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Pineal
Something was waiting.
Not to be found—
but to find.
In a quiet corner of the city, a family steps into their new home—ancient, quiet, and waiting. What begins as a hopeful chapter slowly twists into something unnatural. Whispers move through empty rooms. The air turns cold without warning. And something unseen begins to awaken.
PINEAL is a chilling work of supernatural horror—crafted with precision, dread, and a sense of haunting beauty.
A tale that pulls you deep into the unknown, this is modern horror at its finest.
Not to be found—
but to find.
In a quiet corner of the city, a family steps into their new home—ancient, quiet, and waiting. What begins as a hopeful chapter slowly twists into something unnatural. Whispers move through empty rooms. The air turns cold without warning. And something unseen begins to awaken.
PINEAL is a chilling work of supernatural horror—crafted with precision, dread, and a sense of haunting beauty.
A tale that pulls you deep into the unknown, this is modern horror at its finest.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2025
38 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 6, 2025
The amount of errors in this book was incredible.
- The spelling of the character’s name changed like the author forgot how he spelled them in the first place, even going so far as changing one of the names at one point.
- The twin girls being only 2 years old and having the vocabulary and speech of an adult.
- The mother’s consistent neglect (in my opinion). She would let her 2 year old girls play outside on the lake while she stay inside, girls would be closed off in their room while she was somewhere in the house. Crazy!
- Inconsistencies with timelines.
- Constant repetition.
Could probably go on but don’t want to waste anymore energy on this piece of work. How it got published is beyond me.
It did get interesting once the story really picked up, I can see that this book could freak people out. With that, it’s a 2.5 rating from me.
- The spelling of the character’s name changed like the author forgot how he spelled them in the first place, even going so far as changing one of the names at one point.
- The twin girls being only 2 years old and having the vocabulary and speech of an adult.
- The mother’s consistent neglect (in my opinion). She would let her 2 year old girls play outside on the lake while she stay inside, girls would be closed off in their room while she was somewhere in the house. Crazy!
- Inconsistencies with timelines.
- Constant repetition.
Could probably go on but don’t want to waste anymore energy on this piece of work. How it got published is beyond me.
It did get interesting once the story really picked up, I can see that this book could freak people out. With that, it’s a 2.5 rating from me.
June 13, 2025
“Pineal” by Sujay Das is a wild psychological thrill ride that blends horror, spiritual lore, and the supernatural in a way that totally messed with my head — in the best way. It’s eerie, intense, and full of twisted moments that keep you turning the pages with a growing sense of dread. The writing is vivid and the atmosphere deeply unsettling.
It's genuinely scary — the kind of story that sticks with you long after you’ve finished. Not for the faint of heart, but perfect if you like your horror bold, disturbing, and unforgettable.
It's genuinely scary — the kind of story that sticks with you long after you’ve finished. Not for the faint of heart, but perfect if you like your horror bold, disturbing, and unforgettable.
September 10, 2025
Half a star if that. I'm convinced a lot of the 5 star reviews are friends and family of the author.
In chapter 10 he writes, "Their parents, David and Claire," and it's like yeah, it had been established since chapter 2 these are the parents why word it like that?
They see something go into the twins room and just don't check?
The retired Dr is checking out a case from when he was young first starting out...20 years ago?
Chapter 22 the main character of Claire is now Clair. Spelled that way 5 times before it goes back to Claire.
This book was so bad I actually took notes while reading. The plot wasn’t that bad, just in desperate need of an editor.
Another gripe is half the chapters started with some iteration of “the morning sun shined through the curtains.” I actually went back to previous chapters because I thought I was hallucinating.
If you are recommended this book, it is by a person who hates you and wants to see you suffer.
In chapter 10 he writes, "Their parents, David and Claire," and it's like yeah, it had been established since chapter 2 these are the parents why word it like that?
They see something go into the twins room and just don't check?
The retired Dr is checking out a case from when he was young first starting out...20 years ago?
Chapter 22 the main character of Claire is now Clair. Spelled that way 5 times before it goes back to Claire.
This book was so bad I actually took notes while reading. The plot wasn’t that bad, just in desperate need of an editor.
Another gripe is half the chapters started with some iteration of “the morning sun shined through the curtains.” I actually went back to previous chapters because I thought I was hallucinating.
If you are recommended this book, it is by a person who hates you and wants to see you suffer.
July 15, 2025
It reads like a B horror movie with shallow main characters that lack common sense, and a storyline with “scares “ that have become cliche. And the holes in the story had me going back pages to see if I missed something. DNF
June 13, 2025
PINEAL by Sujay Das
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book really surprised me with the amount of creep, horror and fright it had throughout! I don’t scare easily and I had a few nights of needing to close the book earlier than bedtime, so I could have happy dreams!
Clair and Tom and their twins, Emma & Lily, were so excited to find a large home that was in their price range so they could move out of their apartment. It was going to be great for the 2 year old twins to grow up in this large home with a big outdoor area.
However, shortly after moving in to their new home, strange occurrences began. Clair enlists the help of a ghost hunter, Hawthorn, and his crew Sarah, Tom and Mike to investigate any strange paranormal activity within the house. What they find is not what they expected!
The way the story ties together with the past and present timelines is really amazing! The intensity remained strong throughout and the author did a great job with the storytelling. It’s very descriptive and an overall super entertaining and anxiety inducing supernatural horror story!
Thank you to Sujay Das for an arc of this fantastic book!! I couldn’t put it down!!
*This book is out August 13th and I highly recommend it!!*
🧠👹🧠👹🧠👹
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book really surprised me with the amount of creep, horror and fright it had throughout! I don’t scare easily and I had a few nights of needing to close the book earlier than bedtime, so I could have happy dreams!
Clair and Tom and their twins, Emma & Lily, were so excited to find a large home that was in their price range so they could move out of their apartment. It was going to be great for the 2 year old twins to grow up in this large home with a big outdoor area.
However, shortly after moving in to their new home, strange occurrences began. Clair enlists the help of a ghost hunter, Hawthorn, and his crew Sarah, Tom and Mike to investigate any strange paranormal activity within the house. What they find is not what they expected!
The way the story ties together with the past and present timelines is really amazing! The intensity remained strong throughout and the author did a great job with the storytelling. It’s very descriptive and an overall super entertaining and anxiety inducing supernatural horror story!
Thank you to Sujay Das for an arc of this fantastic book!! I couldn’t put it down!!
*This book is out August 13th and I highly recommend it!!*
🧠👹🧠👹🧠👹
October 13, 2025
Ugh.
I was really excited to read this. Unfortunately, I was met with disappointment in the first chapter and it never got better.
The writing is awful. It reads like something out of a high school creative writing class.
I thought I must have been missing something with a 4.3 rating...but upon closer inspection, I see that the 5 star reviews are fake. The genuine ratings reflect my opinion. This isn't worth my time. 😞
I was really excited to read this. Unfortunately, I was met with disappointment in the first chapter and it never got better.
The writing is awful. It reads like something out of a high school creative writing class.
I thought I must have been missing something with a 4.3 rating...but upon closer inspection, I see that the 5 star reviews are fake. The genuine ratings reflect my opinion. This isn't worth my time. 😞
January 4, 2026
Some stories just stick with you, you know? Pineal is one of those. It starts out pretty simple—a family moves into this old, quiet house, full of hope and new beginnings. But pretty soon, you can tell something’s not quite right. The quiet turns into whispers, the air gets cold out of nowhere, and strange things start happening in the house. It’s not rushed or loud; it’s slow, like a feeling that’s creeping up on you, and that’s what makes it so unsettling in a good way.
What really hits home about Pineal is how it captures that sense of waiting—waiting for something you can’t see but can feel in your bones. The house feels ancient and alive in its own strange way, almost like it’s got secrets lurking just beneath the surface. The way the author describes everything makes you feel like you’re right there, in that quiet, haunted space, listening to the whispers. It’s subtle but powerful, and it sticks with you long after you turn the last page.
The themes in the story are pretty simple but deeply thought-provoking. It’s about the mystery of the unknown—how sometimes, what we don’t understand can be even more frightening than what we do. The supernatural elements aren’t flashy or overdone; they’re woven into the story with care, like a slow-moving fog that you can’t quite see through but can sense is there. It’s about that creeping dread that makes the hair on your arms stand up, but in a way that’s quiet and haunting rather than in-your-face scary.
The writing itself is clear and vivid without being overwhelming. The descriptions help you imagine the house, the shadows, the whispers—making it feel real, even when it’s scary. The pacing is just right, too. Some parts are calm, almost peaceful, and then suddenly, the tension rises. It’s like a gentle, steady pull into the story’s dark corners, and you want to keep going, even when you’re a little afraid.
What I really appreciated was how the story isn’t just about scaring you—it’s about curiosity and wonder. It’s about that pull to know what’s hidden just out of sight, even if it’s unsettling. The author clearly cares about creating a world that feels both mysterious and meaningful, and that respect shows. You can feel the effort and care that went into every chapter, making the story feel genuine and thoughtful.
This isn’t a story that shouts for your attention; it’s more like a quiet companion that whispers just loud enough for you to listen. The quiet moments are just as important as the terrifying ones, and together they make a story that’s hard to forget. The real magic of Pineal is in what it leaves unsaid, giving space for your imagination to fill in the shadows.
At its heart, Pineal is about what waits in the quiet corners of life—what stirs beneath the surface, just out of sight. It’s a hauntingly beautiful story that makes you pause and think about the unseen things we carry inside us all. And honestly, that’s what makes it so memorable.
In the end, Pineal reminds us that sometimes, the most chilling stories aren’t the loud, obvious ones—they’re the quiet whispers that stay with us long after the lights go out.
What really hits home about Pineal is how it captures that sense of waiting—waiting for something you can’t see but can feel in your bones. The house feels ancient and alive in its own strange way, almost like it’s got secrets lurking just beneath the surface. The way the author describes everything makes you feel like you’re right there, in that quiet, haunted space, listening to the whispers. It’s subtle but powerful, and it sticks with you long after you turn the last page.
The themes in the story are pretty simple but deeply thought-provoking. It’s about the mystery of the unknown—how sometimes, what we don’t understand can be even more frightening than what we do. The supernatural elements aren’t flashy or overdone; they’re woven into the story with care, like a slow-moving fog that you can’t quite see through but can sense is there. It’s about that creeping dread that makes the hair on your arms stand up, but in a way that’s quiet and haunting rather than in-your-face scary.
The writing itself is clear and vivid without being overwhelming. The descriptions help you imagine the house, the shadows, the whispers—making it feel real, even when it’s scary. The pacing is just right, too. Some parts are calm, almost peaceful, and then suddenly, the tension rises. It’s like a gentle, steady pull into the story’s dark corners, and you want to keep going, even when you’re a little afraid.
What I really appreciated was how the story isn’t just about scaring you—it’s about curiosity and wonder. It’s about that pull to know what’s hidden just out of sight, even if it’s unsettling. The author clearly cares about creating a world that feels both mysterious and meaningful, and that respect shows. You can feel the effort and care that went into every chapter, making the story feel genuine and thoughtful.
This isn’t a story that shouts for your attention; it’s more like a quiet companion that whispers just loud enough for you to listen. The quiet moments are just as important as the terrifying ones, and together they make a story that’s hard to forget. The real magic of Pineal is in what it leaves unsaid, giving space for your imagination to fill in the shadows.
At its heart, Pineal is about what waits in the quiet corners of life—what stirs beneath the surface, just out of sight. It’s a hauntingly beautiful story that makes you pause and think about the unseen things we carry inside us all. And honestly, that’s what makes it so memorable.
In the end, Pineal reminds us that sometimes, the most chilling stories aren’t the loud, obvious ones—they’re the quiet whispers that stay with us long after the lights go out.
August 15, 2025
Book Review – PINEAL by Sujay Das
Okay, so this book? Absolutely messed with my head in the best way possible. PINEAL is not your regular haunted house story — it’s a proper horror-thriller with an actual system for why the scary stuff happens. And it all comes down to… your pineal gland. Yep, your “third eye.” And when that’s open? Congratulations, you’re basically a glowing beacon for whatever’s lurking beyond the veil. And trust me — you do not want to be noticed.
We start with a chilling incident at St. Augustine’s Hospital with Dr. Mallory that immediately sets the tone. Then we jump into the seemingly normal life of Claire, David, and their twin daughters, Lily and Emma. New house in Serenity Grove, new chapter in life… except David’s got a past that’s already marked him. Weird noises? Shifts in the air? Shadows just at the corner of your vision? They start stacking up until it’s not just paranoia — it’s an all-out siege from both inside the house and out.
Claire? She’s the heart of this book. Protective, fierce, and constantly teetering between fear and fight mode. Dr. Hawthorne’s calm, almost clinical approach balances her urgency, and Mallory’s medical insight keeps grounding the whole thing in a way that makes the mythology feel real. Oh, and “the veil” — the thin barrier between our world and theirs — becomes its own terrifying character here.
The tension builds beautifully — you get these little domestic moments like birthday candles and morning chatter, and then suddenly you’re slammed with gut-punch scenes (the mass of rotting figures outside the window… NO THANK YOU). Sarah, one of Hawthorne’s team, brought an emotional punch I didn’t see coming — and let’s just say, not everyone makes it out.
The finale? Brutal. Unforgiving. It doesn’t care if you want a nice clean ending — this story makes it very clear that the fight isn’t over.
If you love horror with actual rules, high stakes, and a cast you can root for (and cry for), pick this up. Just… maybe don’t read it at night if you have creaky windows.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — tense, cinematic, and genuinely unsettling.
Okay, so this book? Absolutely messed with my head in the best way possible. PINEAL is not your regular haunted house story — it’s a proper horror-thriller with an actual system for why the scary stuff happens. And it all comes down to… your pineal gland. Yep, your “third eye.” And when that’s open? Congratulations, you’re basically a glowing beacon for whatever’s lurking beyond the veil. And trust me — you do not want to be noticed.
We start with a chilling incident at St. Augustine’s Hospital with Dr. Mallory that immediately sets the tone. Then we jump into the seemingly normal life of Claire, David, and their twin daughters, Lily and Emma. New house in Serenity Grove, new chapter in life… except David’s got a past that’s already marked him. Weird noises? Shifts in the air? Shadows just at the corner of your vision? They start stacking up until it’s not just paranoia — it’s an all-out siege from both inside the house and out.
Claire? She’s the heart of this book. Protective, fierce, and constantly teetering between fear and fight mode. Dr. Hawthorne’s calm, almost clinical approach balances her urgency, and Mallory’s medical insight keeps grounding the whole thing in a way that makes the mythology feel real. Oh, and “the veil” — the thin barrier between our world and theirs — becomes its own terrifying character here.
The tension builds beautifully — you get these little domestic moments like birthday candles and morning chatter, and then suddenly you’re slammed with gut-punch scenes (the mass of rotting figures outside the window… NO THANK YOU). Sarah, one of Hawthorne’s team, brought an emotional punch I didn’t see coming — and let’s just say, not everyone makes it out.
The finale? Brutal. Unforgiving. It doesn’t care if you want a nice clean ending — this story makes it very clear that the fight isn’t over.
If you love horror with actual rules, high stakes, and a cast you can root for (and cry for), pick this up. Just… maybe don’t read it at night if you have creaky windows.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — tense, cinematic, and genuinely unsettling.
September 29, 2025
What do you do when the lines between the living and dead are blurred under the one roof?
'Pineal' is a book award as the most terrifying novel of 2025 and after reading it, no reader would have any doubts.
David and Clara had a beautiful family of 4, with their sweet young daughters. Like any other family, they also wanted a space of their own where they can be happy, safe and have a chance to grow. And, soon they found their dream home, an historic home in the Hudson Valley, their hope for the future and hope.
But things weren't that simple. The old house creaked and groaned, the air shifted to reveal the buried secrets and spirits started roam.
The events in the house scared the family and brought back Dr. Hawthorne, an expert in such cases.
It was interesting to read what happened next. Is it something as fake as a prank? Or an old spirit on its journey to revenge? Or is it connected to something more sinister?
This book left me in awe! The twists and turns, the change in events and unexpected revelations kept me hooked despite the fears of facing nightmares.
If you seek horror, if ghosts, spirits and demons are your kick and if you like to predict the story only to be proven wrong at the end, then this book must be your pick for the coming spooky season.
'Pineal' is a book award as the most terrifying novel of 2025 and after reading it, no reader would have any doubts.
David and Clara had a beautiful family of 4, with their sweet young daughters. Like any other family, they also wanted a space of their own where they can be happy, safe and have a chance to grow. And, soon they found their dream home, an historic home in the Hudson Valley, their hope for the future and hope.
But things weren't that simple. The old house creaked and groaned, the air shifted to reveal the buried secrets and spirits started roam.
The events in the house scared the family and brought back Dr. Hawthorne, an expert in such cases.
It was interesting to read what happened next. Is it something as fake as a prank? Or an old spirit on its journey to revenge? Or is it connected to something more sinister?
This book left me in awe! The twists and turns, the change in events and unexpected revelations kept me hooked despite the fears of facing nightmares.
If you seek horror, if ghosts, spirits and demons are your kick and if you like to predict the story only to be proven wrong at the end, then this book must be your pick for the coming spooky season.
August 28, 2025
If you’re looking for a good haunted house/possession story, this is a great one! It’s kinda cheesy in a way, but to me that was part of the charm and why I liked it, it was all I wanted it to be. And don’t let that put you off, it definitely has some good scares! Very easy to stay engaged with this book! The only criticisms I will make, however, is some phrases are over used from time to time, but it was easy to look over, and on the back of the book it says that the little girls will draw things “no kid should know” but that scene never happened.
June 28, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An intriguing, eerie, and unforgettable read.
This is my first novel by this author, and I found it impossible to set aside. It’s truly one of only three books in my life that made me uncomfortable in my own surroundings. The pacing is excellent; it has a sinister tone, and the ending is absolutely badass. If you're a fan of The Exorcist or Amityville Horror, you've got to read this!
An intriguing, eerie, and unforgettable read.
This is my first novel by this author, and I found it impossible to set aside. It’s truly one of only three books in my life that made me uncomfortable in my own surroundings. The pacing is excellent; it has a sinister tone, and the ending is absolutely badass. If you're a fan of The Exorcist or Amityville Horror, you've got to read this!
June 21, 2025
Horror at its best. Scariest novel I have ever read!!
June 30, 2025
One of best Horror novel of all time. Never expected such brilliant novel from the author. Extremely scary. Definitely the scariest novel I have ever read. I will try his other novels also.
July 1, 2025
What a rollercoaster of a story!! I did not see any of these twists coming and was pleasantly surprised when we learned what was really happening here. Wow!
July 22, 2025
This book truly gave me chills. The opening chapters build such tension that I couldn’t put it down. I loved how the horror felt psychological and supernatural at the same time.
July 22, 2025
Pineal is a disturbing and gripping horror novel. Sujay Das writes so vividly that I felt I was inside the hospital and the old house. Not for the faint-hearted.
July 22, 2025
From the very first chapter, the story pulled me in. The author’s writing style is simple but creates a creepy atmosphere that stays with you long after reading.
July 22, 2025
This is the scariest book I’ve read in years. The plot twists were unexpected and the scenes are described so realistically that it felt like a movie playing in my mind.
July 22, 2025
I picked up Pineal because of its unique title and I wasn’t disappointed. It is dark, disturbing, and beautifully written. Loved every chapter.
July 23, 2025
I picked up Pineal because of its unique title and I wasn’t disappointed. It is dark, disturbing, and beautifully written. Loved every chapter.
July 23, 2025
This is the scariest book I’ve read in years. The plot twists were unexpected and the scenes are described so realistically that it felt like a movie playing in my mind.
July 23, 2025
From the very first chapter, the story pulled me in. The author’s writing style is simple but creates a creepy atmosphere that stays with you long after reading.
July 23, 2025
Pineal is a disturbing and gripping horror novel. Sujay Das writes so vividly that I felt I was inside the hospital and the old house. Not for the faint-hearted.
July 23, 2025
This book truly gave me chills. The opening chapters build such tension that I couldn’t put it down. I loved how the horror felt psychological and supernatural at the same time.
July 23, 2025
The suspense is built perfectly chapter by chapter. By the end, I was terrified but also curious about what happens next. Brilliant writing.
July 23, 2025
Pineal is not for everyone. It has child brutality and disturbing scenes but if you love dark psychological horror, this book is perfect.
July 23, 2025
I loved how the horror unfolded gradually. The basement scenes in the old house gave me goosebumps. Couldn’t sleep peacefully after reading it.
July 23, 2025
Sujay Das has written a horror novel that goes beyond ghosts and jumpscares. It makes you question reality and human fears in a deeper way. Highly recommended.
July 23, 2025
The characters felt real, especially Dr. Mallory. His fear and confusion felt genuine. The hospital scenes were terrifying yet so engaging to read.
July 23, 2025
I liked how the author combined horror with emotional storytelling. The ending was dark but meaningful in its own way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews