Chicanery

Niyogi Books 2024

Murari’s Orwellian Thriller (?): Book Review of Timeri.N. Murari’s “Chicanery”

A narrative that leaves you breathless and questioning the very nature of control

With echoes of 1984 and The Handmaid’s Tale, this is a novel that demands your attention. A must-read for fans of political thrillers and speculative fiction. Don’t sleep on this one! 👁️

Chicanery

Noun

Origin:

Early 17th century: from French chicanerie, from chicaner meaning ‘to quibble’ (from Old French chican ‘petty dispute’).

Meanings:

The use of deception, subterfuge, or trickery to achieve a particular purpose, especially in legal, financial, or political contexts. (Oxford English Dictionary)

Chicanery is a thrilling plunge into a dystopian world where power, deception, and survival intertwine in a narrative that leaves you breathless and questioning the very nature of control. Timeri N. Murari, best known for The Taliban Cricket Club, brings his sharp storytelling prowess into a dark, speculative future, exploring the fragility of truth and the complex machinery of authoritarianism.

The story follows David Richelieu, a former Prime Minister who returns to his homeland after two decades of exile, knowing full well that an execution order awaits him. It’s a baffling choice — why would anyone walk straight into such danger? From the moment Richelieu is arrested and confronted by the Minister of Culture and his enigmatic assistant, the suspense mounts. The Minister is determined to uncover Richelieu’s true motives, while the assistant, a quiet yet dangerous figure, might just be the puppet master pulling the strings. This tense dynamic between Richelieu, the Minister, and the President plays out like a high-stakes chess match, filled with sharp dialogues and hidden agendas. What’s Richelieu really after? Is it love, or is he planning something much more dangerous? The novel keeps you guessing with its intricate character work, offering a complex, flawed protagonist who is as much an enigma as the regime he’s up against. And the Minister? He’s a paradox, embodying the system’s worst qualities while evoking a strange sympathy from the reader.

Murari’s writing is razor-sharp, each sentence carrying weight, with every scene revealing another layer of the puzzle. The world he crafts — a walled-in country where life is stifled, and freedom is a distant memory — feels all too plausible. Inspired by his impressions of North Korea, South America, and Europe, the setting in Chicanery is a chilling Orwellian state, where surveillance is constant, and dissent is crushed with precision. Murari’s portrayal of technology — AI systems, cameras, and data manipulation — isn’t just a futuristic cautionary tale; it’s a reflection of the pervasive control that technology can have in our own world. There’s no escape, not even in your thoughts. This creates an oppressive atmosphere where the emotional and psychological toll on the characters is palpable. What’s most remarkable is that Murari doesn’t preach; he simply lets the characters’ experiences speak for themselves, leading the reader to draw their own conclusions about the world we live in.

A key aspect of Chicanery is how it handles the treatment of women. Women aren’t just passive figures in this narrative — they are pivotal players in the intricate game of power. Through characters like Lady, Sasale, and Marge, Murari explores the intersection of resistance and subjugation. These women are survivors of the regime’s brutality, yet they wield their intellect and beauty as tools for survival and power. They challenge the very notion of victimhood, turning their oppression into a form of strength. The hidden memory sticks in the yellow blouse, microchip inside the earrings, and female hackers from India who breakdown the regime’s firewalls all serve as symbols of women’s immense ability of clean deception and how powerful it can be in face of systemic oppression. Murari’s world is one where even the smallest objects can hold explosive potential. Technology, which is used to control the masses, is also used by the oppressed to fight back — subtly and ingeniously.

Murari’s exploration of technology is chillingly realistic. It doesn’t feel like distant sci-fi; it feels like a threat we’re already living with. The ways in which surveillance, social media manipulation, and data control are used to oppress the population resonate deeply in today’s world. Yet, within this technological dystopia, there are sparks of defiance. Murari’s characters find ways to subvert the system — whether through coded language, networks of information hidden in plain sight, hacking and stealing money and data or acts of rebellion that evade the all-seeing eyes of the regime. These moments of resistance offer hope, even in a world where it feels like nothing can escape the watchful gaze of the state.

What elevates Chicanery beyond a typical political thriller is its focus on how power infiltrates every aspect of life. It’s not just about political machinations at the top — it’s about how these power structures shape relationships, identities, and even the very concept of freedom. Murari’s narrative digs deep into the personal, showing how authoritarian regimes bleed into the intimate corners of everyday life, leaving no room for privacy or self-determination.

By the end of the book, you’re left reflecting on the questions it raises about loyalty, truth, and power. If you’ve read Murari’s previous works, like The Taliban Cricket Club or Taj: A Story of Mughal India, you’ll recognize familiar themes — politics, human complexity, and the struggle for power. But Chicanery takes those themes into a new realm, exploring a speculative future that feels eerily close to home. It’s a bold shift, and it works. This novel is a searing commentary on our contemporary world, illustrating how technology and power are intertwined in ways we often don’t recognize. Chicanery isn’t just a novel — it’s a warning, one that should not be ignored.

This review is written by Suhasini Biswal in exchange for a review copy from Niyogi Books, India.

Exploration on Book

Chicanery is a political romance thriller. David Richelieu, who returns to his homeland after 20 years. He has been arrested in the border area, claiming that AI found him as Cyomared, who escaped the country 20 years ago after losing his party to the New Purity Party. The Minister of Culture was the one who arrested him and kept him in his custody to know why he returned back. He said he wanted to see his lover, Lady. But the minister was convinced enough to believe him. The New Purity Party has been ruling their homeland for two decades. With their strict rules, no party, no one can be out of home after 8 p.m. till next morning 7 a.m., there were cameras installed in every nook of the country. They were given a particular book to believe that war was there to every people. They can’t go out their homeland visit other country, if they try to do they ll be killed. There is a recorder of what they say; if they speak against the country, they’ll be shot and arrested. No one should read books because it fills their mind with different things that shouldn’t happen. Will you survive in such a country??? It even built a fire wall to protect its enemies from attack. It was a wonderful story about love, betrayal, ego, and greed. Each chapter has clearly spoken of characters that are involved. I loved Linux and Sasale. The author has really spoken reality, where in one country it exists. I couldn’t imagine how tortured it would have been for people to live. Though the end of the story was predictable. But I loved how it turned out in the end. Definitely a great read for thriller fans who enjoy it like me.

Siddhant Agarwal

The book is a wonderfully written story of how an authoritarian state functions and the role of AI in subjugating the populace. The story of how hope can revive the people to rise against tyranny is told wonderfully through the plot. The writing of the book is simple and easy to understand. The storytelling is quite interesting and it keeps you hooked. What I loved in the book was how the author has blended a dystopian future that awaits us along side the basic requirements of liberty and freedom. The aspect of AI and its role in enforcing the state’s agenda is also very well established and I loved that technology is central to this book. Another thing that I loved about the book was that how small and seemingly irrelevant red herrings are put in multiple places in the story that come out just at the right time and you are truly in for a treat when it happens. The idea of family and love stands at the core of this book. The author presents a multitude of aspects of love-be it for your family, your partner, your friend, and most of all your country. The climax of the book is quite good and while it is predictable, the path it takes to the end is quite interesting and fun to read.

The character development in the book is descriptive and the author has taken his time to build the characters and the world they live in. Right from the protagonists to the President, each of the character in the book is intricately penned and the connections have been meticulously planned. The character arcs and the “show-not-tell” method of character introductions was quite fun to read asl well. I also liked how his characters were operating in the grey and there is no good or bad, just people reacting to situations and the way they were treated.

Mili Das

If you like reading atmospheric, romantic political thrillers that set on unrest time, give you goosebumps and if you relish nail biting moments then this should be your next pick.

This is a really awesome atmospheric political thriller. After twenty years in exile David Richelieu returns to his homeland where an execution warrant awaits him for unspecified crimes. At the border, the AI cameras identify him as Cyomared, the ex-Prime Minister of that once democratic nation, and he is arrested at the border by the young assistant to the Minister of Culture. Cyomared ends up in prison. Cyomared’s interrogator, the Minister, has just one question, “Why did you return knowing you will die?” before carrying out the execution. Cyomared’s answer, that he returned for the woman he still loves and wishes to meet for one last time doesn’t convince the Minister. He suspects that Cyomared has been helping the Others to overthrow the despotic government in the general Elections that are just a few days away.

Desperate to stay alive to see his beloved country free once more, Cyomared tells the Minister he has some crucial information on the President which will assure him a pardon and save his life. The Minister refuses to hear him out.

Marge, Cyomared’s partner and companion while he was in exile comes to Cyomared’s city ostensibly as a tourist, and meets him in the presence of the woman he truly loves. While she is heartbroken, she accepts it as inevitable and is glad that she was able to help Cyomared achieve his objective.

How the Others manage to break the surveillance and control of the oligarchs and restore their people’s freedom, liberty and dignity, and how personal ambition, internecine rivalry and betrayal lead to the downfall of the men in power, is revealed in a racy, gripping tale of intrigue, dreams, hopes and commitment to a greater cause.

Grab this book if you like reading emotional rollercoasters in between suspenseful ambiance, existencial crisis in the land of greediness and a heartfelt journey. Really loved it.

JT

Can you imagine your country being deprived of its democracy…the power to vote freely and there is a constant surveillance state??

This is the story of one such unnamed dystopian country. The people of the country were robbed of their freedom and rights by a New Purity Party who promised them loads only to eventually turn the country into a surveillance state and arrest/execute all the opposition. The reins of the country went into the hands of a power hungry President who plans to rule the country perpetually with an iron fist. However , his plans are shattered when the ex-prime minister returns to the country.

The world building of the story is so realistic that the world seems entirely plausible esp. In the current political scenarios all over the world. The omnipresent CCTV, the digital supervision , ban on immigration, control on media etc and the overall curb on human rights seems entirely believable. The narration of the dystopian country is vivid and exhaustive. Attention to back stories of main characters as well as the absence of names to the President and his ministers give a unique angle to the narration. Only the protagonists of the story are named which makes the reader connect with the protagonists at a deeper level.

The exploration of greed , jealousy , suspicion , betrayal etc has been done brilliantly juxtaposed with patriotism , love , longing and loyalty. The simultaneous portrayal of such a wide spectrum of human nature makes the story profound.

The despotic government , the powerful oligarchs and the rigid regulatory authorities eventually get overturned by the public called “Others” for restoration of freedom and liberty which is usually taken for granted.

The story is a stark representation of the totalitarian regime and its dictatorial rule. A thought provoking story full of revelations and twists which will keep you hooked till the end.

Yumana Gulvez

‘Chicanery’ by the bestselling author, Timeri N. Murari is a political fiction heightening the quest for power and love. The protagonist, David Richelieu returns to his homeland post 20 years in exile. However, his return awaits mysteries that unfold through an execution warrant against him. Just like the Ministers, the readers are set to presume the reasons behind David’s return despite his execution warrant. A woman doesn’t convince anyone – the mysteries thus unravel. Story of restoring liberty combined with personal ambition convinces the readers to read until some of the crucial mysteries are solved, making it an intriguing read.

The background of the narrative is disturbing but fascinating. There are facts about corruption within politics through a sudden shift in the democracy. While the people set to be in mere despair, events of unusual arrivals and revelations take place in the story. The complicated plot sets it apart; there is a complex web of characters and their roles. Each event unfolds a layer of mystery that seems difficult to figure out, but continue to entertain the readers until the another turn takes place.

Murari uses a language that is simple to understand, narrates in a manner that is interesting to dive into and weaves a plot that resonates till the last. This thrilling political fiction is richly packed with secrets and revelations. Murari combines politics, history, love and ambitions to bring a story that is compelling as well as timeless. The quest for power and revelations in the story within different areas hint towards rivalries and betrayals followed by hopes and commitments.

What I loved the most – division of the storyline into different chapters. Each chapter is distinct, yet doesn’t let the story sink until weaved together. The tides of the story are though quite powerful and fierce, but provide comfort at last.
The story invites readers to embark on a heart-stirring journey through a plot that is thrilling and nail-biting.
A brilliant work of political fiction!

Rutuja Ramteke

Chicanery is a gripping tale of intrigue, set in a dystopian world where freedom has been eroded by a despotic government. David Richelieu, a man haunted by his past, returns to his homeland only to find himself facing an execution warrant. As Cyomared, the ex-Prime Minister, he’s thrown into a perilous game of cat and mouse with the ruthless Minister of Culture.
The novel delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the unwavering pursuit of freedom. Richelieu’s journey is a rollercoaster of emotions, as he navigates the treacherous political landscape, seeking to expose the corruption at the heart of the regime. His unwavering hope for a better future is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
The author’s writing is vivid and engaging, creating a richly detailed world that is both familiar and alien. The characters are complex and believable, driven by their own desires and fears. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end.
Chicanery is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will leave a lasting impression. It’s a must-read for fans of political thrillers and dystopian fiction.

Amazon

LMN

We live in a fast-changing world … a world that often seems to be reverting to times we thought we had left behind, ignoring or forgetting the lessons of history. We are all accustomed to the lies of politics – the empty promises given in order to obtain power. But imagine if a populace were totally seduced by promises of safety and an easier life …. allowing those with eyes on wealth and power to take control. Just imagine…

Timeri Murari envisages a country in which this has happened – a country where in which every move is recorded; where children are educated to become ‘ideal’ citizens; where individual thought and innovation are discouraged; a country that has withdrawn behind a wall to ‘protect’ its citizens and keep unwelcome influences out…. and a society that is as divided as it ever has been.
Just imagine a place such as that.

Enemies of the state with subversive ideas are threatened with death should they return, but, after twenty years of hiding from the regime he fled, David Richelieu returns impelled by deep love and a broken heart. He has just one card up his sleeve which may save him from execution… will he be successful? Timeri Murari skillfully weaves his tale, building page-turning tension – what will be the fate of David and what will happen to the country behind the wall?

This book explores a future that most of us hope will only occur in stories … and yet, we might recognize characters and events that remind us of current situations. It should be a warning … but we all know that those who most need to heed it are least likely to listen.

Archa Bajpai.

David Richelieu returns to his homeland after a 20 year exile, where at the border, he is identified as Cyomared, the ex-Prime Minister of that once democratic nation, and he is arrested to be executed for unspecified crimes. The Purity Party has been ruling his homeland for 2 decades and turned it into a soulless dystopian society. A revolt must arise, and arise it does in a grand manner!
Murari wrote in description what the dystopian country’s citizens were going through: a few of what makes us feel like its a classic ultra nationalist country. Strict curfews, censorship of almost all literature, justifying it by saying that it would pollute the minds of the citizens, not allowing the citizens to leave the country and much more.
The narrative presents a disturbing yet captivating backdrop, exploring themes of political corruption amid a sudden democratic shift. As the populace descends into despair, unexpected arrivals and revelations unfold throughout the story. The intricate plot distinguishes it, featuring a complex web of characters and their interwoven roles.
Murari employs straightforward language that is easy to grasp, narrating in an engaging style that draws readers in and crafts a plot that remains impactful until the very end. This captivating political fiction is filled with secrets and surprise.
Chicanery is a racy, gripping tale of intrigue, dreams, hopes and commitment to a greater cause.

Ishwarya

Chicanery is a political romance thriller. David Richelieu, who returns to his homeland after 20 years. He has been arrested in the border area, claiming that AI found him as Cyomared, who escaped the country 20 years ago after losing his party to the New Purity Party. The Minister of Culture was the one who arrested him and kept him in his custody to know why he returned back. He said he wanted to see his lover, Lady. But the minister was convinced enough to believe him.

