Author: Neenv Raju Akunuri
Publisher: Papertowns India
If you had to pick, which one would you
choose-Unconditional Love or Conditional Marriage?
Silent Screams by Neenv Raju Akunuri is a crime thriller
that investigates the murder of Saysha Mehta where her husband Jai is the prime
suspect. Naseen Rajnath is a criminal lawyer, and a close friend of Saysha, who
is mourning the death of her friend. Naseen decides to defend Jai in the court
because of her belief in Jai, who loved her deeply, couldn’t have done the
deed. Its is now upon ACP Jason Sahayam to untangle the mystery and find the
truth to get justice dispensed. Set in Chennai, this is a story of how closely
guarded secrets, once hidden, now threaten to get exposed and make Jai, Naseen
and Jason question their very identities.
Putting Silent Screams into a specific
genre is a very difficult task. Primary a legal thriller, there are subtle
shades of romance woven into the plot as well as psychological elements that
make it an interesting read. The plot of the story is well detailed, and the author
has painstakingly woven minute details to make the story interesting. Told with
multiple POVs, the characters play a crucial role and Neenv takes her time to
establish the plot and the premise. The story does not slack, even for a
moment, and keeps you hooked to turn the page, only to discover a new revelation.
Another thing that works in the favor of the story are the emotions it manages
to invoke in the reader they become a part of it. The storytelling is amazing
and the way the plot is structured speaks volumes about Neenv as a storyteller.
The courtroom scenes are detailed and imagining them is easy with the subtle
visual clues placed throughout the writing. Coming to the language, it is
simple and easy to understand, and no legal jargon has been used. The climax is
a beauty in itself. Closed succinctly, I am in awe of how the tables turn and I
was agape in the manner the last scenes play out.
As I mentioned, the characters are the ones
who drive the plot in this story. Naseen Rajnath is a character I would love to
meet in person, and probably have in my corner if I ever need a lawyer.
Steadfast and unfazed, she is the force that drives the narrative all throughout
the book. Her personality, as a lawyer and as a friend is explored in detail
and has a deep impact on the plot. Jai Mehta is another character that amazed
me through the layers that have been built into him. Connecting with him and empathizing
with him is almost automatic and as the case progresses, you begin to relate
with him and his grief. ACP Jason Sahayam is someone I would like to see more
of, specially as a series because I loved his sense of duty-both as a police
officer and as a friend. The key factor in Neenv’s characters is their
detailing and their relativity to the people around us. Crafted with their own
individual traits, with strengths and weaknesses, each character has been given
space to grow and develop and then become a part of the narrative.
There are very few stories that check all the
boxes I look for in a story and Silent Screams is one of them. With a
storyline that engages, a plot that enthralls and a story that holds, this is
one book that scores a 5/5 for me. If you love reading crime thrillers or
courtroom dramas, then grab a copy of this book and I am sure you will not
regret reading it.
Grab a copy of the book from Amazon here.
(This is an Amazon Associates Link)
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