Dakhma

by K. Hari Kumar

A new city. A new home. A new life. Things seem perfect ... for a while.

A pregnant Anahita moves in to an apartment in Malabar Hill with her husband, eager to begin a new phase in her life. Unfortunately, nothing goes as expected and Anahita witnesses things she cannot explain..

After sunset, a presence makes itself known in a manner that leaves Anahita terrified–but determined to find answers. Her search leads to Parizaad: a woman who haunted by phenomena she believed to be linked to a tower of silence, or Dakhma, that is deeply affected by environmental changes.

As Anahita wades further into the mystery around the life and death of Parizaad, she uncovers a devastating secret that threatens many lives.

A spine-chilling psychological thriller that takes horror from the isolated haunted mansion in the woods to the heart of a big city!

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Mystery, India

280 pages, Paperback

First published November 24, 2021

About the author

K. Hari Kumar is a celebrated author, screenwriter and filmmaker. He has authored 9 bestselling books with HarperCollins, including Daiva, Naaga, India’s Most Haunted and Dakini. He has penned the screenplay of Bhram, E and has appeared as a speaker on popular podcasts like The Ranveer Show, Dostcast, Speaking Tree, HT Smartcast, Aajtak, Radio One, etc. He currently hosts CHATURYA – THE FOURTH STATE, the trending Youtube Channel, where he explores fascinating tales and concepts from Indic Puranas, regional folklore, spirituality and global mythology.

K Hari Kumar's collection of horror short stories, India's Most Haunted - Tales of Terrifying Places, published by HarperCollins India is one of the highest selling horror story books in India. The Times Of India deemed it as a must-read horror book, and it was also listed in HarperCollins India’s hundred best books written by Indian authors. The Malayalam translation of India’s Most Haunted was published as Indiayile Prethalayangal by Mathrubhumi Books in March 2022. The book will be soon translated into Hindi as well.

Hari has been honoured with invitations to speak on his expertise at prestigious events such as Times Literature festival (Bangalore & Delhi), DAV United Literature Festival (Gurgaon & Delhi), Kumaon Literature Festival (Dhanacholi), Lit-O-Mania (Mumbai), and IISc’s Literature Festival (Bangalore). His insights have garnered attention from leading national newspapers, television channels, and podcasts, including the renowned The Ranveer Show that features India's top writers and film personalities.

Reviews

[Tiyas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes you read a book and simply wish to move on. There's not much that you have to say about it. 'Dakhma' is one such read for me.

The author, K. Hari Kumar, has a cute little nickname. He's affectionately referred to as K. 'Horror' Kumar by his fans and colleagues. (Yep, I did roll my eyes hard; it has given rise to a searing headache.) Besides the authorship, he seemingly has several writing credits for lukewarm Indian horror projects to his name. (See 'Bhram' on Zee5. Anyone remember that show?)

And, honestly, it reflects in the book. 'Dakhma' is a fairly cinematic read. For my part, it was a book that I finished in one sitting after a very long time. It's a readable book. I'll give it all the necessary points for readability. But beyond that, it's pretty banal. Predictable, mostly. Twists that I could see coming from a mile away, which works out mildly as a racy thriller. But as a horror, however? Eh!
 
You might like it. You might hate it. I will forget all about it by the next month or two. That's a given. Goodbye.
 
(2.5/5 || July, 2024)

[Aarti Arora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dakhma is a tense psychological thriller that keeps you turning the pages and, it’s indeed a riveting tale by K. Hari Kumar.

The author presents an engaging & petrifying thriller story in Dakhma. Politics, sexual assault, power of media, the influence of power, mental illness are some of the themes of this novel.
The story often shifts back to the past of Anahita that affects Anahita to date. It is not a story of one character, rather the story takes all the characters with it forming compelling sub-plots.

Hari has carefully crafted the story keeping intact all the facts related to Zoroastrianism and schizophrenia. This story is filled with twists, and it keeps its readers hooked till the last page. The author’s writing style is delightful

The tone of the novel is eerie and strange, setting the right mood for the plot. I am impressed by the acute characterization. Each character’s psyche and actions are very well established. The past scenarios are perfectly aligned with the present. And apart from all this, the author has provided a satisfactory and mystified ending.

Read the full review on:
https://readreactreview21.wordpress.c...

[Harshita Nanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dakhma is a psychological thriller with elements of horror thrown in the mix. There is a slow buildup where the author lays the foundation of Anahita’s mental state. Anahita’s story has sufficient twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and unable to close the book until done. The reader is kept guessing as to what is real, what is hallucination and what is paranormal. And this is what makes Dakhma a riveting read.
You can read my full review here https://undecidedindubai.wordpress.co...

[Saswata Guha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Dakhma
Author: K. Hari Kumar
Publisher: Harper Collins India
Published: 2021
Genre: Fiction-Horror
ISBN: 9789354890628
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Introduction:

Dakhma by K. Hari Kumar is a chilling psychological horror set against the bustling urban landscape of Mumbai. The novel follows Anahita and Varun, a young couple who move into a luxurious apartment in Malabar Hill, ready to begin a new life together. However, a dark presence soon unsettles their dreams, drawing Anahita into an eerie, supernatural mystery connected to the ancient Tower of Silence (Dakhma). In blending psychological horror with Indian cultural elements, Dakhma stands as a unique entry in the horror genre, drawing readers into an immersive and spine-tingling experience.

Character Development:

Kumar's character work shines in Dakhma, with Anahita's journey serving as the novel’s psychological backbone. Initially portrayed as an optimistic woman eager to begin a new chapter with Varun, Anahita's life slowly unravels as she faces inexplicable occurrences. Her transformation from a joyful fiancée to a haunted figure battling both personal and supernatural fears feels grounded and credible. Her isolation intensifies as she realizes that those around her are either unwilling or unable to understand the malevolent force invading her life, making her growing obsession with the apartment’s dark history deeply impactful. Varun’s role as a partner who is skeptical but concerned adds a layer of tension, as his inability to comprehend the horror mirrors society’s general indifference toward unseen trauma.

Social Commentary:

Dakhma is more than a horror novel—it’s also a social commentary that subtly explores issues of urban isolation, societal pressure, and marginalization. The novel’s themes reflect on how fear and trauma are often dismissed or exploited for political gain, highlighting the societal pressures and alienation experienced by individuals facing such challenges. One powerful subplot touches on themes of hidden identities and societal repression, adding a layer of emotional depth that enhances the horror elements. Kumar’s handling of these social issues elevates the book, offering a critique on how society often ignores or exploits fears, whether supernatural or psychological.

Cultural Context and the Tower of Silence:

The Tower of Silence, or Dakhma, plays a central role in Dakhma, imbuing the novel with rich cultural and spiritual layers. This sacred structure, central to Zoroastrian practices, has long been a source of intrigue in Mumbai. Kumar expertly taps into this unique aspect of Indian culture, using it as a setting that simultaneously reveres and stirs fear. The book’s title is symbolic of the conflict between ancient cultural practices and modern development in Mumbai, reflecting the tension between spiritual beliefs and urban advancement. The use of the Dakhma as a focal point for horror amplifies the reader’s experience by blending Indian cultural mysticism with the supernatural.

Classical Horror Indianization:

Dakhma brings to mind classics such as Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House or Stephen King’s Pet Sematary, novels that root horror in familiar surroundings and then slowly twist the ordinary into the terrifying. Kumar has brilliantly “Indianized” this approach, taking the reader through the fast-paced urban jungle of Mumbai instead of remote or rural settings typically seen in horror. This choice not only brings horror closer to a contemporary Indian audience but also highlights the unique challenges of building suspense in a busy, populated city where the everyday chaos of life makes horror appear almost implausible. Yet Kumar masterfully weaves an atmosphere of dread, making the city’s streets, apartments, and spiritual landmarks part of the horror itself.

Writing Style and Pacing:

Kumar’s writing style is smooth, with a balance between descriptive passages and concise dialogue that keeps the reader on edge. His attention to detail in describing the city’s surroundings, Anahita’s mental deterioration, and the sinister happenings after sunset effectively creates a sense of foreboding. The novel’s pacing is steady, with each chapter building up the mystery and adding new twists that keep readers invested. Kumar’s choice to begin with a prologue and end with a chilling epilogue frames the novel beautifully, leaving readers with a haunting sense of completion. His prose captures the psychological torment of his characters while painting an atmospheric picture of Mumbai, making the horror feel both personal and inevitable.

Themes of Psychological Horror and Urban Isolation:

At its core, Dakhma excels as a psychological horror, focusing on Anahita’s unraveling psyche as she confronts the paranormal forces invading her life. Her journey into obsession and fear mirrors the isolation many feel in big cities, where one’s experiences can go unnoticed or even dismissed. Kumar amplifies this by situating the novel in Mumbai, a city known for its fast pace and crowded streets yet capable of leaving individuals feeling utterly alone. Anahita’s isolation becomes one of the book’s central horrors, as the supernatural forces prey on her vulnerability, making readers question whether the terror is truly paranormal or a manifestation of her deepest fears.

Conclusion:

In Dakhma, K. Hari Kumar has crafted an intelligent, multi-layered horror novel that transcends conventional horror tropes. With its insightful commentary on societal norms, its skillful weaving of Indian culture into a horror narrative, and its exploration of urban isolation and psychological terror, Dakhma is a standout work in contemporary horror literature. For those who appreciate slow-burn, deeply atmospheric horror with a psychological edge and relevant social themes, Dakhma is an absolute must-read. Kumar's masterful storytelling and his ability to instill horror within the heart of a bustling city make this book an unforgettable journey into the unknown.

If you liked my review, I would be grateful if you could show your support by following my Goodreads Profile, Blog and subscribing to my social media channels. Your engagement means a lot and helps me continue creating content that resonates with you. Thank you for your support and please do purchase the book from the link given below:

Book Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3YEkWRB

Blog Link: https://saswatabookreviews.blogspot.com/

Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/saswata_boo...

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/saswata.guha...

[Ruchi Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a novel of psychological thriller and horror genre. It’s more of a suspense element so I won’t discuss much as it will lead yo spoilers. The book started in 1999. The main location of it is Paradise heights, Mumbai. It started with the story of Parizaad. She wants to save her seven year old daughter from scavenger. Later on story shifted to 2019 timeline. Varun is shifting from Gurugram to Mumbai and he is excited because Anahita likes it. Anahita Anand was pregnant. But she wants to hide that from her husband as he needed time for baby. They shifted to Mumbai in an apartment in Malabar Hill. But nothing goes as expected. Anahita felt she had memories regarding Mehr. Few times she felt as if she had been here before or she was just imagining things. She was determined to find answers. Her search leads her to Parizaad who believed that she was haunted by Dakhma. Later on plot takes further twist. Read the book to unfold entire plot. I liked the plot. It has complete elements of suspense, drama, horror, etc. The narration style of the author is crisp and captivating. There are numerous twists that make the plot interesting. I started reading and couldn’t put it down. It was quite an interesting read.

[KarenMichelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky, thrilling

And oh so un-put-down-able.

Perfect for the horror lovers and those who prefer thrillers.

Very much enjoyed very much recommend

[Sukaina Majeed · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Dakhma written by K.Hari Kumar  starts from the end of a woman called Parizaad on a rainy stormy night.
Cut to 2019 we are sitting with Anahita who is struggling to tell the truth about her pregnancy to her husband Varun.
On the other hand Varun is an ambitious man who has started his company Tinsel which does PR for political parties where Varun aims to soar higher with his startup.
The story moves ahead as Anahita's husband gets an assignment with a political party in Mumbai and despite having sour memories of the city, Anahita has to move to Mumbai with her husband.
As she moves in her new flat, she hears of various stories of the woman who used to live there and Anahita might be mistaken but she feels there is a spirit around her in the flat of paradise heights.
What a wonderfully woven narrative which opens so many portals and yet keeps you engaged in the story.
The author explores themes of politics,power and the people who are behind it. The Public Relations Team.
Dakhma  also known as a Tower of Silence, is a circular, raised structure built by Zoroastrians for excarnation is a beautiful metaphor of the book keeping in lieu the story and it's various elements.
The author also writes about journalism and its impact on various lives and explores the soul of journalism and who have set out to make a change through media. 
Hari Kumar who is also known as horror Kumar doesn't miss out on bringing out the horror within the human and otherwise which bring the thrills to this psychological thriller.
There is a eerie smog and an even eerier past that comes with Anahita and the way the author joins the missing elements is something you can not miss out on.
As we get to know more about Anahita, we also observe the society's attitude towards an individual who is diagnosed with a mental illness.
The character sketches of every character is something that will keep you invested in the story and the character.
Knowing every character's is not black and white brings the mysterious and spine chilling feeling in the narrative.
Every ten pages one gets to know the real intention of the character and the writer gives a beautiful arc to each one of them.
There is a character I am not telling me you about because once you read about it,it is then that things start unfolding and you get to know more about our protagonist Anahita. The author has to be commended on the way they have researched about the Zorastrian religion and it's minute details which are integral to the plot.Dakhma is not only a psychological thriller but also a story of a woman,a lover,of a mother and of the various ways voices can be muted by powerful people for their own selfish reasons.

.

[Siddhant Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are horror stories, and then there are stories that send a chill down your spine, and Dakhma belongs to the second category. The book is a wonderful experience in storytelling and the art of writing a horror story that is chilling yet is devoid of the conventional bells and whistles. From the very first page, Hari manages to draw the reader in, and keeps them hooked till you turn the last page. The primary plot of the story has multiple threads that keep weaving a tale that has horror, politics, and a side of religion, and yet the endgame is surprising until the moment it comes up in the story. The language is simple, easy to understand, and is told in a gripping manner, that keeps the interest alive. Another interesting aspect that I noticed were the reality-adjacent events that help you visualize places and locations, and that adds a wonderful dimension to the story. The climax is excellent and the way the different elements come together to close this story (I hope), was a surprise and I was in awe in the way things changed.

Coming to the characters, the people who are a part of this story have been created in exquisite detail. When you turn the last page, you realize the amount of work the author would have had to do on the characters to create this complex web that connected so many of them, in so much detail. Anahita’s character is a deeply emotional character, one that has deep ties to the story, and I loved how Hari uses multiple events in her past to set up the character arc and at the same time talk about how trauma affects us. Mehr’s character was another surprise and the way she changes from a side character to a main one was interesting to read.

Overall, Dakhma is a story that I would urge you to read, even if you skirt away from the genre, for the brilliant storytelling and a lesson in how to hook a reader between the pages of a book. Be it the cover, the content, the story, the language, or the overall feeling of experiencing the story, the book hits a perfect score for me on all counts.

[AANVI WRITES · Rating 5 out of 5]

This I my first book from this author and I'm glad I was not disappointed. I had expected a good plot with a horror elements thrown here and there. It was not only a great read but was an unputdownable one which left me wanting for more....

Coming back to the book, its a psychological thriller which is ruled by the horror component, that gives the readers a series of thrilling shivers. The story revolves around Anahita,our protagonist who shifts with her husband Varun to an apartment in Malabar Hill. They are eager to live in bliss in their New phase of life, but things don't go as expected and Anahita encounters some creepy incidents in her new apartment. She finds herself in a state of confusion, unable to decide if it is reality or hallucination. Also the memories of her school friend Mehr and the thought of being in that place before starts haunting her. Thus begins her quest to find answers which leads her to Dakhma and Parizaad. What is Dakhma? What does she find out forms the story...

