Harlan Coben’s “Fool Me Once”

Harlan Coben’s “Fool Me Once” revolves around Maya Stern, a military veteran whose career comes to an abrupt end after she blows up an SUV carrying civilians during a mission. When footage of the incident is leaked online by a whistleblower organization, her reputation is destroyed. But there is far more to the story than what the world has seen.

The novel opens with the funeral of Joe, Maya’s husband. He was murdered during what appeared to be a burglary gone wrong while he and Maya were taking a stroll through a park. But was it really just a random robbery? To make matters even more unsettling, Maya’s sister had also been murdered only a few months earlier in what was believed to be a home invasion. Were these two robberies merely tragic coincidences, or was there an unseen thread connecting them?

After the funeral, Maya’s close friend Eileen gifts her a digital photo frame with a hidden nanny cam, hoping it will help her keep an eye on her young daughter, Lily. Haunted by PTSD from the military incident, Maya finds it difficult to adjust to civilian life. She struggles to connect with Lily, who spends most of her time in the care of Isabella, the nanny.

She settles into this routine until one day, when she spots something strange and unsettling in the footage from the nanny cam. She sees Joe, her dead husband, playing with Lily. Did Joe fake his own murder? Is someone orchestrating an elaborate deception? Or is Maya’s trauma finally blurring the line between reality and illusion?

From that moment onward, Fool Me Once hurtles forward at a relentless pace, plunging the reader into a whirlwind of twists, secrets, and revelations.

As Maya begins digging into her sister’s murder, she uncovers the outlines of a conspiracy that may have cost her sister her life. What initially appears to be two unrelated tragedies slowly begins to unravel into something far more sinister, with each answer leading to even more unsettling questions.

While parts of the novel are fairly predictable, Harlan Coben keeps the pages turning with crisp pacing and a steady stream of revelations. Even when some twists can be anticipated, the suspense rarely lets up. The climactic revelation ties the various threads together and delivers a satisfying conclusion.

Barring a few moments where the characters make decisions that feel a little too convenient or implausible, “Fool Me Once” is a thoroughly engaging thriller.

“Lightning” by Dean Koontz

On a night marked by a freak lightning storm, a mysterious blond stranger intervenes at Laura Shane’s birth, preventing an inebriated doctor from delivering her. The complicated delivery claims her mother’s life, leaving Laura to be raised by her father, Bob Shane.

The same blond man reappears at crucial moments throughout Laura’s life, repeatedly saving her from danger. From the age of eight, she comes to regard him as her guardian angel.

Who is this mysterious guardian angel? How does he manage to appear whenever Laura finds herself in mortal danger? And why is he willing to commit murder to keep her alive?

Dean Koontz keeps the mystery under wraps while patiently developing Laura’s character. The life-threatening incidents are expertly staged, with the surrounding atmosphere and suspense heightening the tension in each encounter.

However, Koontz stretches the mystery a bit too far, causing the novel to lose momentum before the eventual revelation. While there is enough drama to keep the pages turning, the narrative relies heavily on this central knot.

The novel shifts gears once the time-travel element comes into play. Koontz builds an intriguing premise that links the sci-fi thriller to Nazi Germany, centering on a fictional plot involving Hitler’s attempt to rewrite the outcome of World War II.

But does the novel live up to this well-orchestrated, highly original premise?

Before the major revelation, Koontz entrusts Laura’s eight-year-old son, Chris, with unraveling the mystery behind the time-travel paradox. For a novel that otherwise takes its central mystery seriously, this development feels rather absurd.

After the major revelation, the novel settles into a familiar cat-and-mouse chase, losing some of the originality that defined its premise. Several scenes also feel implausible, requiring a greater suspension of disbelief than the story has earned.

Despite its flaws, the novel still works. It’s a leisurely, engaging read, though its mix of bold ideas and questionable execution may make it a hit or miss for some readers.

“From Raaja with Love” – A Breeze Through Chennai’s Scorching Heat

As a long-time admirer of his music, attending one of his live concerts had been on my bucket list since my college days. After years of waiting, I finally got the opportunity to witness Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja’s concert, “From Raaja With Love”, held in Chennai on 31st May 2026.

For someone who has grown up listening to his timeless compositions, this was more than just a concert—it was an opportunity to experience those melodies come alive on stage, performed by the Maestro himself.

Even before the concert began, while the final stage preparations for the grand event were still underway, the singers could be seen rehearsing their songs to perfection. Instruments were being tuned and sound-checked, and every now and then, the audience was treated to fleeting glimpses of the timeless masterpieces composed by the Maestro. Those brief moments were enough to heighten the anticipation for what promised to be a memorable evening.

The concert was hosted in an outdoor stadium, and as the evening progressed, the seats gradually began to fill up. At first glance, it appeared as though a significant number of tickets had remained unsold, despite online ticketing platforms displaying a “Sold Out” status weeks before the event. However, around 6:30 PM—the official start time of the event—the stadium transformed into a sea of eager music lovers, with scarcely an empty seat in sight.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

Amid thunderous cheers and a relentless chorus of whistles from the crowd, the Maestro made his entrance. Dressed in a pristine white kurta and traditional veshti, he appeared in the simple yet iconic style that has become synonymous with him over the decades. The roar that greeted him was unlike the frenzy often associated with celebrity appearances. Instead, it reflected something deeper—a collective expression of admiration, gratitude, and reverence from generations of fans whose lives had been touched by his music.

Without any instrumental prelude, the evening began with the Maestro’s voice gently resonating through the stadium. As the opening lyrics echoed across the venue, a sustained tanpura-like drone emerged in the background, creating an atmosphere of serenity and devotion. One by one, the accompanying instruments joined in, enriching the soundscape and building the anticipation. Thus began the concert in the most fitting way possible—with the timeless invocation, “Janani… Janani…”, a song that has become an enduring signature of Ilaiyaraaja’s live performances.

From that moment on, the music flowed seamlessly from one classic to another. The swaggering “Raja… Rajathi Rajanin Intha Raja”, the poignant “Annakili Unnai Theduthe”—the song from his debut film that beautifully captures the ache of longing—and the unbridled, explosive energy of “Madai Thiranthu” kept the audience enthralled.

Then came the banger. With its fast-paced violin rhythm instantly recognized by the audience, the celebratory and exuberant “Rakkama Kaiya Thattu” had the crowd snapping their fingers and tapping their feet throughout the song. The audacious placement of “Kunitha Puruvamum” from the Thevaram in an otherwise spirited composition felt fresh even today, after 36 long years—a testament to the Maestro’s creativity and easily my favourite pick from the concert.

The trailer launches that took place midway through the concert slightly disrupted its flow and extended the overall duration of the event. There was also some disappointment among the audience as a few songs were cut short, most notably the recent sensation “Vazhi Neduga”.

The majestic and timeless “Raja Raja Chozhan Naan”, the haunting “Oru Jeevan”, and the rustic, soulful “Shenbagame” were among the other standout performances of the evening. The concert concluded on a high note with “En Jodi”, one of the few songs that had the audience up on their feet, singing and dancing along till the very end.

What truly stood out was the sheer effort involved in bringing these compositions to life on stage. Unlike many contemporary concerts that rely heavily on programmed music, this performance showcased live orchestration at its finest. At 82 years of age, Ilaiyaraaja remained on his feet for almost the entire concert, meticulously guiding the orchestra, cueing musicians, and even correcting mistakes when needed—a remarkable display of dedication to his craft.

What began with a 20-kilometre journey and nearly three hours of waiting eventually turned into an unforgettable evening—one filled with nostalgia, timeless melodies, and the magic that only Ilaiyaraaja’s music can create.

Thank you for the music, the memories, and the countless emotions woven into your compositions over the decades.

Happy Birthday, Isaignani!

சுபாவின் "கம்பிகளுக்குப் பின்னே"

எழுத்தாளர்கள் சுரேஷ்-பாலகிருஷ்ணன் இருவரும் “சுபா” எனும் புனைப்பெயரில் நாவல்களும், திரைப்பட திரைக்கதை மற்றும் வசனங்களும் எழுதியுள்ளனர். அயன், கோ, தனி ஒருவன் போன்ற ஹிட் திரைப்படங்களில் பணியாற்றியுள்ளனர்.

சுபாவின் “கம்பிகளுக்குப் பின்னே” ஒரு template murder mystery நாவல். ஒரு நீதிபதி, ஒரு இன்ஸ்பெக்டர், ஒரு மருத்துவர் - அடுத்தடுத்து நடக்கும் மூன்று கொலைகள். மூன்று கொலைகளும் தனித்தனி சம்பவங்களா? இல்லை தொடர்புடையனவா? சுபாவின் very own Sherlock Holmes “நரேன்” மீண்டும் தோன்றும் மற்றுமொரு மர்ம நாவல்.

இந்நாவலில் வரும் crime scene-களின் வர்ணனை staging and detailing உடன் மிக நுட்பமாக அமைகிறது. Action, suspense, romance என ஒரு கமர்ஷியல் கலவையாக பயணிக்கிறது. இறுதி பக்கம் வரை நாவலின் suspense தொடர்கிறது. ஆனால் அதை தொடர்ந்து வரும் twist just touch and go.

நாவலில் இடம்பெறும் சென்னையின் வர்ணனை சமகால நிகழ்வுகளை பதிவு செய்தாலும் திருவல்லிக்கேணி, மைலாப்பூர் வர்ணனைக்கும் - சைதாப்பேட்டை வர்ணனைக்கும் உள்ள வேறுபாடு தான் stereotyping. இதைத் தான் தமிழ் சினிமா தற்சமயம் மாற்றி வருகிறது.

இந்த குறைகளை மீறி சுபாவின் “கம்பிகளுக்குப் பின்னே” ஒரு entertaining and engaging murder mystery with all commercial ingredients!

Colleen Hoover’s “Layla”

Colleen Hoover’s Layla is a slow-burn paranormal romance centered on Leeds, a bass player who instantly falls for the spirited and unconventional Layla when they meet at a wedding. Their connection quickly deepens, and Leeds becomes convinced he has found the love of his life. But a sudden, tragic incident leaves Layla fighting for her life. Though she physically recovers, Leeds is haunted by the feeling that she is no longer the same woman he fell in love with.

In an attempt to revive their fading bond, he takes her back to the secluded bed-and-breakfast where they first met, hoping to rediscover what they once had. Instead, an unexpected guest enters the picture, and Leeds finds himself drawn toward her rather than focusing on repairing his strained relationship with Layla. Can Layla reclaim the love they once shared? Or will this mysterious newcomer further fracture their already fragile connection?

What begins as a crazy love story gradually shifts into something far stranger. With a limited cast and a confined setting, the novel lingers for a long time before unveiling a twist that genuinely surprises. The story is unconventional and at times unsettling—occasionally even uncomfortable. As a paranormal romance, it asks readers to suspend disbelief and accept its improbable turns.

Although the final twist is compelling, it isn’t quite enough to transform an otherwise disturbing and uneven narrative into a truly gripping read.

சுஜாதாவின் "நில்... கவனி... தாக்கு!"

சுஜாதாவின் “நில்… கவனி… தாக்கு…!” முழுக்க முழுக்க first-person narration-ல் சொல்லப்படும் ஒரு conspiracy thriller நாவல்.

நாட்டின் ரகசியங்களை பாதுகாக்கும் அமைப்பில் பணியாற்றும் ஒருவன், ஒரு அணு விஞ்ஞானியை விமான நிலையத்தில் இருந்து பாதுகாப்பாக அழைத்து வர நியமிக்கப்படுகிறான். அழைத்து வரும் வழியில் விஞ்ஞானி ஒரு மர்ம கும்பலால் கடத்தப்படுகிறார். 

இந்த கடத்தல் தன் மேற்பார்வையில் நடந்ததன் தீவிரம் அவனுக்கு புரியும்போது, தனது தவறை நினைத்து பயம் மற்றும் குற்ற உணர்வு அவனை ஆட்கொள்கிறது. அதே நேரத்தில், எந்த ஆதரவுமின்றி தனி ஆளாகவே விஞ்ஞானியை மீட்க களமிறங்குகிறான். அங்கிருந்து பல action காட்சிகளுடன் ஒரு action thriller ஆக மாறுகிறது கதையின் போக்கு.

Sole twist ஒன்றை நோக்கி நகரும் இந்த நாவல், இறுதிவரை சற்று தொய்வுகளுடனே பயணிக்கிறது. அந்த ஒரே twist உண்மையிலேயே திருப்திகரமாக இருக்கிறதா என்பது சந்தேகமே. நல்ல premise இருந்தும், conspiracy thriller ஆக தொடராமல் ஒரு passable read ஆக மட்டுமே அமைகிறது.

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “White Nights”

“White Nights” is a novella with an anonymous narrator as its protagonist, a man leading a profoundly lonely life. He wanders through the streets of St. Petersburg at night, withdrawn and hesitant to engage with people. Though he recognizes everyone who passes by, he has never truly interacted with them. In his own words, he is “a dreamer,” someone who finds refuge in imagination. His isolation runs so deep that he sometimes imagines himself conversing with buildings and houses. One such night, by the river, he encounters Nastenka, a young woman who appears to be crying. From this chance meeting unfolds a tender tale of longing, despair, and fleeting companionship.

As the narrator begins to speak of his life to Nastenka, he opens up emotionally, having finally found someone with whom he can connect. He describes loneliness as an “uninvited visitor” in his otherwise uneventful existence, confessing how he aches silently. Nastenka, too, is caught in her own state of longing from a sad past. In each other, they discover the companionship they desperately need during a moment of shared vulnerability.

The novella moves between intense happiness and deep melancholy. Though these emotional shifts occur in quick succession, they never feel abrupt. Instead, they mirror the volatility of human emotion, allowing readers to closely relate to the inner lives of the two central characters.

Even Dostoevsky’s choice of words enhances this emotional texture. The use of hyphenated forms such as “to-morrow” and “to-day” subtly keeps the prose from sounding too modern or brisk, slowing the rhythm in a way that suits a narrator who lives more in anticipation than in action. This stylistic choice also echoes one of the novella’s central themes: deferred happiness.

Ultimately, White Nights is a beautiful and poignant tale of alienation, heartbreak, longing, unrequited love and fragile hope.