Book Review #40 : Checkmate

Author: Hrishikesh Joshi

Publisher: Leadstart 

Published: March 2015

Pages: 158

A well written book with an enthralling plot. It has all that is needed to make a book engaging: a handsome protagonist, an antihero and lots and lots of suspense. The book is a cliff-hanger right till the very end.

A pulse-pounding thriller from an emerging author, 'Checkmate' doesn't waste any time before it jumps straight into the action. The hijacking of the plane and the subsequent efforts of the Indian intelligence agency RAW to resolve the situation forms the core of the book's conflict, while unseen forces work in the shadows towards an extraordinary master-plan.

The story is fast-paced and suspenseful, and the end filled with unexpected twists and turns. Consisting of well-defined characters and plenty of action, this is a must read for any fan of thrillers! 

Checkmate can be seen as a daring first attempt by Hrishikesh Joshi. This is a entertaining light read. It stands at nearly 150 pages of drama among Indian government, IB, RAW and the terrorists. 

The title 'Checkmate' suggests moves and counter moves, and one expects a gruelling tale of calculated/miscalculated steps. The background into a life of a terrorist, a RAW agent and even a judge is a nice touch. The twist at the end of the book and few characters strongly reminded me of the movie 'The Wednesday'.

The plot setting is crisp. At no point does the reader feel bored or wish to skip forward. I had expected the story to end on a familiar note until, the author got an unusual twist. The twist is unexpected and really makes you read it again to understand where the story changed lines.

CHECKMATE belongs to the espionage- thriller genre. Apart from its gripping plot, the novel has undertones that strongly warn against the horrors of misguided passions and religious fanaticism. Through the nuances of its characters, this novel professes a prolonged argument for freedom of thought, open mindedness and tolerance. This book also portrays characters which show courage to follow their dreams, revealing the beautiful vistas that lie upon following the passions of one’s heart.

Overall, a good crime novel. Worth a read. For an upcoming, budding author it is very brave to come up with such a gripping plot. A really first-rate straightforward as well as nippy charming paperback well worth a interpret!

Rating - 4/5

P.S: The book was received as part of Reviewers Programme on The Tales Pensieve.