Having separated from her husband Om, Ziva keeps can there be a happy forever family? Her new neighbours—Ovya and Aadit—appear to be a perfect couple, and they make her reminisce the good times she spent with her once loving husband.
Soon, however, Ziva discovers that everything is not so rosy with the couple. As Ovya starts sharing her views about Aadit, the myth of perfection begins to crumble. One night, Ziva hears a penetrating scream and then Ovya goes missing.
Caught in the middle of a family scandal, Ziva finds herself in a fix as she struggles with a simple question. Should she pursue her heart, or give up on her dreams and finally accept that family bliss is perhaps a misnomer?
The story is about Ziva, who was living separated from her husband. Her life is lonely and that is when, a new couple joins as her next door neighbour. Ovya and Aadit seemed like the perfect couple to Ziva. But when she recieves an anonymous note showing that Aadit is dangerous, she decides to keep an eye on them. Everything was going fine, until one day when Ovya goes missing.
The story was a highly addictive psychological thriller. The suspense as to where Ovya was and who send the anonymous notes are throughout the book. The story also alternates between the past and the present. Ziva's past and why she was estranged from her husband was also shown.
The book had an ending that was able to shock me. Overall, the book was a great one and I highly recommend it to the readers.
In Cold Blooded Love, prepare for a psychological thriller that seamlessly blends elements of domestic drama and domestic thriller.
Within its pages, encounter a compelling female protagonist who defies stereotypes and challenges your perception of leading women.
Brace yourself for a narrative that delves into the depths of darkness and complexity, with characters harboring a multitude of secrets.
Nothing is as it initially appears, and the mastery of deception becomes a cornerstone. Explore the intricate dynamics of married relationships, as this book unearths the complexities that lie beneath the surface.
The story bursts onto the scene, captivating us from the very beginning. Ziva takes center stage, and soon, Ovya and Aadit enter her world, adding an intriguing layer to the story. The narrative skillfully oscillates between different timelines, creating an air of uncertainty and mystery that keeps readers on their toes.
Throughout the book, deciphering each character becomes a challenging task. It's a tale where hidden agendas abound, and trust is a scarce commodity. Even Ziva, the narrator herself, at times, emanates an aura of unreliability, leaving us questioning her moves.
What truly astounded me was the author's ability, despite being a man, to flawlessly portray the world from a woman's perspective. The emotional depth and intricate details are captured with such finesse that only a woman's intuition could achieve. The point-of-view narration is simply impeccable, and I must applaud the author for delivering an exceptional feat.
Cold Blooded Love by Girish Shukla is a mind-bending and exhilarating psychological thriller that explores the nuances of love, heartbreak, grief, and vengeance. In a dramatic set-up, we find Ziva living alone after her separation from her husband, Om. She finds slight relief in her otherwise gloomy life after meeting her new neighbours – Ovya and Aadit. The young couple, soaked in love, make Ziva reminisce about her good times with Om.
However, the story takes a sharp turn when out of the blue, Ziva begins receiving anonymous notes in her mailbox, indicating that Aadit may not be the person he appears to be. This leads to further twisted developments that run deep into the intricacies of all the characters. The story unfolds with missing cases, blood on the floor, and love that craves to hold on.
How could love that is supposed to provide warmth turn cold?
The last book of Shukla was an equally gripping tale that took me by surprise so I had high hopes for this one. And oh boy! I enjoyed reading this one so much. In two sittings, I could finish it, cover to cover. A combination of sharp writing and meticulous plot development gave this book an edge that a reader would definitely enjoy spending time with this one.
Cold Blooded Love is a fast-paced thriller with complex characters and the interplay of human emotions. How emotions drive one’s actions continue to be portrayed throughout this book. For the first half, I believed the plot was getting increasingly dense and intense. However, things turned out to be slightly predictable by the end. So while the surprise element in the plot didn’t work out fabulously for me, I would still vouch for the taut writing style.
I particularly liked how the plot flits between reality and Ziva’s monologue where she interprets and also reflects on her past. This added excitement to the narrative.
In a way, this book proved to be more character-driven than plot-driven and for once, I liked knowing more about mind games at play in this book.
So if you are looking for a thriller novel, consider this one!
This was a fast paced thriller novel written by Girish Dutt Shukla. The cover caught my eye and the plot seemed interesting! There are 2 timelines happening in parallel - The present scenario where Ziva meets her new neighbors and the past where we understand Ziva's marriage with Om. I liked how the plot managed to get me hooked on from the very first page and I finished it in less than 5 days. The narrative style is simple and the whole story covers topics of betrayal, loss and love. Ziva's character comes out strong and I was able to predict the ending too! But nonetheless, I enjoyed reading it, I'll give the book a solid 4/5 stars!
'Exes' will always be a debatable topic. While some believe that you can still remain friends with you ex, there are those who go crazy at the thought of their partners having any contact with their exes. Ovya belongs to the latter category.
When Ovya and Aadit move into a new neighborhood, they are met by Ziva, who instantly takes a liking to the couple. However, as time goes by, Ziva starts noticing little chinks in the couple's relationships. And this is when people start disappearing.
Revolving around the themes of insecurity, jealousy and adultery; the book provides an wholesome take on these human emotions and the author has penned them brilliantly❤️ If you too face problems adjusting to your partner's exes, you'll find Ovya to be highly relatable and might even learn a thing or two about how evil lies in such insecurity.
Coming to the mystery part now. While the story does become predictable once you are 50% through with the book, the parallel storylines will still keep you hooked. But overall, I will recommend this book more to understand about relationships, than for mystery alone.
I wasn't expecting much but it turned out to be worse than what I had imagined, the plot was actually nice and the book could've been so much better if only humanity was given a little more credit and human's guilt was taken into consideration. the writing of the book seemed like it was written by a 13yr Wattpad writer who has no concept of any human emotions and is just horny. The ending was predictable so the plot twist was useless. This book felt like the Walmart version of the Netflix series "YOU", the protagonist just seems like the child of Love Quinn and Joe Goldberg.
Cold Blooded Love, written by Girish Dutt Shukla, is a thrilling and gripping psychological thriller that explores the complexities of love, relationships, and the challenges that come with it.
The author has succeeded in weaving a tale that is both suspenseful and thought-provoking, with well-crafted characters and a plot that keeps you hooked till the very end.
The story revolves around Ziva, a woman who has recently separated from her husband and is searching for a happy, forever family. She is drawn to her new neighbors, Ovya and Aadit, who appear to be a perfect couple, with a seemingly idyllic life. However, as Ziva delves deeper into their lives, she discovers that everything is not as it seems. She begins to uncover dark secrets and twisted motives that put her in danger, and the story takes a gripping turn as she becomes more involved in the couple's lives.
The author's writing is easy to follow, and the narrative is such that it is very difficult to put the book down. The story is paced perfectly, with each chapter leaving you wanting more. The characters are well-crafted, and each one has a distinct personality that makes them easy to identify with. The author has succeeded in creating a story that is both thrilling and emotionally engaging.
The climax of the story is totally unexpected, and the storytelling is taut and crisp. The author has avoided verbosity and has succeeded in creating a compelling tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The twists and turns in the story are well thought out, and each one is executed with precision. The author has managed to bring depth to the story by exploring the characters' motivations and desires.
This book is a testament to the author's skill in crafting an intricate and engaging story that keeps you hooked till the very end.
So far I've loved readin' this even when it twirled my brain and gave me 12 shots of overthinking!
The story revolves around Ziva's life and how the past events of her life effects her present in a big bitter way. Ziva longs for hopeless love and a happy family and in an effort to have these both, she makes the choices that eventually leds her life in misery too.
The story while keeps discussing few pass events of Ziva's childhood and how her father abused her mother which effected her present in a unpleasant way.
She was married to Om and was having a healthy relationship with him but once she lost her child he silently started separating her that scared Ziva to death, later she found out something that turned her world upside down and crushed her dreams of hopeless love and family.
Coming to the events that were being discussed in the present, Ziva's life is totally changed and now resides in a different city, there she meets her old student and unexpectedly as her new neighbour! But she falls obsessively falls in love with Aadit and soon everything starts falling apart.
She keeps a close eye on their relationship and grows a warm friendship with Ovya- Aadit's Wife. And over time, she learns through the conversations that Ovya doubts Aadit.
And all of a sudden Ovya disappears and Saachi- Aadit's ex gets murdered in the new couple's house.
The story has number of plants and had me hooked till the end. I'd billions of questions while reading regarding the plots! It's surely fast paced but what do you anticipate from a physiological thriller? In short, one will enjoy reading this!
It's about the life of Ziva after separated from Om. She met with a neighbouring couple Ovya & Aadit who are just perfect. Soon, Ziva discovers that everything is not so rosy with the couple. As Ovya starts sharing her views about Aadit, the myth of perfection begins to crumble. One night, Ziva hears a penetrating scream and then Ovya goes missing. Caught in the middle of a family scandal, Ziva finds herself in a fix as she struggles with a simple question. Should she pursue her heart, or give up on her dreams and finally accept that family bliss is perhaps a misnomer?
✓ The cover is a quiet Kickstarter to the book with an apt title. ✓ The writing style of the book is just superb. The author showcased a great clarity of thought through the plotline. ✓ Language used in the book is simple & easily connected. ✓ All the characters are quite connecting to the plotline which makes it a perfect read. ✓ The way the author executed this story is good with a perfect bridge of thrill & suspense with a dark love story. ✓ The story is quite eye opening & it always gives you an edge of the seat experience. ✓ The book will surely make you feel thrilling while reading it as the book has so many ups n downs highs n lows. ✓ The small small detailing author focused in the book makes the book more connecting to read. ✓ The book is short crisp & rapidly paced which you can easily finish in one go.
Cold Blooded Love is an exceptional psychological thriller that will have readers captivated from the very beginning. The author, Girish Dutt Shukla, has done an incredible job of portraying the dark side of human emotions and how our actions can have far-reaching consequences. The story is told in a way that allows readers to empathize with the characters and understand their motivations, while at the same time being on edge as they try to anticipate what will happen next.
The author's writing style is engrossing and thought-provoking, and readers will find themselves drawn into the world of the characters. The book is well-paced and the plot is meticulously crafted, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The author's descriptions are vivid and evocative, bringing to life the various settings and characters in the story.
One of the most impressive aspects of Cold Blooded Love is how the author has explored the complex and often conflicting emotions that drive human behaviour. The characters are multi-dimensional, and their actions and reactions are not always predictable. As readers get to know the characters better, they begin to understand the motivations behind their actions, even when those actions are difficult to comprehend.
Overall, Cold Blooded Love is a must-read psychological thriller that offers a powerful exploration of human emotions and the consequences of our actions. It is a book that will stay with readers long after they have turned the last page, and it is highly recommended for anyone looking for a gripping and thought-provoking read.
Ziva has just moved to Delhi! Ziva is a freelance designer and has been recently separated from her husband Om. Om and Ziva used to live and work in Mumbai and now Ziva is here on her own. After the separation and move to Delhi Ziva has been very hesitant to make new friends or become “social”.
Ovya and Aadit are a newly married couple who move into the next house of Ziva. Ovya also happens to be an old acquittance of Ziva. Ovya and Aadit are a loving and perfect couple and they both become very friendly with Ziva. Ziva keeps a close eye on their relationship (in the literal sense by looking through her window into their living room) and discovers everything is not so rosy between Ovya and Aadit. In addition to this, Ziva also starts getting typed notes in her mailbox about Aadit’s wrong doings. Ziva wants to investigate and also has to deal with her own issues. Her own demons are in the parallel story about her troubled childhood and her married life with Om.
One evening there is a loud scream from Ovya and Aadit’s home and Ovya is missing! Where did Ovya go or has Aadit done anything?
Ziva is on a mission to find out what happened to her friend.
A good psychological thriller with a gripping plot! Must read!
Ziva, a freelance designer lands in Delhi after a turbulent marriage and consequential divorce. Though she keeps to herself, she finds a delightful friend in Ovya Malhotra, an old acquaintance who coincidentally turns out to be her new neighbour! Ovya turns out to have green fingers, and soon they make it a habit of hanging out in Ziva’s garden while beautifying it. Ziva, who has guarded her life ferociously can't help but let Ovya enter her safe space and also finds herself in Ovya and her husband’s house for dinner parties.
Life seems to take a better turn for Ziva, but soon she gets entangled in the chaotic relationship between Ovya and her husband. Exes come to the forefront, secrets are exposed and Ziva starts getting mysterious mail in her mailbox which points to Ovya’s husband’s misdeeds. Not one to sit tight, Ziva finds herself racing against time to find the truth when a murder takes place and a person goes missing.
I highly recommend this book to all lovers of mystery and thrillers! A great plot along with the fast-paced writing makes this book a page-turner.
Talking about my recent read book ~ ‘Cold Blooded Love’ by @girishduttshukla , This book is a page turner with an intense storyline and intoxicating twists.
Ziva, the protagonist is all alone after divorcing her husband Om. She starts living in a new home where she meets the ‘dream couple’ Ovya and Aadit.
But soon Ziva finds out that not everything she believes is true. Ovya shares the dark reality of her marriage which makes Ziva ponder over love and relationships. Now Ovya goes missing and Ziva is left in a fix.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this psychological thriller. The author has beautifully weaved a nail biter with amazing characters and plot.
Cold Blooded Love is a compelling and fast paced novel which will make you yearn for more. I’ll recommend this book to readers who love thrillers. .
Cold Blooded Love is a story of a woman named Ziva who is struggling with almost broken marriage and ups and downs of life. From not being able to make new friends to completely losing herself, she is not at all curious about the future or happy at present until she meets her new neighbours Ovya and Aadit who seem like a perfect couple. However, Ziva senses that this is not completely true. She tries to know more about them and when coming to know the truths layer by layer, she discovers something very unexpected. This pyschological thriller is packed with mind blowing twists and turns.
The author's writing style and the description of the events grab the attention of the reader from the very start.
This book is a treat for the fans of suspense & psychological thrillers.
Cold Blooded Love is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the complexities of love, relationships, and the challenges that come with it. The author, Girish Dutt Shukla, weaves a tale that keeps you hooked till the very end with its well-crafted characters and suspenseful plot.
The story revolves around Ziva, who after separating from her husband, is searching for a happy forever family. She is drawn to her new neighbors, Ovya and Aadit, who appear to be a perfect couple. But, as Ziva delves deeper into their lives, she discovers that everything is not as it seems.
The writing is easy to follow, and the narrative is such that it is very difficult to put the book down. The climax is totally unexpected, and the storytelling is taut and crisp. The author has avoided verbosity and has succeeded in creating a compelling tale.
Overall, Cold Blooded Love is a fast-paced and engaging murder mystery that will leave you wanting more. It is a must-read for anyone who loves psychological thrillers and is looking for a suspenseful, well-crafted story.
Review: Ziva is a free lancer who works from home and that toils her introvert character. She is very quiet and her life is a sloth one. Her days pass without any motive until she finds interest on the new couple Ovya-Aadit living in the nearby house. She finds it extremely interesting to look into their lives and reminisce her past. The gradual days pass until a murder happens and investigation begins.
Cold Blooded Love is a thought provoking read where we encounter different people who gets into a messy murder and the events which tag along.
The book is a nice one. The writing style is engaging and has a very very soothing undertone. The motive and the climax was totally unexpected. It was actually a great great read!
This gripping psychological thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The plot is expertly crafted, with twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end.
The characters are complex and well-developed, each with their own secrets and motivations. Girish Dutt Shukla does a great job of keeping you invested in their fates, making it hard to put the book down.
The writing is fast-paced and engaging, with vivid descriptions and clever dialogue that bring the story to life. Whether you're a fan of thrillers or just looking for a great read, ‘Cold Blooded Love’ is a must-read. Highly recommended!
In Cold Blooded Love by Girish Dutt Shukla, readers are taken on a thrilling journey full of mystery and suspense. The story follows Ziva, a damaged and lonely woman who becomes friends with her new neighbours, Ovya and Aadit. However, Ziva's obsession with Aadit and her discovery of his connection to an ex-girlfriend leads to a chain of events that culminates in a murder investigation and Ziva's own dark past coming to light.
Girish's writing is masterful in its ability to keep the reader engaged and guessing at every turn. The characters are complex and flawed, making them feel like real people with their own motivations and secrets. The story is well-plotted and keeps the suspense high throughout, with plenty of twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the final reveal.
Overall, Cold Blooded Love is a thrilling read that will satisfy fans of the genre. Shukla's writing is strong and his ability to create complex characters and a compelling plot is impressive. If you're looking for a suspenseful page-turner, this book is definitely worth checking out.
"He let go of my mother and collapsed on the floor. Blood was oozing out of his head, rather quickly. Within minutes, all life had been sucked out of his being and he lay there, fallen and slain."
Ziva looks at her new neighbours - Ovya and Aadit, who looks like the perfect couple. In the initial pages of the book, I was wondering about them too - In our lives, the things which rosy aren't. And we humans just crib about the grass being greener on the other side.
Anyway, coming back to the story, Ziva thinks about Om - the husband whom she separated from. However, as time proceeds, Ziva learns a lot about the couple and finds out some mysterious things about them. One night, she hears a loud scream from their house, after which Ovya went missing.
What happened to Ovya? Was Aadit behind it or someone we didn't expect at all? What was the reason behind her disappearance?
You give me any thriller, it thrills me. Lol. This is one such recommendation that you shouldn't miss. The events unfold in such a way that you'll be intrigued to know what will happen next. It gets even more interesting after Ovya's incident. The title of the book also suits perfectly to the crime and the story.
Readers are transported on an exciting journey filled of mystery and intrigue in Girish Dutt Shukla's Cold Blooded Love. The plot revolves around Ziva, a wounded and lonely lady who befriends her new neighbours, Ovya and Aadit. Nevertheless, Ziva's fixation with Aadit, as well as her discovery of his link to an ex-girlfriend, sets in motion a series of events that ends in a murder inquiry and the revelation of Ziva's own dark history.
Girish's writing is superb in its ability to keep the reader wondering and engaged at all times. The characters are multifaceted and imperfect, giving the impression that they are genuine individuals with their own motivations and secrets. The narrative is well-planned and keeps the tension high throughout, with lots of unexpected twists and turns.will keep readers wondering till the end.
Overall, Cold Blooded Love is an exciting book that will delight genre aficionados. Shukla's writing is good, and he has a remarkable ability to build complicated characters and an engaging storyline. If you're seeking for a gripping page-turner, this book is a must-read.
The story revolves around Ziva, who after separating from her husband, is searching for a happy forever family. She is drawn to her new neighbors, Ovya and Aadit, who appear to be a perfect couple. But, as Ziva delves deeper into their lives, she discovers that everything is not as it seems.:)
The book is designed amazing, the language used in this book is good and it's easy to understand. The character development is awesome. The pace of the book is good it's moving fast at a lucid speed just to keep the readers intact till the last page excluding some parts. The author has put a lot of effort in her book. Overall a great read, i would highly recommend this book to everyone.:)
The book is a great read as the language is quite simple and easy to read which makes this book a good read for the beginners. The writing style is promising and the plot is something which keeps the reader hooked throughout the read.
This novel literally kept me on my toes and I was gasping till the end. I did have my own hunch at certain events and it did happen but overall I was like "What is happening? Let me go back and check where I left the last chapter for some info I might have missed"🫢. I love suspense filled endings in each chapters and this novel totally satisfied it and made sure that I didn't put it down until I finish it. The story takes us through alternate timelines which happens within each chapter and it proceeds in such a manner that present timeline is shown at the start of each chapter and towards the end we get to read the past timeline. The suspense was simultaneously picking up its pace in both the timelines and sometimes I had to skip the present timeline to read the past timeline to see what might have happened and vice versa since you know I couldn't resist the urge to break the suspense🫣. This is a treat for all thriller lovers and you should definitely give it a try!❤🔥
"Cold Blooded Love" written by Girish Dutt Shukla. The story starts with Ziva, a divorcee who lives alone. and an introvert who has a bitter past but she meets her neighbors Ovya and Aaditya and the journey starts there.
This is such an interesting book and the plots were well written. The other characters like Osheen and Saachi have been well developed.
The suspense and the unexpected twist made this book more engaging to read. The human emotions, trauma, and complicated life made the book more realistic. The writing style was engaging and the storytelling was awesome. The perspectives of all the characters have been well crafted.
It's a page-turner for real. Murder and mysterious novel for anyone who loves reading thrillers.
I recommend it to anyone who loves reading mystery novels. I appreciate the author for coming up with such incredible ideas
Time flows like cement when you have nothing to do. •• Cold Blooded Love is a psychological thriller which also deals with some domestic dramatic elements.!! I would also like to thank the author for sending me a review copy.! •• The story follows the main character Ziva who loves to a new city to start fresh after separation from her husband Om. Contemplating on what makes a happy family and trying to move on with her live, she meets her new neighbors Ovya & Aadit, who appear to be the perfect couple.!! Reminiscing about her past while watching the new couple.. Ziva makes quick friends with Ovya. But everything is not as it seems with the start of suspicious notes in her mailbox about Aadit pretending to be someone he’s not.! •• Let me preface this by saying that despite loving thrillers, I don’t often read them & this book was a good reminder that I need to dive back into thrillers.!! Now coming onto this particular book. Cold Blooded Love is a good book. The beginning was a little too slow for my taste and it took me a while to get into it. But it did pick up the pace later, making it a lot more interesting.! Having its fair share of twists and turns, it leaves you suspicious of the characters while trying to uncover the truth behind the murders.! And even though I could personally see the twists coming and the murderer from a mile, it was still intriguing to read & when the truth finally comes out, I was glad that I was correct.! •• Now, there are two reasons why this happens. First, the book is very basic, simple and predictable or Second, the author had left appropriate clues for us to clear the mess. Gladly, this was a bit towards the second category.! I enjoyed reading Cold Blooded Love & can’t wait to dive into more thrillers.!!
"Cold Blooded Love" takes readers on an intriguing journey through the tangled web of relationships, love, and family dynamics. Girish Dutt Shukla weaves a narrative that delves into the complexities of human emotions and the illusions of perfection.
The story revolves around Ziva, a woman who is grappling with the aftermath of separating from her husband, Om. Ziva's quest for a "happy forever family" leads her to her new neighbors, Ovya and Aadit, who initially appear to be the epitome of a perfect couple. As Ziva reminisces about her past with Om, she starts to question whether such happiness can truly exist.
However, the facade of perfection surrounding Ovya and Aadit gradually unravels. Ovya's candid revelations about Aadit shatter the illusion of an idyllic partnership. When Ovya mysteriously goes missing after a chilling scream, Ziva finds herself embroiled in a family scandal that forces her to confront difficult questions about love, commitment, and the truth.
Girish Dutt Shukla's writing style is engaging and fluid, effortlessly drawing readers into the characters' world. The author masterfully balances introspection with suspense, creating an atmosphere that keeps readers invested in the unfolding events.
The characters in "Cold Blooded Love" are multi-dimensional and relatable. Ziva's internal struggle resonates with anyone who has questioned the concept of an ideal family. Ovya and Aadit's complexity highlights the contrast between appearances and reality.
The plot is intricately woven, gradually revealing the layers of each character's persona and the interplay of their emotions. The mysterious disappearance of Ovya adds an element of suspense, propelling the narrative forward.
The novel touches upon themes of illusion, the fragility of relationships, and the masks people wear to conceal their true selves. It raises thought-provoking questions about the pursuit of happiness and the sacrifices one might make to maintain appearances.
The emotional impact of "Cold Blooded Love" is palpable, as readers empathize with Ziva's internal turmoil and Ovya's hidden struggles. The author skillfully elicits a range of emotions, from nostalgia and hope to suspense and empathy.
The novel's strength lies in its ability to capture the nuances of human emotions and relationships. The exploration of flawed characters adds depth to the story. However, some readers might find the pacing slightly uneven as the narrative transitions between introspection and suspense.
"Cold Blooded Love" is a compelling exploration of love, family, and the pursuit of happiness. The characters' complexities and the suspenseful plot make it an engaging read. The book prompts readers to reflect on societal norms and the true essence of happiness.
Girish Dutt Shukla's "Cold Blooded Love" invites readers to question the ideals of perfection and family bliss. With its evocative writing and thought-provoking themes, the novel leaves a lasting impression, urging us to peel back the layers and embrace the authenticity of human connections.
What a cracker of a thriller! One where you begin reading imagining a story that would unravel this way and that way and all of a sudden, you are reading the climax with the stunning realization that you have been duped spectacularly.
Ziva is the quintessential unreliable narrator of the story, she is more or less like the same character that seems to be the staple for psychological thrillers, a woman drowning in sorrows, keeping herself sane with alcohol, and her only excitement that of being a peeping tom to her neighbor’s life. Of course, I have had my share of psychological thrillers with a similar opening scene all pointing to this loving couple across the window and an incident that might trigger the rosy hues to turn all black and grey. And more fool me, I kept expecting the same, Yeah, I know where this is going but soon the author is yanking my chain showing Ziva as just not a freelance designer suffering from grief and trauma but as someone with deep passions and hidden depths.
Ziva’s thought process divulges her layered characterization unfurling with each revelation as each chapter takes us thru the present events centered around a murder that occurs in the neighbor’s house and the past that led to her separation from her husband, Om.
Girish Dutt Shukla crafts a cunning and beguiling thriller playing havoc with the reader's mind, getting them to focus on the happenings of life across the window when the placid water is churning underneath creating a whirlpool waiting to explode in this window. The exploration of emotions that drive a human being was captured wonderfully and also there is this nuanced manoeuvring by the author revealing bits and pieces of Ziva’s life that I recognized but had in no way prepared me for that final denouement.
There are scene changes in the story that I felt could have been smoother like one scene where Ovya visits Ziva in her home and the next line is bout the locality of the house and it took me a second or two to grasp that the story has moved to another scene. A minor point in an otherwise brilliant thriller.
Many thanks to Rupa Publications and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
Cold Blooded Love is a dark and intense phychological thriller that will take you on a mind blowing journey full of twists and turns.
Cold Blooded Love is the story of Ziva. Having separated from her husband, Ziva is living a lonely life cutoff from friends and family. Her life changes when a perfect couple, Ovya and Aadit become her new neighbours. Soon Ziva and Ovya become best of friends and Ziva gets pulled into the lives of the couple. Soon, Ziva discovers that everything is not so rosy with the couple and their perfect marriage is a mirage. As Ziva gets entangled deeper and deeper into their lives, Ovya disappears. Will Ziva be able to extricate herself from this situation or is she is already into something deeper than she imagined it to be?
Cold Blooded Love is a psychological mystery that unfolds like a magic trick. While you are focused on magician’s moves, the real trick has already happened, right in front of your eyes. The clues were all there but you failed to pick them up. The story has all the elements of an intense psychological thriller, an intriguing plot, some edgy characters, an unreliable narrator and an unexpected twists after twists that will keep you on the edge. The writer has combined everything with some incredible writing to weave a crafty thriller, with a final twists you never see coming. The story also explores the ephemeral nature of relationships and the complexities of human mind. Narrated in dual timelines, the past and the present, the two narratives merge unfolding the mystery in a spectacular manner.
I loved the character arc of Ziva. The story provides her backstory and you can’t stop but empathize with her lonely self. As you progress through the story, you can’t help but marvel at the way the story evolved. Supporting characters like Ovya and Aadit adequately support the narrative. The most impressive part of the story is how the writer has dived deep into the human psyche and made the characters feel real, exploring their motivations, anxieties and feelings. The narrative flows smoothly and you story never feels stuck at any point.
Overall, Cold Blooded Love is an excellent read that you won’t stop reading right till the end. With a twisted plot, complex characters and some brilliant writing, this book is a must read for all thriller fans.
"Cold Blooded Love" is an entangled tale of Ziva, who has a traumatic past and is seeking a better future. The protagonist, Ziva, becomes separated from her husband Om and decides to relocate from Mumbai to Delhi, leaving behind all her friends, in an effort to cope with her loss and loneliness. Soon after, she encounters her newly arrived neighbor, Ovya, and her husband Aadit, who epitomize a perfect, newly married, and affectionate couple.
Ovya possesses a captivating personality and swiftly becomes a trusted companion for Ziva. Ziva also starts noticing similarities between Ovya and Aadit's endearing bond and her own sweet, past relationship with her ex-husband. However, the story takes a sharp turn when Ziva begins receiving anonymous notes in her mailbox, indicating that Aadit may not be the person he appears to be. This twist in the plot delves into a deeper understanding of all the characters.
Before long, Saachi, Aadit's ex-partner, is found murdered, and Ovya mysteriously disappears, leading to a breathtaking turn of events. I was so engrossed in the gripping narrative that I finished the entire book in just two sittings. Even now, my mind continues to reel from the psychologically thrilling conclusion.
I truly admired how the story commenced with Ziva's solitary life and astounded me with its unexpected conclusion. The language used is simple, yet compelling, making it nearly impossible to set the book aside. One of the most enthralling aspects is the seamless shift in perspectives between the past and the present, both of which culminate in gripping climaxes that leave readers astounded.
The cover art harmonizes perfectly with the plot, and the author's smooth narration effortlessly draws readers into the captivating scenes. Each character receives meticulous attention, with detailed descriptions of their past and present experiences. I am confident that any reader who decides to pick up this book today will be treated to a truly immersive experience.
As my first foray into the psychological thriller genre, "Cold Blooded Love" has cemented its place as one of my favorites, and I am grateful to Girish for crafting such a masterpiece.
"When you're an island, you are surrounded by water on all sides. Similarly, when you are alone, a sense of loneliness and nostalgia settles all around you." - Girish Dutt Shukla, Cold Blooded Love