Synopsis

Are your Spidey senses tingling?

At 17, Samira Joshi has only one dream in life. She wants to be a spy.

And why not?

Spying runs in the Joshi genes.

Her great-grandmother was famous for sticking her nose in everyone’s business. Her grandmother had a flourishing side-business of tracking down errant husbands and missing servants. Her parents are elite intelligence agents for RAW.

Yet, they want their only daughter to become a doctor.

When she sees a college friend being trapped by a pimp, Samira does some spying of her own, and discovers the existence of a secret sisterhood of teen spies — The Spyders. And, she wants in!

The question is, do they want her?

To find out, read this fast-paced, gripping YA novel by brand new author, Apeksha Rao.

Praise

“A thrilling read with several nail biting moments. Will keep you hooked till the end.”  Andaleeb Wajid, author of The Legend Of The Wolf

“A fantastic spy story, keeps you on the edge and you can’t stop till you finish the book. A fantastic debut book. Look forward to reading more from the author.” Kanchana Banerjee, author of Nobody’s Child and A Forgotten Affair.

“Witty, snarky and a thorough entertainer, Along Came a Spyder is a welcome addition to India’s YA genre.” Shilpa Suraj, author of Love, Marriage and Other Disasters, Saved by Love, and, Driven by Desire

“Apeksha Rao writes a taut espionage thriller with a twist-a-minute narrative that is sure to get all readers hooked. The language is flawless, the characterization spot-on, and the plot is filled with rich details. It is the kind of story that you’d leave all your other work aside to read. Be warned!” Neil D’Silva, author of Haunted, Yakshini and Maya’s New Husband

Guest Post

Debjani Das AKA Debbie is a genius with a heart of gold.

That’s not such a great thing, according to her Spyder friends.

“Debbie’s revolutionary Bong blood could totally lead her to start a riot in the streets of Mumbai,” says Samira.

“And all because she doesn’t like the way some Aunty haggles over a pair of shoes,” explains Sweety.

“Oh yeah! She’s the type who will hack into a politician’s Cayman Islands bank account, and transfer all the money to her favourite NGO,” says Tina.

“And, she won’t see any irony in that,” says Sweety, with a grin.

“Guys, you do know she’s rigged an online poker game, right?”

Milli is worried that Debbie will piss off some online thug, who will then be baying for her blood. Which means that the Spyders will have to intervene before Col. Singh finds out.

“That girl is going to get me killed,” whimpers Ranga, the official chauffeur of the Spyders.

He’s a bit of a drama queen, but he’s not completely wrong.

Even with all the best intentions in the world, Debbie could get someone killed. If she’s ever allowed to do fieldwork, that is.

About the Author

Apeksha Rao fell in love with words very early in life.

While other kids of her age were still learning to spell, she was already reading her older brother’s books and comics.

She wrote her first story at the age of seven and submitted it to Tinkle, a very popular children’s magazine.

Writing took a backseat, as she established a thriving medical practice.

But Apeksha rekindled her love affair with words, while on maternity leave.

She would tap away at her keyboard while rocking her twin babies to sleep, as sleep deprivation stimulated her dormant creativity.

She wrote numerous short stories, that she published on her blog.

Apeksha has been lauded for her taut and gripping stories, that always come with a twist at the end.

In addition to Along Came A Spyder, she has written The Itsy Bitsy Spyder, a prequel novella to the Spyders series.

A Mumbaikar, born and bred, Apeksha comes from a family of doctors.

At the ripe age of thirty-four, she wound up her practice and moved with her family, to Bengaluru.

She is now a full-time writer.

She is also a die-hard foodie, who’s still trying to find the best vada-pav in Bengaluru.

She has twin boys, who keep her on her toes.

Apeksha’s husband is her inspiration to write, as well as her biggest critic.

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