The author has done a good amount of research especially the facts related to Zoroastrianism. As he takes the story forward, the twists and turns along with the term Bruja Shamana being introduced to us gives a edge of the seat moment. The Vulture episode is something that gives me goose bumps. Each character has been designed to hold a mystery for the reader to unfold. The climax has been planned perfectly with no open ends as all the characters and elements of horror are revealed to close the story in away that left me awestruck. The descriptive narration gives an imagery of the events and transforms one to the scene.

Overall a riveting read for the fans of horror fiction....

[Ritu | Bohemian Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

A psychological thriller with a generous dose of horror. This is a book that hooks you from the word go and does not let go. There were sure some goosebump moments.

If you enjoy books from the horror genre, Dakhma is a perfect read. Read it in one sitting and quite enjoyed it. Highly recommended.

[Greeva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Physiological thriller and suspense with the Great plot line and some horror touch. Like I completed it in 1 sitting. Must readdddd✨️✨️🤌🏽

[Aseema Sulakhe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written psychological thriller with a simple premise and well done characters. Loved this one!

[AYUSH KUMAR · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story mainly revolves around a married couple ( Anahita & Varun ), Varun is running a business ( TINSEL ) related to politics, and the primary function is to create a PR team for political parties on the other hand ANAHITA is a very fearful lady because of some incidents that happened with her in past.

Anahita started feeling some occultness when she and her husband shifted to their new apartment gifted by "BHAU" in Malabar Hills.

This is my first Indian psychological thriller book read and I must say that this book is very gripping, spine-chilling, and intense as the story revolves around politics & journalism.

As I don't like paranormal and occult-related books and I am new to it, so as a new reader I like this book and honestly Harikumar has done a great job.

I recommend this book to all new readers who want to read light horror books.

[Namita Das · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gripping psychological thriller pulls you into a haunting tale set in the bustling city of Mumbai. The suspense builds masterfully, and Anahita’s journey is filled with eerie twists as she uncovers chilling secrets. It is a must-read for horror fans who enjoy a blend of urban mystery and supernatural terror.

[Shaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book I would normally pick up and read. However I was on a trip, walked into a bookstore and saw this book. I was intrigued, somehow and decided that I should read it. I started reading well after I returned. It started a little slow, I had to get into this book and well after a while when the story finally got a good pace, some elements where really predictable for me. The one thing that I did not see coming was the twist at the very end... All I can think about is there a part two? I would love to read more!

[Tarun Sen · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 Book Review: Dakhma by K. Hari Kumar

✨ First Impressions
My first venture into K. Hari Kumar's world of horror fiction, *Dakhma*, left me spellbound! I went in expecting a gripping thriller with sprinkles of horror, but what I got was a psychological masterpiece that had me hooked from start to finish.

🌟 The Plot
Set amidst the vibrant chaos of Mumbai, *Dakhma* explores the lives of Anahita and Varun, a couple eager to begin a new chapter in their Malabar Hill apartment. Their joy, however, is short-lived as Anahita begins to encounter eerie, unexplainable phenomena. The narrative takes a dark turn as Anahita's past memories and the mysterious connection to a Tower of Silence (Dakhma) come to light.

- Central Mystery: What is the Dakhma? How is it linked to Anahita's haunting experiences?
- Key Themes: Zoroastrian culture, urban isolation, psychological trauma, and societal indifference.

💡 Highlights
1. Rich Cultural Context:
- The story delves into Zoroastrianism, specifically the Towers of Silence, blending Indian cultural mysticism with horror. This unique backdrop adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.

2. Psychological Depth:
- Anahita’s mental struggles, her sense of isolation, and the tension in her relationship with Varun amplify the horror elements.

3. Eerie Atmosphere:
- Kumar’s vivid descriptions transport readers to the dimly lit apartment corridors and haunting night-time events. The imagery of vultures circling the Dakhma is particularly goosebump-inducing.

4. Characterization:
- Every character holds a piece of the puzzle, and their development is layered and intricate.

5. Masterful Climax:
- The ending ties all threads together, offering a satisfying and chilling resolution.

✍ Writing Style
Kumar’s writing is a perfect balance of descriptive and concise, making the book both immersive and fast-paced. His ability to evoke fear through subtle psychological cues rather than overt horror is commendable.

🌌 Themes Explored
- Urban Loneliness: The bustling city of Mumbai contrasts sharply with Anahita's growing isolation.
- Cultural vs. Modern Tensions: The story examines how ancient traditions clash with modern urban life.
- Psychological Trauma: Anahita’s descent into paranoia and fear mirrors the stigma and neglect surrounding mental health.

👀 Why You Should Read This
If you’re a fan of psychological horror with cultural depth, *Dakhma* is a must-read. It’s a tale that lingers, making you question the line between reality and hallucination.

📚 Rating
🌟🌟🌟🌟 (4/5)

🎯 Perfect For
- Fans of atmospheric horror like *The Haunting of Hill House*.
- Readers interested in stories rooted in Indian culture and folklore.
- Those who enjoy a slow-burn thriller with a satisfying payoff.

🔖 Final Thoughts
K. Hari Kumar’s *Dakhma* isn’t just a horror novel—it’s a blend of psychological intrigue, cultural exploration, and deeply unsettling supernatural elements. It’s a haunting tale that stays with you long after you turn the last page.

---

[Armani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this book as the author is known as a great horror storyteller. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. The book moves very slow, I felt many scenes dragged on unnecessarily. Although everything connects together towards the end, many details felt so unnecessary. The character anahita, as we follow her as readers, often goes on and on in her mind about many things but this does not pull the plot forward in any way. We read of her delusions and hallucinations but it was nothing extravagant and nothing that I would classify as a “page turner.” I honestly only continued through these portions of the book because I didn’t like her husband character, and wanted to see if she breaks free from the horrendous relationship. I often found myself having to put the book down because I get bored of waiting for the “point” of scenes.

Overall it’s an okay read. Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. Lots of the “plot twists” were predictable, but I did appreciate the foreshadowing throughout the book. I just wish it went faster, it really felt like the world building/background part of the book took too long. When it finally got interesting, there was little of the book left to even read. I wish more of the revelations and twists were sprinkled throughout the book rather than condensed to the last 10 pages.

[Sagar Chamoli · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars



Going by the positive reviews, I had high expectations from this book, but honestly, it didn’t quite live up to them.

The story revolves around a woman named Anitha who moves from Gurugram to Mumbai with her husband and settles into a new apartment. She is already dealing with psychological trauma stemming from her childhood and hopes that the change of place will bring some peace or renewal. Unfortunately, things don’t turn out as expected. Soon after moving in, Anitha begins to experience a supernatural presence connected to a mysterious woman named Parizad. As these encounters intensify, Anitha starts digging deeper to uncover the truth behind the apparitions.

While the book is fairly well-written and the premise is interesting, my main issue lies with its predictability. The author attempts to introduce twists at regular intervals, but the major revelations can be guessed far too early. This significantly reduces the suspense, which is a crucial element in a story like this.

Overall, it didn’t leave a strong impression on me & for that reason, it’s a pass from me.

[GenevieveAudrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dakhma was a passable read. Not great, mostly bland. 

The story of a career obsessed Varun who ignores his timid, troubled wife, Anahita, in the pursuit of making money and a name for himself. They move to Mumbai, into a haunted apartment where Anahita's symptoms worsen and her mental health starts to deteriorate further.
There's a best friend (Mehr) and a cartoon villain straight out of a Bollywood movie. 

There's a history between Anahita and Mehr that is hinted at for most of the book. You can guess what it is pretty easily. In fact, the twists in Dakhma are rather predictable. You'll see them coming a mile away.

I guess this worked better as a mystery as opposed to a horror as it's described. There was nothing that was truly scary here.

The one thing that was intriguing in the story was the Parsi burial rite of leaving the dead on a dakhma to be devoured by vultures. I'd have liked to learn more about that.

The ending came across as somewhat rushed with all's well that ends well.

K. Hari Kumar's books are now, sadly, 2 for 0 for me. 

[Awhona K.G. Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely riveting novel- this is a well crafted psychological thriller with elements of horror, mystery, suspense, murder, Indian politics, environmental awareness, queerness(LGBTQ+) & love. The plot spins around our lead protagonist - Anahita, who is pregnant & has just recently moved with her husband Varun to their new apartment in the Malabar Hills. Little does she know about the hauntings here & things start getting eerie soon! Meandering between the past & present, Anahita starts experiencing a new kind of trauma where her hallucinations & the hauntings blur the line of reality & she finally has to deep dive into the mystery of the apartment's past which is tragically connected to the missing links of her life & memory which she lost after a fatal accident when she was just seven years old! Along with her ex-Lover, Anahita finds herself putting together, the fragments of the vast mystery in front of her - till she arrives at the root of the hauntings - which is directly connected to the "Dakhma" - "The Tower Of Silence" . A thorougly enjoyable read - the plot kept me hooked till the last page! Would be delighted to know if this would continue as a duology!

[Review with Sohini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect background research to keep you at the edges.
📖 Several emotions summed up and landed into a deadly combo.
📖 Smooth narration with gripping penned thoughts.
📖 Would never be able to guess what's going to come next.
📖 Mixture of all kinds of genres more or less but majorly horror.
📖 The author talks about some important issues such as How people prioritises anything over Mental Health which is ignored at its peak, Corruption, Political Agendas, the dangers of Manipulation, Paranormal beliefs.
🔘 Last but not least, for the story, revelations in between, such a gripping and entertaining tale, the ending oh my God- I just couldn't digest what the hell happened at the very end. If you've read, you know what I'm talking about.

[Namrita Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book opens with the tragic deaths of Parizaad and her seven-year-old daughter in apartment 7E at Paradise Heights in Mumbai. While initially deemed a suicide, Parizaad's death was actually a murder, a mystery that remains unsolved.

Years later, Anahita, unaware of the apartment's dark past, moves into the very same unit with her husband Varun, who has secured a job in Mumbai with Bhau, a local politician. Anahita struggles with health issues, including anxiety, hallucinations, and other trauma. As she settles into the apartment, she experiences eerie and inexplicable events that blur the line between reality and illusion.

This psychological thriller is spine-chilling and captivating. I was drawn to the book by its intriguing title, and it lived up to its promise. While I enjoyed the read and found the cover visually striking, I felt the story could have been even more engaging. The writing style was excellent, and overall, I liked the book.

[lazygirllore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is about a woman battling PTSD, a judgmental society, arrogant men, inner demons… and actual haunting stuff. The author? Total storyteller. I felt like I lived the story—that’s how cinematic it was. The characters had depth, the plot was tight, and the climax? Sharp (though I wish it had just a bit more oomph ⚡). Still, it delivered.

The horror-thriller blend in an Indian setting? So well done. Creepy but emotional. Dark but real. Loved that balance.

Do I call it a favourite? Not in the traditional sense.
But memorable? Absolutely.

[Amritha Srinath Booksngupshups · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute nail-biting thriller! Dakhma by K. Hari Kumar by far is one of the best psychological thriller books, I have ever read.

[PRANATHI S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot was refreshing, a blend of horror, mystery, politics and psychology.

[Anunay Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

DAKHMA is an extremely by-the-numbers psychological cum supernatural thriller that's really predictable but remains engaging for the most part due to its fine writing.

[Abhishek Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a good horror novel from India.