The Drowning: A Submerged Truth. A Resurfaced Fear | From the bestselling author of That Night

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.

This was one hell of an amazing and creepy/spooky book. At some point, I just wanted to toss it aside. I had my mind blown because I just couldn't help but feel an unsettling creepiness. This is a psychological thriller unraveling a murder mystery hinting at paranormal practices. It has that eerie, supernatural edge to it that keeps you hooked throughout. Starts with a straightforward story of Viji and her twin daughters' death but soon it gets far more sinister. ASP Kanika's character was so relatable, everytime the paranormal, creepy things were talked about in the book, I had the same reaction as hers. This is a very thought-provoking book that lingers long after finishing it. Every character becomes a part of suspicion and the dual timeline makes it even more engaging and keeps you guessing till the end. The writing is immersive with fast pace and short chapters, which make it impossible to put it down. If you love books that give you a dark and wild ride, then this one is definitely for you!

A story that stirred my soul… From the very first page, I was in tears. The pain of losing your twins simply because of society’s obsession with skin colour and gender is something that hits harder than words can express. And when you’re an orphan with no one to console you — it’s beyond heartbreaking. Vijayalakshmi, the central character, is so beautifully written that I actually forgot she was fictional. I imagined her as a real person, someone I wanted to hug and comfort. Her suffering began the moment she was born and continued throughout her life, starting with her being abandoned at an orphanage. Then comes Ankit, who loves Viji deeply but lacks the courage to stand up against his mother’s cruel judgments — her taunts about Viji’s complexion and for giving birth to twin daughters. His silence speaks volumes about the societal pressure and internalized prejudice still prevalent today. Vikram, also known as Siddhartha, lost his parents in an accident and was raised in the same orphanage as Viji. Their bond slowly turned into love — a beautiful yet tragic journey that led to Viji becoming pregnant. But before their story could fully unfold, they were separated by fate. Meanwhile, Kanika, Vikram’s wife, was living a parallel tragedy — losing her unborn child and facing her own emotional turmoil. Among all this, there’s a spark of light — Amanpreet, who brought a much-needed dose of humour with her innocent misuse of English vocabulary. Her presence added a touch of relief in an otherwise intense and emotional narrative. This book weaves together black magic, tantra, crime, suspense, and raw emotion, keeping you hooked at every turn. The plot is layered and engaging, and the author’s writing style flows effortlessly. ✨ Final Thoughts: A powerful, emotionally driven story that sheds light on issues like colourism, gender bias, social inequality, and personal loss — all wrapped in a gripping plot. I truly admire the author’s storytelling skills and can’t wait to read more from her.

You know that feeling when you so badly want to breathe, but the anxiety of what happens next makes you hold your breath for a second longer? This book takes you through those mind-twisting elements that make you feel like you have to know what happens next. Page by page, it’s like if I turn just one more, I won’t be able to stop. The atmosphere of this novel is intriguing and absolutely eerie, and honestly, that effect lingers long after finishing the book. Every thriller fan’s dream! The depth in the storytelling is both terrifying and fascinating, totally addictive, and pulls you right out of your own state of mind. The story follows Viji, who abruptly loses her twins one after the other, and before she can fully grasp what’s happening, she falls into a web of accusations. It’s dark, foreboding, and intense, something no human being should have to endure. Like I said, she doesn’t get a chance to take a deep breath, and neither do the readers. And the characters? They’re so unique and well-written, each with deep shades of grey, like a real portrait of humanity. Grey and darker, but never white. Nidhi, this is the first book of yours that I’ve read, and I’m honestly devastated I didn’t pick up your other works sooner. This was incredible. The portal of complexities and psychological elements is something I want to experience again. I loved how sharp and unpredictable the storytelling was, with no clichés, just fresh and intense reading.

A dead infant A missing mother A dazed sinner!!! Heartbroken, Devastated and shattered software Engineer VIJI , who recently lost her twins is arrested as the prime suspect for drowning her best friend NEHA’S infant DHRUV. Neha is missing and all evidence and eyewitness point towards VIJI being the culprit. Investigating officer ASP Kanika is battling her own loss of a stillborn is taking this case like a personal loss. VIJI is Ina trance, non cooperative, her silence makes ASP dig deeper into the case discovering chilling, dark sinister secrets lurking deep in the web of crime !! The suspicion of vijis involvement in Black magic marks the first twist with an engaging past leading to horror,mystery and emotional ride making it a thrilling piece of work. Written in short chapters keeps the reader gripped to the edge,pages turn as the truth unravels. Vikram, also known as Siddhartha, lost his parents in an accident and was raised in the same orphanage as Viji. Their bond slowly turned into love , a beautiful yet tragic journey that led to Viji becoming pregnant. But before their story could fully unfold, they were separated by fate. Vikram is now Kanika husband!! Book is written in two timelines with two strong female characters each has a past and present interwoven. How much can a woman endure, the plot was revealed in first 100 pages and I still had 200 more pages left and I had to bite my nails in stress !! The book involves so many twists that keeps us guessing suspecting everyone. The horror of revealing the truth is so much that at some point I kept questioning reality!! The story telling is so fascinating and gripping, horrifying at the same time. If u like a dark gripping thriller, I would recommend u to definitely read this. The books sheds light on social issues of gender bias, colour bias, superstition, inequality and blind faith all packed into a powerful 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!

Rating : 4.5/5 This is my first time exploring black magic in a thriller, and I really enjoyed how dark and intricate this book was 🙈. It is a compelling and atmospheric thriller that expertly weaves together past trauma and present danger. From the very first page, there is this sense of unease, drawing the reader into a world where long-submerged secrets begin to bubble to the surface with terrifying consequences. This has different POV’s and the protagonist’s journey is particularly engaging, as they navigate through suspicion and hidden motives. Authors writing is evocative, painting vivid pictures of both the physical settings and the characters inner thoughts. The tension steadily builds throughout the novel, with unexpected twists that keep the reader guessing until the final, satisfying conclusion. This isn’t just a thriller; it’s a story about confronting the shadows of the past and the courage it takes to unearth buried truths. This stayed with me for long after i turned the final page 🤯. If you like complex, dark psycological mystery thriller you should check this one out , it will surely keep you hooked till the end.

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. Narration The 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 Style Nidhi 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. Themes Grief 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.