Eleventh Hour by S. Hussain Zaidi

Known for works like Black Friday, Dongri to Dubai, Bombay to Bangkok etc. there is absolutely no doubt when a badge on the cover of the book says India's Best Crime Writer. Zaidi prior to becoming everyone's favourite crime writer, has years of experience in investigative journalism that we see in themes of his writing. Out with his new book titled - Eleventh Hour, the writer takes us through yet another thriller featuring the men in uniform from our country. A personal acknowledgement from the author; at the end of the book, throws light on the formation of the story and his personal affiliation to the characters in this non-fiction crime thriller book.

S. Hussain Zaidi's Eleventh Hour opens with a conflict similar to non-linear stories in cinema, but this one turns out to be a collection of a whole lot of twists and turns; along-with undercover characters on both sides, put together in 242 pages. Multiple roles from the story limit narrowing down to a single hero, but the jobs of Vikrant and Mirza are those of heroes in the book.


The story is tied to a string with the good guys on one side and the bad on the other, almost like every other good versus bad drama. What is unique is the way the author takes you to the setting of the story, with a technique similar to episodic treatment across the chapters. So what you basically travel through is a peek on on both sides simultaneously until the two stories reach the final bloodbath.

To summarize the entire plot in short: Men in uniform, up on their feet 24 x 7 trying to figure out ways to bring an end to the mess created by a group of terrorists holding hostages in exchange for their demand for an island to rule on and a city held at ransom, on orders from their masters. (The author would probably hate me for doing this.)

The book honestly didn't blow my mind, but makes up for a really smooth read while it paints a visual drama in the head. It's almost as if the writer penned the story with a movie adaptation in his head, and it would definitely make up for a decent Bollywood film.


Since the writer is known for his well researched real-life instances being incorporated into his stories, it gives the reader a chance to take a closer look into the lives of these characters, who whilst on their toes deal with betrayal, friendship, love, death and vengeance.

Thanks to Flipkart for sending over a copy of the book, my first one by Zaidi.