"Maya, Dead and Dreaming... Who is dead? Who is dreaming? The title asks two quick and compelling questions instantly. The cover provokes you and appeals as well.

Once you begin reading and eventually finish, you will realise that it is a deftly plotted mystery with psychological heft. The letter Munna receives doesn’t just accuse—it threatens, suggesting death will return to Shogie. Sabarwal weaves an intricate tale in which every character has something to hide, and the truth proves to be more devastating than imagined. The novel’s pacing is deliberate, and each clue is carefully placed. The climax, set at Linden Law’s estate, is a masterstroke of tension—a standout for readers who enjoy mysteries where the setting feels like a character itself."

"Well, let me be very honest: no review can be completed without mentioning the eerie and disturbing letter that sets things rolling. Its arrival pushes Munna’s quiet life into distress, forcing her to confront Shogie’s darkest secret. Sabarwal creates exquisite tension through Munna’s terrifying dreams where Maya appears as a vengeful spectre. What makes this mystery special is how it explores the weight of truth versus the comfort of lies. The Hickman family’s carefully maintained facade crumbles spectacularly in the final act, revealing shocking truths about that fateful night by the creek. Karenina’s deductive brilliance makes her one of the most compelling detectives I’ve encountered in years."

"Sabarwal’s novel is a slow unravelling of secrets, each layer exposing new betrayals. The story’s heart lies in its flawed, deeply human characters. Everything seems perfectly aligned to weave a suspenseful narrative. Filled by Munna’s quiet determination, Shelly’s calculated fragility, Karenina’s razor-sharp intellect, and the quiet of the town that is painted as depressing, the eventually opening knots do not seem hurried or dense. The murder mystery unravels layer by layer. The frequently used imagery of water and drowning keeps the readers engaged. While the mystery is expertly crafted, it’s the emotional weight of the revelations that leaves a lasting impact—a poignant and suspenseful read, albeit one that occasionally lacks pace. Too slow description of events, at times, might irritate readers. "