Klishmaklaver

Book Title:  The Emperor's Riddles Author:  Satyarth Nayak Publisher:  Amaryllis My Rating:  ***1/2 About the Author: Satyarth Nayak is an author, script-writer & journalist based in Delhi. Holding a Masters Degree in English Literature from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, writing has always been a prolific passion. His short story ‘Eve’ won the prestigious British Council Writers Circle Prize in 2006.  The grand new year 2016 begins and I am posting the very first book review of the year. Now you may wonder why I refer to this year as 'grand' already? It is the effect of this book, I say! Open your eyes and see the numerology. I have always been a great fan of the esoteric. The mystery and magic, the aura wrapped around it intrigues me to bits. So did this book with it's opening chapter that heightens the importance and the enigma around the magic number NINE! Would you have imagined that it carries a n ancient enigma so powerfu...

Book Title:  T he Cheongsam Bombshell Author:  Aki Liao & Al McDermid Publisher:   Red Betsy Press My Rating:  **** About the Authors: Aki Liao  was born in Paris, France, but is a graduate of Yale University (1989) . He received his M.A. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa (1993). Al McDermid  was born in Michigan, where he spent most of his life until joining the U.S. Navy upon graduating high school. Remaining in Hawaii when his tour ended, he attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, receiving his B.A. (1990) and M.A. (1997) in History. Their debut novel penned together-   ' A Halo for Red Betsy' is the first book in this 'Frank Keegan Mystery' Series.  The author-Al McDermid, now my virtual friend, sent me a Proof copy of this wonderful book sailing across the seas to me. I am hugely thankful not only because the author has been extremely generous in pampering th...

Book Title:   A Halo for Red Betsy Author: Aki Liao & Al McDermid Publisher: Kindle Edition My Rating: **** About the Authors: Aki Liao was born in Paris, France, but is a graduate of Yale University (1989) . He received his M.A. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa (1993). Al McDermid was born in Michigan, where he spent most of his life until joining the U.S. Navy upon graduating high school. Remaining in Hawaii when his tour ended, he attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, receiving his B.A. (1990) and M.A. (1997) in History. There's a story in how they wrote their debut novel too which is worth reading: Aki Liao and Al McDermid met as graduate students of the History Department of the University of Hawai’i at Manoa in 1990. They met again in New Jersey in 1998, at which time they decided to write A Halo for Red Betsy. What an amalgamation of their individual strengths! If I could, I'd give another +1 ...

Book Title: PRIVATE INDIA Genre: Murder Mystery Author: Ashwin Sanghi & James Patterson Publisher: Random House My Rating: **** Ashwin Sanghi- one author of today's times whose work I really admire. Became a greater fan of his after Chanakya's Chant.  All his books have been based in history and enumerate theological and mythological topics. PRIVATE INDIA -this book belongs to such a different genre visited by the author which also happens to be my favourite, that's how I got very intrigued. Also the idea of a collaboration between two famous writers who have very distinctive styles of writing was unique to me. James Patterson- heard a lot of good about his books but never picked up any of his works, so my mind was like that empty cup!   Having picked up the book and read through a few pages, I'd immediately shared at my Facebook Page.."  Short chapters. Extremely easy comprehension. No complex story telling but prose that triggers gr...