Well, well, well, look what we have here. Mousebite by Ganesh Chaudhari isn’t just a crime thriller; it’s a rollercoaster ride through the streets of Mumbai that’ll leave you breathless and begging for more. Let’s dive into the review of the book Mousebite, shall we?
About The Book
Title: Mousebite
Author: Ganesh Chaudhari
Genre: Crime Thriller
Publisher: Notion Press
Type: Series
Pages: 224
Goodreads rating: 4.35/5
Engaging Crime Thriller with Mumbai’s Vibrant Backdrop
“Mousebite” is a gripping crime thriller set in the heart of the bustling city of Mumbai. Chaudhari’s Mousebite revolves around Pandurang Jagtap – a determined inspector of the Mumbai Police Force. In a city where action never ceases, murders and deaths are not big news. Therefore, when he and his partner, Ulhas Govasi, are assigned to their first murder case – an unassuming death on Mira Road, they do not think much of it. However, as the investigation begins and clues are analysed, the seemingly undermining footpath murder soon becomes a matter of national security. The inspectors find themselves in the middle of a dire conspiracy: A planned attack on their beloved city, far worse than the ones that had haunted the nation in 1993.
Jagtap, whose worries were simply limited to a possible transfer out of Mumbai, is thrown into the realms of the underworld as his further entanglement in the case leads him to the paths of gangsters, politicians, and the National Investigation Agency. With everything he knows on the line, including his safety and the ones he loves the most, Jagpat and his team must race against the clock to find the mastermind of the orchestrated events and save the city from its looming fate. The story weaves together murder investigations, political intrigue, and personal conflicts against the backdrop of Mumbai, building towards a high-stakes climax. Do read the book to find out more.
Book Review of Mousebite
Thrillers are not easy to write, contrary to the much pre-conceived that they are. They need the right amount of suspense, action, and mystery to keep readers on the edge.
Ganesh Chaudhari has done just that. With a perfect blend of action, mystery, and a pinch of Bollywood cliché-ness, Mousebite is an ideal read for someone looking for a quick thrill in its Indian elements.
Even before reading the novel, the first thing that caught my eye was the cover page. Although subtle in its detailing, it conveys a lot about the story. From the Mumbai cityscape in the background to the subtle layering of digital binary codes and a looming silhouette, the cover sets the tone for the novel, making readers anticipate what will come next.
The novel took me on an exciting journey. Written from the perspective of the protagonist, Pandurang Jagpat, readers get an essence of what goes on through the mind of a police officer. What made this novel so beautiful is the rawness of its characters and its accuracy to the Mumbaikar lifestyle.
Using colloquial terms and phrases throughout the book, Chaudhari does not sugarcoat his characters or settings. What struck me the most was the neutrality maintained while introducing characters. Chaudhari chose to present them rather than showcase them in a biased light from the get-go. The flaws within the characters, the system, and the city reflect authentic Mumbai, a city of dreams and dangers.
Link to buy Mousebite by Ganesh Chaudhari :
Written in 36 chapters – each alternating between Jagpat’s perceptive, third-person accounts of governmental officials and the perpetrators themselves – the author gives ample context while leaving enough space for us readers to brace for the next chapter. It was also interesting to note Chaudhari’s attention to detail. It is an element often overlooked in novels, from the name of vehicles to the procedure of specific actions and medical terminologies. He can paint the picture he wants the readers to see.
The usage of Mumbai as the backdrop for this adrenaline-inducing story is perfect. It makes me realise that a setting is entirely subjective and can be seen differently through varying perspectives. Jagpat, a true Mumbaikar by heart, sees his city as a life form. Readers travel to Jagpat’s Mumbai through Chaudhari’s beautiful descriptions. The city warps itself to fit the emotional state of its characters and becomes fitting for any situation present. From the upbeat and lively Daradar to Dharavi’s narrow, dim streets, the author makes the best use of the electric city.
The book successfully captured the Indian essence, but occasionally it leaned towards Bollywood clichés. While the Indian elements were nice, they sometimes overshadowed the excitement. Some parts of the story were easy to predict, and certain things felt overused, which made the plot somewhat familiar.
The conversations between characters were sometimes difficult to follow as detailing often got in between the flow of action. While I liked how the author presented his characters rather than showing them, I feel the same could have been done for the story.
Furthermore, the choice of narrative perspective, particularly relying heavily on Jagpat’s narration, could be re-evaluated.
Nevertheless, using clever dialogues and honest characterisation, Mousebite gives readers a conventional novel with a refreshingly new perspective.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling novel with a slight tinge of Bollywood. If you like the works of authors like Robin Cook or stories like the Jason Bourne series – this book is perfect for you.
What I loved was the author’s humour in naming the series as the Mumbai PJ series. Haha! Guess what PJ stands for? Well, these are the initials of our protagonist, Pandurang Jagtap, addressing quick to be cynical and largely optimistic worldview.
Conclusion
Rating: 3.5 / 5
Recommendation: Yes! Suspense, thrill, action, and anticipation.
To buy Mousebite by Ganesh Chaudhari now:
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Disclosure: We have received monetary compensation for reading and providing an honest review of Mousebite. Our book review is honest. Also, some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we recommend.
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