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The Simian Curse
Stuntman Varun Bhairav is besotted with his lovely actress wife, Anandi, who stood against the whole world to marry him. Their love had held them together through many trials.
But their fate is tossed upside down one day. While they are vacationing in Goa, a tiny monkey viciously attacks Anandi, ruining her ethereal, beautiful face.
Her once lovely visage gets infected with pustules and strange simian hair. The doctors are clueless. None of their readings could unearth the mystery behind the strange ailment or direct them towards a cure. Is the illness something supernatural, for which the healing powers are vested in the realm of the paranormal?
Aided by the words of a shaman, the crazed Varun teams up with Anandi's elder sister Gayatri, and chases the elusive truth across India... Will they be in time to save Anandi? Will the famous actress ever be able to have a normal life again?
But their fate is tossed upside down one day. While they are vacationing in Goa, a tiny monkey viciously attacks Anandi, ruining her ethereal, beautiful face.
Her once lovely visage gets infected with pustules and strange simian hair. The doctors are clueless. None of their readings could unearth the mystery behind the strange ailment or direct them towards a cure. Is the illness something supernatural, for which the healing powers are vested in the realm of the paranormal?
Aided by the words of a shaman, the crazed Varun teams up with Anandi's elder sister Gayatri, and chases the elusive truth across India... Will they be in time to save Anandi? Will the famous actress ever be able to have a normal life again?
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2024
2 people want to read
About the author
Sitharaam Jayakumar
6 books8 followersI am Sitharaam Jayakumar and my friends call me Jai. I am an information technology professional having worked in the IT field for the past twenty-seven years. My foray into writing had an interesting beginning. A year and a half back we had the founding day function of the organization I work in. One of my friends suggested that I present a poem as part of the function. Frankly, I was slightly taken aback as I had never tried writing before.
The only writing I had ever done before was an Independence Day speech in my fifth grade and essays as part of my academic curriculum. Well to cut a long story short, I decided to give it a go just for the heck of it. I wrote a poem inspired by my mischievous twelve-year-old daughter. The poem was a big hit at the function and I started my blog and posted a few poems in it which had a very good reception. Soon poems gave way to articles and articles were followed by photography. After some time I took to writing fiction. And finally, my first thriller Eighty Hours To Save Karen was born.
This was followed by the book The Krishnapur Kidnappings. Then came a book on sportspersons. And I have now published my latest action, adventure novel set in a bygone era titled The Himadripuram Adventure.
The only writing I had ever done before was an Independence Day speech in my fifth grade and essays as part of my academic curriculum. Well to cut a long story short, I decided to give it a go just for the heck of it. I wrote a poem inspired by my mischievous twelve-year-old daughter. The poem was a big hit at the function and I started my blog and posted a few poems in it which had a very good reception. Soon poems gave way to articles and articles were followed by photography. After some time I took to writing fiction. And finally, my first thriller Eighty Hours To Save Karen was born.
This was followed by the book The Krishnapur Kidnappings. Then came a book on sportspersons. And I have now published my latest action, adventure novel set in a bygone era titled The Himadripuram Adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 6, 2024
The book is a compelling mix of horror, mythology, crime, and mystery that takes readers on a chilling journey. What I found particularly gripping was how the story shifts between timelines—1934 and 1989—seamlessly interweaving the eerie events of the past with the suspense of the present. The dual timelines keep the narrative engaging and give the reader a layered experience of suspense.
One of the book’s strengths lies in the vivid descriptions. You can almost feel the dark, menacing atmosphere in Aravankolom village and the increasingly tense tone as the story progresses. The characterization is another highlight.
What sets The Simian Curse apart is how it blends mythology with crime and horror. The events are rooted in folklore, but they never feel outdated or far-fetched. The author manages to build suspense with well-timed twists and eerie occurrences—such as the ominous sounds the men hear after Akhila’s abduction—creating a steady buildup of tension.
In the 1989 timeline, Varun and Anandi Bhairav's relationship introduces a different type of fear—the psychological kind. The balance between supernatural horror and real-life crime makes the story even more compelling. The author does an excellent job of keeping the reader guessing about whether the forces at play are human, supernatural, or a terrifying combination of both.
The pacing is steady and deliberate, making it easy to stay hooked as you move from one chapter to the next. Sitharaam Jayakumar also introduces just enough mythological elements to keep the horror grounded yet unpredictable. This makes the book especially appealing for fans of both folklore and contemporary horror.
Finally, the dialogue and interactions between characters feel natural, never forced. There’s a nice blend of drama and tension in every conversation, and nothing feels out of place or over the top.
The book strikes a perfect balance between building atmospheric horror and delivering intense, fast-paced thrills. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping short story that blends psychological depth with supernatural chills.
One of the book’s strengths lies in the vivid descriptions. You can almost feel the dark, menacing atmosphere in Aravankolom village and the increasingly tense tone as the story progresses. The characterization is another highlight.
What sets The Simian Curse apart is how it blends mythology with crime and horror. The events are rooted in folklore, but they never feel outdated or far-fetched. The author manages to build suspense with well-timed twists and eerie occurrences—such as the ominous sounds the men hear after Akhila’s abduction—creating a steady buildup of tension.
In the 1989 timeline, Varun and Anandi Bhairav's relationship introduces a different type of fear—the psychological kind. The balance between supernatural horror and real-life crime makes the story even more compelling. The author does an excellent job of keeping the reader guessing about whether the forces at play are human, supernatural, or a terrifying combination of both.
The pacing is steady and deliberate, making it easy to stay hooked as you move from one chapter to the next. Sitharaam Jayakumar also introduces just enough mythological elements to keep the horror grounded yet unpredictable. This makes the book especially appealing for fans of both folklore and contemporary horror.
Finally, the dialogue and interactions between characters feel natural, never forced. There’s a nice blend of drama and tension in every conversation, and nothing feels out of place or over the top.
The book strikes a perfect balance between building atmospheric horror and delivering intense, fast-paced thrills. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping short story that blends psychological depth with supernatural chills.
October 6, 2024
"The Simian Curse" written by author Sitaraam Jayakumar is a gripping tale that intertwines love, loss, and the supernatural. The story centers on Varun Bhairav, a dedicated stuntman enveloped in a passionate relationship💞 with his Tamil film actress wife, Anandi. Their idyllic life takes a dark turn when Anandi is attacked by a monkey🐒 while enjoying a vacation in the picturesque Calangute beach🏖️ in Goa, leaving her face disfigured and her health in peril.
Author Sitaraam Jayakumar’s narrative pulls readers into a world of suspense as Varun grapples with his wife's transformative plight. The author effectively captures Varun’s desperation and determination, painting a vivid picture of his emotional turmoil.
As Varun partners with Anandi’s sister Gayatri and consults a shaman, the story takes readers on a thrilling journey across India, filled with mystique and urgency. The characters are well-developed, particularly the dynamic between Varun and Gayatri, who becomes an unexpected ally.
The story's supernatural elements👻 add an intriguing layer of mystery, leaving the reader wondering if the answers lie in the realm of the paranormal. Overall, this novel serves as a compelling reminder of how quickly life can change and how far one will go to reclaim it💙🔮
Author Sitaraam Jayakumar’s narrative pulls readers into a world of suspense as Varun grapples with his wife's transformative plight. The author effectively captures Varun’s desperation and determination, painting a vivid picture of his emotional turmoil.
As Varun partners with Anandi’s sister Gayatri and consults a shaman, the story takes readers on a thrilling journey across India, filled with mystique and urgency. The characters are well-developed, particularly the dynamic between Varun and Gayatri, who becomes an unexpected ally.
The story's supernatural elements👻 add an intriguing layer of mystery, leaving the reader wondering if the answers lie in the realm of the paranormal. Overall, this novel serves as a compelling reminder of how quickly life can change and how far one will go to reclaim it💙🔮
October 2, 2024
A murder committed 50 years ago is connected with Varun's actor wife Anandi's strange affliction. What is stranger is that it was caused by a monkey bite. As her condition worsens Varun and Anandi's sister joins hands to find the root cause of the strange malady. They are guided by an old shaman who lives near the hospital , who provides them a puzzle to crack. This takes them on a journey to Nainital, Shimla, Delhi and finally to the village where the women was murdered 50 years ago. Along the way Varun and Anandi's sister start falling in love. Sitharaam has penned a crisp supernatural horror novel with all the elements well developed - an atrocity, a curse, a victim of curse, a shaman, a puzzle and finally - a sacrifice. A tuat horror novel that everyone should read.
October 14, 2024
Jaya pens a fast-moving thriller-horror story that doesn’t slack.
Every chapter is happening (literally), keeps one hooked and excited for the next chapter. Despite a mere 104 pages, the book has precise character sketches. Its protagonists make a lasting impression- whether it be the stuntman who transforms from faithful husband to lover, from a vacationer to a seeker of truth, from a man in love to a man in mourning.
Quite a surprise package this.
Every chapter is happening (literally), keeps one hooked and excited for the next chapter. Despite a mere 104 pages, the book has precise character sketches. Its protagonists make a lasting impression- whether it be the stuntman who transforms from faithful husband to lover, from a vacationer to a seeker of truth, from a man in love to a man in mourning.
Quite a surprise package this.
April 3, 2025
Week 39 Book 19
The simian curse by Sitharaam Jayakumar
Rating 3/5
A fast paced supernatural thriller revolving around a couple from the film industry trying to figure the cause behind a strange disease caught by the woman. A quick, short, easy read.
The simian curse by Sitharaam Jayakumar
Rating 3/5
A fast paced supernatural thriller revolving around a couple from the film industry trying to figure the cause behind a strange disease caught by the woman. A quick, short, easy read.
January 9, 2025
Best Gripping storyline with a mix of horror, mythology.It is a recommended read
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews