Every time I read something by Bhaskar Chattopadhyay, I’m reminded of why I’m in awe of his writing. To me, there’s no other Indian writer who nails thrillers like he does. Not only are his plots so hard to predict but it often feels like your world has turned upside down by the time you finish his books. It’s like coming out of a movie theatre with a foggy head, the one that usually happens after you have watched a spectacular film. Patang too, was one such incredible book that shook me with its climax.

Chandrakant Rathod is roped in to solve what looks like a serial killer situation when bodies keep appearing in the strangest places. This mysterious man is well loved and respected by the police force but stays hidden from the public. Rathod loves a good puzzle, one that keeps his mind whirring and so he readily agrees to catch this serial killer when he spots a fellow genius in him. He goes on a wild goose’s chase, trying to stay one step ahead of the killer. I think the best part of this book is Chattopadhyay’s ability to keep us engaged in the story. It’s hard to think of anything else when you have this book in your hand and that, to me, is a major win.

As it so happens with his books, the climax blew my mind away! I did not see it coming and there were a few quiet moments after I finished the book where I tried to wrap it around my head. If our protagonist, Rathod is a genius then his creator, Chattopadhyay is a legend. He has again reinforced the fact that there is no other writer who executes such difficult storylines like he does.

I don’t think I’ll ever stop recommending his books and this may very well be at the top of my list this year.

You don’t know what you’re missing out on if you haven’t yet given him a chance.