It was strange how old memories suddenly flash-bulbed in the mind, flickered for one brilliant moment, and were just as soon lost in oblivion.
Para 4, page 19, Shadow in the mirror by deepti menon
Does the above line resonate with a distant memory that just came flashing in your mind only to be forgotten in an instant? If yes, then I am sure, you are going to love this book: Shadow In The Mirror by author Deepti Menon. You ask me why? Because, the author has beautifully weaved a story, bringing in the poetic effect for this psychological thriller genre.
Yes, you heard me right! It’s a psychological thriller! One of my favorite genres too!
Shadow In The Mirror: A Thrilling Quest for Redemption is a book that will keep you hooked right from the beginning and leave you astounded in the ended, making you wonder about the complex nature of human beings.
THE PLOT
The story begins with Nita, a pregnant women who falls off from her balcony on 12th floor. Nita is dead now and her death has cast a shadow over her heartbroken father and devastated husband. Terming as a suicide, life tries to takeover the father and husband’s life, when Vinny, the journalist receives a note saying, “Nita Did Not Commit Suicide! She Was Murdered!”
Vinny who finds herself drawn to the whiff of foul play and murder, starts investigating from where it all began – Nita’s father’s house. The story begins to spin, revealing more stories within of broken and mended souls, some splintered relationships and lives intertwined by fate and destiny. As the book progresses, we unravel the past and present of the characters from 1950 to 1990s, that takes us through a kaleidoscope of myriad emotions, ever-green memories and pulsating hearts. The stories of characters like Krish, Roma, Kavita, Madhav and Sonia seamlessly blend into unison and form an unrelenting knot, each leading us to the truth behind Nita’s death. Slowly and steadily, the book picks up a pace and takes the readers through a whirlwind of emotions, startling realities and delusions.
MY REVIEW:
As an avid reader who loves psychological thriller, I found the plot of this book very interesting. Deepti’s writing style is unique and flawless that keeps the readers hooked to this book. The dialogues are crisp and captures the emotions like fear, malice, anger, guilt and curiosity effortlessly. The author has planned her plot really well and the conflicts of the characters are portrayed in brilliant manner. The one-page poems that bind the story are placed at the correct places, adding to the well paced and effective narration.
The author has not only introduced a mélange of personalities, but also has narrated their story with utmost details and authenticity. The cover page is spooky and mysterious. The red bindi and piercing eyes too find a page in the book, revealing how certain personalities can scar your life forever.
Deepti’s characters are all strong-willed, yet their vulnerability is what makes this fictional piece seem like a reality. The women characters of this book are all confident, yet the underlying need to seek approval from their spouses or society around is subtly portrayed. The author also brings out various issues like mental disorders, self-esteem and child-psychology through her writing and leaves it at her reader’s disposal.
However, there are too many characters flitting in and out which makes the narration longer. Personally, I feel few characters like Meghna and Roma could be avoided as their story doesn’t lead us to the mystery of Nita’s death nor make an impact. I also felt as if there were some inconsistencies in the timeline and too much of a drag in the narrative at some places, which makes the narrative less engaging at times.
However, if you have watched and liked the movie – Orphan, you shall definitely like this book. The Shadows in the Mirror are definitely here to stay and haunt you. Now, if you ask me, if I recommend it – my answer would be a DEFINITE YES!
You may want to buy the book here.
Book Name: Shadow in the Mirror
Author: Deepti Menon
Genre: Fiction – Psychological Thriller
Category: Indian Writing, Contemporary Fiction
Publisher: Readomania- an initiative that nurtures emerging stars of the literary world
Year of publishing: 2016
Cover Design: Geetali Baruah
Readability: Easy
Overall book verdict: 4.7/5
Please note that the opinions expressed in this post are my personal views after reading the book. I received this book as a part of the BOOK REVIEW PROGRAM from Blogchatter.
I really love such suspense and gripping story, and this plot seems really intresting. I will surely get my copy to read this..
Thank you so much, Ruchie! I would love to know what you think after you read my book! 🙂
Yes Ruchie, you can find the link to purchase right at the end of this review.
The story pot seems griping. I am a thriller fan. The cover page is also very appealing and that big red binds compliments the title and the story.
Alpana, I often wonder what I will do if I suddenly meet the mysterious lady with a big bindi on the road! 🙂 I love the cover im age myself… thanks to Readomania and Geetali Baruah.
Yes Alpana, the red bindi and the piercing eyes of the lady does capture a reader’s attention.
The story line sounds intriguing. I would definitely love to pick up a copy of this one though i don’t enjoy this genre so much😊
Thank you, Urvi! I do hope you enjoy my story, even if the genre is not a favourite! 🙂
That’s great Urvi, do pick this book. Maybe you fall in love with this genre from hereon!
Was planning to read a good thriller for quite sometime. This one looks interesting. thanks for the review, shall check out.
Thank you, bytetrails! I do hope you enjoy the read. 🙂
Yes do check this book out. The link is given at the end of the review.
Thriller books makes you sit on the edge of the seat, this book looks like that. You have given very good pointers in your review.
Meenal, this review by Amritha is really apt. I do hope my book makes you sit on the edge of your seat.
Now you have enticed me enough to read this book at the earliest buddy, so loved your thorough review.
Roma, Amritha’s review is really thorough and apt. I do hope you enjoy my book as well.
Though I am not a much fan of psychological thriller stories but this one sounds really interesting to me. thanks a lot dear for sharing your honest and crisp review. I really liked that you had observed tiny details ( mention of two characters that did not seem much required for you) with us. it makes review really crisp.
Thank you, Dr. Surbhi! Amritha has done my book a favour through her crisp and analytical review. I do hope you enjoy the read.
I loved your balanced review of this book! It indeed sounds intriguing and as a fan of psychological thrillers I’ll add it to my TBR.
I would love to know what you think of my book, Varsh! 🙂
The plot is interesting. Writing a psychological thriller is challenging, looking at your review, I am going to read this one soon.
I would love to know what you think of my book, Ujjwal Mishra! 🙂
I like reading intriguing books. And this one appears to have a lot of thrills. I haven’t read a thriller in some time, so will check this out.
I love thriller and this is going to be on my #TBR list for the coming month as I am already reading one. The narrative is so intriguing and gripping that I am eager to have a copy now .
I love good thrillers and mystery. The books story looks interesting, but I usually don’t like long and winding narration. Will check the book to decide.
Suddenly a wave of nostalgia swept over me when I read the title..
It reminded me of Sidney Sheldon’s stranger in the mirror..would love to check what this book is all about. Good review.
The book sounds really interesting and captures the imagination of the reader. I think the plot ensures that the book is read in one go. I do think the book would be an interesting read.
Thriller be it psychological or murder, I love it in al forms. The blurb of the book is very interesting and I really liked the way you reviewed it
Psychological thriller is my favorite genre too. I was thinking about reading and reviewing this book. After reading your review I feel I should just go ahead and my copy.
Dear imagemakeover, I would love to know what you think after you read my book. Thank you so much! 🙂
the plot sounds interesting to me too. I will check this out online, I am quite intrigued now to read this one.
Wow that is such a compelling story line and I am sure keeps you gripped till the end. Would love to catch up on this.
The book sounds really interesting and captures the imagination of the reader. I think I have to give it a shot.
I have not read a thriller for many days now and this is exactly the kind of book I would love to read ! I also like the cover design of Shadow in the mirror. Thanks for the review !
Wow, your rating is saying everything. I love reading thriller stories . Would love to give this a try .
I love to read intriguing books…and your review is nicely plotted..thanks for sharing your honest review with us..
The plot sounds really interesting. Though I usually read self-help books or books on spirituality, this one can be good change. Thank you for this review.
I read this book a few days back and I have to say it was the best thriller reads in a long time. I absolutely love the plot of the book also your review does absolute justice to how well the book is written
Taranpreet, thank you for that wonderful comment. You made my day! 🙂
What an interesting review this is and it has intrigued my interest now. Looks like my weekend read is sorted. Thank you for this recommendation.
Orphan is one of my most liked movies. I am surely going to read this book, being an avid lover of psychological thriller.
Thriller and suspense have been my favorite genre and I really enjoy reading such books as its keeps me at the edge of the chair. Your reviews makes me want to get this book and give it a read soon.
Amazing book review…the book seems interesting, i would love to read this books . 📚