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Curse of the Red Soil
History bears testimony to the fact that the jet black Bidriware statues have mesmerized people from all around the world. Aaradhya, an engineering graduate, finds herself in the middle of a deadly mental storm when she realizes that a Bidriware statue has turned into a nightmare for her and is giving her sleepless nights. She begins her quest to unravel the truth and undertakes a journey full of thrill, deceit and betrayal. Things take a dramatic turn when she discovers that her mission has turned suicidal and could ruin her future and destroy her family. The situations take her through a roller coaster ride through several monuments like the Bidar Fort, Jharni Narsimha, the Gurudwara and the Charminar area of Hyderabad to name a few. The answer to her questions lies in a secret hidden by her father…A secret that can shatter several lives and curse those who commit crimes in the city of the Red Soil. Read ‘Curse of the Red Soil’ to experience a blend of suspense, thrill, love, history and mystery all at once!
240 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2015
3 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Durgesh Shastri
12 books24 followersDurgesh Shastri is a computer networks engineer currently working as an asst. professor in GNDEC, Bidar. A social worker, his NGO is actively involved in spreading computer and social awareness in rural areas. His first book, 12 strokes of life, has been critically acclaimed by many professional reviewers and readers alike while his short stories have featured in 5 anthologies in 2014 alone. He also has a poem to his credit, published in an international poetry book when cupid struck its arrow, which was reviewed by the famous Indian actor, Aamir Khan. An alumnus of the prestigious PES university and RV college of engineering, Bangalore, Durgesh has always been a voracious reader and the works of Sidney Sheldon and Jeffrey Archer have motivated him as a writer. He has reviewed several books online and continues to try his hand at creative writing during his spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 12, 2015
After 12 strokes of life Durgesh is back with his simple yet entertaining way of writing. This times its a thriller. Set in Bidar, thats what make it closer to me, it is an edge of the seat thriller. A must read for all thriller fans.
January 9, 2017
I won this book as a part of Goodreads Giveaway scheme.
"Curse of the Red Soil" is a nice read set in the historical city of Bidar. This city is lost in the pages of history, especially for a North Indian who doesn't get to know much about the history of south India through traditional sources, and the author does a fine job of writing a thriller steeped deep within the history of the town. The author also tries to tell about the history of the town and its various monuments, but never does this interfere with the plot of the book.
Moving on to the story, the book deals with the issue of antique smuggling and how various lives are lost in order to keep this a secret. The antique smuggler, Mr. Patil, is a wealthy and powerful man and is well connected within the system and uses these connections to run his illegal business. He commits some mistakes which come to haunt him and his family later. Aaradhya, his daughter, is an idealistic girl who is shielded from the ugly truth of her father's business. She takes up the mystery of disappearance of Manorama, in order to stop her nightmares which pits her against her father. The investigation is marked with many surprising twists and turns and drains Aaradhya emotionally. She is supported in her quest by Sachit, her boyfriend, who acts like her pillar of strength.
The mystery is finally solved after an interesting twist, the main culprit is revealed. It shows the mastery of the author that Mr. Patil who is potrayed as the villain throughout, is shown in somewhat better light in the end. And then one realizes that Mr. Patil was never directly blamed for the crime, even though the reader feels so as he goes with the flow of the novel.
The writing is crisp and book has nice action and drama to hook the reader to the story.
All in all, a good read!!
"Curse of the Red Soil" is a nice read set in the historical city of Bidar. This city is lost in the pages of history, especially for a North Indian who doesn't get to know much about the history of south India through traditional sources, and the author does a fine job of writing a thriller steeped deep within the history of the town. The author also tries to tell about the history of the town and its various monuments, but never does this interfere with the plot of the book.
Moving on to the story, the book deals with the issue of antique smuggling and how various lives are lost in order to keep this a secret. The antique smuggler, Mr. Patil, is a wealthy and powerful man and is well connected within the system and uses these connections to run his illegal business. He commits some mistakes which come to haunt him and his family later. Aaradhya, his daughter, is an idealistic girl who is shielded from the ugly truth of her father's business. She takes up the mystery of disappearance of Manorama, in order to stop her nightmares which pits her against her father. The investigation is marked with many surprising twists and turns and drains Aaradhya emotionally. She is supported in her quest by Sachit, her boyfriend, who acts like her pillar of strength.
The mystery is finally solved after an interesting twist, the main culprit is revealed. It shows the mastery of the author that Mr. Patil who is potrayed as the villain throughout, is shown in somewhat better light in the end. And then one realizes that Mr. Patil was never directly blamed for the crime, even though the reader feels so as he goes with the flow of the novel.
The writing is crisp and book has nice action and drama to hook the reader to the story.
All in all, a good read!!
April 15, 2015
A bewitchingly intriguing tale of love, relations ,guilt and regrets.
The inner demons and dilemma of characters is perfectly described.
Durgesh Shastri gives you something refreshing to read and relish. This happens to be a fresh breeze in the times of never ending romance novels that are flooding market.
The book has its flaws but they can be overlooked owing to the fact that its his first novel.
The inner demons and dilemma of characters is perfectly described.
Durgesh Shastri gives you something refreshing to read and relish. This happens to be a fresh breeze in the times of never ending romance novels that are flooding market.
The book has its flaws but they can be overlooked owing to the fact that its his first novel.
April 15, 2015
Had never even heard of there is a place named Bidar. That too with such a important part in history. This fact again made my belief confirmed. That in India even the history is influenced by the Northern ones. All we get in textbooks or in contemporary tales - the rulers of Delhi or Rajasthan or Gujarat or Maratha. Why no Bahamani no Vijay Nagar no Chalukya mentioned? Thanks to Durgesh Shashtri for making me aware about this ignored chapter of history. Though he left me in midway because I craved for more insight into the past. But after all the premise here is of a fiction - a thriller, this much of information serves purpose.
Now the book. Set in the mysterious premises of Bidar Fort - Curse of the red soil starts of really well. Making you engaged in the story instantly. Moreover the detailed description of the place makes engrossing read. In very first pages you already are taken to thrill ride making you wonder why what how when. Despite the fact that the love story is not much unique it makes you like the couple and rooting for them. Nothing complicated and fancy here. But simple language and circumstances keeps the premises light and interesting. Though I feel if there could be more bits from history, thrown in for suspense that would be more awesome. Though the fact is that there was no such place for it in this story but I am just being greedy. As things get revealed one by one, after second half the book becomes unputdownable.
The very first full length book by the author is definitely commendable. Taking the reader in a lesser known place and still keeping him glued is definitely worthy effort. (This book actually made me go Google about the history and pictures of the places mentioned.) Would recommend this to thriller lovers - you won't be disappointed.
Now the book. Set in the mysterious premises of Bidar Fort - Curse of the red soil starts of really well. Making you engaged in the story instantly. Moreover the detailed description of the place makes engrossing read. In very first pages you already are taken to thrill ride making you wonder why what how when. Despite the fact that the love story is not much unique it makes you like the couple and rooting for them. Nothing complicated and fancy here. But simple language and circumstances keeps the premises light and interesting. Though I feel if there could be more bits from history, thrown in for suspense that would be more awesome. Though the fact is that there was no such place for it in this story but I am just being greedy. As things get revealed one by one, after second half the book becomes unputdownable.
The very first full length book by the author is definitely commendable. Taking the reader in a lesser known place and still keeping him glued is definitely worthy effort. (This book actually made me go Google about the history and pictures of the places mentioned.) Would recommend this to thriller lovers - you won't be disappointed.
March 1, 2015
This is the best book I have read this year and one of my favorites too. Curse of the RED soil will always remain close to my heart for it is a story of the place I belong to-BIDAR. The story is beautifully narrated by Durgesh Shastri. The story of a girl whose mission is to find answers for her quest. Her journey turns out to be so thrilling and adventurous. The book has all the qualities of being a best seller. In short the book is wonderful and thoroughly engaging.
April 14, 2015
One surprise shocker! Indian engineering student life plus drama plus mystery.....loved it!
June 19, 2015
A nice read End was good but ending was predictable, I loved it actually.
Few spelling mistakes , and somewhere the detailed description could have been avoided.
But overall enjoyable. :)
Few spelling mistakes , and somewhere the detailed description could have been avoided.
But overall enjoyable. :)
August 13, 2015
There are many historical places in India, having lots of stories that could blow your mind off but unfortunately we haven’t heard about them both, cities and the stories as well. One of such city is Bidar, having great history to be told but still hiding somewhere in the sands of time. Well, don’t take me wrong, this book is not a historical saga of Bidar but do talks about it in segments.
First of all, I would like to congratulate the author over his brilliant debut. I have read his earlier book ’12 strokes of life’ too (Was a short story collection) and because of which my expectation from the author were really high. The brilliant and innovative book cover design created eagerness with me and finally the title of the book; everything was perfect.
Coming to the plot. Aaradhya returns back to her home after her engineering and soon finds herself in the dilemma because of the missing maid. Every finger is getting raised against her father. Whom to believe, whom to doubt is the ultimate question that is creating a mental trauma for her. In the quest her friends join in too but they never had any idea that the deeper they will dig, the deeper will it go. Suspense keeps on building and the answer lies with only one person, the accused one, Aaradhya’s father.
The first impression of the book is pretty different from the overall storyline. It’s not a historical thriller as it seems to be. The story is more over a murder mystery with little elements of historical statues.
Coming to the positives of the book; these are brilliant writing style of the author, unpredictable, suspense lasts till the very end, cover design is awesome and the story itself is having elements of a good thriller.
And the points that proved to be negative for the book in my opinion were slow start, too much of detailing of Bidar, dull dialogues (Some of them, some were exceptional too) and sudden revelation of everything at the when reader expect to read more was disappointing.
Although the book stands tall against many other of the same genre and that’s wholly because of the unique storyline and brilliant writing style of the author. This book will not disappoint as a whole.
Go for it if you are a thriller fan. I may wait for Durgesh Shastri’s next.
3.5/5 stars from my side for this book.
First of all, I would like to congratulate the author over his brilliant debut. I have read his earlier book ’12 strokes of life’ too (Was a short story collection) and because of which my expectation from the author were really high. The brilliant and innovative book cover design created eagerness with me and finally the title of the book; everything was perfect.
Coming to the plot. Aaradhya returns back to her home after her engineering and soon finds herself in the dilemma because of the missing maid. Every finger is getting raised against her father. Whom to believe, whom to doubt is the ultimate question that is creating a mental trauma for her. In the quest her friends join in too but they never had any idea that the deeper they will dig, the deeper will it go. Suspense keeps on building and the answer lies with only one person, the accused one, Aaradhya’s father.
The first impression of the book is pretty different from the overall storyline. It’s not a historical thriller as it seems to be. The story is more over a murder mystery with little elements of historical statues.
Coming to the positives of the book; these are brilliant writing style of the author, unpredictable, suspense lasts till the very end, cover design is awesome and the story itself is having elements of a good thriller.
And the points that proved to be negative for the book in my opinion were slow start, too much of detailing of Bidar, dull dialogues (Some of them, some were exceptional too) and sudden revelation of everything at the when reader expect to read more was disappointing.
Although the book stands tall against many other of the same genre and that’s wholly because of the unique storyline and brilliant writing style of the author. This book will not disappoint as a whole.
Go for it if you are a thriller fan. I may wait for Durgesh Shastri’s next.
3.5/5 stars from my side for this book.
March 18, 2015
Something nasty has happened in Bidar. But there's no one to stand tall and deliver justice. But there are few curious minds who want to get to the root of it all. But the opposing forces are hidden behind a veil and they are on a constant vigil to let the cover up be as it is. So what is it going to take the uncover the mystery? Is there even any mystery at all? How connections are going to look up? That's what the story is all about.
At first glimpse it looks more of a historical fiction but don't be mistaken as it turns out to be a thriller in the end. The story has got few elements that hold up the action quite well and constructs a great amount of anticipation as to what will happen next. There are times when it serves unnatural encounters and then there are times when it holds the thrill aspect with gusto. It's a fast moving action that holds true in this thriller.
The drawback of the story is it is too exposed upfront and does very little to hold on to a mystery factor. It generally bides time and then goes for the kill rather than waiting and then delivering the goods. All the aces up the sleeve are opened one after another and doesn't gives leverage to the story in the end. Some more meat and more off the track suspense could have given the story more bite.
All in all it's a decent thriller with blood curling and wrecking story line. It does not live up to the maximum expectations but it gives some nice action and drama to savor. The readers wont be entirely satisfied but then it won't disappoint you either in many ways. It's a straight forward story with few things going it's way and few hampering it's growth. A good effort.
At first glimpse it looks more of a historical fiction but don't be mistaken as it turns out to be a thriller in the end. The story has got few elements that hold up the action quite well and constructs a great amount of anticipation as to what will happen next. There are times when it serves unnatural encounters and then there are times when it holds the thrill aspect with gusto. It's a fast moving action that holds true in this thriller.
