This is my second read of
this author, though not from the Galileo series, The devotion of Suspect X
being the first one.
A pre-planned murder, that
comes across as accidental, as happens in a fit of rage. With every suspect
having a proper (well... almost) alibi, lacking any motive to commit the crime,
the personality of the murdered one gradually dips to a low in the minds of the
reader, thanks to the mention of one very seemingly inconspicuous fabricated incident.
The novel is basically, an illusion that is created in the reader’s mind on the
personality of the murderer and the murdered.
The novel is quite intriguing
and an irresistible page turner. The problem of bullying is discussed in the
form of perceptions of different people, presented in the form of interviews.
And that particular chapter is more reflective on the society, I felt. What the
men think is different from that of the women, how old people view interactions
between kids is different from what the younger ones think. It was one of the
chapters I loved.
But, it still hurts to ponder
on the extent to which a bully can go, framing infidelity charges, and
plagiarism, and what not? How complicated are people, scheming, plotting and
killing, only because, they don’t like a person? The last fifty pages were read in the morning. I had to hold all my chores for a few minutes, and read it at
one go.
Well, the last few pages were
redundant I felt, because, the author already moves us to a corner, pushing all
the puzzle blocks towards us. So a little less than the 5 stars. But,
definitely one more great work from the author.
