You know that feeling when you dive into a thriller and it grabs you by the collar, refusing to let go? That’s exactly what happened to me with Ashwin Sanghi’s “Razor Sharp - A Kutta Kadam Thriller.” Sanghi, known for his historical fiction, steps into the gritty world of contemporary crime, and boy, does he deliver!
Meet Prakash Kadam, the quintessential washed-up ex-cop whose life is a mess of nightmares and whiskey. Once a top detective, now a wreck haunted by his past, Kadam gets dragged back into the fray when a series of gruesome murders rocks Mumbai. Victims with their wrists bound, mouths stuffed with raw wheat, and killed with a Finek knife—it’s grim and mysterious. The authorities, desperate and out of options, call in Kadam to crack the case. It’s a classic setup, but Sanghi spins it in a way that feels fresh and electrifying.
Sanghi’s writing is nothing short of gripping. His style is brisk and raw, peppered with local dialects that bring the bustling, chaotic streets of Mumbai to life. The narrative zips along with short, punchy chapters that keep you hooked. And yes, the dialogue is laced with expletives—authentic to the core, though maybe a bit jarring if you’re not used to it. The pacing is relentless, like a roller coaster that just won’t stop.
Kadam is the kind of character you can’t help but root for. He’s deeply flawed, battling his demons, yet his sharp instincts and dogged determination shine through. His relationship with his daughter, Ketul, adds a touching, human layer to the story. Ketul, a lawyer tackling human trafficking, is a powerhouse in her own right. And then there are the rogues’ gallery of corrupt politicians, mobsters, and dubious godmen. Sanghi paints them all vividly, making Mumbai’s underworld feel disturbingly real.
The plot is a masterclass in suspense. Sanghi weaves multiple storylines together, each thread adding to the intrigue. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, he throws in a twist that makes you rethink everything. The murders, the corruption, the personal vendettas—it all comes together in a nail-biting finale. The organization of the story, with its rapid shifts and multiple perspectives, keeps you on your toes and utterly engaged.
“Razor Sharp” isn’t just about solving a crime. It’s about corruption, power, and redemption. Kadam’s journey is as much about finding the killer as it is about finding himself. The book digs into the dark side of politics and the police force, showing how intertwined they are with the criminal underworld. It’s a sobering look at how power corrupts and the toll it takes on those trying to fight against it.
This book isn’t just a mindless thriller; it packs an emotional punch. Kadam’s struggle with his past, his love for his daughter, and his fight against the system make for a story that’s both thrilling and heart-wrenching. There were moments that had me on the edge of my seat and others that genuinely moved me.
What makes “Razor Sharp” stand out is its compelling narrative and richly drawn characters. Kadam’s sharp instincts and his complex, troubled persona are the heart of the story. The gritty realism of Mumbai, with its mix of dialects and vivid descriptions, adds a layer of authenticity that’s hard to beat.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say I wanted a bit more detail about Mumbai’s locales. The city’s vibrant chaos is a character in itself, and a little more sensory detail could have made it even more immersive. But honestly, this is a minor gripe in an otherwise fantastic book.
As someone who loves a good thriller, “Razor Sharp” hit all the right notes for me. Kadam is a flawed hero you can’t help but cheer for, and the plot twists kept me guessing till the end. If you’re a fan of gritty crime stories with a heart, this book is for you. Sanghi’s move into contemporary crime fiction is a win, and I can’t wait to see what he does next with Kadam. Grab this book, settle in, and get ready for a wild ride through the dark alleys of Mumbai. You won’t be disappointed!
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