"Fine refreshing novel"

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

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 5, 2004

Summary

Sonia Samarth couldn't have predicted it--after only a day, her first advertisement had drawn dozens of responses. In the bustling city of Pune, India, with its winding alleys and exotic customs, Sonia is launching a brand new business: private investigation--using Hindu astrology as a crime-solving tool. In an ancient city steeped in tradition, Sonia's unique brand of investigation is raising eyebrows. But she seems to have found a niche--and, before long, a case of murder. When a cat leads Sonia to her very first investigation, she quickly unmasks a killer, using astrology as her guide. Suddenly clients begin streaming in: a persistent, handsome TV personality; a terrified bride-to-be; a missing husband with suicidal tendencies...all challenge Sonia's astrological abilities to prevent a crime. All apparently isolated experiences, but bound by an invisible thread. And while Sonia has stellar success in unraveling the truth, very soon she'll have to look closely at her own stars. Because the most notorious international criminal has just crossed Sonia's path--and he has his own plans for her future!