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The Last Ride Through Bhatan Tunnel: An Indian Horror Novella
138 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 27, 2026
In "The Last Ride Through Bhatan Tunnel," author Abhay Singhaal delivers a taut, atmospheric horror novella that demonstrates a masterful understanding of what truly terrifies the human psyche: not the monsters we can see, but the truths we have spent our lives trying to outrun. Set against the backdrop of a storm-soaked night on a seemingly ordinary Indian road, the narrative begins with a disappearance—a truck driver enters the tunnel and simply never emerges—and then tightens its grip as four friends, celebrating a small victory and dismissing every warning as rural superstition, choose the same fateful route. What follows is a descent not merely into darkness but into a carefully constructed nightmare where the physics of space and time begin to dissolve, where the tunnel becomes less a passage through a mountain and more a passage into the hidden recesses of the human soul. Singhaal understands that the most effective horror is never merely external; it is the external that forces confrontation with the internal, and in this novella, the Bhatan Tunnel becomes a terrifyingly effective mechanism for such confrontation.
The novella's structure mirrors its thematic concerns with elegant precision. As the tunnel bends time, erases exits, and traps its occupants in a loop that refuses to end, the reader experiences the same claustrophobic disorientation as the characters. The repetition is not merely a plot device but a psychological strategy, forcing the four friends—and by extension, the reader—to sit with what they have been avoiding. Buried guilt, denied truths, and forgotten choices begin to surface not as convenient plot revelations but as the inevitable consequence of being trapped in a space that will not allow forward movement until what lies behind is acknowledged. Singhaal's pacing is impeccable, each repetition revealing new layers of the characters' pasts and of their relationships to one another, the horror escalating not through cheap shocks but through the accumulating weight of recognition. The tunnel does not want fear, the narrative suggests; it wants acknowledgment. This distinction transforms the work from mere supernatural thriller into something far more psychologically complex and resonant.
The Indian setting is integral to the novella's power, grounding its supernatural elements in a landscape rich with its own histories of folklore, superstition, and the tension between modernity and tradition. The four friends, celebrating what they perceive as a victory, dismiss the tunnel's warnings as the backward beliefs of a simpler time—a dismissal that becomes the first of many denials that the tunnel forces them to confront. Singhaal uses the specificity of place not merely as atmosphere but as thematic texture, suggesting that the stories we dismiss are often the ones that know us most intimately, that the roads we consider beneath our notice may be the ones that ultimately claim us. The Bhatan Tunnel emerges as a character in its own right, ancient and patient, waiting not to punish but to insist on the truth that all roads, however carefully chosen to avoid our pasts, eventually lead inward.
For readers of horror fiction weary of gratuitous gore and predictable jump scares, "The Last Ride Through Bhatan Tunnel" offers a more sophisticated and ultimately more terrifying experience. It is a novella that understands horror as the genre of consequence, of what happens when we refuse to stop, to look, to acknowledge. Some journeys end, the book suggests, while others begin where the road disappears—and the scariest journeys are not those that lead to new destinations but those that lead us inexorably back to ourselves. Singhaal has crafted a work that lingers in the mind long after the final page, a tightly coiled exploration of denial, guilt, and what waits for those who think they can drive forever without looking in the rearview mirror. It is a remarkable addition to the canon of Indian horror literature, and a testament to the power of the novella form to deliver the concentrated intensity that the genre demands.
The novella's structure mirrors its thematic concerns with elegant precision. As the tunnel bends time, erases exits, and traps its occupants in a loop that refuses to end, the reader experiences the same claustrophobic disorientation as the characters. The repetition is not merely a plot device but a psychological strategy, forcing the four friends—and by extension, the reader—to sit with what they have been avoiding. Buried guilt, denied truths, and forgotten choices begin to surface not as convenient plot revelations but as the inevitable consequence of being trapped in a space that will not allow forward movement until what lies behind is acknowledged. Singhaal's pacing is impeccable, each repetition revealing new layers of the characters' pasts and of their relationships to one another, the horror escalating not through cheap shocks but through the accumulating weight of recognition. The tunnel does not want fear, the narrative suggests; it wants acknowledgment. This distinction transforms the work from mere supernatural thriller into something far more psychologically complex and resonant.
