Book review: Dakini by K Hari Kumar
Title: Dakini
Author: K. Hari Kumar
Genre: Fiction/ Horror
Pages: 368
Publisher: Harper Collins
The name sounds scary and so does the cover. However is it a horror book?
When I picked up this book, I thought of it as a horror story. However it's more of a mystery book, the suspense of which will keep you glued to the book till the end.
The tale starts with a gory picture. However when you proceed further, you realise that it's a very practical setting, which is totally relatable. An international journalist, who had been on a sabbatical because of personal reasons decides to take up an unconventional project. She hires an intern and travels to the town of Birpur, a traditional village, inhabited by tribals and devoid of any modern amenities or education or even mobile signal. Initially, the crude customs and archaic beliefs of the residents are a little bit too much for her. However as a gory murder takes place, she realises that she's is in grave trouble as the life of her assistant and herself is in danger. But she decides to stay back, like a true journalist, to get to the bottom of the serial murders and for the sake of the life of an innocent woman.
I won't be divulging any details so as not to reveal any spoilers. However I would like to share that this story is a combination of thrill, gore, horror and mystery. There is a fair dose of paranormal environment as well. The protagonist Mamta, is clairvoyant and she is able to visualise the murders even before they take place.
This book is such a desirable departure from the usual fiction books I read. It's a very novel idea which combines folklore, blind superstitions, corruption, crime and faith. The protagonist Mamta Mathews is an orphan, who had been brought up in a Catholic orphanage. The father figure of her life was the clergyman Simon.
Mamta was a pro in her field and an internationally renowned journalist. Her life took a beating when she had to face a devastating miscarriage. She sunk into PTSD after that and had to take a break from journalism. Her personal life and her career was in shambles but most importantly, it was her wish for motherhood that had shattered.
So when her erstwhile boss offers her this challenging job of uncovering the truth of the people of Birpur, she couldn't resist. What starts as a crude tale of tribal people turns into a gory murder mystery.
Read this book for thrill and faith. You will be rooting till the end to unravel the mystery, the truth behind the inhuman killings and the true identity of Mamta Mathews. The narration is fantastic with excellent scene description. I loved the writing style of Hari Kumar.
Rating: 4.5/5
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21 comments
This book sounds really interesting! Definitely giving this a read!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy psychological thrillers, and your take on the storytelling and atmosphere has me intrigued. It’s great how you highlighted the balance between horror and mythology—definitely not a combination we see every day. Adding this to my TBR for when I’m in the mood for a hauntingly good read!
ReplyDeleteIt's a very interesting review, indeed. You didn't share much and have me asking for more. So, I might reach out and grab a copy.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good read, murders in a village and old customs. Quite a bit of inner and outer exploration. Bookmarked it.
ReplyDeleteThriller - This word is enough for a reader like me to atleast check and find out how the book is and when the review is from a reader like you on whom I can surely bank upon it gurantees the book is worth a read. I will definately read it out.
ReplyDeleteDakini as the title itself intresting. Thrilling and suspense is my favourite thing. I liked your review. This book will definitely in my reading list.
ReplyDeleteI have come across this book online so many times but always gave it a pass because of the title Dakini. Honestly, I assumed it would be a super scary read. However, your review mentioning it’s a murder mystery has completely changed my perspective. Your review has definitely made me rethink.
ReplyDeleteHorror isn't my cup of tea! I am gladly skipping this one
ReplyDeleteI guess I will skip this though your review was very interesting. I don't enjoy horror . I like mystery though and you have said it veers more into it.
ReplyDeleteThis review was such an engaging read! Your insights into Dakini made me curious to check it out. Love how you captured its intensity—definitely adding it to my reading list!
ReplyDeleteThe book indeed sounds very interesting - I really like the horror and thriller genre. For some reason the cover and background reminded me of the movie chudail.
ReplyDeleteI love your review. You've managed to give away nothing yet something to tease my reader buds! I think I'm going to put it into my TBR.
ReplyDeleteI was expecting full-on horror, but it seems like the mystery and suspense really take the spotlight. The whole remote village setting and the journalist’s journey to uncover the truth seem like they’ll keep you hooked. Definitely adding this to my reading list.
ReplyDelete-Anjali
This review has me intrigued! I love how you highlighted the mix of thriller, horror, and mystery, it sounds like a gripping read. The setup of a village haunted by eerie occurrences reminded me a bit of Stree! Loved reading your review.
ReplyDeleteI must say the Title was scary and actually deterred from picking it up. I love thrillers like this and you have done full justice to the book covering so many different aspects of it in your review.
ReplyDeleteDakini means witch, right? Great to know that it is a psychological thriller and unravels a mystery at the climax. I am marking this one for sure.
ReplyDeleteMy booksta friends have been behind my life for reading Hari's books. Your 4.5/5 rating is tempting me to finally give it a try. I must confess though that horror isn't my preferred genre coz I'm a fatoo and that's why I've been avoiding his books. Maybe I should come out of my comfort zone a bit and take the plunge.. let's see
ReplyDeleteI have read interesting reviews about this book, so I'm guessing it's a good one. I don't enjoy thrillers much, so I'm just wondering if I should get this one or not. But, I must add that this is a well written review.
ReplyDeleteI cannot for the life of me, read horror. But your review makes the book interesting for me. A 4.5 stars is a great star rating and I might just pick it up. Lovely pictures between! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's been a while since I've read a book with a touch of horror. The cover is scary indeed but I'll take my chances. Thanks for no spoilers. Adding it to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteOh wow the blurb seems very interesting will check this out
ReplyDelete