RIP by Mukul Deva - A Book Review

I have never read a book of Mukul Deva before though rave reviews of his previous works and especially that of Lashkar had my attention. And the high praises for the author is totally deserved. RIP is one of the most edge of the seat thriller I have read in recent times . And my hubby agrees too. What ensured that we finished the book in a very short time was the mind blowing action that is seamlessly woven in to  the very topical plot that every Indian can relate to. Corruption, the stigma that has rotten the very fabric of the democracy our beloved country prides, is given a thumping smack on the face. The smack stems not from a Gandhian measure but from a deep rooted anguish of a group of people who resort to dealing with the conniving lot of corrupt politicians and civil servants in their own way. In this process RIP ( Resurgent Indian Patriots) as the  group christens themselves hope to a unleash a surge of terror warning the sleazy lot to tide up their act. Besides the continuous adrenaline rush, I loved the passion and the sincerity of the story. The author has taken utmost pain in engaging the readers and the plot does not falter a bit. As a common man we are gripped with a sense of utmost outrage at the rampant corruption all around us. Yes the likes of Anna Hazare are shaking up the system and the many candle light protests, hunger strikes as well as support marches are increasingly creating sensitivity and awareness in the common man but  they are not  enough to bring home earth shattering revolution. In that light, the premise of RIP though spells extremism is heartening and evokes sympathy.

The story begins with back-to-back killings. Responsible for these assassinations is Colonel Krishna Athawale and his Special force officers who have retired from the armed forces. This group calling themselves the RIP become the self appointed doers of justice. Their modus operandi though extreme in nature evokes sympathy from us. On their trail is Raghav Bhagat, a rogue para commando and Vinod Bedi a Special Director- CBI.  The cat and mouse chase keeps us engrossed and  all the characters and especially that of Krishna and Raghav are well etched  and has our attention. The narrative is lucid and keeps you glued till the very end.  Of course there is a glamour quotient in the form of Reena Bhagat - a news anchor.  

Incidentally, the book reminded me of a similar premise in an old Tamil film Ramana where the protagonist hatches a similar plan of meting out justice.


Will the chase lead to the capture of RIP ? Do the vigilantes of justice reach their goal ? Grab the book and enjoy the ride.

Yay to :- 

• The characters have a real life connect and the theme is topical
• Action packed adventure 
• It promises hope and a corrupt free society
• We are left wondering whether this could come true and be replicated in real life

Nay to :-

• For such a wonderful read, I really could not pinpoint any nay's. The only grouse I had is, for all his versatility and veteran innings as a Special Ops person , it is surprising that Krishna does not pick up the trail of people tailing him.  
• Also, would have loved if Reena the female lead could have been given a more prominent role

Final Word :-

A gripping, realistic, wish it were true kind of novel.

Author    :   Mukul Deva
ISBN        :  978-93-82618-19-5
Price       :  INR 200/-
Publisher :  Westland
Category : Fiction/Thriller 
Recommendation :  Double Thumbs Up !

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