Six Suspects

By: Vikas Swarup

Narrated by: Lyndam Gregory

Vicky Rai, the son of a high-profile minister, has been shot dead by one of the guests at his own party. They are a glitzy bunch, but among them the police find six strange, displaced characters with a gun in their possession, each of them steaming with a secret motive.

India's wiliest investigative journalist, Arun Advani, makes it his mission to nail the murderer. In doing so, the amazing, tender and touching lives of six eccentric characters unravel before our eyes. But can we trust Advani? Or does he have another agenda in mind?

©2008 Vikas Swarup (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

shades of forrest Gump!

This is an awesome book! It highlights the meaningless chance incidents that end up shaping our lives. Similar to Forrest Gump this book makes us aware of the small choices that can make or break our lives. This is often to the good and sometimes not so much. an awesome story that makes looking at the inequities in some cultures as an opportunity to make things work for the best. And if not, make us aware of the difference that can be made by seemingly small things.

Tangible India - the impossible whodunnit

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I will! I already have.It provides an intelligent and insightful taste of India - one can feel the crowds, touch the garments, taste the food, dislike the politicians. Six Suspects brings this interesting and complex country and culture to life.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot was initially very difficult to follow, until each of the main characters has stamped his or her own story unto the plot. It started making sense in Part II and really came together in Part III.

What about Lyndam Gregory’s performance did you like?

His tones, his accents for each character, his enthusiasm, his consistency with regard to each individual character. It was a really good audio performance. Even if you don't like the story, its worth listening just for the performance.

Who was the most memorable character of Six Suspects and why?

The tribal guy. He is the mirror in which all societies should look at themselves. The cellphone thief was also adorable.Mohan Kumar was the least believable of all the characters. The American guy was downright irritating - a very good typecast.

Any additional comments?

You won't guess the killer until the very last few minutes! It's worth going all the way.The story is beautifully told, albeit a little complex initially. I loved it, expecially from halfway through Part II. In a creative way, it breaks open India to each foreigner who knows very little about Indian culture, and at the same time entertains with a good 'whodunnit'.

Is unputdownable a word?

And I thought "Q&A" was brilliant....

This story is so cleverly told, everything is woven together brilliantly. I love Vikas Swarup, he is an amazing storyteller and manages to somehow imbibe a sense of hope into the most hopeless of situations and lives. He draws the class and caste contrasts beautifully and draws the reader into the lives of his characters completely.

I enjoyed the narration, although the American accent of our call centre hero did nothing for me. I am not American, so not an expert judge, but it didn't sound quite right to me.....

great listen

It's easy to listen o, fun, totally non-pretentious, filled with big & little truths in its observations of the universals of life, somewhat schematic at times, but never boring. An author that proceeds with leisure at an easy pace, with equal interest in all his characters.

Exhaustingly convoluted

Unfortunately this narrator's tone irritated me. I suspect it was meant to be funny in its melodrama, but if so, it failed. The tales of unchecked corruption and self-interest held no redemption. I slogged through the whole thing based on the writer's reputation, and came away tired and disappointed. Points for unbelievably twisted narrative that I could not follow, if that's praiseworthy.