Last updated January 27, 2017

Book Review: The Steradian Trail: Book #0 of the Infinity Cycle

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Published on January 27, 2016

by Apoorva Verma

‘The Steradian Trail’ by M.N Krishnan is a murder mystery with analytics as its spine with algorithms and economics to back it up further. A fascinating read for analytics, economists and computer enthusiasts. It could indeed be the first “analytics novel” of India. The plot involves the lives of Joshua, Lakshman and Divya, and how three very different lives come together in India to solve the mystery of one dead person in the USA.

Plot

Jeffrey Williams, a criminal genius who also happens to be the student of a world renowned professor and computer scientist is murdered in USA with professor Joshua’s name, and a garbled number on his lips. However, unknown to the murder, Joshua is in India giving a seminar. The turn of events lead him in an attempt to unveil the mysterious death of his student. Armed with only a garbled number as the clue left by his dead student, Professor Joshua Ezkiel, takes us through a gripping tale tagging his friend Professor Lakshman along, in a journey involving more murders, ancient Indian cities, algorithms and ancient mathematicians; only to discover the sinister secret behind the murder in a place they could never have imagined! Further, what is even more interesting is that they are assisted by Lakshman’s genius student Divya, who remains unknown to the murder and yet, manages to crack many key clues.

Review

The narration style of the author is simple and entertaining. The book weaves mystery, mathematics, computer algorithms, technology, economics, religion and history into a well written novel while giving rich insights into the Tamilian culture to the readers.

It definitely is a very interesting read for any analytics, maths or computer enthusiasts. Beginning the book with the murder is the ultimate catch to generate curiosity and giving the readers a reason to keep turning the pages until the very end.

Even though, a nail-biting mystery, sometimes it tends to get dragged with mathematical technicalities, especially for those who are not much into mathematics or algorithms. However, the plot is highly refreshing as the seed idea is original and beautifully put together in a fast paced book. Overall, a commendable job by the author, M.N Krishnan. His knowledge and extensive research are quite visible as the integral part of this book. Being the first in series, it leaves us wanting more from the consecutive parts.