Jungle Lore

Before opening this book a reader like me might have doubts as to whether this is as exciting as Corbett's hunting volumea but after going through it, it can surely be said that it is as exciting, if not more than the others. Let me categorise this as the knowledge base for the jungle seekers narrated in such a simple style as though the author is speaking to you and passing the knowledge in the true style of a lore. The sounds and sights of the Kumaon foothills are etched in the most descriptive way as are the inhabitants that populate it. Added to this is the humour of jungle that makes the volume enjoyable still. There are also situations that explains how the jungle signa can be interpreted which essentially are indicators of the activities of the folks there. Infact sometimes it is similar to detect ive stories where the clues left by the jungle dwellers help in estimating and identifying them as accurately as if they are being watched. The love for the animals as well as the poor forest people whom he calls the soul of India is apparent here. The simpleness of the soul and the raw instincts of the animals seemed to play a major part in the life of Corbett whose greatness of heart is revealed in the entire volume. That he loved the flora and faun of India and looked into all the natural souls with the utmost care is apparent as he says that of his graduation from the catapult to the shotgun and the rifle how he was taught and how he maintained to utilize his every kill to its most whether it be a trophy or for food. The respect that he showed to the jungle was also reflected as depicted in the introduction where the actor playing Corbett in a film is given a visit by an inhabitant who walked for miles for a glimpse on the actor whom he considered the same as the great hunter for whom all believe that he will return. A great book which gives a true insight of the wild India depicted by a great soul who was more a conservationist than modern world ever produced.

Kolaboti

Kolabotoi had been the protagonist in several of Moti Nandi's materpieces but as far as I remember and believe, those are mainly sports oriented. But this is just awesome in the way Kolaboti and her family are introduced. The grave yet loving grandfather Rajshekhar, his son, the soft hearted still bachelor lawyer and a gourmet Satyashekhar, the fun loving college goer Kolaboti with her cricketing skills, all combined, presents episodes of comic and thrill that overcomes the tragedies of life and takes on life with the same sporting style of the noble game of traditional cricket. Also, belonging chiefly to the category of book for the young it borders on the young adult category where a sublime touch of romance makes it a fascinating read for all ages. Refraining myself from telling more lest it turns to a spoiler my suggestion to the readers is to breeze along this easy paced piece to enjoy the beauty of life spent sportingly with style.

Dangerous Minds

Brijesh Singh, elite IPS officer and IGP, Cyber, Maharashtra and S Hussain Zaidi, the fearless crime reporter join forces to delve into the intricate terror web spewed by the likes of the apparently humble Saquib Nachan convicted in bomb blasts, the engineering graduate Mehdi Biswas who turned the social media in favour of ISIS propaganda, the stamp paper scamstar Abdul Telgi, the doctor-to-be-turned-bomb maker Jalees Ansari, the terror couple Hanif Sayed with his wife Fahmida Ansari who made terror a seemingly ordinary event and many more like them. The events are the result of intense research and investigation yet the pace of the narratives is easy but thrilling. The anecdotes reveal several spine chilling truth and the fundamentals of the terror outfits and their members. The stories tell the evolution of the terror force from the older hardcore terrorists to the electronic experts specializing in spreading terror over the internet to those waging terror wars in various parts of the world. It does not stop there but also highlights how the security forces across the country combat these forces by methods that not only requires understanding of the criminal psychology but sometimes requires skillful handling of delicate situations where a single false move can make the case go awry. The fascinating storytelling of the authors mixes the thrill of fictions with the hard truth in such a way that never for once the reader will feel bored. The book is categorized in chapters each of which details a particular person or organization. The investigators have also maintained a list of references indicating the source of the compilations. But the best thing of the book is that, contrast to the opinionated reports that makes the clutter in the media nowadays, the authors present facts leaving opinions to be drawn by the readers. A must read compilation of articles it brings to fore the truth in its dangerous avatar.

The Mystery of 31 New Inn

When two apparently disconnected mysteries converge with mathematical precision to a single case the unique storytelling is a credit all by itself. Dr Jervis gets himself involved in a curious case of secret identity of a dying patient and after a while Dr Thorndyke is invited to a problem of a curious will of a dead man. With nothing but his acumen at his disposal, the legal expert with the medical background embarks to unearth both. While on the case of Dr Jervis a practical method of map building is presented where a person in a closed automobile can make out an approximate idea of where he is travelling with the help of a compass, a pen and a paper, a watch and with some hints of the sounds. The explanation is so clearly made that its applicability is established beyond doubt. Well, coming to the actual story it centres on two plots. The primary one is Jervis's apprehrnsion of foul play on a patient that he sees but cannot find the place all by himself. The other one is a curious will that, by a curious turn of coincidences, devoids the deserving of the sincere wishes of the deceased due to a redraft of the same. It remains upon the insight of the medico legal expert to solve the mysteries without a doubt. As these two incidents are slowly unfolding their truth threat comes on Jervis as an attempt on his life is made. So Thorndyke is forced to make the outdoor investigations mostly by himself while Jervis ponders on the cases staying indoors. As usual there is some help from the efficient Polton in fabricating certain gadgets required during the probings. But in this story there is some gaps in the sense it is never divulged how Thorndyke pinpointed on two witnesses who gave him some vital evidences. So though the story is precisely crafted but for this slight want of clarifications that are not given their due.

Arjun @ beepbeep dot com

What started as a promising mixture of mystery and sci-fi turned quite a slow paced novel with a disappointing climax. The main theme started with Arjun purchasing a cell for himself. At the same time Major comes to India with a foreign researcher, Lucy who investigates bird calls around the globe. They seek his guidance in the forests of North Bengal. All of a sudden Amal Som contacts Arjun and requests for sending him his brain scan as well that of Habu. Mysterious calls comes at Arjun's cell from unknown locations. He also starts hearing voices. Threats seem to come from some local goons assisted by some foreigner. Arjun also gets communications from Bistusaheb. Thus as all the parties are introduced, suddenly the mystery of the calls are unfolded abruptly an the story plunges coarsely forward. The story had all the material for a thrilling suspense with the backdrop of the North Bengal depicted nicely but somehow it irritates as there is no proper justification to several doubts. The scientific rationale to the fiction is never divulged. Thus it remains an improper detective novel.

Amazon Abhijan

A tribute to Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhayay, the movie is the next episode of the Shankar franchise as created by director Kamaleshwar Mukherjee who is also the writer of the story. This time Shankar is on the quest to discover the lost land of the El Dorado guided by an incomplete map on the request of an Italian anthropologist, Anna Floriana wanting to revive the spirit and save the honour of her pianist father Marco, in heart an adventurer, who failed once trying to look for the city. His previous expedition saw him losing his entire crew as his boat capsized and he was at the mercy of the jaguars but for a miraculous escape, thanks to the apparently mythical Virgins of the Sun who saved him though he passed out soon after that. So he had returned empty handed. Heartbroken Marco had turned alcoholic and had lost all hope for another adventure. Unable to bear this pitiful condition of his father, Anna had sailed to India to meet Shankar, already famous for his African explorations, to ask his help in the adventure. Shankar agrees and all starts gearing up for the adventure.

But here, the movie turns curiously detuned with a staccato of events which are thrilling and full of old world romance but the cohesiveness of the film fails drastically. The geography is carefully narrated, the route explained in details, the dangers of the forests are displayed, the tribes are portrayed in details but the adventure itself lacks clarity. The storytelling fails after sometime. The reason for the adventure never seems convincing. The completeness is severely compromised by floating a vague idea in the closing sequences.

A wonderful part of the movie is the picture portrayal of Shankar and Anna's journey from the homeland to meet Marco which deserves applause.

As compared to the previous movie, this movie only improves on the cinematography, scene selections. The animal lovers may give a hard thought for allowing live animals in movie as the animations are quite evident that does not do justice to the rest of the scenes. The hunting of the Boa is never realistic. The adventurers are once shown diving with the robust apparatus that was natural of the age but their previous luggage never suggests them to carry these along with them. Knowing fully well the food will have to be sufficiently selected, it is hard to understand why rations fall short. The unnatural way of passing out after the Virgins of the Sun show up is never explained. Why a doctor lives in isolation in a house in a lake is also never taken up. The mix of languages is also not correct always. Another curious thing is why the adventurers did not clean their teeth even when staying at camps of tribes.

So for the beauties of nature, the detailed picture of the Amazon, the film will be a treasure but to get the thrill of adventure it will not be a correct choice.

The Eye of Osiris

The case starts with the disappearance of a man suddenly with evidences found to indicate his presence in at least two places last but nobody seems to have a clear idea of where he visited last really. This seems to be a problem with his relatives due to the oddity in his will which makes it necessary he be found. The case becomes more complicated when after about a couple of years some human bones are found in several places that resembles the structure of the disappeared but there is not enough to have a definite idea. Also slowly doubt creeps in minds of people about foul play and subtle accusations stray publicly. So it remains upon the forensic expert to come to the rescue which he does but the twist remains that keeps him in the audience seat.
A story with mystery but with a romantic perspective that may sometime feel a little too much for a detective tale. The element of classics prevail dominant throughout and forensics only fill in the necessary gaps. But the slow yet steady rhytm characteristic of a serious crime drama remains always. Though the narrative is like any other of the series centering more on howdunit rather than whodunit but the surprise will surely be why done it in this case which is splendidly realistic yet horribly peculiar.

Kanchangarher Kokilsir

The terrifying master of Mathematics is himself terrified of his own voice. As remarkable as it may sound that is what had happened to the angry arrogant Sir of Kanchangarh Boys' School that keeps him literally dumbfounded as whenever he tries to speak there seems to be a risk of his voice being punctuated by a cuckoo blurting out notes at random. As he is trying to recover from the shock, it seems he is not the only one with a problem. The closed ones are crestfallen. Several doctors fail to diagnose the cause of the disease and infact one of them sets off a chain of events leading to another hilarious episode. The headmaster is also at a confusion to find students failing miserably by the question set by this veteran Sir. Added to this is the surprise visit of the strangest of inspectors. But the solution to all seems quite at hand. As the logical mind seems to grasp the root of the problem the message is loud and clear. The author styles a unique way to convey the joy of spreading joy among folks. A story for the young but it will surely be as good to the others.

The Mysterious Mr Quin

The elusive Mr Quin makes his presence felt whenever there is mystery involved. Be it murder or romance, the subtle hints by him seems enough to Mr Satterthwaite for unravelling the intricate puzzles of life. His sudden introduction in The Coming of Mr Quin seems just perfect as the story not only solves a long awaited cause of death but it also unveils threat to the love that stands on a delicate pier. In the next a double murder occurs and Mr Satterthwaite has only the clue of The Shadow on the Glass to solve the crime beyond everybody's doubt. A chance meeting At the 'Bells and Motley' seems to save the innocent but a peculiar clue lies hidden in The Sign in the Sky that leads relief to the well wisher of the falsely accused. It is more a romantic story of The Soul of the Croupier but mystery still remains for Harley Quin to guide Mr Satterthwaite to light. The sudden appearance of The Man from the Sea again seems God sent as Harley Quin directs Mr Satterthwaite to join two estranged heart as tragedy looms right throughout the narrative. A melancholy feels the air starting from the sinister The Voice in the Dark followed by The Face of Helen but whereas serious crime is solved in one it seems to be averted in the other. A painter draws The Dead Harlequin which attracts Satterthwaite and curious events follows while The Bird with the Broken Wing seems to reveal a mad criminal hidden behind the veil of respectability. Rolling precariously towards The World's End for picnic seems to be fated for something more and the Harlequin's Lane offers the solution to the eternal love for the heart that bleeds.

The unique creation of the author seems to bind romance and mystery in a way never found elsewhere which is intense yet enjoyable.

The Birth & Death of the Sun

The mystery of the universe especially that of the Sun which is ushering on us the blessing of light, warmth and the whole gamut of energy possible, always fascinates the inquisitive seekers. How was the Sun born, what gave it its shape and luminosity, what is happening inside it, how does it affects other bodies, what is the future of the Sun are a few of the questions that may haunt many. The astronomers through the ages have probed into the mysteries with observational facilities having large telescopes. The scientists have theorized several possibilities. Stars were categorized, origin of elements studied, trajectories of galaxies explained, expanding universe was conceptualized. The book details all these serious concepts laced with humour. With his signature style, George Gamow has narrated one of the most difficult of studies with the ease of a master artist. With three chapters devoted for the basic required for the understanding the stellar evolution was explained in the most simplest of the ways without compromising on the science. With analogies the author has made the readers understand the physics of the universe. The history of the journey of science as it explained the Sun and other stars also is written. The energy that is fuelling the universe is also described. In the climax is given an application of the immense energy that lies dormant in elements. The book is riveting though requiring a bit of concentration sometimes.

The Singing Bone

Named after one of the chapters in the collection of short stories it actually summarises the concept of the narratives. That the simple clue, which may be easily overlooked sometimes presents the critical solution to the investigator so as to rip the mystery apart, is the fundamental basis of forensic deductions. But the major difference that these mysteries present, is as briefed in the preface, is the inverted way of presenting the cases. Yes, excepting the last, all these are inverted detective fictions. Thus the four, The Case of Oscar Brodski, A Case of Premeditation, The Echo of a Mutiny, A Wastrel's Romance are presented not in the light of who did it but more correctly how they did it. The tiniest clue, the merest coincidence, the microscopic evidence, the chance remark, the curious oddities, all are utilized to the fullest and with seriousness to narrow down the events and pinpoint the perpetrators. It is true that not apprehends the criminal, which frankly speaking will be surprisingly satisfying, but in each case the happenings are completely explained. Infact, the theory put forward by the detective is so close to the actual events that the error is negligibly small. Contrasting to these four The Old Lag is a proper who and how done it where Thorndyke actually takes an interest in unmasking the villain rather than stopping at unravelling the mystery only. Related partly by Jarvis, all the stories presents a humane part where the evil rather than criminals is punished. With proper mix of romance, with Polton assisting as required the anecdotes are charming yet thrilling. The forensic investigations will hold the appeal heightened by the inverted way of relating the events that though makes most of the criminals revealed at the beginning yet keeps the suspense of finding out fashionable enjoyable.

Kiriti Omnibus Vol I

The readers will find the detective, mysteries, adventures, strategies everything but what makes them apart from others is the superhuman ability of the sleuth and the mysterious ways that clues are obtained which actually steals away the delicacy of true mystery tales. The volume introduces the arch enemy Kalobhramar in Kiritir Abirbhab but the major problem is sometimes intuition seems to play a major role than actual intelligence. Also the characters are far too romantic and seems only too ideal to be true. But this was not the case in Chokri and Bouranir Beel where the pace is very sluggish at the beginning but they converge at enjoyably fast pace in the later part with thrilling consequences. The short stories Rahasyabhedi and Harer Paasha are also quite nice but several queries remain unanswered though the mystery unravels in each case and villains unmasked.

Sita: Warrior of Mithila

The second in the series, this novel explores the life of Sita considered to be the Vishnu by Viswamitra led Malayaputras. As remarkable as the revelation is to Sita, her rise as Vishnu seems not free of secrecy and challenges. While the Vayuputras seem to give a nod to Vashistha on his selection of the Vishnu, the adamant and formidable Viswamitra thinks otherwise. In the midst of it all is the threat of Ravaan and his cruel tactics to win over every kingdom that tries to rise respectably. The Nagas play a critical role in all the events and several confusions are cleared. The novel also gives some hint about the cause of the rising enmity between the once bosom friends Vashistha and Viswamitra but keeps space for more to unfold. There remains places where repetitions are there as evident from the nature of the series but it is welcome no doubt. The author actually, in the introduction, acknowledges that the third in the series will explore the life of Ravaan after which will converge to the point where the clash between the titans will start. But here there is also much to unfold. Surprising twists abound the chapters where battles are waiged amid tensions. But inspite of the thrill there is some glaring mistakes in the storytelling. Based on mythological characters, the names of places could have been made a bit  more ancient and realistic as do some of the events which seems more modern than real. But having said these it must be said that it is quite unique yet enjoyable.