The drawback of the story is it is too exposed upfront and does very little to hold on to a mystery factor. It generally bides time and then goes for the kill rather than waiting and then delivering the goods. All the aces up the sleeve are opened one after another and doesn't gives leverage to the story in the end. Some more meat and more off the track suspense could have given the story more bite.
All in all it's a decent thriller with blood curling and wrecking story line. It does not live up to the maximum expectations but it gives some nice action and drama to savor. The readers wont be entirely satisfied but then it won't disappoint you either in many ways. It's a straight forward story with few things going it's way and few hampering it's growth. A good effort.
November 12, 2015
The first thing that caught my attention is the book cover. Designed like the front page of a newspaper, the cover is impressive and set the tone of the book for me.
Aaradhya an Engineering graduate, is the face of new India, headstrong but still fighting the shackles of a traditional Hindu family. On her way home, at the end of her Graduation, an incident on the train changes Aaradhya. The "Super Woman" Aaradhya then embarks on a journey to find the missing maid Manorama. Aaradhya nearly jeopardises her life and also puts her friends in danger but that does not deter her.
Vaikunth Patil, businessman but first Aaradhya's father, how far will he go to protect his daughter? And when all clues lead to Vaikunth Patil, will Aaradhya still want justice for Manorama?
Set in the historic town of Bidar and with the Bidar fort as the setting for most of the important scenes, the author has piqued my interest in this small town. Overall it is a fairly decent mystery with a few twists placed at the right moments. This book could have been a good page turner, if only. I found some loose ends such as, when Pratap suddenly gives up his vendetta and there is no mention of the titular "curse". The narrative style could be improved to make the book more engaging.
I received this book from Goodreads and this review is my honest opinion.
Aaradhya an Engineering graduate, is the face of new India, headstrong but still fighting the shackles of a traditional Hindu family. On her way home, at the end of her Graduation, an incident on the train changes Aaradhya. The "Super Woman" Aaradhya then embarks on a journey to find the missing maid Manorama. Aaradhya nearly jeopardises her life and also puts her friends in danger but that does not deter her.
Vaikunth Patil, businessman but first Aaradhya's father, how far will he go to protect his daughter? And when all clues lead to Vaikunth Patil, will Aaradhya still want justice for Manorama?
Set in the historic town of Bidar and with the Bidar fort as the setting for most of the important scenes, the author has piqued my interest in this small town. Overall it is a fairly decent mystery with a few twists placed at the right moments. This book could have been a good page turner, if only. I found some loose ends such as, when Pratap suddenly gives up his vendetta and there is no mention of the titular "curse". The narrative style could be improved to make the book more engaging.
I received this book from Goodreads and this review is my honest opinion.
March 7, 2018
I started with the idea that I will tolerate this book a little further after the disappointment from the prologue. Then, I just worried it shut after 50 pages.
The bad narrative starts straight from the first paragraph. The author lacks command over the story, which is quite evident from the shutting POVs that change in every paragraph, the unnecessary description of the place and zero data on the characters.
"The tasty lunch had her tummy full," is going to be the phrase which will haunt me for the rest of my life. This kind of work belongs to novice blogger's early attempts at writing. The history lessons over Bidar are just annoying. I didn't have a single insight about the character which the author hadn't pointed out blatantly as if giving me a character sketch written by a 17-year-old. Though, the part where I just had to give up was the product placement. I don't think I'm ready to tolerate actual marketing of an institute in a book. At least, not for a decade or two. Go on, use whatever tactics you can to sell your books, but please don't put ads in it.
One last, unimportant point: Don't ever use such a distracting cover. The blurb is unreadable due to the background. The front cover is very confusing and almost childish. I have no idea how this book still stands at a 4.10 rating.
The bad narrative starts straight from the first paragraph. The author lacks command over the story, which is quite evident from the shutting POVs that change in every paragraph, the unnecessary description of the place and zero data on the characters.
"The tasty lunch had her tummy full," is going to be the phrase which will haunt me for the rest of my life. This kind of work belongs to novice blogger's early attempts at writing. The history lessons over Bidar are just annoying. I didn't have a single insight about the character which the author hadn't pointed out blatantly as if giving me a character sketch written by a 17-year-old. Though, the part where I just had to give up was the product placement. I don't think I'm ready to tolerate actual marketing of an institute in a book. At least, not for a decade or two. Go on, use whatever tactics you can to sell your books, but please don't put ads in it.
