Dakhma

Spook-o-Meter Rating: 4/5It was the title - Dakhma - that caught my attention. I admit, I had to Google to understand what it meant. Google told me that it's - 'the tower of silence: Parsi funerary tower erected on a hill for the disposal of the dead according to the Zoroastrian rite'. Well, my interest was naturally piqued as I wondered how a writer would weave a psych-thriller around a funeral site? And, boy, the author did it eloquently and how! The prologue got me hooked as it was successful in building enough suspense to make me turn the page and pick up the book.The protagonist - Anahita - a pregnant woman troubled with the demons of her past that seem to be haunting her present made quite an impression on me. How she navigates through a new phase in her life amidst her debilitating mental health is well presented. The story proceeds in vignettes of Anahita's past and present and all of these episodes come together and make sense towards the second half. Don't want to sound like a psychopath and give out the cold, gory imagery, but the way Anahita's mental health crumbles in some chapters - thoroughly enjoyed it!The other characters - Varun (Anahita's ambitious, and distant husband), Mehrab Hussain (the fiery investigative journalist and Anahita's best friend), Bhau (the regular shrewd politician), Keshav (the loyal driver), the scavenger and Parizaad - all are quite well-fleshed out. You can easily feel some emotion for every character. Set in the crowded city of Mumbai, the story keeps you engrossed. Some chapters in the book describe intense atmosphere enough to pamper our imagination.There were certain aspects I was curious about, though. For instance, I had expected some spooky scenes inside a Dakhma. But the story sticks to how the funeral site is affected by the environmental changes and how Anahita's story revolves around it. The chapters are short, language is fluid, and the story ends with a cliff-hanger. You end up wishing the author had added a few more chapters.Horror, psych-thrillers anything and everything macabre, for some reason, have always been my escape. And yes, this book is a treat and a gripping read for horror and thriller nerds like me.P.S: Just for kicks, google the image of alveolar sac when it first appears in the book. Trust me, you will enjoy the book more after that.

Having read Hari Kumar's previous books, I had high expectations from Dakhma too. It exceeded the expectations. The book is a mixed bag of various issues and genres but primarily horror and none of it seems forced. What I like about Kumar's writing is that his stories are backed by a good amount of research and it reflects in his narrative. To write a convincing thread of events, the non horror elements in a horror novel, is tough as it has to be as interesting as the horror elements to keep the readers engaged. He flawlessly achieved it in the book.Waiting for his next!!!

I ordered this book just out of curiosity to understand whats “Dakhma”. The title seemed interesting. I love horror and the author made sure that you crave to know “What happens Next” in this book. Loved reading it. This was my first Horror themed book that I read and I ditched Netflix to read it. I guess I’ll be reading more books.

This is a book that hooks you from the word go and does not let on. 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.

Okay

K Hari Kumar is an amazing writer in the horror genre. Dakhma is his latest offering and he has proven his worth yet again. It mixes a good bit of horror with thriller. You will keep reading till you find the truth.

I guess it's K Hari Kumar's Tour de force moment in writing ...It keeps you at the edge of your seat ( read bed) , an absolute page turner. The chapters are short and accentuated by razor sharp writing...And that cliffhanger ending ..! A sequel is waiting somewhere...

You are indeed an awesome writer with a wonder pen. Like the approach and the twist of the story. I am reading it slowly being a miser. Don't want it to fi ish fast. I know being dumb. Waiting for more work from you. Collected handful.. Wanting too

And oh so un-put-down-able.Perfect for the horror lovers and those who prefer thrillers.Very much enjoyed very much recommend