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The Swastika Killer
A HINDU FANATIC. A MANIC JEW. OR A NEO-NAZI...
2006, GERMANY, FIFA WORLD CUP.
In Berlin, a killer begins targeting the most dangerous criminals and brands his victims with the symbol of the swastika. The day of each murder coincides mystically with the navagrahas, the days sacred to the nine planetary gods in Hindu mythology. And the dates correspond to hidden horrors of the historical past.
Only one man can decipher and look beyond symbols — the unassuming Bala, the sharpest sleuth in the Indian Intelligence Bureau.
The chase of a lifetime begins!
7/11, MUMBAI EXPLODES
Three friends who were born and grew up in the city's brothels, thrown apart by riots, are brought together by the swastika.
The killer takes them into the streets of Mumbai, to the den of underworld kings, inside prison complexes, terrorist cells and the snake pit called Bollywood.
They will need more than friendship, love, and luck to survive.
Is the swastika killer a self-proclaimed vigilante, out to end evil?
To find out, and put an end to the killings, Bala will have to go to the beginning. The past that lies hidden in the streets of Old Delhi.
KILLING FIELDS
The killer moves through Afghanistan and Pakistan to target the world’s most guarded man. It will change the course of our history.
Friendship will be tested with blood and death.
Can Bala stop the killer?
Can the blood-thirsty navagrahas be pacified?
2006, GERMANY, FIFA WORLD CUP.
In Berlin, a killer begins targeting the most dangerous criminals and brands his victims with the symbol of the swastika. The day of each murder coincides mystically with the navagrahas, the days sacred to the nine planetary gods in Hindu mythology. And the dates correspond to hidden horrors of the historical past.
Only one man can decipher and look beyond symbols — the unassuming Bala, the sharpest sleuth in the Indian Intelligence Bureau.
The chase of a lifetime begins!
7/11, MUMBAI EXPLODES
Three friends who were born and grew up in the city's brothels, thrown apart by riots, are brought together by the swastika.
The killer takes them into the streets of Mumbai, to the den of underworld kings, inside prison complexes, terrorist cells and the snake pit called Bollywood.
They will need more than friendship, love, and luck to survive.
Is the swastika killer a self-proclaimed vigilante, out to end evil?
To find out, and put an end to the killings, Bala will have to go to the beginning. The past that lies hidden in the streets of Old Delhi.
KILLING FIELDS
The killer moves through Afghanistan and Pakistan to target the world’s most guarded man. It will change the course of our history.
Friendship will be tested with blood and death.
Can Bala stop the killer?
Can the blood-thirsty navagrahas be pacified?
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2017
33 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Mahendra Jakhar
8 books50 followersMahendra Jakhar is an ex-journalist currently working as an independent screen-writer and author based in Mumbai. He started as a journalist in Delhi where he worked for six years before moving to Mumbai to pursue his dreams of being a script-writer.
Recently, he has written a feature film for Tiggmanshu Dhulia titled "Ghamaasan" starring Prateek Gandhi and Arshad Warsi produced by Jio Studios. He also wrote the critically acclaimed film Manjhi-The Mountain Man, directed by Ketan Mehta starring Nawazuddin Siddique and Radhika Apte.
His first novel, THE BUTCHER OF BENARES, was published by Westland Publications. It was rated as the Best Crime Fiction Debut Novel of the Year and was Amazon Rising Star. His second novel, THE SWASTIKA KILLER, was published by Westland Publications. His other novels are Chakra Warriors and Housewife.
Earlier he has written scripts for Mahesh Bhatt’s THE KILLER starring Irrfan Khan and Emran Hashmi and Tiggmanshu Dhulia's SHAAGIRD.
He has also written film scripts for Sunil Bohra, Abhinav Kashyap, Vinod Kapri and is currently developing film scripts with Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan and Ashwini Chaudhary.
Apart from this he has written scripts for various TV shows – CID, Maano Ya Na Mano, Bidaayi, Betiyaan, Seeta aur Geeta and Dwarikadhish.
He also did research work and scripting for a documentary on the hijack of Indian Airlines plane from Kathmandu to Kandahar.
His film script, Bhiwani, based on the Boxers of Haryana was selected for International Film Festival of India for the Competitive Section at Film Bazaar.
He's a TEDX Speaker and conducts workshops on creativity, imagination and ideas.
TEDX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NxvO...
You can catch his latest interview that was telecast on DD National all across the country https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4da7...
Recently, he has written a feature film for Tiggmanshu Dhulia titled "Ghamaasan" starring Prateek Gandhi and Arshad Warsi produced by Jio Studios. He also wrote the critically acclaimed film Manjhi-The Mountain Man, directed by Ketan Mehta starring Nawazuddin Siddique and Radhika Apte.
His first novel, THE BUTCHER OF BENARES, was published by Westland Publications. It was rated as the Best Crime Fiction Debut Novel of the Year and was Amazon Rising Star. His second novel, THE SWASTIKA KILLER, was published by Westland Publications. His other novels are Chakra Warriors and Housewife.
Earlier he has written scripts for Mahesh Bhatt’s THE KILLER starring Irrfan Khan and Emran Hashmi and Tiggmanshu Dhulia's SHAAGIRD.
He has also written film scripts for Sunil Bohra, Abhinav Kashyap, Vinod Kapri and is currently developing film scripts with Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan and Ashwini Chaudhary.
Apart from this he has written scripts for various TV shows – CID, Maano Ya Na Mano, Bidaayi, Betiyaan, Seeta aur Geeta and Dwarikadhish.
He also did research work and scripting for a documentary on the hijack of Indian Airlines plane from Kathmandu to Kandahar.
His film script, Bhiwani, based on the Boxers of Haryana was selected for International Film Festival of India for the Competitive Section at Film Bazaar.
He's a TEDX Speaker and conducts workshops on creativity, imagination and ideas.
TEDX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NxvO...
You can catch his latest interview that was telecast on DD National all across the country https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4da7...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 30, 2017
A friend recently purchased this book and showed it to me. The title, the blurb and the fact that the author wrote the script for Manjhi – The Mountain Man piqued my interest.
Before I begin the review please allow me to speak a few words about the Swastika. For thousands of years – long before this sacred symbol had been usurped by Hitler - the swastika has been one of the holiest symbols in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism as well. In India, the swastika can be found in temples, business establishments, households, vehicles and always used in all Hindu religious functions. In India, the swastika symbolizes auspiciousness.
As the title suggests, the book is about a killer who uses Hindu mythology and dates related to Nazi atrocities to murder his victims. He arranges his victim in a ritualistic pose and also leaves behind a Hindu swastika in the murder scene.
The victims are not ordinary people – they are, in fact, some of the most powerful and corrupt – needless to say dangerous men.
Is this the work of Hindu fanatic or is some conspiracy afoot!
Against the killer stands Bala – the best agent in Intelligence Bureau (India), and his protégé Maksud. Bala is something of a super agent but he could not be more different from James Bond. Frail, thin, short and bespectacled – Bala’s biggest asset is his brain. I felt that the author has created Bala as the stereotyped version of the Tamil Brahmin. Having said this, I found Bala to be the most fascinating character – I am not revealing anything more should you want to read it.
Later the duo would be joined by a German police detective, Michael Andler.
Anyways, the story takes us on a journey across Berlin, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Delhi, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The killer carries out his deadly games across countries and even manages to kill a German general in a NATO camp.
The author has included enough ingredients to make an engrossing thriller – human trafficking, Neo-Nazis, the Mossad,Taliban training camps, the ISI of Pakistan, Pakistani war lords, patriotic Indian prisoners, an Indian crime lord who claims to be a patriot and defender of Hindus, police- organized crime nexus and what not!
I enjoyed the author’s description of Mumbai. When there is Mumbai – the infamous Mumbai underworld has to be there. The depiction of Old Delhi was also good.
Another interesting character is Tara – a top Indian actress who is Maksud’s friend and has associations with certain dangerous men.
The mystery and suspense was good. There were twists, red herrings, misdirection and some action as well. I found a part of the plot a bit difficult to digest though.
I felt that the writing needed some editing. Some of the imageries could be improved or best be done away with. The reader knew that Bala was a genius – there was no need to keep reiterating the fact again and again.
The romance scenes between Tara and Maksud were too filmy i.e. typical of what is shown in Indian movies. Oh! Tara’s behavior in a police station reminded me of Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. I was intrigued and finished it pretty quickly. I could even partly guess the answer to the mystery. I would like to see Bala in more books but I hope that those would be better than this one.
This book is just meant for entertainment – don’t expect too much. If you want to kill some time with a thriller then you might want to give this book a try.
I am giving a book a rating of 2.5 which I have to round off to 3.
Before I begin the review please allow me to speak a few words about the Swastika. For thousands of years – long before this sacred symbol had been usurped by Hitler - the swastika has been one of the holiest symbols in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism as well. In India, the swastika can be found in temples, business establishments, households, vehicles and always used in all Hindu religious functions. In India, the swastika symbolizes auspiciousness.
As the title suggests, the book is about a killer who uses Hindu mythology and dates related to Nazi atrocities to murder his victims. He arranges his victim in a ritualistic pose and also leaves behind a Hindu swastika in the murder scene.
The victims are not ordinary people – they are, in fact, some of the most powerful and corrupt – needless to say dangerous men.
Is this the work of Hindu fanatic or is some conspiracy afoot!
Against the killer stands Bala – the best agent in Intelligence Bureau (India), and his protégé Maksud. Bala is something of a super agent but he could not be more different from James Bond. Frail, thin, short and bespectacled – Bala’s biggest asset is his brain. I felt that the author has created Bala as the stereotyped version of the Tamil Brahmin. Having said this, I found Bala to be the most fascinating character – I am not revealing anything more should you want to read it.
Later the duo would be joined by a German police detective, Michael Andler.
Anyways, the story takes us on a journey across Berlin, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Delhi, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The killer carries out his deadly games across countries and even manages to kill a German general in a NATO camp.
The author has included enough ingredients to make an engrossing thriller – human trafficking, Neo-Nazis, the Mossad,Taliban training camps, the ISI of Pakistan, Pakistani war lords, patriotic Indian prisoners, an Indian crime lord who claims to be a patriot and defender of Hindus, police- organized crime nexus and what not!
I enjoyed the author’s description of Mumbai. When there is Mumbai – the infamous Mumbai underworld has to be there. The depiction of Old Delhi was also good.
Another interesting character is Tara – a top Indian actress who is Maksud’s friend and has associations with certain dangerous men.
The mystery and suspense was good. There were twists, red herrings, misdirection and some action as well. I found a part of the plot a bit difficult to digest though.
I felt that the writing needed some editing. Some of the imageries could be improved or best be done away with. The reader knew that Bala was a genius – there was no need to keep reiterating the fact again and again.
The romance scenes between Tara and Maksud were too filmy i.e. typical of what is shown in Indian movies. Oh! Tara’s behavior in a police station reminded me of Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. I was intrigued and finished it pretty quickly. I could even partly guess the answer to the mystery. I would like to see Bala in more books but I hope that those would be better than this one.
This book is just meant for entertainment – don’t expect too much. If you want to kill some time with a thriller then you might want to give this book a try.
I am giving a book a rating of 2.5 which I have to round off to 3.
April 29, 2017
The naked truth, the raw instinct, the real account of the dark side; be it human history, politics or sociology .... The Swastika Killer .. is a real killer. Jakhar nailed it. The low key attitude of an IB Officer, the horrific Nazi History or the Diplomatic Strategies, no stone has been left unturned by Jakhar . From Butcher of Banaras to this book.. Jakhar has come a long way. Foremost thing, the characters are very much real, not unnecessarily heroic. Darkness could not be described by anyone other than Jakhar. The raw description of the prostitution world, be it Western World or the East, shows how women are vulnerable when crisis arises. It proves again that PROSTITUTION is the oldest and biggest business since human race arrived on the earth. And the this market is never down. It's raw, it's naked, it's creepy, but at the same time, as Mario Puzo said, ' It's not personal, it's business" . Same goes for the war economy, the HYPOCRISY of the western world, in fact HYPOCRISY has a universal approach. Cannot be partial to our Indian Society and Political Scenario also. The spiritual aspect, the inner dilemma of the protagonist, his razor sharp intellect, his past, his present , his approach of life, to righteousness is finely penned down. The link and understanding between the Government and the Underworld, reminds me of the movie TAKSHAK , the description of underworld life and the attitude of Chhota Rajan towards "Naajism" is unparalleled . The best part of the story is its pragmatic view, it's not about the religion or caste or creed.. it's about the human thought process. The core of the human life ; how it becomes disturbed by the maladies, like epidemics or riots..or bomb blast.. or how personal agenda goes universal.. when personal becomes business and business becomes personal... this grey area is greatly depicted in this book. And the character Bala....nailed it..any South Indian will look for sambar rice even he is in a Spanish Buffet for example...undeniable fact. But at the same time we realise that Gender Bias is also a myth to certain extent. When need arises, it doesn't matter whom you are taking orders from. Efficiency, Intellect and Loyalty...and many more human qualities is not dependent on sexuality ..be it men, women or hermaphrodites . And the extensive account of Hindu Mythology and the Nazi History..... and the Mathematics..and the Philosophy behind it , is impressive. This book is one of the best Crime Thriller I have read so far. Way to go Jakhar.... waiting for your next venture eagerly. You are a Rockstar.
