If you're anything like me and love getting lost in a good whodunit, then "Killing Ashish Karve" by Salil Desai should be on your radar. Desai is known for his sharp, engaging crime novels, and after being captivated by "3 and a Half Murders," I had high hopes for this book. Spoiler alert: It lived up to the hype!
The story kicks off with a bang when Ashish Karve is found dead in the back seat of his car with slit wrists. At first glance, it looks like a suicide, but Senior Inspector Saralkar, who’s itching for action after a week-long 'Secrets of Living' course, senses something more sinister. Alongside his diligent assistant, PSI Motkar, Saralkar dives into the investigation. As they dig deeper, they find a tangled web of suspects—Karve's business partner, his wife, his brother, his friend, his brother-in-law, and even a stranger. When Karve's colleague, Suchitra, also turns up dead, the urgency to solve the case ramps up. Will Saralkar and Motkar catch the killer before more lives are lost?
Desai’s writing is refreshingly straightforward and engaging. He gets right to the point, avoiding unnecessary fluff, which I really appreciated. His prose is clear, making it easy to follow the twists and turns of the investigation. The witty banter between Saralkar and Motkar adds a touch of humor that lightens the tension and makes the characters feel more relatable.
Inspector Saralkar is your classic maverick cop—sharp, sarcastic, and always thinking ahead. His dynamic with Motkar, who is more by-the-book, creates a balanced and entertaining duo. The suspects are fleshed out well, each with enough depth to keep you guessing about their motives. Desai does a fantastic job of making these characters feel real, which is crucial in any good mystery.
The plot is tightly woven, with enough twists to keep you on your toes. Desai expertly balances the procedural aspects of the investigation with the unfolding drama, ensuring the story remains engaging throughout. The pacing is mostly spot-on, though there were moments where it felt a tad slow. The climax, while surprising, felt a bit rushed and could have used more buildup.
Beyond the surface-level mystery, the book delves into deeper themes of trust, betrayal, and the darker aspects of human nature. Desai explores how greed and jealousy can drive people to commit heinous acts, all while maintaining a gripping narrative. These themes are seamlessly integrated into the plot, making the story not just a whodunit but also a reflection on human behavior.
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. From the initial shock of Ashish’s death to the tension of the investigation and the unexpected climax, it kept me thoroughly engaged. The humorous exchanges between Saralkar and Motkar provided some much-needed comic relief, balancing out the heavier moments and making the characters even more endearing.
One of the book's biggest strengths is its character development. Saralkar and Motkar are well-rounded and relatable, making you root for them from start to finish. The plot is another highlight, filled with enough red herrings and twists to keep even seasoned mystery readers guessing. Desai’s vivid descriptions and engaging prose add to the book’s charm.
While the book is largely well-crafted, the climax felt a bit forced and could have been more convincing. Some readers might also find the pacing slow at times, especially during the detailed police procedures. However, these are minor issues in an otherwise solid mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Killing Ashish Karve." As a fan of crime thrillers, I appreciated Desai’s attention to detail and his ability to keep me guessing. The dynamic between Saralkar and Motkar, coupled with the engaging plot, made it a real page-turner for me. Yes, the climax could have been stronger, but overall, it was a satisfying read.
"Killing Ashish Karve" is a gripping murder mystery that showcases Salil Desai’s talent for crafting intricate plots and compelling characters. Despite a few minor flaws, it is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will keep you hooked until the end. If you love a good crime thriller, this one is definitely worth picking up. Here’s hoping for more adventures with Inspector Saralkar and PSI Motkar!
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