Give me some rope here.

Both are bustling with energy, filled with intriguing characters, and brimming with potential for unexpected connections. The difference? One involves swiping left or right, while the other involves navigating through author panels and book signings. But let’s face it; both have the potential for drama.

Picture this: A hypothetical dating app, “LitSwipe,” designed exclusively for lit fest attendees. Instead of bios that say, “Love dogs and long walks on the beach,” you’d get, “Love R.K. Narayan’s Malgudi but secretly dream of Amish’s Meluha.” Matches could be made over shared love for obscure poetry or heated debates about literary tropes. Ravi would have a field day.

Of course, it wouldn’t be all sunshine and cherry blossoms. There’s always that one person who tries to flex by quoting Tharoor out of context, much like the blackmailer in my book who overestimates the combines intellectual prowess of Ravi and his friends. And let’s not forget the awkward moments, like when you’re mid-conversation, and someone spots their favorite author and bolts (no hard feelings, right?).

Back to reality, though. As I prepare for my panel discussion, I can’t help but wonder about the similarities between Love Swipe Blackmail and the lit fest experience. My book dives into the complexities of relationships, trust, and the dark side of digital connections. A lit fest, on the other hand, is where we come to celebrate the written word and human connections. But beneath the surface, both are about uncovering truths and navigating the sometimes messy, and at others, the beautiful intricacies of life.

And let’s not ignore the irony: as an author of a thriller involving a dating app, I might be the only person at the fest paranoid about someone checking their phone too often. Is it because they’re engrossed in a juicy panel, or is it because they’ve swiped right one too many times?

Jokes aside, I’m thrilled to be part of the Apeejay Kolkata Lit Fest 2025. It’s a space where stories come alive, where readers meet the minds behind their favourite books, and where, just maybe, someone might pitch me the idea for Love Swipe Blackmail: The Musical. (I’m kidding. Or am I?) So, if you are a fan of Indian thriller authors then join my panel with Shenaz Treasury and Ramona Sen on January 12 to discuss Love Swipe Blackmail and much more. The panel will delve into the evolving landscape of Indian suspense novels, exploring how they captivate readers with twists, turns, and relatable characters. Let’s talk thrillers, twists, and all things books. Just don’t ask me for dating advice, unless, of course, you want tips from Ravi.

Creating the cover for “Love Swipe Blackmail” was like navigating through a maze of thrillers, mysteries, and tech-savvy twists. As a designer, it’s not often that you get a project that combines the essence of the best thriller novels by Indian writers with a dash of humour and a sprinkle of suspense. But hey, when you’re dealing with one of the most anticipated suspense thriller Indian novels, you buckle up and get creative!

First, let’s talk about the title. “Love Swipe Blackmail” – sounds like a dating app gone rogue, right? Exactly the vibe we were going for! Picture this: a smartphone screen, but instead of the usual heart and X buttons, you’ve got icons for blackmail and intrigue. My first sketch looked more like a toddler’s drawing of their pet goldfish, but we all start somewhere.

Now, imagine blending the vibe of the top mystery novels by Indian authors with the edgy feel of techno thriller authors. I knew the cover had to scream “pick me up and find out my secrets!” without, you know, actually screaming. I toyed with dark backgrounds, neon lights, and shadows lurking in the corners. It looked like a nightclub flyer at one point. But hey, who said the creative process was neat?

Then came the moment of truth – the author’s feedback. Nitish Bhushan, with his sharp eye for detail and flair for suspense, pointed out the need for more mystery. Apparently, my attempt to hide a tiny ‘Easter egg’ clue in the cover was too well-hidden. Even Sherlock Holmes would’ve needed a magnifying glass. So, I went back to the drawing board, adding subtle hints that would make even the most casual reader feel like they were in on a secret.

The final design? A blend of modern tech aesthetics with a nod to classic thriller vibes, capturing the essence of a story that dances on the edge of love, deception, and high-stakes blackmail. If you’re a fan of mystery novels by Indian authors or crave the rush that only techno thriller authors can deliver, this cover promises an unforgettable ride.

In the end, designing the cover for “Love Swipe Blackmail” wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about capturing the soul of one of the most compelling suspense thriller Indian novels of our time. And trust me, it’s a wild ride from the first swipe to the last reveal. Nitish Bhushan’s Note: Sathya is an amazing graphics designer. His design for “Love Swipe Blackmail” brilliantly captures the essence of mystery and intrigue. I cannot thank him enough for his patience and skill.

1 – You Value Sleep Over Suspense

If you prefer your dreams to be peaceful and your nights uninterrupted, then “Love Swipe Blackmail” might not be for you. Indian suspense thriller novels like this one are notorious for keeping readers awake with their nail-biting tension. Nitish Bhushan’s storytelling will have you turning pages faster than you can swipe right, leaving you bleary-eyed but utterly hooked. Sleep is overrated anyway, right?

2 – You Can’t Handle Plot Twists

If you enjoy predictable plots and like to know what’s coming next, beware of Indian thriller authors like Bhushan. “Love Swipe Blackmail” is packed with more twists and turns than a Bollywood dance number. One minute you’re chuckling at a witty dialogue, the next you’re gasping at an unexpected betrayal. It’s an emotional roller coaster, and if you’re not up for the ride, better stick to something more straightforward, like a cookbook.

3 – Your Online Dating App Will Feel Boring

After reading this Indian suspense novel, your own dating life might seem painfully mundane. Bhushan’s depiction of online dating is full of excitement, danger, and blackmail—far more thrilling than your average match-and-chat routine. Once you’ve experienced the high-stakes world of “Love Swipe Blackmail,” swiping through profiles might feel like watching paint dry.

4 – You Have a Weak Heart

Do you get easily startled? Do plot twists make your heart race? Then you might want to avoid this thriller. Indian thriller authors like Bhushan are experts at building suspense and delivering shocks. “Love Swipe Blackmail” is designed to keep you on the edge of your seat, and if your heart can’t handle the excitement, you might want to play it safe with a nice, calm romance novel instead.

5 – You Dislike Laughing While on the Edge

If you prefer your thrillers to be all doom and gloom, “Love Swipe Blackmail” will surprise you. Bhushan’s wit and humour shine through, even in the most suspenseful moments. Indian suspense novels often have a serious tone, but this one will have you laughing out loud while simultaneously clutching the book in suspense. If you can’t handle the whiplash between laughter and tension, perhaps another book would be more suitable.

In conclusion, “Love Swipe Blackmail” is a roller coaster of emotions, suspense, and humour. If any of these reasons resonate with you, you might want to give it a pass. But if you’re up for a thrilling, hilarious adventure, then dive right in!

Nitish Bhushan’s note: Mahima is a hell of a writer herself! She and Anju are Jai & Veeru in every sense of being friends. God bless their friendship.

Firstly, let’s talk about Indian thriller authors. They have a knack for blending everyday life with extraordinary twists, much like making a perfect masala chai. And Nitish Bhushan is no different. He’s taken the mundane world of online dating and spiced it up with enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. Imagine a Tinder date that doesn’t end in awkward silence or ghosting, but in blackmail. Now that’s a story worth swiping for!

“Love Swipe Blackmail” is not just another entry in the Indian suspense novels genre; it’s a roller coaster ride through the digital love jungle. Our protagonist navigates through the murky waters of online romance, only to find himself entangled in a web of deceit and danger. It’s like your worst online dating nightmare, but way more entertaining and without the awkward small talk.

Nitish Bhushan, one of the rising stars among Indian thriller authors, has crafted a tale that’s both relatable and thrilling. His characters are as vibrant as a Holi festival, each with their quirks and secrets. You’ll find yourself rooting for the protagonist while wondering if you should delete your own dating apps—just to be safe.

But what truly sets “Love Swipe Blackmail” apart from other Indian suspense novels is its humour. Bhushan’s wit shines through the suspense, making you laugh out loud even as you bite your nails in anticipation. It’s a rare treat to find a book that can balance humour and tension so effortlessly.

So, why should you read “Love Swipe Blackmail“? Because it’s not just a book; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of story that makes you rethink your Tinder bio and maybe even your life choices. Plus, it’s always fun to read about someone else’s dating disasters, especially when they’re laced with blackmail and suspense. So go ahead, swipe right on this novel—you won’t regret it!

Nitish Bhushan’s note: Anju Nagpal is the author of this blog! She is the first beta reader of Love Swipe Blackmail. Her inputs helped me sharpen the narrative in my novel. I cannot thank her enough for her contribution to Love Swipe Blackmail and this blog!

PS: Mahima is Anju’s arch frenemy, and has listed Five Hilariously Good Reasons to Not Read “Love Swipe Blackmail“