Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Bullets to Betrayals by V.B. Bonny

Have you ever found yourself so entangled in a book that it feels like you’re living a parallel life—gritty, unpredictable, and emotionally raw? That was me with Bullets to Betrayals. Crime thrillers with a romantic undertone aren’t new, especially in Indian fiction, but V.B. Bonny doesn’t just dip her toes into the genre—she dives headfirst, bringing back something rare: substance wrapped in style.

I hadn’t read Bonny before, so this book came to me without expectations. But from page one, I could tell this wasn’t going to be just another formulaic cop-meets-reporter drama. This is a debut that announces itself boldly—with teeth, heart, and poetic finesse.

The story revolves around Arav Virk, an IPS officer with a calm exterior and a storm within. He’s reassigned to Shivrang—a city that breathes secrets and corruption—on a mission to locate Meera, a woman from his past who disappeared without a trace. But what begins as a search soon becomes a vortex of deceit, violence, and soul-searching when he meets Saira Sravya, a firecracker of an investigative journalist.

Saira is no damsel in distress. She’s bold, curious, and often too brave for her own safety. As they work together to connect the dots of missing persons, shady power plays, and unhealed emotional wounds, what unfolds is more than just a thriller—it’s a psychological dance between love and loyalty, between duty and desire.

Bonny’s writing? Think cinematic but with poetic undercurrents. Her background in poetry subtly sneaks into the narrative. Some lines are so striking, I found myself rereading them just to soak in their rhythm—like, “Some betrayals begin with a kiss. Others end with a shot.” That’s not just writing. That’s statement.

She balances the grit of crime fiction with moments of lyrical stillness. The pacing varies—intense action scenes jolt your pulse, while quieter, introspective moments let you breathe and feel.

Arav is everything a brooding hero should be—stoic, damaged, loyal to a fault. And Saira? She’s the exact opposite, yet the perfect match. Their chemistry doesn’t scream from the rooftops; it simmers, slow and hot. I loved that they were both deeply flawed—human, messy, relatable. These aren’t people you admire from afar; they’re people you understand.

The emotional complexity of love, betrayal, and trauma is handled with remarkable maturity. It's not just about solving crimes—it's about confronting the ones within ourselves.

The plot moves like a snake—twisting, slithering, sometimes striking when you least expect it. There are no dull stretches, but Bonny also knows when to slow the pace to let tension build. I appreciated how past and present events were woven together—it kept me alert, emotionally invested, and constantly guessing.

Underneath the crime and chaos lies a deeper story: the high cost of truth, the emotional scars of loss, and how love can either be our salvation or our downfall. It also subtly addresses systemic issues—power, corruption, and the silencing of truth-tellers—all without sounding preachy.

Shivrang, the city itself, almost feels alive—moody, unpredictable, and holding too many secrets.

This book got to me. There were moments I paused—not because I was bored, but because the emotions hit a little too close to home. That gut-punch of unresolved grief? Been there. The messiness of trying to love while carrying baggage? Yep. And when a certain reveal happened (no spoilers!), I actually exhaled aloud.

Bullets to Betrayals shines with characters who linger in your mind long after the final page—flawed, fierce, and heartbreakingly human. At the heart of it is Saira, a female lead who’s bold, relentless, and refreshingly imperfect, making her unforgettable. V.B. Bonny’s language walks a fine line between raw emotion and gripping momentum, drawing you in without ever letting go. And perhaps what I appreciated most was how the plot never dumbs things down—it twists and turns with purpose, trusting the reader to keep up and connect the dots, making for a truly rewarding read.

There were moments I wanted a bit more backstory on Meera—her presence is powerful despite her absence, but I craved more insight into her. Also, a few transitions between scenes could've been smoother—but honestly, these are minor compared to the overall experience.

This book reminded me why I love Indian fiction that dares to blend genres. It didn’t just entertain me—it moved me. Arav and Saira’s story isn’t just about solving a mystery; it’s about reclaiming one’s truth, one scar at a time.

I also love how Bonny doesn’t spoon-feed readers. She trusts us to connect the emotional dots—and that trust felt empowering as a reader.

Bullets to Betrayals is more than just a gripping romantic crime thriller—it’s an emotional rollercoaster layered with depth, danger, and vulnerability. V.B. Bonny has made a bold, brilliant entry into the literary world, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

If you’re in the mood for something thrilling, emotional, and unapologetically real—this one’s worth every page.

💬 Would you choose love if it came wrapped in secrets? Or truth, if it came with heartbreak? Let me know your thoughts below!

#RomanticThriller #IndianCrimeFiction #StrongFemaleLead #EmotionalReads #PageTurner