The New Purity Party has been ruling their homeland for two decades. With their strict rules, no party, no one can be out of home after 8 p.m. till next morning 7 a.m., there were cameras installed in every nook of the country. They were given a particular book to believe that war was there to every people. They can’t go out their homeland visit other country, if they try to do they ll be killed. There is a recorder of what they say; if they speak against the country, they’ll be shot and arrested. No one should read books because it fills their mind with different things that shouldn’t happen. Will you survive in such a country??? It even built a fire wall to protect its enemies from attack.

It was a wonderful story about love, betrayal, ego, and greed. Each chapter has clearly spoken of characters that are involved. I loved Linux and Sasale. The author has really spoken reality, where in one country it exists. I couldn’t imagine how tortured it would have been for people to live. Though the end of the story was predictable. But I loved how it turned out in the end. Definitely a great read for thriller fans who enjoy it like me.

Mili Das

Review THE WEEK

Chicanery

By Timeri N. Murari

What would prompt an exiled prime minister to return to his homeland knowing he is going to be executed? When asked, he has one answer: Love. But in a country fuelled by power, hatred, suspicion and despotism, love is like a tin of biscuits which is past its expiry date—you can almost imagine how it tasted once, but you know that it is too late to consume it now. Chicanery is a tale of contrasts—of freedom versus slavery, of loyalty versus betrayal, and of hope versus bleakness. And contrasts showcase in a way nothing else can. Light cannot be appreciated without darkness and life cannot be appreciated without death. Set in a fictional country, if Chicanery is outwardly a parable of our times, it is inwardly a search of our hearts. Even in a world that tries to quench it, the book inspires introspection with meaningful social commentary. Our reflection, after all, is as important as our reality.

Anjuly Mathai.

THE PRINT

Timeri Murari’s new novel portrays prevailing standards of democracy across globe

PTI

Novelist-playwright Timeri N Murari attempts to portray the prevailing standards of democracy across the world today in his new book “Chicanery”.

The country, its geographic locations have not been specified and the protagonists of the novel could be any of the political players, from any part of the world.

The main protagonist in the novel, David Richelieu, is returning to his homeland after 20 years in exile. An execution warrant awaits him for unspecified crimes.

At the border, the AI cameras identify him as Cyomared, the former prime minister of that once democratic nation, and he is arrested by the young assistant to a minister.

Cyomared ends up in prison. His interrogator, the minister, asks why he returned knowing that he will die.

Cyomared’s answer that he came back for the woman he still loves and wishes to meet for one last time doesn’t convince the minister. He suspects Cyomared has been helping the opposition forces to overthrow the despotic government in the general elections that are just a few days away.

The women that breathe life into the novel are charismatic, intelligent, flawed, and larger-than-life all at the same time.

The story moves at the pace of a political novel; however, the author has kept the locations, its people and its geographical features ambiguous.

Though AI, 24×7 surveillance, offshore bank accounts, political intrigues and power-plays all make it a very contemporary novel, the human touch throws a stronger and more profound punch than anything else in the book.

Chicanery – The title of the book – if you know the word, you know it, even if you do not know, it’s a word which entices you at the edge of your sense of vocabulary, mischievously familiar!

The novel is a mix between a crime thriller and a political dystopia, with “dashes” of romance. The main protagonist is living in self-imposed exile, as he is the ultimate persona-non-grata in his homeland, and will be executed as an enemy of the state if he goes there. The book is set in the current day, and the main protagonist had been forced to leave approximately 20 years earlier.

It is set in a fictional country, and the beauty of the book is that this fictional country could be any country in the current times! The book engages in a clever & abstract political & social commentary, and the tone is of subtle satire tinged with sadness at the state of affairs. Of course, in the novel, all is well that ends well … but, is it also so, in the world we inhabit? – the novel very effortlessly steers our thoughts to the parallels in our home world and home country, while also leaving us wondering, whether the fictional country might be Mexico-like ( the main protagonist flees to the USA)… or maybe a USSR fragment ( the name of the main protagonist is “Cyomared”!). & the happenings are so eerily contemporary & familiar, that possibly any reader in any country today will relate to it!

