One crisp autumn morning, Dev Sharma, a highly respected Hindu priest with an impeccable past is found brutally murdered. The staid and peace loving Indian community of Leicester is shocked. Many questions asked which just led to more questions with no answers. It falls to Sean O'connor, a policeman transferred from Ulster Constabulary, to unravel the web of mysteries surrounding his murder. He has his own past and his own devils to fight. The clock is ticking; A jealous wife A homophobic fanatic group A drug addict A bitter friend A rent boy. But only one of them can be the killer. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.
Blurb is something that urge you to pick this book. Title is appealing. Cover is attractive and catchy. This book is a nice combo of psychological thrill. More then thrill it gives you very meaningful message of life. Can be read once. And recommend all the thrill lovers to pick this book.
Everyone has seen them, the drug addicts, gays, and drunkards, the dregs of society willing to do anything for their next fix, however, the attractions of these vices are rampant in all tiers of society, and every ‘job’ has its fair share of culprits, it’s just that some people manage to hide under a polished veneer of respectability, whilst others do so with only a small degree of success.
In this exciting psychological thriller a family from Kenya find themselves fleeing to Leicester in the UK. The differences between the two countries are so vast that it takes the main character a boy called Dev a long time to settle, however Dev’s father is determined to make the move to the UK a success, and so the unhappy Dev resorts to telling the pages of his little red book how he feels, a childhood habit which follows him through life.
As the years go by the father’s dream is realised as he establishes a temple, and he is proud of the prominent part his boys play in the day to day life there.
Dev is no longer the withdrawn boy of his youth, he has matured into a charismatic, dynamic man, a priest in the temple, loved by all. He works tirelessly for the rights of those around him, and it is this compassion and strength of character which makes him adored by the both the Asian, and local white community, people and leaders alike.
However Dev is hiding a dark secret from everyone, despite all the trappings of a successful man, a beautiful wife, new cars, designer clothes, he knows in his heart that he cannot deny the man he really is, the man who has grown from that young boy who left Mombasa Island all those years ago…
As the author takes us, through Dev’s experiences, deeper and deeper into the gay and drugs scenes in the seedier side of Leicester, we discover the other world which lives and loves in the shadows, the mafia who supply them, and how even the police officers working their cases have their own demons to face.
I found that this exciting, traumatic, and sometimes thought provoking story had me turning the pages eagerly, desperate to discover what happens next. Full of action from page one, I think that other readers who love a good psychological, murder mystery will absolutely love this engrossing story, after all, admit it, aren’t you just itching to know what Dev wrote in the pages of that little red book?
What a ride. The book takes you for a spin and the way it moves from one sequence to another is amazing. It just holds you hooked and refusing to leave you from its shackles till the very end. I love how the author had maintained strictly business kind of narration without deterring from the plot with unnecessary deteours and characters
Each plot development subsequently unwraps events in such a manner that it leads to more and more exciting twists and thrills in the plot line. The book promises a good and enthralling read and with never a dull moment to the book and that is why it makes for an exciting and thrilling read. The characters especially the main character has so many layers to peel that it in itself makes the book, worth all the fun.
The core book plot is very interesting and has the right kind of elements and flavours that makes the book a delight and must pick for thriller addicts. The plot twists keeps you guessing and analysing each events and moments from the book. The language and the characters are all well stitched together to adorn the narration and the story telling. The book flows through a systematic and engaging pace
This book would prove to be a fantastic pick for anybody who is looking for a challenging thriller plot and love the critical nuisances and in depth plot strength. It has great language, characters and a plot line
To be honest, I was taken aback after completing this book. Goddamn! , it's so wonderfullyl written. Initially I couldn't comprehend the title but on proceeding further, I don't think apart 'The Retribution' anything would go perfect for it. I find the cover a bit unrevealing as readers won't be able to predict the storyline with one look on it.
Coming to the plot, it's a physiological thriller where the relationship between father and son has been portrayed. The protagonist, named as Dev, is well settled in UK, leaving a life full of opulence. But, later with progression of the story, Dev's nature, experiences and darker secrets are unfolded and brought into highlight.
What I liked is Author Shankar's unique approach towards the storyline which keeps the reader's hooked till the end. Also, the facts and the major incidents in the story seemed pretty realistic. The language is kept simple throughout, as a result thriller readers of all the age group can read it. Moreover, the narration is systematic and smooth that enthrals you again and again.
My final verdict, I would rate it 4 out of 5. And yes, it's recommended to all the thriller lovers out there. You will have a great time reading it.
Book : The Retribution Author : Shankar Kashyap Format : Ebook The Retribution by Shankar Kashyap is a tale of the protagonist Dev and his journey and different aspects of his life. The title is the most eye catching thing because the book honestly lives up to its title and gives us a wonderful thriller novel. This book tells us the story of Dev as he and his family move from Kenya to UK. It is one of the best psychological thriller that I have ever read. It brilliantly portraits the life of Dev and the changes he has to make, his behaviour and his attitude. The way the story builds is beautifully depicted by the author in an engaging piece of work. The story just grips you with its simple but powerful writing. The story further moves with lots of twists and turns and once you start reading there seems to a connection with it. It also delves into the life in the shadows and potrays it with utmost sincerity and elegance.
This book is a must recommended book for thrill lovers as it truely builds about a great story which keeps you captivated till the very end.
In the end one line defines this book "It starts with a chill and ends with a th
The retribution by shankar n kashyap is a unique story. I would like to congratulate the publishers for giving great effects on the cover. The blurb is very well written and the story was very realistic. I was able to connect with it. Would recommend all the hard core book lovers to pick this up.
Title : The title of the book is perfect. It is apt to the plot.
Cover : The cover is not that eye catching.It could have been much more interesting.
The Retribution by Shankar N Kashyap is a psychological thriller. The book is all about the prtagonist Dev, his relationship with his father and all about his experiences. Dev is settled in UK leading a luxurious life. However his father decides to make him a priest in the temple of Kenya. The author further narrates Dev’s experiences, his secrets, and the story unfolds. The narration of the book is the highlight of the book. It’ll keep you hooked till the end. The language used is very simple and can be easily understand. The characters in the book are well described. I recommend this book to every bibliophile out there to read it once.
The retribution by Shankar N Kashyap is a story of Dev Sharma, a man who setteled in a different country to achieve great heights & success. Dev is very close to his father and an obidient son. A big change comes in Dev's life when his father decides to make him a priest in the temple of Kenya. Some great twists & turns takes place as the story starts unfolding and some big & bitter truths are revealed about the protagonist. Author has done a great job in narrating the story and the plot is also very strong. I feel that editing could have been better but apart from that there are no flaws. Title is also interesting and the blurb gives you some hint about the story. It is a light read and I enjoyed reading the same. Will recommend this book all the thriller lovers are there.
Just as you think you've got the answer, Kashyap adds another twist in this grisly murder mystery replete with drugs, jealousy, homosexuality, intrigue, and violence. You must pay attention to every word if you want to keep up with the story because it isn't straightforward in any sense. The descriptions of drug-induced hazes are particularly interesting—you almost feel like you're in one yourself.
Kashyap writes so lucidly that you can feel the warmth of Mombasa and the chill of Leicester as Dev is rudely snatched away from his childhood haven. You feel sorry for him as he is unable to comprehend how and why the world is changing so quickly around him. Or is he? From Inspector Sean's revelations of Dev's writings in his little red book, it does not seem that Dev is quite as innocent as he is first made out to be. That's the beauty of this tale—there are so many layers to it and uncovering one does not lead to a straightforward answer. Instead, it reveals a whole bunch of new questions.
Dev's adjustment with the climate, the language, and the culture of the U.K. is described in great detail, as is the rise in his social stature during early adulthood. He struggles to come to terms with his bisexuality as he attempts to make sense of his "urges" as well as his deep attraction to Sheena, a fellow Gujarati settled in the U.K.
Chapter by chapter, Kashyap unravels a narrative of Dev's double life—a respectable priest married to a solicitor wife by day, and a frequenter of gay bars by night. You often wonder how his family never finds out, considering how close-knit Gujarati families are. You also get a glimpse of the grimy underbelly of the drug dealing world via the encounters of Dev with the likes of Lenny and the "gaffer" during his brief stint as a drug pusher.
Kashyap doesn't make any judgments on Dev's character as he describes how he tries to brush off his homosexual tendencies, only to be pulled in even deeper each time he sees a new "boy" at the temple. His visits to gay clubs under the guise of helping homosexual Asian men don't fool anyone, apparently not even his wife.
Sheena is portrayed as the typical modern girl initially, until the murder happens. It is then that her character takes on grey shades and you do not know what to believe anymore. Until the end, which certainly feels like a cliff-hanger, you don't know what's happening.
Kashyap also describes the sorrowful life history of Sean, the inspector, who has a hard time getting his life back together after the brutal murder of his wife and child. Flitting from relationship to relationship, until the relationship with crack is what becomes permanent, he lives like a tramp and just barely manages to hold onto his job despite being a talented and resourceful officer. It is through his eyes that the latter half of the narrative plays out with its myriad twists and turns.
Sure, there's a court scene—a drug addict is sent to prison for Dev's murder—but did he really kill Dev? That's for you to decide as you delve into Kashyap's dark, dangerous world of drugs, sex, and violence.
