The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on January 27, 2022 (currently free at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post)
Overall rating 4.02 with 339 ratings and 26 reviews
Where Are They Now by UD Yasha Series: Siya Rajput Mysteries #1
on February 8, 2019
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 324
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Former criminal defence lawyer Siya Rajput made a grave mistake three years back because of which she quit practising law. But now, a stunning new case forces her to return.
When a woman is brutally murdered, an astounding clue is found at the crime scene. It proves that Siya’s mother, who has been missing and presumed dead for sixteen years, is still alive. The killer has also left behind a special message for Siya, challenging her to take part in a chilling game.
In her most dangerous and personal case yet, Siya has to go to the darkest corners of her mind, communicate with a psychopathic serial killer in jail and be prepared to be wrong about everything she knows to be real in her life.
Siya is only certain of two things. First, the killer will strike again and again. And second, if she fails this time, she will lose her mother forever.
Something is odd about the story here and I’m not sure if it is a cultural difference or writing style. I did enjoy reading Where Are They Now? The Sija Rajput Mysteries start here and are based in India. Sija is a former criminal defense attorney who now teaches. A case she worked in the past has come to the forefront again. Sija was instrumental in capturing a killer and abductor of women. In fact, Siya’s own mother was abducted 16 years ago and a new crime scene proves she is still alive. We see everything from Sija’s point of view.
Sija goes to work on the case to find out who is copying the crimes when the original criminal is still behind bars. Somehow she, and her sister and sister’s fiance, are able to take time away from work without notice. Sija get police cooperation and collaboration on everything. Partly, this is because the killer in prison has said he will only talk to her. Sija is smart, follows reasonable strategy and leads, and she does take precautions for herself and the others in her family.
I understand her efforts on this because of her mother even if no one is hiring her. It’s weird she can just take off her work and that the police hand over everything to her and include her on searches, raids and interviews. I figured out a few details in advance but not the actual copycat carrying out the original killer’s plan. Both the original killer and the copycat “apprentice” were fairly well-developed and believable characters, although psychopaths.
I found the world interesting. There were some things I expected like misogyny and strong family connections, but the police worked rather differently than some other places. The reasons Sija left her law practice were understandable. The following grief and insecurity being mostly resolved by an event now seemed a bit contrived.
The plot was suspenseful and engaging. I enjoyed reading and will need to read another in the series to see if some aspects are different when one of the victims is not in Sija’s family with a history of her being involved in the case.
These are only Kindle freebies I get, or ones through author newsletters which anyone can sign up and get for free. I don’t include things like Kindle Unlimited or Prime Free Reading (I do have it). Both Tantor and Audible have occasional free audios (to anyone) and I do include those. Since I one-click on 1-2 freebies a day or probably at least 5 a week, I came up with this feature to make sure I start reading them.
So I have thought about doing a Thrifty Thursday Challenge someday. For now, what I think would be fun is if you have read and reviewed a freebie, link up to your review (Goodreads, blog, facebook or wherever) below.
Add your review link here:
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 22-COYER
Yes, that does seem to have some unique twists. Interesting about all the cooperation, too. I’ll have to give it a closer look.
When something is a bit different I don’t know if it is the culture or that I don’t know the culture or the style of writing. Well I don’t always know. This was a bit odd.
Oh India? That’s interesting! I wonder how the sequel will be.
I like to read about many places.
I enjoy police procedurals. Glad to hear this worked out despite the different writing style and yay for it being free! Great review, Anne!
Thanks Rachel. I do enjoy reading about countries I don’t know and to learn more about them.
I don’t know that I have read any books set in India. This does sound interesting.
I do really like to learn about different cultures.
It is interesting. I can’t imagine finding out my mother was alive for the past 16 years. Wow.
yeah, that was a shock.
It’s great when a bargain purchase turns out to be interesting. I’m intrigued by the main character and India setting. Wonderful review, Anne💜
Thanks Jonetta. I get freebies all the time because they sound a little interesting and then when I’m looking for something I usually have a book. It may not always be a good book but you never know.
Soooo behind in commenting. 🙁
I love freebiessss
I love to have them. The easiest ones to want to read are the first in a series to give a taste of that author / series.
Hmm, you’re right, I wonder if that is a cultural type of difference for the story. Very interesting!
Well yes, that’s partly why I read books set in different areas and cultures.