality.
The book and its plot are engaging, fast-paced, and easy to read with all the twists and turns on every page. The suspense is built slowly and kept me guessing till the end. I liked Simone growing throughout the book from an emotionless one to becoming camaraderie with Zoya. However, I felt the plot was inconsistent. It lacked depth in the main characters part and has some loopholes related to serial killers' past that could have been explored more in-depth.
If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller and want to get out of a reading slump, this book might be the one.
July 17, 2025
In the heart of Bhopal, a serial killer is dressing up young boys like dolls and placing them in glass cases. As ASP Simone Singh returns from suspension, she’s thrown into this disturbing case while another killer begins targeting trans women. With two predators on the loose and her own past haunting her, Simone must race against time to stop the madness.
The book is fast-paced, emotional, and full of dark twists. The characters are messy, raw, and deeply human. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, even when it got uncomfortable.
If you love psychological thrillers with layered characters and a haunting plot, this one’s worth picking up.
The book is fast-paced, emotional, and full of dark twists. The characters are messy, raw, and deeply human. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, even when it got uncomfortable.
If you love psychological thrillers with layered characters and a haunting plot, this one’s worth picking up.
June 18, 2025
The story' follows Simone Singh, Assistant superintendent of police, her partner, Zoya, Deputy superintendent of police as they try to catch the Doll maker, a ruthless serial killer who dresses up the boys as Barbie doll and displays them in the glass case.
Another serial killer, Clipper, gets jealous when all the fame is stolen by the Doll maker. Will the police catch the serial killer before the competition gets out of hand or will they become one of their victims?
"KEEP YOUR GIRLS SAFE. BOYS SAFER" This line was enough to convince me to pick this book.
What an amazing book and so freaking underrated.
So getting straight to the point the book ticks all the boxes of the psychological thriller genre, you won't see the plot twist coming. At first, I thought there was no plot twist but then the story completely caught me off guard.
Best book to get out of the reading slump, it's page turner.
The plot is kinda fresh and unique. The author has brought many taboo topics to the forefront and made them the centre of the plot. Such a well executed story.
Overall 4.5/5
Another serial killer, Clipper, gets jealous when all the fame is stolen by the Doll maker. Will the police catch the serial killer before the competition gets out of hand or will they become one of their victims?
"KEEP YOUR GIRLS SAFE. BOYS SAFER" This line was enough to convince me to pick this book.
What an amazing book and so freaking underrated.
So getting straight to the point the book ticks all the boxes of the psychological thriller genre, you won't see the plot twist coming. At first, I thought there was no plot twist but then the story completely caught me off guard.
Best book to get out of the reading slump, it's page turner.
The plot is kinda fresh and unique. The author has brought many taboo topics to the forefront and made them the centre of the plot. Such a well executed story.
Overall 4.5/5
October 22, 2025
4.5/5⭐
February 1, 2022
I am always in lookout for thrillers that can bind my attention like no other . They are the ones that can take people's mind away from the usual stress in their lives and give them something worthwhile to cheer them or emgage their mind even if it is for a short duration.
The novel revolves around the lives of two psychopath killers who are creating havoc by their uncanny unorthodox ways of committing heinous crimes. One popularly known as the Clipper and the other as the Doll Maker named according to the ways they leave their victim in dire state. Both are competing against each other to prove their superiority. ACP Simone is entrusted with the responsibility of catching the killers and she is determined to leave no stone unturned in her pursuit. Will she succeed? One needs to read the book to find out
The book is quite fast paced and narration is captivating. Though there are many parallel plots running but still seasoned readers wouldn't find it complicated. Though I felt somewhat over victimisation of killers shouldn't have been done as it glorifies them and kind of lessen their horrific deeds . Also it gives others the impetus to do the same . The climax shakes you to the core and cover is pretty fascinating .
Overall a gripping thriller.
The novel revolves around the lives of two psychopath killers who are creating havoc by their uncanny unorthodox ways of committing heinous crimes. One popularly known as the Clipper and the other as the Doll Maker named according to the ways they leave their victim in dire state. Both are competing against each other to prove their superiority. ACP Simone is entrusted with the responsibility of catching the killers and she is determined to leave no stone unturned in her pursuit. Will she succeed? One needs to read the book to find out
The book is quite fast paced and narration is captivating. Though there are many parallel plots running but still seasoned readers wouldn't find it complicated. Though I felt somewhat over victimisation of killers shouldn't have been done as it glorifies them and kind of lessen their horrific deeds . Also it gives others the impetus to do the same . The climax shakes you to the core and cover is pretty fascinating .
Overall a gripping thriller.
May 19, 2026
2.5
The premise was somewhat new to me, yet I didn't enjoy plot twists at the end of every section. The repetitive anticipation killed the enthusiasm.
The premise was somewhat new to me, yet I didn't enjoy plot twists at the end of every section. The repetitive anticipation killed the enthusiasm.
November 18, 2025
SO SO SO DISAPPOINTED AT THE ENDING
WHY
maybe I am slow
Maybe it’s obvious
But honestly? What the heck was that?
It was REALLY GOOD initially
Real page turner and every chapter had a twist and revelation
But like after the 60% mark, things took a weird turn
It became more rushed, more shallow , less realistic
And the ending is what ruined this for me
Overall it was good initially and I would recommend it but with the way it turned out, it wasn’t just my cup of tea
WHY
maybe I am slow
Maybe it’s obvious
But honestly? What the heck was that?
It was REALLY GOOD initially
Real page turner and every chapter had a twist and revelation
But like after the 60% mark, things took a weird turn
It became more rushed, more shallow , less realistic
And the ending is what ruined this for me
Overall it was good initially and I would recommend it but with the way it turned out, it wasn’t just my cup of tea
February 28, 2026
Really bad writing and I could predict the plot from a mile away. The character of Simone is really grating especially with her ridiculing and fat shaming of the character of Zoya. The book is trying so hard to be edgy and a Mindhunter wannabe from Netflix.
December 13, 2022
mind-blown by the plot twist(s), need a minute to process this book
February 22, 2025
✨𝓕𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼✨
I finished this book like it was on fire.
RTC!! <3
I finished this book like it was on fire.
RTC!! <3
July 5, 2025
3.5 stars but in a way that it could round upto the 3 stars and not 4 stars.
April 1, 2022
Review Headline
A riveting crime thriller!
What to expect
Expect an exciting murder mystery.
Expect a spine-chilling story that involves serial murders and murderers
Expect a crime thriller that races against all odds of virtues
Who can read
The book is strictly for those readers who can digest severe crime. Though there is gore in the story, many crime is intrinsically detailed narration is found. On the other hand, the book is a definite feast for all thriller lovers.
How is the narration
The narration is gripping and engaging. The elaborate and detailed descriptions make the story readable. The story can be divided into two parts. The story's first-half runs like a roller-coaster where Simone and Zoya try to pick clues to catch The Dollmaker. The second half becomes more of a psychological thriller where the psyche and life of the serial killers. This is where the readers will understand why they attempted these murders.
About the characters
The characters in this book are all strong, deep, and intense. There are man characters apart from the central characters. Each character has its scope and strength in the story. Each character has a story in itself. The characters of Simone and Zoa will entice the readers.
Writing Style
To make the readers hooked on the story is a big task. Here, author Devashish has done an interesting job. With excellent and exciting writing, the story moves at a somewhat faster pace. The story touches on many sensitive and taboo topics, be it kidnaps or gender discrimination, mental health, or trauma. All these are described in sensible and understandable language.
Grammar & Vocabulary
Simple yet effective language with adequate vocabulary is used in the book. The author has also impressed his readers with good writing and language in his previous books.
What did I like
1. The plot
2. The mystery and its retaining
3. The characters and their backstories
What could have been better
There are some places where gender issues are stereotyped though LGBTQ+ issues are discussed. This could have been avoided.
Entertainment quotient
The Girl In The Glass Case is overall a well-written psychological crime thriller. It has all those elements to make it an unputdownable read. Therefore, this book by author Devashish Sardana is a perfect entertainer but must be read with caution!
Pick it if
you like crime mysteries
you want fast-paced psychological stories
A riveting crime thriller!
What to expect
Expect an exciting murder mystery.
Expect a spine-chilling story that involves serial murders and murderers
Expect a crime thriller that races against all odds of virtues
Who can read
The book is strictly for those readers who can digest severe crime. Though there is gore in the story, many crime is intrinsically detailed narration is found. On the other hand, the book is a definite feast for all thriller lovers.
How is the narration
The narration is gripping and engaging. The elaborate and detailed descriptions make the story readable. The story can be divided into two parts. The story's first-half runs like a roller-coaster where Simone and Zoya try to pick clues to catch The Dollmaker. The second half becomes more of a psychological thriller where the psyche and life of the serial killers. This is where the readers will understand why they attempted these murders.
About the characters
The characters in this book are all strong, deep, and intense. There are man characters apart from the central characters. Each character has its scope and strength in the story. Each character has a story in itself. The characters of Simone and Zoa will entice the readers.
Writing Style
To make the readers hooked on the story is a big task. Here, author Devashish has done an interesting job. With excellent and exciting writing, the story moves at a somewhat faster pace. The story touches on many sensitive and taboo topics, be it kidnaps or gender discrimination, mental health, or trauma. All these are described in sensible and understandable language.
Grammar & Vocabulary
Simple yet effective language with adequate vocabulary is used in the book. The author has also impressed his readers with good writing and language in his previous books.
What did I like
1. The plot
2. The mystery and its retaining
3. The characters and their backstories
What could have been better
There are some places where gender issues are stereotyped though LGBTQ+ issues are discussed. This could have been avoided.
Entertainment quotient
The Girl In The Glass Case is overall a well-written psychological crime thriller. It has all those elements to make it an unputdownable read. Therefore, this book by author Devashish Sardana is a perfect entertainer but must be read with caution!
Pick it if
you like crime mysteries
you want fast-paced psychological stories
January 14, 2022
~~ She flipped open the tiny card. It said:
I'll return your Barbie doll very soon. Till then, you can play with mine. ~~
.
"The Girl in the Glass Case"is constructed around the case in which we find two serial killers competiting with each other and at the same time they don't know the fact that they're connected with each other. The one dangerous ruthless killer is "The Doll Maker" who dressed up the victimes as beautiful dolls. And the other serial killer is "Clipper" who has returned after the 9 years & now killing the victimes horrifyingly. Simone Singh an assistant superintendent of police has taken the charge of the case of the "Doll Maker". Simone knew that its gonna be the most challenging case of her life with these psychopaths. Will she be able to discover the hidden agenda of their murderig the innocent victims? Will she able to slove the mystery of Doll Maker, is she a man or a woman? Who is the "Clipper"?? Why his rage lit up the fire to the case??
Grap the book to decode the truth.
.
This book is the perfect mixture of mystery, suspense & thriller. I didn't stop myself till i reach to the last page. One whole night i dedicated to know the Doll Maker. I tried to guess the Doll Maker & little succeed in it but OMG the shocking twist in the plot made my jaw dropped. Its totally unpredictable story. The narration style is perfect, storyline is captivating. Author has put many twist in the plot. I was at shocked at every twist it blow my mind away. The serial Killers twist & turns in the plot increased the suspense & thriller at every page. I think the good thrillers are ones that made you breathless with each chapter And this book has that quality. Its fast paced, absolute jaw dropper that keeps you stick to the plot throughout the end.
.
The characters are well developed. I loved Pius character. Although his role is briefly written. He made me smile in middle of a serious scene. And i felt worry when plot made us think that he is dead. But thanks to the Author who didn't killed him in the end.😂 The title is perfect & Apt for the story. The Language is lucid.
I really enjoyed reading this book. And Would definately recommend it to all.
.
Read it & join the case of the "Doll Maker" with Simone Singh.
I'll return your Barbie doll very soon. Till then, you can play with mine. ~~
.
"The Girl in the Glass Case"is constructed around the case in which we find two serial killers competiting with each other and at the same time they don't know the fact that they're connected with each other. The one dangerous ruthless killer is "The Doll Maker" who dressed up the victimes as beautiful dolls. And the other serial killer is "Clipper" who has returned after the 9 years & now killing the victimes horrifyingly. Simone Singh an assistant superintendent of police has taken the charge of the case of the "Doll Maker". Simone knew that its gonna be the most challenging case of her life with these psychopaths. Will she be able to discover the hidden agenda of their murderig the innocent victims? Will she able to slove the mystery of Doll Maker, is she a man or a woman? Who is the "Clipper"?? Why his rage lit up the fire to the case??
