Scar on the Moon Paperback – Import, 12 April 2023

The novel has unique proposition and holds a promising entertainment for crime and murder mystery readers. Chandrika’s characterization is a stand-alone factor that makes the novel gripping and unputdownable till the last line. An amazing read, it deserved to be heard in optimum light of praise.

The novel follows the life of Chandrika, an able police sub inspector in Himachal Pradesh police department. She is posted at Shimla, the place where she will be solving her life’s first and major murder case. If you are with the book since the first page, I am sure her family roots will astonish, especially her childhood stories. The fact is that she is dark. A dark woman! That fact repeatedly subjects her to remarks from her mother and other people.Her investigative skills begin first with some guys chasing and taking secret pictures of one famous model Varunika. That part is engrossing. But later on Varunika’s husband is killed, the spiral of doubt becomes deep and she begins her chase for proofs and weapon and motive. The novel isn’t a typical murder or crime thriller, it has edges of its own and charts out on a territory way unconventional. Light, readable, and lovely. In one word – impressive.

A terrific crime thriller novel with a tinge of altruistic elements! The novel features Chandrika as its protagonist. She is dark – her mother and society sneers at her. In the Indian social culture, being a dark woman is a matter of concern for parents and marriage. Chandrika’s sweeps of childhood and family history is interesting. On Professional side, she is a Sub Inspector in Shimla. She investigates the case of 3 harassers of Varunika, the model, whom she admires. The novel shifts its gear when the husband of the model is murdered. She takes a dive deep in the resort and the web of lies and motives not only befuddles her but compels her to fight for justice over duty. The thrill elements are maintained brilliantly, you will not be able to guess the culprit till the last page. A terrific page turner with an absolute supporting backdrop of Shimla! Loved the writing style, the way a crime thriller is delivered.

The story centers around Chandrika, a robust police officer in the cadre of Himachal Pradesh Police Force. She came from tribal roots, she is dark skinned and rough unlike other soft women. She has no affront love story. Living an aloof life in Shimla with police duty on her hands. The first half of the novel narrates her birth, upbringing, and family pressure on a dark woman and blah…blah…The other side of the novel is about Varunika, a famous ravishing model. Varunika’s husband Hardik is murdered. Since Chandrika is influenced by the model and wished to look like her, she is initially soft at investigation. However, the guilt within her inspires to solve it completely. In addition to that Chandrika was pissed off by her senior police officers, they were not only shallow with justice but also careless about their duty. Chandrika slowly and gradually connects the dots and reaches to the criminal transcending the bedlam of resort…but the past life of the model and Hardik jolts her.

The story alternates between Chandrika’s memories of school and early life with parents, and her current posting as a police inspector in Shimla. All long-lived and short-lived characters are fully fleshed out, portrayed so meticulously that the characterization neither went shallow nor too detailed. The characters are strong and relatable. I liked the protagonist Chandrika. Dark and honest. I didn’t root for others but Gridhari, Ravi, and Saransh, and the helping team of the model Varunika shined in their limited time. Hardik is important but remained a passive link in the mystery. He is murdered? Who did and why – fills the rest of the narration! Pick it up, a heartwarming read. I just loved its endings and twists and turns!

Using dialogue and lucid prose narrative, the author cleverly takes the main murder mystery plot forward. The writing is concise, fast-paced, everything was under control. No need of unnecessary detailing of each character. Lovely work, indeed a nice police cop story. Throughout the novel the mystery was well-maintained and the twists and turns are hard to protect. You could picture out the snow-laden Shimla through the power of words. With taking the lead character dark, the book also does a phenomenal job of portraying the dark side of the society.

The characters of chandrika and varunika girdhari were well developed and interesting to read. The novel sheds light on many important topics specifically on racism. The book is written in a simple language and narration and is very fast paced.

This novel reveals colorism problem in society. How people are passionate about color. Apart from that VIP culture in Police...Perfect mfasturder planning etc. It is fast pace novel to travel so many things..