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The Ghost Hunters of Kurseong
Sometimes you go out looking for ghosts and sometimes the ghosts come looking for you...
When Kartik Godse's mother informs him that they are to move from Mumbai to the small hill station of Kurseong, he thinks his death is near. And the cause will be boredom. That is until he reaches there. On his very first day in this sleepy town, he is accosted by a frightened man and attacked by two strangers. This marks the beginning of his journey down an unexpected vortex of intruders, ghosts, hauntings and rumours. Armed with good instincts, a sharp scientific mind and two unlikely companions - gentle Tashi and the firebrand Opus, Kartik takes on the role of a ghost hunter and private eye to unravel a web of mystery, deceit and supernatural events!
At the centre of it all stands the old and dilapidated mansion called the Iyer Bungalow. What is the mystery of this bungalow? What do its ghosts want and what role does the mysterious DPRS have in all of this?
Join this brave trio as they make their way through the twisted bylanes of Kurseong, hot on the heels of villains both real and ghostly...
When Kartik Godse's mother informs him that they are to move from Mumbai to the small hill station of Kurseong, he thinks his death is near. And the cause will be boredom. That is until he reaches there. On his very first day in this sleepy town, he is accosted by a frightened man and attacked by two strangers. This marks the beginning of his journey down an unexpected vortex of intruders, ghosts, hauntings and rumours. Armed with good instincts, a sharp scientific mind and two unlikely companions - gentle Tashi and the firebrand Opus, Kartik takes on the role of a ghost hunter and private eye to unravel a web of mystery, deceit and supernatural events!
At the centre of it all stands the old and dilapidated mansion called the Iyer Bungalow. What is the mystery of this bungalow? What do its ghosts want and what role does the mysterious DPRS have in all of this?
Join this brave trio as they make their way through the twisted bylanes of Kurseong, hot on the heels of villains both real and ghostly...
220 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2013
3 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Shweta Taneja
23 books74 followersShweta Taneja is a fantasy author, comic writer and journalist based in India. She's written seven books and two hundred articles in a career spanning fourteen years. She's a Charles Wallace India Writing Fellow and was shortlisted for Best Writer Award in ComicCon India for The Skull Rosary.
Her graphic novel Krishna Defender of Dharma is part of CBSE and Kendriya Vidyalaya Recommended Lists. Her novels include Ghost Hunters of Kurseong, the bestselling Cult of Chaos an Anantya Tantrist Mystery, and How to Steal a Ghost @ Manipal.
Website: www.shwetawrites.com
Her graphic novel Krishna Defender of Dharma is part of CBSE and Kendriya Vidyalaya Recommended Lists. Her novels include Ghost Hunters of Kurseong, the bestselling Cult of Chaos an Anantya Tantrist Mystery, and How to Steal a Ghost @ Manipal.
Website: www.shwetawrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 17, 2017
Let me get this one fact out of the way at the very beginning. I have spent the best part of my life in Kurseong – the school days. I love Kurseong more than the city I currently reside in and even more than my hometown. So, the moment I got the packing paper out of the way and discovered the title of this book, I started reading it. This book got to skip some 10-12 books on my TBR pile just because of the word ‘Kurseong’ in its title – so I may be a bit biased about it too.
When Kartik’s mother decides to move to the quaint town of Kurseong from the bustling city of Mumbai, he rebels. As any kid, he is worried about leaving behind everything familiar to move to a new place that is pole opposite to what he is used to. His main concern is if there is internet facility in Kurseong and what are the entertainment facilities there. Little does he know that an adventure is awaiting his arrival. Even before they enter the town, they are accosted by a scared man on the road. As they give him a lift to the town, Kartik’s adventure begins to unfold.
Having grown up in Kurseong where internet came in when I cleared my first board exam (and even then it was slow as a snail and as expensive as Rs.60 per hour) and only moving back to my home town after graduating college, I realised the difference between the life that I had led and the lives of my peers in the city. To tell the truth, I have never even held an xbox in my hand and cable tv was a luxury that I enjoyed during my vacations at home – I was glad that I had led a carefree life of outdoor sports & the beauty of nature for company for recreation instead of being cooped up inside with various gadgets and number of private tutors. So the moment the book starts with Kartik’s insecurities about what he was leaving behind, I could connect with him.
Kartik, Opus and Tashi takes us on an adventure that will not fail to remind you of the Famous Five. The open minded and curious kids take on a journey that only they can take because of their curious nature and the clean slate that their mind is without the preconceived notions that the adults have. Nothing they do will make you think that how can a kid do that and their brave stint will have your cheer for them. The setting being the beautiful town that Kurseong is, it will draw you in with the lure that pure natural beauty holds can provide us. The author has managed to capture it quiet well if not completely. Keeping in mind that this book is targeted towards the younger mind, her language is just perfect. However, I had this odd feeling that something was missing and it could be the flow in the story that had a certain off-beat feel.
Overall, it was fun and entertaining and makes for a real good read for the younger generation.
When Kartik’s mother decides to move to the quaint town of Kurseong from the bustling city of Mumbai, he rebels. As any kid, he is worried about leaving behind everything familiar to move to a new place that is pole opposite to what he is used to. His main concern is if there is internet facility in Kurseong and what are the entertainment facilities there. Little does he know that an adventure is awaiting his arrival. Even before they enter the town, they are accosted by a scared man on the road. As they give him a lift to the town, Kartik’s adventure begins to unfold.
Having grown up in Kurseong where internet came in when I cleared my first board exam (and even then it was slow as a snail and as expensive as Rs.60 per hour) and only moving back to my home town after graduating college, I realised the difference between the life that I had led and the lives of my peers in the city. To tell the truth, I have never even held an xbox in my hand and cable tv was a luxury that I enjoyed during my vacations at home – I was glad that I had led a carefree life of outdoor sports & the beauty of nature for company for recreation instead of being cooped up inside with various gadgets and number of private tutors. So the moment the book starts with Kartik’s insecurities about what he was leaving behind, I could connect with him.
Kartik, Opus and Tashi takes us on an adventure that will not fail to remind you of the Famous Five. The open minded and curious kids take on a journey that only they can take because of their curious nature and the clean slate that their mind is without the preconceived notions that the adults have. Nothing they do will make you think that how can a kid do that and their brave stint will have your cheer for them. The setting being the beautiful town that Kurseong is, it will draw you in with the lure that pure natural beauty holds can provide us. The author has managed to capture it quiet well if not completely. Keeping in mind that this book is targeted towards the younger mind, her language is just perfect. However, I had this odd feeling that something was missing and it could be the flow in the story that had a certain off-beat feel.
Overall, it was fun and entertaining and makes for a real good read for the younger generation.
April 11, 2021
Well firstly, I would advise you not to get deceived by the name of the book. Though it promises to belong to the horror genre, it's more inclined to adventure.
The book is quite simple. All the characters are quite simple. The plot too is simple but it does keep its readers on their toes.
The story starts with a boy named Kartik who is moving to Kurseong with his mother. The town is quite small and people out there are superstitious. Kartik and his two friends - Tashi and Opus find themselves in the middle of a supernatural phenomenon and start to investigate things themselves.
The book is a quick read. One is surely going to enjoy it.
Ratings: 4.5/5
The book is quite simple. All the characters are quite simple. The plot too is simple but it does keep its readers on their toes.
The story starts with a boy named Kartik who is moving to Kurseong with his mother. The town is quite small and people out there are superstitious. Kartik and his two friends - Tashi and Opus find themselves in the middle of a supernatural phenomenon and start to investigate things themselves.
The book is a quick read. One is surely going to enjoy it.
Ratings: 4.5/5
January 12, 2021
Kurseong is a small town in India's West Bengal, and to Kartik, it's the backside of nowhere compared to Mumbai. But his mother has a new job there, and so he finds himself uprooted from his place in the world, from his school and all this friends. He fully expects to die of boredom. His very first day in Kurseong, however, includes a frightening encounter with a vagabond in a state of panic, spouting tales of ghosts. Then, upon reaching their new home, he and his mother are attacked by a pair of strangers as they run out of the house. What is going on here, and who or what is the Iyer ghost? Almost against his will, Kartik makes new friends, the much-bullied and smaller boy Tashi and the strong-willed Opus, a girl who lets nothing get in her way, including Kartik himself. The three of them band together to go ghost-hunting and try to unravel a web of mysterious events and people who are all bent on ousting the 'mean' old witch who lives in the Iyer Bungalow and burning the place to the ground. Which ghosts are fake, and which real? Is there any way to be sure? An entertaining tale for young adults set in a country which gets very little attention here. The English translation of the story is a bit spotty in places, and so is the copyediting, but the author's voice is strong and sure, and now I want to read what Shweta Taneja has written for adults.
January 13, 2026
I enjoyed this much more than the 3 stars would imply. My only criticism is that the English is a touch ropey at times but not in a way that interferes with the reading experience. If you like Enid Blyton or books of that sort, you might like this. It's very engaging.
December 27, 2018
This was a fun read. More suitable for teenagers. I found it little dragged nevertheless good attempt by the author
July 30, 2022
Very interesting read. Not going to put any spoiler but do read it
October 31, 2013
3.5 stars
The Ghost Hunters of Kurseong turned out to be a much better read that what I initially expected it to be. The book starts off with Kartik our protagonist, having to move to the small hill station of Kurseong with his mother. He thinks the place is an absolute bore with small town people and doesn't know how he'll get through his stay.
That is until, the word ghosts comes up. I really liked Kartik. He was an intelligent boy. Like any thirteen year old he was curious about things he was not supposed to be curious about. When a series of incidents happen with Kartik he sets out to solve the mystery of the ghosts in Kurseong who have allegedly been terrorizing people.
With Kartik, are his two companions Tashi and Opus. I adored Tashi. He was a sweet and gentle soul who actually had the innocence of a thirteen year old. He was the only one frightened by even the possibility of discovering ghosts. The complete opposite of Opus. Opus is the daughter of Pinky Aunty, who makes delicious food.
I found Opus a little reckless but the girl had smarts. She somehow perfectly balanced out the trio in their ghost hunting adventures. There are a lot of secondary characters who soon become the suspects in the mystery. I found it fun the way Kartik and gang dug up clues which finally led them to find the real answers.
Overall, the Ghost Hunters of Kurseong is a really well written book. It is the perfect read for the younger crowd who like mysteries. It was an entertaining and well paced book, keeping the reader engaged as the plot thickens and the mystery slowly unravels. It was a good change from my regular reads. I enjoyed The Ghost Hunters of Kurseong.
*Note: A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review by Hachette India. We thank them.
Find more of my reviews at The Readdicts- http://thereaddicts.blogspot.in/
The Ghost Hunters of Kurseong turned out to be a much better read that what I initially expected it to be. The book starts off with Kartik our protagonist, having to move to the small hill station of Kurseong with his mother. He thinks the place is an absolute bore with small town people and doesn't know how he'll get through his stay.
That is until, the word ghosts comes up. I really liked Kartik. He was an intelligent boy. Like any thirteen year old he was curious about things he was not supposed to be curious about. When a series of incidents happen with Kartik he sets out to solve the mystery of the ghosts in Kurseong who have allegedly been terrorizing people.
With Kartik, are his two companions Tashi and Opus. I adored Tashi. He was a sweet and gentle soul who actually had the innocence of a thirteen year old. He was the only one frightened by even the possibility of discovering ghosts. The complete opposite of Opus. Opus is the daughter of Pinky Aunty, who makes delicious food.
I found Opus a little reckless but the girl had smarts. She somehow perfectly balanced out the trio in their ghost hunting adventures. There are a lot of secondary characters who soon become the suspects in the mystery. I found it fun the way Kartik and gang dug up clues which finally led them to find the real answers.
Overall, the Ghost Hunters of Kurseong is a really well written book. It is the perfect read for the younger crowd who like mysteries. It was an entertaining and well paced book, keeping the reader engaged as the plot thickens and the mystery slowly unravels. It was a good change from my regular reads. I enjoyed The Ghost Hunters of Kurseong.
*Note: A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review by Hachette India. We thank them.
Find more of my reviews at The Readdicts- http://thereaddicts.blogspot.in/
February 12, 2014
Quite a few of Kurseong's sprawling bungalows and school campuses abound in hush-hush stories about restless spirits haunting their rooms and corridors. While I was in Kurseong recently, many such 'allegedly true' spine-chilling ghost tales would inevitably make their way into random conversations about the scenic beauty of this mist laden hill-stations and its many cascading tea estates.
With this backgrounder on Kurseong, quite naturally the title 'The Ghost Hunters of Kurseong' got my curiosity piqued. Plus the all inviting book blurb also made sure that I did not dismiss this book as one for the kids.
My two cents:
Kartik Godse, our 13-year-old little, big hero of the novel, lands up in the sleepy little hill station that Kurseong is, cribbing about the dull life that he will have to endure while his mother takes on a new job of a tea taster at one of the tea estates. Little does he know that much excitement and thrill awaits him as he settles down in one of the old bungalows that line up the hill road. The town is abuzz with stories of the vindictive Iyer Ghost from the mysterious Iyer Bungalow, that harms anyone who dares to hang around the bungalow after sun set.
More here: http://www.solitaryreading.blogspot.i...
With this backgrounder on Kurseong, quite naturally the title 'The Ghost Hunters of Kurseong' got my curiosity piqued. Plus the all inviting book blurb also made sure that I did not dismiss this book as one for the kids.
My two cents:
Kartik Godse, our 13-year-old little, big hero of the novel, lands up in the sleepy little hill station that Kurseong is, cribbing about the dull life that he will have to endure while his mother takes on a new job of a tea taster at one of the tea estates. Little does he know that much excitement and thrill awaits him as he settles down in one of the old bungalows that line up the hill road. The town is abuzz with stories of the vindictive Iyer Ghost from the mysterious Iyer Bungalow, that harms anyone who dares to hang around the bungalow after sun set.
More here: http://www.solitaryreading.blogspot.i...
July 31, 2015
Payal Dhar reviews the book on Goodbooks: "Having been part of the generation that grew up on a staple diet of Enid Blyton, one does sometimes miss a good old straightforward mystery story. While this is not to gloss over the attendant problems of Blyton’s work, those simple stories about a gang of kids catching thieves, finding stolen stuff, solving ‘safe’ crimes are sorely missed. It’s not that this genre has not been attempted in Indian writing – it has and numerous times, but it is a tricky one to get right. Thus, it was with the anticipation of getting my teeth into a juicy mystery that I approached Shweta Taneja’s The Ghost Hunters of Kurseong." Read the full review here: http://goodbooks.in/node/7289
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews