The Girl Who Loved a Pirate by Kulpreet Yadav

           

               
                     “If you trust your shadow, the future can’t be a beautiful story.”

The dashing Andy Karan is back, in Kulpreet Yadav’s new thriller ‘The Girl Who Loved a Pirate’, a book that lives up to the promise of its unusual title. Against the backdrop of the love story of Ba-Qat, ‘The Pirate of the World’, and the beauteous Dao- Ming, the thrilling story unfolds, with Andy playing a pivotal role in the action that follows.

Ba-Qat is all set to perform his last mission, after which he wants to retire and chart a new chapter in his life with his Dao-Ming, so that they can enjoy “the kind of silence she loved, the kind of silence that was a beautiful story.”

A parallel story is played out as Andy Karan is assigned a task by his boss, Angela Singha, to investigate the murder of his colleague, Peter Fernandes, in Goa, which is a hub that makes liberal use of ‘Magic’, a new drug that is “sucking people into the rave party culture by the thousands.”

Goa proves hectic as Andy follows the drug lords, Romeo Braganza and Subedar Sukhdev Pratap, with the help of the attractive Kirti. It is then that he comes across Rupa, who works for the National Technical Research Organization in New Delhi, and gets embroiled, all over again, in the machinations of the Indian Intelligence. She persuades him to be a standby in a pirate-style hijack that needs Ba-Qat’s expert touch.

Andy’s susceptible heart takes a knock when he meets the ravishing Dao-Ming in Malacca, “the most stunning woman he had seen in his entire life.” However, she loved Ba-Qat with all her heart, and vice versa. “True to her name, which meant Shining Path, she had always shown him (Ba-qat) the right direction.”

Back in Goa, Andy proceeds to provoke and beguile his dangerous opponents, till he finally unearths the truth behind the drug cartel. Betrayal, intrigue and unforeseen perils make this book an exciting read, as Andy proves once again that he is “the best operative in the field”.

Even as Kulpreet Yadav keeps up the tempo of the action, he cleverly provides regular slices of the history of Malacca, and that of the Chinese integration into Malaysia. He also expounds on how the Dutch, the Portuguese and the British had all left indelible marks on the city’s landscape. The scenes at the Pirate Temple near the city’s waterfront are evocative and leave an impression on the mind.

The twists continue even after the action is done. What is the mystery behind Ba-Qat’s lineage? Why does he not look Malay? Does Andy fulfil his promise of reuniting Ba-Qat and Dao-Ming? Kulpreet Yadav ties up all the loose threads at the end of the book, even as he leaves one last dramatic twist in his epilogue.

Verdict: A book that whets the curiosity of the reader!

  

His Drunken Wife by Sundari Venkatraman

The prolific romance writer, Sundari Venkatraman, does it once again with her second book in her series 'Marriages are Made in Heaven'  with Book 2 titled 'His Drunken Wife'.

Marriages Made in India

Book #2

HIS DRUNKEN WIFE

by

Sundari Venkatraman

Blurb

The badass Shikha is startled when the nerdy Abhimanyu proposes marriage. She loves... herself, and Abhimanyu doesn't figure on her list anywhere. For Abhimanyu, however, it was love at first sight when Shikha walked into RS Software, where the two of them work.

When Abhimanyu shows her that he just might be rich enough for her, a pleasantly surprised Shikha accepts his marriage proposal and moves into his swanky apartment.

But it looks like the love is all from only Abhi’s side as Shikha continues to drink herself crazy. Yeah, even at their wedding party.

And then Abhi sets out on a honeymoon to Thailand with His Drunken Wife...

*MARRIAGES MADE IN INDIA is a five-novella series that revolves around the characters you have met in The Runaway Bridegroom.

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About the author

Sundari Venkatraman

His Drunken Wife

is the ninth book authored by Sundari Venkatraman. This is a hot romance and is Book #2 of the 5-novella series titled Marriages Made in India; Book #1 being The Smitten Husband. Other published novels by the author are The Malhotra Bride, Meghna, The Runaway Bridegroom, The Madras Affair and An Autograph for Anjali—all romances. She also has a collection of romantic short stories called Matches Made in Heaven; and a collection of human interest stories called Tales of Sunshine. All of Sundari Venkatraman’s books are on Amazon Top 100 Bestsellers in India, USA, UK, Canada & Australia under both #romance & #drama categories.

Other books by the author

Vikram Rana Investigates by Sharmishtha Shenoy

Sharmishtha Shenoy is a true aficionado of Agatha Christie, as she proves, not only through the title of her novel ‘Vikram Rana Investigates’, but also in the writing style she adopts. There are two thrilling episodes set in Hyderabad, both of which draw the reader into “a web of deceit, lies and murder”.

Vikram Rana, the ex-cop turned private investigator, is macho and handsome with a soft corner for gorgeous women. He and Inspector Gopi Reddy (reminiscent of Christie’s Inspector Japp) work on parallel investigations, working together harmoniously to solve murder mysteries.

The first story titled ‘The Mysterious Affair of the Lohia Mansion’ revolves around the murder of socialite Richa Lohia, the wife of the hard-nosed businessman, Gaurav Lohia, who dominates his younger brother, Rohan, more drawn to the arts and theatre. Rohan calls in his childhood friend, Vikram Rana, to solve the mystery of his sister-in-law’s murder.

Numerous characters waltz in and out; the manipulative, failed Bollywood actor, Kalyan, his “young, ambitious and stunningly beautiful” niece, Juhi, the governess, the loyal servant, Laksmi, who knew more than she revealed, Richa’s children, Kinshuk, Gautam and Tia, and of course, Rohan, who was “ a better actor in private life than he was on stage”, as he played the roles of grieving brother-in-law, magnanimous employer, savvy businessman and protective brother, with the ease of a chameleon.

Sharmishtha etches out her characters in a convincing fashion. One can almost picture the narcissistic Gaurav ... “like his soul was gone... with cold eyes of glass” with his “haughty, slightly disdainful expression, as though he had a bad smell under his nose.”  

As Vikram Rana introspects, putting together the various facts of the case in his mind, the penny suddenly drops and he arrives at the identity of the murderer in true Poirot style.

‘The Sonia Sinha Case’ begins with the murder of Krishna Mohan Dhavala, a kilometre from Necklace Road, and gets linked with the murder of his architect partner, Karuna Raju, six months ago. Mrs. Devika Raju, the latter’s widow, hires Vikram Rana to investigate Dhaval’s murder, not because she has any love lost for the man, but because her sensitive and peace-loving son, Pavel, has been implicated in the murder. Having lost her husband, she does not want to lose her precious son as well.

Many lives are intertwined in this riveting saga – the “ravishingly attractive” Kamini Dhavala who, to Rana’s susceptible heart, appears “like a beautiful fragile flower”, her close friend, Janaki, who helped her in her time of need, Janaki’s pretty daughter, Khushi who is Pavel’s childhood sweetheart, and Bilas, Kamini’s driver who lives a suspiciously extravagant lifestyle.

The story stems from the murder of Krishna, an unscrupulous land grabber, wife-beater, murderer and blackmailer, an unsavoury character if there ever was one! Once again, Sharmishtha Shenoy proves that she is a brilliant storyteller as Vikram Rana picks up all the clues, discards the red herrings, and finally pounces on the actual murderer.

This book has all the elements of a modern whodunit. The chapters are short and pithy, and the titles hinge around the characters who play prominent roles. The language is clean, shorn of unnecessary descriptions that slow down the tempo, and both episodes hurtle towards their climaxes at breakneck speed.

The only minor glitches were in the few printers’ devils in the punctuation, which could have been caught by the editor.

Verdict: A highly fast-paced book which whets the curiosity of the reader till the end!

Shamsuddin’s Grave by Paromita Goswami

                                          Shamsuddin’s Grave by Paromita Goswami

Paromita Goswami in conversation with Deepti Menon

Paromita, welcome to my blog. What was your main motive in writing this book?

Thank you so much, Deepti, for this awesome opportunity to connect with your readers.

My main motive in writing this book is to let people know about a community that is still awaiting justice since the Indo-Bangladesh partition.

Many Hindus still live across the border and face discrimination at the hands of the majorities. However, people who chose to remain in this country or took refuge in Assam (erstwhile Bengal) after partition are still bearing the bruises, sometimes at the hand of ethnic violence, political instability or natural disasters. They are bound to migrate, leaving behind their homes and loved ones in search of their livelihood, to the bigger cities with dreams that are bound to shatter again. No wonder, Assam is the source point of human trafficking.

With my book, I have made a small attempt to highlight the plight of these migrants.

2. ‘Shamsuddin’s Grave’ is a title that gives readers goosebumps and has shock value. What was your logic behind using such a title?

Lolz!  It indeed has a shock value.

In fact, many have discarded the book because of the sentiments attached with the word “Grave” in it. I completely understand that, but then there is always a saying, “You cannot judge a book by its cover.” I would like to change the word “cover” to “title” instead.

 There is a big logic behind the title and for that one has to read the book. Once you read till the end, you will agree with me that there couldn’t be anything apter than this title.

3. The modern world has turned into a very unsafe one for women and children. What, in your opinion, has to change to make it a better place to live in?

That is a very relevant question you have asked, Deepti.

It is really very sad but then the facts remain unchanged. I would like to put in my viewpoints and no offense should be taken in that matter.

I feel the modern world is to be blamed for that. We have become so dependent on gadgets and amenities that we have forgotten our basics. If you look back, the past twenty years have seen tremendous growth in technology, as also in the crime rate, especially against women and children. We have alienated ourselves so much from the real world and live more or less in a virtual world which has started affecting our lifestyles. Our demands seek opportunities to fulfil them, either legally or illegally. Human trafficking is one of the consequences of this.

With technology, our options have increased, but our humaneness has decreased considerably. Stress, depression and frustration are the new age factors that instigate crime. Women and children are more victimized because they are vulnerable, and the crimes go unreported too because of the stigma associated with this gender in our society. 

However, things are changing with the efforts of several people who work day and night to curb this crime. With proper education and awareness, this can be highly minimized.

 4. Your novel is set in Guwahati. Can the place be considered as a character in your book?

Guwahati is a big city in the North East of India. It is one of the preferred destinations of the youth, from both urban and rural backgrounds, in this part of the country. In my book, the city plays a key role in terms of places, culture and dialect. Therefore, you can say it can be considered as a character.

 5. What would you like to tell your readers about 'Shamsuddin's Grave'?

‘Shamsuddin’s Grave’ is inspired by real life incidents. The readers have appreciated it and related to it in their own different ways. All I would like to say is, don’t go by my words. Read it yourself and let me know your thoughts about it. I will be waiting to hear from you.

Thank you once again, Deepti.

Thank you so much for your interesting and concise answers to my questions, Paromita. I wish your book much success, and look forward to reading everything that you write. Good luck and good cheer!

Her Resurrection by Soumyadeep Koley

There is a sense of hope in the title itself. ‘Her Resurrection’ by Soumyadeep Koley narrates the story of Maya, the girl-child who  senses that she is a burden to her parents from the day she was born, but strives to break away from tradition when she decides to study and destroy her fetters.

At boarding school, Maya meets Audra, the Lithuanian girl, who becomes the first friend to “rearrange the broken pieces of her life”. Audra ignites Maya’s thirst for knowledge further, along with a desire to wield a camera some time in life.

Once back home, “no one understood this girl who had small wings, but dreamed and dared to soar high, high up in the limitless skies, beyond the blueness and into the world of stars”.

The patriarchal mindset is rocklike in its inflexibility, and even a sympathetic Kshitij Master, a teacher in the village Primary School, finally washes his hands off her, breaking off her engagement with his son, Shittuppam, as he does not approve of girls being over-educated.

Pune University opens its portals to her as she pursues her Graduation. However, life turns into a living hell for the young girl, as a horrific incident back home, and the indifference of the local police, make her determined to speak out not only for herself, but as “... an ambassador of every woman spanning the globe!”

Her mother stands up, against her alcoholic husband, for her brave daughter, choosing to spend years of her life in a dark cell. Maya is left bereft, and goes to Mumbai with sixty rupees in her pocket, where life gets no better for her as she ends up in a place where “hell and heaven were separated just by five iron rods at the window.”

At various junctures in Maya’s wretched life, a few good Samaritans come in to provide a sense of relief to her – Arjun Singh, the good-hearted police officer, Siddharth who teaches her the rudiments of photography, Damien, her first saviour, and finally the eccentric Dr. Ramasubban, who wins her confidence and seals a pact with her, his only condition being that she has to pen down the story of her chequered life.

Maya’s story is like a rollercoaster, as it hurtles up and down, leaving her in various moods... sometimes determined to break through all the obstacles before her, and at other times leaving her highly suicidal and violent. She always dreams big, but often her past catches up with her, leaving her as helpless as a piece of driftwood caught in a storm. At such times, she is caught up in a deep well of depression and turns away from a world that is cruel and unrelenting.

The essence of the book is contained in the words of Dr. Ramasubban. “Yours is the story of a life, where, in spite of all the trials and tribulations, you didn’t give away your dignity in the end... a life where you have fought for emancipation from the worldly shackles... and redemption of yourself into the society.”

There is deep restraint and beauty in Soumyadeep’s language. Nowhere does his style turn mundane, even at the lowest points of Maya’s life. He turns into a poet at intervals with lines that resonate. “She wanted to hold still the evanescence of the magic of the world, and lose herself... in the golden aura of the floating Diyas, in the wild flower bathed in afternoon shower... and in the changing colours of nature.”

This is a book that could have taken the tortuous path of low worldly passions, but Soumyadeep’s skilful handling of the subject and his sensitive portrayal of his heroine, Maya, make this a beacon of hope in a merciless world.

   

The Lively Library & An Unlikely Romance by Niranjan Navalgund - A review

I am the willing and happy victim of a case of masterly deception. Readomania’s The Lively Library & An Unlikely Romance, a deceptively slim volume, with a wonderfully childlike cover and engaging illustrations within, is no ordinary book about a simple library. As one browses through its pages, one fathoms the boundless talent that nestles in the mind of the young philosopher-writer, Niranjan Navalgund, as he lets his imagination run riot in the Lively Library where books come alive in a magical world that parallels the world of humans.

A reluctant Nayan inherits his father’s library, but vows to honour his memory through a re-launch with great fanfare. He conducts a guided tour of the library and the visitors are “intrigued by an aura of mystery and delight” within, an aura that lingers on throughout the narration of the book. For a person who starts off as a disinterested librarian, Nayan puts forth some unique ideas – the white board, the Librarian’s Desk and the Read Until You Drop concept.

Even as each bookish character “struts and frets his hour across the stage” every name strikes a chord – Kapshi/Pakshi, the ‘Book Man’, the wise MookBonk, the principled Hiriya Halepu, Pu. Nayaka, Bookokie-star and Akshara.  The Lively Library is under a powerful boon that restores “the invincible soul hidden in each and every book.”April 23^rd is a significant day in the world of books as “at the dark nocturnal hours, they came to life, breathed and reveled in their discreet existence.”

Equally enthralling is the description of the book dating season, “a season when the books reveled in their mutual love and the joys of discovering the love.” The two books that, thus, fall in love are amazed at what they have in common. “Their origins were different, but the stories they shared struck a deep, everlasting chord in each other.” When they are separated, an impressive ‘bogya’ (a portmanteau word combining ‘book’ and ‘yagya’) is held to invoke Helmine, the resolute protector, who smells “of the rich flavour of old books” and appears in “her whodunit avatar”. Even as Ryan and his sister, Nithya, play a part in re-uniting the book couple, Helmine, in true Hercule Poirot style, proceeds to solve the mystery of “the threat of their unseen, faceless enemy” who is threatening to destroy the library.

Towards the end of the book, as the book couple is united, a singular truth is revealed. Books are capable of having good hearts, of dreaming big, and of fulfilling those dreams. The book ends with a message to the human world of book lovers, again deceptively simple, but one of great significance.

Niranjan weighs his words with care, and puts them together, filling them with his philosophic ideas that take this book beyond the realm of a book for young readers. Since this is the first book in a series, it will be interesting to see where his fertile imagination takes him next!

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1715517714

https://www.amazon.in/review/RV16UZWHZ9UUG/ref=pe_1640331_66412301_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

#askvarsha contest
Ask Author Varsha Dixit a question on your blog and she will answer you in her own unique way. Watch out this space for more. Only the best questions will be selected.

My Question for #askvarsha is...
Hi Varsha, your title is very eye-catching. Did you feel that using an oxymoron would not only catch eye-balls, but also bring out the contrast in the natures of your main characters? 

RIGHTFULLY WRONG, WRONGFULLY RIGHT

by

Varsha Dixit

Blurb

Love is in the air again…this time it’s steamy, bold and manipulative!

Gayatri and Viraj both are products of childhood trauma. Yet they were able to survive, one because of her shrewdness and the other because of his genius. Rightfully Wrong Wrongfully Right, the final part in the best selling ‘Right and Wrong’ love trilogy is the story of these two damaged souls.

Gayatri Dutta, the poster child for rich spoiled diva is fighting to escape a life of servitude her tyrant father is hell bent on pushing her into. Her past string of failures have her backed against a wall. Lonely and desperate!

Viraj is a con who uses his genius to perpetuate his isolation. His life once of violence and abuse has left him cynical and cold. He shuns the society and its hypocrisies. 

And then Gayatri and Viraj cross paths. She needs him and he despises her.

To Viraj, Gayatri, is the epitome of all that he despises, shallow, manipulative and the kind who uses her beauty as a weapon. Or is she?

Gayatri sees Viraj only as a means to an end. She is sure that Viraj with his nerdy demeanor, owlish glasses and crude behavior will be easy to manipulate and walk over. Only he isn’t!

Grab your copy @

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Excerpt from #RWWR

‘I can do this, I can do this, I can...’ Gayatri wound her fingers tightly around her cellphone as she made her way to the cubbyhole Viraj called his office. I did not expect a freaking hug, but a polite ‘how are you’ wouldn’t kill that man. She rapped her knuckles on the door.

Viraj swung the door open. ‘What?’ His brows were furrowed and his lips, pursed.

Gayatri remembered what Nikhil had said to her once. Dr Viraj owns and runs this lab. He was the only one you needed to impress! ‘It’s my first day here!’ Gayatri could hear her voice shake. ‘Could you tell me...’

Gayatri scuttled out of Viraj’s way as he leaned out. ‘Find an empty room, do your work there. You are free to leave any time you want. You are free to come or to not come.’ The door shut on her face.

Flabbergasted, Gayatri kept staring at the door. What just happened? She cleared her throat. I should not piss him off anymore. ‘Thank you for this…this job.’ Her voice was as uncertain as the look on her face.

Viraj tugged the door open again. Gayatri flashed a smile at him and opened her mouth to speak but he stopped her short. ‘I don’t like talking. Find a room and stay there.’ He shut the door on her again.

 Asshole! Gayatri fisted her hands and retreated. I can do this! I am doing this! Bigger picture, please! Gayatri paused and peeped inside the first lab that she stumbled upon. The place was quiet except for a low hum of machines. Gayatri pushed the doors open and walked inside the lab. It was empty. ‘Does anyone else work here besides the mad scientist?’ She leaned against one of the steel racks. The door flew open behind her. With a big grin she turned to greet the person coming in. ‘Hi! I—’ she froze. It was the mad scientist with a bunch of papers in his hand.

Viraj noticed Gayatri at the same time. A familiar irritation flashed in his eyes. ‘Not this room. Not my lab! Find another room!’ He spoke with cool authority.

‘I was just looking!’ Gayatri smoothed her ponytail trying to mask her nervousness. He had her in knots.

Giving an indifferent shrug, Viraj walked past her. Gayatri got a whiff of his aftershave; it smelled clean and crisp, like water with a twist of lemon. At least he doesn’t stink like his manners! Gayatri stood there quiet and confused.

A loose paper slipped from Viraj’s hand and landed on the floor.

‘You dropped some paper!’ Gayatri said, her voice friendly.

‘Ignore it. Like you, it is not going anywhere.’ Viraj pulled a portable stool and took a seat in front of an electronic panel fixed to a bigger panel.

Gayatri gritted her teeth and grinned with the ferocity of a wild animal that could pounce any moment.

Unknown to her, Viraj gave a similar smile except his was more like the wild animal that had pounced and won.

‘I’ll go and find a room. Thank you!’ Swiveling on her heel, Gayatri headed for the door.

Something stopped her—her father’s face and the realization that two weeks ago she had physically fought for herself, and now she had to fight again but with her mind instead of hands. I have to win over Mr Madness. Maybe I could wear a beaker over my head and tattoo the periodic table on my arms!

‘If you are trying to open the door telepathically, let me be the first to tell you it is not working!’ 

Gayatri exhaled noisily. Scathing and sarcastic, what more could a woman ask for? Taking a few calming breaths, she slowly pivoted to face Viraj, specifically his back as he sat hunched fiddling with the panel in front of him.

 ‘I’m sorry if I have offended you somehow. I really need this job. And also, I’m qualified for it. I can show you my degrees. I can really make a difference here.’

Hearing Gayatri’s words and her apologetic tone, something melted inside Viraj...again. But to keep up appearances, he turned rude. ‘I’m busy!’ he barked.

 ‘Please Mr Viraj, give me—’ Just then, without warning, someone swung the door open. Gayatri wasn’t prepared for the push. ‘Ouch!’ She toppled. Her desperate hands grabbed the first thing in the vicinity—a steel rack. The rack shuddered violently and some of its contents landed on the floor.

‘What the hell!’ Viraj bellowed jumping to his feet.

Gayatri winced. A large electrical component had crashed into her hand ‘The door just opened, pushing me in,’ she said shaking her arm in pain.

 Viraj glared at the door. He instantly lost the frown and his mouth eased at the ends. ‘Oh it’s you! Come inside!’

Huh, Hyde turns Jekyll! Gayatri spun around.

A timid, bespectacled, five-foot-nothing girl, her long hair in a tight braid, clad in a pastel-coloured salwaar kameez, stood at the door. Her skin was smooth and her hands kept tugging at the dupatta around her neck ‘Sorry to interrupt! Dr Kalra wanted to show you some tests he is about to run in lab 2.’ She then glanced at Gayatri. ‘I’m sorry if I hurt you. It was an accident.’

Gayatri was about to speak but Viraj cut her off. ‘She’s fine. Let’s go!’

Viraj went out with the girl, not even sparing a glance at Gayatri.

Astounded, Gayatri watched them leave.

Urghh…the shit-faced scientist actually smiled and that too at that girl! Gayatri kicked the steel rack. It shuddered again! Shoot! Before anything else would fall on her, Gayatri went after the scientist and the simpleton.

Did you like the excerpt? Author Varsha Dixit offers you four of her chapters free.

Read the First Four Chapters Free!!

About the author

Varsha Dixit

Varsha Dixit, the bestselling author of four successful contemporary romance books. Her debut book, Right Fit Wrong Shoe was a national bestseller for the year 2010. Varsha was a part of the Indian Television Industry and worked as an assistant director and online editor. She considers herself a dreamer who thinks deep but writes light. Even though creativity is gender free,Varsha feels blessed and enriched to be a woman. Currently, with her family, Varsha resides in CA, USA.

You can stalk her @

                  

    

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