The John Grisham, I like, is back with a bang with Rogue Lawyer! The new novel has got everything a John Grisham fan wishes. We have abundant courtroom humor, lots of twists and turns in the story, some drama and tragedy, and well etched characters. The main protagonist is actually an anti-hero.
Meet Sebastian Rudd, a rouge lawyer. He practices from a mobile office, a customized Ford cargo van, with bullet proof glass. Need I say more?! The novel begins with a one of Sebastian’s cases. In this case, the system has pronounced the accused as guilty; even before the trial. A herculean task for defense lawyer Rudd, as everybody is hell bent to make the guilt stick regardless of the truth and facts. Moreover, the people of Milo have profuse hatred towards both the accused as well as his lawyer. Imagine the situation where the trail lawyer is escorted to the court with police protection. Such are the cases handled by Rudd.
Rudd amazes the readers with his cases. He is one lawyer who doesn’t care whether his clients are guilty or not. He does his best under the given circumstances. The first half of the novel is a breeze. Rudd works the system to get a fair share of success. He calls a spade a spade. I had a lot of laugh out loud moments. Everything is hunky dory until Rudd meets Arch Swanger. The story changes gear and suddenly becomes serious. Though we see bits and pieces of humor in the second half, there is a cloud of seriousness hovering above the story. The novel ends with an unexpected ending.
After The Litigators, all the three succeeding books, The Racketeer, Sycamore Row and Gray Mountain, had pretty serious stories. The humor, sarcasm, and the witty dialogues, are back with a full swing in this novel. John is in his elements! Rogue Lawyer is a must have book for John Grisham’s fans. Buy it, read it, enjoy it!
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Close Your Eyes – Michael Robotham
Close Your Eyes is the latest book by Michael Robotham. Clinical psychologist Joe O’Loughlin, Robotham’s most famous protagonist, features in this novel for the seventh time. The story usually flies off to a running start when Joe is the central character. My earlier reads, Shatter and Say You're Sorry, are good examples to substantiate my previous statement. Close Your Eyes is a tad different.
We have a crime, a double murder of a mother and daughter. The mother is butchered by multiple stab wounds where as the daughter’s body is sterile. The cops approach Joe, who is reluctant to offer help, as usual. Joe is informed that one of his old students has used Joe’s reference, without Joe’s approval, to be a part of the investigation. Worst part, he has made some confidential details public; to claim fame and also to make a quick buck. Unwilling Joe delves into the case to nab the perpetrator.
Joe unravels the truth bit by bit. He is also able to connect the murders with multiple cases of brutal physical abuse. As the victims fear shame, they don’t come forward to report these cases. This only helps the perpetrator to carry on with his scheme of things. The list of suspects only grows which makes Joe’s task harder.
There is a parallel track about Joe’s family. There is bonding, crisis and an unsavory stop. Though this subplot is woven without hampering the main story, I feel that this sub plot was unnecessary.
As a whole, this novel is a bit behind in meeting my expectations. Though the narrative begins with a bang and tries to keep the tempo, the story itself is not so compelling. Again, I have to clearly state that I am comparing this novel with Michael’s previous books I have already read. It might have been a good book, if I did not consider other works by the same author; I don’t know. Michael’s strong point is making his readers empathize with his characters. This is especially true when Joe is the main protagonist in the story. In Close Your Eyes, I empathized only during some portions of the climax. Read this book, it is good. However, I do not consider it to be the best from the stables of Michael Robotham.
We have a crime, a double murder of a mother and daughter. The mother is butchered by multiple stab wounds where as the daughter’s body is sterile. The cops approach Joe, who is reluctant to offer help, as usual. Joe is informed that one of his old students has used Joe’s reference, without Joe’s approval, to be a part of the investigation. Worst part, he has made some confidential details public; to claim fame and also to make a quick buck. Unwilling Joe delves into the case to nab the perpetrator.
Joe unravels the truth bit by bit. He is also able to connect the murders with multiple cases of brutal physical abuse. As the victims fear shame, they don’t come forward to report these cases. This only helps the perpetrator to carry on with his scheme of things. The list of suspects only grows which makes Joe’s task harder.
There is a parallel track about Joe’s family. There is bonding, crisis and an unsavory stop. Though this subplot is woven without hampering the main story, I feel that this sub plot was unnecessary.
As a whole, this novel is a bit behind in meeting my expectations. Though the narrative begins with a bang and tries to keep the tempo, the story itself is not so compelling. Again, I have to clearly state that I am comparing this novel with Michael’s previous books I have already read. It might have been a good book, if I did not consider other works by the same author; I don’t know. Michael’s strong point is making his readers empathize with his characters. This is especially true when Joe is the main protagonist in the story. In Close Your Eyes, I empathized only during some portions of the climax. Read this book, it is good. However, I do not consider it to be the best from the stables of Michael Robotham.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
The Brethren – John Grisham
Three judges do some misadventures while in office. All three now-former judges are locked away in a minimum security prison, Trumble. The security is so minimal at Trumble that it takes more than 4-5 hours just to realize that an inmate is missing. The three former judges are known as the Brethren in Trumble. They meet once a week and conduct hearings in the prison cafeteria. They pronounce judgments on the petty cases amongst the inmates. The Brethren are allowed to conduct these hearings as they are approved by the prison management. The hearings also act as a stabilizing factor in the prison as petty disputes are resolved in an amicable manner.
True to the adage, “idle brain is the devil's workshop”, the three judges start a devious scheme to get rich. The Brethren’s lawyer is their partner in crime responsible for the matters outside Trumble. The success of the scheme makes the Brethren gallant in their pursuit for richness.
In the parallel world, the CIA director has chosen a candidate to join the poll fray for the US President elections. The director is hell bent on ensuring that his chosen candidate becomes the next US President. Aaron Lake, a congressman from Arizona, has no visible secrets. He is nurtured to become the perfect presidential candidate. All goes well until the Brethren get involved with the presidential candidate!
The Brethren is one of John Grisham’s old books, published in 2000. The story is strong; however the suspense is not a guarded secret. It is easy to put two and two together and guess the plot of the novel. One thing which I did not like about this novel is the climax. It is usual to expect that when crime is committed, especially against the mighty, it should be punished. In this novel, it’s a win–win situation for all the main characters, except one. There could have been a stronger message about messing with the mighty, if not messing with the law. This is a good to have book in your library.
True to the adage, “idle brain is the devil's workshop”, the three judges start a devious scheme to get rich. The Brethren’s lawyer is their partner in crime responsible for the matters outside Trumble. The success of the scheme makes the Brethren gallant in their pursuit for richness.
In the parallel world, the CIA director has chosen a candidate to join the poll fray for the US President elections. The director is hell bent on ensuring that his chosen candidate becomes the next US President. Aaron Lake, a congressman from Arizona, has no visible secrets. He is nurtured to become the perfect presidential candidate. All goes well until the Brethren get involved with the presidential candidate!
The Brethren is one of John Grisham’s old books, published in 2000. The story is strong; however the suspense is not a guarded secret. It is easy to put two and two together and guess the plot of the novel. One thing which I did not like about this novel is the climax. It is usual to expect that when crime is committed, especially against the mighty, it should be punished. In this novel, it’s a win–win situation for all the main characters, except one. There could have been a stronger message about messing with the mighty, if not messing with the law. This is a good to have book in your library.
Friday, June 26, 2015
E-file IT Returns for FY 2014-15 in India
I have created this blog entry to help people in filing their IT returns online. It is mandatory for individuals, including salaried taxpayers, earning more than Rs 5 lakh taxable income during the financial year end March 31, 2015, to E-file IT returns.
Disclaimer: This should be used only as a helping guide. You still have to use your brain while filing the returns. The author is not liable for any inadvertent errors in this document. Use this document at your own risk.
Post your comments to provide feedback.
Some important links:
Income Tax Department E-file website: https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/e-Filing/UserLogin/LoginHome.html
Information on filing your tax return: http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/archive/filing_your_tax_return.pdf
Know your jurisdiction/ward: https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/e-Filing/Services/KnowYourJurisdictionLink.html
Know your IFSC code: http://bankifsccode.com/
First time users have to register with the IT department for e-filing returns (Check the last few slides for registration).
Click the image to enlarge.
There are chances that you may see screen shots of last year, do not worry, follow the instructions.
Disclaimer: This should be used only as a helping guide. You still have to use your brain while filing the returns. The author is not liable for any inadvertent errors in this document. Use this document at your own risk.
Post your comments to provide feedback.
Some important links:
Income Tax Department E-file website: https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/e-Filing/UserLogin/LoginHome.html
Information on filing your tax return: http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/archive/filing_your_tax_return.pdf
Know your jurisdiction/ward: https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/e-Filing/Services/KnowYourJurisdictionLink.html
Know your IFSC code: http://bankifsccode.com/
First time users have to register with the IT department for e-filing returns (Check the last few slides for registration).
Click the image to enlarge.
There are chances that you may see screen shots of last year, do not worry, follow the instructions.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Shatter by Michael Robotham
Joe O'loughlin, a clinical psychologist, is compelled to intervene in a police matter. A naked lady, wearing only a pair of high heeled shoes, is on the edge of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. As Joe tries to engage her in a conversation, the lady falls into the river. Her last words: “you don't understand”. The cops conveniently want to close the matter as a clear case of suicide. Joe is not convinced. He is disturbed by this unnatural death; not just because he couldn't save her, but because things don’t add up in this alleged suicide.
The story picks up steam after this incident. In comes the daughter of the deceased mother. There are differences between the cops and Joe. In comes Vincent Ruiz, Joe’s long time friend and ex-cop. Couple of other incidents makes the matter serious. Half way through the book, the plot is completely different. Joe meets his nemesis. There is exhilarating duel between the mind readers. I cannot divulge any other information as it would jeopardize the story.
Overall this is another mind blowing psychological thriller by Michael Robotham. The narration mesmerizes the reader. If you love thrillers then include this book to your read list / library. So far I have read four books by this author; two are thrillers (Life or Death and The Wreckage) and two are psychological thrillers (Say You're Sorry and Shatter). Except for The Wreckage, all the other three novels have swept me off my feet. I am eagerly waiting to read the remaining novels by Robotham.
The story picks up steam after this incident. In comes the daughter of the deceased mother. There are differences between the cops and Joe. In comes Vincent Ruiz, Joe’s long time friend and ex-cop. Couple of other incidents makes the matter serious. Half way through the book, the plot is completely different. Joe meets his nemesis. There is exhilarating duel between the mind readers. I cannot divulge any other information as it would jeopardize the story.
Overall this is another mind blowing psychological thriller by Michael Robotham. The narration mesmerizes the reader. If you love thrillers then include this book to your read list / library. So far I have read four books by this author; two are thrillers (Life or Death and The Wreckage) and two are psychological thrillers (Say You're Sorry and Shatter). Except for The Wreckage, all the other three novels have swept me off my feet. I am eagerly waiting to read the remaining novels by Robotham.
Friday, January 9, 2015
Say You're Sorry by Michael Robotham
Say You’re Sorry tells the sorry tale of two teenage girls who go missing from a nondescript town. No one knows what has happened with them. There is no ransom demand, there is no letter stating a probable elopement, nothing. They just vanish together one fine day. The whole town is involved in their search which turns out to be futile. As days pass, cops, parents and people lose hope of ever finding them. They become the infamous missing girls; popular as Bingham girls.
After a couple of years, a family is murdered. Joseph O'Loughlin is sought out for an opinion. Joe is a clinical psychologist who has worked with the cops in the past. He is coerced to take part in the investigation after he links the murders to the missing girls. He is ably assisted by his long time friend and ex-cop Vincent Ruiz. The rest is the crux of the story.
The novel is gripping and the narrative is engrossing, yet different. We see two different narratives; one is through the eyes of the missing girl and the other is from the perspective of the outside world. Michael etches his characters in such a manner that you cannot ignore to empathize with them. We gradually come to know the background of the story and the characters in a timely manner. The suspense is taut till the end of the novel.
This is the second book by Michael Robotham, I have read. I recommend people who have a flair for thrillers to try Michael’s book at least once. I can guarantee that you will go back for more. I, for one, am already hooked to this author!
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