August 10, 2019
A crime thriller can hardly get a better opening than one received by this book. But slowly and slowly three things happened:
1. The story became more and more filmy, switching between Bollywood B movies and 'The Departed' or 'LA Confidential', without their sleekness.
2. Every chapter ended with "If only they knew..." or "He/She/They have gone through... " or some other epitome of bad writing.
3. The characters became ludicrous and flimsy, revealing everything while trying to throw red-herrings most painstakingly. And the sheer amount of 'writhing bodies' are bound to get some sort of Raspberry award for this book.
By the time the novel ended, I was literally reeling under pathetic writing and plots with gigantic loopholes. It ruined the masterly fusion of Nazi history and Navagraha concept that had been achieved during the first few chapters.
Two stars for those first few chapters. Otherwise, I wouldn't like to recommend this book.
1. The story became more and more filmy, switching between Bollywood B movies and 'The Departed' or 'LA Confidential', without their sleekness.
2. Every chapter ended with "If only they knew..." or "He/She/They have gone through... " or some other epitome of bad writing.
3. The characters became ludicrous and flimsy, revealing everything while trying to throw red-herrings most painstakingly. And the sheer amount of 'writhing bodies' are bound to get some sort of Raspberry award for this book.
By the time the novel ended, I was literally reeling under pathetic writing and plots with gigantic loopholes. It ruined the masterly fusion of Nazi history and Navagraha concept that had been achieved during the first few chapters.
Two stars for those first few chapters. Otherwise, I wouldn't like to recommend this book.
August 10, 2021
This is the kind of book that has a storyline that keeps you turning the pages very quickly to know more. It has a very wide scope, moving as it does from Berlin to India to Afghanistan and Pakistan, involving multiple intelligence agencies, international politics and significant historical events.
A killer is on the prowl with a calling card as the Swastika. Heading the hunt for him is the totally unassuming Bala from the Indian intelligence bureau. From Nazi history to Hindu mythology,a lot of interesting elements have been synced up to make this story. The details and importance of the planetary positions and the Navagrahas in Hinduism being connected to events of importance during WW2 was well done.
It's good to read a thriller of this magnitude by an Indian author who has obviously researched these facts very well. The writing is very simple and there are some occasions when you have to suspend disbelief especially when it comes to the working of the higher echelons of power and the various security agencies.
The book has some gratuitous scenes which seem to have no purpose and add nothing to the value of the plot except maybe a bit of titillation! They seem to just pop up out of nowhere like they were added as an afterthought in the middle of all the action!
Overall, I thought it is a good read for the story.
A killer is on the prowl with a calling card as the Swastika. Heading the hunt for him is the totally unassuming Bala from the Indian intelligence bureau. From Nazi history to Hindu mythology,a lot of interesting elements have been synced up to make this story. The details and importance of the planetary positions and the Navagrahas in Hinduism being connected to events of importance during WW2 was well done.
It's good to read a thriller of this magnitude by an Indian author who has obviously researched these facts very well. The writing is very simple and there are some occasions when you have to suspend disbelief especially when it comes to the working of the higher echelons of power and the various security agencies.
The book has some gratuitous scenes which seem to have no purpose and add nothing to the value of the plot except maybe a bit of titillation! They seem to just pop up out of nowhere like they were added as an afterthought in the middle of all the action!
Overall, I thought it is a good read for the story.
July 6, 2017
First of all, I really liked the authors first book "butcher of banares". The way he has depicted Kashi was interesting.
Writer has depicted old Delhi and Mumbai in similar style, particularly the red light area in G B road Delhi. This shows , the author has done lot of research for this book.
