Death of a Guru

A thrillingly crafted and constructed story, this book compellingly transported me into its exotic world and was hard to leave. The writing is so accomplished, I was astounded to learn that this is the author's first novel. Both psychological thriller and belated coming-of-age fiction, with a foray into the worlds of Oedipus and Odysseus, it is a rewarding read which I am happy to recommend.

Surprisingly engaging and complex literary thriller. This story draws one in from the very first and doesn't let go until the last page.

Great pacing, characterization, exotic and well-drawn setting, plot are all impeccable.

Give it a try, you won't be sorry.

This is a book I received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

At first, it was confusing, with lots of different characters, and I couldn’t figure out how everything fit together. But once I got into the story, it hooked me and I really didn’t want to put it down. The story of Magnus Larsen, Devon Clarke (a/k/a Dadaram, the guru), and the sisters Anna and Amy, and how their lives are all intertwined, is intricate and fascinating. I’m impressed that this is Greenall’s first novel, because the writing is top-notch. Greenall alternates between Devon’s backstory (clearly announced by chapter titles “The Book of Devon One, Two, Three, etc.), and first-person POV by Magnus. Clarke, a Boston orthopedic surgeon, is said to have healing powers in his hands. His young son dies tragically, and he goes off the deep end, eventually becoming the head of a cult whose followers travel around the world with him on a huge yacht. He goes after and finds Magnus in a remote village in the Far East, but Magnus has no idea who this mystery man is or what he wants with him. Magnus is drawn into the web and his life is changed forever when he realizes what is really going on.

Death of a Guru is a great read. I am looking forward to seeing more of Greenall’s work.

A story with an attraction like that of a magnet in the presence of an iron bar. Not until the end chapters was I able to connect the dots after hanging in suspense through chapters descriptive of life in regions of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. The intensity of the quest for vengeance provides for tales of misfortune, hardship and emotional turmoil in the pursuit of a cult leader with a death wish. Taunted and enticed by the intended target of revenge provides determination and torture for the pursuer until success reveals the necessity of the rollercoaster ride culminating in a mission accomplished for the hunter and the hunted and the explanation for the guilt inspired quest for redemption. A mystery that requires a mind sharper than my own to solve ahead of the surprising end.