#BookReview: Behind the Scenes ( A Vikram Rana Mystery) by Sharmishtha Shenoy

Title and Author: Behind the Scenes by Sharmishtha Shenoy
Series: A Vikram Rana Mystery
No. of Pages: 250
Publication Date: 30th October 2017
Genre: Mystery
Language: English

Book Review:

Behind the Scenes by Sharmishtha Shenoy takes us to the lush scenery of Darjeeling where a Bengali Film Industry Superstar, Ryan Gomez, is found murdered while shooting for his film. Supposedly poisoned, Vikram Rana is tasked with solving the mystery to his death and so starts the chase to catch the murderer.

I enjoyed the plot that is splendid in its simplicity. The author has grown as a writer and having followed her from her first book, I could feel her growth in her narration style, world building and the character development.

The narration is fluid and easy to follow. The only thing I want to see more in her style in the future is more “show” and less “tell”.

The scenes and scenery is beautifully and vividly sketched. I could visualise myself in Darjeeling and then Kolkata with their individual beauty and allure. It felt like all the smells and sights had travelled to me without me doing any actual travelling.

Characters were developed as the story progressed and I could feel the building suspense. I loved how the author bared the people in the book by peeling each layer to their character at the most appropriate time. This being said, I wanted to see more into the culprit’s character who I felt was not brought to life upto his true potential.

I especially love Vikram Rana’s wife, Veena and hope the author gives us the story of Veena and Vikram soon.

The story changes pace as the suspense is built and kudos to the author in maintaining and keeping the readers’ interest in her story. The mystery kept me hooked right till the end and while I guessed the identity of the murderer halfway, still this revelation didn’t deter my engrossment in the story.

All in all, I enjoyed reading Behind the Scenes by Sharmishtha Shenoy and was thoroughly entertained. Recommended to all mystery lovers especially Agatha Christie fans, I give Behind the Scenes by Sharmishtha Shenoy 4 stars out of 5.

I am taking away one star because I didn’t have a “wow” closure here since I guessed the murderer before the end. However, if you are looking for well written, engaging, entertaining and brain exercising mysteries then buy Sharmishtha Shenoy’s books.

I received the book from the author for review and I am very thankful to her. The above is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.

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