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Book Review: Noctambulism: Flood of Blood by Shubhan Balvally

Noctambulism: Flood of Blood by Shubhan Balvally is a riveting murder mystery set in Goa, amidst a large family. As the novels kicks off, you better go through the large Pinto family tree. Understanding the family tree is critical to the overall grasping of the novel. You needn’t worry about so many characters, once chugged ahead, mid way you may begin calling them by names.


Basically it boils down between two brothers: Lazarus and Lawrence Pinto. They gathered massive wealth in the form of assets, business, property, gold and what not. The elder brother Lazarus is a polygamist, he has three wives and around eight children. While the younger one Lawrence is simple and under the domination of his elder brother.

First 10 or 15 chapters focus too much on their lives, sweeps, and current lifestyle. In December, the family gathers at their own island Bat Island, there they have villas under a mansion. So many ladies and children, rivalry was just around the corner. All looked friendly, enjoying the everyday parties, and some more guests join them, not to talk about a team of servants.

Post 26 December, the lawyer Martin is murdered for carrying out the Will. He was almost loathed by all for inciting Lazarus into doing injustice. Wait a minute, it doesn’t stop here. Lazarus’ first wife Monica and then his son James are murdered brutally. The island is cut off from the mainland due to bad weather. Police cannot come for rescue and investigation.

Three siblings from the guests Melwyn, Anil, and Anita take up the investigation into their hands. They were secretive detectives. Since all the murders are happening in the family post a Will reading, thus it could be concluded that the killer is from the family. It comes out soon but needs credibility and evidence.

Later it comes out that the killer was a sleepwalker. Killing people while sleepwalking but why and how – it is then another story within the novel and it takes time to reach a conclusion. The first part of the novel may sound predictable but the later one is terrific and may leave you nonplussed.

Noctambulism: Flood of Blood by Shubhan Balvally is a long novel that stretches over 400 pages. The author’s departure from sci-fi to crime thriller genre is smooth but his Arihant series was simply amazing. Better you not to compare both the books. Like always, Shubhan bulwark relies on his simple and lucid narration that makes the story highly readable. Looking for an Indian murder mystery Christie Agatha way, here is your pick.

Order your copy from Amazon/Kindle.

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