This book is a social message regarding female infanticide and the treatment of some women in India. It is not a work of literary genius but it clearly needed to be written and, above all, READ. As such I think the author has done a very credible job. Aside from it's harrowing subject matter it's an easy, accessible read along the lines of a detective novel. ( )

This book has the potential to be very good. The subject matter, the characterisation, the setting, the understanding of Punjabi small town culture are all present. The mystery element adds an extra layer. Sadly, the author seems to have decided to leave all that potential largely unexplored and gone more for entertainment. As a result there is a lack of rigour and objectivity that makes it hard for me to trust that this gives an accurate portrayal of the subject matter. Having said that it is a very good entertainment, one of those novels which are hard to put down. And all that potential, even if largely unfulfilled, means that it is a superior entertainment. 31 January 2017. ( )

I finished this book very fast, started it last night and finished this afternoon.

First of all, it is a very immersing book. The main character is herself intersting and the story she follows drew me in even more.

But another reason for finishing fast were the terrible nightmares this book gave me last night. The book is definitely the scariest I've read in a long while, and while it's not based on a true story directly, it is the combination of so many true stories. It ignited my imagination in the worst way.

So I'm glad to have finished reading the story and glad to be aware of the facts. I'm glad I've read this novel.

It's a very excellent novel, with an atmosphere that keeps the reader somewhat at a distance from the horrible events, and striking language. But it does give the reader a punch in the gut. ( )

I finished this book very fast, started it last night and finished this afternoon.

First of all, it is a very immersing book. The main character is herself intersting and the story she follows drew me in even more.

But another reason for finishing fast were the terrible nightmares this book gave me last night. The book is definitely the scariest I've read in a long while, and while it's not based on a true story directly, it is the combination of so many true stories. It ignited my imagination in the worst way.

So I'm glad to have finished reading the story and glad to be aware of the facts. I'm glad I've read this novel.

It's a very excellent novel, with an atmosphere that keeps the reader somewhat at a distance from the horrible events, and striking language. But it does give the reader a punch in the gut. ( )

Is it possible that a 13 year old girl could stab to death, poison, and set afire thirteen family members, including her mother, father, and brothers? This is a most disturbing novel of manipulation and of a society where female children are disposable liabilities.

A small town in Northern India is the setting, and the killings are a result of years of abuse aided by official corruption. One social worker, Simran, a former resident, works to uncover the truth at her own great peril.

With so many twists and turns, this is a disturbingly satisfying thriller, where no one is innocent. ( )