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Fraudster
There are people who will do anything to silence the ones who come in their way, including murder.
– A YOUNG BANKER is found dead after she deposes before a commission investigating large-scale financial fraud...
– A DOYEN OF CORPORATE INDIA falls to his death from his south Bombay flat...
– A HIGH-SECURITY SERVER ROOM of a multinational accounting firm is hacked and the hackers aren't looking for just company secrets...
Illicit finance, high-stakes crime and vicious manipulation come together in this story of corruption, greed and treachery among corporate India's black sheep. Arresting, fast-paced and written by an insider from the corporate world, Fraudster will keep you on your toes till the very end.
While comparisons to veteran thriller writer John Grisham are inevitable, Raman's writing is more inspired by the older canon of crime writing - The New Indian Express
Raman goes the Christie way in this excellent closed-room mystery that keeps us guessing till the very end even when the clues are out in the open - The Statesman
RV Raman picks a crime fiction to make a debut and weaves a tight plot and a clear narrative to keep you engrossed.- The Hindustan Times
Fraudster is an amusing work by first-time author, RV Raman, challenging some of the stereotypes in the genre of thrillers. The way the book is pieced together is remarkable, in that it looks nicely webbed. - The New Indian Express
If art imitates life, then we all need to be very worried. RV Raman's novel, Fraudster, is an insider's account of the less than salubrious side of the corporate world. - Deccan Chronicle
– A YOUNG BANKER is found dead after she deposes before a commission investigating large-scale financial fraud...
– A DOYEN OF CORPORATE INDIA falls to his death from his south Bombay flat...
– A HIGH-SECURITY SERVER ROOM of a multinational accounting firm is hacked and the hackers aren't looking for just company secrets...
Illicit finance, high-stakes crime and vicious manipulation come together in this story of corruption, greed and treachery among corporate India's black sheep. Arresting, fast-paced and written by an insider from the corporate world, Fraudster will keep you on your toes till the very end.
While comparisons to veteran thriller writer John Grisham are inevitable, Raman's writing is more inspired by the older canon of crime writing - The New Indian Express
Raman goes the Christie way in this excellent closed-room mystery that keeps us guessing till the very end even when the clues are out in the open - The Statesman
RV Raman picks a crime fiction to make a debut and weaves a tight plot and a clear narrative to keep you engrossed.- The Hindustan Times
Fraudster is an amusing work by first-time author, RV Raman, challenging some of the stereotypes in the genre of thrillers. The way the book is pieced together is remarkable, in that it looks nicely webbed. - The New Indian Express
If art imitates life, then we all need to be very worried. RV Raman's novel, Fraudster, is an insider's account of the less than salubrious side of the corporate world. - Deccan Chronicle
289 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2014
34 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
About the author
R.V. Raman
11 books121 followersMY BACKSTORY
After a corporate career spanning four decades and as many continents, I’ve moved away from full time roles to pursue other interests. I now serve as an independent director on company boards and write. In my earlier avatar, I had advised companies, banks, regulators, governments, etc. on various matters.
Tired of extensive physical travel, I now prefer less punishing mental excursions into fictional worlds of my own creation.
ABOUT MY CORPORATE THRILLERS
Surely, there must be men like Professor Moriarty in corporate India. They may not be such intellectual colossuses or consummate masters, but they would share some key traits with him – wile, ingenuity, drive and utter ruthlessness. And they would understand the psychology of temptation.
What kind of schemes would such men device? That is the question I seek to answer through these novels.
Apart from bringing in truckloads of money, these schemes would have to satisfy the fabled professor’s taste for elegant, water-tight designs; designs that ride on the motivations and vulnerabilities of intelligent but weak-minded men. My antagonists may not have Moriarty’s guile or panache, and my detectives may be intellectual pygmies before Holmes. Nevertheless, I have taken a shot (four shots, actually) at crafting credible stories of intelligent crimes in corporate India. Each of my four novels is set in a different industry.
ABOUT MY WHODUNITS
After four corporate thrillers, I turned to writing a series of murder mysteries (whodunits) with a new protagonist (Harith Athreya). I’ve tried to model these on the Golden Age Mysteries, while keeping them current with modern technology like mobile phones. And, as is the case with all my writing, I eschew vulgarity and profanity so that my stories are appropriate for readers of all ages. The only exception is the rare cuss-word that is used as an intensifier for emphasis.
SCIENCE FICTION
And most lately, I am trying my hand at science fiction. 2080: The Lattice is my first foray into this genre and is set in a world where mankind is addicted to AI. Unfortunately, the AI has become deeply biased, even prejudiced. Additionally, the internet has evolved to an extent where it carries all five senses perfectly, making virtual presence undistinguishable from physical reality.
Meanwhile, I continue experimenting with short stories set in contemporary India. Some of them are available on Amazon.
The list of my full-length novels so far:
Fraudster
Insider
Saboteur
Conspirator
A Will to Kill
A Dire Isle / Grave Intentions
Praying Mantis
The Last Resort
2080: The Lattice
Website.
RV Raman on Facebook
After a corporate career spanning four decades and as many continents, I’ve moved away from full time roles to pursue other interests. I now serve as an independent director on company boards and write. In my earlier avatar, I had advised companies, banks, regulators, governments, etc. on various matters.
Tired of extensive physical travel, I now prefer less punishing mental excursions into fictional worlds of my own creation.
ABOUT MY CORPORATE THRILLERS
Surely, there must be men like Professor Moriarty in corporate India. They may not be such intellectual colossuses or consummate masters, but they would share some key traits with him – wile, ingenuity, drive and utter ruthlessness. And they would understand the psychology of temptation.
What kind of schemes would such men device? That is the question I seek to answer through these novels.
Apart from bringing in truckloads of money, these schemes would have to satisfy the fabled professor’s taste for elegant, water-tight designs; designs that ride on the motivations and vulnerabilities of intelligent but weak-minded men. My antagonists may not have Moriarty’s guile or panache, and my detectives may be intellectual pygmies before Holmes. Nevertheless, I have taken a shot (four shots, actually) at crafting credible stories of intelligent crimes in corporate India. Each of my four novels is set in a different industry.
ABOUT MY WHODUNITS
After four corporate thrillers, I turned to writing a series of murder mysteries (whodunits) with a new protagonist (Harith Athreya). I’ve tried to model these on the Golden Age Mysteries, while keeping them current with modern technology like mobile phones. And, as is the case with all my writing, I eschew vulgarity and profanity so that my stories are appropriate for readers of all ages. The only exception is the rare cuss-word that is used as an intensifier for emphasis.
SCIENCE FICTION
And most lately, I am trying my hand at science fiction. 2080: The Lattice is my first foray into this genre and is set in a world where mankind is addicted to AI. Unfortunately, the AI has become deeply biased, even prejudiced. Additionally, the internet has evolved to an extent where it carries all five senses perfectly, making virtual presence undistinguishable from physical reality.
Meanwhile, I continue experimenting with short stories set in contemporary India. Some of them are available on Amazon.
The list of my full-length novels so far:
Fraudster
Insider
Saboteur
Conspirator
A Will to Kill
A Dire Isle / Grave Intentions
Praying Mantis
The Last Resort
2080: The Lattice
Website.
RV Raman on Facebook
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
May 13, 2015
To me, this is among the best crime fiction novels from India.
– As a thriller, the pace is unrelenting and the situations varied.
– As a mystery, it is among the best locked-room mysteries I have come across (including foreign authors’). All clues are hidden in plain sight, and yet, the criminal is not apparent. The author withholds nothing from the reader.
– As a corporate fiction, it is credible and feels authentic.
A fuller review here.
– As a thriller, the pace is unrelenting and the situations varied.
– As a mystery, it is among the best locked-room mysteries I have come across (including foreign authors’). All clues are hidden in plain sight, and yet, the criminal is not apparent. The author withholds nothing from the reader.
– As a corporate fiction, it is credible and feels authentic.
A fuller review here.
September 30, 2014
Not too many authors set their narratives in a corporate setting, let alone within a financial services firm like a bank. RV Raman does this with Fraudster and man, does he do an awesome job or what.
All his decades of experience working with the sector and his knowledge of the various nitty-gritties of the sector, the various loopholes that unscrupulous characters can take advantage of and a healthy desire to rack up the suspense for the readers ensures that the book is a gripping read.
Murders, financial scams, corporate scandals, offshore accounts, NGOs, and caught up in the middle of all this is an unsuspecting group of youngsters who are trying to cope with the loss of their loved ones in bizarre circumstances. Fast paced action, a credible narrative and believable situations and characters make this book a really good read.
All his decades of experience working with the sector and his knowledge of the various nitty-gritties of the sector, the various loopholes that unscrupulous characters can take advantage of and a healthy desire to rack up the suspense for the readers ensures that the book is a gripping read.
Murders, financial scams, corporate scandals, offshore accounts, NGOs, and caught up in the middle of all this is an unsuspecting group of youngsters who are trying to cope with the loss of their loved ones in bizarre circumstances. Fast paced action, a credible narrative and believable situations and characters make this book a really good read.
November 5, 2014
http://soumyamukherjee8.wordpress.com... Fraudster – A Review
Paisa Vasool.
R V Raman’s Fraudster published by Hachette, is a 289 page turner giving you your Rs 250 money’s worth.
Raman uses his insider knowledge of the financial and corporate world to give us a coherent believable whodunit which keeps you gripped till the climax.
It draws on the Bank scam that made headlines a while ago, and exposed their vulnerability. It starts with an enquiry, where a junior executive is being made a scapegoat, which happened in real life too, and continues with her murder disguised as accident to silence her. The senior banker with integrity investigating this apparently commits suicide. The auditor who smells a rat is killed in an apparent robbery bid.
It is left to a brilliant young auditor, who is also a martial arts exponent, her random crew of friends, which include techies, salespeople, hackers and accountants, and one dogged detective inspector to unravel the mystery, against all odds, outwitting political interference, judicial indifference, corrupt bankers, land mafia and vicious gangsters.
The police investigation, using mobile call logs and tedious legwork has an authentic feel. The land acquisition scam which is in the news for the alleged involvement of in laws and outlaws gives the story a contemporary touch. The financial jugglery is explained in detail but simply for laymen. Best of all, all the clues are provided for the reader to solve the case. The pace does not drag. All the loose ends are accounted for in the final explanation. Thus all the parameters of a successful thriller are met. We shall not quibble over the minor inconsistencies as they do not hamper the plot.
I do not want to reveal any more so that the reader may enjoy the chase. I am looking forward to more such taut corporate and financial thrillers from this writer. Also looking forward to a telefilm version, as this seemed tailor made for the medium. I recommend that you try it. Thriller fans will not be disappointed.
Paisa Vasool.
R V Raman’s Fraudster published by Hachette, is a 289 page turner giving you your Rs 250 money’s worth.
Raman uses his insider knowledge of the financial and corporate world to give us a coherent believable whodunit which keeps you gripped till the climax.
It draws on the Bank scam that made headlines a while ago, and exposed their vulnerability. It starts with an enquiry, where a junior executive is being made a scapegoat, which happened in real life too, and continues with her murder disguised as accident to silence her. The senior banker with integrity investigating this apparently commits suicide. The auditor who smells a rat is killed in an apparent robbery bid.
It is left to a brilliant young auditor, who is also a martial arts exponent, her random crew of friends, which include techies, salespeople, hackers and accountants, and one dogged detective inspector to unravel the mystery, against all odds, outwitting political interference, judicial indifference, corrupt bankers, land mafia and vicious gangsters.
The police investigation, using mobile call logs and tedious legwork has an authentic feel. The land acquisition scam which is in the news for the alleged involvement of in laws and outlaws gives the story a contemporary touch. The financial jugglery is explained in detail but simply for laymen. Best of all, all the clues are provided for the reader to solve the case. The pace does not drag. All the loose ends are accounted for in the final explanation. Thus all the parameters of a successful thriller are met. We shall not quibble over the minor inconsistencies as they do not hamper the plot.
I do not want to reveal any more so that the reader may enjoy the chase. I am looking forward to more such taut corporate and financial thrillers from this writer. Also looking forward to a telefilm version, as this seemed tailor made for the medium. I recommend that you try it. Thriller fans will not be disappointed.
July 20, 2014
A nice combination of a mystery and a thriller that is written in an erudite manner.
The drawing showing the layout of the first crime scene took me back to some of the Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie novels. Like in those novels, the author provides all the clues and doesn't conceal anything, inviting the reader to guess. While I had suspicions, I can't say that I guessed who the culprit was or how the crime was done. But when it is all explained at the denouncement, I wondered why I hadn't thought of it.
All in all, a very enjoyable read. Tight plot, succinct narration and credible motivations. Recommended for mystery lovers.
The drawing showing the layout of the first crime scene took me back to some of the Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie novels. Like in those novels, the author provides all the clues and doesn't conceal anything, inviting the reader to guess. While I had suspicions, I can't say that I guessed who the culprit was or how the crime was done. But when it is all explained at the denouncement, I wondered why I hadn't thought of it.
All in all, a very enjoyable read. Tight plot, succinct narration and credible motivations. Recommended for mystery lovers.
November 23, 2014
This book is just unputdownable! I pulled an all nighter to complete this and I remembered the last time I did something like that was only for Angels and Demons!!
This book has everything great going for it. A very authentic banking sector premise, believable characters, taut narration, unexpected twists and turns and a deception that no one sees coming. Really, what else do you need?
There's almost zero pandering/spoon-feeding to the crowd; the author makes the reader decipher the clues along with the protagonists. I'm just happy that an Indian author is able to do that.
To conclude, all I would say is JUST GO AND READ THIS!!!
This book has everything great going for it. A very authentic banking sector premise, believable characters, taut narration, unexpected twists and turns and a deception that no one sees coming. Really, what else do you need?
There's almost zero pandering/spoon-feeding to the crowd; the author makes the reader decipher the clues along with the protagonists. I'm just happy that an Indian author is able to do that.
To conclude, all I would say is JUST GO AND READ THIS!!!
August 12, 2014
Speechless is the only word I can think of. RV Raman has done to me what the likes of Ken Follet, Jeffery Archer, Robert Ludlum do. By far it's the best thriller by an Indian writer. Chetan Bhagat and Amish of the world do not even come close to his league. The only Indian author that I can think of sharing the space is legendary Khushwant Singh.
Hats off to Mr Raman.
Hats off to Mr Raman.
November 2, 2014
Fraudster by RV Raman is a Crime fictional novel that revolves around a corporate set up in India and a fraud looming dark over it.
The mystery is tight and you feel like your own brain cells coming into action and contemplating who the game planner is! Though, crime is visible but the criminal is hidden. Nowhere, you will feel that any fact or finding or development has been kept on hold to be shared later on. It is as authentic and as realistic, as it could be! The characters are inspired from real life and are close to reality. The emotions and reactions are caught and documented well. In the event, he surfaces the loopholes of the age-old systems and hence a dire need to re-polish the retiring systems and procedures.
In general, in addition to being an entertaining read, it will be an insight into the corporate world, into financial systems, into real estate sector and associated frauds, into the NGO functioning, into human relations back stabbing and revenge, and a mesh of all these facets alike.
Indeed, this is a recommended read for anyone who prefers to use brain instead of heart while reading the stuff!
Source: http://booksnewsindia.wordpress.com/2...
The mystery is tight and you feel like your own brain cells coming into action and contemplating who the game planner is! Though, crime is visible but the criminal is hidden. Nowhere, you will feel that any fact or finding or development has been kept on hold to be shared later on. It is as authentic and as realistic, as it could be! The characters are inspired from real life and are close to reality. The emotions and reactions are caught and documented well. In the event, he surfaces the loopholes of the age-old systems and hence a dire need to re-polish the retiring systems and procedures.
In general, in addition to being an entertaining read, it will be an insight into the corporate world, into financial systems, into real estate sector and associated frauds, into the NGO functioning, into human relations back stabbing and revenge, and a mesh of all these facets alike.
Indeed, this is a recommended read for anyone who prefers to use brain instead of heart while reading the stuff!
Source: http://booksnewsindia.wordpress.com/2...
November 3, 2014
Fraudster is a crime thriller which begins with death of a number of people and then comes the investigation part. There is something really serious going on in the corporate world and the book is about what goes on the darker side.
The book is written really nicely with each part given a very good attention and also the plot is built very nicely. It builds up lot of anticipation and then at the end gives you a shock. But if you are good at being a detective, you can try guessing.
I am glad I picked up this book. It is a good one.
The book is written really nicely with each part given a very good attention and also the plot is built very nicely. It builds up lot of anticipation and then at the end gives you a shock. But if you are good at being a detective, you can try guessing.
I am glad I picked up this book. It is a good one.
August 11, 2020
Excellent book by one of my favourite writer. Like my first read of the author, I love how his expertise in the area of interest make you read the book without putting it down.
October 7, 2014
Fraudster is an amusing work by first-time author, RV Raman, challenging some of the stereotypes in the genre of thrillers. It is a crime fiction but does not revolve around knife-wielding killers or mere hapless victims. It is a financial thriller set in the corporate world, but doesn’t include credit card frauds and account hacking. At the centre of the book is a scam pertaining to dubious loans issued by corrupt bank practices to spurious real estate companies. The way the book is pieced together is remarkable, in that it looks nicely webbed, though a non-chronological handling of the narrative would have suited it better. RV Raman, in his first attempt at being an author, has taken life in the corporate corridors he has known only too well, and has turned it into something teeming with compelling stories.
http://svetlanalasrado.wordpress.com/...
http://svetlanalasrado.wordpress.com/...
September 7, 2014
Fraudster amazing read. Completed it in one go. Mr. Raman has done justice to the readers expectations and his awesome writing skills keeps you glued to the story. Its a story about the deep shit that happens in financial world. The industry seems very lucrative to many, but people always forget the responsibility of managing assets is never easy. Mr. Raman has given a glimpse of this financial sector. Believe me and him too its a mean world.
April 15, 2018
A tight plot and pacy action took me hurtling towards a tense climax, making light of my 7-hour train journey. Insight into the top echelons of corporate India and the banking industry was an added bonus. Enjoyed the crisp, non-nonsense style. Books like this will help raise the bar for Indian writing.
July 26, 2014
An absorbing read that doesn't resort to sleaze and sensationalism to retain the reader's interest. Good plot, good language, crisply written and topical.
January 12, 2018
Surprisingly a good novel!
R V Raman's debut novel 'Fraudster' is a thriller set in the world of high corporate circles and renowned bankers.. It starts with a murder followed by murders of two highly respected personalities of the corporate world. Then the story is about how Inspector Ranade with the help of bunch of others connect the dots to solve the mystery and find the fraudster. This book reminds me of Ravi Subramanian's works as the setup is very similar. I liked the pacy narration, unexpected twists and turns and the story line.
What I didn't like about this book - Too many characters, beyond a point the names got me confused.
R V Raman's debut novel 'Fraudster' is a thriller set in the world of high corporate circles and renowned bankers.. It starts with a murder followed by murders of two highly respected personalities of the corporate world. Then the story is about how Inspector Ranade with the help of bunch of others connect the dots to solve the mystery and find the fraudster. This book reminds me of Ravi Subramanian's works as the setup is very similar. I liked the pacy narration, unexpected twists and turns and the story line.
What I didn't like about this book - Too many characters, beyond a point the names got me confused.
September 29, 2014
First let me thank Goodreads and the author R V Raman for having provided me an opportunity to read this wonderful book. I won this at a giveaway on goodreads.
Storyline – Interesting, intriguing, insightful. The plot is topical and gripping right from the word 'go'. 'Fraudster' is not just an ordinary crime- thriller or murder mystery. It is an insight into the greed, the treachery lurking inside the corridors of Corporate India. It is a story of corruption, manipulations and the rot that has set in the banking circles.Here we get to see a web of crime driven by the greed for illicit finance. When the stakes are high crime and vicious manipulation come to the fore to defeat the well meaning. Caution is thrown to the winds and rules and procedures take a backseat. The strong and well- connected use their clout to scuttle investigations, frame the terms of investigation to their advantage and in the process it is the innocent, the well- meaning individuals/ employees who get trapped.
The plot is tight and realistic. The author's knowledge and his financial background have come in handy thereby giving it a touch of authenticity.
Characterization – The characters of the main protagonists are well etched. The author has done a commendable job in the characterization of the edgy and stressed-out Kamini, the sharp and shrewd Inspector Ranade, the sweet- talking Ashok, the mysterious Kunal and the brave Varsha. One can easily relate to each one of them. One can also relate to the turmoil that Shruthi Mathur the 26- year old banker goes through on being fired from her job for a wrong credit decision taken without any mala fide intention as well as the sense of helplessness and remorse that Mr. R.C.Visht, a member on the commission enquiring into the fraud feels on not being able to exonerate her.
Language – Simple and crisp. The scenes, the situations are well drawn. One can visualize them as the story progresses. The style of narration is engaging. 'Fraudster' is an action-packed, fast-paced novel.
TO WRAP UP
If you are looking for nail- biting, gripping thriller that can keep you on your toes till the last word, then this is it. If you are interested in getting an insight into the world of deceit, corruption, swindling and the way the brains behind the financial frauds work, then this may be one you'd like to go through.
Storyline – Interesting, intriguing, insightful. The plot is topical and gripping right from the word 'go'. 'Fraudster' is not just an ordinary crime- thriller or murder mystery. It is an insight into the greed, the treachery lurking inside the corridors of Corporate India. It is a story of corruption, manipulations and the rot that has set in the banking circles.Here we get to see a web of crime driven by the greed for illicit finance. When the stakes are high crime and vicious manipulation come to the fore to defeat the well meaning. Caution is thrown to the winds and rules and procedures take a backseat. The strong and well- connected use their clout to scuttle investigations, frame the terms of investigation to their advantage and in the process it is the innocent, the well- meaning individuals/ employees who get trapped.
The plot is tight and realistic. The author's knowledge and his financial background have come in handy thereby giving it a touch of authenticity.
Characterization – The characters of the main protagonists are well etched. The author has done a commendable job in the characterization of the edgy and stressed-out Kamini, the sharp and shrewd Inspector Ranade, the sweet- talking Ashok, the mysterious Kunal and the brave Varsha. One can easily relate to each one of them. One can also relate to the turmoil that Shruthi Mathur the 26- year old banker goes through on being fired from her job for a wrong credit decision taken without any mala fide intention as well as the sense of helplessness and remorse that Mr. R.C.Visht, a member on the commission enquiring into the fraud feels on not being able to exonerate her.
Language – Simple and crisp. The scenes, the situations are well drawn. One can visualize them as the story progresses. The style of narration is engaging. 'Fraudster' is an action-packed, fast-paced novel.
TO WRAP UP
If you are looking for nail- biting, gripping thriller that can keep you on your toes till the last word, then this is it. If you are interested in getting an insight into the world of deceit, corruption, swindling and the way the brains behind the financial frauds work, then this may be one you'd like to go through.
November 3, 2014
Frankly, I am running short of words to appreciate this wonderful novel. I am speechless after having read this amazing thriller. So without wasting a single more minute, I am getting to my review on Fraudster by R V Raman.
A committee is set up to investigate into a possible fraud and a female banker who deposes before the commission is found dead. The police aren’t able to ascertain whether it is a murder or suicide. Subsequently, two corporates are found murdered under mysterious circumstances, and the investigating officer is startled by these incidents happening one after the other. Detective Inspector Ranada tries to reach the assassin to nail him.
CBS firms’ employee Varsha plays a major role in this story and so does detective inspector Ranade, who tries his best to enter deeper into the mystery to dig out the culprit. Meanwhile, it is found that someone tries to hack into CBS’ accounts, and all these parts completely engross readers into it. But will the investigators be able to nail the culprit or, culprits? And how will they do this? This is what you’ve got to find out from the book!
It is an exciting thriller in which things unfold step by step, pulling and deepening one’s attention. The story is a blend of illicit finance, high-stakes crime and vivacious manipulation. It brings into picture scams, voracity, disloyalty and betrayal.
The cover is amazingly and perfectly designed, and the title completely suits the story. Both the aspects which have first impression on readers are up to the mark! The narration of the story is simple and sharp. The narrative is totally absorbing, alluring and enchanting. Howbeit it proceeds at a quick pace, it fully engrosses a reader. The story is so riveting that a reader desires to explore it in depth.
But towards the end of the initial part, the story becomes slightly delicate for some time and attention begins to dodge. At this time, the faith that the story ripens works out and the second part waits with more thrilling portion that further hooks up a reader!
For sure, I am recommending it to all my readers because this is a book that they cannot afford to miss! It’s truly, truly amazing!
Considering everything, I would rate the book with 4.5/5.
NOTE: This review is a part of The Reader’s Cosmos book review program. For more details log on to The Readers Cosmos.
A committee is set up to investigate into a possible fraud and a female banker who deposes before the commission is found dead. The police aren’t able to ascertain whether it is a murder or suicide. Subsequently, two corporates are found murdered under mysterious circumstances, and the investigating officer is startled by these incidents happening one after the other. Detective Inspector Ranada tries to reach the assassin to nail him.
CBS firms’ employee Varsha plays a major role in this story and so does detective inspector Ranade, who tries his best to enter deeper into the mystery to dig out the culprit. Meanwhile, it is found that someone tries to hack into CBS’ accounts, and all these parts completely engross readers into it. But will the investigators be able to nail the culprit or, culprits? And how will they do this? This is what you’ve got to find out from the book!
It is an exciting thriller in which things unfold step by step, pulling and deepening one’s attention. The story is a blend of illicit finance, high-stakes crime and vivacious manipulation. It brings into picture scams, voracity, disloyalty and betrayal.
The cover is amazingly and perfectly designed, and the title completely suits the story. Both the aspects which have first impression on readers are up to the mark! The narration of the story is simple and sharp. The narrative is totally absorbing, alluring and enchanting. Howbeit it proceeds at a quick pace, it fully engrosses a reader. The story is so riveting that a reader desires to explore it in depth.
But towards the end of the initial part, the story becomes slightly delicate for some time and attention begins to dodge. At this time, the faith that the story ripens works out and the second part waits with more thrilling portion that further hooks up a reader!
For sure, I am recommending it to all my readers because this is a book that they cannot afford to miss! It’s truly, truly amazing!
Considering everything, I would rate the book with 4.5/5.
NOTE: This review is a part of The Reader’s Cosmos book review program. For more details log on to The Readers Cosmos.
December 3, 2014
Interesting, intriguing, insightful. The plot is topical and gripping right from the word 'go'. 'Fraudster' is not just an ordinary crime- thriller or murder mystery. It is an insight into the greed, the treachery lurking inside the corridors of Corporate India.
The plot is tight and devoid of sensationalization. It is realistic. The author's knowledge and his financial background have come in handy thereby giving it a touch of authenticity.
Read the full review: http://www.writersmelon.com/2014/10/b...
The plot is tight and devoid of sensationalization. It is realistic. The author's knowledge and his financial background have come in handy thereby giving it a touch of authenticity.
Read the full review: http://www.writersmelon.com/2014/10/b...
October 8, 2014
The book is a brilliant effort to showcase the turn of events when a banking fraud turns ugly…how one fraud can affect the lives of many others.Being related to a specific industry, it’s important for the author to explain the technicalities to the diverse set of readers. And he has done so with finesse, without making it too heavy for the readers.The book delivers what it promises
For complete review, visit my blog http://shaivikafunda.blogspot.in/2014...
For complete review, visit my blog http://shaivikafunda.blogspot.in/2014...
October 17, 2014
Awesome single sitting read.
I had read about indian companies fleecing banks but this fiction is mind blowing.. appears like a real story.. Awesome read especially for those who take interest in current affairs and are intrigued by the status of corruption in India.
I had read about indian companies fleecing banks but this fiction is mind blowing.. appears like a real story.. Awesome read especially for those who take interest in current affairs and are intrigued by the status of corruption in India.
July 19, 2018
You just can't put this book down!!!
I decided to read all of RV Raman's book once I finished reading Conspirator.
An absolute page-turner which indulges the reader into the financial sector - banks, loans,etc scams & frauds. Once I started I had to finish at the earliest. The writing is simple yet gripping & will keep you at the edge of the seat. All the twists & turns will leave you interested, confused & alert all at the same time.
The author knows how to keep the reader involved, has great in-depth knowledge on the topic which ensures there are no loop-holes.
A great read.
I decided to read all of RV Raman's book once I finished reading Conspirator.
An absolute page-turner which indulges the reader into the financial sector - banks, loans,etc scams & frauds. Once I started I had to finish at the earliest. The writing is simple yet gripping & will keep you at the edge of the seat. All the twists & turns will leave you interested, confused & alert all at the same time.
The author knows how to keep the reader involved, has great in-depth knowledge on the topic which ensures there are no loop-holes.
A great read.
May 11, 2015
A surprisingly good novel. Surprising because I hadn't expected such a robust plot and good writing from an unknown Indian writer. Surprising because the Indian writing shelves seldom throw up a good crime fiction read.
There is also some nuanced wring here -
"Retirement! Could he finally get away from the politics of greed?"
"The psychological glass wall that separated Asians from the locals came to her aid. The invisible wall that was the lament of so many from the subcontinent became her saviour."
".. role models had to set higher standards than what they wanted their wards to adopt."
Also, Visht's thoughts on banks are interesting.
This probably deserves 4 stars, but one needs to acknowledge and encourage good Indian writing.
There is also some nuanced wring here -
"Retirement! Could he finally get away from the politics of greed?"
"The psychological glass wall that separated Asians from the locals came to her aid. The invisible wall that was the lament of so many from the subcontinent became her saviour."
".. role models had to set higher standards than what they wanted their wards to adopt."
Also, Visht's thoughts on banks are interesting.
This probably deserves 4 stars, but one needs to acknowledge and encourage good Indian writing.
November 8, 2014
an action packed fiction.Once i started with this novel, it was un-put-downable!!!! The narration was flawless and the story was strong.The explanation of banking terms were so clear that even a layman can understand it.the suspense was well built and the end was crystal clear.all in all it makes for very good reading and i will be looking forward to for his future books.
May 21, 2017
Haven't read a more gripping read in the longest time and I'm completely blown. The plot and the subplot have been created so amazingly that it just doesn't let you stop for once. So impressed and equally shocked at how in reality such events take place and we the common man is far far away from it.
June 21, 2017
Financial crime thriller - among the very best in the genre. The author does a great job explaining the details behind the wide-spread real estate white collar crime in India along with some very believable characters.
Someone make this in to a movie already!!
Someone make this in to a movie already!!
August 31, 2014
loved to read it...finished in one go!!!
October 28, 2014
4.5/5 ! a good thriller :)
July 21, 2015
awesome book...u can't keep it down when u start it...
April 25, 2017
the climax of the book killed the story.. it felt like the author was in a hurry and want to end the story in whatsoever manner..
August 28, 2023
In the vast literary landscape of India, where genres abound, "Fraudster" by R.V. Raman stands as a thrilling beacon of intrigue and corruption. As a seasoned book critic, I'm no stranger to gripping narratives, but Raman's exploration of illicit finance, high-stakes crime, and corporate treachery is a rare gem.
"Fraudster" delves into the underbelly of corporate India, where ambition and greed collide with ruthlessness and deception. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of events, entangling a young banker's mysterious death, a corporate magnate's fatal fall, and a multinational accounting firm's breach. The story unfolds like a well-orchestrated symphony of treachery, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.
Raman's writing style is not just engaging; it's immersive. His insider's perspective from the corporate world infuses authenticity into the narrative. The prose is crisp, the dialogues are sharp, and the pacing is relentless. It's a masterclass in the art of crafting a thriller.
The characters in "Fraudster" are complex and multifaceted, mirroring the shades of corporate intrigue. Raman expertly balances their ambitions, vulnerabilities, and duplicities, making them both relatable and enigmatic. Moreover, the exploration of white-collar crime and its far-reaching consequences is a potent idea that underpins the narrative.
The plot is intricately woven, akin to a puzzle that gradually reveals its sinister image. Raman skillfully shifts between multiple storylines, keeping readers guessing and invested. The structure of the book is a testament to the author's storytelling prowess.
Beneath the surface of financial crime and corporate manipulation, "Fraudster" explores themes of morality, power, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their interests. It serves as a stark reminder of the shadows lurking in the corporate world.
The emotional impact of "Fraudster" is profound. It doesn't just thrill; it disturbs. The sense of impending danger, the moral dilemmas faced by characters, and the web of deception create an emotional whirlwind that resonates deeply.
The strength of this book lies in its ability to keep readers engrossed from the first page to the last. However, at times, the complexity of the plot might overwhelm some readers. Additionally, a touch more character development could have added further depth.
As a critic who has explored myriad literary landscapes, "Fraudster" stands as a remarkable achievement in the Indian thriller genre. R.V. Raman's debut captivates with its gripping narrative, leaving a lasting imprint on readers.
In conclusion, "Fraudster" is a thrilling exploration of the dark underbelly of corporate India, a place where ambition knows no bounds and treachery lurks around every corner. R.V. Raman's storytelling prowess shines through, making this a must-read for fans of crime fiction and thrillers. This book is a stark reminder that the line between right and wrong can blur, even in the world of finance and power.
"Fraudster" delves into the underbelly of corporate India, where ambition and greed collide with ruthlessness and deception. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of events, entangling a young banker's mysterious death, a corporate magnate's fatal fall, and a multinational accounting firm's breach. The story unfolds like a well-orchestrated symphony of treachery, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.
Raman's writing style is not just engaging; it's immersive. His insider's perspective from the corporate world infuses authenticity into the narrative. The prose is crisp, the dialogues are sharp, and the pacing is relentless. It's a masterclass in the art of crafting a thriller.
The characters in "Fraudster" are complex and multifaceted, mirroring the shades of corporate intrigue. Raman expertly balances their ambitions, vulnerabilities, and duplicities, making them both relatable and enigmatic. Moreover, the exploration of white-collar crime and its far-reaching consequences is a potent idea that underpins the narrative.
The plot is intricately woven, akin to a puzzle that gradually reveals its sinister image. Raman skillfully shifts between multiple storylines, keeping readers guessing and invested. The structure of the book is a testament to the author's storytelling prowess.
Beneath the surface of financial crime and corporate manipulation, "Fraudster" explores themes of morality, power, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their interests. It serves as a stark reminder of the shadows lurking in the corporate world.
The emotional impact of "Fraudster" is profound. It doesn't just thrill; it disturbs. The sense of impending danger, the moral dilemmas faced by characters, and the web of deception create an emotional whirlwind that resonates deeply.
The strength of this book lies in its ability to keep readers engrossed from the first page to the last. However, at times, the complexity of the plot might overwhelm some readers. Additionally, a touch more character development could have added further depth.
As a critic who has explored myriad literary landscapes, "Fraudster" stands as a remarkable achievement in the Indian thriller genre. R.V. Raman's debut captivates with its gripping narrative, leaving a lasting imprint on readers.
In conclusion, "Fraudster" is a thrilling exploration of the dark underbelly of corporate India, a place where ambition knows no bounds and treachery lurks around every corner. R.V. Raman's storytelling prowess shines through, making this a must-read for fans of crime fiction and thrillers. This book is a stark reminder that the line between right and wrong can blur, even in the world of finance and power.
June 26, 2020
Fraudster. By far, the best thriller by an Indian writer. Books like these will help raise the bar for Indian writing.
An absorbing read that doesn't resort to sensationalism to retain the reader's interest. Good plot, good language and crisply written.
A tight plot and racy action took me hurtling towards a tense climax. Insight into the top echelons of corporate India and the banking industry was an added bonus. Believe me, it's a mean, murky world.
Mr. Raman has done justice to the readers expectations and his awesome writing skills keep you glued to the story.
RV Raman knows what he is writing about. He knows when to use what and how to play with it to strengthen the characters and the plot of his book. He has tried to simplify everything for a reader who is not from the banking world.
A very gritty, realistic and interesting mystery that is a must read for all mystery lovers.
Full review here: https://intheclassroomoflife.blogspot...
An absorbing read that doesn't resort to sensationalism to retain the reader's interest. Good plot, good language and crisply written.
A tight plot and racy action took me hurtling towards a tense climax. Insight into the top echelons of corporate India and the banking industry was an added bonus. Believe me, it's a mean, murky world.
Mr. Raman has done justice to the readers expectations and his awesome writing skills keep you glued to the story.
RV Raman knows what he is writing about. He knows when to use what and how to play with it to strengthen the characters and the plot of his book. He has tried to simplify everything for a reader who is not from the banking world.
A very gritty, realistic and interesting mystery that is a must read for all mystery lovers.
Full review here: https://intheclassroomoflife.blogspot...
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