Book Review - The Seventh Swar by Natasha Sharma

Ex-cop-turned-private-detective Satyadarshi who works in Mumbai is given the case of an eighty-year old woman who was stabbed to death. Outwardly the case appears unsolveable. An eighty-year old woman with no apparent enemies, leading a retired life of her own. Satyadarshi needs something to start looking into the case. Thankfully, she doesn’t have to look far. A mysterious wall-hanging and a book that appears to be out of place in the library inside the deceased’s home gain her attention.

As Satyadarshi begins her investigation by trying to contact friends of the deceased, she gains startling revelations that point out that it is no way a simple investigation, especially when kings of the past have a connection to the same!

What with her mother amping up her matchmaking skills, Satyadarshi having to play investigator for over-weight yet incredibly cute canines and trying to remind herself every few seconds that she is not to fall for her almost-a-date (no matter how cute or nerdy or muscular he is), Satyadarshi can’t seem to catch a break. Add to it, a murder mystery that keeps growing day by day, and what she finds is herself in the midst of emotional turmoil and danger.

The narrative, though a murder mystery, is breezy, if I may use such a word here. The murders, although gory aren’t depicted overtly. The story moves at a reasonable pace but doesn’t lag anywhere. Every chapter is interesting and keeps the readers engrossed in the mystery. Although there are several characters in the story, there is no confusion and each character has earned their place here.

Natasha’s humor is a combination of class, grace and sarcasm. With minimum efforts, she brings out the humor in the event or the conversation, which is indeed an incredible feat. Satyadarshi being the main character of the story makes an unforgettable impression with her breezy nature, her presence of humor and the traces of inner maturity that she displays on the rare occasions. Her character has a little bit of everything, one can say! Her almost-a-date Jai, although having limited presence in the story, complements Satyadarshi’s easy-going character with a slightly nerdy, slightly mature side to him.

The mystery has been portrayed really well and there is just the right amount of thrill and gore as is essential in a good thriller.

This is the second book of Natasha’s that I am reading, the first being a historical fiction based on the Partition. Through this mystery, Natasha has proven herself to be a versatile writer, able to dish out wonderful narratives in varied genres. This is a writer to watch out for!

I would definitely recommend this book to all those interested in mysteries and thrillers with a dash of rom-com mixed with clean sarcasm and humor.