Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Self-published
Pages: 188
Published: August 2021
Rating: 4.5/5
Buy at: Buy on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
Summary and Story:
Myra is a young independent working woman living in upscale Gurgaon. After a night of wild partying, she wakes up to discover being raped. In her own house and on her own bed. At a party where she was surrounded by her friends.
As Inspector Dipti, the no-nonsense officer in-charge of the all-women police station begins to investigate the rape, she realizes there is more than what meets the eye. She needs to keep her own prejudices aside if she wants to solve the case and nab the rapist.
What follows is a fast-paced whodunnit that explores the dark side of technology and social media.
Review:
We practically share our whole life on social media. When Social Dilemma aired on Netflix, it sent shockwaves. But didn’t we know it already? That we are being watched? Each action is tracked? Not just by organizations and the government, but also by creeps.
Add to that, we live in a smart world. Smartphones, smartwatches, smart homes, smart cars, and CCTVs. Depending on technology for practically every aspect of our life. All this puts us at risk of getting hacked. Someone gaining access to our lives and information and wreaking havoc. How safe are we inside our own home?
“Revenge is a dish best never served.“
I read the author’s book Nobody’s Child two years back and it was quite a rollercoaster. Eye on You promised to be equally thrilling. And it completely delivered.
The book grabs you from the word go, right from the cover that is quite striking. It is narrated through two pivotal characters, Myra and Dipti. Two women who couldn’t be more different. Be it the class divide or social standing. Two women who are equally biased against each other.
Apart from the two, there are quite a few characters and none of them are completely black or white. There is liberal use of the vernacular and it adds to the charm of the story. Gurgaon itself can be considered a character too.
The author is known to explore the dark underbelly of the society. A rape victim always has to deal with victim-blaming, slut-shaming, and the whole “she was asking for it”. Myra’s lifestyle is judged and questions are raised about the very occurrence of the rape. The book also explores the mere tokenism of all-women police stations and the absolute lack of empathy in the police force.
As the mystery unravels, none of the incidents look far-fetched. It could very well happen to anyone and that is a scary thought. Be it the loopholes in the MyGate app (that my residential complex uses too) or the blind spots in the CCTV coverage.
Mysteries and thrillers are my favorite genres and I was able to make the correct guess halfway through. But there was the element of “why” that had me turning the pages. The climax was quite dramatic and I liked the way the author ended the book. Everything need not be tied into a neat little bow.
I enjoyed reading the book. If you like fast-paced whodunnits that you can finish in one sitting, pick Eye on You. You will not be disappointed.
This review has been written as part of the Blogchatter Book Review Program. I was offered the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter‘s My Friend Alexa.
About the author
Kanchana Banerjee lives in Gurgaon with her husband, son, Casper, and the memories of Archie. She is the author of A Forgotten Affair (2016) & Nobody’s Child (2019). Eye On You is her third book. When not writing or reading, she likes to spend time tending to her plants, playing with Casper, and going on cycling rides with her husband and son.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a very small percentage of the sale at no cost to you.
September 21, 2021 @ 7:45 am
I read quite a few reviews of this book. Looks like I should read it now.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:06 pm
Ha ha. Do pick it up.
September 21, 2021 @ 4:35 pm
This review takes me to the everyday news against women and I feel it is going to be a great read. Thanks for sharing this.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:06 pm
It indeed is, Neerja
September 21, 2021 @ 5:28 pm
Nice post
October 17, 2021 @ 4:06 pm
😊
September 21, 2021 @ 7:29 pm
I must admit this review is as interesting and grasping as the book. Couldn’t afford to leave either without finishing. 👍
October 17, 2021 @ 4:07 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words 😊
September 21, 2021 @ 8:05 pm
I am not that drawn to the mystery/thriller genre but the subject here is sure to touch every woman. Looking forward to reading this one.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:07 pm
Exactly Ninu. Do pick it up.
September 21, 2021 @ 11:10 pm
This sounds like an interesting mystery book. I will check it out and adding it to my reading list.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:08 pm
It indeed is, Deepa
September 21, 2021 @ 11:43 pm
Mystery and thriller are one of my favorite genre and this book sounds like a great read. Would love to read this for sure. Thanks for sharing your honest review.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:08 pm
Thank you, Swati 😊
September 22, 2021 @ 4:04 pm
I have also read Nobody’s Child by the author and am equally excited to read this one too after your fantastic review.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:09 pm
Thank you, Geethica 😊
September 22, 2021 @ 4:11 pm
I keep seeing this around and it sounds thrilling. Psychological thrillers, specifically theme of stalker scares me most. Great review!
October 17, 2021 @ 4:09 pm
Thank you, Yesha 😊
September 22, 2021 @ 8:00 pm
I love the mystery and thriller genres. This seems to be gripping and exciting. Will check it out. Thanks for this review.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:09 pm
😊
September 22, 2021 @ 10:21 pm
Kanchana has a way with thrillers and this book proves that she has spun yet another horrifically realistic tale. Good review!
October 17, 2021 @ 4:11 pm
So true, Varsh. And the fact that this could actually happen is scary.
September 22, 2021 @ 11:03 pm
This seems interesting and it is sure to touch every woman. Looking forward to reading this one.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:11 pm
Do pick it up, Jyoti
September 23, 2021 @ 6:15 am
The book surely sounds interesting. I have read Nobody’s Child. And your review tells me this book too has that element of thrill in it.
Thank you for your review.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:12 pm
It is a great read.
September 23, 2021 @ 10:07 am
Your review is always Bang on, short, clear, and crisp. Eye on U by Kanchana Banerjee seems a good book under the genre of mystery and thriller. I am going to check this out very soon!
October 17, 2021 @ 4:12 pm
Thank you Archana 😊
September 23, 2021 @ 6:31 pm
An interesting review of what appears to be a fascinating book! Thank you for the share.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:12 pm
Thank you Deepti 😊
September 23, 2021 @ 9:51 pm
Ah, you’ve summed it up so well. 🙂 I have Nobody’s Child but I’m yet to read it.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:13 pm
Thank you, Satabdi 😊
September 24, 2021 @ 12:26 am
I read this recently and I agree, it became quite predictable and it was the ‘why’ that kept me reading.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:13 pm
True that, Leha.
September 24, 2021 @ 2:25 pm
I am currently reading this one. nice review.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:14 pm
Thank you, Ujjwal
September 24, 2021 @ 6:19 pm
The book looks really interesting. I am planning to pick this up soon since I love thrillers.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:14 pm
Thank you 😊
September 24, 2021 @ 8:40 pm
This book is on my TBR. I will pick it up soon.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:14 pm
😊
September 24, 2021 @ 10:43 pm
I really enjoyed reading this one too. Very well reviewed.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:14 pm
Thank you, Manali 😊
September 25, 2021 @ 11:38 am
Lovely review! Read and liked this book.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:15 pm
Thank you Kiranmayi 😊
September 25, 2021 @ 5:41 pm
Kanchana has chosen a topic that we could all be interested in. Loved your review, Ritu. Hope to read thhis book soon.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:15 pm
Thank you Mayuri 😊
September 28, 2021 @ 1:28 am
I want this book. Will check it out right now. My type totally.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:16 pm
I am sure you will enjoy it, Cindy 😊
September 29, 2021 @ 12:45 am
Wow this seems a great read.. will grab a copy asap
October 17, 2021 @ 4:16 pm
😊
October 4, 2021 @ 10:52 pm
A nice review of a book which not just talks about a particular genre but also highlights aspects in real world to be considered as I understand from your review. Thanks for writing so precisely
October 17, 2021 @ 4:16 pm
Thank you Srikanth