Hot Stage

Recently when I met an Indian in Dubai, he said you must be a Bangalorean and that’s what exactly this book is, quintessential ooru with beautiful characters you can relate with.

Embeded deep into the metropolitan culture and political influence this is a close representation of city where prosperity, wealth and crime remains hand in hand. This book features characters that are flawed just like true human beings thus making them much more relatable. The plot has a tad bit of mystery vibe to it with ample amout of police procedure but I didn't find it suspenseful. Writing style is excellent and quality of the writing is also good.

Thrilling

Hot Stage by Anita Nair is a crime thriller novel and the third book in the Borei Gowda series. The story begins with the murder of an elderly professor who was not only a nationalist but also a fervent critic of right-wing forces. Though initially it seemed that the murder may be politically motivated deep investigations reveal a shocking truth and bring to light a darker cruel world.The plot is unique, detailing how a police investigation works, the interior politics, the different pressures, and its effects on the investigation. There’s a lot on the ruthless criminal world and the scarier aspects of it are well highlighted by the author. The climax indeed came as a shock to me and it was something I wouldn’t ever guess. However, I have to say it was not exactly a page-turner for me as in this heavy detailing I felt the gripping factor was missing. It may be because I haven’t read such a heavily detailed thriller before and I do wish to pick up other books in the series to understand the genre better.

In the heart of Bangalore, an elderly professor's demise unveils a murky plot, laying bare the city's dark underbelly.This third installment in the Borei Gowda Series can be read independently, allowing readers to plunge into the riveting narrative without confusion.Nair skillfully captures the essence of a murder investigation, weaving in turf wars, slapstick police humor, and poignant reflections on gender bias within the force. The inclusion of Kannada words in dialogues adds a touch of familiarity, reminiscent of the comfort of home.Borei, the charismatic protagonist, enchants with his clandestine romantic entanglements, quirky chain-smoking habit, and keen observations. The unraveling mystery unfolds gradually, unveiling police maneuvers, undercover operations, and clever repartees.With a breezy and immersive narrative, this 430-page gem proved to be the perfect companion for my beach holiday, devoured in a single sitting. For those craving an enthralling Indian detective series, look no further. Borei's allure has me hooked, and I eagerly anticipate delving into the preceding two books in the series.

Eighty three year old professor Mudgood is found murdered brutally in his home. This whodunnit makes for a fast paced read.Led by ACP Gowda and his young team , the book has police humor and intrigue throughout. You won’t be able to put it down!

This is a book that takes us step by step through a police crime investigation procedure. This is the first book featuring the detective Borei Gowda that I am reading and my interest is already piqued such that I want to read the other books in the series. Borei Gowda's team joins hands with the team from the CCB to solve the murder of Professor Raghava Mudgood. There is the usual rivalry between the teams. Borei Gowda's personal issues add a nice subplot to the story. Initially the book is slightly slow but the author manages to keep us interested through her skillful writing. There are several twists and turns before the final denouement is arrived at. The book could have been slightly shorter in length but that in no way detracts from the quality of the book. All in all a wonderful book. Do pick it up.

The book is a long, detailed saga about the underbelly that thrives in an urban world. It touches upon corruption, power, bribery, trampling of peace, revenge, race for financial security and in between there is the family. The reader will find little quotable nuggets all through the book, such as ‘The mob is a mindless monster’.The narrative goes on without a break, with more daily jargon. Everything, right down to mudde/bondas/chai are mentioned, giving the readers a flavour of what people eat in Bangalore. Coffee seems to be more favoured at home and chai on the streets. YouTube, laptops and mobile phones as spy cams have become commonplace in the current tech era, and their usefulness is highlighted in the book. Environmental concerns too find their place in the narrative such as drying up of lakes and rampant development that spells death for the local ecosystem.