Author: Ashwin Sanghi
Publisher: HarperCollins India
I was provided a Media Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Do you like reading crime fiction?
A ruthless serial killer stalks the streets of Mumbai, leaving behind a
gruesome trail of tortured victims. As the city reels in terror, the
authorities grapple with a vital question: What links these seemingly random
targets? Enter Prakash Kadam, once a decorated cop but now an angry, bitter
wreck of a man haunted by his past. Summoned to put an end to the madness, he
finds himself neck-deep in an investigation mired in police sluggishness and
antiquated forensics. As old enmities resurface and perplexing twists in the
case push him to the limit, can Kadam find the killer before it is too late? Or
will he lose someone close to him---again? With Razor Sharp, the first book in
an exciting new series, Ashwin Sanghi demonstrates yet again his undisputed
mastery at weaving complex, gripping thrillers that keep readers on the edge of
their seats.
Having been an ardent reader of Ashwin’s books since the first one, I was eagerly waiting for Razor Sharp since its announcement and I must say it did not disappoint at all. The storytelling is quite interesting and the book keeps you hooked. The idea to introduce a recurring character as a renegade ex-cop dealing with alcohol abuse and family troubles is nicely explored. The story explores a serial killer whose MO is gruesome, and it falls upon Prakash kadam to figure it out before the killer strikes again. The description on the victims is graphic and as you read ahead, you realise the reason why there are specific details that have been left behind. I like how the book is inherently Indian and while we have an adept investigating team, the author has retained the idea of how it functions in our country. Another aspect I wanted to highlight here is how Ashwin leaves seemingly random clues and keeps your mind whirring because everyone seems to be the killer and everyone seems to have motives, even Prakash Kadam.
In true Ashwin’s style of writing, there is an element that pops up as
the pieces start adding up and the MO is identified, and while I cannot and
will not reveal anything here, the moment the reveal happens is the place where
you stop, place a bookmark and stare in silence for a full moment before moving
ahead with the book. That was the moment when I decided that this has to be my
first 5-star read for 2024 just for that crack-of-the-whip scene.
Ashwin has created a flawed yet wonderful character in Prakash Kadam who
has the potential to continue this series quite some time. Slowly revealing his
backstory, we come to realise why he was estranged from his wife and why was he
removed from the force. The moment when his past is revealed was very
emotionally penned and you start empathizing with him and how life was treating
him. Ketul’s character is another one which I liked for her steadfastness and
her relationship with Prakash as well as her will to fight for what she knows
is right. Then we have the other characters who have shades which you get to
know, but aren’t really sure if you’ve got the pulse right and you keep on
reading to find out more.
This is a book that every crime thriller enthusiast must read because it
exhibits mastery of the craft and some extremely fine writing. The book scores
a 5/5 for me.
Get a copy of the book on Amazon India or your nearest bookstore!
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