Chennai: Mohan Menon, a longtime advertising professional, has ventured into crime fiction with his latest novel The Ninja Never Knocks, marking his first full-length work in the genre.
Having spent his entire career at Ogilvy & Mather, Menon brings a deep-rooted understanding of storytelling, narrative structure and character development to his writing. His transition from advertising to fiction reflects a natural progression shaped by years of crafting ideas and compelling narratives.
The novel centres around Vikram “Bando” Banerji, an author who becomes entangled in a mysterious case alongside his partner Sabina. The plot unfolds around an enigmatic “ninja” figure, gradually revealing layers of intrigue, suspense and unexpected twists.
Menon, who has long held an interest in crime and detective fiction, used the novel as an opportunity to explore the genre in greater depth. The book was written during the pandemic, a period that presented creative challenges, including the loss and subsequent rewriting of portions of the manuscript.
His earlier work, Nail in the Pillow (2019), was a collection of dark short stories. With The Ninja Never Knocks, Menon transitions to a longer narrative format, combining suspense, humour and unpredictability to deliver a more expansive storytelling experience.
About the Author
Mohan Menon is a Chennai-based writer who spent his entire career in advertising with Ogilvy & Mather. He writes fiction with a focus on crime, character, and narrative detail.
