Dragonmede by Rona Randall

" Dawn sliced through the curtains as the ghostly edges of a hoar frost," says Rona Randall in her Gothic mystery ' Dragonmede'. Eustacia Rochdale, the female lead in the story also experiences similar fate. Though she married the man she loved and wanted, it sliced her life as the ghostly edges of a hoar frost. When she married Julian Kershaw , little did she know that her yearning for a marital bliss would be a bane of her life. 

The story was set in the London of 1800's, when every doors opened for the nobility. It was this privilege which brought Julian Kershaw to Luella's ( Eustacia's mother's )gambling house. A born nonconformist, Luella never wanted her daughter to have a bohemian life which she was indulged in. She gave anything and everything to her daughter which was required for a girl to be a lady. Luella's efforts also did not go in vain as  Eustacia grew up with everything needed to be a lady though born to a bohemian mother.

Luella was overtly delighted when Julian, the heir of Dragonmede reached her threshold. Gambling on his passion for cards and his attraction for Eustacia, Luella realised that the time had come for Eustacia to tie the knot. Unaware of her mother's manipulations, Eustacia married Julian and reached Dragonmede, her husband's home which offered her nothing but a house full of mysteries.

Though I am a die hard of Gothic fiction, the story initially failed to lure my interest. As any other mystery fictions, I was expecting a twist at the very outset which was completely absent in the story. The only cue, the writer leaves is that there is some mystery but not easy for the reader to identify it. No murder, stealing, kidnapping, murder attempts, deaths but an all pervading sense of mystery. But when the story progressed, I could feel my pulse raising and could close the book only after finished reading it. The reader could definitely identify the culprit but only at the very end, with just two or three pages to complete.

 I felt a sense of satisfaction after reading 'Dragonmede'. The moment I finished it, I saw four stars shining. Yes, I am giving it 4/5.

Private India ( Private #8) - Ashwin Sanghi & James Patterson

Despite being an Indian, I have always been wary of reading thrillers, or murder mysteries written by Indian English writers. Some of the books which I tried reading were a complete turn off just because they were trying to emulate the western thriller writers. The common knowledge that the sensibilities of India are different from the West was shockingly lacking in many of them.

Nevertheless to say, Pakistani Writer Sabyn Jhaveri’s thriller‘Nobody killed her’ changed my perception. She has written a beautiful thriller with her country Pakistan as its backdrop. It’s not difficult for an Indian to understand that backdrop and stories with a South Asian background.
For years, I have been longing to read a book with Indian backdrop and a story just like ‘ Samay - When the time strikes’, one of the best crime thriller movies, I have seen starring ex- Miss Universe Sushmita Sen.

The starting chapters of this book reminded me of Samay, though both are entirely different and unique in their own way.

I chose ‘Private India’ book for two particular reasons - firstly, no doubt, the name James Patterson and secondly the backdrop of the book - Mumbai. The book was co-written by Indian thriller author Ashwin Sanghi and it was one of the books in Private India series. Honestly speaking, I have never read a book by Sanghi before, though I have seen him interviewed thriller writers like Dan Brown- yes! I acknowledge that it’s a huge mistake from my side. That’s why I started reading his
“ Chanakya Chant”.

To my surprise, the book was unputdownable. I knew Patterson’s style of writing. But the writing style of the author of this book was not similar to his previous books. Perhaps, that made me read the whole book as an Ashwin Sanghi book. I was not wrong in my assumption as I learnt that the plot belonged to Sanghi when I went through the articles about the duo signing a deal.

It all began when a plastic surgeon from Thailand was murdered in a hotel and the Private India - the Indian branch of an investigative agency started by ex-CIA Jack Morgan had to plunge into the investigation as the organization was also in charge of the hotel’s security. Within a matter of hours, the dead bodies of women started piling up in different parts of Mumbai. The yellow scarves using which the victims were strangled were enough proof that the murders were being committed by a single person.
The Indian touch was added to the story when each of the victims was found with certain props which indicated the nine avatars of Goddess Durga.

Sanghi says the story was a response to the misogyny which has become so prominent after the gruesome Delhi Gangrape. But when you delve into the story, there’s much more. Who is responsible for misogyny? Is it just the repercussion of a patriarchal society? Are Men alone responsible for that? 

I have read somewhere that even crime thrillers can highlight certain issues plaguing the society and ‘How’ was my question. I think this book was an answer to that.

Ashwin Sanghi, who has never written a contemporary thriller prior to this, but thrillers based on mythological and historical settings have efficiently made use of his knowledge here and has not gone overboard. The props placed around every victim and a reference to the Thugee cult existed in India were an example for that. Santhosh Wagh, the man in charge of Private India knew that there will be eight more killings. Cain the murderer, complete that circle? Will the Private India be able to prevent the murderer? There’s a tempo all throughout the book. But somewhere while reaching the end of the story that the tempo was found slackening. That could have been avoided.

I also like the character ‘Nisha’ who is an agent in Private India. Her character consoled the reader in me who always wanted the main protagonist to be a woman (though I am trying to come out of that self -made rule).

As I already said, the book was set in Mumbai, the commercial capital of India and one of the most happening cities in the world.
When the collaboration was announced, Patterson said, "With its vibrant and chaotic cities, and rich history and heritage there could be no better place to set Private’s next adventure than India. And in Ashwin Sanghi, with his wide historical knowledge and his love of a fast-paced plot, there could be no better writing partner."

Though I have a high opinion of the book, I have certain questions. There’s is a tendency in many of the novels to portray the main detective as depressed owing to his personal grief.  Don't you think there should be more Holmes or a Poirot unlike Suresh Wagh of Private India? Besides, why the detectives are not married or in a relationship?  Is it because the author/authors want to alienate them from the mundane thing so that, they could give more importance to the investigation.

The book is a turning point as it has made me explore the crime thriller novels from South Asia.

Ashwin Sanghi ranks among India’s highest selling English fiction authors. He has written several bestsellers (The Rozabal Line, Chanakya’s Chant, The Krishna Key and The Sialkot Saga). In addition, he has co-authored a New York Times bestselling crime thriller with James Patterson called Private India (followed by another in the series called Private Delhi). Included by Forbes India in their Celebrity 100 and winner of the Crossword Popular Choice, Ashwin also co-writes the 13 Steps series of self-help books (13 Steps to Bloody Good Luck and 13 Steps to Bloody Good Wealth) to be followed by several other titles in the series. Scroll down to see Ashwin’s journey from an avid reader to a New York Times Best Selling Author. ( Source: http://www.sanghi.in/)

Agatha Christie quotes 1

The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie

“ I never can stand seeing people pleased with themselves,” said Joanna. “ It arouses all my worst instincts.”



“ Mr Dane Calthrop is a very remarkable woman, you know. She is nearly always right,” said Miss Marple. It makes her rather alarming,’ I said. ‘ Sincerity has that effect,’ said Miss Marple.



As Miss Marple rightly said in the story – “ Most crimes, you see, was absurdly simple. This one was.” Anyone could have easily guessed who the murderer was. But Agatha Christie had crafted it in such a way that the reader’s attention hardly fell on the murderer.

Though this is a Miss Marple story, she enters the scene only in the last few pages. It could have dampened the interest of the reader if he/she is a Miss Marple fan. But the protagonist, Mr Jerry Burton had done an outstanding job all through. The story starts with his narration. He comes to a placid village called Lymstock to recuperate as he got hurt in a flying accident. Jerry along with her sister Joanna moves to this village and starts living in an Emily Barton’s house.


After a few days, Jerry receives an anonymous letter accusing him of an incestuous relationship between him and her sister, Joanna. Though both ignored it as a silly mail, the other residents of Lymstock receive similar vicious letters. But it causes only a minor stir until one of the recipients commits suicide for she receives one such mail. The real twist comes when a young girl is murdered.

More than the suspense, I enjoyed the countryside portrayed in the book, the characters especially Joanna and Meghan. Both are original and never fails to call, a spade a spade. Apart from the mounting suspense, Agatha also weaves a beautiful love story.



Agatha has a knack of throwing in a surprise element during the climax of her stories. For instance ‘Murder on the Orient Express’. I am sure, many of her readers could not have guessed the climax in the wildest of their dreams. But ‘ The Moving Finger’ do not fall into the above-mentioned category. But it is a good book in its own way.




Agatha Christie considers this book as one of her bests.

Agatha Christie Quote

Interviewing Mayur Patel, the author of Scarlet Nights

Barring, Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay whose detective character Byomkesh Bakshi outshone its creator, no other writer who delved into the genre of crime and thrillers or their characters could leave an indelible impression in the psyche of Indian readers. We love whodunnits and thrillers by Western authors but the readership for such genres written by the Indian authors is yet to take an upward trend.

But it seems things are changing for the better with the arrival of books like Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra, Witness the night by Kishwar Desai, Lalli series by Kalpana Swaminathan.

Going by the rave reviews garnered, it seems ‘Scarlet Nights’ by Mayur Patel is on its way to get itself included in the above mentioned list.

Scarlet Nights is a psychological thriller.   Let’s ask Mayur what makes it a thriller ?

There has been thousands and thousands of thrillers all over the world in more than hundred languages. More than 90 percent of them are a blend of villains, crimes, money, power, lust and love etc. Very few times have we come across a novel which deals with inner demons. Something that is unseen, something that is hard to perceive, and something that is... well, even one more word will give out the suspense of ‘Scarlet Nights’. The uniqueness of this novel is what I am hiding.

I have tried to maintain secrecy about the story. When I go through the review of my book, my eyes are always conscious about the spoilers. I requested many reviewers to remove the spoilers from their reviews, and they have so sportingly accepted the request. Thanks to all who did that. ‘Scarlet Nights’ is a psychological thriller about a fight against your inner demons.

What and How, the reader better find out himself.”   

Your debut novel “ Vivek and I” was a love story. But in your second novel, you took a detour. Why so?

I have always been in love with this genre ‘Thriller’. I love secrets and mystery and that kind of stuff. It gives me immense pleasure to unsolve a mystery. Though an out-an-out love story, ‘Vivek and I’ too had the elements of mystery. The book had characters that were hiding things, and that is what makes it an intriguing read. It’s not a boy-meets-a-girl-and-they-fall-in-love kind of typical love story. Such stuff bore me. I wrote ‘Vivek and I’ because I believed in that story. With ‘Scarlet Nights’ I have not ‘shifted’, I would say, I have returned to my original genre which is thriller.

One of the reviewers said the Sydney Sheldon’s fans would definitely like Scarlet Nights. Do you have any favourite authors when it comes to thrillers?

I very much agree with this statement that Sydney Sheldon fan would definitely like ‘Scarlet Nights’. Talking about my favourite authors, I love Mr Sheldon’s work. I like the mysteries by the great Agatha Christie. In Gujarati, my favourite novelists are, no surprises because they are everyone’s favourite, Harkisan Mehta and Ashwini Bhatt.  

          

Though the characters and backdrop of Scarlet Nights are Indian, do you think your book can cater to the Western audience?

The theme of ‘Scarlet Nights’ has got a universal appeal. What happens with the characters of the novel can happen with anybody in the world, and for this reason I do think that western audience will for sure relate to this book.

Tell us about your debut novel “Vivek and I”. It deals with homosexuality, right? Since the situation prevailing in the country is not favourable to the homosexuals?

I wouldn’t say ‘Vivek and I’ was a story about same-sex relationships. Rather, it’s a story about a young man who happens to be homosexual. It’s about his life, his struggle in his career, his conflicts with his family and his fight against odd situations. His being Gay is only one aspect of his personality. Other than that, he is a loving, caring person and has great relationships with his mother, neighbours and colleagues.     

    

I didn’t write ‘Vivek and I’ to preach homophobes or to bring some change in the orthodox Indian society. It’s just that I believed that this story should be told. The situation for the LGBT people is not easy in the country, but I have a hope that things will change.

The scenario must change because everybody has a right to live with the sexual orientation of his/her choice. It’ll be an honour if ‘Vivek and I’ will be of any help regarding this.  

Tell us about your struggle to get your first break? I mean how you approached the publishers and what was their response?

Getting ‘Vivek and I’ published was an ordeal. More than 8 publishers had turned it down. Then Penguin Books India found it interesting and said YES. I will always be thankful to the Penguin Editor Vaishali Mathur for showing interest in V&I. Back in 2010, most publishers were not positive about publishing an LGBT-centric novel. The scenario has changed now. There have been many such books since V&I.

What was that feeling when your first book was published?

I was so so so SO happy that my book was being published by none other than Penguin books India. It was an emotional journey. I learned how the editing, cover designing and many other things related to book publishing goes, and it was fun. It’s informative and educational. I won’t hesitate to admit that I DID cry the day I held the physical copy of my book. It’s like bearing a child. It’s like the happy moment that one goes through while holding his/her child for the first time.

After writing a thriller and a love story, which genre you would like to pursue in future?

There are many genres that fascinate me as a reader and writer. In English, I am writing an Epic Fantasy Saga which is a mixture of Fantasy, Indian Mythology and Science Fiction. Loaded with action, it’ll have interesting subplots and a lot of characters. I have plans to write an Erotica and an out-an-out Sci-fi thriller someday.

Now let’s move on to my favourite sections of questions. There is a huge chance that these may appear frivolous. But I can’t resist myself from asking it.

Do you have a library in your home? If yes, how many books are there? Have you ever thought of opening up your library for the readers?

I do have a library and a beautiful one I must say. I haven’t counted ever but the number of books should be somewhere around 200. Lately I have been getting latest releases as gifts, which is great! (Who doesn’t like gifts!?) I like to buy books online and in book stores, too. Coming to the point about sharing my library with others, I wouldn’t be much positive. I am very possessive about my books and wouldn’t want anyone even touch them without my permission. If one wants to read it, he/she can go through it while sitting in my room. I won’t permit them out of my room with my books. They are like a treasure for me hence I am very protective about them.

Your 10 favourite books and movies

As stated earlier, I like most of Sydney Sheldon’s work. Of them, my most favourites are ‘the best laid plans’ and ‘the sky is falling’. I would love to translate ‘the best laid plans’ into Gujarati, my mother tongue someday. I love Agatha Christie’s ‘and then there were none’. Such an incredible mystery it is! Arundhati Roy’s booker prize winner ‘god of small things’ is a masterpiece.  And then, there is

‘Scarlet nights’ which I love so very much. In movies, my favourites are ‘The Others’, ‘Chicago’, ‘Titanic’, ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’, ‘Inception’ ‘Ek Duje Ke Liye’, ‘Lagaan’, ‘Guide’ and ‘Mother India’.

  About Mayur

Mayur lives in Valsad, a small town in Gujarat. Currently, he is associating with a media firm in Surat, Gujarat. His debut novel ‘ Vivek and I’ was published by Penguin Books, India. He writes novels and columns in Gujarati, his mother tongue. His first Gujarati novel ‘TarpanYatra’ will be published on January 17. Mayur says he is free-spirited, liberal person who believes in doing

everything with the utmost passion.

Amazon buy link http://www.amazon.in/dp/9384315265

Flipkart link https://www.flipkart.com/scarlet-nights/p/itmegecu5v9ezgqg?pid=9789384315269

Goodreads link https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29876644-scarlet-nights

FB page https://www.facebook.com/Scarlet-Nights-a-Novel-by-Mayur-Patel-216611025367250/

Book Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF2uWsZMCao