The plot is uncomplicated and forthright, evocative of James Hadley Chase’s novels. The story is pithy, focused & with a prominent moral compass, but in no way preachy. The suspense is tight, & the pace is just perfect, neither lagging nor hasteful. The language is very simple & the storytelling is fluid & enjoyable.

The characters are relatable, they’re just like you and me… they think & they feel & they yearn for simple pleasures. The characters are written in a focused way, with emphasis for the values that they stand for. This gives the book a mystical parable-like quality, in which the characters transcend their identities & become every man & every woman.

Overall, it is a satisfying, contemporary, languid, &, above all, topical read!

Happy Reading!

Shreela Sen. Indian Book Club

Website: timerinmurari.com

Chaotic productivity

Publishing House : Niyogi Books

The world building of the story is so realistic that the world seems entirely plausible esp. In the current political scenarios all over the world. The omnipresent CCTV, the digital supervision , ban on immigration, control on media etc and the overall curb on human rights seems entirely believable. The narration of the dystopian country is vivid and exhaustive. Attention to back stories of main characters as well as the absence of names to the President and his ministers give a unique angle to the narration. Only the protagonists of the story are named which makes the reader connect with the protagonists at a deeper level.

The exploration of greed , jealousy , suspicion , betrayal etc has been done brilliantly juxtaposed with patriotism , love , longing and loyalty. The simultaneous portrayal of such a wide spectrum of human nature makes the story profound. The despotic government , the powerful oligarchs and the rigid regulatory authorities eventually get overturned by the public called “Others” for restoration of freedom and liberty which is usually taken for granted. The story is a stark representation of the totalitarian regime and its dictatorial rule. A thought provoking story full of revelations and twists which will keep you hooked till the end. Garwhal Times. Chicanery – by Timeri N Murari; Allegory of Our Troubled Times Chicanery means trickery or deception by quibbling or sophistry. As a title, it’s a bit way out and seems to be part of a test of a reader’s vocabulary. This novel swings between being a crime thriller and a political allegory, with a quick ‘dip’ into a bowl of romance. Our hero lives in self-imposed exile, as he becomes a persona non grata in his homeland and will soon be executed as an enemy of the state if he ever dares to return home. The book is set in the present time, and the main protagonist has been forced to leave almost two decades ago. It is set in a fictional country, and that could be any country in our troubled times. Cleverly the book ties up abstract political and social commentary, setting the tone of satire tinged with a melancholic state of affairs. In the book, as in life, all’s well that ends well. You could say that this holds for the planet we live on. Even as we move through parallels elsewhere in that country, the reader cannot help but wonder if the author has in mind neighbouring Mexico. After twenty years in exile, Richard Richelieu returns home. It could be almost anywhere in the USA… or maybe even a USSR fragment, the happenings are so eerily contemporary and familiar, that possibly any reader in any country today will relate to it. At the border, the Artificial Intelligence cameras identify him as Cryomared, the ex-Prime Minister of a once-democratic nation: ‘He stopped the car at the first border post and got out as a border security guard in military fatigues came out of the office, stifling a yawn, rubbing sleep from his eyes… “American? One day I would like to move there. I have cousins in Santa Fe.” He checked the visa and looked across the other border post. ‘You really want to go there?’ ‘It’s a dangerous place, I tell you. It was a democracy once but then a populist party won the election twenty years ago, I read they executed the old prime minister. He was a good man, they said. People live like sheep now, in their stone pens.’ He laughed, a dry one. ‘In a few days they will have an election and the same party will win again. There is no opposition.’ Sounds familiar? It could be any country given the simple plot that is so evocative of modern thrillers. The story is pithy, focused and has a moral compass, but does not try to get too self-righteous. The suspense is tight and paced perfectly: neither lagging nor hurried. The language, simple while the tenor of the tale flows like a river. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the boat ride. The characters are not too far-fetched. Indeed, they feel so much like you and me. After all, when the day is done, we all think and feel and desire the simple things in life. The characters are written in a focused way, with emphasis on the values that they stand for. To me, the book is parable-like as the characters go beyond their identity turning as if by sleight of hand into you and me. The book leaves the readers satisfied. Here’s an allegory of our troubled times. Ganesh Saili. Garwhal Times.

