Headley and I

The book had been a revelation to me about one of operatives behind the Mumbai mayhem of 2008. The key figure behind the plot who served as the intelligence gatherer, David Headley, had been described by many as being not only spy for only one agency, rather being an agent with multiple handlers from multiple agencies. He not only sketched the attack to its gruesome fate but when the time came he even offered sincere account to the investigators. This had been the underlying character of Daood Gillani who proved to be the dangerous spy ever recorded in years to come. Not only did he coax his way thru all the obstacles with apparent ease, thanks somewhat to the lax security of the countries he frequened, but he also played with the emotions of many. One of these was Rahul Bhatt, the coauthor of the book, who, along with his gym instructor Vilas, proved to be the front for Headley's espionage activities. Written in the first person, mainly from the perspectives of both Headley and Bhatt, it reveals how cautiously the intelligence was gathered with clever deceptions and coded transcripts. It is a tail of betrayal and horror penned effortlessly by Zaidi and forewarded by Mahesh Bhatt that brings true emotions in the open and makes us aware of the dormant risk that engulfs the common people everyday. International politics also have been highlighted a bit that seemed to mould certain events of which ultimately the common people becomes sufferer. The author has given a glimpse of the true story behind the horrific strike against humanity that paralyzed a city temporarily while the world watched helplessly.

Postern of Fate

The couple that unearthed secrets of the enemy camp has now aged and wants to retire to a village life devoid of sleuthing. But mystery seems always to follow them and so does murder. Thus again the aged duo teams up with the police and the like to unearth a long lasting secret that left clues in certain particular places. Though the excitement starts early but it dampens midway, so unlike Christie novel, but the rambling of the aged couple seems sometimes too much and near the end it is not with the signature Christie twist. The mystery was woven fantastically but it seemed an abrupt way of unravelling it. Another disappointing fact was that several of their earlier exploits have been quoted here and may prove a spoiler for those who reads this before the others.

N or M?

The story of espionage and counter-espionage, Tommy and Tuppence with Albert in tow appears in yet another breath taking novel wrapped up in mystery with a thrilling culmination waiting for them and the readers alike. Always on the look out of an exciting adventure, in their middle ages, the couple seemed to get bored devoid of any action during the war times. But their friend, the ever mysterious Mr. Carter seems to have a surprise for them. When conspiracy of the enemy camp successfully generates corrupt Government officials, the duo are called on to find the rot and to get clues leading to the next attack. Camouflaged under false identities they are directed to a remote location and a apparently harmless habitat called Sans Souci where they are excepted to find two of the most daring spies for the enemy camps. There in the midst of the seemingly retired army personnels, inquisitive old ladies, refugees, harmless family persons, they must unmask the enemy. Exciting at every turn of the page, though this may not be the best spy story, but will be as exciting a story of detection as any other.