Book Review: The Cosmic Clues

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Cosmic Clues     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Manjiri Prabhu
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Private Investigator   Supernatural
Dell, Oct 2004, $6.99, 384 pp.

In Pune, India, the owner and chief investigator of Stellar Investigations Sonia Someth has a unique way of handling her client’s problems; a master of Verdic Astrology, Sonia applies horoscope readings of her customers and others involved in her cases to supplement the more common investigative techniques. No one takes Sonia seriously until she ferrets out a killer and prevents homicides from taking place. The police respect her skills and call her for help.

Freelance TV journalist Mohnish, who also owns a garage, a photo studio, and a flower shop, learns of Sonia’s abilities. He is a mysterious figure who appears and disappears from her life without explanation. Sonia believes he is her secret admirer who keeps sending her bouquets until she realizes a legendary jewel thief has taken a special interest in her, a person who was a client she thought quite attractive.

THE COSMIC CLUES is a one of a kind novel that readers will find charmingly original. The use of the Hindu horoscope as a tool to aid in solving crimes comes across as reasonable and plausible. The heroine grows in stature with each case she solves so by the end of the book readers will accept her as a first class private investigator. Her relationship with Mohnish develops into a friendship that hints at future romance as well as the Cat fixated on Sonia showing up in subsequent tales. Though a table setter story line, this is still a fine refreshing novel.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner