The Alternate Shadows

by Jithin Roy

About the

"Payback for your past, from my future."
These cryptic words send shockwaves through Kerala as a serial killer targets victims with a terrifyingly untraceable poison, leaving behind chilling notes. As the body count rises, Arjun and Manoj, two seasoned police officers, are thrust into a race against time with the killer’s motives growing murkier, and the threads connecting the victims remaining agonizingly out of reach.
When Kavitha, the grieving girlfriend of one victim, comes forward with an uncanny insight, Arjun is forced to reevaluate everything he thinks he knows. Meanwhile, somewhere far, Neeta, navigating corporate intrigue, crosses paths with the enigmatic Mohit - a rebellious heir.
As these lives intersect in unexpected ways, long-buried truths resurface, weaving a chilling connection between past secrets and present horrors. The investigation spirals into a labyrinth, where every revelation shatters their perception of reality and uncovers a twist no one could have foreseen.
The truth isn’t just shocking—it’s extraordinary.

About the

Jithin Roy is an engineer-turned-insurance professional with a deep passion for creative storytelling. Whilst being a diversified writer, he has a particular fascination with the mysteries of the universe and crime investigations, themes that consistently weave through his work in captivating ways. The Alternate Shadows marks the first book in his exciting new investigative thriller series.

208 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2025

Reviews

[Mohit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the richly textured backdrop of Kerala, The Alternate Shadows opens with a disquieting premise: a serial killer leaves cryptic notes and a trail of bodies, their deaths marked by an untraceable poison. Jithin Roy’s attempts something intriguing—a multi-layered thriller that promises to connect Kerala’s corporate world with a serial killer’s cryptic vendetta. It’s a novel that blends psychological thriller and procedural mystery, but its most distinctive feature is its mood—tense, reflective, and slow-burning. Roy deserves credit for choosing Kerala as his setting, offering regional authenticity that distinguishes this from generic crime fiction.

The novel follows three parallel threads: the methodical investigation by police officers Arjun and Manoj, the emotional unraveling of Kavitha—a victim’s girlfriend whose grief leads her somewhere unexpected—and the corporate-world entanglement between Neeta and Mohit. On paper, these strands shouldn’t work together. At times, the transitions between arcs feel slightly disjointed, particularly in the early chapters. But Roy gradually tightens the weave, revealing how these disparate lives intersect. There’s ambition in the structure, and while the pacing occasionally falters, the emotional payoff arrives with sincerity rather than theatrics. Mohit and Neeta’s dynamic, especially, is written with restraint; their relationship is more introspective than romanticized, and that subtlety is one of the book’s strengths.

The Alternate Shadows shows flashes of clever plotting, particularly in its exploration of how past actions echo through time. Roy clearly has ideas about destiny and cyclical violence worth exploring. But the novel feels like it’s still finding its identity—is it a psychological thriller, a romance, or something supernatural? Readers seeking tightly plotted mysteries might find themselves frustrated by the meandering pace, though those who enjoy character-driven narratives with philosophical undertones may be more forgiving. This debut has promise, but it needed more editorial focus to deliver on its ambitious premise.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Readers looking for high-octane action may find it slower than expected. But for those willing to sit with its silences, its grief, and its questions—it rewards you. It doesn’t just entertain. It lingers.

[Anjali Anil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book thinking umm okay cool, another crime thriller with a serial killer on the loose… I think I know how this is going to be !!

But when the author told me “this is going to be a different experience and not like the ones you usually read ” I was like 👀 okayyy now I’m curious.
And honestly? I’m so happy it was way beyond my expectations.

The story is set in Kerala 🌧️🌴 and the way the setting comes alive?? Ugh, I could feel the tension, the rain, the quiet streets hiding big secrets.

From the very first chapter I was building theories in my head and I had already made up my mind saying “This is the killer, I’m sure of it.”
And then 5 pages later? BOOM I was wrong again 🤯
Then after few pages I came up with another theory and I felt like I almost cracked it but nope, the author was ten steps ahead of me 🤭

And let me tell you it’s not just a crime story. There’s grief, regret, and those little moments that hit you right in the heart 🥹.
These characters are so messy, so human, and no one’s really what they seem.

Also… the epilogue?? It was literally like cherry on top 🍒 It just tied everything together in a way I didn’t expect.

I’m stopping here because if I say anything more, it’ll turn into spoilers 😭
But if you love thrillers where your brain is working overtime and your heart’s a little broken by the end,
go read The Alternate Shadows 📚💥

Trust me, your theories won’t survive this one 😌

[Reena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t a book I could just read in one sitting; I had to stop, take a breath, and absorb what I had read. The crimes perpetrated were chilling, alright, but there was something much heavier: the emotions. Kavitha’s insight devastated me; I could almost feel her anguish emanating from the pages. My jitters went into the next range from the race against time by Arjun and Manoj, while Neeta’s world cast yet an additional layer of intrigue. What I adored about this storyline was that nothing ever felt like a chance occurrence; every detail, to some extent, was interconnected even if I wasn’t aware of it at the time. Then came the ending that was not just shocking but one that forever etched itself in my consciousness. This book is not read; it is experienced, absorbed, and etched into one’s consciousness for a very long time.

[Aru · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was like being drawn into something strange , exciting yet fun. The plot that sent shivers down my spine, the mysterious notes, and the unrelenting feeling of having precious little time on my hands made my emotions quite conflicted. I was excited and unnerved all at once. I wanted to know everything as well as Arjun and Manoj, but time after time the story bends in completely unexpected ways. What I appreciated the most was the way the different threads,the police inquiry, the pain of losing someone, the cutthroat business politics,all came together fluidly. The author didn’t simply build suspense; they deeply conveyed the sentiments tied to every secret and each unmasking. The way the story closed threw a curveball that I’m still dazed by. This book wasn’t merely a thriller; it was a journey laden with feelings, and one my thoughts will revisit time and again.

[Krish · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Alternate Shadows isn’t your typical serial killer thriller. Set against the moody, rain-soaked backdrop of Kerala 🌧️🌴, the story pulls you in with atmosphere, layered emotions, and twists that constantly outsmart you. I went in expecting a regular crime story but wow, this was something else. Just when I thought I had the killer figured out, the plot flipped, again and again 🤯. Beyond the suspense, the book dives into grief, guilt, and human flaws in such a raw, relatable way. The characters are complex, messy, and never quite what they seem. And that epilogue? Absolutely perfect bittersweet and brilliant 🍒. If you love thrillers that challenge your brain and tug at your heart, this one’s a must-read. 📚💥

[Seema · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book has this uncanny ability to make one behold a cracked mirror, a fractured image itself, being reflected with all the pieces interlocking. I was afraid of the killings, but I could not stop reading because I cared so deeply for those caught in the situation. Arjun reminded me of something that one is forever trying to grasp but slips farther and farther away. Kavitha's pain brought me to a halt; it reminded me of my own losses. In deep silence, Neeta's strength inspired me. The notes had chills running down my spine, but the resolution left me utterly reeling. It was not just unexpected; it was also so sad yet strangely beautiful. This story became more than entertainment for me; it stuck with me.

[ilovereading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminisced me, reminding the reason why I adore layered thrillers. It wasn't just about catching a killer; it was about peeling away layers of lies, grief, and long-forgotten secrets. Those cryptic notes really gave me the chills. But it was the emotional currents coursing beneath that story that gave it power. Above all, the presence of Kavitha gave that narrative a soul: she showed that crime is not numbers, but lives breaking apart. The chase between Arjun and Manoj felt both urgent and very human. Unbelievably, Neeta's personal journey found its way into the core of the mystery thereby snap-fitting everything together. And the ending? Not just shocking but mortally clever! The perfect combination of heart and suspense

[booksforme · Rating 4 out of 5]

The phrase that comes to twist the tongue for this one is: eerie but emotional. I feared the killer's poison, but grief, love, and secrets shaped the story in an unforeseen manner. I was not merely flipping pages; I carried these characters inside my head throughout the day, wondering where their lives would intersect. Such were not merely cops, Manoj and Arjun; they were men, deeply flawed, making almost impossible choices. And that void, born from her grief, became the very heart of the story. When the truth was finally exposed to the world, it was neither shocking nor shocking; it was just all-too-human. This is but beyond crime fiction; it is a reflection of how deeply in a person's past they find themselves.

[Sahaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had the guise of a thriller, which was another reason I grabbed it, but it certainly ended up giving me so much more. It's not just about a serial killer; this book tells the story of hidden scars, grief that alters people, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. I was pulled deeper with every chapter into the maze of suspense and emotions. Characters felt alive-they had all sorts of flaws and quirks that made them human and unforgettable. I adored how Kavitha's viewpoint really spiced up the investigation; it was like the whole situation curving away into different perspective directions. I have never read a twist like the one near the very end-it made me stop, re-read, and utter a loud gasp. This story will stay with me.

[Hitik · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire story felt very intimate and personal, a fortunate box of layers that I had the privilege to appreciate. Those cryptic words, "payback for your past," sounded somehow familiar to me: Perhaps it is just an understanding that our past mistakes always come back to haunt us. In the layered story, I was thoroughly drawn. Arjun's journey inside himself to seek answers evoked memories of times in my own life when I was at the doorsteps of closure. Kavitha's sorrow was tragic yet brave. Neeta's struggles seemed an alien one to me, but her conflict of a personal versus a corporate one really touched a chord within me. As for the ending, my brain exploded into myriad thoughts. This was not a story of a serial killer; it was life that did the punishing to those with a secret.

[Kushal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gripping thriller pulls you into a dark, emotional vortex where justice, memory, and vengeance collide. The haunting line “Payback for your past, from my future” sets the tone for a story that is as much about the weight of the past as it is about solving a crime. Each character feels deeply human flawed, grieving, searching. Arjun and Manoj’s investigation is intense, but the emotional gravity comes from Kavitha’s pain and Neeta’s slow discovery of hidden truths. The mystery is layered and unpredictable, but it’s the emotional truths beneath it that left me thinking long after the final page.

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gripping thriller set in Kerala delivers a chilling blend of mystery, emotion, and suspense. A serial killer using an untraceable poison leaves behind cryptic clues, dragging police officers Arjun and Manoj into a haunting investigation. As the case deepens, unlikely allies emerge Kavitha’s raw insight, Neeta’s corporate entanglements, and Mohit’s mysterious past all converge in an electrifying narrative. With expertly woven subplots and emotionally charged turns, the story builds to a twist that’s as shocking as it is unforgettable. Dark, layered, and utterly absorbing, this thriller keeps you guessing until the final page.

[Utkarsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story left a deep imprint on me not just for its suspense, but for its emotional undercurrents. What begins as a chilling series of murders becomes a layered exploration of how the past refuses to stay buried. The killer’s cryptic message felt less like a threat and more like a cry from a wounded soul. Arjun and Manoj’s pursuit is tense, but it’s Kavitha’s quiet courage and Neeta’s entangled journey that truly moved
me. Each character carries ghosts, and as their paths converge, the truth is both devastating and redemptive. It’s a haunting, beautifully woven tale of justice, memory, and consequences.

[Ishika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up The Alternate Shadows thinking, “Okay, another thriller let’s see where this goes.” But what I got? So much more. Set in a rainy Kerala town, the atmosphere is thick with tension and secrets. From page one, I was hooked, creating theories, pointing fingers and being wrong every single time. The twists kept me guessing, but it was the emotional undercurrent that really got me. Grief, guilt, and flawed characters made it feel so real. I wasn’t just reading a mystery; I was feeling every step of it. And that epilogue? Absolute perfection. If you want a thriller that plays with your head and breaks your heart just a little this is the one.

[Rekha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually cry while reading thrillers, but this one kind of did me in. The tarnishes of murder series were haunting whereas it was Kavitha’s grief that lingered in me and reminded me of the strength people have when all around them is shattered. Arjun’s pursuit of the truth seemed so real, a part of me actually felt the exhaustion and determination within him. Neeta’s was equally stirring, for it showed how crime did envelopes not merely the victims, but into the lives that one would least expect. This is when I was forced to put the book down. A thriller? It was, but furthermore, it was painfully, beautifully human.

[Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book gripped me in ways I could not imagine. An unimaginable poison was, in itself, terrifying in concept; yet, the author progressed beyond mere crime. The real strength lay within the connections. Grief and vengeance, love and betrayal, past and present. I kept feeling paired into two worlds at once: Arjun with his desperate investigation and Neeta through her corporate labyrinth. They interlinked in the most gorgeous way. Every character was made relatable through the writing, even if I would have been shocked by their choices. The truth, in the end, was not only extraordinary but eerily haunting. With goosebumps and tears, this story left me.

[readingbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

What made this book such a personal experience for me was the tension between logic and emotion. The police investigation was all logic, every clue dragging me into the depth of the suspicion. But then, Kavitha's grief, Neeta's plight, and Mohit's rebellious sting added all these emotions that brought it down to earth. That is what I loved-Go in on a chapter guessing like a detective, then move to another in pain like a friend. The cryptic notes chilled me, but the ones behind them froze me more. I was not merely impressed with the end of the storyline-I was floored. This story demonstrated how thriller novels can break your heart as much as they can scare you.

[Hare · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved most about this book was how it kept on out smarting me. I pride myself on predicting at least a few plot twists in a story, but here? I was wrong with every single one of them. The cryptic notes felt like riddles that I hungered to solve. But the story inexplicably veered off into another unexpected course. Until then, that emotional depth was never really expected- Kavitha's grief, Neeta's struggles, and Arjun's dilemmas weren't just side plots, they truly meant something. It really attached an incredible degree of emotion to the finale. The extraordinary truth came out, and I was just sitting there, just staring at the page. This book humbled me along with thrilling me.

[Bonny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me why I love thrillers. It wasn’t only about the suspense, though that part was amazing , it was also about how much it made me feel and kept me engaged. The notes unsettled me, but the characters’ struggles broke my heart as well. Arjun’s search for truth, Kavitha’s quiet strength, Neeta’s challenges, all of it felt so real and raw. I kept pausing just to absorb the weight of the emotions that this book made me feel . The revelations were shocking, yes definitely , but they also carried a strange beauty, showing how past choices can affect the present. It was haunting, unforgettable, and one of the best reads I’ve had this month.

[Hardik Badlani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never let this book go. It did not do anything merely on solving a case; it was about knowing people and secrets they hide. Arjun reminded me of someone who keeps pushing even when every logical consideration would seem impossible. Kavitha's loss hit me really hard, as I have seen how loss changes people in just one night. Neeta lived in a different world, but I did connect with her struggles of proving herself. Each twist dragged me further into it. And when the extraordinary truth came out, it barely felt like a twist and more like a punch to the gut. I will definitely be chewing on this story for a while.

[Abhishek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually cry while reading thrillers, but this one kind of did me in. The tarnishes of murder series were haunting whereas it was Kavitha’s grief that lingered in me and reminded me of the strength people have when all around them is shattered. Arjun’s pursuit of the truth seemed so real, a part of me actually felt the exhaustion and determination within him. Neeta’s was equally stirring, for it showed how crime did envelopes not merely the victims, but into the lives that one would least expect. This is when I was forced to put the book down. A thriller? It was, but furthermore, it was painfully, beautifully human.

[Ishan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story gripped me not just as a thriller, but as a meditation on how the past quietly poisons the present. The line "Payback for your past, from my future" haunted me an echo of pain crossing timelines, seeking reckoning. As Arjun and Manoj chase shadows, and as Kavitha's grief becomes a compass, I found myself unraveling not just a mystery, but human fragility itself. Neeta and Mohit’s arc reminded me how easily we mistake silence for peace. Every twist felt like a scar being reopened. This isn’t just a crime story it’s a mirror held up to memory, guilt, and fate.

[Bibliophileee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book totally consumed me, and the cryptic first line hooked me—I literally couldn’t stop flipping pages from then on. Mixing emotional depth, mystery, and shock value created a memorable experience. In particular, I appreciated how the narrative moved beyond the crime to explore human feelings, grief, and the enduring impact of the past. The suspense accumulated gradually only to detonate in surprising ways. I was deeply unsettled from the read, and yet I admired the masterful orchestration. I'd recommend this book.

[Radhika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was very engaging , imaginative, and emotional all at once. Arjun and Manoj felt like real human not merely "detectives in a story." Neeta's world, on the contrary, offered an unexpected yet intriguing perspective that opened up the mystery beyond Kerala. I was down for the final twist; it wasn't only implemented to shock the readers but to also give it meaning. This is what makes the book unique, or at least this is one of the ways in which it stands out: merging crime with heart."

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Alternate Shadows is a gripping fusion of crime and science fiction that refuses to play by the rules. What begins as a string of baffling murders in Kerala unravels into a chilling exploration of memory, identity, and parallel realities. With investigators chasing a killer who seems untouchable, and secrets that threaten the very fabric of truth, this thriller keeps you guessing till the end. A sharp, unpredictable read for fans of mysteries with a mind-bending twist.

[Debashish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading The Alternate Shadows feels like stepping into a maze where every turn rewrites the rules. What starts as a police investigation in Kerala quickly unravels into a battle between memory, fate, and alternate realities. It’s unsettling, imaginative, and utterly addictive a story that doesn’t just entertain but makes you wonder what’s real and what’s already been altered.

[Raghvendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alternate Shadows blends mystery with the surreal, turning a crime story into something far bigger than a hunt for a killer. Each chapter peels back another layer of hidden connections, where past and future collide in unsettling ways. Equal parts suspenseful and thought-provoking, it’s a thriller that lingers in your mind long after the last page.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Alternate Shadows is not your typical crime thriller it’s a puzzle of shifting timelines and fractured truths. The murders are eerie, the clues stranger still, and the chase pulls you into a world where logic doesn’t apply. Dark, fast-paced, and layered with a sci-fi edge, this book challenges you to question reality itself while keeping you hooked on every twist.

[Bookishreview · Rating 4 out of 5]

These days i haven't been able to pick up any book. My work schedule has been hectic but that couldn't stop me from grabing this one . This was a kind of read that pulls you out from reading slump . I spent hours reading this book . This was a great experience

[Sbibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this one . The cover of this book was truly captivating . And when i started reading ,oh i couldn't stop. It was too engaging . I really loved it . I just have to say that if you are a thriller ,suspense lover , this is a must read for you .