The War of the Worlds

Starting with a History of William Collins and the Life & Times of the author, comes one of the greatest classics of all times penned by one of the greatest science fiction writers of all times, H G Wells who had been the person behind coining two unique terms that we have taken for granted. Yes, the time travel and time machine may be a household name for every science addicts, but the terms were introduced by the author who also fictionalised the Mars invasions for the very 1st time. The anecdote, narrated from the perspective of the unnamed protagonist, vividly describes a Martian invasion that, with its awe and tragedy, will terrify you by its chilling feel of realistic ambience. Though, the introductions have spoiler but still the fright remains. Published in 1898, decades before lasers were conceptualized, the author designs the advanced Martian invaders to use something similar as their primary weaponry. Describing the accidental but unaccounted sighting of the launch of the fleet carrying the aliens, the author goes on to detail the discovery of the meteoric touchdown of the same and the massacre that follows. Despair engulfs the civilisation as cities are invaded and routed with humans taken as prisoners to be consumed. So when, it seems all is lost, the miraculous twist of fate will be welcome to all but the invaders. Though written as a fiction, but it warns the civilisation of the doom that awaits the selfish when the unforeseen dwarfs of the present flaunts their might as they turn giants of the future☆

Complete with a lexicon of the Victorian grammar, the novel is a classic for all ages.

Misir Ali Omnibus II

The opening thriller had been a most entertaining novel, titled Brihannala. With an introduction like any other Misir Ali novel, as the mystery unfolds, so does the solution apparently to the readers but the final twist will be sure to put them reeling with a truth so revealing that justifies why the Professor of Abnormal Behaviour was called upon to solve. The literary skill of the master storyteller, Humayun Ahmed, will be reminded again at the climax when it will be felt that the obvious hint were there right at the inception but for the enigmatic writing that concealed it in plain sight. Trivial surprises are also in store for  the inquisitive readers who will come to know that Psycholgy was Arts subject and not Science in university courses when this novel was designed. The next is about a mysterious lady who comes to Ali only to  be driven out shortly but leaves her belongings and money that incites the sleuth in revealing a curious mind with unnatural acumen. With clues hidden in a narrative and a letter, the investigator must find the problem and then solve it to help the distressed client in Tandrabilas. Everything remains justified in this suspense, including its intriguing incompleteness, but the mistake in a mathematical riddle remains its single technical flaw and another spoiler during the beginning mars the narrative slightly in the otherwise fascinatingly detailed gripping plot and queer incidents. The ultimate logical man meets the ultimate intuitive person in Himur Dwitiya Prahar which mixes humour, ingenuity, mystery and romance in the best possible way. Narrated by the protagonist, Himu, the story deals with his encounter with fear and how he approaches to overcome it. Ali appears for a lesser time but the portions are the best in this novel where the author excels himself in documenting dialogues for both of his legendary creations who are characteristically contrasting to each other. The story is not only endearing, but it resembles the style of Sanjib Chattopadhyay with a freshness that cheers the readers. This is my 1st Himu novel and it will be a refreshing relief in this intellectually overwhelming yet satisfying compilation of the adventure with the human psyche. Moving ahead is Amii Misir Ali, which had already been discussed earlier. The most terrifying case of the volume is Baghbandi Misir Ali, which is surprisingly unassuming in the start but midway onwards, three characters evolves so hurriedly that the reader is trapped in a mesh of psychic wits that stifles the breath away. The sleuth is, however, the target in this game and his honest wit is all there to deal with the situation. The psychopathic killer, a former patient and his current servant (who is, for a change, not a thief) are entangled in a chase to save a little girl as well as a severely sick victim. The final in the volume is a challenging puzzle in the form of a letter that includes the Kahen Kabi Kalidas riddle, which is not solved but the primary mystery is. Infact, the mystery is solved by the sleuth, sitting entirely at his home with a couple of communications with his students and some materials obtained on request from the client. With an array of less peculiar characters than is customary in his novel, the plot will surely keep the suspense alive as the sequences unfold. Curiously, it contains only two chapters with one encroaching the majority of the novel but the shorter one will be no less enthralling.

George's Secret Key To The Universe

One of the fascinating science based fictions I have ever read since the Tompkins series. Basically a book for astronomy enthusiasts, it can motivate the ordinary to get a taste of the basics.
An intergalactic adventure awaits George, whose scientific ambitions had been always snubbed down by his environment conscious parents. It was about to change when his pig breaks boundaries to poke into the next door neighbours. The mysteries of the universe awaits to be unfolded soon as did the mystery of their neighbours and their computer. As George stumbles on the marvels of the universe by the chance meeting, the crooked forces are also in the move, thwarting the aims of the noble minds while trying to use science for petty advantages.
Written lucidly by the brilliant Stephen Hawking and his scientist daughter Lucy Hawking with the charming illustrations of Garry Parsons, this book, once recommended by my father, had satisfied both his son and his grandson with its facts of science presented in the package of fiction with the touch of suspense to appeal the readers of varied ages.

After the Funeral

It all happened after a funeral when the sudden remark of one of the attendees gave a new perspective to the apparently normal death of Richard Abbernethie. Added to the mystery was the brutal murder of his sister, Cora, by a hatchet in her own home. This unsettled the mind of Richard's solicitor, Mr Entwhistle, who consulted the self proclaimed best brain in the business, Poirot. The psychological game had been already set afoot and mishap was waiting round the corner. The web of evil had been spun that tried to entangle the others. When the members of the Abernethie clan was shedding doubts on each other, Poirot entered the arena in disguise. But the disguise was shortlived, as was the mist that engulfed the minds of people. What remained was how the evil was trapped in this enjoyable whodunit which might not keep you guessing till the climax but will surely keep its grip on your mind till all is revealed. Presented in the signature Christie style of narrating from various perspectives save a few that includes the sleuth, the investigator is introduced quite near the finale that gave the characters the required space to make impression to make the mystery even more enticing.

Yama Duare Porlo K(n)aata

A distressed girl comes to the chamber of Basu leaving her twin brother at death's door in a North Bengal hospital. The pace sets right in from the opening chapters that oscillates between the mountains and the plains with suspected embezzlement threatening innocents. But the case becomes complicated with a murder. As Basu starts the investigations at various places, help comes from unexpected quarters. Acknowledging the foreign themes as laid by Gardner, Sanyal adapted this. But this heady novel seems to lack in simplicity which might have given the mystery that extra bit a classic demands. The hurried justifications at the final chapters are some such instances.

Contagion

When a curious series of viral ailments take their toll on a particular hospital, Jack Stapleton seems the only person in the morgue who senses foul play. The viral strains are not only rare in occurrence but some of them dates back to centuries old. Is it a terrorist attack or the ploy of a fanatic? As Jack starts a crusade of his own, starting to investigate matters, he appears to have inadvertently shaken the hornet's nest. Attempts on his life becomes regular while Godsend help comes from unexpected quarters. Some loyal friends pay the price with their life while helping his cause. The mystery will be enjoyed to the core, yet the suspense when revealed, will appear so horrifying that it might seem an unnaturally forced theme. Also it may be also be said in the same breath that the compactness of the novel is a bit diluted as the criminals are unmasked.

Amii Misir Ali

Bordering the realm of psychology, this mystery is far from the mundane detective stories. Misir Ali is more psychologist rather than detective. It is the request of his clients that makes him a sleuth rather than his innate motive. Here we find the prospective client persuading a less reluctant Ali to take the case with varieties of methods that are queer to say the least. But this introduces the psychological aspect of the novel right at its very inception paving the mind of the reader for the complex set of events that will come shrouded in mystery. Misir soon found himself in the trail of a psychological duel between a master planner and himself with the resource of his intellect fighting the array of mortal and immortal pawns in the battle. The writing is flawless where it irritates at the beginning but its simplicity makes it attractive enough till it is taken care by the thrill that is surprisingly pacy. But there are certain shortcomings too viz, the climax could have been a bit less abrupt to allow the essence of the outcome to be assimilated and also it is not obvious how the criminals are punished, more importantly whether they are punished for the crime that was committed.

'Abhipurbak, Nee-Dhatu Aw'-er K(n)aata

The name itself is complicated enough and the novel more so as it progresses rapidly to its abrupt finale. It all starts with a distressed woman being saved from a conviction as Basu accidentally stumbles upon the court proceedings. After this as the lady gratefully acknowledges Basu's blessings in his chamber, she is assured of a compensation from the complainant by him. Meanwhile, Sukaushali is on the scent of a mystery that seems interspersed with the case. As negotiations start for the damage incurred, several new facts come to fore. As the wise old barrister senses some foul play, his client is once more convicted of a murder with the apparent evidence being found in the possession of her solicitor. It grows even more complicated as the only clinching evidence that could have saved the client is rubbed off even before its production due to a sudden hitherto unforeseen forensic detail. Then it remained upon theory and its corroboration by a different track that could punish the evil and reveal the real truth.
Sanyal is very much loquacious just like Gardner and his signature style of extreme subtlety with metaphoric jargons makes the narrative pacy yet boringly monotonous.

Blindsight

A spine chilling mystery that will keep you glued to the pages till it is solved. The medical examiner Laurie Montgomery is baffled with a series of coccaine overdose cases in which she senses foul play but fails to convince the authorities to take precautions. Quite curiously, a series of apparently random killings take place almost simultaneously that keeps detective Lou Soldano search for clues to link a Mafia kingpin to the crimes. Lou and Laurie cross path while doing the autopsies and each starts to piece together their respective puzzles to solve their problems. As bodies pile up in the autopsy tables, it seems these two are the only persons to get to the bottom if they work as a team but for their quabbles that does the opposite. As the paid assassins increase the body count, threat looms large on the unsuspected. With the rival sects planning to overthrow the other in the crime world, the innocents pay the most. Exploiting an inherent folly of a medical benevolence, the criminals play mayhem for their goal. But what is the motive? It is upto the forensic investigators to uncover the truth and unmask the evil. It had been a reread for me but I again enjoyed the suspense part of which had been happily erased from my memory. Recommended for lovers of medical fictions it reveals a chilling truth that will make the heart shudder.

The Unexpected Guest

A cripple lies murdered in a wheelchair and the wife is holding the revolver in a house where almost everybody has a motive to be the killer. But interestingly, a stranger who is stranded due to his car getting into a ditch, stumbles upon the household and plans a misdirection for the authorities to save the wife of the charges. But will the truth be so easy to hide? Will the murderer get away? As the story progresses, the apparent clear case seems to develop in a mysterious murder which is actually noted in the excerpt of Osborne's analysis on Christie fictions annexed as a standalone chapter. The mystery was well conceived though the climactic twist seemed a bit too bland. This novelisation suffers from the fact that the author could not give an original touch in places where it seems more like a play rather than a novel.

The Firm

A couple of school friends suggested me the particular title among few others when I confessed that my tryst with Grisham's had not been so appealing. Actually it was again a college mate who had convinced me to read The Pelican Brief, which being as fantastic as it is made me select The King of Torts for my next read. That was apparently where I stopped reading Grisham and was actually a bit scared of ever touching another. But as it happened, friends have a way with themselves. But I am grateful to them for their suggestions for which I again relished a Grisham after a great many days.
It starts with a hint of thrill in the opening few chapters but the revelation comes all of a sudden that actually unfolds the terrifying puzzle. A fresher hired from the law school by a rich yet unassuming firm dreams a lavish early retirement. The promise of a hefty paycheck annually amassed from the rich uncomplaining clientele with other luring perks that the professional peers could only dream of seemed more than satisfying. Infact, the firm seemed also to take particular interest in the associates to settle down with a family early. So Mitch, the rookie, tried to settle down with a hope to make himself the youngest partner in the history of the firm where he was hired. Little did he know that the firm actually had a secret of its own that is chillingly fearsome. He was lured into a cleverly conceived trap that made him an accomplice to crime from which escape and death seems synonymous. But fate had a surprising twist for him as law enforcers contact him with a warning of an impending doom. As he becomes suspicious, more so by an even curious revelation of the accidental deaths of previous employees, Mitch tries to think rationally. As he gives his ears to the investigators against orders from his senior colleagues he is shocked to learn a dangerous truth. As the law is hell bent to bust a racket of mob and lawyers, Mitch is held in the midst that makes life threateningly deceptive. Thus ensues fast paced cat and mouse chase where it is upto Mitch himself to get out from the clutches of assassins while assuring safety for friends and family. With help coming from curious quarters, the chase is fascinating yet fearful. The uniqueness of the narrative is the delayed introduction of the central theme after the primary characters are well introduced though the web of suspense is felt with clear hints that poses queries that is revealed in trickles.

Chadmabeshi

I had seen the movie, both the Bengali and the Hindi version, so I was actually biased about its humour. Also, as I was going through it I could actually visualize the events which actually showed how cleverly the theme was adopted. But having said that, one thing is certain, the directors of either versions, especially the Bengali filmmaker had trimmed the script to perfection which allowed it to become a masterpiece. But the book itself, though had a humorously thrilling finish and witty dialogues but is not overly enjoying. This is chiefly because of a laboriously lengthy descriptions at places and loquacious dialogues which could have better been avoided. So excitement during purchase actually did not remain much after the initial few chapters but smiles will return during the climactic sequences.

Abduction

What would you feel if someday you get to know that aliens are not coming from outside earth but actually they are living deep inside the ocean floors and they are human beings, only a bit too advanced. That there had existed human race long before dinosaurs will also be a surprising revelation. Besides cities inside earth with technologies so much evolved that people do not die in the usual way will also grip your imaginations. But if all these come as an exciting revelation it will also be surprising how much boring life can be in these technologically advanced place. These and much more awaits a group of deep sea explorers, divers and a businessman when they suddenly find themselves abducted by these human and find themselves classified as the less evolved variant. With the option of spending life without actually the pain of death and with an intellectual abundance in the offing at the luxurious paradise it remains to be seen what choices do each make. A point comes where it feels that good and evil might be the same thing but depends on perspectives. With a surprising twist at the very latter stage, the novel is an easy paced adventure with unique plot that is sci-fi at its best.

Chandragirir Rajkahini

A tremendously exciting novel with a touch of one of the greatest classics of all times but the moment you expect it to turn towards the obvious direction a twisting revelation makes it all the more rivetting.
A petty mercenary is hired by an aquintance of a dwindling kingdom to act as one of the successors of the dead king due to his close resemblance to the king's elder son who is living a life of the hunted after his step brother, the other  claimant of the title, failed in his attempt of killing him. Bargaining for the adventure with his life at stake, little did he know what awaits him as the deeper he delves, the royal secrets smeard with treachery make him shudder. A tale of royal vengeance where the common man is held as pawn in the name of fallen prestige keeps the suspense high. Though some queries remain unanswered still it remains a thrilling anecdote of an adventure with a touch of the romsnce. I had read several stories of the author but this surely is unique in its character

Hemendrakumar Roy Rachanabali Vol-XXX

I'd read Hemen Ray many a times and so picked this book up in the Bookfair to add up to the collection and also was curious to know how he write for adult. You might not believe me, he seems to had surpassed his own class while writing these social dramas that adorns this volume. This contains a basket of short stories collected under the title S(n)idurchupree which contains the social tensions depicted in Kshudiramer Keerti, the curious drama Chor, the tragic twist in Porarmukhi, the comic Khuror Khamkheyal, the cruelty of the selfish in Golap Phool, the blessed revenge of the natural outcast in Shiuli which altogether brings out the varied hues of the Bengali middle class.

But the gem of the collection is the novel Aleyar Alo which, through a series of twists and turns is a unique tragedy that is class apart from all other Hemen classics that I have read so far. Bordering chiefly on widow marriage at a time it was considered short of a miracle, the story has more than just a conventional sequence which points to disturbing consequences that are not far from reality.

Hemendrakumar is a natural writer of adventures. Here, his naturalness has vented its spirit into an entirely new direction where the essence of adventure permeates into ordinary life giving them an entirely new dimension and perspective. Recommended not for the children this promises enjoyment to mature minds.

Rambharosar Motorgari

The miserly hardfisted Rambharosa Agarwal, an affluent businessman of Herbertgunj wants to lead a life of piling money but for his wife and son who want to have their own family car. Their insistence gets the better of him and he agrees to purchase one. Happy at the prospects, Suresh, the son, immediately gets some catalogues and shows his dad. But hearing the price of the vehicles that runs in lakhs, Rambharosa is shell shocked. But as he had already promised, Rambharosa cannot take back his word. So he gets hold of an agent to buy a second hand car. With his bare minimum budget of just 10000, what happens next is a hilarious comedy full of merriment and fun. Though somewhat predictable at times, but the best thing of the story is its fast paced refreshing humour with its comically colourful characters that freshens up the mind while enlivening the reading moments.

Raater Gaari

The enthusiasm that it brews in the opening chapter quickly turns rather mundane as the mysterious element vanishes fast. This can best be said to be a suspense novel where it remains to be seen how the plot converges. Gupta in his signature style uses his artistic skills to mix suspense clad in the armour of the riches with a touch of the English aristocracy which had found appeal till some times back with its subtle remnants holding still.

A man regains his lost memory of his earlier days that torments him of the injustice he was subjected to. As he returns among his old acquaintances in disguise he plots revenge. But an innocent life is at stake. It forces him to use a curiously ingenious approach. It required lots of  money but which he already had in his new life has presented him with. So it remains to be seen whether he succeeds in his ploy. The story is woven fine but with some Gupta type flaws where it seems the protagonist is miraculously aware of the minds of the evils, coincident help the suspense like some badly directed film. But the best part is the story converges realistically that is melancholy yet satisfying.

Bittabasana

A Sankar classic which I had read once long time back had been etched in the memory for its realistically ruthless plot that portrays how ambition can drive a human to deception and cruelty. It picturises the human character that adapts itself selfishly at the slightest cue to attain a future of prosperity. How the purity of social bonds are broken by the coldness of the heart, how misdirections are intentionally introduced to profit a few is revealed at the final twist. Its relevance seem to be eternally true as the camouflaged honesty of rich though had been a quite old plot but the characters had been so sincerely depicted that they seem real life.



Nyayanistha Nyashnashir K(n)aata

What started as a very complex plot turned out to be a fantastic mystery novel. From its very title I was way too much confused with the meaning and the plot. It is true that I did not consult a thesaurus due to my characteristic idle nature and though the meaning was already clear by the back cover note of Sanyal but still the novel was way too complex as clues were few and the apparent motive was never convincing. So as the story progressed the mind was more and more confused. The usual style of digression in the form of incessant dialogues befitting a movie script only increased the monotonicity. But all was converged with a brilliant twist that made the novel a classic. It is really one of the P.K. Basu novel that I will cherish forever because of its novelty. The apparent lack of motive with a hint so subtle could not have been handled in a cleverer way in a mystery thriller. Another very interesting part is the front cover photograph which will seem a printing mistake but its explanation inside will also make the book a collector's item. I purchased it among a collection of old stocks, at a price that will make others jealous, which proved to be one of the most fortunate choices.

Goenda Gargi Samagra (1)

As far as my understanding goes from the short introduction at the back cover of the book it tries to draw parallel with the likes of Byomkesh and Feluda and apparently infers that the sleuth in Gargi had attracted the inquisitive attention of the Bengali readers.

True, it surely attracts attention, but not for its appeal as a mystery story but for the lack of it. I've read Gargi for the young readers and had been inspired by it to buy this one. But it had been a serious mistake. The three stories, viz. Irshar Sabuj Chokh, Bohe Bish Batash and Holud Khamer Rahasya may be ranked as good in the reverse order. This ranking may summarise why the stories could not be as gripping. The concluding one of the volume is the shortest and just by virtue of its length, the gripping tension will keep the readers focussed on the plot. The other two have used a host of characters and several interlacing themes but the way these are introduced just make the story lengthy and takes out any juice in the mystery. The pace have always been fast, infact too fast for the suspense to gather the right momentum and thus the climax is always so unrealistic, borrowing the good old Feluda theme of a meeting will all the characters but without the life in it. Each story had the content of a suspense drama and the characters so similar to those of a Sankar novel but again what is missing, is the reality!

Often the author has mentioned the sharp intellect of Gargi, her acute sense of observations, her skill in identifying the rationale, her ingenuity in analysis but this could have been more subtly highlighted rather mentioned. Emotions run high at certain parts but these dry up the next instant. Criminals are unmasked but only limited words are used to describe their reactions. The spouse of a  murdered victim gets married within a short while. The MD of a busy company finds time to do sleuthing equally efficiently as the business. Add to this is the unique spellings that the print use. With an overabundance of illicit relationships, the stories seem to repeat motives over and over again. Thus each story could have been made more compact without elaborations in parts.

My recommendation is read at its own risk!