How Is This Not Already a Netflix Series?

First things first, Spectres Of Vengeance is a fictionalization of real events and real reports which are not “historic”, technically. They have maybe just moved beyond the scope of what we call current affairs, but are all pretty recent events and scenarios; hence, pretty fresh in most Indians’ memories. Not to mention the plethora of movies and shows, both Indian and international, that follow similar scenarios, similar geopolitics, and an overall similar tone of terrorism vs national defence, may have blunted your senses to the contemporary espionage and spy thriller genre.

But, there is no denying the merit of author Tarun Mehrishi’s second novel as a fast-paced thriller where he does not dilly-dally with ambiguity in the direction of the narrative. If you have read the blurb, you know the premise! The Chief of Intelligence in India fighting against terrorism over decades where nothing is without hidden layers. A hijacking is not just a hijacking, a terror attack is not just an act of random violence, a political crisis is not just a concern for one person or one party!

So, as decades pass by, seemingly unrelated incidents emerge to be a part of a complex geopolitical web anchored in power, corruption, greed, unimaginable wealth, and inexplicable moral and ethical quagmire, trapping and claiming the lifeblood of countless innocents.

One man, the Chief of Intelligence, Amitabh Mehta, has connected this intricate web and has the monster at the center of it all in his sight. But how to reach them without being trapped himself in endless bureaucracy, the quicksand of changing political priorities, and avoidable international pressures?

It seems the stars must align, putting the right people at the right place at the right time to bring about a change that would sustain. Make sure to take notes, though. You must not lose track of the characters’ names and aliases, their shifting loyalties, and their wounds and motivations as India, as a nation, declares "enough is enough," launching an unprecedented offensive against terrorism.

It's a great read and if you feel like you know most of the storylines and highly publicized events, think again and read on what justice and the moral code demand and what vengeance and retribution can bring about. Remember, the last 50 pages make the whole novel feel more real and hit harder than you could expect.

Read it in one sitting, or in multiple sessions, but do not leave it unfinished!

https://amzn.to/4on3QRW