Scar on the Moon by Sandesh Raj is an Intriguing Blend of Crime Thriller and Murder Mystery

Murder mystery is one of the key components of crime thrillers, because in extensive crime thriller novels along with crime murder also takes place. On the other side, in a murder mystery the motive forces for a fatal crime like murder. Murder mysteries revolve around the investigation of a killing or series of murders, often filled with suspense, clues, and plot twists.

Crime thrillers, on the other hand, encompass a broader range of crimes and criminal activities. While murder mysteries can be considered a subset of crime thrillers, they are frequently standalone novels or series within the genre. Both murder mysteries and crime thrillers aim to engage readers in solving puzzles, uncovering the truth, and experiencing the thrill of the chase. If you enjoy suspenseful stories and intricate investigations, murder mystery books can be a fantastic choice within the realm of crime thrillers.

My latest read ‘Scar on the Moon’ by Sandesh Raj nudged me to think over the crime thriller expanse. It is becoming a range full of new sub genres. Sandesh Raj blended more than a few sub genres of crime thrillers into one story. It turned out to be a mind blowing experience. The plotline has a female cop that first solves the petty crime related to molestation. And mid way the novel gained colours of a murder mystery. However, as one takes a dive deep, it comes out that the motives and desires of the criminal had tinges of a heist crime as well. A close look reveals that the novel cannot be put into any stand-alone genre of crime thriller. It has got police procedure, money heist, motives behind criminal by both victim, and the perpetrator. Except the police cop Chandrika — all were oriented by either crime or some secret motives.

Thus, the novel pushed me to have a relook at the crime thrillers, so that next time I read any such novel I feel not confused for its genre. The blog post presents a list of types of crime thrillers novels for your reference.

1.

Detective Fiction: Often featuring a sleuth, like Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot, who solves complex crimes using their deductive reasoning skills.

2.

Psychological Thrillers: These books focus on the psychological aspects of crime, delving into the motives and thought processes of both the criminal and the protagonist. The plot runs through their minds, of both, the victim and the criminal, involving manipulation, twists and turns. Authors like Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins are known for their gripping psychological thrillers.

3.

Police Procedurals: These novels provide an in-depth look into the investigative techniques, procedures, and routines employed by law enforcement agencies.

4.

Courtroom Dramas: These books revolve around legal proceedings and trials, offering a captivating insight into the world of lawyers, judges, and the pursuit of justice.

5.

Noir Fiction: This subgenre often depicts gritty and dark stories set in a morally ambiguous world, showcasing flawed characters and a sense of moral ambiguity.

6.

Serial Killer Thrillers: As the name suggests, these novels focus on the hunt for a serial killer. They often explore the motivations and psychology of both the killer and the investigators. Books like The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris fall into this category.

7.

Heist Thrillers: This genre is centered on meticulously planned and executed thefts, often involving elaborate schemes and unexpected twists. Authors like Dan Brown and Jeffery Archer have written gripping heist thriller novels.

Clearly from the list above, I could conclude that Sr. No 1, 3, and 7 justifies the genre of Scar on the Moon by Sandesh Raj.