How would you feel if you meandered into a tale and suddenly found it leading you up a twisted path of intrigue and evil?
Life is made up of light and shade. Just when you feel that things are in your control, the darkness moves in and edges the light out. That is when the shadows follow, creating an atmosphere of disquiet.
The stories in this anthology do just that. They keep you wondering where they are leading you till the shadows catch up with you.
Deepti Menon has always believed in the power of the pen. Having done her post graduation in English Literature and her B.Ed. in English, she had the option of teaching and writing, and did both with great enjoyment. She started writing at the age of ten, long before she acquired a Diploma in Journalism. She also had the advantage of being an Army kid, and later an Army wife, and loved the idea of travelling around India, meeting new people and acquiring new skills. She firmly believes that much of her personality was honed during those travels. In 2002, her light hearted book, ‘Arms and the Woman’, depicting life as seen through the eyes of an Army wife, was published by Rupa Publishers, Delhi. This was written mainly to reveal the warmth and camaraderie within the great institution. She is now working on her second book that is a work of fiction, and not- to-be divulged yet!
After "Shadow in the Mirror," this powerful panorama of short stories from Deepti Menon's desk is nothing short of a treat. Crisp, clever writing that guides you through twists and turns of the most delicious kind, coupled with a very gentle narrative style makes this thriller come alive in unique ways. I am yet to chance upon writing that weds cheery language with dark stories as effortlessly. "How Blue is my Sapphire" and "The Lady in White" are sure to haunt you for days to come, long after the book is done and dusted. Finish the collection in one sitting or return to savour it like a box of chocolates - picking one, three, or two at a time - you will find yourself with a treat of a read. The only downside was that it ended too soon.
Where Shadows Follow is a delightful collection of short stories written by Deepti Menon, that keeps you on your toes. It contains tales of many different flavours - which makes it incredibly hard to pick a favourite!
A cheating man, a lost opportunity, a heartbroken daughter, an unusually beautiful woman, a dissatisfied bride, a pair of mocking eyes, a downward spiral into substance abuse and a fatal mistake that costs years to repair - these are among the things you shall witness along your journey.
There are underlying tones of darkness in each tale, an underbelly, or something that is not quite as it seems. This darkness is my favourite part of the stories - this little bit of the unexpected, this macabre angle that appears when all seems rosy.
I have not yet read Shadow in the Mirror, but it is definitely now on my TBR. I loved her short story, The Legend of The Palm Tree in The Readomania Book of Horror, and I can’t wait to read more from her!
I have been hearing a lot about ‘Where the shadows follow’ and I finally started reading it last night. I thought I would start reading it last night and continue early in the morning if it got too scary. Once I started reading, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that though fear was present for an odd story or two, I was totally fascinated and absorbed in the book. I finished it in one go at the cost of forfeiting my sleep and it was totally worth it. Each story, with the so relatable characters, the twists and turns in the plot, the shocking climax or the unexpected end which had me wanting more, had me hooked from the word go. There is so much to appreciate in this book... The beautiful quotes at the beginning of each story that were so skillfully curated to give us an inkling as to what to expect from the tale The characters with their quirks and foibles that made them so appealing The art of utilizing minimal words to pack a potent punch All this and more makes Deepti Menon a master storyteller with a talent for weaving words together to narrate an absorbing tale. I was kept wanting for more at the end of each story. I was investing so much in the lives of the characters, that I wanted to know more about them. Keep on writing Deepti, we want more of this good stuff .
'Where Shadows Follow' was just the book to get me out of my lockdown-induced reading slump. It comprises eight short stories that explore human nature, the good, the bad and the sinister that lie in all of our hearts. Each has a neat twist at the end that reminded me keenly of Jeffrey Archer's work.