Grap the book to decode the truth.
.
This book is the perfect mixture of mystery, suspense & thriller. I didn't stop myself till i reach to the last page. One whole night i dedicated to know the Doll Maker. I tried to guess the Doll Maker & little succeed in it but OMG the shocking twist in the plot made my jaw dropped. Its totally unpredictable story. The narration style is perfect, storyline is captivating. Author has put many twist in the plot. I was at shocked at every twist it blow my mind away. The serial Killers twist & turns in the plot increased the suspense & thriller at every page. I think the good thrillers are ones that made you breathless with each chapter And this book has that quality. Its fast paced, absolute jaw dropper that keeps you stick to the plot throughout the end.
.
The characters are well developed. I loved Pius character. Although his role is briefly written. He made me smile in middle of a serious scene. And i felt worry when plot made us think that he is dead. But thanks to the Author who didn't killed him in the end.😂 The title is perfect & Apt for the story. The Language is lucid.
I really enjoyed reading this book. And Would definately recommend it to all.
.
Read it & join the case of the "Doll Maker" with Simone Singh.
February 20, 2022
4.5 stars
The book is set in Bhopal and revolves around two psychopath serial killers, ‘The Doll Maker’ and ‘The Clipper’. As the Doll Maker sets out on a quest to murder young boys of four-five years of age, dressing them up like dolls and keeping them in glass cases, the entire city of Bhopal gets terrified and all newspapers start talking about it.
The Clipper enjoys the fame of being the most terrific and ruthless serial killer in nine years, murdering transgenders and sending their genitals to the Superintendent, showing off his victory. However, he gets infuriated when his fame gets stolen away by The Doll Maker and sets out on a quest to regain it.
As the war between them starts, the most competent police officers, Inspectors Simone Singh and Zoya Bharucha join hands with Superintendent Irshad M. Hussain to track down both ‘The Clipper’ and ‘The Doll Maker’ before more destruction happens.
Will they be able to take down the two serial killers before the deadly competition gets out of hand?
The intriguing and well-built plot catches the reader from page 1, making the book a page-turner. This page-turner takes the reader on a bumpy roller coaster as different twists and turns start unfolding, making the reader wonder more and more. These twists, along with the smooth flow of the story and awesome narration, are what make this book a nail-biting thriller.
However, I felt that there is a scope of improvement in the title and cover of the book.
Overall, this book was a great read, keeping me hooked to it from the very start to the very end and I would recommend all the thriller lovers to gets their hands on this and get blown away by the well-built and well-researched plot. The easy and beginner-friendly language and smooth writing style make it a perfect book for non-readers to kickstart their reading journey with it.
The book is set in Bhopal and revolves around two psychopath serial killers, ‘The Doll Maker’ and ‘The Clipper’. As the Doll Maker sets out on a quest to murder young boys of four-five years of age, dressing them up like dolls and keeping them in glass cases, the entire city of Bhopal gets terrified and all newspapers start talking about it.
The Clipper enjoys the fame of being the most terrific and ruthless serial killer in nine years, murdering transgenders and sending their genitals to the Superintendent, showing off his victory. However, he gets infuriated when his fame gets stolen away by The Doll Maker and sets out on a quest to regain it.
As the war between them starts, the most competent police officers, Inspectors Simone Singh and Zoya Bharucha join hands with Superintendent Irshad M. Hussain to track down both ‘The Clipper’ and ‘The Doll Maker’ before more destruction happens.
Will they be able to take down the two serial killers before the deadly competition gets out of hand?
The intriguing and well-built plot catches the reader from page 1, making the book a page-turner. This page-turner takes the reader on a bumpy roller coaster as different twists and turns start unfolding, making the reader wonder more and more. These twists, along with the smooth flow of the story and awesome narration, are what make this book a nail-biting thriller.
However, I felt that there is a scope of improvement in the title and cover of the book.
Overall, this book was a great read, keeping me hooked to it from the very start to the very end and I would recommend all the thriller lovers to gets their hands on this and get blown away by the well-built and well-researched plot. The easy and beginner-friendly language and smooth writing style make it a perfect book for non-readers to kickstart their reading journey with it.
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