Tushar Mangl

In The Drowning, Nidhi Upadhyay writes a darkly hypnotic tale of loss, betrayal, and sinister forces. From a mother shattered by grief to an investigator uncovering unthinkable horrors, this thriller grips you with its blend of crime and the supernatural. Published by Penguin Ebury Press, it promises a journey into human fears and ancient evils. What makes The Drowning  impossible to put down? The first thing you notice when you pick up The Drowning is its unrelenting grip on your attention. Nidhi Upadhyay knows how to create an atmosphere thick with suspense and dread, and it is evident from the first chapter. The opening scene—a grief-stricken Viji holding the lifeless body of her best friend Neha’s baby—throws you headfirst into a chilling mystery. The image is haunting and immediately raises questions: What happened? Why is Viji silent? Where is Neha? But this book is not just about shocking events; it is about the emotional resonance they carry. Upadhyay ensures you are not j...

The Pratibha Mahila Sahakari Bank, established in 1973 in Jalgaon by Pratibha Patil, was intended as a beacon of hope for women's empowerment in the region. However, its promising start was overshadowed by mismanagement, allegations of nepotism, and financial irregularities. In 2003, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revoked its license, marking a grim end to what could have been a success story for cooperative banking in India. Can a dream turn into a nightmare? Once upon a time, in the dusty lanes of Jalgaon, Maharashtra, a dream took shape. It was 1973, and Pratibha Patil, an ambitious leader and future President of India, envisioned a cooperative bank run by women, for women. The idea was revolutionary—financial independence in an era when women’s empowerment was still a distant reality. Fast forward to 2003, and the very institution that began with noble intentions lay in shambles. Accusations of cronyism, financial mismanagement, and blatant misuse of power led to its tragic de...

Orginal text written on 9/19/07 Revised version - 11/24/24 One of the disturbing trends in our society today is adolescent dating, often referred to as "adulescent" dating—a term used to describe adolescents growing up too fast and stepping into adulthood prematurely. What is even more alarming is that this phenomenon is not limited to urban centers or big cities; it has seeped into small towns as well, posing a serious threat to societal ethics and values. It is especially dangerous for teenagers, who are already burdened with immense pressure from academics, social expectations, and personal development. Are Teenagers Mature Enough for Dating? Picture two 16-year-olds navigating the complexities of dating. The first concern is: are they mature enough to make such decisions? Can they choose their partners wisely, decide where to go on dates, and most importantly, understand the consequences of their actions? Alarmingly, many teenagers seem oblivious to these consequences. ...

Summary Set in the village of Windmere, this is a tale of love, guilt, and redemption. Edward, an introspective yet flawed man, realises the depths of his manipulations to control his wife, Geraldine, through guilt. Confronted with the consequences of his actions, he embarks on a painful journey of self-awareness, accountability, and rebuilding trust. Through conversations, the beauty of their orchard, and a mutual rediscovery of love, they uncover the truth about forgiveness and change. Part I: The storm before the calm A tense prelude The day began much like Edward's state of mind—restless and overcast. The Windmere estate, nestled in a valley, was both a source of pride and suffocation for him. Its beauty—a sprawling orchard of apples, pears, cherries, and figs—was marred by the emotional distance that had grown between him and his wife. The rain that morning had been relentless, hammering against the stained glass of the study. Edward sat by the window, lost in thought, watchin...

Set against Jerusalem’s seething backdrop, The Butcher’s Theatre by Jonathan Kellerman delivers a relentless psychological thriller. Veteran inspector Daniel Sharavi faces a brutal killer whose chilling precision threatens the city’s fragile peace. Kellerman blends cultural tensions with a pulse-pounding murder mystery. Intricate, evocative, and unforgettable, this book cements Kellerman as a maestro of suspenseful storytelling. "The Butcher’s Theatre" by Jonathan Kellerman: A Gripping Masterpiece or Too Close to Home? Ever wondered how a city can serve as both character and setting in a book? Jonathan Kellerman’s The Butcher’s Theatre uses Jerusalem not just as a backdrop but as a haunting presence that shapes the narrative’s essence. This 628-page thriller, published by Ballantine Books in 1988, takes readers on a journey that probes human psychology, faith, and the darker side of humanity. Why Is The Butcher’s Theatre So addictive? Imagine a Jerusalem caught between its...

" The Art of Smiling When the World Isn’t watching " is a tale of Manjiri, a spirited woman in the town of Darvila, battling high-functioning depression. Her seemingly perfect life hides a storm. As she navigates her emotions and relationships, readers are drawn into her world through reflection. The façade Darvila, nestled in the heart of the Eastern Ghats, could have been plucked straight out of a travel brochure. The town, with its cobbled streets and timeless air, was flanked by orchards bursting with mangoes, guavas, and jackfruits. Hibiscus bushes lined the pathways, their vibrant petals undeterred by the ceaseless drizzle. And then there was me, Manjiri, a librarian by day and an invisible tempest by night. “Manjiri, you make it all seem so easy!” Kavita exclaimed one afternoon over tea. Her perfect curls framed a face untouched by worry. I smiled, the kind of smile practiced in front of mirrors for decades. “What can I say? Years of working with dusty books toughen yo...

Scandals are a mirror reflecting the underbelly of any society, but in India, they often become the main act in the theatre of politics. Today, the Adani Group’s alleged involvement in fraud and bribery raises eyebrows and questions about the future of corporate ethics in the country. But rewind a few decades, and you will find the Bofors scandal, a story so politically charged that it toppled governments and changed India’s perception of trust and justice. Before Adani made headlines, Bofors defined the word corruption in India. This story isn’t just about money, arms deals, or power—it is about how history repeats itself when lessons are ignored. What is the Adani Scandal About? The Adani Group has been accused of fraud and bribery, as a US court recently indicted one of its subsidiaries. Allegations surfaced about how the company engaged in unethical practices to secure contracts. This scandal reignited debates about corporate governance and political patronage. With Adani's ri...