PLOT: 3/5
CHARACTERS: 3.5/5
WRITING: 3/5
OVERALL: 3/5
GENRE & THEME: Murder Mystery, Financial Markets, Drama
“They’re all guilty, in a way. Not of murder—but of feeding the fire that burned her in the end. And now they’ll have to live with the ashes.”
– Anuj Tikku, Lust, Stocks or Ek Qatal
Anuj Tikku is back, this time with a book that is steeped in money, men, and mayhem—a heady concoction where greed festers and blood stains the balance sheets. After a long time, I’ve delved into a book that talks about financial markets, and this one is firmly set in the ruthless corridors of the Indian finance sector.
But that’s not what makes this book different. It’s the crime—the scary interplay of limitless wealth and an insatiable hunger for profits—that paints a grotesque portrait of the world we inhabit today. So, step into the shadows with me as we unravel Tikku’s latest offering, Lust, Stocks or Ek Qatal, a financial thriller entwined with murder and betrayal.
Let’s talk about the story
After the murder of his father, Tanuj inherits a sizeable fortune—one that he has multiplied over the years and now seeks to expand even further. An ambitious investor with a hefty corpus at his disposal, he steps into the glittering yet cutthroat world of investment banking and financial wealth management, hoping to turn his money into an empire.
But beyond the number crunching and glossy presentations lies a world of class and indulgence, where fine wine flows freely and five-star dinners are simply part of the deal.
When Tanuj falls for the high-flying investment banker Kanika Kapoor, the lines between the personal and professional begin to blur. Yet Kanika isn’t the only one vying for Tanuj’s attention—and his money. The game has many players, all equally ravenous for a share of the pie.
Soon, as greed fuels ambition and morality gives way to profit, a murder shatters the illusion of power and prosperity. The question remains: who is the real culprit—men or money? The answer waits within the pages of this book.
My review
One of the best things about Lust, Stocks or Ek Qatal are its characters and its setting in the Indian wealth management sector. It offers a sneak peek into the greedy—and at times sinister—world of finance, where every player is hungry for more. The way the story unfolds makes it clear how money corrupts everyone, infecting them with a desire that is never fully satisfied. Even if it doesn’t push you to commit a crime, it ensures you become a supporting factor in one.
The characters are smooth and well-crafted. Tanuj, as the main lead, has his own charm. He is confident and decadent, yet smart and crafty when the situation demands. He plays the game of manipulation with ease, knowing exactly what to say and to whom in order to get the best in return. And yet, behind this disciplined and savvy exterior lies a side that is poetic, expressive, and deeply vulnerable. That softer side surfaces only rarely, but when it does, it’s hard not to admire the author’s careful characterization.
Kanika Kapoor and Priyanka Singh also stand out as strong women trying to survive in the dog-eat-dog world of finance, each vying for the same share of the pie. They are professional, suave, and business-driven, yet every so often, their feminine side slips through, adding nuance to their personalities.
The book begins as a romantic drama set against the backdrop of finance, but in the last third, it shifts into a murder mystery. While I enjoyed the drama elements, the murder plot felt underdeveloped. The suspense was weak, the intrigue missing, and the crime angle seemed like an afterthought—something tacked on rather than seamlessly woven into the story.
Overall, Lust, Stocks or Ek Qatal is a decent one-time read. Engaging in parts but lacking in suspense, I’d give it 3 out of 5 stars.
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