BOOK REVIEW: 3 AND A HALF MURDERS BY SALIL DESAI

Two corpses . . . a woman lying dead on her bed, a man hanging from the ceiling fan.
A suicide note cum murder confession.
And a name . . . Shaunak Sodhi.When the case comes their way, Senior Inspector Saralkar has just been diagnosed with hypertension and PSI Motkar is busy with rehearsals of an amateur play.What appears at first to be a commonplace crime by a debt-ridden, cuckolded husband, who has killed his unfaithful wife and then hung himself, soon begins to unfold as a baffling mystery.As clues point to a seven-year-old unsolved murder in Bangalore and other leads emerge closer home, Saralkar and Motkar find themselves investigating shady secrets, bitter grudges, fishy land deals, carnal desires, the dead woman Anushka Doshi’s sinister obsession with past life regression and her husband’s links to a suspicious, small-time god-man, Rangdev Baba. And then, suddenly, the murderer resurfaces and yet another life is in grave danger . . .

Can Saralkar and Motkar get to the bottom of an unimaginably shocking motive and stop the malevolent killer from committing the fourth murder . . .?

Salil Desai is an author, columnist and film-maker. Three and a Half Murders is his fifth book and the third one in the Inspector Saralkar Mystery Series. He has written three more crime novels—Killing Ashish Karve (2014), The Murder of Sonia Raikkonen (2015) and Murder on a Side Street (2011) as well as a collection of short stories, Lost Libido and Other Gulp Fiction (2012). An alumnus of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), his dramatized management training videos are much appreciated in the corporate world. Salil also conducts workshops in creative writing and film-making. As a columnist, over 400 articles, op-ed pieces, features and travelogues written by him have appeared in The Times of India, Indian Express, DNA, The Tribune, Reader’s Digest, Deccan Herald, The Hindu, etc. He was also one of the four international authors selected worldwide for the HALD International Writers’ Residency in Denmark, hosted by the Danish Centre for Writers and Translators in June 2016. Salil lives with his wife and two sons in Pune.

An honest confession before I start my review of this book – This is the first book I am reading by the author.

“3 and a Half Murders” by Salil Desai is a gripping murder mystery novel that combines elements of suspense, drama, and psychological intrigue. This book marks the debut of Salil Desai as a novelist and showcases his talent for storytelling, building suspense, and keeping the readers at the edge of their seats. The novel is part of the detective fiction genre and is set in modern-day India.

About the Author:

Salil Desai is an Indian author and a professional with a background in human resources. He is known for his expertise in writing thrillers and mystery novels. “3 and a Half Murders” is his debut work, which gained significant attention for its intriguing plot and the unique way it tackles crime and investigation. Salil Desai also has a deep understanding of psychological aspects and often incorporates them into his writing.

Overview of the Book:

“3 and a Half Murders” is a crime thriller that revolves around the investigation of a series of murders. The novel is primarily about Sushant Pandey, an intelligent and sharp detective with a keen sense of observation. The book begins with a mysterious case that seems to be connected to three murders, with a peculiar and cryptic fourth murder—hence, the “half murder” in the title.

As the investigation unfolds, Sushant Pandey tries to piece together the shocking events, all while dealing with his own internal conflicts and personal demons. The story is full of twists and turns, keeping the readers guessing until the very end. The narrative explores various psychological and motivational aspects behind the characters’ actions and examines human nature, especially when faced with extreme situations.

Plot and Key Events:

The story begins with the mysterious death of Shivani Bedi, a woman found dead under suspicious circumstances. This sets off a chain of events, and Sushant Pandey is assigned to investigate her death. While investigating her murder, Pandey stumbles upon two more murder cases that appear to be linked to Shivani’s death. The “half murder” refers to a victim whose fate is left hanging, creating further mystery and suspense.

As the investigation progresses, Pandey uncovers several hidden motives, personal secrets, and layers of deception. The story explores the complex psychology of the characters involved, including the victims, suspects, and the detective himself. There are multiple suspects, and just when the investigation seems to be making progress, another twist arises.

The novel combines a whodunit format with a deeper exploration of the emotional and psychological motives behind each murder. It’s not just about solving the mystery but also about understanding why and how the murders happened. Pandey’s journey as an investigator goes hand in hand with his quest to understand his own beliefs, his life, and his relationships.

Themes Explored in the Book:

1. Psychological Intrigue:

   • One of the central themes of the book is the psychological complexity of the characters. The novel delves into the minds of the suspects, victims, and even the investigator, showcasing how each individual is shaped by their experiences, emotions, and subconscious drives.

2. Morality and Guilt:

   • The characters are caught in a web of moral dilemmas, questioning their actions and motives. The book touches on themes of guilt, justification, and the search for redemption.

3. Human Nature and Deception:

   • The book explores the complexities of human nature and how people often hide their true selves behind facades. It also deals with themes of betrayal and the lengths people are willing to go to protect their secrets.

4. Investigation and Detective Work:

   • At its core, “3 and a Half Murders” is a detective novel that focuses on the methodical process of investigation. It explores the challenges faced by detectives and how they navigate through layers of deceit, false leads, and human emotions to uncover the truth.

5. The Nature of Evil:

   • The novel examines what drives people to commit heinous acts. The mystery behind the murders unveils the darker side of human nature and questions the nature of evil, whether it’s inherent or shaped by circumstances.

Writing Style:

Salil Desai’s writing is engaging, with a clear focus on suspense and plot twists. The narrative is fast-paced, yet detailed enough to immerse readers into the story. Desai’s writing is also characterized by its ability to build tension and evoke a sense of unease, making the reader question the characters’ motives and actions. The author uses a third-person perspective, allowing readers to experience the investigation from multiple angles.

The dialogues are sharp and realistic, and the characters are well-developed, each with their own flaws and strengths. The pacing of the book is quite well-done, keeping readers hooked without dragging the story or revealing too much too soon.

Reception:

“3 and a Half Murders” has been praised for its tight plot, intriguing storyline, and psychological depth. Readers who enjoy crime thrillers with a psychological twist have appreciated Desai’s ability to weave a compelling narrative. The book has also been commended for its engaging mystery and unexpected twists, making it a page-turner for fans of detective fiction.

Critics have noted that while the book doesn’t follow the traditional “whodunit” format completely, it still offers a satisfying and intellectually stimulating experience for readers who love mysteries and crime fiction.

Conclusion:

“3 and a Half Murders” by Salil Desai is a gripping and intelligently crafted mystery novel that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers, crime fiction, and detective stories. With its focus on complex characters, emotional depth, and unexpected twists, it’s a book that keeps readers hooked until the very end. The book’s exploration of human emotions, guilt, and deception makes it a fascinating read for those who enjoy mysteries with layers of psychological complexity.