Pudipeddi Hari

It starts out as a thriller, full of intrigue and suspense, but slowly as the layers are unpeeled in a Rashomon-esque screenplay, we start to see the innocence, beauty, and the humane drama it is at the heart of the movie. Questioning our judgements, our morality, throwing us off at every step of the way by proving that nothing is at it seems and that we are wicked and skewed in our views of the world. I only regret I missed experiencing this soaring, simple, poignant drama in the cinemas. Wonderfully done.

I was very vaguely aware of all the transphobic criticism against JKR for this novel when it came out. I also remember reading that a transperson bring the villian in the book. Didn’t think much about it because I never saw myself getting to the Stike books this far. However, when I recently resume the series with Silkworm and didn’t stop since, I was intrigued by how JKR could’ve written a 1000+ pages book in detective fiction. Naturally interested and intrigued I ploughed this one. I can tell its BLOODY entertaining. Its long, could’ve been edited out to a shorter length, but its not just about the case but about the complete story, the central characters’ arcs and growth, and finally the payoff is exceptional. I don’t see how this book can be construed as offensive or a banter. Its pure entertainment with some really valid topics discussed around kids, motherhood, woman at work place. JKR shows us the feminism that ought to be doesn’t unnecessarily rant/tell/preach. But mostly book sticks to the central case without deviating and unwarrantedly criticising. The final twist and reveal, is SUPERB and very very satisfying. Great read!!!!