The Indian setting is integral to the novella's power, grounding its supernatural elements in a landscape rich with its own histories of folklore, superstition, and the tension between modernity and tradition. The four friends, celebrating what they perceive as a victory, dismiss the tunnel's warnings as the backward beliefs of a simpler time—a dismissal that becomes the first of many denials that the tunnel forces them to confront. Singhaal uses the specificity of place not merely as atmosphere but as thematic texture, suggesting that the stories we dismiss are often the ones that know us most intimately, that the roads we consider beneath our notice may be the ones that ultimately claim us. The Bhatan Tunnel emerges as a character in its own right, ancient and patient, waiting not to punish but to insist on the truth that all roads, however carefully chosen to avoid our pasts, eventually lead inward.
For readers of horror fiction weary of gratuitous gore and predictable jump scares, "The Last Ride Through Bhatan Tunnel" offers a more sophisticated and ultimately more terrifying experience. It is a novella that understands horror as the genre of consequence, of what happens when we refuse to stop, to look, to acknowledge. Some journeys end, the book suggests, while others begin where the road disappears—and the scariest journeys are not those that lead to new destinations but those that lead us inexorably back to ourselves. Singhaal has crafted a work that lingers in the mind long after the final page, a tightly coiled exploration of denial, guilt, and what waits for those who think they can drive forever without looking in the rearview mirror. It is a remarkable addition to the canon of Indian horror literature, and a testament to the power of the novella form to deliver the concentrated intensity that the genre demands.
March 27, 2026
Book: The Last Ride Through Bhatan Tunnel
Author: Abhay Singhaal
Publisher: Gullyshelf Collective (2026)
Total Pages: 134
Reviewed By: Neel Preet
This incredibly-remarkable title, “The Last Ride Through Bhatan Tunnel: An Indian Horror Novella” by author Abhay Singhaal is a sharply executed descent into psychological terror that proves horror does not always rely on external monsters—sometimes, the most terrifying entity is the truth we refuse to face. Positioned within the horror and paranormal genre, this novella wastes no time in establishing an atmosphere that is both claustrophobic and deeply unsettling. From the very premise of a storm-lashed night and a vanished truck driver, the narrative immediately signals that this is not just a story about a haunted place, but about a space where reality itself begins to fracture. The Bhatan Tunnel becomes more than a setting; it transforms into a living, breathing force—one that bends time, distorts perception, and traps not just bodies, but unresolved emotions.
What makes this novella particularly compelling is its psychological layering. The four friends who enter the tunnel are not merely characters moving through a horror scenario—they are individuals carrying invisible baggage, their inner conflicts quietly simmering beneath the surface. As the tunnel begins to loop endlessly, erasing exits and dismantling any sense of direction, the narrative cleverly mirrors the cyclical nature of denial and suppressed guilt. The horror here is not loud or reliant on jump scares; it is slow, creeping, and deeply introspective. The idea that the tunnel “does not want fear, but acknowledgment” is where the story truly elevates itself, shifting from conventional supernatural suspense to something far more thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
The pacing of the novella is another standout element. It is tight, deliberate, and relentless, ensuring that the reader feels the same suffocating inevitability as the characters. There is no unnecessary distraction, no dilution of tension—every moment serves to deepen the sense of entrapment. The repetition of the road, the inability to escape, and the gradual unraveling of the characters’ mental states create a rhythm that is both hypnotic and disturbing. It’s the kind of narrative that quietly tightens its grip, making you realise too late that you are as trapped in its loop as the protagonists themselves.
Stylistically, the writing embraces restraint, which works to its advantage. Instead of over-explaining the supernatural elements, the author allows ambiguity to do the heavy lifting, leaving space for the reader’s imagination to amplify the भय (fear). This minimalistic yet effective approach ensures that the horror lingers beyond the page, embedding itself in the reader’s subconscious. The tunnel, in many ways, becomes symbolic—a metaphorical passage into the self, where avoidance is no longer an option and confrontation becomes inevitable.
Ultimately, “The Last Ride Through Bhatan Tunnel” is not just a horror novella—it is a psychological reckoning disguised as a supernatural experience. It challenges the reader to consider the cost of denial and the inevitability of facing one’s own truths. In a genre often crowded with predictable tropes, this book stands out by offering something more cerebral, more intimate, and far more unsettling. It leaves you with a haunting realisation: some journeys are not meant to take you somewhere new—they are meant to force you to confront where you’ve been all along.
Book's Link: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0GHHZN6QP
Author: Abhay Singhaal
Publisher: Gullyshelf Collective (2026)
Total Pages: 134
Reviewed By: Neel Preet
This incredibly-remarkable title, “The Last Ride Through Bhatan Tunnel: An Indian Horror Novella” by author Abhay Singhaal is a sharply executed descent into psychological terror that proves horror does not always rely on external monsters—sometimes, the most terrifying entity is the truth we refuse to face. Positioned within the horror and paranormal genre, this novella wastes no time in establishing an atmosphere that is both claustrophobic and deeply unsettling. From the very premise of a storm-lashed night and a vanished truck driver, the narrative immediately signals that this is not just a story about a haunted place, but about a space where reality itself begins to fracture. The Bhatan Tunnel becomes more than a setting; it transforms into a living, breathing force—one that bends time, distorts perception, and traps not just bodies, but unresolved emotions.
What makes this novella particularly compelling is its psychological layering. The four friends who enter the tunnel are not merely characters moving through a horror scenario—they are individuals carrying invisible baggage, their inner conflicts quietly simmering beneath the surface. As the tunnel begins to loop endlessly, erasing exits and dismantling any sense of direction, the narrative cleverly mirrors the cyclical nature of denial and suppressed guilt. The horror here is not loud or reliant on jump scares; it is slow, creeping, and deeply introspective. The idea that the tunnel “does not want fear, but acknowledgment” is where the story truly elevates itself, shifting from conventional supernatural suspense to something far more thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
The pacing of the novella is another standout element. It is tight, deliberate, and relentless, ensuring that the reader feels the same suffocating inevitability as the characters. There is no unnecessary distraction, no dilution of tension—every moment serves to deepen the sense of entrapment. The repetition of the road, the inability to escape, and the gradual unraveling of the characters’ mental states create a rhythm that is both hypnotic and disturbing. It’s the kind of narrative that quietly tightens its grip, making you realise too late that you are as trapped in its loop as the protagonists themselves.
Stylistically, the writing embraces restraint, which works to its advantage. Instead of over-explaining the supernatural elements, the author allows ambiguity to do the heavy lifting, leaving space for the reader’s imagination to amplify the भय (fear). This minimalistic yet effective approach ensures that the horror lingers beyond the page, embedding itself in the reader’s subconscious. The tunnel, in many ways, becomes symbolic—a metaphorical passage into the self, where avoidance is no longer an option and confrontation becomes inevitable.
Ultimately, “The Last Ride Through Bhatan Tunnel” is not just a horror novella—it is a psychological reckoning disguised as a supernatural experience. It challenges the reader to consider the cost of denial and the inevitability of facing one’s own truths. In a genre often crowded with predictable tropes, this book stands out by offering something more cerebral, more intimate, and far more unsettling. It leaves you with a haunting realisation: some journeys are not meant to take you somewhere new—they are meant to force you to confront where you’ve been all along.
Book's Link: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0GHHZN6QP
October 5, 2026
2/5
Sigh. I hate giving a low rating to books with so few reviews, but there is just no getting around it - there were too many problems with this novella to justify giving it anything higher. Realistically, this was probably closer to a 1 star but I'm trying to be generous.
I picked this up wanting a spooky read for October, and also to cover India for my 52 authors from 52 countries challenge this year. And honestly, from the description, I was *expecting* it to be cheesy horror and not some brilliant, complex literary work. I just wanted something fun to read between more challenging works.
It did start out along those lines - driving through a creepy tunnel, lights flickering, a ghost, etc. - and briefly reminded me of the Fear Street or Scary Stories to Read in the Dark books I used to like as a kid in the 90s, or like renting a B horror movie for kicks. Definitely juvenile, but fun. "They didn't know Pune was never the destination." DUN DUN DUN...
The issues piled up quickly, however:
-The ghost was wearing a red dress, but the driver who thought he hit her was looking for white clothes under his truck.
-Random words were capitalized, and sentences didn't make sense: "He wasn't in some pipe. He was in Shalini's Big Coffin." What?
-Was she burned alive or buried alive? Which is it? Both are claimed.
-Inconsistent scene break markers - sometimes stage directions, like you would use for a play, were used as scene breaks for some reason.
-I felt like I was reading a high schooler's first draft of a scary story - there were even notes left in parentheses to clarify certain points.
If Mystery Science Theater 3000 focused on horror and read books instead of watching movies, this would be a prime candidate. And that's kind of fun. But if the author is serious about writing and wants to do it professionally, he has some work to do.
Sigh. I hate giving a low rating to books with so few reviews, but there is just no getting around it - there were too many problems with this novella to justify giving it anything higher. Realistically, this was probably closer to a 1 star but I'm trying to be generous.
