India has lately developed a fetish for amateur writers. After much ado on autobiographical college life depictions – extorting every possible angles of romance, rivalry, and all other existing emotions, the hype has moved slowly to a wider range. It can be the-much-talked-about mythological thrillers or the new-age thrillers – the span has widened. And, it has widened to an extent of medical psychological thriller. 
And, the debutant Ketaki Patwardhan Nirkhi with her The Missing Connection has started off with a thriller – unique in its way.
The plot is striking and intriguing. It has the haunting dream – the hazel brown eyes – the Déjà vu syndrome – the girl, interrupted – and a continual chase for an elusive destination. There is a hypnotic age regression – a psychiatric procedure for tracing one’s past. The plot is edgy throughout. And, the pace never loosens its grip on the plot.
The author has been careful in unraveling the mystery in folds. Though in the mid, the cross-country hunt seemed a bit laid-off, the thrill never went dull. The characterization of Neha was well-sketched. But, there has been a tad injustice to Susan – the girl with hazel brown eyes. The character was over-mystified. Given, she was the main mystery – and the plot was based on her mystic only, the evolution was necessary in the later part. Though in course, as the book demanded – slow unfolding of the character – but the mental trauma the character underwent was never felt. The diary – though used as a catalyst in this process was not sufficient enough for the purpose.
The writing style is decent. The book was carried off in the style of a thriller movie. It can be well-depicted in a movie for sure. But the verbal medium demands more detail. And, the detailing was missing – that apprehended the evolution of the character in the book.
A doctor herself, the author has provided excellent detail of the hypnotic age regression process. And, the thrill she maintained along with the detailed procedure taking along the plot forward in ease is a show of sheer talent. And, she deserves accolades for the same. Never did she let the plot down. And, a superb plot it is – will glue you to the pages.
Book Details
Title: The Missing Connection
Author: Ketaki Patwardhan Nirkhi
Publisher: Moments Publishers
Publication Year: 2013
ISBN -13: 9788192692609
ISBN-10: 8192692604
Cover: Paperback
Number of Pages: 207
MRP: Rs. 150
