Cold Sun by Anita Sivakumaran
Bangalore. Three high-profile women murdered, their bodies draped in identical red saris.
When the killer targets the British Foreign Minister's ex-wife, Scotland Yard sends the troubled, brilliant DI Vijay Patel to lend his expertise to the Indian police investigation.
Stranger in a strange land, ex-professional cricketer Patel must battle local resentment and his own ignorance of his ancestral country, while trying to save his failing relationship back home.
Soon, the killer's eyes will turn to Patel. And also to Chandra Subramanium, the fierce female detective he is working with in Bangalore.
This breathless thriller will keep you guessing until the final, shocking revelation
About the Author
Anita Sivakumaran was born in Madras and has lived in the UK since 2004. Her historical novel, The Queen, based on real events, has been made into a major television series. Cold Sun is her first novel in the DI Patel detective series.
Review
‘Cold Sun’ is a promising start to a series which focuses on DI Vijay Patel, an ex-cricketer turned policeman man who lucked out when he found the Dales Ripper. He is now based at the Met and is asked to consult on a case in India, Bengaluru, as one of the victims is the Foreign Ministers ex-wife. Thrown in the deep end, in a country he has never visited, a system with none of the regulations he adheres to and a killer who becomes focused on him, it's a countdown to a dramatic showing.
I once visited Bangalore when I was 9 years old and the opening scene with the fasting holy man brought back memories of being in Sai Baba’s ashram with my mother. So right away I was hooked and yes I had a strange childhood hence the reason I found the book Burnt Sugar quite uncomfortable to read. The authenticity of India came through the pages and I felt as if I was right back there. Vijay as a character is complex, raw, and importantly realistic. I felt his thoughts about his injury and catching the Dales Ripper were spot on! I laughed when I saw he can't handle his spice though. I found it fascinating seeing Chandra, an female policewoman exerting so much influence in a man’s world. I don't think I have ever read crime fiction set in India with a female detective before so bravo!
I did work out who the killer was before the final showdown but it didn't detract from a well-plotted gripping narrative. Also, what a showdown eh! I loved the mix of Scotland Yard and the riot of culture that is India and I hope that this is a mix that continues. However, I have a feeling the next one will be when Chandra is over in London! Fingers crossed there is more to come from these characters as I would love to read more!
An easy recommendation from me! Let me know your thoughts.
