The same, of course, can be said for anywhere in Mumbai, and if you're not careful where you step you could end up in the shit if you are police officer. The corridors of power, the air conditioned splendour of offices and shops in the wealthy neighbourhoods, the film lots - wherever you go a police officer's welcome is dependant on who knows who, and they must know when to kick a door down and when to knock gently.

But Mumbai has her beauty too; the sights and sounds of happy people, the smell of the ocean and watching the sun setting into the sea, the various sounds of prayer that come from any number of the multitude of temples and their gods and goddesses. The wafting of incense mixes with the smells of the outdoor cooking stalls and their curries, roties, naan bread, and other delights that help to offset less pleasant olfactory experiences.

Nothing is at it seems in Sacred Games, and at the onset it all seems so corrupt to our eyes and ears, immoral and unjust even; how can a system that depends of bribery work? Well it doesn't seem to work any better or worse than our system of justice. How many blind eyes are turned here towards the activities of corporations more intent on making money then anything else?

But as long as they donate to the right people and work for the right causes, there won't be any problems. How is that any different from what happens on the streets of India's largest city Mumbai?

Sacred Games is a magnificent book in all the meanings of that word. At 900 pages long it might seem intimidating, but don't be put off. You'll want it to be longer, you'll want to linger among its pages like you would linger over a meal in a great restaurant where the company has been interesting, and the tastes amazing.

From what I gather by reading the reviews of Indian writers, Chandra's depictions of Mumbai are dead on, so for those of us who don't travel this might be out best chance to experience the city in all of its splendour and darkness. You'll be denying yourself a real treat if you don't read this book and an education on a part of the world we should be learning more and more about in North America.

But aside from all that it's a great story, with amazing characters, and incredible atmosphere written by a superlative writer, what more could you ask for?