One last, unimportant point: Don't ever use such a distracting cover. The blurb is unreadable due to the background. The front cover is very confusing and almost childish. I have no idea how this book still stands at a 4.10 rating.
March 20, 2015
A roller coaster ride of a thriller, spine chilling narration and a fantastic end. A perfect for thriller genre, one star by me because climax sequence could be more interesting. It lacks emotional quotient which was otherwise well maintained in the story. Read the full review here Curse of The Red Soil
March 8, 2015
I can only say that I couldn't have written anything more thrilling than this:)
August 25, 2016
It was an entertaining read.
February 27, 2019
It took me years to grab the book. Grabbed it last month.
I was surprised to read a fiction story about Bidar in English. This became the reason for my desire to get hold of the book. Its interesting to read about the historical factors about an old place, whose story was never said or written. Crime, friendship, love, disappointment, betrayal, revenge; this story holds every emotion in it.
I was surprised to read a fiction story about Bidar in English. This became the reason for my desire to get hold of the book. Its interesting to read about the historical factors about an old place, whose story was never said or written. Crime, friendship, love, disappointment, betrayal, revenge; this story holds every emotion in it.
November 28, 2016
coudn't stop reading this ,until i approached the end. the whole story just took a sharp turn. BIDARians must read this once..
April 15, 2015
My first compliment is to the writing style involved which was thoroughly lucid and effective in transporting me to the land of the red soil. Being an engineering student myself it was fun to relate to the characters and enjoy their escapades. The feisty Aaradhya, the naive but ever caring Suhasini, the jovial Ritesh and the studious and sensible Sachit made an odd but impressive melange who despite being mere engineering graduates were instrumental in unearthing the mystery behind Manorama's murder and uplifting the veil from the Bidriware artefacts racket. The element of fantasy that the author added amidst the gruelling events is commendable. The way Mr. Patil narrated his very own story metamorphosed as a fairy tale catches one's attention promptly. This piece of whodunit was marvelous and the denouement definitely came as a surprise. The strongest message that I can carry from this book is that nobody can exercise any power on the circumstances and so the best way to go on with life is to have your heart in the right place and proceed forth!
April 3, 2015
The girl who never takes interest in spending time with Novels, story books n the one who never completed a book read within a month or two ....Has finally broken her record n completed the book within a couple of weeks...
I am unaware whether this happened coz of the my affection towards my native , or coz of the flawless style of writing..."CURSE OF THE RED SOIL " or shall I say "BOON TO BIDRIS" ,a MAGNETIC book which magnetises rare readers like me...
"Anybody who committed a crime in the land of the red soil was bound to carry the CURSE OF THE RED SOIL" .......Bidar Mystery Rocks The Country!
I am unaware whether this happened coz of the my affection towards my native , or coz of the flawless style of writing..."CURSE OF THE RED SOIL " or shall I say "BOON TO BIDRIS" ,a MAGNETIC book which magnetises rare readers like me...
"Anybody who committed a crime in the land of the red soil was bound to carry the CURSE OF THE RED SOIL" .......Bidar Mystery Rocks The Country!
April 5, 2015
Review at A Bookworm’s Musing: http://wp.me/p2J8yh-2NK
What I liked:
+ Pace;
+ Narration; especially the prologue
+ Romance; the bond between Aaradhya and Sachit
+ Historical elements; seamlessly incorporated
+ Cover design;
What could’ve been better:
- Threads close very soon;
- Ending felt odd
I feel it’s a good debut, and await more such thriller novels from the author.
What I liked:
+ Pace;
+ Narration; especially the prologue
+ Romance; the bond between Aaradhya and Sachit
+ Historical elements; seamlessly incorporated
+ Cover design;
What could’ve been better:
- Threads close very soon;
- Ending felt odd
I feel it’s a good debut, and await more such thriller novels from the author.
July 2, 2015
I won this book on Good reads first reads giveaway.
Durgesh Shastri gives you something refreshing to read and relish. The inner demons and dilemma of characters is perfectly described. I found the ending predictable but overall it was a good read!
Durgesh Shastri gives you something refreshing to read and relish. The inner demons and dilemma of characters is perfectly described. I found the ending predictable but overall it was a good read!
April 8, 2015
A book which drives you crazy by its thrilling, mysterious and suspense story. A writing which makes us thirsty to know what happens next in the story and i was fully lost in it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Nice writing by you sir .Worth spending both time and money.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews