The Drowning Paperback – 30 October 2024

The Drowning by Nidhi Upadhyay had me hooked from start to finish. Even when I was not reading the book, I found myself caught up in the spooky atmosphere and suspenseful state of the story. I really loved this book, it's the type of thriller that comes right into your mind and doesn't let go. It masterfully intertwines crime, superstition, and the supernatural.The story is about Viji, she has learned to maneuver and get through the dirt of sorcery and secrets, bad and inexplicable tragedies. The story centers her, as she is devastated by the loss of her twins, who finds herself accused of her best friend’s baby’s mysterious death. The book will take you to a sinister world of black magic, an ancient ritual that defies logic and her reunion with her first love lefts her wandering back to the roads of her past, which very quickly turns into a nightmare for her. Strange things keep happening and she is bound to face her past and evils which are related to her ghostly power in the present. The plot integrates psychological horror with lores and traumas, thus giving it an edge of the spine chilling yet deeply emotional race.One big thing that goes in favor of the book is its immersive writing. The suspense is built up with precision, leaving the reader grasping it on each edge throughout. The characters have been constructed in detail and, with their fears and relationships, add to the haunting mystery. The amalgamation of the Indian folklore and black magic brings out something unique in this thriller. The pacing is perfect, never fast enough to lose details but also never slow enough for boredom to creep in.All-in-all, The Drowning is exceptionally penned and engagingly horrific thriller fiction. It is disturbing, thought-provoking and addictive enough to not let one lay it down. If you like psychological thrillers with a supernatural twist then read this book.

The Drowning by Nidhi Upadhyay is a thrilling mystery set in Chandigarh. Viji(Vijaylakshmi ),a mother grieving the loss of her twin daughters, becomes the main suspect in the drowning of her best friend Neha’s baby. ASP Kanika, a police officer with her own tragic past, starts investigating. As she digs deeper, Kanika finds herself facing dark secrets about black magic, tantric rituals, and strange disappearances.The story is fast and gripping, with two strong women at its center—Viji and Kanika. Their emotions and struggles feel real and quite relatable and add depth to the story. The mix of mystery and black magic makes it scary and thrilling at the same time. The chapters are short, making it quite easy to read, and the twists are crazyyy .The eerie setting of the book adds to the suspense.The writing style is quite good making the book accessible for beginners and easy to follow. The plotting of the book is so so good that it made me question the reality at some point. I have thoroughly enjoyed how beautifully the author touched some of the important topics like grief, superstitions, and societal pressures, making the story more meaningful.The Drowning is a thrilling book with a mix of mystery, horror, and emotion. It’s easy to read and perfect for anyone who enjoys scary and suspenseful stories. You won’t be able to put it down! Pick this book at your own risk!! Haha!

The Drowning" is an Indian psychological thriller set in the haunting backdrop of Chandigarh. The narrative follows Viji, a grieving mother who lost her twin daughters under mysterious circumstances, and ASP Kanika, a determined investigator with a tragic past of her own. The story intertwines themes of black magic, betrayal, and unspeakable tragedies, creating a spine-chilling mystery that leaves readers at the edge of their seats.NarrationThe dual perspectives of Viji and Kanika enhance the story, offering insight into both the victim's pain and the investigator’s determination. The seamless shifts between past and present timelines maintain a gripping pace and unravel secrets piece by piece.Writing StyleNidhi Upadhyay masterfully blends Gothic elements, Indian superstitions, and modern psychological tension. Her vivid imagery and detailed descriptions make the eerie atmosphere come alive, while her concise language keeps the narrative fast-paced.ThemesGrief and Loss: Explored through Viji’s tragic past and Kanika’s personal struggles.Superstition and Black Magic: Delves into the chilling aspects of tantric rituals.Feminine Strength: Showcases resilient female characters like Viji, Kanika, and Paramjit.Social Issues: Addresses topics like gender discrimination, colorism, and societal expectations.Explode (Highlights)Characters: Each character is multi-dimensional, with compelling backstories and arcs.Suspense: Shocking twists and turns keep readers guessing until the very end.Epilogue: A mind-blowing twist that reframes the entire narrative.Atmosphere: The integration of dark magic and sinister elements heightens the fear factor.Final Thoughts"The Drowning" is an emotionally charged, thrilling ride that combines horror, mystery, and social commentary. Its powerful storytelling and intricate plotting ensure a haunting experience that lingers long after the final page.