The Third Squad

by V. Sanjay Kumar

Karan is an expert sharpshooter who never misses his mark. He belongs to a police hit squad formed to only commit encounter killings. But gradually he begins to crack

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2020

About the author

V Sanjay Kumar is a former investment banker and software entrepreneur. He is a Director at Sakshi, an art gallery in Mumbai. (www.sakshigallery.com)

He began his writing career in 2010. He has published four works of fiction since then.

He won the 2018 Bridport Prize for Short Fiction. Other stories were commended in the Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize (two) and Galley Beggar Short Story Prize.

He has spent most of his life in Chennai and Mumbai. He resides currently in Bangalore.

Reviews

[Readandfun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third squad is one of those books that creeps into the mind, taking shelter there. I had gone in with an expectation of some thriller action and crime, but what I got was far deeper — the story of a man who was much more than just a good shot. Karan was assigned to a police squad that kills on command. He never missed a shot ; hence the thinking never entered his mind. But slowly small shadows started to stir in his perfect routine, and that was what truly touched me — to see someone whose world is ruled by structure and logic slowly start questioning what may, or may not, be right.

As someone who often likes to follow rules and avoid conflict, I felt I could relate to Karan a little bit. His silence, his discomfort with emotions usually, and his loyalty made him credible and easy to relate to. But watching this transformation take place was slow and painful-one of the most powerful experiences for me. It made me ponder: when a high authority tells me to do something wrong, do I blindly follow or stand up against it?

This story made me pause and reflect. A little less on encounters and crime, and a lot more about finding the courage to choose what's right, even when the whole world says otherwise.

[Sumit RK · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Third Squad" is a gripping thriller that will keep you captivated until the very end.

The plot focuses on Karan, a member of a secret Mumbai police hit squad charged with killing criminal elements. Karan, a member of the group, is one of the most merciless killers, despite being young and hampered by his Autism. Soon he is tormented by a moral conflict: Should he obey orders blindly or listen to his conscience?

With suspense and action, coupled with a somber and atmospheric thriller, the narrative has all the ingredients of a fantastic noir thriller.The story's overall dark tone is enhanced by Mumbai's gritty, gloomy atmosphere and its morally grey characters.

The plot was slightly predictable and the characters were one dimensional. However, Karan's character was skillfully crafted highlighting his inner conflict. The writing waz superb, particularly in its portrayal of the darker aspects of Mumbai, from the slums to the underworld.

Overall, "The Third Squad" is a fascinating novel in the thriller genre that the majority of thriller readers will like.

[Shreya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again a V. Sanjay Kumar book (yeah, that's what called a to binge read) This one is very predictable though. The main character Karan used to work for a police hit squad which operates extra-judicially. But eventually his mental integrity starts developing cracks (expected) and later turns into a sort of violent maniac.

This book reminded me of so many bollywood action films. But the thing is, it's different from all crime thrillers because this book focuses on Karan's internal struggles. Like all V. Sanjay Kumar's book characters, karan too was an artist before his life took a cruel turn (and at JJ school of arts no less).

I liked reading it. The deterioration of Karan's mental and emotional state, his internal struggles, his morality and his detachment, everything progresses evenly. I'll call it .. sensational.

Crime lovers will dig this one.