s an author, Piyush Jha combines the filmic, almost photographic style of writing with a flair for mind boggling tales with twists and turns characteristic of Mumbai, the backdrop for his stories. The interesting part about Piyush’s thriller's is that it veers away from the Mumbai mafia, almost synonymous with all crime books - fiction and non-fiction-- and yet makes for a riveting read.
Mumbaistan, Piyush’s first work that comprised three novellas has been turned into a series by Rupa Publications with his second book in the Mumbaistan series - Compass Box Killer.
The tapestry of the Mumbaistan series weaved skillfully by the author is as complex and unexpected in its plurality with characters such as Rabia, Tanvir, Dr. Porus Udwadia, Samir Khanna, Inspector Virkar, or as Mumbai itself.
But, like all things meant for popular consumption, Mumbaistan's stories allow a glimmer of hope, some love, dignity and generosity in unexpected nooks and crannies, quite like the metropolis.
It is no wonder that Piyush's debut, Mumbaistan has traveled well, making it to the Crossword Best of 2012, Flipkart Editor’s Choice Best of 2012 list, and Financial Express Best of 2012 list besides landing a nomination for the Tata First Book Award.
Piyush’s next offering, Compass Box Killer with its intriguing story promises to follow suit as do other adventures of Inspector Virkar, the chief protagonist, in the series that will be kicked off by this novel.