I picked this up wanting a spooky read for October, and also to cover India for my 52 authors from 52 countries challenge this year. And honestly, from the description, I was *expecting* it to be cheesy horror and not some brilliant, complex literary work. I just wanted something fun to read between more challenging works.
It did start out along those lines - driving through a creepy tunnel, lights flickering, a ghost, etc. - and briefly reminded me of the Fear Street or Scary Stories to Read in the Dark books I used to like as a kid in the 90s, or like renting a B horror movie for kicks. Definitely juvenile, but fun. "They didn't know Pune was never the destination." DUN DUN DUN...
The issues piled up quickly, however:
-The ghost was wearing a red dress, but the driver who thought he hit her was looking for white clothes under his truck.
-Random words were capitalized, and sentences didn't make sense: "He wasn't in some pipe. He was in Shalini's Big Coffin." What?
-Was she burned alive or buried alive? Which is it? Both are claimed.
-Inconsistent scene break markers - sometimes stage directions, like you would use for a play, were used as scene breaks for some reason.
-I felt like I was reading a high schooler's first draft of a scary story - there were even notes left in parentheses to clarify certain points.
If Mystery Science Theater 3000 focused on horror and read books instead of watching movies, this would be a prime candidate. And that's kind of fun. But if the author is serious about writing and wants to do it professionally, he has some work to do.
March 26, 2026
The Last Ride Through Bhatan Tunnel is a gripping and atmospheric horror novella that pulls you in from the very first page. What starts as a familiar “wrong road, wrong time” setup quickly evolves into something far more psychological and unsettling. The idea of a tunnel that traps not just bodies but buried truths is executed really well.
The pacing is tight, and the looping reality inside the tunnel creates a strong sense of claustrophobia and dread. The story shines most when it leans into the characters’ inner conflicts—guilt, denial, and past choices becoming as terrifying as the supernatural elements themselves.
That said, I did feel the character development could have gone a bit deeper in places, especially to make their emotional arcs hit even harder. A little more detail on their backstories would have elevated the impact of the reveals.
Overall, it’s a chilling, thought-provoking read that blends Indian setting with psychological horror effectively. Definitely recommended if you enjoy stories where the real terror comes from within as much as from the unknown.
The pacing is tight, and the looping reality inside the tunnel creates a strong sense of claustrophobia and dread. The story shines most when it leans into the characters’ inner conflicts—guilt, denial, and past choices becoming as terrifying as the supernatural elements themselves.
That said, I did feel the character development could have gone a bit deeper in places, especially to make their emotional arcs hit even harder. A little more detail on their backstories would have elevated the impact of the reveals.
Overall, it’s a chilling, thought-provoking read that blends Indian setting with psychological horror effectively. Definitely recommended if you enjoy stories where the real terror comes from within as much as from the unknown.
March 26, 2026
A haunting and original take on the “endless road” trope. The Last Ride Through Bhatan Tunnel builds tension steadily, using repetition and isolation to create a deeply unsettling atmosphere. The concept of a tunnel that forces characters to confront their own truths is both eerie and thought-provoking.
The writing is crisp and immersive, especially during the looping sequences—they genuinely make you feel stuck alongside the characters. While I wished for a bit more clarity in certain moments toward the end, the ambiguity also adds to the lingering impact.
A strong horror novella that stays with you after you’ve finished reading.
The writing is crisp and immersive, especially during the looping sequences—they genuinely make you feel stuck alongside the characters. While I wished for a bit more clarity in certain moments toward the end, the ambiguity also adds to the lingering impact.
A strong horror novella that stays with you after you’ve finished reading.
March 1, 2026
A haunting and thought-provoking read. The Last Ride Through Bhatan Tunnel by Abhay Singhaal isn’t just about ghosts — it’s about guilt, truth, and the courage to face what we try to bury.
The tunnel feels claustrophobic and real, and the tension builds so naturally that you almost feel trapped with the characters. But what truly stands out is the emotional weight behind the horror — the idea that justice can’t be silenced forever.
Engaging, atmospheric, and meaningful — a story that lingers in your mind even after you’ve turned the last page.
The tunnel feels claustrophobic and real, and the tension builds so naturally that you almost feel trapped with the characters. But what truly stands out is the emotional weight behind the horror — the idea that justice can’t be silenced forever.
Engaging, atmospheric, and meaningful — a story that lingers in your mind even after you’ve turned the last page.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews