Maya, Dead and Dreaming

by Lana Sabarwal

A sleepy town. A precocious girl. A drizzly night. A chilling death that makes no sense at all.
June 1938: Popular teenager Maya Hickman is found dead in a shallow creek, leaving the sleepy town of Shogie, Washington shocked and baffled. Fourteen years later, Maya begins haunting the dreams of her childhood friend and quiet Indian immigrant, Munna Dhingra, just as an anonymous letter arrives musing “Why Maya Had to Die.”

Why now? Why Munna? Rich, beautiful Maya never needed Munna when she was alive. How could she possibly need her now that she’s dead? Does Munna know something without even realizing it? And what does the eerie letter mean?
Stalked by guilt and desperate to prevent more deaths, Munna befriends Karenina – a fiendishly brilliant psychoanalyst with the uncanny ability to unearth dark secrets from even the most lighthearted conversations. As the two pull at the threads of Munna’s broken memories and the town’s vicious gossip, they unravel a web of jealousy, betrayal, and forbidden relationships within a tight-knit community desperate to cling to its veneer of tranquility.

But every secret uncovered leads to more questions and every step forward heightens a sense of encroaching dread, as Munna and Karenina race to piece together a complex psychological puzzle. Will they find out in time . . . why Maya had to die?
Maya, Dead and Dreaming is a mystery set in 1952, Washington state. Inspired by Agatha Christie with a dash of Jhumpa Lahiri.

Genres: Mystery

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2025

About the author

Lana Sabarwal is a novelist, an economist, and a Agatha Christie disciple. Her day job is in international development, where she writes about issues adolescents face. Her work has been downloaded more than 3.5 million times and covered by global media. Lana grew up in India. She lives in Washington DC and within the pages of her favorite books.

Her debut psychological mystery: Maya, Dead and Dreaming, is a satisfying whodunnit that explores complex themes, including, how useful gossip can be; how we are unreliable narrators of our own lives; and what happens when women’s self-discovery collides with dysfunctional families and tight-knit communities?

Reviews

[Khyati Gautam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lana Sabarwal’s Maya, Dead and Dreaming marks a stellar entry in the world of whodunits.

Set in the fog-laced hills of Shogie, Washington in the 1950s, this novel starts not with a crime scene, but with a memory. Fourteen years after the mysterious death of Maya Hickman—a magnetic teenager whose allure masked deeper fractures—her childhood friend Munna Dhingra receives a cryptic letter: Why Maya Had to Die. What follows is not just an investigation, but a reckoning with grief, guilt, and the ghosts that memory shelters.

Munna, a reserved Indian immigrant and academic, is no sleuth by choice. Her journey feels less like solving a puzzle and more like reliving a half-forgotten trauma. The entry of Karenina, a perceptive psychoanalyst, gives the narrative its emotional engine—allowing buried secrets and blurred memories to slowly surface. Together, the two navigate a town teeming with quiet prejudices, whispered betrayals, and the heavy silence that surrounds Maya’s legacy.

Sabarwal’s prose is lyrical and psychologically charged. Her strength lies in crafting atmosphere—Shogie is damp, insular, and oddly claustrophobic, a perfect echo of Munna’s inner turmoil. The non-linear structure mirrors the fragmented nature of memory, though at times, the pacing suffers—especially in the middle act, where momentum wanes.

This novel truly shines in its refusal to deliver tidy answers. The mystery’s resolution is less about justice and more about emotional clarity. Yet some characters—particularly Maya’s family—remain thinly sketched, limiting the story’s relational depth.

And yet, Maya, Dead and Dreaming lingers. It’s a psychological mystery that aches more than it thrills, trading plot twists for introspection. And I am all in for a story that keeps me at the adges and nudges me to keep flipping the pages.

If you’re seeking a slow-burn literary mystery that grapples with memory, womanhood, and cultural alienation, this one asks the hardest question of all: what truths refuse to be buried?

[Mohammad Anas · Rating 4 out of 5]

[NetGalley Read #36]
4.00 ⭐️

"But I forgot about the people! They are the same no matter where you go, these self-appointed gatekeepers of virtue."

A mystery set in a small-ish town, anchored by great characters and supported by a good story.

For whatever reason, I feel like there's something missing from this story. I really liked the characters (Munna, Karenina, Ma, Shelly), dialogue, the central mystery, the setting (beautiful descriptions of the sky, the lakes, the landscape, and the city as a whole), the inner turmoil of the main character and the writing style.

At the same time, I feel that some of the characters felt a little undercooked and some of the dialogue, actually not the dialogue but some of the descriptions felt repetitive (especially with Karenina, I've already bought the quirky, moody quality she brings to the story, as a character, in the very chapter she is introduced. You don't need to mention it in almost every chapter. It wasn't bad by any means, the writing style is something I genuinely enjoyed. It just felt repetitive). Also, it was a cold case and solving it didn't really bring any urgency or stakes to the story. It brought closure to the characters, sure. And there lies my problem with this. This feels like a good story for great characters when these characters deserve a great story. "And soon death will come again" in the letter ended up feeling like anti Chekov's gun. Or maybe not. Death did come but not in the way I expected. It came sort of after.

All that being said, I did enjoy the book immensely. Definitely worth a read. Short-ish (330+ pages). Medium paced. Easy to read with beautiful prose and good execution of the genre tropes.

Recommended. 👍

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya, Dead and Dreaming is an absorbing psychological thriller with sharp edged twists and turns. This book surprised me as it turned out to be a page-tuner that ranks up with my other favourite thrillers.

Set in the 1952, the story follows Munna who receives a letter that claims that Maya, her childhood friend who was found dead in 1938 was evidently murdered. Baffled and curious, Munna is dragged back to the past. Maya was a mystification. She was simple but the same time complex person at the same time.

But the question is why now? Why after exactly fourteen years someone wants to reveal this, why not sooner and why of all people, Munna is the one who has to get to the bottom of this.

This was an absolute rollercoaster ride of curiosity, uncertainties and twists that I didn't see coming. The plot execution is masterfully crafted from the start till the end. The mystery enveloping the story follows a great pattern of unpredictabilities and jaw- dropping revelations. The author has certainly weaved secrets and hidden truths about the murder mystery that cloaked in the shadows for way too long. One of the strongest elements of the book is the characterization. Each one of them had layers upon layers of untold enigmas. And a town steeped with secrets where everyone knew everything whether it was whispers of immutable gossips or the echoes of the past, this aspect was explored well too.

It's definitely a must read for all the suspense readers.

[Rahul Vishnoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

-What If Agatha Christie and Jhumpa Lahiri Came Together?-
Review of 'Maya Dead and Dreaming'

Quote Alert
"𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐭: 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐌𝐚, 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐣𝐨𝐛. 𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐬𝐬, 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐭. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐬, 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥. 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞."


There is something about thrillers that pulls me towards them. When well written, they are taut and make your heart skip a beat. When they include human drama, they make you emotional. In Maya dead and dreaming, the author achieves both these elements and makes the story not only thrilling but emotionally rich too.

A girl does in Shogie, sleepy town. It's 1938. Fourteen years later, she visits her friend Munna, an Indian immigrant. In his dreams! It's fitting to say that she is haunting him. But why? And why after so long?

The things take for an interesting turn when a letter arrived, detailing “Why Maya Had to Die.” The letter is anonymous of course. Enters Karenina, an excellent psychoanalyst who can discover secrets that want to remain hidden. What is she going to discover here? Will they ever know why Maya had to die?

The storytelling is engaging and the writing style skilful. The characters feel real and full bodied, not lifeless and cardboardish. The reader feels helpless as there is only one goal in the present and now: to finish the book. Everything else comes later.

The author exerts a tight control on the elements of the story, balancing pace with the emotions, walking a tight rope of keeping reader's interest in the story while helping the main characters evolve at a comfortable pace. She skillfully sets the characters up, pushing them into twists and turns slowly but surely.

There are atmospherics of Agatha Christie here, married to the humans drama that's so characteristic of Jhumpa Lahiri. Don't miss it.

[Indian Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Luminous Tapestry of Memory and Truth: Maya, Dead and Dreaming

Author: Lana Sabarwal
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In "Maya, Dead and Dreaming," Lana Sabarwal crafts an extraordinary literary achievement that stands proudly alongside the genre's most celebrated works. Like Tana French's "In the Woods" or Kate Atkinson's "Case Histories," this debut novel transcends traditional mystery boundaries to create something profoundly moving and intellectually stimulating.

The narrative follows Munna Dhingra, whose character development rivals the psychological complexity found in protagonists like Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache or Gillian Flynn's Amy Dunne. Munna's journey from isolated academic to determined truth-seeker showcases Sabarwal's remarkable ability to create authentic, multidimensional characters who feel genuinely human. Her portrayal of an Indian immigrant woman navigating 1950s America brings fresh perspective to the mystery genre, much like Walter Mosley revolutionized detective fiction with Easy Rawlins.

Karenina emerges as an equally compelling figure, reminiscent of the brilliant detectives in Agatha Christie's work but with contemporary psychological depth. Her analytical mind and emotional intelligence create a partnership with Munna that feels both natural and powerful. Together, they form an investigative duo that matches the chemistry of classic pairings while breaking new ground in representation and authenticity.

Sabarwal's atmospheric writing evokes the same haunting quality found in Laura Lippman's Baltimore novels or Minette Walters' psychological thrillers. The Pacific Northwest setting becomes a living, breathing entity that enhances every scene. The author's ability to capture the essence of place rivals the descriptive mastery of writers like Tony Hillerman, creating a landscape that feels both beautiful and ominous.

The structure of the novel demonstrates sophisticated storytelling techniques that echo the narrative complexity of authors like Ruth Rendell and P.D. James. Sabarwal weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives with remarkable skill, creating a reading experience that rewards careful attention while remaining thoroughly engaging. The way memory and reality intertwine throughout the story brings to mind the psychological sophistication of Daphne du Maurier's classic works.

This type of culturally conscious mystery writing represents crucial evolution in the genre. By centering an Indian immigrant woman's experience, Sabarwal expands the boundaries of who gets to be the protagonist in mystery fiction. This mirrors the important work being done by contemporary authors like Vaseem Khan and Abir Mukherjee, who bring diverse perspectives to detective stories. Such representation enriches the entire genre by offering new viewpoints on universal themes of justice, truth, and human connection.

The novel's exploration of friendship, particularly female friendship across cultural lines, adds emotional depth that elevates it beyond simple puzzle-solving. Maya's presence haunts the narrative in ways that recall the ghostly influence of characters in works by Sarah Waters or Donna Leon. The relationship between Munna and Maya transcends death itself, creating a poignant meditation on love, loss, and the persistence of memory.

Sabarwal's prose demonstrates the kind of literary sophistication that places this work alongside award-winning mysteries like Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad series or Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie novels. Her ability to balance beautiful language with compelling plot development shows remarkable maturity for a debut novelist. The writing flows with the kind of effortless grace that makes complex themes accessible without sacrificing intellectual depth.

The mystery itself unfolds with perfect pacing, building suspense through character development and emotional stakes rather than artificial cliffhangers. This approach recalls the best traditions of classic mystery writing while feeling thoroughly contemporary. The resolution satisfies on multiple levels, providing both plot closure and emotional catharsis.

"Maya, Dead and Dreaming" represents the future of mystery fiction: diverse, psychologically sophisticated, and deeply humane. Sabarwal has created a work that honors the genre's rich traditions while pushing it toward new possibilities. This stunning debut announces the arrival of a major new voice in literary mystery fiction, one whose perspective we desperately need in today's literary landscape.

For readers who cherish the intellectual rigor of P.D. James, the atmospheric beauty of Louise Penny's Three Pines series, or the cultural richness of authors like Qiu Xiaolong, this novel offers all these pleasures wrapped in Sabarwal's unique and compelling voice. "Maya, Dead and Dreaming" is not just an outstanding mystery; it's a beautiful exploration of what it means to seek truth, honor the dead, and find healing through understanding.

[Debabrata Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lana Sabarwal’s "Maya, Dead and Dreaming"
is not your conventional whodunit. It doesn't race through cliffhangers or dramatic showdowns, nor does it rely on heart-thumping action to keep you on edge. Instead, it seeps into your consciousness like a lingering dream or a memory you wish you could forget. Set in the fog-cloaked hills of 1950s Shogie, Washington, this haunting literary mystery wraps its fingers around psychological trauma, immigrant loneliness, gendered silences, and the burden of unresolved grief. It is a tale about a murder, yes but far more than that, it is a story about the cost of forgetting, the ache of half-lived lives, and the heavy truths that emerge not in screams, but in whispers.

The book’s greatest thematic strength lies in its exploration of memory, not as a record of truth, but as a pliable, haunted terrain. Munna Dhingra, the Indian immigrant and protagonist, isn’t trying to solve a mystery so much as survive it. Her dreams of Maya aren’t just ghostly intrusions; they are psychic ruptures, bringing back emotions and moments that were long suppressed. She cleverly refuses to give us a clean recollection of the past. Instead, she lets memory unravel like a tangled spool, full of contradictions and omissions. This narrative structure, while demanding, creates a deep psychological realism.

Munna’s position as an immigrant woman in 1950s America is central to the emotional gravity of the book. Her internalised silence, outsider status, and sense of cultural homelessness allow the author to explore themes of alienation and invisibility. The book doesn’t overstate her identity, it breathes through it. Shogie, though small and seemingly serene, becomes a metaphor for America itself closed off, secretive, and quietly complicit in its exclusions.

At its core, the book is a story about women and the cost of being unheard. Maya, despite her beauty and charisma, was never truly understood. Her death, originally dismissed and misfiled, reflects the broader societal habit of reducing women to their appearances and muting their truths.

The town’s gossip is more than background noise, it’s a weaponized form of surveillance, designed to protect power and punish deviation. Karenina, the psychoanalyst, emerges as a vital counterforce. She’s not only a plot device but a literary tool to excavate repressed emotions, acting as both confidante and interrogator. The sessions between her and Munna are some of the book’s richest scenes, teeming with psychological tension and introspective depth.

The non-linear progression of the story fragmented flashbacks, unreliable recollections, and overlapping narratives enhances the theme of psychological disorientation. However, this same quality might test the patience of readers expecting a faster-paced mystery. This is not a thriller to be devoured overnight; it is a narrative that demands you linger, reread, and reflect.
The slow-burn style, while appropriate for the book's introspective tone, could have benefited from tighter editing in parts. Some sections particularly in the middle feel slightly redundant or meandering. Readers who seek plot-driven propulsion might struggle with the ambiguous pacing.

✍️ Strengths :

🔸Grief, gender, guilt, race, and repression all coalesce into a thought-provoking narrative.
🔸The author's writing is lyrical, restrained, and deeply evocative.
🔸The foggy, drizzly ambiance of Shogie lingers long after the book is closed.
🔸Munna is not a heroine in the traditional sense; she is hesitant, guilty, and emotionally layered.
🔸A mystery that prioritizes emotional truth over procedural solutions.
🔸Karenina's character as a psychoanalyst brings fresh narrative mechanics to unravel buried secrets.

✒️ Areas for Improvement :

▪️Slow narration, especially in the middle act.
▪️The book’s restraint becomes detachment. Some readers may crave greater emotional release or catharsis.
▪️Underdeveloped Side Characters[some secondary characters (including Maya’s family) lack dimensionality, especially considering their narrative importance.]

In conclusion, it is a sophisticated, quietly devastating literary mystery that unearths more than just the secrets of a death, it explores the ways in which women live with invisible wounds, how memory becomes both refuge and trap, and how unresolved grief can echo across decades. She doesn’t offer easy answers, but instead invites readers to sit with the discomfort of the unknown, to feel the weight of secrets, and to ask what it means to truly remember.

[Book Enchanted · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Haunting Journey Through Memory and Mystery: Maya, Dead and Dreaming

Author: Lana Sabarwal
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lana Sabarwal's debut novel "Maya, Dead and Dreaming" masterfully weaves together elements of psychological mystery and literary fiction to create a deeply atmospheric and emotionally resonant reading experience. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Washington state, this compelling narrative explores themes of memory, identity, and the persistent pull of unresolved grief.

The story centers on Munna Dhingra, an Indian immigrant whose quiet academic life becomes upended when she begins experiencing vivid dreams about her deceased childhood friend, Maya Hickman. The arrival of an anonymous letter questioning "Why Maya Had to Die" fourteen years after the popular teenager's mysterious drowning sets Munna on a journey of discovery that proves both illuminating and transformative.

Sabarwal demonstrates remarkable skill in character development, particularly in her portrayal of Munna as a complex protagonist navigating cultural displacement and personal trauma. The introduction of Karenina, a brilliant psychoanalyst with an intuitive ability to uncover hidden truths, adds intellectual depth and emotional complexity to the narrative. Their partnership creates a dynamic investigative duo that feels both authentic and engaging.

The atmospheric setting of Shogie, Washington, becomes almost a character itself under Sabarwal's careful prose. The author skillfully captures the insularity of small-town life in the 1950s, complete with its social hierarchies, whispered secrets, and underlying tensions. The misty, rain-soaked landscape serves as a perfect backdrop for this tale of buried memories and emerging revelations.

What sets this mystery apart is its psychological sophistication. Rather than relying solely on external plot devices, Sabarwal delves deep into the inner workings of memory, trauma, and human relationships. The narrative structure cleverly mirrors the fragmented nature of recollection, allowing readers to piece together the truth alongside the protagonists.

The author's writing style strikes an elegant balance between literary sophistication and accessibility. Her prose is evocative and immersive, creating vivid scenes that linger in the reader's mind long after turning the page. The cultural elements woven throughout the story feel authentic and add rich layers of meaning to the overall narrative.

The mystery itself unfolds with careful pacing, building tension through psychological insights rather than action sequences. Each revelation feels earned and meaningful, contributing to a satisfying resolution that prioritizes emotional truth over simple plot mechanics. The ending provides closure while acknowledging the complex nature of human relationships and the lasting impact of past events.

"Maya, Dead and Dreaming" succeeds brilliantly as both a compelling mystery and a thoughtful exploration of immigrant experience, female friendship, and the weight of secrets. Sabarwal has created a nuanced work that honors the conventions of classic mystery while bringing fresh perspectives and contemporary sensibilities to the genre.

This remarkable debut establishes Lana Sabarwal as a talented voice in literary mystery fiction. Readers who appreciate character-driven narratives, atmospheric settings, and psychologically complex mysteries will find much to admire in this haunting and beautifully crafted novel. "Maya, Dead and Dreaming" is a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the hidden corners of human experience and the enduring connections that bind us across time and circumstance.

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Maya, Dead and Dreaming" by Lana Sabarwal at first glance seems like it will be very dark and maybe on the more graphic side of the mystery genre. At least from the cover and description. Despite the psychological twists that do get thrown into it and the main character partnering up with a professional investigator, it's actually more of a cozy period mystery.

Set in the 1950's, Munna is set to investigate the mysterious death of her once childhood friend, Maya. The friend who she'd grown apart from when that friend's friends had made fun of her being of Indian (the country) decent. This was in the 1930's and was even more of a big deal than it is now. Especially since the friend was white and of particularly high social status. Maya dies mysteriously at the age of 17 with no real evidence to prove how, other than drowning.

15ish years later, Munna receives an odd letter questioning Maya's death. This prompts her to ask her boss, a law professor for help investigating. He brings in Karenina, a psychoanalyst that gives me neurodivergent vibes. Munna goes through a varying degree of feelings towards her. However, between the two of them they figure out what really happened to Maya.

I had a sneaking suspicion that the conclusion would be what it was. However, that's probably mostly because of my background studying "abnormal" psychology and being neurodivergent with a hyper focus on mystery books. That being said, the clues are laid out there as they get described in the reveal. I also find it highly plausible the culprit's final act in the book was what it is. Everything they were doing lead to that as their plan.

I do have to say that there were some good red herrings. There were a couple moments where I started to rethink my suspects a little. I initially had a base profile in mind based on the letter Munna received. Only a couple of suspects fit with that. Over all, a great cozier psychological mystery set in the past.

[Trinanjana · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that dazzle, books that entertain, and then there are books that quietly disarm you—by how they remember everything you’ve tried to forget. Maya, Dead and Dreaming is the latter. A slow-burn literary mystery that doesn’t shout for your attention but instead, sits beside you and asks: “What do you do with the truths that don’t leave you?”

Lana Sabarwal sets her story in the fog-slicked hills of Shogie, Washington—a town so small and steeped in silence, it feels like a memory you can’t quite verify. Fourteen years after the death of the stunning and inscrutable Maya Hickman, her childhood friend Munna Dhingra begins to dream of her. Or maybe it’s a haunting. Maybe it’s guilt. Maybe it’s a call to finally stop pretending that time erases all debts.

What makes this story unforgettable isn’t just the mystery (though it’s a good one), but how it holds space for mourning, for immigrant loneliness, for the particular ache of women who live half-invisible lives. Munna, now a quiet Indian academic, carries the trauma of dislocation, not just across oceans, but across relationships, years, and unresolved memories. She is not a detective by choice but by inheritance- of loss, silence, and the need for closure.

There’s something deeply lyrical in how Lana Sabarwal writes. Her sentences pulse with quiet tension, like a held breath. You won’t race through the pages you’ll linger, re-read, pause.

It’s a story about grief that’s turned inward, about friendships with edges, about truths that arrive late and refuse to leave quietly.

If you’re looking for a gripping thriller, this book might not scream. But if you want something that aches in the way only memory, lost friendship, and the echoes of the unsaid can ache—this one will stay with you long after you close it.

[Rounak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya, Dead and Dreaming by Lana Sabarwal
– a murder mystery that will haunt your heart (in the best way)

If Agatha Christie and Jhumpa Lahiri sat down together to pen a murder mystery over a cup of chai in a rainy Washington town—Maya, Dead and Dreaming would be their creation.

Lana Sabarwal's book is a broody, slow-burning psychological thriller shrouded in nostalgia, small-town intrigue, and poetic melancholy. It begins in 1938 with the enigmatic murder of Maya Hickman—gorgeous, glamorous, untouchable. Cut to 1952, and Maya returns… well, sort of. Haunting the nightmares of her unobtrusive childhood friend Munna Dhingra, an Indian immigrant with a past that refuses to fall into place.

Now this is where it gets interesting.

An incendiary letter, anonymously written, sets things in motion, a whip-sharp psychoanalyst (the wonderful Karenina) appears, and with Munna, they begin to dig. They uncover a lot of gossip, envy, and ancient trespasses the town of Shogie would prefer to keep buried. The atmosphere? Imagine foggy streets, creaky floors, retro ambiance, and every single discussion thick with subtext.

What makes this book tick is its heart—Munna’s emotional turmoil, Maya’s spectral mystery, and the way the past refuses to stay buried. The prose is lush, the pacing suspenseful, and the characters deliciously complex. You’ll want to highlight lines, pause for breath, then dive back in. It's not just whodunnit—it's why they did it, and whether the truth can ever set anyone free.

It is ideal for those who love literary mysteries that entwine memory, identity, and ghosts—both real and figurative.

Verdict: A dreamily haunting read that stays with you like a dream you can't forget. Or a secret you can't forget. ?

[Book Island · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading "Maya, Dead and Dreaming" felt like sitting beside a window in an autumn afternoon with a warm cup of tea, slowly sinking into a world where memory, longing, and truth swirl together. With each sip, the story drew me deeper, and I found myself savoring both the flavor of the chai and the richness of Lana Sabarwal’s prose. It is a book that feels crafted with patience and emotional intelligence, each sentence placed with intention.

Munna Dhingra stands at the heart of this novel, and she lingers long after the final page. Sabarwal writes her with exquisite tenderness and complexity, making her journey from quiet scholar to determined truth-seeker remarkably compelling. Munna is not merely solving a mystery; she is discovering the hidden layers of her own identity, and her growth is as gripping as the investigation itself. Karenina is a striking counterpart, her sharp insight balanced by empathy. Their partnership feels organic and deeply human, rooted in vulnerability and mutual respect. Together, they challenge expectations of who gets to be a detective, who gets to seek truth, and what courage looks like.

What impressed me most was the writing style. Lush yet controlled, atmospheric without ever becoming heavy, the prose holds the reader close. The misty Pacific Northwest setting breathes through the pages, not as a backdrop but as a living emotional force. Memory, grief, and hope weave through the narrative with a quiet power, making it as much a novel of the heart as of mystery.

A deeply affecting and beautifully written story, best enjoyed slowly, the way one enjoys a perfect cup of tea.

[Prerna Shambhavee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a slow-burning fire that gets hotter and hotter as you turn the pages. It's set in the 1950s in a small town called Shogie, where a teenager named Maya Hickman died under mysterious circumstances. Fourteen years later, a letter arrives that sets off a chain reaction of events, and the truth about Maya's death starts to unravel.

The author, Lana Sabarwal, is a master of building tension and suspense. She expertly drops clues throughout the story, keeping you guessing and on the edge of your seat. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with secrets and motivations that are slowly revealed as the story unfolds.

What I loved about this book is how it's not just about solving a mystery, but also about the emotional journey of the protagonist, Munna. She's a complex character with her own demons, and her investigation into Maya's death forces her to confront her own past.

The writing is atmospheric and immersive, with a strong sense of place and time. The 1950s setting is vividly brought to life, with all the cultural and social nuances of the era. The author's use of language is evocative and engaging, making it easy to become fully absorbed in the story.

The ending is a real showstopper – shocking, unexpected, and expertly woven together. I won't give it away, but let's just say it's a wild ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. All-in-all, "Maya, Dead and Dreaming" is a gripping psychological thriller that's perfect for fans of mystery, suspense, and complex characters.

[H. J. Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good mystery novel, usually for one of three reasons: the hook, the setting, and/or the characters. For Maya, Dead and Dreaming, it was definitely the characters that had me turning the pages. That's not to say the hook or setting were bad (the setting, in fact, was a predominant feature of the novel), but there was something really special about so many of the characters here. Munna, our main girly, is a fantastic lead - which is ironic as she's been made to feel background all her life. I loved her development over the course of the story and her relationship with the important people in her life: her mother, her boss, Maya - there are so many wonderfully complicated relationships. Even her relationship with Shogie, the town, was conveyed with so much nuance, revealing both the subtle and overt racism she's experienced and which really shaped her.

Maya, despite being long dead, remains vivid on the page and I was genuinely invested in finding out her murderer. Although I will say that I didn't find the hook of a letter arriving fourteen years after the death all that intriguing, especially as we don't read the full letter until quite a way into the story. It seemed a odd choice to hold back on the voice and content of the letter and it contributed to my overall feeling that the novel lacked tension. There just weren't many sinister presences and the tone was very much a cosy mystery with the stress on the cosy rather than the mystery aspect. At least for me.

I did absolutely love the detective trio we get in Munna, Karenina and Andrew. They were a very fun mix (and I guess you can add in Max as well although he was a little late to the party). Munna brought the heart, Karenina the brains, and Andrew fumbled things a little. You could definitely feel the Agatha Christie inspiration in the dynamics but it felt fresh and I would also say Karenina reminded me of Ana from Robert Jackson Bennett's the Tainted Cup. Which is to say: these were all great characters and made the story a joy to read.

Of course a mystery lives and dies by its ending, and I did find the conclusion a satisfying end. Everything does, on the whole, make sense and you're given enough examples of the subtle clues that have lead us to that point for it to seem both obvious and not at all obvious. It's a classic Christie in that sense.

Read this is you like small town mysteries, if you like characters with buckets of charm, and if you're never over seeing all the suspects gathered in a room at the end!

[Debashis Bandyopadhyay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely swept away by Maya, Dead and Dreaming. Lana Sabarwal has created not just a novel but a living, breathing world where grief, longing, and unanswered questions whisper through every page. From the first moment Munna Dhingra begins to dream of her lost childhood friend Maya, I felt my heart tighten. This is not just a mystery, it is a meditation on memory, friendship, and the unshakable shadows of the past. The rain-soaked town of Shogie is not simply a backdrop. It is a mirror of the characters’ loneliness, silence, and secrets.

What touched me most was how Sabarwal balances the ache of unresolved grief with the fierce determination to uncover truth. The introduction of Karenina, the sharp and intuitive psychoanalyst, added a brilliance that made me pause and savor every page. This is a story where emotions matter as much as revelations, and where every detail feels deliberately placed to pierce the reader’s soul.

✨ What made this book unforgettable for me:
🌧️ The haunting atmosphere of Shogie filled with mist, silence, and secrets that cling like fog
💔 Munna’s vulnerability as she struggles with identity, grief, and the immigrant experience
🧩 A mystery that unfolds like fractured glass, each shard reflecting pain and truth
👭 The tender yet devastating portrait of female friendship and its lasting echoes
🪞 Psychological depth that makes you question not just the past but also the very reliability of memory

By the time I closed the final page, I was not just reading about Maya. I was grieving her, remembering her, and celebrating her too. This book does not let go. It lingers, it whispers, it stays.

[Amber B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young teenager named Maya died under mysterious circumstances but the majority of the town accepted the reason to be that of a suicide. Many people believed otherwise despite Maya’s family insisting she was troubled and that’s why she took her own life….

This novel follows, Munna who briefly had a friendship with Maya for a few years before her passing. She always felt in her heart that there was more to the story. Maya begins haunting Maya’s dreams and coincidentally an anonymous letter shows up soon after questioning the death and implying it was in fact a murder.

Munna takes it upon herself to try to solve this murder and the mystery begins to unfold of a tale of “who dunnit” where literally a dozen people could be responsible. What would one person to do to keep the secrets of their family safe all while pinning the blame on someone they’ve spent years of their life despising? This person worked hard to find the ultimate way out of their own circumstances.

I found this to be a very enjoyable read and definitely gave off an old school murder mystery vibe. I also like that it touched on the fact that Munna was a minority in town and that she never thought her opinions about anything mattered, much less those about a possible murder. It in a way is a story of not only finding justice but finding herself in her own unique way at the same time.

[Romita Mukherjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine living in a sleepy town where nothing extraordinary happens. Then one fine day, a letter arrives, urging you to dig up the past and look into something that happened 14 years ago. With the ghost of the past haunting you in your dreams, are you ready to give it your all?

Thrillers, especially murder mysteries, have always held a special kind of charm for me—to get into the complicated minds of humans, to understand what goes on in their minds when faced with situations out of their control, and to dissect the way they think.

This book was so engrossing that every time I picked it up, I was consumed by its story, characters, and plot. This story made me think, it made me make notes, and it made me feel included in a quest that was not mine to take up, and yet I became a part of it.

The story grasped so many threads to give it a definition, and yet I loved how seamlessly each of the threads was woven to give shape to this story. There was an undercurrent of mysterious suspense flowing throughout the story, which I absolutely loved. And the best part? The identity of the real culprit eluded me till the very end!

I am so glad I chanced upon this book after going through a rather tedious reading slump because this book reminded me why thrillers happen to be one of my favorite genres. For everyone out there who loves a good murder mystery, I would suggest you give this one a go.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Lana sabarwal for reaching out to me and asking if I would be interested in reading her book Maya, Dead and Dreaming. I wasn't sure what to think before reading this book but this story ended up being a very enjoyable read and I am so glad that I took the opportunity to read it. If you are someone who enjoys mysteries and historical fiction then this is the novel for you! It takes place in both the 1930's and the 1950's. I will say I enjoyed the plot and the characters were very enjoyable.

In the 1950's a woman named Munna receives an anonymous letter claiming the circumstances of the death of her childhood friend Maya was not an accident but something far worse. Munna adored Maya but towards the end their friendship was becoming a bit complicated and Munna is confused as to why someone would want to reopen the case now. Things get more interesting when a psychoanalyst comes to town and wants to get involved. From there uncovering the answers of the past becomes a very hard path with various twists and turns. When the truth comes out it is complicated anf heartbreaking

[Rach Crisp · Rating 3 out of 5]

A proper slow burn whodunnit, with a Cluedo feel to it (deceased came from an affluent family, large house, etc). Well written, with a good range of characters. It has all the ingredients for a great book. Unfortunately, it just didn't pique my interest as much as I hoped it would.

Lots of issues are discussed, such as race, sexual orientation, and the class system, which are as relevant today as when the book was set, in 1950s Shogie.

I didn't warm to the main protagonist, Munna. I thought she was emotionally cold, but she was very believable as her character in the story, and her background and family history added depth. Karenina I found to be rather annoying and fairly unbelievable given her profession and role in the story.

The book felt a little too long, but overall, it was a good read. As usual, I didn't guess whodunnit, which always makes the ending more fun!

I received this ARC from BookSirens, and this is my honest review

[Richa Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book’s atmosphere really stands out. The writing slowly builds the suspense, making you feel like you're right there, trying to piece together the truth. It’s haunting, emotional, and keeps you thinking throughout. Every time you feel like you’ve figured it out, another secret gets revealed.

Maya, Dead and Dreaming is perfect for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, layered mysteries, and small-town secrets. If you like books that pull you in with emotions, suspicion, and slow reveals, this one is worth adding to your reading list.

[Heather Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent this book by Lana and I am so glad she did. I loved it! In 1938, Maya was found dead in a creek. Fourteen years later, Munna, who was friends with Maya, receives a letter that states her friend was murdered. Maya has also been haunting her dreams. Munna is baffled as to why this is all coming back now and why is she the one that is receiving all these messages. Did she see or know something from back then? Munna enlists the help from Kareenina, a psychoanalyst, to find the truth. Can they get to the bottom of Maya’s murder?

[Jessica Gregg · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars 🌟
my first dip i to a murder mystery, and i really enjoyed it! I found myself getting equally frustrated with karenina keeping her cards close to her chest, but it all paid off in the end! very interested to see what else this author has written.

thankyou netgallery for this wonderful arc!

[Neha Dewan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well-written!! As a fan of mystery novels, this one had me hooked from day 1. Great character development! Absolutely unputdownable. Looking forward to reading more from this author!

[♡ Diyasha ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖: 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐀, 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐒𝐀����𝐀𝐑𝐖𝐀𝐋

“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕’ 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒌, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒖𝒔. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆.”

✦ This story is 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠. What if I tell you I've found a murder mystery book that combines 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥'𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 and 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬? And it's not a secret that I loved the storyline. Set in the misty town 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞, 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧, the story starts with 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐇𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐧, a 17 years old girl in 1938. 🦢

✦ Actually it started after 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 when 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐃𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚, one of 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐚'𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 and a lonely Indian immigrant. There's an unsettling dream about Maya which makes the whole atmosphere eerie. Munna brings the past back to acknowledge the truth about Maya that was beyond any thinking. Whatever it was, it was full of jealousy, longing and betrayal.🦋

“𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕, 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝒍𝒂𝒌𝒆 - 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒅𝒎𝒊𝒓𝒆, 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒋𝒂𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒅.”

✦ The book talks about 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 and 𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 and unreliable memory. How the 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 is represented as cultural displacement is on a new level. Lana Sabarwal tries to push her thinking towards a haunting and cinematic proposal which appeared in a great way. Like Wuthering Heights, the place of Shogie feels eerie and gothic. This creates a mystic situation between life and death.✨

✦ Lana Sabarwal portrays her characters with various colour palates. 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐃𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚 is presented with 𝐯𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 and 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 characteristics. He's 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 and 𝐫𝐚𝐰. The “𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬” is presented here. 🌤️

✦ And not only that, 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐇𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐧 is presented in every page. But it's not only that, the character of Karenina haunts me.more than anything else. She is a 𝐩𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭 but she performs an 𝐞𝐱𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐦 more likely - she reveals the truth but shockingly the truth was beyond any thinking. 💌

✦ If you're a fan of 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒 or maybe 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔, then you'll remember this book. 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐀, 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 is another level of psychological mystery that have the power to make you hook till the last page: 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐨𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝? 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐨𝐰𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 💕

[Solitude and books · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Maya, the girl of blinding brightness. My friend, my girlhood chum. Until she wasn’t. Maya, the girl who had died mysteriously. Her death Shogie’s darkest, most damning mystery. Maya, whose ghost had come calling fourteen years later."


I am an avid reader and in fiction thrillers specially mystery or psycho thrillers is my go to genre. I’ve always loved reading thrillers.

They keep me hooked, leave me restless, and make me want to finish the book in one sitting just to know what really happened.

Maya, Dead and Dreaming instantly caught my attention. The title itself felt like a whisper, unsettling and surreal. Was Maya really dead? Or just forgotten? The cover added to the mystery with a haunting, almost hypnotic aura. I couldn’t help but wonder-

Was this Maya watching us, or were we being pulled into her dream?💭

The story begins years after Maya Hickman, a stunning and mysterious teenager, drowns in a town that has since gone quiet. But Maya’s childhood friend, Munna Dhingra, now an Indian academic living in the US, starts having unsettling dreams of Maya.

Then comes an anonymous letter asking, “Why did Maya have to die?” What follows is a slow unraveling of truths, memories, and long-buried guilt. Munna joins hands with Karenina, a sharp, insightful psychoanalyst, and they start digging into the past. What they find is a tangled mess of envy, small-town silence, and secrets no one wants to revisit.


There are many reasons this book gripped me, but here are five that stood out:

The setting of a fog-laced, sleepy town is so vividly described that I felt like I was walking those cold, silent streets myself. Its raining for few days here in my city and I was totally able to feel the story immerse me in it.

The story unfolds slowly, but with just the right tension like peeling layers off a truth no one wants to face.

Munna, the protagonist, isn’t your usual detective, she's quiet, conflicted, and emotionally real, which made her journey all the more powerful.

The writing is beautifully haunting. Simple lines stay with you long after you’ve turned the page.

It’s not just a mystery it’s about memory, loss, friendship, and how the past never really leaves us.

I would absolutely recommend Maya, Dead and Dreaming to all mystery lovers, especially those who enjoy literary thrillers that feel like a slow dance with the truth.

I bought the Kindle copy, and the storytelling felt smooth and easy to navigate.

A calm, immersive read I could carry with me anywhere.

[Gayatri Saikia | per_fictionist · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Maya, Dead and Dreaming" is a brilliantly executed mystery that drifts away from the typical tropes of a mystery and instead embraces a character-driven narrative with exploration of grief, memory and hidden truths.

Set in the atmospheric town of Shogie, Washington, in 1952, the story unfurls fourteen years after the mysterious death of popular teenager Maya Hickman when the quiet Indian immigrant and former friend of Maya, Munna Dhingra, finds herself a cryptic anonymous letter asking, "Why Maya Had to Die”, followed by being haunted by Maya's ghost in her dreams.

Munna, plagued by guilt of losing her best friend and doing nothing while she had the chance, teams up with the brilliant and somewhat mysterious psychoanalyst Karenina, who has the uncanny ability to unearth buried secrets.

The plot, rather than a linear investigation, progresses like a crochet whose threads are meticulously loosened, revealing the intricate patterns beneath.
As they dive into Munna's fragmented memories, interviews the people closest to Maya and lends ear to the town's insidious gossip, a tangled web of jealousy and betrayal within the seemingly tranquil community comes to light.

"Maya, Dead and Dreaming" as novel I felt was reminiscent of Celeste Ng's poignant writing in "Everything I Never Told You," brimming with moments tinged with both mystery and compelling family drama.

The 1950s American setting is perfectly captured in its quiet tension and the brimming heat. Lana Sabarwal effectively blends Christie's methodical unfolding of mystery—where seemingly disparate clues leads to a coherent and often surprising, resolution - with Lahiri's literary psychological depth and cultural authenticity, evident in the portrayal of Munna Dhingra's inner life as an immigrant in America of the 50’s characterized by the rich, evocative prose and profound character development typical of her brand of literature.

[Vidhya Thakkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lana Sabarwal’s thrilling murder mystery pulls readers deep into the shadows of a small, sleepy town in Washington—Shogie—where secrets never sleep. Fourteen years ago, seventeen-year-old Maya Hickman, the daughter of one of Shogie’s most powerful families, was found dead. Her death was ruled a suicide. But whispers of something darker have lingered ever since. Now, Maya’s close friend Munna receives a chilling letter—one that reawakens buried suspicions and the haunting presence of Maya’s soul demanding justice. From the question of who sent the letter to the final revelation of who the murderer is, this is one hell of a journey. A journey that’s as emotionally charged as it is filled with shocking discoveries.

What begins as a reluctant quest becomes a full-blown reckoning. Munna, alongside the sharp-minded Karenina and grounded Andrew, begins peeling back the layers of a story that’s far from over. As they sift through the lies and half-truths, they uncover not only who Maya really was, but what she meant to the people around her, and what they failed to protect. What unfolds is a tangled web of lies, love, loss, and long-buried secrets, where nothing is as it seems, and everyone has something to hide. What follows is a rollercoaster of revelations, betrayals, and raw emotions.

Lana sets a gripping tone from the very first page. Her crisp, cinematic writing style draws readers in with its vivid descriptions, gripping narrative, and emotionally complex characters. The plot is layered and fast-paced, filled with unpredictable twists that keep you guessing at every turn. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, another revelation unravels the truth all over again. The narrative effortlessly balances suspense with heartfelt moments, weaving themes of love, loss, trauma, betrayal, and hope into a beautifully chaotic tapestry.

Read the full review here - https://vidhyathakkar.com/an-unputdow...

[Alok Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The sun was setting against an overcast sky, creating a prettily blushing horizon. Sounds from nature were louder at this time of day, birds going home. Main Street would be closing right about now. Young Mr. Jefferies would be putting the display dresses away. Mr. Henry and his nephew would be coming back from their daily fishing excursion. Ma would be getting ready for her Thursday book club. The diner would be full, the post office empty, and Reverend Samuels would be sitting comfortably in his large brown rocking chair, enjoying Lux Radio Theatre.”

Lana, self-proclaimed disciple of Agatha Christie, does have some prose style to flaunt and attract the readers who used to revel in the bygone era illusionary prose of the Victorian and Austenian romance... or, for that matter, even the Agatha-Holmes style prosaic detective and suspense fiction. I appreciate the prose for being straightforward and yet alluring. It is indeed charming!

The story of this novel has many layers, and the culmination is something you might not expect. There are hints, but so subtle that they do intrigue, but never fully reveal the true intentions of the protagonists and antagonists. The tension created after the murder, through letters and piece-by-piece exposition, is maintained to the very end of the story, when the plot unfolds naturally. There is no rush on the part of the novelist. Readers, however, who are rushed to find the culprit and hang them, should be patient enough to read this aesthetically pleasing prose. The final fruit would be sweet, you have my word!

Kudos to Lana for having written such a novel in an era where authors must forget (I believe) that language is the only thing they have, before anything else in the book to offer. She has excelled in conveying her story, which makes it even more intriguing and pleasing.

Recommended? Yes!

[Vidhika Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review — Maya, Dead and Dreaming by Lana Sabarwal

Lana Sabarwal's Maya, Dead and Dreaming is a haunting tapestry of mystery, memory and emotional reckoning, all set somewhere in the fog draped hills of Shogie, Washington, in the 1950s. The story follows the reserved Indian immigrant and academic Munna Dhingra, who is thrust against her own intentions, back into the unresolved death of her childhood companion, Maya Hickman—fourteen years after the fact. An anonymous letter from the entity known as Why Maya Had to Die is the conduit for an investigation that is as much about the ugly dangers of a 'truth' that hangs overhead, as it is about shedding the trauma of healing.

What Sabarwal captures perfectly is the place in which it is set. Through dense prose we walk between actual fog and dampness to a setting that is isolationist, steeped in the kind of quiet prejudices that weighs on Munna—like stone. The arrival of Karenina, a whip-smart, compassionate yet strangely curt psychoanalyst, serves to thickly layer Munna's recollections into memorials that disturb but also evoke emotion lost to suppressed memory. It is not a breakneck thriller, it is instead a literary mystery, told in a slow burn— where revelations arrive only after years, like shameful whispered confessions.

Sabarwal's language is true lyricism, yet there is an undercurrent of discomfort and quiet tension. Sabarwal uses her voice to illustrate themes of immigrant alienation, female friendship, and lingering, unresolved grief. There are a few moments of pacing flop in the mid story, but the emotional heft is engaging enough to make this one seriously worth the slow brew.

For readers who appreciate mysteries that ache more than they shock, this is an unforgettable read that asks: What truths can time never bury?

[Aparna Prabhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shunie is described to be a 'picturesque but a remote' university, residing in Shogie, a small town. The natives were tone deaf to the cries of 17 year old Maya Hickman's passing. Fourteen years later, a revealing letter lands on the doorstep of Munna née Meenaxi about Maya's suspicious death. What started off as an investigation of a cold case turned into a series of unanswered questions, each more disturbing than the last, as buried secrets slowly unraveled and scared the wits out of Munna Dhingra.

"Years go by and the mystery remains, thrumming darkly under Shogie's sweet pear trees."

Lana Sabarwal has articulated the cultural nuances of the 1950s Washington, vividly depicting how music and literature influenced the era. The conversational style is engaging grabbing the reader's attention, keeping them invested in the story. The well-crafted interactions build tension and serve as cleverly orchestrated clues that fit perfectly in the overarching element of mystery. The writing is eerie and hauntingly atmospheric that makes for a spine-chilling, immersive experience. Lana cleverly tasks her audience to decipher the letter by scattering bits and pieces of it in the narrative. The characters in the book have different perceptions of Maya, again it's up to the readers to give her a figure with personality traits. Sabarwal masterfully unpacks the psychological thriller by tying all loose ends leaving her audience shocked at the unpredictable nature of the story. The character arc is beautifully drawn showcasing a compelling transformation that feels both authentic and emotionally resonant.

”Everything, everyone seems the same. And yet indescribably different.”

[Amara Nadir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually quite liked this book. I read it in a day if that gives you any indication. The prose is quite nice, so is the setting and plot. It kept me guessing and I did not expect the twist.
However, some descriptions are quite repetitive. Almost every time Karenina is mentioned she is described with quirky and weird traits. The first time was good, then the second was fine, by the third time and onward I wondered how quirky and cat-like one girl could be.
The romance was startling. Andrew was introduced as the "love interest" in the beginning. It was mentioned many times that it was a crush, specifically an unrequited crush. From this, I did not expect Andrew to actually be the love interest. I entirely did not expect it to be Max. Munna and Karenina have so much chemistry it is hard to imagine anyone reading this to not notice. Karenina says she does better at her job with Munna around. She calls Munna a clever girl and Munna gets flustered and blushes. At the end, when Munna confided in Karenina about her romance with Andrew, Karenina put her arm around Munna and told her there was someone else she could be with. To be told that it was Max was shocking. Lesbians and gays are talked about many times, with multiple characters being in queer relationships, including Karenina herself. In the beginning chapters, a conversation between Munna and Maya implies that Munna is a lesbian, or at least likes girls on some levels. That combined with her talk about not being very interested in men had me thinking this book would have sapphic romance.
Alas, this book was quite interesting. I would recommend reading it.