My favourite was the first story, 'A man of habit'. An absolute cracker! I won't spoil the reader's enjoyment by describing it, but I thought it was brilliant. 'The lady in white' too gave me a delicious chill down my spine. I love sinister stories that deal with the murky depths of human psychology and some of these stories really deliver on that count. Others talk about unusual aspects of love and friendship, providing enough variety to satisfy any reader.
Absolutely one of the finest storytelling writers of our times...Deepti Menon writes her stories with such delicate charm that it leaves you mesmerized always wanting for more...
Taut, Thrilling, Tempting, Tense and Terrific - Appeals to all 5 Senses!
This book, despite it's name, has more light than shadows - it will light up your heart, and erase from your mind any shadows that may lurk about Indian thriller writers not being good enough. For this is among the best, and not just in the sub-continent.
As literary, as it is thrilling, this collection of 8 stories come with unexpected endings, mesmerizing settings, scintillating plots, and sprightly character development, despite the perfect pacing.
Unlike most thrillers, you will be forced to re-read some, if not all the stories - I for one had to stop myself and go back by a page or two as far as 'The Blue Sapphire' was concerned.
I also loved the way quotes and references from classics have been used effectively to set the tone and create sub-layers for those who understand such references.
Overall, a must-read for those who love their shorts to be impactful, enjoyable, and memorable. Readomania gets it right one more time with yet another classic by Deepti Menon. Bravo!
Every story is a world in itself that will keep you wanting more. You just don't see it coming- the turn, the twist, whatever you call it. Infidelity, intrigue and interest in the most unexpected of characters will keep you hooked. Navigating through the uninhibited contortions of the narrative will leave you gasping. The Lady in White will chill you to the bone but your inner thrill-seeking self will want more. You can read 'how blue is my sapphire' and that will give you further chills. A veritable thriller written in a delicious hand. The diction, the twist, the narrative. Loved it.
Another anthology, one with shadows!! As I shared earlier, have been reading so much more of fiction these days…. So, returned to the TBR to decide which one to start.. Have been fairly distracted due to many things these days, and that is the state of mind which is just perfect for anthologies. So I picked up “Where Shadows Follow” by Deepti Menon Readomania Honestly, I was scared. Not of the book, or the author with a gentle smile , who has such captivating renderings of children’s books up her sleeve!! I was scared of the shadows…The title said “where shadows follow” Where would they follow? Would it be scary? Honestly, I am scared of horror books and movies. I didn’t want them following me too much, if you know what I mean? Well, they didn’t. They took me to a wonderful world. A world of intrigue. Suspense. Drama. A tinge of evil and darkness too. After the first story or two, you know that there is twist waiting for you; and that it may have a touch of the macabre. Yet, the book takes you there gently, almost tempting you to keep up with the unexpected turns. For me, the experience was like one of the rides in an amusement park. The 2 minute ones for which you wait for 40 minutes for!! (Also the ones where my children later tell me how hard I screamed, much to their embarrassment) . Similarly, the stories immerse and stun you. But deep within, you know you are safe inspite of the unexpected that you will come to expect from the author! (like I said, horror is horrifying scary for me!) The stories I liked best were “The blue sapphire” and “Put out the light” The authors command over language and grammar left me impressed too. The depth of the writing is evident in the quotes from literary greats that precede each story. The story and the quotes fit beautifully together; another testimony to the author’s talent The etching of characters is especially deep and skilled. Many different situations and circumstances are created as the backdrop for these thriller short stories. These are not easy tasks, as I am learning each day!! I am glad I picked up this collection of memorable stories. Not only was it a very entertaining and engaging read, it was a good change from the books I turn to. I also found another author whose books I can now look forward to!! This is absolutely one of the best books of short stories from this genre; and a wonderfully crafted not to be missed collection!!
Heyy my Bookie Hippies, I hope many has come across at least one such thriller movie series where we think it’s 1 whole story but actually every single episode tells us different stories keeping the genre same but somehow, that's predictable…BUT…WHERE SHADOWS FOLLOW is one such book which won’t let one realize what’s going on till one reaches the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
“WHERE SHADOWS FOLLOW"by Deepti Menon who’s the writer of the psychological thriller ‘Shadows in the Mirror’ is an amazing anthology of 8 short thriller stories, all set to take the readers by surprise! A book which depicts an endless journey with its twists and turns.
Coming to the positive aspects(Completely my own perspective)- ✅Maintenance of equal amt of THRILL in all eight chps ✅Plot , bg setting & character building (which can be felt) in each story is up to the mark ✅Each story is nearly based upon REALITY ✅Quality language along with few BEST quotations in every chp
Now focusing on few negative aspects(Completely my own perspective)- ✅High standard of English & matured content & cliff hangers may/may not attract audience from all age/standards ✅To make the stories short & to maintain the pace, too many synonyms & fig of speech has been used which complicates the simple stories.Eg-“his voice had risen to almost falsetto, proving that he was incensed. The next moment it had turned placating.” ✅Few errors like spelling of “RUSTOM”(Pg.-34), “9 short stories” mentioned in acknowledgement page.
My recommendation would be that one should give it a try if he/she is a ROMANTIC THRILLER LOVER/ A FICTION LOVER where one can taste 8 diff types of romantic thrills in one sitting coz the book consists of ONLY 59 pages! CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE!
So, I’d like to rate it 3.7 /5 for its writing style,plot,characters relevance & cover. Happy Reading ❤🤞 Comment down below what do you feel after reading this brief review
Reading this book was quite an experience. This collection of eight short stories took me on a roller coaster ride that I wasn't expecting when I first picked it up.
It lives up to its description perfectly. As the author writes, "Life is made up of light and shade. Just when you feel that things are in your control, the darkness moves in and edges the light out." This captures exactly what I felt while reading each story, just when I thought I knew where things were heading, the author would pull the rug from under my feet with an unexpected twist.
The stories are genuine page-turners. I found myself completely absorbed, sometimes having to go back and reread certain parts because the plot twists caught me so off guard. It's that kind of writing that keeps you on your toes.
I really appreciated how her writing style is clear and crisp. The language flows smoothly, making even the most complex psychological elements easy to follow.
The characters in these stories feel real and relatable.
I also enjoyed how the stories seem to draw inspiration from real-life situations, making them feel authentic rather than far-fetched. The psychological elements are handled skillfully without being overwhelming or confusing.
If you're someone who enjoys thriller short stories with substance, I'd definitely recommend giving this book a try. Just be prepared, once you start reading, you might find it hard to put down. The shadows in these stories have a way of following you long after you've finished reading.
Where Shadows Follow by Deepti Menon is an eerie and thought-provoking collection of eight short stories that seamlessly blend suspense, mystery, and psychological intrigue. Each story grips you with its unpredictability, drawing you into a world where reality blurs with the unknown.
The book consists of:
A Man of Habit: How Men's Habits Cause Issues. How Blue is My Sapphire!—A tale of emotional connection with things. In the Wake of Love—Where love isn’t always what it seems. The Lady in White—Where the reason to be jilted made sense. Happily, Ever After? A twist on the unpredictable love story or just a story?. Put Out the Light! Darkness holds more than just shadows. Smoke and Mirrors: Illusions that reveal uncomfortable truths. Time in a Bottle: When time itself plays games. Menon madam's writing is crisp and evocative, keeping the reader engaged while crafting an unsettling atmosphere. The stories are brief yet leave a lasting impact, often raising questions that linger long after turning the last page.
Though each story stands alone, a common thread of suspense and psychological depth runs through the collection, making it a compelling read. If you love stories that make you think, question, and feel the presence of unseen forces, Where Shadows Follow is a book you shouldn’t miss.
Highly recommended for fans of thrillers and short, gripping tales!
Where Shadows Follow is a collection of 8 different short stories of the same genre. The stories are A Man of Habbit, How Blue is My Sapphire!, In The Wake of Love, The Lady in White, Happily, Ever After?, Put Out The Light!, Smoke And Mirrors, Time In a Bottle. I've read Deepti Menon earlier and I must say she has an impressive writing style. Let me tell you something about it. While reading the stories, you think you know what is happening, but at the end its all different from what you anticipated. I could never guess the endings until I read 'em. So yeah 10 points for the writing style!!! The description of the scenes are vivid. Its feels as if everything is happening in front of my eyes. She made every story interesting with her writing. Every story had endings blurry and I'm left with questions and I really want to know what happens next. I also want to add that I was sad that the stories were all short stories because I really want a big novel in this writing style. Deepti Menon did a tremendous job in such a small book, I must say!! I'm sure most of you all who have read this would have the same opinion.
Sunshine – happiness, and laughter. Nights – mysterious, beautiful, dreams – and the hope of sunshine the next morning. Somewhere in between lie the soothing shades of a tree – our most cherished relationships and fond memories. But this interplay of sunshine and the darkness of night can also turn into shadows – our worst nightmares. The shadows can make us see phantoms, or they can make us perform unimaginable acts.
This book by Deepti is an anthology of nine short stories exploring these shadows in human relationships. Not all the stories have crime as central theme in soured relationships. A few of them only have relationships as the theme, with hopes for a better future.
But almost all of them have one thing in common – they have a twist in the end. Much as I thought that I had understood the story, and the eventual outcome, I was proven wrong in all the stories. And the last story...
Well I do not want to give you the spoiler. Read the stories.
"Where shadows follow" by deepti menon This book is short stories collection and a quick read. There are 8 stories in the book all are diffrent but interesting. 1.A MAN OF HABIT 2.HOW BLUE IS MY SAPPHIRE! 3.IN THE WAKE OF LOVE 4.THE LADY IN WHITE 5.HAPPILY, EVER AFTER? 6.PUT OUT THE LIGHT! 7.SMOKE AND MIRRORS 8.TIME IN A BOTTLE These stories are thrilling and so good. I am just sad now it ended too soon because i wanted to know more and dig deep... All the time it felt like i am a ghost who was standing there while all of it was happening. I know these are short stories but every time a story ended i wanted to know more and i was just keep asking myself. what will happen after that? Still wanna know but have to live with these questions now And it that kind of books you always want to recommend and can't describe the feeling. Most of the time you just have pick up the book because that book is interesting and let me ask do you really want another reason to read a book ? Totally worth reading 😊
I recently read the book "Where Shadows Follow" by Deepti Menon, that is a short story anthology. This book consists of 8 stories. I particularly liked the stories 'In The Wake Of Love' and 'Smoke and Mirrors' from the book.
The stories have been written in a simple writing style. The narratives delve into themes of human emotions, interspersed with surprise elements, and feature suspense and mystery. The characters have been well crafted. The climax of most of the stories also packs a punch.
After reading this book, I will also read the author's other short story book "Shadows Never Lie", as I liked how the author has written the short stories with twists and turns. This is a nice read for readers interested in short stories from the thriller genre.
The book where shadows follow is a collection of 8 short stories each different but the common connection between them is its thriller genre.
When I started reading it, I was hooked with the first story and didn't think it was a short story collection and was disappointed when the first story ended. The next story didn't intrigue me, later I realized that I had liked all the odd number stories than the even number. The Lat story I believe is just added for addition as it doesn't fall into the genre.
After finishing the book, I keep going back to the first. Overall enjoyed reading it
This little literary thriller with perfect pacing, engrossing plots and unexpected twists will leave you gasping for more. The references from classics added another subtle layer to the enthralling stories.
Deepti has this unique style of combining literary elements with deliciously dark and wicked plot lines. The stories are impactful and memorable. My favourite tales in the collection are 'The Man of Habit' and 'How Blue is my Sapphire'. Looking forward to the author's next book.