Renowned crime fiction writer Sharmishtha Shenoy returns with a powerful and hard-hitting new release titled Candle in the Wind, published by Rupa Publications—a work that departs from the author’s signature detective series and instead delves into the real-life horrors faced by women and young girls in modern India.

Based on true crime cases, Candle in the Wind presents a searing collection of stories that chronicle not only the brutality of gendered violence but also the deeper cultural currents—particularly patriarchy—that allow such crimes to persist unchecked.

From child sexual abuse and institutional exploitation to fatal stalking and serial killings, each story in the book is a grim window into the lives of victims whose suffering is often erased from public memory. These are not fictional thrillers with satisfying resolutions, but gut-wrenching narratives grounded in reality. Shenoy’s skill as a storyteller transforms each case into a haunting portrait of injustice—one that demands attention and reflection.

At the heart of the collection is the figure of ADGP Shikha Goel, a senior police officer portrayed with both strength and compassion. In a system often slow to deliver justice, Shikha becomes a symbol of hope and resolve. Her character, inspired by real-life women in law enforcement, cuts through the darkness with empathy and courage.

“These stories needed to be told—not just as crime narratives, but as a wake-up call to society,” Shenoy said during the book’s launch event. “Patriarchy is the real crime scene. We can’t talk about women’s safety without confronting that first.”

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Real Stories, Real Victims, Real Consequences

Some of the most harrowing accounts in Candle in the Wind include:

• A six-year-old girl sexually assaulted by her tutor’s husband, a man hiding in plain sight.
• A brilliant 14-year-old orphan, repeatedly raped by a so-called patron of the orphanage, whose influence shields him from early scrutiny.
• A 20-year-old college student, stalked and murdered for rejecting a man’s advances.
• A serial killer who targets schoolgirls, highlighting systemic failure and police delay.
• A woman driven to abduction after enduring years of abuse for being unable to conceive.

Each story is presented with a journalist’s eye and a novelist’s craft, making Candle in the Wind both emotionally impactful and structurally compelling.

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About the Author

Sharmishtha Shenoy is best known for her popular Vikram Rana mystery series, as well as for the widely acclaimed true crime novel The Hyderabad Heist. Her writing seamlessly blends suspense with social commentary, and in Candle in the Wind, she brings her storytelling prowess to bear on the raw truths of gender violence.

Her other works include Behind the Scenes, A Season for Dying, A Thousand Scars (in two parts), Silent Witness, and the quirky collection Murder in the Chowdhury Palace. She continues to blog and engage with readers through her website: www.sharmishthashenoy.com.

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A Book for Our Times

In a country where crimes against women are reported daily—yet accountability and cultural introspection often lag—Candle in the Wind stands out as a socially urgent work. It forces us to reckon with uncomfortable truths, while also showcasing the resilience of women who fight back, and those who fight for them.

With its poignant title symbolizing how fragile a woman’s safety can be in a hostile society, Candle in the Wind is more than a book—it’s a cry for justice, an act of remembrance, and a call to action.