I’ve always believed that some books find you at just the right time. For me, Devi by Prasun Roy was one of those unexpected finds. I discovered it randomly while scrolling through my Kindle — and guess what? It was Navratri! The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. What started as a casual pick quickly turned into a sleepless few nights of “just one more chapter.”
A thriller that grips you tighter with every page
I just happened to stumble upon Devi while scrolling through my Kindle library one evening. My husband had downloaded a few thrillers by Indian Authors which is quite unusual for him; and though I usually lean towards non-fiction and thrillers the scary stuff is not for me but something about this title instantly drew me in. It felt intriguing, magnetic — and as fate would have it, I picked it up right during Navratri. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, since the entire story unfolds across nine days of the festival itself.
The Story (Promise! will not spoil it)
Set in the vibrant and chaotic city of Kolkata, the book opens with the extradition of a fugitive business tycoon, Durgacharan Mahesh, being brought back to India from Spain. Just three days before his arrival, a chilling murder rocks the city — the victim is his brother-in-law, and the word “DEVI” is found scrawled in blood at the scene.
As the days of the festival pass, more strange and gruesome incidents occur — a jewel-studded conch from a 260-year-old Durga idol goes missing, mysterious weapons surface, and bodies start piling up. A determined police commissioner and his team dive into a web of clues that connect ritual, revenge, and faith — while somewhere in the shadows, the killer seems to be watching their every move.
The question that drives the story is simple yet haunting: Who — or what — is Devi?
The Commissioner of Police and His Favorite police officers work high and low to solve the Mystery….and yet when it unfolds…………
My Reading Experience
At first, the narrative feels a bit scattered, but once it hits its stride, there’s no turning back. Although somewhere in the middle I did feel the pace slowing down but boy it picked up. Prasun Roy writes in a simple, straightforward style, but the atmosphere he builds is genuinely nail-biting. You can almost hear the rhythm of the dhak drums, smell the incense in the air, and feel the tension rising with every ritual and revelation. The beauty of Durga Pooja with every detail brings the story home.
What I loved most was how the author beautifully ties the spiritual and the psychological — it’s not just about murder and mystery, but about the duality of good and evil that lives within us all. For me, as someone who rarely has read thrillers by Indian Authors, Devi was a refreshing surprise.
What Could Be Better
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the story had a little something missing. The early chapters might test your patience, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. Once the pieces start falling into place, the pace becomes relentless.
Final Thoughts
Devi is a rare Indian thriller that doesn’t just entertain — it immerses you in its world. The blend of faith, crime, and human emotion makes it a story that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced read with a cultural twist and layers of mystery, this one deserves a spot on your bookshelf — especially if you love stories set against the backdrop of festivals and tradition.
“Can’t put it down” might sound like a cliché, but when it comes to Devi, it’s simply the truth.
Have you read Devi yet, or do you have a favorite Indian thriller that kept you hooked till the end? Drop your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to swap recommendations! And if you haven’t read this one yet, maybe let Devi find you the way it found me.
Looking forward to some ………
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