Book Info
Name of Book : Scarred Roses
Author : Preeti Nair
Publisher : Independent
Publication Date : 8 October 2022
No. of Pages : 385
Format : DRC
Why did I choose the book ?
Scarred Roses by Preeti Nair was offered in exchange of an honest review. And, today is my turn to post review for the same.
Where to get the book ?
Scarred Roses by Preeti Nair is available on Amazon :
Author Introduction
Preeti Nair Nayak is a writer, poet, and author of the Rakshak Series books.
An architect and urban designer, she is also a professor of architecture and urban design at leading institutions. A passionate traveler she prefers taking the road less traveled and collect stories from every place. In a career spanning over two decades, she has delved deep into histories and stories that create places and cultures. This vast experience inspires her stories with a special affinity towards conspiracies and mysteries.
Her debut novel Scarred Roses - RakShak Series Book 1, is a teenage detective mystery with a dollop of history, conspiracy, supernatural, emotions and crime. It is available exclusively on Amazon kindle.
Her story, 'The Waiting Room' is a part of the bestselling anthology, 'Against the Storm', helmed by noted author Sweta Samota centered around the theme of Resilience. Bestselling Authors Sweta Samota, Geetika Singh, Shashikala Gadepally, Vinod Kumar Maddala, Dr Sanjay HR, Ravi Sangvai and Niraja Bandi have also contributed towards this inspiring book.
She is also a part of the poetry anthology, Soul Hymns helmed by The Creative Circle. Her poem 'An Ode to a Heroine has been well received by readers.
She is a devoted fan of authors Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Dame Agatha Christie, Roald Dahl, Jeffrey Archer, Dan Brown, William Sydney Porter (O’Henry), and J.K. Rowling.
Blurb
The sweet fragrance of roses. The dark shadow of death.
Teenage sisters Raksha and Shakti (Rak-Shak) arrive at the historical city of Jodhpur with their aunt and foster grandfather to receive their late mother’s bequeathment. But the timing of their visit couldn’t have been worse as the city is grappling with a spate of serial murders where the killer leaves behind mutilated roses around the victims. The ghost of a formidable and wronged concubine who lived more than two centuries ago is rumoured to be the perpetrator of the murders and the rumours are further given wind by reports of spectral sightings, along with an inexplicable fragrance of roses and the humming of an old classical song.
Raksha and Shakti receive their mother’s journal and its contents set them upon a trail that leads them to explosive secrets that were buried centuries ago. They lose their grandfather to the diabolical killer and with their own lives and the life of their beloved aunt at stake; the girls will have to unravel the mystery page-by-page, going back in time while racing against it.
In the backdrop of the old city of Jodhpur with its rich history, stepped-wells, grand palaces, and hidden passages, and with nothing but their mother’s journal and their own wit to rely upon, will Rak-Shak be able to battle their own demons and save their family and the entire city from the clutches of this terrifying killer or will they end up with scarred roses of their own?
My Opinion
An engrossing page turner that perfectly combines the past and the present
Scarred Roses, written by Preeti Nair Nayak, is a gripping mystery thriller that delves deep into the lives of two teenaged sisters, Raksha and Shakti, as they embark on an investigation of a series of serial killings. The narrative beautifully intertwines their hunt for a killer with the exploration of their own troubled past involving their enigmatic mother and a haunting concubine from history, Paswan Gulab Rai.
The story immediately grabs the reader's attention with its atmospheric setting and well-developed characters. Raksha and Shakti, despite being young, exhibit remarkable maturity and resilience as they navigate through the intricate web of clues and secrets. The author does an excellent job in portraying the complexities of sibling dynamics, showcasing both love and conflicts between the sisters, thereby giving the story a realistic touch.
The plot is rich in twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat throughout. As Raksha and Shakti delve deeper into their investigation, the connection between the present-day serial killings and the past becomes increasingly apparent. The introduction of the concubine, Gulab Rai, adds an intriguing layer to the story, creating a sense of anticipation that keeps the reader engaged.
The writing style is fluid and descriptive, painting vivid images of the characters, the settings, and the emotions they experience. The book's pacing is well-balanced, allowing the reader to piece together the mystery at a satisfying pace. It is evident that the author has conducted thorough research, as the historical aspects of the story are seamlessly woven into the narrative, adding depth and authenticity to the plot.
The exploration of the sisters' past involving their enigmatic mother adds an emotional depth to the story. This elevation of personal stakes enhances the suspense, making the story more engaging and relatable.
In conclusion, Scarred Roses is an engrossing page-turner that seamlessly weaves together a present-day investigation with a haunting historical past. Preeti Nair Nayak has crafted a captivating story that keeps the reader hooked until the very end. With well-developed characters, a well-paced plot, and a touch of social commentary, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on mystery enthusiasts and readers alike.
Ratings
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