Soul Cosmic by Himani

📚 About the Author

Abhirup Dhar is a Kolkata-born bestselling author who has lived across various cities and towns in India.

He began his writing journey with books like Once Again… With Love! and Stories Are Magical, after which he delved into horror fiction with Hold That Breath! — a book that topped the Amazon bestseller charts for months and was listed among its Best Reads.

His subsequent horror novels The Belvoirbrooke Haunting and Hold That Breath: 2 also became Amazon chart-toppers. Dhar has earned recognition from across the creative world — including endorsement by renowned filmmaker Vikram Bhatt.

His non-fiction paranormal work Ghost Hunter: Gaurav Tiwari (first published by Westland) was a phenomenal success and is being adapted into a major web series titled Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery, produced by some of the biggest names in the Indian film industry, and set to release in 2025. The project was endorsed and acquired by film producer Sunil Bohra even before the book’s release.

Abhirup Dhar’s works have received numerous awards and critical acclaim. They are also being actively represented and considered for multiple screen adaptations.

• Mid-Day calls him “the most acclaimed name in Indian Horror Writing.”
• Zee5 says he is “the biggest Indian horror writer in the country and one of the most renowned authors who keeps us holding our breath.”
• The Times of India describes him as “a distinguished figure in the realm of horror literature, celebrated for his mastery of the genre.”

His horror anthology Hauntings (Rupa Publications) topped the charts, and Ghost Hunter: Gaurav Tiwari was republished by Rupa as well, setting benchmarks in the Indian horror genre.

Karma, published by Om Books International, is Dhar’s ninth book and continues his legacy of emotionally resonant, unsettling fiction.

Having personally read all of Abhirup Dhar’s books, I can truly say his writing always leaves an impact — stories that stay with you, long after the last page is turned.

📝 Blurb of the Book

Set in an isolated house in Darjeeling, Karma is a story told through two timelines:
1985 – Anuradha and Arnab move into a lonely house with their young son Ricky. At first, it seems like a peaceful retreat. But strange, inexplicable events begin to disturb their reality — especially for Ricky.
2016 – Parapsychologist Karma and his partner Sakshi arrive at the same house, only to find the past waiting for them.

The story is an exploration of actions and consequences, a haunting reminder that Karma always finds its way back, even across decades.

🌟 Star Rating: 4/5

I would give Karma a strong 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a horror novella that delivers beyond just fright — it offers mood, depth, and emotional connection with its characters and themes.

🏆 Verdict

If you’re looking for a horror story that’s more psychological than graphic, more soul-stirring than scream-inducing, then Karma is for you.

It’s not a typical haunted house tale — it’s a story where human emotion, grief, and memory walk hand in hand with the supernatural. You’ll feel the chill, yes — but you’ll also feel something deeper.

📝 Review

Let’s start with the cover — a gorgeous and unsettling combination of red, mystery, and bold typography. The color immediately hints at something intense, and the title — Karma — is enough to make you curious. After all, who hasn’t been touched by Karma in real life?

Having read all of Abhirup Dhar’s books, I knew I was in for something gripping, but Karma still managed to surprise and scare me — and that says something.

The Prologue truly deserves a shoutout. It instantly gave me goosebumps and sent a chill down my spine. That one scene set the tone for the entire story — spooky, suspenseful, and impossible to ignore. Honestly, I couldn’t stop reading after that!

What makes Dhar’s horror so powerful is its realism. The events, the people, the emotional depth — they feel so close to reality that the fear doesn’t leave you easily. It stays with you even after you’ve closed the book.

Confession time? 😅
After reading just a few chapters, I had to keep my teddy bear next to me while sleeping — and I’m not even joking!
And this time, Karma took it a step further. I actually felt scared looking at the mirror while combing my hair. That quiet fear… that subtle sense of being watched… that’s what this book does to you.

The Darjeeling setting plays a crucial role in the story. The fog, the eerie silence, the remote hills — all beautifully captured. You can feel the setting as if you’re walking through the halls of that house yourself.

The dual timeline structure works wonderfully.

• The 1985 track with Ricky is emotional and disturbing.
• The 2016 track with Karma and Sakshi adds suspense and mystery.

There’s no need for flashy horror when the atmosphere itself is terrifying — and that’s Dhar’s true strength. He lets the story breathe and unfold gradually.

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⚠️ Drawback

The only slight drawback? I wish there was more depth to Karma and Sakshi’s relationship. Their characters are intriguing, but a little more backstory would’ve made their bond feel richer.

Also, if you’re someone who prefers fast-paced horror, be ready for a slow-burn psychological approach instead — this book demands your patience and pulls you in gradually.

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💬 Final Take

Karma is a deeply immersive, chilling, and emotionally powerful novella that will stay with you.

If you love atmospheric horror, emotional storytelling, and books that make you reflect even after you’re done — this one’s a must-read.

✨ The prologue gives you goosebumps. The story keeps you hooked. The after-effects? Hauntingly real.
And yes… maybe sleep with the lights on. Or at least, keep your teddy nearby. 🧸👻