REVIEW | By Erika Ayala » Author Vikas Swarup first garnered popularity from the success of Q & A, his debut novel on which the movie Slumdog Millionaire was based. Now for a much-anticipated comeback, Six Suspects, his second novel is likely to meet, if not outdo the success of Q & A.

Vikas Swarup is an extraordinary novelist, very skilled in representing his characters and vividly delving into each one's idiosyncrasies that contribute to the development of the plot. Six Suspects has a very gritty central plot and a development that won't let you put it down.

The story revolves in a murder mystery with a complicated twist. A playboy son of a prominent public figure murdered a waitress because she didn't take his order. But years later he was also found dead at a party he threw to celebrate his acquittal. There are six suspects linked to his murder, each of them just as likely to have killed their host. The interesting part about the six suspects is their occupations; a corrupt public servant; ambitious politician; a tribesman; an American tourist; a Bollywood sex symbol; and a cell phone thief. The investigation that follows the murder is most-riveting and showcases contemporary India.

Vikas Swarup does a wonderful job with Six Suspects, which deserves more attention than it has currently been getting. Six Suspects is not just about a murder mystery, but takes on a deeper criticism about India and how murder viewed, and how murderers get served. Six Suspects by Vikas Swarup is definitely two thumbs up and worthy of a standing ovation for another job well done.

• Erika Ayala works part time for a consumer review company.