DescriptionLalli, retired policewoman-the sharpest, most intriguing detective in Indianfiction-is at it again. Solving a crime-except that this time, she suspectsthat she herself may be the murderer.A forgotten piece of music is her only clue. Until a second murder occurs.A man is found bludgeoned to death in the courtyard outside SubbuBhagavathar's house, with Subbu's son sitting in a blood-soaked veshti nextto the body. It's an open-and-shut case, according to Inspector Shukla and histrusted aide, Shaktivel. Not so for Lalli.To get to the truth, Lalli has to turn to the myth of Murugan, the six-headedgod. Murugan's weapon is his shining spear, the Vel, meant to pierce Illusion, and reveal the Truth. In the Azhagu ceremony, the devotees of Muruganundergo a ritual piercing with the vel, to shed themselves of their burdens andsee the truth.Delving deep into myth and tradition, music and song, Lalli slowly uncoversthe truth. Of two crimes-one committed unwittingly, the other withdeliberate and evil intent. As Sita, Savio and Dr Q rally around her, Lalli isdetermined to get justice for the victims, whatever the cost to herself.Steeped in musical tradition and folklore, Raagam Taanam Pallavi is as much atreat for music lovers as it is for those who love a good whodunnit. KalpanaSwaminathan excels herself in this latest addition to the much-loved detectiveseries combining literary panache with a talent for sleuthing.