Instagram.

“Chicanery” by Timeri N. Murari is a masterfully crafted thriller that delves into the dark world of politics, power struggles, and the human quest for freedom. This riveting novel follows the story of Cyomared, the ex-Prime Minister of a once democratic nation, who returns to his homeland after twenty years in exile, knowing full well that an execution warrant awaits him.

The author’s writing is engaging and effortless, drawing readers into a complex web of intrigue, deception, and betrayal. The narrative is expertly woven, with multiple plot threads that intersect and collide in unexpected ways. The author’s skillful handling of suspense keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth behind Cyomared’s return and the mysterious forces working to overthrow the despotic government.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Cyomared, the enigmatic protagonist, is a nuanced and complex figure, driven by a mix of motivations that are gradually revealed throughout the story. The Minister of Culture, his interrogator, is equally well-crafted, embodying the ruthless ambition and cunning that defines the ruling elite.

The themes of power and the struggle for freedom are timely and thought-provoking. The author’s exploration of the human condition, particularly in the face of oppression, is both haunting and inspiring. The novel’s climax, with its unexpected twists and turns, is both exhilarating and satisfying.

The author’s world-building is impressive, with a vividly rendered dystopian landscape that echoes the darker aspects of our own world. The oligarch’ s surveillance state, with its AI cameras and pervasive control, serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked power.

All-in-all, “Chicanery” is a gripping and unputdownable thriller that will appeal to fans of John le Carré, Frederick Forsyth, and other masters of the genre. Timeri N. Murari’s writing is evocative, intelligent, and engaging, making this novel a must-read for anyone interested in politics, suspense, and the human condition.
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DEVDISCOURSE

Unraveling ‘Chicanery’: A Political Thriller of Our Times

Timeri N Murari’s novel ‘Chicanery’ explores global democracy standards through a political narrative. The story follows David Richelieu, formerly known as Cyomared, who returns home from exile, facing arrest and suspicion of aiding opposition forces. The book blends contemporary themes like AI surveillance with deep human emotions.

In ‘Chicanery’, a novel by Timeri N Murari, the author tackles the tumultuous landscape of global democracy through a riveting political narrative. The story revolves around David Richelieu, also identified as Cyomared, a former prime minister who returns from a 20-year exile to face execution charges.

His resurfacing prompts arrest by a minister’s assistant at the border after AI cameras identify him, stirring suspicion of his alleged involvement in assisting the opposition against a tyrannical government. With elections looming, the plot is filled with tension, intrigue, and powerful, multifaceted characters.

While the novel embeds itself within a modern context of AI surveillance and political intrigue, it primarily strikes a chord with its profound human elements. Though set in ambiguous locations, ‘Chicanery’ delivers a robust narrative on power dynamics, love, and the quest for freedom.

Swabhimani Odi

Timeri Murari’s New Novel “Chicanery” Explores Global Democratic Standards

Esteemed novelist and playwright Timeri N. Murari delves into the shifting standards of democracy worldwide in his latest novel, Chicanery, recently published by the Olive Turtle imprint of Niyogi Books.

In Chicanery, Murari creates a world where geographic boundaries remain unspecified, and the protagonists represent universal political personas, reflecting leaders or influencers from anywhere across the globe. Through this unique lens, Murari examines how democratic ideals are tested, manipulated, and potentially compromised.

The story centers around David Richelieu, the novel’s main protagonist, who, after 20 years of exile, returns to his homeland. However, the homecoming is far from celebratory, as Richelieu faces an execution warrant for crimes that remain ambiguous, adding suspense and intrigue. This ambiguity surrounding the character and setting lends itself to Murari’s intention to make Chicanery a broader commentary on the state of democracy and political power struggles.

Murari’s Chicanery arrives at a time when democracy’s values and standards are increasingly under scrutiny, and through this work, he invites readers to reflect on the current political landscape.