Bravo to Pradeep Sebastian on his highly engaging debut as a knowledgeable and gifted author of bibliomysteries, his grasp of the niceties and nuances of this fascinating world of book madness matched by a natural gift for narrative and telling a great story. The Book Hunters of Katpadi, I have no doubt, will earn an enthusiastic following of like-minded readers; I, for one, can't wait for the next one.
--Nicholas A. Basbanes, author of A Gentle Madness: Bibliophiles, Bibliomanes, and the Eternal Passion for Books.
The Book Hunters of Katpadi, Pradeep Sebastian's first novel, and you will be instantly struck by its beauty--a dazzling dust jacket, charming illustrations, and a black ribbon book marker. Sebastian spins an exciting yarn about the discovery of a long-lost and highly coveted manuscript written by British explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton. The Book Hunters of Katpadi has a cast of characters that will be familiar to bibliophiles, including clever booksellers, fervent collectors, and ambitious auctioneers. An engrossing tale of rarities lost--and found.
--Rebecca Rego Barry, Fine Books & Collections
This debut novel is a masterful exposition on literary culture and a must read for bibliomaniacs. With The Book Hunters of Katpadi, Pradeep Sebastian has created an intricate, interesting and intelligent narrative that belongs on every book collector's shelf.
--Zac O'Yeah, author of The Majestic Trilogy
India's first bibliomystery is a delight. Sebastian has given us a double treat: the fictional story of a manuscript coveted by collectors, as well as the factual stories of the book world. He also puts into the mouths and actions of his characters enough material on the antiquarian trade, methods of authentication, printing, auctions, and stories of intrigue and thievery to keep the reader interested both in the business of books and in the mystery itself.
--Suresh Menon, The Hindu
