The Goa Revelation (JV Solanki series) by Neelabh Pratap Singh book review

The Goa Revelation Book Review: When Indian Crime Fiction Dares to Challenge Goa’s Glamor

The Goa Revelation

Author : Neelabh Pratap Singh
Rating
5/5
Book Reviewed By - Sameeksha Manerkar

📚 The Goa Revelation by Neelabh Pratap Singh – A Gripping Mystery Thriller That Pays Tribute to Goa’s Untold Stories

When was the last time you finished a book in a single sitting—completely lost in its pages?

Are you someone who finds joy in unraveling mysteries? Do you love when a book reflects your native land—not just the surface, but the culture, the heritage, and the secrets that lie beneath?

As a proud Goan, I often wished to read stories that went beyond beaches, parties, and palm trees. I longed for a book that understood Goa—a book that celebrated not only its beauty but also its complex past. And The Goa Revelation by Neelabh Pratap Singh gave me exactly that.


🔍 The Story That Hooks You from the Start

This novel is part of the JV Solanki Thriller Series, and trust me, it starts with a bang.

We meet JV Solanki, a former Special Forces officer who is still haunted by the brutal murder of his wife 12 years ago. His life’s mission is to uncover the truth and bring justice. The only clue he has? A name—Deepika Saraswat, once a professor at a university in Goa, now living under a new identity as Sherlie Laurenco, wife of Goa’s notorious drug lord, Jack Laurenco.

What begins as a hunt for answers quickly escalates into a pulse-pounding chase. During a lavish New Year cruise, Jack is murdered by a dangerous man named Felix, who is determined to claim Sherlie for himself. Amidst gunfire and bloodshed, JV rescues her, hoping she holds the key to uncovering who really killed his wife Kirti Solanki and another mysterious figure, Govind Karve—two deaths connected by a secret buried deep within Goa’s history.


🌴 Goa Isn’t Just a Backdrop—It’s a Character

This book doesn’t just mention Goa—it lives and breathes it.

From grand cruises and electronic music festivals to the architectural details of old Goan homes with sloped roofs and wooden windows, the setting is vivid and real. You’ll find yourself walking through sunlit alleys, feeling the tension in political boardrooms, and discovering hidden pockets of Goa that only locals would know.

The author captures both faces of Goa—the one tourists see and the one locals live. The blend of religion, tradition, history, and rebellion makes this story feel authentic, heartfelt, and powerful.

🔍 Unforgettable Characters Who Drive the Chaos and Clarity

One of the most powerful aspects of The Goa Revelation is its diverse and dynamic cast of characters, each layered with secrets, motives, and emotional depth. From the lone warrior to the puppeteers behind political curtains, these characters are the beating heart of the novel—and each one plays a crucial role in unravelling the mystery.

🛡️ JV Solanki – The Relentless Seeker

A former Special Forces officer haunted by the brutal murder of his wife Kirti 12 years ago, JV Solanki is a man with a singular mission: uncover the truth and serve justice. He’s fierce, strategic, and emotionally grounded—think a desi mix of Jack Reacher and Arjun Singh from Singham, but with deeper scars and quieter strength. His battle isn’t just physical—it’s also with the ghosts of his past.

🎭 Sherlie Laurenco (formerly Deepika Saraswat) – The Woman With Two Faces

Once a university professor and now the wife of a powerful Goan drug lord, Sherlie is at the center of the storm. Her past identity and present life collide as she becomes the key to the buried truth. Vulnerable yet resilient, she’s not just a damsel in distress—she’s a complex, intelligent woman trying to survive a web of lies.

🔪 Felix & Bhengra – Chaos in Human Form

Felix is ruthless, calculating, and violently efficient. Alongside Bhengra, they form a formidable force hunting Sherlie. They aren’t just henchmen; they represent the chaos unleashed when power goes unchecked. Their presence keeps the tension high and the plot unpredictable.

🎩 Albert Fernandes – The Politician with a Halo… and Horns

By day, Albert is a respected figure running an NGO for rescued children. But behind that mask lies a man with hidden agendas and sharp political claws. He observes, manipulates, and strategizes. You don’t see him coming until it’s too late.

🕵️‍♀️ Jas Kaur – India’s Silent Guardian

The head of one of India’s most feared intelligence units, Jas Kaur is smart, composed, and endlessly resourceful. Backed by her skilled agents Rehana Rasool and Rahul Dhyani, she brings a whole new layer of strategy and strength to the story, proving that brains and bravery go hand in hand.

👀 Tanya – The Mysterious Piece of the Puzzle

Not much is known about Tanya initially, but her quiet presence carries weight. Working with Albert, yet seemingly independent, she’s a wildcard whose role becomes crucial as the story unfolds. Her motivations remain murky—until they suddenly aren’t.

💣 Themes That Go Beyond a Thriller

At first glance, this is a high-stakes thriller. But dig deeper, and you’ll find much more.

Revenge & Redemption: JV’s journey is deeply emotional. He’s not just solving a crime; he’s healing.
Culture & Identity: Goa’s duality—its touristy image vs. its cultural depth—is explored thoughtfully.
Power & Corruption: Politicians, criminals, and intelligence officers all play their part in hiding the truth.
Secrets & History: The link between the past and present is more than coincidence. It’s the foundation of the plot.
Trauma & Survival: Every character is shaped by their scars—and it’s these emotional layers that make them feel real.
 

✍️ What I Loved About the Book

  • 📖 Genre Fusion at Its Best: Mystery, crime, thriller, suspense, history—this book has it all and blends them flawlessly.

  • 🏠 Authentic Goan Detailing: From the coastlines to the interiors of ancestral homes, every scene felt familiar and beautifully described.

  • 💥 Strong Character Development: JV may be the star, but every character matters. Their growth drives the plot forward.

  • ✒️ Simple Yet Sophisticated Writing: Neelabh Pratap Singh keeps the language accessible while creating rich emotional depth.

  • 🧠 Well-Researched Plot: It’s clear the author has put time into understanding Goa’s history, politics, and psychology.

  • 🔥 Fast-Paced & Addictive: There was never a dull moment. I read it in one sitting—and I wasn’t the same afterward.

❓Unravel the Mystery That Won’t Let You Put the Book Down

What truly happened to Kirti Solanki and Govind Karve—was it murder, betrayal, or something far more sinister?

Why is the secret they held so powerful that it could change everything?

What hidden role does Sherlie play in this dangerous web of lies and revenge?

And in this high-stakes game where trust is a luxury, who will come out alive—and who will be lost forever?

📌 Final Thoughts – Why You Should Read The Goa Revelation

This isn’t just a mystery. It’s a story that feels personal—especially if you’re Goan or deeply rooted in your cultural identity. It blends edge-of-your-seat action with heartfelt emotion and authentic history, making it a rare gem in Indian fiction.

If you love books that:

  • Make you proud of Indian storytelling

  • Go beyond typical crime thrillers

  • Have unforgettable characters

  • Offer a strong sense of place and purpose

Then The Goa Revelation is exactly what you need.


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *