A deep dive into superstition and trauma.
Dakini by K. Hari Kumar
Genre: Indo-Gothic Epic Horror
My Rating: 3.75/5
As an avid reader of horror and thriller fiction, I am always on the lookout for books that can truly unsettle me. K. Hari Kumar’s Dakini, his eighth book, though my first read from him, turned out to be just the atmospheric and haunting storytelling that I love.
The novel revolves around Mamta Matthews, a Mumbai-based journalist, who arrives in the remote village of Birpur to cover a story on the local folklore but finds herself mired in a series of gruesome murders attributed to a bloodthirsty entity known as the Dakini by the villagers. What follows is a delectable mix of superstition, paranoia, and supernatural terror.
The author masterfully blends the classic horror tropes with Indian culture, legends and superstitions, creating an eerie and immersive atmosphere. The descriptions of the Dakini and the brutality of the murders are vivid and visceral. That they are gory enough to make readers uneasy, but never gratuitous, is a testament to the author’s skill at maintaining a fine balance between shock and storytelling.
Mamta is undoubtedly the heart of Dakini, and her characterization is deeply layered. Her struggles, fears, and resilience make her a brilliant protagonist. Alongside her, other key characters like Mishra, the investigating officer Pande, and the menacing landlord Indar Sahab are well-developed, each contributing significantly to the novel’s tension and conflict.
One character that feels underutilized is Tara, Mamta’s assistant. While she does have her part to play, her presence often feels like an afterthought rather than an integral part of the story. Considering the generational contrast between Mamta and Tara, their dynamic could have been explored in greater depth. Tara’s character, particularly as a Gen Z journalist, might have been more relatable had her dialogue and personality been given more space to develop.
The standout aspect of this book for me is its portrayal of grief and trauma after child loss/miscarriage. Through Mamta, we experience the raw agony of losing a child. This pain haunts her dreams and seeps into her waking reality. The way the novel captures Mamta’s mental state, her nightmares, and her struggle with loss is strikingly powerful. These moments are some of the strongest in the book. The nightmare sequences are extremely well-written. Kumar’s descriptions are so surreal and vivid that they feel cinematic; it felt as if I was trapped in a fever dream!
One of the book’s biggest strengths is its fast-paced storytelling. One event quickly leads to another, and there’s never a dull moment, especially towards the end, where everything cascades into a breathtaking and highly satisfying conclusion.
My only grouse with the narrative is the rampant repetition of certain words and phrases. And, dialogues, which sound a little too formal at times, are often over-explained. Given that the book is set in contemporary times and features at least one younger character (Tara), a more informal tone in the conversations would have made them feel more natural. The stiffness in some interactions makes the characters sound less organic. Had the prose been sharper and more concise, the horror elements would have been even more potent.
As a reader who enjoys mysteries, I could predict the central plot twist well in advance. That said, this does not take away from the fact that the foreshadowing is well done. The breadcrumbs are laid subtly throughout the book, making the eventual revelation feel earned rather than abrupt.
Another aspect where Dakini truly shines is in its atmosphere. The village of Birpur, with its thick forests, isolated roads, and fearful inhabitants, is depicted in a way that amplifies the horror. The tension in the air is palpable.
The blend of local folklore with real-world horrors, such as misogyny, mob mentality, and blind superstition, adds to the book’s unsettling nature. The villagers’ fear and their irrational suspicion of women create a social horror aspect that is just as terrifying as the supernatural entity itself.
The way the book ends leaves room for speculation. Could there be a sequel in the works?
Overall, Dakini is a gripping horror novel that successfully blends folklore, psychological terror, and social commentary. Do I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if you’re a fan of horror fiction that goes beyond simple jump scares and delves into the deeper fears of human existence.
This book has been published by Harper Collins.
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Photo belongs to the author.