Clean and Thrilling : Chattopadhyay's The Disappearance of Sally Sequeira can hadly let you take a breath till the last chapter

It is a pity that I unknowingly got introduced to Janardan Maity in the last book of the Janardan Maity – Prakash Ray series. Like is the problem with a most Sherlock Holmes readers, I somehow manage to find Holmes’ shadow in most of the detective characters I read. Not lying, I did the same in this one as well. The calm composure of the face, silently calculative nature, speaking no more than required, figuring out complex situations in the mind and not talking unless the whole job is done are characteristics we naturally associate with the legend of detectives, Sherlock Holmes. While it is completely natural for detectives to be that way, I never fail to notice the connection. But, that only acted in favour of the character since after having completed the book, I was in awe of Maity’s enigmatic personality. Throughout the book, the readers see the story though his friend, Prakash Ray’s eyes which sets them in the same neutral footing as him.

The plot is that detective Janardan Maity (who doesn’t like to be called one) and his friend Prakash Ray come to a relatively less explored part of Goa, in a small village named Movim on a vacation. Their vacation turn out to be a rather odd one, when a man in the village receives a ransom note stating that if he wants his daughter back, then he needs to give the writer fifty lac rupees. Sounds similar to a lot of other detective plots you have read, right? Wrong. Because the daughter talked about in the note is safe and sound at home. Thus begins Maity’s investigation of this rather peculiar case, which might endanger his own life. When you delve deeper into the lives of the people living in Movim, you find that nobody can be trusted and there is an untold truth lurking around.

The setting is absolutely beautiful, on the beautiful beaches of Goa, mind captivating views of sunset, the moon rising from the sea, the hills, everything depicted in vivid detail. The characters are well portrayed, and the story progresses mostly in a conversational way. I am all for conversational writing styles as they give a smooth flow to the story and also do the job of keeping the reader engaged. The language is pretty simple, making it a gifted read for a beginner. The ending is well made. Never have I ever cried for a character I have just been introduced to, but I could not hold back my tears after the whole story ends, and that made me realize I have bonded strongly with the Maity-Ray duo. I have promised myself that I will definitely read Here Falls the Shadow.

P.S. - The twist will turn your world around!

My Rating – 4.5/5

Happy Reading! 😇