Plot moves in good pace from one murder to another, though at times it seems loosing some tract, the book doesn't bore you.
Lots of real life incident and person are intertwined in the plot. It shows the authors intelligence in using them the very best possible way to keep it interesting.
Though in the end one can guess the murderer, the writer has have kept the mystery covered with some simple detailing.
Use of simple languages and no grammatical gimmicks make this book easy to ready through. Apart from the usual way of Indian writers depiction of Tamil Brahmins, you can't find any flaws in the book.
I would give 3.5 stars (rounding up to 4) for hard work done by the author. I would recommend this book for killing time for the pleasure of fiction, mystery and world war history.
Writer has depicted old Delhi and Mumbai in similar style, particularly the red light area in G B road Delhi. This shows , the author has done lot of research for this book.
Plot moves in good pace from one murder to another, though at times it seems loosing some tract, the book doesn't bore you.
Lots of real life incident and person are intertwined in the plot. It shows the authors intelligence in using them the very best possible way to keep it interesting.
Though in the end one can guess the murderer, the writer has have kept the mystery covered with some simple detailing.
Use of simple languages and no grammatical gimmicks make this book easy to ready through. Apart from the usual way of Indian writers depiction of Tamil Brahmins, you can't find any flaws in the book.
I would give 3.5 stars (rounding up to 4) for hard work done by the author. I would recommend this book for killing time for the pleasure of fiction, mystery and world war history.
July 29, 2017
A very well researched and carefully crafted book. Worth the length. Keeps you engrossed. Await more from Jakhar
May 8, 2018
A good thriller. Could have been shorter.
April 29, 2018
A serial killer is on the prowl and his killings have a strange method to their madness - The day coincidences to signify sacrifice to the Navagrahas, as well as the date pointing to a grim event in Nazi history. IB chief Bala with his deputy chases the clues, however they prove to be nothing more than crumbs that the killer has left in his trail deliberately.
Read for a mystery thriller that keeps you guessing till the end. And a mind blowing end.
Read for a mystery thriller that keeps you guessing till the end. And a mind blowing end.
December 1, 2017
What a thrilling book
goosebumps. a must read. go for it. u wouldn't regret. very mature writing and vocabulary used is vast. tv series should be made on it.
goosebumps. a must read. go for it. u wouldn't regret. very mature writing and vocabulary used is vast. tv series should be made on it.
November 16, 2017
Very well researched book. The plot is well woven around 4 protagonists and across three countries.
The book holds your attention till almost 70-75% of the story, thereafter the narrative appears confused. Suddenly there are almost 4-5 chapters dedicated to the connection between Bilaal, Maksud and Tara. It just makes you lose interest. This part could have been included in the book in a more subtle way at the start itself. It would have definately added to the intrigue.
The centre figure of this book is Bala. But somehow you feel that the author has not given much thought to building up the character that is Bala. He is suddenly respected across different intelligence agencies and the backdrop for the same is covered in like one paragraph narratives. Compare that with the space and time given to Tara , Bilal and Maksud and it sure is a give away to any lover of mystery.
The part where Michael gets involved with the three above is so hurriedly covered that it almost feels like an after thought.
Frankly the book held me till 300 or so pages and then I was basically going through the motions to complete. The flow was missing in the story.
Finally I have a bone to pick with the author. I want to know how and why in the entire scheme of things did the portrayal of abject poverty and filth in India add to the storyline? I can understand the Delhi part where he describes the red light area. But there is a part in the book when Bala and Co. are heading to meet Chota Rajan and the author has taken his own sweet time and effort to describe a child defecating and flies and a woman sitting next to him doing something with eatables. How does this help the narrative? Could have spent that much space on building up Bala..!! In contrast he describes the plush side of Mumbai like Juhu in just two sentences by describing 3 BHK houses. I just did not see the point of those details.
3 stars for me. Will be definately giving his earlier book a read though solely because his plots appear good.
The book holds your attention till almost 70-75% of the story, thereafter the narrative appears confused. Suddenly there are almost 4-5 chapters dedicated to the connection between Bilaal, Maksud and Tara. It just makes you lose interest. This part could have been included in the book in a more subtle way at the start itself. It would have definately added to the intrigue.
