In The Drowning, Nidhi Upadhyay writes a darkly hypnotic tale of loss, betrayal, and sinister forces. From a mother shattered by grief to an investigator uncovering unthinkable horrors, this thriller grips you with its blend of crime and the supernatural. Published by Penguin Ebury Press, it promises a journey into human fears and ancient evils.
What makes The Drowning impossible to put down?
The first thing you notice when you pick up The Drowning is its unrelenting grip on your attention. Nidhi Upadhyay knows how to create an atmosphere thick with suspense and dread, and it is evident from the first chapter. The opening scene—a grief-stricken Viji holding the lifeless body of her best friend Neha’s baby—throws you headfirst into a chilling mystery. The image is haunting and immediately raises questions: What happened? Why is Viji silent? Where is Neha?
But this book is not just about shocking events; it is about the emotional resonance they carry. Upadhyay ensures you are not just a passive observer. You feel Viji’s despair, Kanika’s determination, and the creeping unease of something much darker lurking behind the scenes. The story strikes a balance between intense revelations and quieter moments that allow you to absorb the enormity of what is unfolding. Especially the way it goes back and forth in time. One moment you are in the present. The next, the author takes you back in time, further deepening the suspense in the story.
Beyond the core mystery, it is Upadhyay’s ability to make you care about her characters that sets The Drowning apart. Whether it is Viji’s heart-wrenching silence or Kanika’s dogged pursuit of the truth, you’re invested in their fates. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, a twist upends your expectations.
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Can grief lead to horror?
Grief is a central theme in The Drowning, and Nidhi Upadhyay explores it with a sensitivity that is rare in thrillers. Viji’s life is a testament to the devastating power of loss. Losing her twins shattered her world, and the trauma hangs over her like a dark cloud, influencing her every action and reaction.
Upadhyay portrays grief as a personal struggle and a societal judgement. Viji isn’t just battling her own demons; she is also contending with the suspicions and accusations of those around her. Her silence interpreted by many as guilt becomes a form of self-preservation, even as it deepens the mystery.
But Viji’s grief isn’t the only one that drives the story. ASP Kanika’s character is shaped by her own losses, which add layers to her pursuit of justice. Unlike Viji, Kanika channels her pain into her work, but it is clear that her personal tragedies fuel her determination. The interplay between these two women—their contrasting ways of coping with grief—creates a compelling dynamic.
What is fascinating is how the story suggests that grief can be a gateway to something darker. Viji’s alleged involvement in black magic to resurrect her twins is a chilling reminder of how far a person might go to undo their pain. Viji also harbors suspicions about how were daughters died. Upadhyay makes you question whether Viji is a victim of circumstance, a perpetrator, or something in between.
Grief isn’t just a backdrop in The Drowning; it is a force that drives the characters, shapes their choices, and sets the stage for the horrors that unfold. For instance, the quote, “Grief doesn’t just drown you—it ties weights to your soul and lets you sink.” stays with you long after you have turned the page.
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What lies behind the symbols of doom?
Symbols have always held a certain power in storytelling, and in The Drowning, they are both literal and metaphorical harbingers of doom. The blood-streaked markings left behind at each crime scene are more than just clues.
The first time you encounter these symbols, they are unsettling. By the time they appear again, tied to the disappearances of pregnant women, they become downright terrifying. What do they mean? Who—or what—is leaving them behind? And why do they seem to defy logic? These questions drive both the plot and the characters, particularly ASP Kanika, who becomes obsessed with uncovering their significance.
As the investigation progresses, the symbols lead Kanika into the shadowy world of tantric rituals. This is where Upadhyay shines. She doesn’t just use these practices as a plot device; but digs into their historical and cultural roots, creating an atmosphere of authenticity and unease.
But the symbols aren’t just about the supernatural. They also serve as a metaphor for the larger themes of the book. They represent the marks left by grief, guilt, and desperation—the invisible scars that drive people to commit unthinkable acts. In this way, they are both terrifying and deeply human.
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What makes this story more than a thriller?
At first glance, The Drowning might seem like a straightforward thriller. It has all the elements of a gripping crime story: a compelling mystery, complex characters, and edge-of-your-seat suspense.
Part of what sets this book apart is its seamless blending of genres. The crime elements are meticulously plotted, with twists and turns that keep you guessing. But the supernatural aspects add a layer of complexity to the story. This isn’t just about solving a murder; it is about confronting the unknown, both within and outside ourselves.
Upadhyay’s writing captures both the beauty and the horror of the world she has created. There are moments of quiet reflection that make you pause and think, and moments of sheer terror that make your heart race.
The characters, too, are fully realised individuals with their own struggles, fears, and motivations. Viji and Kanika, in particular, are studies in contrast—two women shaped by loss, navigating their pain in different ways. Then there is Nilesh, Girish, Ankit and Vikram, the men integral to the plot but somehow staying in the background.
The Drowning isn’t just a thriller. It is a story about grief, resilience, and the lengths we go to for the people we love. It is a reminder that the scariest monsters are often the ones we carry inside us.
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Should you Read The Drowning?
If you are a fan of books that keep you guessing and characters that feel all too real, The Drowning is a must-read. Whether you’re into crime, supernatural horror, or stories that challenge your perception of reality, this book delivers.
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As I closed the book, I couldn’t help but admire Nidhi Upadhyay’s ability to take readers to the edge of reason. Whether it is her characterisation or her unflinching portrayal of fear, she has carved out her space in the thriller genre with precision and passion.
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