The Verdict Dr
Author Dr. Sujay Kantawala returns with The Verdict, a psychological legal mystery that shifts the idea of justice from the courtroom to the human conscience. At the heart of the novel is retired judge Karan Negi, a man who once delivered life-altering decisions from the bench, but now finds himself confronting deeper, more personal questions of truth and morality.
For Kantawala, choosing a retired judge instead of a conventional detective was deliberate.
"Karan Negi came to me as a man who had already seen too much truth," he says. "A retired judge carries the burden of decisions that reshape lives. That perspective allowed me to explore mystery not as a puzzle alone, but as a moral reckoning. He does not just ask âwho did it,' but âwhat does justice truly mean?'"
The author, known for both legal thrillers like Curse of Suspicion and poetry in the Thoughts series, moves seamlessly between structure and sentiment.
"Law and poetry are not opposites," he explains. "They are two rhythms of the same mind. Law sharpens discipline and precision, while poetry allows emotion and ambiguity to breathe. Moving between them feels like shifting from courtroom light to twilight reflection."
At its core, The Verdict is less about legal procedure and more about the fragile human machinery behind it.
"I hope readers see that the judicial process is deeply human," Kantawala says. "Behind every file is fear, hope, bias, courage and fallibility. Justice is not delivered by systems alone, but by individuals who struggle, doubt and still strive toward fairness."
Realism in his writing, he believes, depends on both research and observation.
"Research is the invisible scaffolding of every mystery. I draw from legal procedure, investigative methods and real courtroom dynamics. But realism also lies in motive and emotion. Human behavior is as important as forensic detail."
When asked about influences, Kantawala acknowledges storytellers who blend suspense with introspection.
"I admire writers who treat mystery not just as entertainment but as exploration of conscience. Tension should arise from human stakes, not merely plot mechanics."
His writing, he admits, is an attempt to understand the pressures people face.
"I write to understand the choices people make under pressure. Karan Negi remains closest to me because he reflects quiet resilience and the loneliness of responsibility."
In a unique addition, The Verdict features a Spotify playlist, offering readers an emotional soundtrack.
"Music deepens immersion in ways words alone sometimes cannot. The playlist guides the reader's emotional cadence. It allows them to inhabit the silence and tension the characters experience."
An interesting thread running through his recent works is the presence of animals.
"The animal angle emerged as a symbolic mirror to human nature. Animals embody instinct, loyalty and innocence without pretense. Their presence sharpens contrasts and reveals truths about human characters more powerfully."
With several successful titles to his credit, Kantawala hints that this is only the beginning for Karan Negi.
"The journey is far from over. Readers can expect deeper psychological conflicts and more complex moral questions. I am also exploring themes beyond legal frameworks, expanding into philosophical and human-centered storytelling while retaining the suspenseful core."
In The Verdict, justice is no longer confined to a courtroom. It is a private trial. A silent reckoning. And as Kantawala suggests, sometimes the harshest verdict is the one we deliver to ourselves.
The Verdict by Dr. Sujay Kantawala is by Hubhawks and is available on Amazon and leading online platforms across India.
