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THE DEBUT NOVEL

In the industrial heart of Tiruppur, a shadow war is brewing.

This gripping thriller traces the high-stakes journey of Velan, a determined IPS officer, and Anupama, a fearless investigative journalist, over an intense two-week period. When a deadly drug menace threatens to spiral out of control, their missions collide, the danger escalates — and so begins a pulse-pounding chase for truth, justice, and survival.

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Velan IPS - The Shadow Network Book Cover

The Dossier

Character Spotlight Image of Velan IPS
Velan IPS

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Velan is an incorruptible IPS officer whose reputation rests on discipline, restraint, and an unyielding sense of justice. When a covert investigation into drugs and political violence begins to expose forces far more entrenched than street criminals, Velan finds himself blocked not by lawbreakers—but by the system he serves. Haunted by an old injustice he never avenged, he must decide whether to keep fighting within the limits of the uniform or step aside and risk everything by pushing beyond the lines meant to contain him.

Traits

Calm authority. Quietly formidable. Believes deeply in institutional order. Uncompromising with criminals.

About The Author

"I believe the best stories are where logic intertwines with emotion."

Hi, I’m Darsan.

I used to analyze systems and manage complex projects; now, I build narratives.

My journey took me from the structured world of analyzing systems and solving problems, to leading projects and guiding teams, before moving on to volunteer at the Isha Foundation. Along the way, I learned that truth is often stranger—and more compelling—than fiction. My writing applies that same analytical rigor to storytelling, capturing the truth wrapped in the fast-paced rhythm of a thriller.

I write for the modern Indian reader: those who love our history, worry about our future, and enjoy a mystery that keeps them up all night.

Portrait of Author Darsan Halan

Coffee Highs

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Reviews

  • "Just finished the book. Velan IPS is a good, easy read! The crime novel gave some deep insights into the drug menace our country is facing. The story was smooth and kept me hooked. I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. Can't wait for the next book!"

    ★★★★★
    Amazon Customer

  • "When I finished this, my first thought was that it felt like a story that kept opening new doors. You start with one investigation, but slowly you're dealing with corruption, drugs, crime and a much bigger problem than you initially expected. I enjoyed that progression because it kept me wondering where the story was going next."

    ★★★★☆
    Sahva

  • "Some thrillers keep you interested because you want to know who the culprit is. Velan IPS: The Shadow Network kept me reading because every answer seemed to uncover a much bigger problem. What begins as an investigation in Tiruppur gradually expands into a story of crime, power, corruption, journalism and a dangerous network operating beneath the surface... Just when I thought I had understood where the story was heading, another layer appeared."

    ★★★★★
    Sakshi Agarwal

  • "I picked up Velan IPS: The Shadow Network expecting a crime thriller, but the story turned out to be much bigger than I expected... The pacing is one of the strongest points for me. The story moves quickly from local crime and action to a global conspiracy, and it genuinely felt like watching a crime thriller unfold on screen."

    ★★★★☆
    Bookish Daydreamer

  • "This one is an engaging thriller. The story moving and makes you curious abouts what is going to happen next. The investigation angle and the mystery surrounding the shadow network make the book interesting. I liked the pace of the story and the way the suspense develops gradually."

    ★★★★☆
    A-Rach

  • "It is a fast paced investigative thriller set against the industrial backdrop of Tiruppur.... The narrative unfolds over a tense two week window as a widespread, deadly drug syndicate threatens to tear through the city... At the center of this storm is Velan, an incorruptible, disciplined IPS officer whose deep sense of justice is tested..."

    ★★★★★
    Shushree