Chandrika Aithal lives with her husband and cat Loki who adopted her four years back. She loves reading novels and gardening as well as collecting coins and fridge magnets. She thought about writing a novel to overcome the ‘Empty Nest Syndrome’ after her daughters went for their higher education. She has recently come out with the novel Betrayal.

I chat with her about her debut novel Betrayal, how the book came to be, book recommendations, and much more.

Hello! Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am a housewife, and mother of two lovely daughters. Gardening, reading, coin collection are some of my hobbies. I enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes. I am a ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ kind of person. I have tried drawing, painting, tailoring, embroidery, knitting, etc. Reading story books is one of my all-time favourite pastimes. After my daughters left home for higher studies, I started writing.

How would you describe your book Betrayal in one sentence?

A gripping story of planned crimes and betrayal, that will leave readers surprised and shocked.

Now tell us a little more about the book! What can readers expect?

This is a story of a young girl brought up by her grandmother, leading a carefree life, who finds out the truth behind her mother and grandfather’s death, and that now her life is in danger. She and her close friends decide to face the people who want to hurt her and solve the mystery of the death of her mother and grandfather. 

Please describe your character Nisha to readers who might not yet be familiar with who she is and what she’s dealing with?

Nisha is an independent girl, who believes ‘self-help is the best help’, but does not hesitate to take help from her friends when necessary. 

As a debut novelist, were there any authors or works which influenced your writing style?

I don’t think so.

What has the road to becoming a published author been like for you?

It was a new venture for me, and very exciting.

How have you been coping with the current pandemic and what will be the new normal for you post it?

It was not too bad, but I miss meeting friends and relatives freely without having a mask on and social distancing. We will have to accept it as a part of normal life and live with it.

Lastly, are you currently reading anything and do you have any book recommendations for our readers?

We have shifted from Oman to India, and I am busy with setting up the house. Erle Stanley Gardner, Arthur Hailey, Alistair MacLean, R K Narayan are some of my all-time favourites. I also like reading books by Nora Roberts, Julie Garwood, Brenda Joyce, and Lee Child.

The book ‘Betrayal’ is available online and at your nearest bookstore.