(I thank ddsreviews.in and the author for this review copy. All views expressed here are mine, and remain uninfluenced)
If I am asked to define this book in one line, I would say it is a humorous spy thriller that keeps the reader engaged until the last page.
But that line does not do justice to the complete riot that this book actually is!
Samira Joshi was an instant hit for me as a reader, and the charm of the book with her first person account of her experiences. Her rebellious attitude, kind heart, and the crazy family make for interesting elements throughout the book, giving the reader a glimpse into the minds of determined teens with set dreams.
Apeksha Rao has captured the essence of the story outline and has kept the pace engaging throughout. Be it with the parents’ conflicted mind of being RAW agents themselves and wanting their daughter to study medicine (with good reason) or the daughter’s determination to follow their footsteps and become a secret agent herself – the dimensions to the characters are deeply etched and a treat to read.
My favourite moments in the story are when Samira saves her father’s life with quick thinking the second time – which shows her finally winning over her fear, and when the girls join hands to bring down a narcotics ring – which shows the power of having courageous teenage spies.
When reading the book, it is obvious that the author has not treated the subject lightly, and has researched all aspects of being secret agents, including the psychological effects of the associated trauma and the constant clash between bureaucracy and field agents. The story had enough in it to both excite and inform the reader.
The humour in the first person narrative is unmatched – and ranges from sardonic punches to dry witty jokes. The end product is a book that mixes multiple elements seamlessly, ensuring that it has a little of everything to entice every type of reader.
Verdict: Along Came a Spyder – a laughter-inducing, edge-of-the-seat page-turner that you must not miss!
I sure am picking up the other books of the author.
Rating: 4/5
Purchase Links: Amazon