Book Review : The House By The Highway

Book Name: The House By The Highway
Author: Nitesh Singh

Publisher: Ukiyoto

Genre: Mystery, Thriller and Suspense

Format: Paperback

Print length: 210 pages 

Rating:4/5

The House By The Highway by Nitesh Singh is a gripping and suspenseful narrative that would keep readers hooked till the mystery is unfolded.

 

Blurb

When Pihu and Nitya are visited by the man from their nightmares in real life they decide to no longer suffer in silence and get to the bottom of the situation. Unaware of each other's plight, they embark on their own individual adventures before finally being united by fate. However, the reason for their distress is not entirely what they had thought while they struggle to uncover a conspiracy of unfavourable circumstances.

Review

The plot follows the story of Nitya and Pihu, whose lives were intertwined by a recurring nightmare figure that manifested in their real lives. Born on the same night, and haunted by the same man so horrifying in appearance that they could not figure out who he was and why he was a part of their dreams. From visiting different therapists to getting involved together in unfolding the past incident that led to this encounter, the readers would feel the dread and horror in the atmospheric setting of the story.

The characters of the story are flawed, complex, and relatable. Pihu, tired of her nightmares and finding nothing out of visiting therapists became adamant to finally find the history behind the nightmares. Her friend Kunal stood beside her strongly to help her and did not care about his own life or the troubles he could land into because of it. Nitya, a girl, who was determined and left no stone unturned to unfold the mystery with Pihu would represent the epitome of strength, resilience, and unwavering struggles.

The author's writing style is engaging and gripping. The atmospheric setting of the story would allow readers to imagine the scenes before their eyes. It would leave them thinking and guessing what comes next. Though at times, the plot line becomes predictable, what would stand out would be the parallel narratives of Pihu and Nitya that the author skillfully woven, each woman demonstrating resilience and resourcefulness to make sense of their terrifying experiences. The pacing is well-maintained throughout.

Readers would explore themes of trauma, the power of shared experience, and the courage it takes to confront one's most profound fears. The development of Pihu and Nitya's characters as they evolve from victims to active investigators is particularly well-handled. This story is a representation of resilience, courage, and power.

The overall experience of reading this book is compelling and the element of suspense and mystery is well-integrated. The way the prologue begins and the unveiling of the final mystery would come as a full circle of the life of the characters in the story. Readers would enjoy the blend of suspense, mystery, and time travel. 

If you are someone looking for a quick read, or suspense and mystery, then this book will make a perfect choice and you can finish it in one-sitting.