Noctambulism: Flood of Blood
Author: Shubhan Balvally
Genre: Crime Mystery Thriller
Published by Notion Press
Pages: 494
MRP: Rs. 540/- (Free on Kindle Unlimited)
Noctambulism: Flood of Blood by Shubhan Balvally is a thriller novel that revolves around a series of gruesome murders that take place in a secluded island estate in Goa, where a wealthy and influential family gathers to celebrate Christmas and New Year. The novel is a fast-paced and gripping read that keeps the reader hooked till the end, as the mystery of the killer and the motive behind the killings unravels.
The novel has a large cast of characters, each with their own backstory and personality. The main protagonist is Melwyn D’Cunha, a young and ambitious detective who is hired by the Pinto family to protect them from a mysterious threat. He is assisted by his two friends and partners, Anil and Anita, who are also aspiring detectives. The Pinto family consists of Lazarus and Lawrence, the two brothers who own a huge iron ore export business, their three wives, Monica, Magdalene and Amanda, and their eleven children, James, Joachim, Sylvestor, Salvador, Samantha, Michael, Mathew, John, Joseph, Elizabeth and Priscilla. The novel also introduces other characters such as Martin Furtado, the family lawyer, Jacob, the house-keeping manager, Ashley, Cheryl, Tina and Raveena, the four servants, Harry D’Cunha, the amusement park operator, and Inspector Deshpande, the police officer in charge of the case.
The novel is divided into 66 chapters, each of which is narrated from the perspective of different characters. The novel also uses flashbacks, dialogues, inner monologues, and descriptions to create a vivid picture of the events and the emotions of the characters. The novel has a lot of twists and turns, as the plot thickens and the suspense builds up. The novel also explores various themes such as family, loyalty, betrayal, greed, revenge, love, hatred, jealousy, guilt, and forgiveness. The novel also incorporates elements of Goan culture, history, cuisine, and language, which add to the authenticity and richness of the story.
The novel is well-written and engaging, with a smooth and coherent flow of narration. The novel has a good balance of action, drama, humor, romance, and horror, which makes it appealing to a wide range of readers. The novel also has a strong and satisfying climax and resolution, which ties up all the loose ends and reveals the identity and the motive of the killer. The novel also leaves some scope for a sequel, as some questions remain unanswered and some characters have unfinished business.
The novel is not without its flaws, however. The novel has some unrealistic and illogical aspects, such as the unseasonal cyclonic weather, the lack of communication and security on the island, the absence of forensic evidence and investigation, and the coincidental presence of the killer at the right place and the right time. The novel also has some clichéd and stereotypical characters, such as the arrogant and domineering patriarch, the submissive and dutiful wives, the rebellious and spoiled children, the loyal and helpful servants, and the smart and heroic detective. The novel also has some scenes and dialogues that are too graphic and vulgar, which may not suit the taste and sensibility of some readers.
Overall, Noctambulism: Flood of Blood by Shubhan Balvally is a thrilling and entertaining novel that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, as they follow the clues and the clues along with the detective and the family. The novel is a good example of the genre of Indian thriller fiction, which is gaining popularity and recognition in the literary world. The novel is a must-read for fans of mystery, suspense, and horror, who enjoy a good dose of blood and gore. The novel is also a good choice for readers who are looking for a different and diverse setting and culture, which is not often explored in mainstream fiction. The novel is a commendable debut by the author, who shows a lot of potential and promise for future works. I would rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all the keetabikeedas out there.
The author has recently released the second part of the book, titled “Flood of Blood 2: Bloodhounds Rising”. I am excited to read it soon and will provide a review of it as well. Stay tuned for more updates!
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