Ashwin Sanghi: Decoding the Dan Brown code??

Mytho thrillers have become “the” thing to read post Dan Brown. All you have to do is find a QUEST – an answer that lies deep within religion. A serial killer out to kill those who know about the “SECRET” of the religion. A learned, smart Professor chasing the serial killer & learning the “TRUTH” in the process, accompanied by a smart & sassy, know-it-all beauty. The TRUTH itself for which we chase all through the book, page after page, generally turns out to be, well, disappointing. Nevertheless it makes for a good thriller. Religion & its facts are analysed & overanalysed & depicted in an all new light, which is interesting to decode.

Dan Brown made a huge killing out of it & so is Ashwin Sanghi.

But Sanghi is so much more than Brown in many ways. Though both authors love analysing religion & spin thrillers on it, Sanghi’s take is smarter & more analysis based. Brown follows one protagonist in all of his books, & spins stories accordingly, whereas Sanghi has a variety in each book. His narrative style might match Brown too much, but he weaves a better story all in all.

Of course, THE KRISHNA KEY was rather disappointing after a promising start, but the book’s theories of Hinduism will make you think.

CHANKAYA’S CHANT is a book that shows Sanghi’s skills to his best. What does that book not have? Historical text & comparison with modern subtext, two comparisons beautifully done…& his modern day story is a spiffing amalgamation of all things good…sleek thriller, comparison of modern day protagonists with historical legends while the story is being narrated. This book hooks you on like no other can.

I have not yet read ROZABEL LINE, but have been convinced of the book’s plot & pace to no end.

Sanghi is undoubtedly an author to look out for when you want to read Religious Thrillers!!

TIP: Really pick a weekend to read his books…do NOT allow yourself to be disturbed. The books are so deep, they will suck you in Sanghi’s world & will only release you once done!! Buy the Sanghi Trilogy!!