India, Feb. 13 -- Sarah Grey, a generational exorcist, arrives in a remote town in Uttar Pradesh to investigate hauntings at an ancient church, only to be framed for murder and jailed. With Sarah behind bars, her brother Samir takes over, unravelling layers of murder and menace to expose a ruthless villain weaponising fear itself. What follows is a tense tale of paranormal forces, buried truths and danger hiding in plain sight. The author crafts The Waking Dead with a grip that pulls you in from the first page, making you feel as though you're living alongside its characters. The narrative stays largely unpredictable, unfolding in ways you never quite anticipate. But what truly propels the story is its characterisation, and mind you, these aren't just humans. Unlike most horror tales, where empathy arrives late through a tragic reveal, the supernatural here is never painted as the villain. Even supporting characters, Dr Amal, morgue watchkeeper Ravi, aspiring writer Jazz, are vividly drawn, adding texture to a world the author builds. From the town's ancient folklore and tangled past to cryptic markings on bodies in a lost language, the eeriness feels strikingly authentic. The humour in the character sketching keeps the plot engaging. Even with a cocky protagonist like Samir, it never feels forced; instead, it sharpens his personality while making the supernatural elements - four distinct kinds, each grounded in context, feel disturbingly believable. The wit also cleverly softens the darker themes of murder, necrophilia, and tragic backstories. The blend of Indian and Western influences can feel slightly disorienting. Sarah is introduced as the central figure, but the narrative quickly shifts to Samir, leaving her arc underdeveloped. There's also a curious inconsistency in Samir's profile: a self-proclaimed researcher who appears oddly tech-challenged. Despite a few weaker moments, the book remains largely gripping. Layered characters, sinister supernatural forces, and a sharp investigative thread ensure it delivers above average on most fronts. Title: The Waking Dead Author: Rohan Monteiro Publisher: Penguin Random House Price: Rs.399...