Poolakkal

This novel does not follow the worn-out routes for resolving a murder mystery. Instead, the protagonist surprises the readers when he takes them through many quagmire situations like sambandham, child marriages, serpent dance, serpent worships, oracle performance and a unique police technique for solving criminal cases as he unobtrusively investigates his mother’s death. Finally, when his dearest friend reveals his identity as the murderer, the protagonist is temporarily paralysed from exacting retribution. The snake gods play a significant role in the lives of the people of that region, and in the final chapter, the readers get a chance to see their presence.