Book: The Retribution Author: Shankar Kashyap Format: Ebook Genre: Crime Thriller Pages: 196 Honestly, I will thank Dr. Kashyap for gifting us a masterpiece fiction which I think is far most the best narrative I have read in recent times. ‘The Retribution’ is a story of the thriller genre and what stands remarkably about the story is the way it is told. All the characters have been weaved so beautifully over each of the passing chapters in the story. We get a complete crisp on every character which revolves around the story-plot such that by the time you reach almost to the closure of the book, you keep imagining yourself on the right fit of that mysterious answer in conclusion. Dr. Kashyap masters the art of story weaving. I remember having listened to him once in Mumbai speaking of his book and his writing journey. He is a true mentor to guide for creative writing aspirants and best exercise his skill. ‘The Retribution’ explains in all facets why this book can be regarded as one of the best murder mystery tales written by Indian authors. Exceptional flair and grip on the language, over a well imaginary perceptive plot design; the readers get to feel and mind-visualize the intriguing emotional shades of all personalities which carry this intelligent story. From the grey scale of a murder mystery to an illustration on social concerns which has been descriptively narrated in this book; all is an attention-catcher. The international location base of the characters across India to Kenya to later England give a cosmopolitan taste to the story. Secondly, the plot which portrays strong influence of drug abuse and also various challenges and differences caused and suffered due to subjective sexual orientation have been brought up, shown and discussed on a broader platform thus convincing readers to generate awareness and empathize on such social causes and perceptions. A deep dive into the character of ‘Sean’ who helps rescue the final ending to the mystery is also commendable. A reader when gets more familiarized with a character’s both grey and white shades of personality; adds more into the interest-spice ingredient of the fiction tale. Hence I will rightfully suggest a read on, ‘The Retribution’ to all thriller and suspense lovers; you will surely not regret it! I will give a very honest review of 4.5* out of 5* to ‘The Retribution’
Book Title: The Retribution Author: Kashyap, Shankar N Format: Kindle
Book Title: The title of the book is ‘The Retribution’ is unique and mysterious.
Book Cover: The cover of the book is a digital image of a half-faced person. The title of the book is in deep dead red and the blood dripping right from the bottom of the title. This gives a clear idea to the reader that the story is to do with suspense, murder, and thrill.
Plot: Dev Sharma, who lives a luxurious and comfy life and also a priest in the temple, has many secrets in his life. His wife Sheena is modern and devoted to him. He struggles calmly with a lot of concerns going inside his head which are inexplicable and things which he cannot thrash out with anyone. His murder lifts up a lot of questions in the story and the inspector named Sean O’Conner will take up his case and tries to solve the mystery. Finally, the police inspector will find the accused one. Who killed him? What made that person to lead to this situation? Well, read this stimulating novel written by Kashyap.
What I like: 1. The narration part of the story is penned very well 2. The characterization, emotions of each character is portrayed in a pleasing way. 3. Solving the case step by step and the climax is also an attention-grabbing part.
What I didn’t like: The story and the narration are fresh and mind gripping. However, the essence of the story is in the characters and the situations they create or they fell into. On whole, this book is suitable only for certain age groups and yes; it is enjoyed by the readers who seek a perfect suspense story.
Characters: The characters of Dev and Sean attracted me the most. The author has also designed the other characters very well.
Narration: The narration of all the story is very well done and it will grasp the minds of the readers Language & Grammar: A clear language with neat and uncomplicated grammar is used in the book
My Final Verdict: Though I read a lot of thriller suspense books, this book is one of its kind and the narration will not make you leave the book until and unless you read it in one shot.
Book Title: 4/5 Book Cover: 4/5 Plot: 4/5 Characters: 4/5A Narration: 4/5 Language & Grammar: 4/5 Final Rating: 4/5
‘The Retribution’ by Dr. Shankar Kashyap is a hidden wonder I must admit. Being such an avid reader, why did not I choose to read this book earlier, is a big question for me now after a continuous association of 10 days. The novel is a psycho thriller, a typical 'who done it' kind of storyline. Right from character building, scene setting, technical details, connecting links, murder plots and especially motive revelations make it a complete thriller novel.
The cover page hardly depicts 50% of its actual potential. But the book title could not have been better. Going by dictionary meaning of the word 'retribution' it means, "punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act." Dev's character perfectly fits into the shoes of such a heavy title. Within the very first three chapters, context gets set and back to back mysteries get unfolded as we keep reading further.
The core truth came out to be highly unpredictable to whatever extent I could imagine as a seasoned reader of detective genre. But let me warn you here - The novel is not complete till you read the last line of the book. Be ready to get fooled by the author the moment you sense pride of guessing the culprit. Cannot say much than this as that will spoil the thrill.
I will like to rate the novel as 5*/5* and would strongly recommend for readers who are genuinely interested in heavy storylines, perfect balance of violence and adult contents. Wish the author good luck great success. Looking forward to get enriched by his future creations in the years to come.
This story would break the stereotypes - the concept of smelling roses always. I am always a fan of crime thrillers which twists with great suspense. The story centres on a guy Dev along with his family from childhood to adult life. Overcoming his family’s struggles and moving out from Mombasa to England and thriving as a social worker & priest sorts. In the first part, it seems as a lighter suspense story comes up with the little dark and gritty concept. Later, it takes in Leicester like how dev’s life gets twisted post his marriage because of his sexual preferences and drug heist?
Then there the shift gears up with all the charm of crime when Dev got murdered, mystery solving by sean and all which is quite compelling to flair nature’s flaws. Actually the best part of the book. After all, a hungry reader needs a book which will make you shifts the page at the fast pace. Don’t we? I like how the author crafts that speaks a relatable topic of child sexual abuse, drug heist, chases and hazes of police & gang wars etc.,
I must add this author attempts to make an amazing story balancing the outta unlikeable characters. And the writing is totally engrossing when he jots gothic styles. The characters appear in this crux are zany and impactful. I wish cover could have been better albeit the combo of colours to match the zest.
All in all, this story is written with a brilliant attitude.
Book Review by LITEROMA PUBLISHING SERVICES :: ‘The Retribution’ by Dr. Shankar Kashyap
** Thanks to the author for gifting us a review copy of the book.**
** Thanks to our reviewer for reviewing the book on behalf of Literoma. **
Having reviewed his Harappa Trilogy earlier, we had set very high expectations and author lived up to it. The narration style needs a special mention.
From the title of the book and cover image, it is little difficult to gauge the climax and that is where the book excels its competitors. A thriller gets spoiled if the author fails to outwit the readers. Luckily, ‘The Retribution’ by Dr. Shankar Kashyap proved his excellence in safeguarding the turns and twists till the very end. He could skillfully keep his readers engaged till the last para where the actual story unfolds.
Character sketch of Dev is awesome especially the dilemmas looked very authentic. Inspector had shades of Sherlock Holmes but definitely adds a very fresh approach of solving crimes.
Overall, Literoma rates the book as a 4.5*/5* and would eagerly look forward to read his next title.
Book Review by LITEROMA PUBLISHING SERVICES :: ‘The Retribution’ by Dr. Shankar Kashyap
** Thanks to the author for gifting us a review copy of the book.**
** Thanks to our reviewer S Banerjee for reviewing the book on behalf of Literoma. **
‘The Retribution’ by Dr. Shankar Kashyap is by far the best contemporary pycho thriller I have read in last couple of years. Story curation is extremely impactful and so are the scene setting. The foreign backdrop adds a special touch to the plot for Indian readers. The on ground detailing is so vivid that readers can easily visualize the crime scenes.
Author being a medical practitioner himself could full utilize his professional knowledge and expertise in crafting the modus operandi of the murders. It was captivating to come across so many innovative approaches. The title captures the essence well but not the cover. Narration style of the author is appreciable and so is his grip on English language.
I will like to rate the novel as 4.5*/5* and would strongly recommend for readers who are interested in thought provoking dark plots.
Title : The title of the book is unique yet mysterious. It's apt to the plot.
Cover : The cover page looks scary as well as thrilling. It gives a subtle hint to readers about the storyline.
My review: It's a suspense thriller novel. The story is so gripping that it will hold the readers till the end. The plot encircles around the protagonist Dev Sharma, a good man and a priest too, who has many secrets hidden in his past life which get unveiled one by one as we move ahead with the chapters.
Dev Dev Sharma's brutal murder ropes in the detective Sean into this high profile case. The characters of "Dev" and "Sean" are well portrayed. The language is kept simple qnd easy to understand. The narrating style of the author is very unique and creative. It was a page turner for me.
I rate Dr. Kashyap's 'The Retribition' as a 4*/5* and highly recommend to all types of readers.
The retribution by Shankar N Kashyap is a psychological thriller that I received from Literoma Publishing Services. I really liked the way this book is written. The storyline is totally unpredictable. The twists and turns are very well represented. The only thing that I found problematic was the cover of the book. It is just not as appealing as the story itself.
The story is about a person named Dev. He was enjoying his life in the US till his father decides to make him a priest. That’s where the things start to drift apart and secrets of past life start to reveal. One by one, the real self of different characters of the book get introduced and that’s what makes the book a must read.
I would love to recommend this book to everyone who loves to read thrillers.