"The Black Orphan" by Hussain S. Zaidi is a gripping thriller that masterfully intertwines love, crime, and suspense. The story begins with DIG Ajay Rajvardhan of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) encountering a captivating young lawyer, Asiya Khan, in court. Asiya is defending a woman the NIA has arrested on terrorism charges. Despite being on opposite sides—Ajay dedicated to apprehending terrorists and Asiya committed to defending those wrongfully accused—Ajay finds himself unable to stop thinking about her.

As the plot thickens, Ajay and Asiya's budding attraction is overshadowed by a series of chilling events. A serial killer is on the loose, targeting India's most renowned nuclear scientists. The tension escalates as these murders seem to be connected to a larger, more sinister conspiracy brewing in the bylanes of Mumbai. Ajay, along with his colleagues Deputy Commissioner Sagar Pratap and Commissioner Neeraj Kumar, must race against time to uncover the mastermind behind these heinous acts and prevent further devastation.

Zaidi's storytelling is compelling, weaving a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are well-developed, each with their own complexities and motivations. Ajay Rajvardhan is portrayed as a dedicated officer struggling with his feelings for Asiya, while she is depicted as a strong, principled lawyer who fights for justice. Their chemistry adds a layer of depth to the plot, making their interactions both intense and heartfelt.

The book is inspired by true events, which adds a layer of authenticity and urgency to the narrative. Zaidi's writing style is engaging and straightforward, making it easy for readers to follow the intricate plot without getting lost in unnecessary details. The pacing is perfect, with each chapter building up to a climax that leaves readers eager to turn the page.

One of the standout aspects of "The Black Orphan" is its exploration of real-world issues. The novel delves into themes of justice, terrorism, and the moral dilemmas faced by those in law enforcement and the legal profession. It raises important questions about the balance between security and human rights, making it not just a thrilling read but also a thought-provoking one.

All-in-all, "The Black Orphan" is a must-read for fans of thrillers and crime fiction. Hussain S. Zaidi has crafted a story that is both exciting and emotionally resonant, with characters that stay with you long after you've finished the book. Whether you're drawn to the romance, the suspense, or the real-world relevance, this novel has something for everyone. Highly recommended! Ambica Gulati65 18

Yes, if you love thrillers, then author S. Hussain Zaidi is sure to be high on your list of #TBR. It was on mine as well, and the gripping, pacy The Black Orphan lives up to the Zaidi promise.
Wearing the crown of the No 1 crime writer in India, Zaidi spent 20 years in investigative journalism. This experience makes him a strong researcher and great storyteller.
The Black Orphan is the story of DIG Ajay Rajvardhan of the National Intelligence Agency and human rights lawyer Asiya Khan. The duo meet as Asiya comes forward to fight the case of young Nazneen who is facing charges of terrorist activities. It’s a story of falling for the oldest trick in the world, the trap of love, revenge, abuse of power to disrupt lives.
Based on facts and names we all relate to, this story takes place in the financial capital, Mumbai. Zaidi has created a group of highly skilled women terrorists, seductive cold-blooded assassins, who are more dangerous than danger itself. He gives us details of the training in the remote mountains of Afghanistan.
It’s a dark world where India’s nuclear scientists are falling dead, seemingly having committed suicide, and terrorists and spies are roaming freely in the city of dreams. The paradox of love and terror is beautifully woven, along with the ethical principles of perhaps the most misunderstood religion. Zaidi lays emphasis on the love of god and cites the lesser known parable, ‘The Year of the Elephant’.
Zaidi’s attention to detail is the strong point in the book, familiarising the reader with Islam, the message of the Prophet and languages (Urdu, Arabic and Hebrew), the forensic sciences, investigation of crime scenes and more. He takes us deep into the fight between darkness and light, giving hints of criminal mindsets, twisted and hidden behind layers of masks.
There are unly friends, murders, misguided hearts and electrifying truths and revelations. Zaidi shows us human failings and strengths. The plot includes bomb blasts in Mumbai, the role of ISI, Pakistan, and the involvement of multiple international intelligence agencies. It’s almost a James Bond thriller, only the DIG and his Mumbai police counterparts remain rooted to the city, instead of crashing across the globe.
Though the result is forgone, with the victory of good over evil, we have to accept that this is just an end of one situation for evil never dies completely. good, it is always preparing for the next round.
Srishti242 2

S. Hussain Zaidi’s "The Black Orphan" is a fast-paced thriller that masterfully blends real-life events with gripping fiction. The story follows DIG Ajay Rajvardhan of the NIA, Deputy Commissioner Sagar Pratap, and Commissioner Neeraj Kumar of the Mumbai Police, as they race to uncover the mastermind behind a series of attacks targeting India's nuclear scientists.

In typical Zaidi style, the novel is rich with recognizable names, places, and events, seamlessly integrating fact with fiction. This realistic grounding enhances the story’s authenticity, making the plot even more engaging. The narrative moves at breakneck speed, ensuring there’s never a dull moment as the events unfold rapidly.

Zaidi’s attention to detail, especially in the portrayal of spy craft, is impressive. The intricate detailing and methodical unraveling of the case add depth and flavor to the story. However, the subplot involving Ajay and Asiya, while nicely told, felt somewhat predictable. Additionally, the central conflict, though well-executed, was a bit mellow compared to Zaidi’s previous works, leaving a slight sense of wanting more.

The characters drive the story in "The Black Orphan." Zaidi excels at basing his primary characters on real-life figures, lending a sense of realism and relatability. Ajay Rajvardhan is a well-layered protagonist, and Zaidi’s ability to build the individualities of the characters without excessive fluff allows the plot to shine. Each character is fleshed out just enough for readers to vividly imagine them, with the plot effectively carrying the rest of the narrative weight.

The climax is executed smoothly, tying up the plot threads in a satisfying manner. Zaidi’s skill in creating vivid imagery through his detailed descriptions helps readers immerse themselves fully in the unfolding drama. The suspense and excitement are maintained consistently throughout the novel, despite a slightly slow start.

In conclusion, "The Black Orphan" is a captivating read, featuring a gripping plot, well-developed characters, and rich, descriptive narration. While some aspects may feel predictable or subdued, Zaidi’s talent for blending real-life elements with fiction, coupled with his attention to detail, ensures a thrilling and engaging reading experience. This book is a must-read for fans of intense, well-crafted thrillers. Siddhant Agarwal476 22

Based in Mumbai, Zaidi takes the events of Operation Neptune Spear of the Navy SEALs and sets the tone for the book. The story is told in a linear manner with a few flashbacks to set the tone of the plot. The core idea that Zaidi explores is the cooperation of the various Intelligence agencies and how there are events in the background that a lot of us do not understand. The primary plot in the book is that a serial killer is on the loose in Mumbai and after famous Indian Nuclear scientists. The responsibility comes to DIG Ajay Rajvardhan of the NIA, as well as Deputy Commissioner Sagar Pratap and Commissioner Neeraj Kumar of the Mumbai Police to find the person responsible. As is with Zaidi’s works, you’ll find pieces of real-life events spread out in this story. There are names, places and events that you recognize, and the author binds them in this fabric of fiction quite beautifully. The story is quite fast paced and events take place in quick succession, leaving never a dull moment in this book. The spy craft has been explored well, and there are minute details that he has provided, which add a good flavor to the story. The intricate detailing which lets the case unravel was explored in an extremely well-planned manner, which I thoroughly enjoyed. While the overall reading experience is enjoyable, Ajay and Asiya’s plotline was quite predictable, which, while told nicely, did not work too well with me. Secondly, the conflict in the thriller was a tad bit mellow for me, and having read his other works, I expected a bit more from his storytelling. The climax is executed nicely and brings the story to a close perfectly.

The characters are the elements who drive this story. Basing the primary characters on real-life people is something that the author does with ease, and that is what works in this book as well. The character of Ajay has been layered and the way he builds in the individualities of the characters, which is a major plot point, was something I really enjoyed. Another aspect of the characters I d was that there is not much fluff provided to set up the characters. The information provided is just enough for you to imagine the characters, and the plot takes care of the rest.2024 AANVI WRITES362 12

DIG Ajay Rajvardhan and his team are faced with a complex case involving the death of Chandrasekhar, a scientist from the Indian Atomic Research Centre (IARC). Initially thought to be a suicide, the discovery of Chandrasekhar's body hanging in his house quickly raises suspicions. As the investigation deepens, the team uncovers a series of mysterious and potentially connected incidents pointing towards the involvement of a serial killer targeting India's nuclear scientists. Also he discovers the involvement of some women terrorists in burqha running their illegal activities in Mumbai.

As DIG Ajay Rajvardhan delves deeper into the investigation, his personal life adds a layer of complexity to the already intense situation. He is in love with Asiya Khan, a highly skilled criminal lawyer known for defending individuals wrongfully accused of terrorism by the authorities.

The way the author crafts his narratives, especially by blending real-life names, events, and places, adds a layer of authenticity and relatability that is engaging. His talent for developing compelling characters and driving the story forward will keep the reader hooked until the very end. Since this was the first book I had read about women terrorists who had pledged themselves to Jihad, it was quite an intriguing and enjoyable read for me.

What I really in Hussain's books are the intricate details he provides, which create vivid visual imagery of the events taking place. His attention to detail helps readers fully immerse themselves in the story. The thrilling element lasts from the beginning till the end, maintaining a consistent level of suspense and excitement throughout. Although the story starts at a slow pace, it picks up pace as it progresses.
With a gripping plot, compelling characters and a descriptive narration this book is a captivating read... Shweta307 13

The Black Orphan" by Hussain Zaidi is a gripping thriller with several layers that explores the dangerous world of Indian national security as well as the shadowy side of international espionage. Ajay Rajvardhan, a dedicated investigator with the National Investigation Agency, and Asiya Khan, a bright young lawyer who finds herself drawn to Ajay despite being on the other side of the law, are the main characters of the novel. Ajay and Asiya become caught in a complicated web of crime, deceit, and intrigue as their forbidden romance deepens. Zaidi's skill at deftly combining several tales to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats is the novel's greatest asset.

A bigger, darker plot is revealed as Ajay and his group fight against time to thwart a serial killer who is targeting India's top nuclear scientists. Zaidi deftly reveals a complex web of mystery and deceit that leaves readers gasping for more. The way Zaidi created the squad of cold-blooded, alluring female assassins, the evil plot, terrorist organisations, and international espionage is a testament to his skill as a storyteller.The novel's quick pacing, fully realised characters, and meticulous attention to detail make it an incredibly captivating read. Themes of justice, corruption, and the intricacies of the human heart are all explored in Zaidi's compelling and thought-provoking stories.

For lovers of crime thrillers and anybody who enjoys a skillfully written, gripping story, "The Black Orphan" is an absolute must-read. With a captivating novel that will have readers excitedly awaiting Hussain Zaidi's next release, he has once again shown himself to be a master of the genre. Madhu Singh129 1 follower

The IARC scientist Chandrashekhar made an announcement that they had magnified their nuclear capacity. This was good news for the government, although this happiness did not last long because the next day news came that scientist Chandrashekhar was found dead. The cause of his death was that he had hung himself.
This case was handled by Sagar Pratap, but DIG Ajay also joined the case. Ajay searched Chandrashekhar's house and found new evidence that took a turn in the case. He also found that the scientist's death was the work of a sleeper cell that was becoming active now.
While solving this case, Ajay met Asiya, who was a criminal lawyer. Ajay found himself attracted to Asiya. While Ajay wanted to spend time with Asiya and enjoy his life, his case was taking new turns. He also found a new lead that was dangerous for his life, but he made the decision to uncover the truth and continue his search and fight against all enemies.
This book is inspired by true events. It is a fast-paced read. The author's writing style is very captivating, and all events feel true. Mentioning real-life people's names makes this book feel more real, and I couldn't put it aside until I finished it. I have read and watched many thriller books, so my instinct was right when I guessed who the real villain was. However, this didn't make me put the book down because I wanted to know if my instinct was right or wrong. This is the first book I've read by S Hussain zaidi , and after reading this book, I am going to read another book by him. Rai84 2

S.Hussain Zaidi Strikes Again!
I have been a fan of his writing since I have read From Dongri to Dubai and the author did not disappoint me with his latest offering.

??DIG Ajay Rajvardhan from NIA is one of the most celebrated officers who participated deadly covert operations. It was love at first sight for him when he saw Asiya Khan, a defense lawyer, fighting the cases of wrongful conviction of people from her community.

??In the meanwhile, a sinister plot is underway by a group of women who pledged their allegiance to jihad and vowed to wreck havoc in India.

??The storyline is tightly woven and spectacularly paced which ensures that there is no moment of boredom. Each chapter comes with a plot twist that gets my pulse racing.

??When it comes to stories revolving around our Men-in-Uniform thwarting attempts of terrorists harming our nation, I am a sucker for it. The author crafted a captivating amalgamation of a deadly villain, edge-of-the-seat perilous plot to harm the nation, jaw-dropping betrayal, thrilling action sequences, and ofcourse our intelligent forces saving the day. In other words, this book is a complete package befitting an unputdownable crime thriller.

I would recommend this book to all the action thriller aficionados who don't mind getting a sleepless night! REHANA346 5


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