A desi version of where Harold Robbins-meets- Agatha Christie, Shameless in Stilettos by Ell P is a one sitting gripping read. Chaos, confusion and carnal passions run riot in this murder mystery where four women of eclectic tastes assume centre piece. Inspector Meenakshi Rao has her hands full when Ananth Reddy, the eccentric son of an influential and arrogant real estate tycoon, Srinivas Reddy, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Although all initial evidence led to possible suicide, further forensic examinations reveal that the unfortunate Reddy (the dead one) had not flung himself off the seventh floor of C Block, in the modest and non-descript Green Meadows Condominium, but had instead been murdered before being thrown out of the building.
Inspector Rao, herself racked by a personal tragedy of untold proportions, is under intense pressure to hasten her investigation. Twin Damocles swords in the form of political pressure and money muscle dangles over her head, threatening to derail her career and diminish her future. Sheeba Reddy the pregnant wife of the deceased, hands over a piece of paper to Inspector Rao during her interrogation of the family, that perks up the Inspector’s interest.
Meanwhile, Mia Sarkar, a single parent and a kindergarten teacher decides to pursue an “alternative profession” to make ends meet after being refused her rightful share of alimony/support from her treacherous and unscrupulous husband. This endeavour has all the makings of an ominous portend. Once Mia decides to take the plunge, there may be no going back.
Rachel Kutty, is a woman, torn from her insides unable to come to grips with her identity. Alternating between giving herself up to her original identity and engaging in remorseful bouts of self-flagellation, Rachel finds solace in the company of Nisha, a doctor who is desperately trying to experience the pleasures of motherhood, but in vain.
What is it that links Mia, Rachel and Nisha to the inexplicable and mysterious death of Ananth Reddy? Is there more than what meets the eye to the clues gathered by Inspector Rao?
Shameless in Stilettos is a raw, and bold piece of work that has dollops of unabashed erotica punctuating the core narrative of a murder inquiry. Sado masochism, bondage and fetishism all contrive to lend a dark edge and murky meanderings to the plot. The climax (no pun intended) is a crescendo of emotions juxtaposed with a refreshingly unexpected twist.