Death, a cursed archeological dig, and a beloved detective feature in this cozy stand-alone mystery set in contemporary India.

The thrilling 2nd installment in R V Raman’s acclaimed Harith Athreya mystery series.

SECRETS

Detective Harith Athreya, a seasoned investigator with a vivid imagination, is back: this time to investigate suspicious incidences on a riverside archaeological dig in the heart of remote Bundelkhand. Beset by fears of theft, strange nondisclosure agreements and lacking any important discoveries so far, Athreya is certain there is more to this dig than meets the eye. Can Athreya trust his instincts when he senses something amiss? And who has to gain from keeping the truth from him?

SUPERSTITION

In this beautiful place, rich in local myth and history, the whispered legend goes that anyone who sets foot on nearby island Naaz Tapu would be cursed forever. Anyone who ventures there either goes mad, or ends up dead. Something resides in this place – a phantom. The locals won’t even let the island be photographed.

SLAUGHTER

When an archaeologist defies this local folklore, the fallout is swift and deadly. Is the death a result of the ancient curse, or is it a more down-to-earth case of murder? Detective Athreya needs to unravel the truth from legend before the curse (or murderer) strikes again...

The 2nd in R V Raman’s acclaimed Harith Athreya mysteries, this entertaining cozy mystery has all the hallmarks of beloved classic crime with a spectacular modern twist.