The centre figure of this book is Bala. But somehow you feel that the author has not given much thought to building up the character that is Bala. He is suddenly respected across different intelligence agencies and the backdrop for the same is covered in like one paragraph narratives. Compare that with the space and time given to Tara , Bilal and Maksud and it sure is a give away to any lover of mystery.
The part where Michael gets involved with the three above is so hurriedly covered that it almost feels like an after thought.
Frankly the book held me till 300 or so pages and then I was basically going through the motions to complete. The flow was missing in the story.
Finally I have a bone to pick with the author. I want to know how and why in the entire scheme of things did the portrayal of abject poverty and filth in India add to the storyline? I can understand the Delhi part where he describes the red light area. But there is a part in the book when Bala and Co. are heading to meet Chota Rajan and the author has taken his own sweet time and effort to describe a child defecating and flies and a woman sitting next to him doing something with eatables. How does this help the narrative? Could have spent that much space on building up Bala..!! In contrast he describes the plush side of Mumbai like Juhu in just two sentences by describing 3 BHK houses. I just did not see the point of those details.
3 stars for me. Will be definately giving his earlier book a read though solely because his plots appear good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2020
The Swastika.. the symbol of plentifulness in Hinduism was adopted by Hitler as a symbol for his Third Reich. And the horrors it unfolded....
It's 2006, the year of the Mumbai train serial blasts, the Swastika re-appears again.... On bodies mutilated beyond recognition. They have a pattern that encompasses Berlin, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Afghanistan and Pakistan and only one man stands in the way of solving it.
The man who sees all and hears all, Bala.
An intriguing tale that literally takes you through the alleys of prostituion, drug-dealers, smuggling, terrorism in all 5 countries, through human emotions and the Talibani regime.
A book so thoroughly and intricately woven with facts, fiction and real-life characters that it gets tough to not be lost in the world and feel their pain....
(I have personally met men like Bala who choose to stand in the line of fire not with a gun but with a brain... I have met people who taught the principle, "Your mind is your biggest weapon. If that works, nothing else needs to...")
It's 2006, the year of the Mumbai train serial blasts, the Swastika re-appears again.... On bodies mutilated beyond recognition. They have a pattern that encompasses Berlin, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Afghanistan and Pakistan and only one man stands in the way of solving it.
The man who sees all and hears all, Bala.
An intriguing tale that literally takes you through the alleys of prostituion, drug-dealers, smuggling, terrorism in all 5 countries, through human emotions and the Talibani regime.
A book so thoroughly and intricately woven with facts, fiction and real-life characters that it gets tough to not be lost in the world and feel their pain....
(I have personally met men like Bala who choose to stand in the line of fire not with a gun but with a brain... I have met people who taught the principle, "Your mind is your biggest weapon. If that works, nothing else needs to...")
April 10, 2020
Giving this book a 3.5 STAR RATING. The story started off in quite a thrill and it was not so easy to put down. The suspense did intrigue me but towards the second half it started getting draggy. Making me lose interest at some point, I had to skim read a few pages. The author sometimes writes too much for minute details. I get it that creative writing is to creative describe something petty in a few lines but this was getting nowhere and it was boring to read on.
But if you love crime/thriller, then you may give this book a go. 485 pages long but it’s really an easy read as the grammar and proses are easily read.
Apart from going too wordy here and there, it’s a good read. I’d give 3.5 Stars overall for the storyline, writing etc.
It’s always a pleasure to read books by Indian authors.
But if you love crime/thriller, then you may give this book a go. 485 pages long but it’s really an easy read as the grammar and proses are easily read.
Apart from going too wordy here and there, it’s a good read. I’d give 3.5 Stars overall for the storyline, writing etc.
It’s always a pleasure to read books by Indian authors.
March 5, 2018
More like a 3.5. This is a good thriller which involved some major plots happening on the international scale. The author was able to capture the reader's attention for the most part of the book and it was a well-researched book w.r.t. the depictions of some of the areas of Mumbai and New Delhi.
The story is all about an intelligence officer of the Intelligence Bureau (IB, India). They deal with a mysterious serial killer who mischievously follows the officer and his protege all around the globe and challenging him on various occasions. In each occasion, the killer targets high profile men who are way up in the hierarchy and contribute to the terrorism, drugs and else. The story is all about how the IB officer nabs the killer finally and averts a major disaster.
The story is all about an intelligence officer of the Intelligence Bureau (IB, India). They deal with a mysterious serial killer who mischievously follows the officer and his protege all around the globe and challenging him on various occasions. In each occasion, the killer targets high profile men who are way up in the hierarchy and contribute to the terrorism, drugs and else. The story is all about how the IB officer nabs the killer finally and averts a major disaster.
April 27, 2020
Its another very well written book and Kudos to the author....no wonder he has the panache to weave roller coaster and hi octane thrillers.....I guess it started excellently and details about Berlins underground system and Fuhrer and gory crimes committed by Nazis were dug up from the archives very well...hats off to Sri Jakhar..I found him no less than Bala himself....however towards the later period I found it a tad too dragging and showcasing Andler & Maksud as devil incarnate was a little off the mark....i guess Sir lost the plot and stitched the loose ends....towards the end my head was spinning ....getting Ashfaq Kayani, Condi Rice and Gates towards the climax was off target in my opinion....I guess the end could have been much better.......anyways I loved the trivia throughout...
June 24, 2022
The book covers almost all kind if thrilong experiences, murders of several tycoons, politics, and brought all channels in one frame. Started with murders goes to history of Nazis and Jews then connection to Hinduism of pleasing Navgrahas : Sun, Moon, Mangal, Budhh, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu, Ketu.
Not only connection to Navgrahas but importance of days to Our Bhagwaans as Tuesday is donated to Hanuman Ji. And then the story travels to Germany, Amsterdam, India, USA, Afghanistan, China, Pakistan with an endless connections of benefits, businesses, International politics and more important thing is Talibanis worst rule against Women of Afghan.
In overall, this book is a masterpiece. Every single character plays the role in a decent manner and yeah we can connect the story to real world.
Not only connection to Navgrahas but importance of days to Our Bhagwaans as Tuesday is donated to Hanuman Ji. And then the story travels to Germany, Amsterdam, India, USA, Afghanistan, China, Pakistan with an endless connections of benefits, businesses, International politics and more important thing is Talibanis worst rule against Women of Afghan.
In overall, this book is a masterpiece. Every single character plays the role in a decent manner and yeah we can connect the story to real world.
September 25, 2017
The Swastika Killer brings Hinduism and Nazism together. The author has cleverly mad use of navagrahas existent in Hinduism and the dates corresponding to the World War II. The pace is thrilling, and the main characters themselves turn out to be the masterminds. I learnt a lot about Hindu temples in Germany, so that was something I'd never thought about. Also, being a South Indian myself, i greatly adore Bala who is also a Tamilian like me! Bala again proved to the world that South Indians are one of the brainiest Indians. Overall, a book worth reading a second time!
July 6, 2018
Really , this rating...?
The author mentions that original draft was more than twice the printed version...
I think its still more in page and length...WHY I need to club all issues I know in world and weave a story ...why to pour all knowledge and make story to bulky ...
Nazi, taliban, drugs , prostitution ....ALL...
Why only main protagonist is the only brain in the above world ...who knows all
the book ends as : It never happened,
I wished this book never happened for me too...
(If i happen to read such books, may be I will stop reading fiction all together )
The author mentions that original draft was more than twice the printed version...
I think its still more in page and length...WHY I need to club all issues I know in world and weave a story ...why to pour all knowledge and make story to bulky ...
Nazi, taliban, drugs , prostitution ....ALL...
Why only main protagonist is the only brain in the above world ...who knows all
the book ends as : It never happened,
I wished this book never happened for me too...
(If i happen to read such books, may be I will stop reading fiction all together )
July 31, 2018
Undoubtedly an amazing book. I just loved the way the author has put the story which is over many years and countries but it sticks altogether.
At 497 pages it might appear long but it is not. Once you start reading you will be immersed in the story. There are not many characters and the important ones have been given ample introduction and you can create a physical frame of them in your mind. Locations have been explained beautifully.
Overall a racy and action packed thriller !!
According to me this is one of the strongest contender for a TV Series and I hope to see it one day !!
At 497 pages it might appear long but it is not. Once you start reading you will be immersed in the story. There are not many characters and the important ones have been given ample introduction and you can create a physical frame of them in your mind. Locations have been explained beautifully.
Overall a racy and action packed thriller !!
According to me this is one of the strongest contender for a TV Series and I hope to see it one day !!
December 12, 2018
Religious fanaticism, Nazi connections, underworld mafias, prostitution kingdoms, Taliban, ISI, IB, murders.... All the right ingredients for a perfect, engaging thriller. But, for me, this book somehow failed to deliver.
The narrative is extremely slow paced, almost a bit of a bore at times. Well researched and written, definitely, but loads unnecessary info heaped on to pages that just kills the momentum, as soon as it picks up. Doing away with a 100 odd pages would've maintained good pace and made it more engaging to read.
Interesting read, nevertheless.
The narrative is extremely slow paced, almost a bit of a bore at times. Well researched and written, definitely, but loads unnecessary info heaped on to pages that just kills the momentum, as soon as it picks up. Doing away with a 100 odd pages would've maintained good pace and made it more engaging to read.
Interesting read, nevertheless.
December 31, 2018
Clever.Intriguing
Bala holds his own class in the global intelligence he has networks all over that can work under his circumstances. Killer by his vengeance initiated his plan on massacring crime lords by adding swastika and navagraha for his own amazement. As kilelr is thinks he/she is invincible there comes bala in the scene and exploits him to get right into the trap. Its the words and connection to the mythology that is intriguing and its mesmerizing by getting to last chapter
Thank you &Be happy
Bala holds his own class in the global intelligence he has networks all over that can work under his circumstances. Killer by his vengeance initiated his plan on massacring crime lords by adding swastika and navagraha for his own amazement. As kilelr is thinks he/she is invincible there comes bala in the scene and exploits him to get right into the trap. Its the words and connection to the mythology that is intriguing and its mesmerizing by getting to last chapter
Thank you &Be happy
February 13, 2019
A long lengthy book which does tell us a lot about symbolism incorporating the histories of Nazi Germany and the religion and terrorist attempts of India.
The author has done immense research and tried to incorporate all of it into this book about serial killings using the swastika symbol.
The result is a book, interesting in parts, jumbled up by information overload in other parts.
The author tried to do a Dan Brown but the result is like a whodunnit movie script at which he is adept.
The author has done immense research and tried to incorporate all of it into this book about serial killings using the swastika symbol.
The result is a book, interesting in parts, jumbled up by information overload in other parts.
The author tried to do a Dan Brown but the result is like a whodunnit movie script at which he is adept.
August 2, 2017
Interesting and must read
Interesting plot with balanced twists and turns. Felt like watching a blockbuster movie. Will recommend as a must read for everyone. Liked the way it was connected to Hindu mythology.
Interesting plot with balanced twists and turns. Felt like watching a blockbuster movie. Will recommend as a must read for everyone. Liked the way it was connected to Hindu mythology.
September 4, 2017
good book. well researched. it starts off with a bang but somewhere in the middle it meanders and looses steam to again pick up some thrill towards the end. could have been 100 pages shorter with a tighter story line. the connections between Hindu Mythology and Nazi History is done well.
December 25, 2017
Absolute horse manure from start to finish that makes the usual Dan Brown book look like something from John Le Carré. I have no idea how this is getting raves from everyone else. The author should stick to writing trashy screenplays for Bollywood.
April 29, 2018
Riveting and thrillling story
Begging was very gud. Gud knowledge of Indian astrology , cruelty inflicted by nazi' s on jews , Indian symbology is used in this book.
It's a mish mash of lot of things. You will be glued to it to know about then end.
Begging was very gud. Gud knowledge of Indian astrology , cruelty inflicted by nazi' s on jews , Indian symbology is used in this book.
It's a mish mash of lot of things. You will be glued to it to know about then end.
May 15, 2018
Great read history well blended with today's terror attacks
Was absorbing and interesting with lot ofhindu mythology and beliefs blended with events of current times and German Nazi movement
Was absorbing and interesting with lot ofhindu mythology and beliefs blended with events of current times and German Nazi movement
May 16, 2017
For a new author very well written. Very gripping till the end. Only drawback was really long and lot of repetition. The last few chapters get you back in the book. Gr8 one time read
June 18, 2017
Nice thriller, keeps you guessing till the end. I would give a 4.5..
December 9, 2017
A good read. But i find Bala, the lead character way too overrated. There were many powerful statements made by the author to describe Bala. Yet, i couldn't find anything that matched the statements.
January 24, 2019
A good gripping book and a perfect read for the occassional weekend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews