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Sapna's Bad Connection
Sapna Damle, a successful entrepreneur listed in Corporate Woman magazine, receives a string of abusive and threatening chat messages on her 33rd birthday. But the biggest shock is yet to come: the sender is a ghost.
Kedar, her boyfriend who mysteriously died by suicide eight years ago, has returned to her life and he is angry and vengeful.
Filled with personal details, the messages invade her privacy until she feels violated and haunted in every way.
The only way out for Sapna is to fulfil the challenges that this ‘bad connection’ sets for her. She would need to overcome her extreme fear in this gruesome quest, even if it means facing explosive truths about her own identity.
Will Sapna unmask her digital stalker and face the ghosts of her own murky past?
Kedar, her boyfriend who mysteriously died by suicide eight years ago, has returned to her life and he is angry and vengeful.
Filled with personal details, the messages invade her privacy until she feels violated and haunted in every way.
The only way out for Sapna is to fulfil the challenges that this ‘bad connection’ sets for her. She would need to overcome her extreme fear in this gruesome quest, even if it means facing explosive truths about her own identity.
Will Sapna unmask her digital stalker and face the ghosts of her own murky past?
248 pages, Paperback
Published September 14, 2023
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Neil D'Silva
32 books172 followersWith 12 books to his credit, Neil D’Silva is a known name in the Indian literary world. His unique stories have struck a chord with a wide range of readers, eliciting praise from various quarters. He is published with leading publishers such as Penguin Random House, Rupa Publications, and Hachette among others, and has won screen adaptation deals on four of his books.
He has been named as one of the Top 7 Indian horror writers to be read by UK’s DESIblitz magazine. Considered as one of the forerunners of contemporary Indian horror literature, he has been covered by several leading publications and is invited to speak at prominent litfests around the country.
He was a winner at the Delhi Literature Festival Short Story Competition of 2015. His book Maya’s New Husband won the title of Entertainer of the Year at the Literary Awards 2015 that was co-hosted by Authors’ Ink Publications and Inside Stories.
He has been named as one of the Top 7 Indian horror writers to be read by UK’s DESIblitz magazine. Considered as one of the forerunners of contemporary Indian horror literature, he has been covered by several leading publications and is invited to speak at prominent litfests around the country.
He was a winner at the Delhi Literature Festival Short Story Competition of 2015. His book Maya’s New Husband won the title of Entertainer of the Year at the Literary Awards 2015 that was co-hosted by Authors’ Ink Publications and Inside Stories.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 24, 2023
Interesting story, enchanting at times, with bouts of lyrical genius. The authors way of narrating observations speaks of craft and the ending makes you surprised.
February 9, 2024
Check out the review @ my blog - https://kalaikoodam.blogspot.com/2024...
I found the story interesting. The story started on a normal slower route but quickly escalated to a different path. The characters were well written, especially that of Sapna and her daughter. The relationship between them was portrayed interestingly. Also, the family dynamics with the husband, and her relationship with her ex-lover all were written convincingly. I found Sapna irritating in some instances, but then it turned to sympathy towards the end. I was able to decipher halfway through what the story was dealing with. Kudos to Mr Neil for taking up the subject and spin the story around the same. The story was well paced and I was able to complete the book in two days. Reading parts of the story in the format of messages was an interesting presentation. The author has done a good job of maintaining the suspense throughout. I feel there is a scope for a second part of this book.
To sum it up, this is a good read that might keep the audience rooting for the suspense. Horror genre fans will enjoy this book. Neil D' Silva did not disappoint me this time as well.
I found the story interesting. The story started on a normal slower route but quickly escalated to a different path. The characters were well written, especially that of Sapna and her daughter. The relationship between them was portrayed interestingly. Also, the family dynamics with the husband, and her relationship with her ex-lover all were written convincingly. I found Sapna irritating in some instances, but then it turned to sympathy towards the end. I was able to decipher halfway through what the story was dealing with. Kudos to Mr Neil for taking up the subject and spin the story around the same. The story was well paced and I was able to complete the book in two days. Reading parts of the story in the format of messages was an interesting presentation. The author has done a good job of maintaining the suspense throughout. I feel there is a scope for a second part of this book.
To sum it up, this is a good read that might keep the audience rooting for the suspense. Horror genre fans will enjoy this book. Neil D' Silva did not disappoint me this time as well.
December 4, 2023
Sapna’s Bad Connection starts with strange happenings that got me hooked right away. I never had an inkling where the story was headed. I was expecting spooky things to jump out of nowhere but this wasn’t anything like I anticipated. This kind of horror is what shakes me up. Of course, I don’t want to reveal anything here, it will be a spoiler for all of you wanting to read the book, but I’ll say this- the book surprised me in a good way.
Sapna is an urban achiever whose company is everything to her. She has always known her way around and how to get things done. Her only regret is that her failed marriage has caused her daughter to be away from her and hence, she is a loner. But when she receives strange messages from someone who died years ago, she realises that she is not alone in her house after all.
Sapna’s character is out there, she will do anything to achieve what she wants. Her husband, Sahil, seems cold and distant, and Kedar (Sapna’s ex) is a heartbroken lover. The plot is woven in such a way that the focus shifts from one character to the other, from one nuance to another, thus entangling the reader with curiosity. The end is as shocking as it is desolate. But the suspense has been maintained till the very end.
The book is very easy to read and has a tight plot, making this an absorbing and pleasurable experience. What I liked about the writing style was that from time to time the author reveals certain details that make the reader doubt or change direction which helps maintain the mystery and keeps the reader hooked throughout. The author has a nice way of tying analogies with the current events in the story. Check out a line from the book below that I found interesting.
It was like throwing a pebble into water that has been stagnant for ages. Like how algae make way to show the black water underneath, the silence of the place was disturbed by the shrill ringing of the bell.
The story deals with the human mind, the intricate labyrinth of a network in which so much can happen. It is surprising how far the mind can go when it is made to believe.
I was surprised how easily I could read the book (of course, I began reading it during the daytime, the scarcity cat that I am!) But soon, I completely forgot my apprehensions and was in it with Sapna, living her life and with the strange occurrences. I have read a few horror books in the past and I’m happy that most of them did not make me uncomfortable. Maybe I’m warming up to the genre.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes horror/thrillers.
Sapna is an urban achiever whose company is everything to her. She has always known her way around and how to get things done. Her only regret is that her failed marriage has caused her daughter to be away from her and hence, she is a loner. But when she receives strange messages from someone who died years ago, she realises that she is not alone in her house after all.
Sapna’s character is out there, she will do anything to achieve what she wants. Her husband, Sahil, seems cold and distant, and Kedar (Sapna’s ex) is a heartbroken lover. The plot is woven in such a way that the focus shifts from one character to the other, from one nuance to another, thus entangling the reader with curiosity. The end is as shocking as it is desolate. But the suspense has been maintained till the very end.
The book is very easy to read and has a tight plot, making this an absorbing and pleasurable experience. What I liked about the writing style was that from time to time the author reveals certain details that make the reader doubt or change direction which helps maintain the mystery and keeps the reader hooked throughout. The author has a nice way of tying analogies with the current events in the story. Check out a line from the book below that I found interesting.
It was like throwing a pebble into water that has been stagnant for ages. Like how algae make way to show the black water underneath, the silence of the place was disturbed by the shrill ringing of the bell.
The story deals with the human mind, the intricate labyrinth of a network in which so much can happen. It is surprising how far the mind can go when it is made to believe.
I was surprised how easily I could read the book (of course, I began reading it during the daytime, the scarcity cat that I am!) But soon, I completely forgot my apprehensions and was in it with Sapna, living her life and with the strange occurrences. I have read a few horror books in the past and I’m happy that most of them did not make me uncomfortable. Maybe I’m warming up to the genre.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes horror/thrillers.
December 16, 2023
With the arrival of her 33rd birthday, the successful entrepreneur Sapna Damle receives a series of vile and abusive chat messages causing her great alarm. Yet this was not the greatest shock that the universe held for her. She was about to come face to face with a ghost from her past, a phantom of revenge that had already been laid to rest.
Kedar, her mysterious boyfriend who had taken his own life eight years prior, had returned to her life. However, it was not a joyful or soothing return. In his heart burned an intense rage and revenge. To her further horror, these messages contained intimate details that had been kept confidential. Her privacy, that most sacred of things, had been violated and her every move tracked.
Sapna now had to free herself from this "bad connection" and overcome the hurdles that lay before her. She could not allow the fear that gripped her to get the upper hand. She would need to conquer her own fears and doubts on this frightening mission, even if it meant confronting unpleasant truths about her own character.
Will Sapna find the courage to face the specters of her own enigmatic past,or is she hallucinating?
Well read to find out.
The author skillfully delves into the depths of fear and identity, providing a fascinating exploration of the human psyche.
With unpredictable twists and turns, the book surprises and shocks the reader, propelling them to eagerly uncover the truth.
The characters are well-developed, and Sapna's strong nature adds complexity to the story. The suspense is maintained masterfully throughout, keeping readers engaged until the chilling and haunting conclusion.
This novel is an absorbing and suspenseful plot-driven masterpiece.
The well-crafted characters, particularly Sapna, will make you inquisitive.
I liked the amalgamation of horror, drama,mystery, and erotica, making it a must-read.
With each twist and turn, the mystery deepens, adding to the intrigue and captivation.
The vivid descriptions of locations, clothing, and characters contribute to a richly detailed narrative that will keep you engrossed. Don't miss out on this thrilling read.
January 6, 2024
I usually do not pick up horror (because I'm a scaredy cat), but Neil's books are different. They're not desperate to scare the reader with vile stuff. Instead, they're keen observations on various aspects of human behaviour, subtle commentary on societal norms or nuanced takes on the world around us. That's what sets his books apart from the other horror novels that I've (partially) read.
Sapna's Bad Connection is a psychological mind-bender guaranteed to give you goosebumps. I could relate to Sapna's distress when she got digital messages filled with intimate details about herself--and she lives all alone. Neil's ability to get under your skin and make you feel real feelings is amazing. It's as if he has an inside view into people's lives and is privy to their private goings-on.
The first half of the book focuses on how Sapna's mind and life begin to unravel as the ghost of her dead boyfriend sends her progressively abusive messages and intimate photos. Nobody believes that she's being haunted by a paranormal entity, especially since the messages disappear. This adds to her fear and suffering leading her to make questionable decisions with her business and relationships.
We get the picture of a strong, independent woman reduced to an emotionally unstable mess by the ghosts of her past. Her loved ones, who are supposed to care for her and protect her, do not take action. There's a hard-hitting section in the book that describes how the people closest to us are the ones who tend to be inert when they should be taking action.
As we follow Sapna's steps through the lanes of her past, it becomes increasingly horrific as she inflicts severe damage in her overzealous attempt to shake off the ghost. It was, at times, too difficult for me to read because I cannot face the reality that the human mind has darker aspects that compel a person to do unspeakable acts.
If dark, gritty, psychological thrillers interest you, Sapna's Bad Connection is unmissable. It's one of those books that require you to take a reading break before you pick up your next book because there's so much to absorb and assimilate.
Go for it!
Sapna's Bad Connection is a psychological mind-bender guaranteed to give you goosebumps. I could relate to Sapna's distress when she got digital messages filled with intimate details about herself--and she lives all alone. Neil's ability to get under your skin and make you feel real feelings is amazing. It's as if he has an inside view into people's lives and is privy to their private goings-on.
The first half of the book focuses on how Sapna's mind and life begin to unravel as the ghost of her dead boyfriend sends her progressively abusive messages and intimate photos. Nobody believes that she's being haunted by a paranormal entity, especially since the messages disappear. This adds to her fear and suffering leading her to make questionable decisions with her business and relationships.
We get the picture of a strong, independent woman reduced to an emotionally unstable mess by the ghosts of her past. Her loved ones, who are supposed to care for her and protect her, do not take action. There's a hard-hitting section in the book that describes how the people closest to us are the ones who tend to be inert when they should be taking action.
As we follow Sapna's steps through the lanes of her past, it becomes increasingly horrific as she inflicts severe damage in her overzealous attempt to shake off the ghost. It was, at times, too difficult for me to read because I cannot face the reality that the human mind has darker aspects that compel a person to do unspeakable acts.
If dark, gritty, psychological thrillers interest you, Sapna's Bad Connection is unmissable. It's one of those books that require you to take a reading break before you pick up your next book because there's so much to absorb and assimilate.
Go for it!
October 31, 2023
The title gave me one thought that probably it has something to do with technology but it could also be something about bad energy connection of a human being.
Sapna Damle (main protagonist in the book) was successful but was she happy?
Was Kedar real or figment of Sapna's imagination?
The boundaries of abnormal and supernatural blur in such a way that the blending of two is perceived. Neil has so splendidly put both together that as a reader one tends to question oneself about the validity of either of the aspects - abnormal vs supernatural.
It only goes on to affirm how beautiful yet intense our minds are. Having majored in Clinical Psychology, the deviations from what we define "normal" automatically gets pushed into the paranormal realm because despite science; supernatural is something we haven't yet completely put scientific procedures into. That doesn't mean we dismiss parapsychologists attempts to explain it through science. Our limitation is the scientific boundaries that still limit us in explaining these. However, the mind and its workings can be explained and Sapna's mind has something to tell us what this grey area could be.
- A wonderful book that I highly recommend everyone to read especially 18+ years
- The story is so tightly woven and engaging that it leaves the readers wanting to know more about Sapna's condition
- I believe Neil is the first Indian author who has tried to blend abnormal psychology with paranormal
- If you are a person who loves science or love to understand human behavior, do read this.
- Ideal read for anyone in the field of paranormal, psychology and human behavior.
Sapna Damle (main protagonist in the book) was successful but was she happy?
Was Kedar real or figment of Sapna's imagination?
The boundaries of abnormal and supernatural blur in such a way that the blending of two is perceived. Neil has so splendidly put both together that as a reader one tends to question oneself about the validity of either of the aspects - abnormal vs supernatural.
It only goes on to affirm how beautiful yet intense our minds are. Having majored in Clinical Psychology, the deviations from what we define "normal" automatically gets pushed into the paranormal realm because despite science; supernatural is something we haven't yet completely put scientific procedures into. That doesn't mean we dismiss parapsychologists attempts to explain it through science. Our limitation is the scientific boundaries that still limit us in explaining these. However, the mind and its workings can be explained and Sapna's mind has something to tell us what this grey area could be.
- A wonderful book that I highly recommend everyone to read especially 18+ years
- The story is so tightly woven and engaging that it leaves the readers wanting to know more about Sapna's condition
- I believe Neil is the first Indian author who has tried to blend abnormal psychology with paranormal
- If you are a person who loves science or love to understand human behavior, do read this.
- Ideal read for anyone in the field of paranormal, psychology and human behavior.
January 13, 2024
The story follows the life of Sapna who is a single, divorced business woman who is going through a tough face. Filled with remorse and guilt she starts hallucinating as if someone was keeping an eye on her in lieu of an unfinished task. She tried to ignore everything at first by believing that someone was doing a prank on her. However as time goes on, things start taking a toll on her as she gets haunted from the past. The more she tries to avoid it , the more she gets delusional and starts behaving strangely. Her husband ignored it and asked her to visit a psychologist. The plot gets interestingly twisting into a dark mystery and comes to a point where we see a drastic change in Sapna's personality. She starts distracting everyone from her life including her daughter and her workmates. The plot is interesting and keeps you booked until the end enabling the reader to become more and more curious about what will happen next.
The end part of the story takes a huge turn as the truth is finally revealed as to what really happened with Sapna.
Was she really having these nightmares or is there more to her life that is haunting her. Who is the person who is haunting and what does it want her to do. Do read the book to find out more about Sapna's Bad Connection.
The end part of the story takes a huge turn as the truth is finally revealed as to what really happened with Sapna.
Was she really having these nightmares or is there more to her life that is haunting her. Who is the person who is haunting and what does it want her to do. Do read the book to find out more about Sapna's Bad Connection.
January 15, 2024
My journey with this book began ages ago when I spent some time talking with Neil about this book as he was conceptualizing the story. (It's my pride and joy to find a mention in the acknowledgements of this book). I interviewed him when the book released. So this is a very special book for me. Thus, even though I had to go an extra mile to get my hands on a copy of this book, I didn't mind one bit.
I'm thrilled to say that I enjoyed the ride thoroughly. Neil dealt with delicate and complex issues very well, while keeping the dark horror intact. There was a sense of dread throughout the book and a resounding sadness at the end when the truth is revealed.
I liked what he did with the characters too. Sapna was a tricky character to write and Neil channeled her mood swings very well.
The description and writing is smooth and accessible. Not dense at all.
The climax and epilogue were cracking! They elevated the book to a whole new level. Excellent job! Love it
The only issue that I had with the book was that the dialogues seemed a little off, coming across as stilted in some places.
Other than that one issue, I absolutely loved the book.
I'm thrilled to say that I enjoyed the ride thoroughly. Neil dealt with delicate and complex issues very well, while keeping the dark horror intact. There was a sense of dread throughout the book and a resounding sadness at the end when the truth is revealed.
I liked what he did with the characters too. Sapna was a tricky character to write and Neil channeled her mood swings very well.
The description and writing is smooth and accessible. Not dense at all.
The climax and epilogue were cracking! They elevated the book to a whole new level. Excellent job! Love it
The only issue that I had with the book was that the dialogues seemed a little off, coming across as stilted in some places.
Other than that one issue, I absolutely loved the book.
March 19, 2025
Neil D'silva's novel Sapna's Bad Connection has a gripping narrative which compels you to read it from the start till the end. The novel has an interesting take on mental illness which I won't spoil it in this review. The main character Sapna Damle has a vibrant personality and a colorful life which had successfully covered up her hidden secrets and murky past. That all changed on her 33rd Birthday, when she started getting messages from her ex boyfriend, who had died many years ago. Suddenly, her murky past started to take hold on her, and her life, which was already pretty messy, became even more messier. The story, as I continued reading, stirred some of my deepest fears that were hidden inside the corners of my mind, and the ending, in my opinion, was highly satisfactory but quite predictable. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read a gripping psychological thriller with a supernatural tinge to it.
December 26, 2023
“Sapna’s Bad Connection” by Neil D’Silva is a horror book like no other. For the very first time, after a long time, it gave me a good scare and kept me looking around. We all have an ex-lover, don’t we? What if you had an old lover who had lost his or her life and came to haunt you? What if you suddenly receive calls from someone who has passed away? This book will send chills down your spine as you continue to read it.
The plots are well planned and written by the author; I could only imagine the research he must have done, the imagination he must have had, and the labor he put into this book to make it a masterpiece. A girl who seems to have it all and who has established herself so well—what could she possibly lack? What keeps her awake at night? Is it guilt from the past? How is a past suicide connected to her? How does it all fit in?
The plots are well planned and written by the author; I could only imagine the research he must have done, the imagination he must have had, and the labor he put into this book to make it a masterpiece. A girl who seems to have it all and who has established herself so well—what could she possibly lack? What keeps her awake at night? Is it guilt from the past? How is a past suicide connected to her? How does it all fit in?
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews