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The Velvet Hotline
Ayingbi Mayengbam, a well-meaning primary school teacher, wants to take on some part-time work over the summer, ideally a job through which she can help people. When her first day as a volunteer at a suicide hotline ends in her finding a dead body, she is done with this line of work. But soon, she is approached by the winsome Dr Rastogi, a man who runs another suicide hotline with a more altruistic approach, and she is unable to say no.
While initially shy and uncertain, Ayingbi learns quickly, her warmth and sincerity enabling her to connect well with callers, her fierce determination to save lives compensating for lack of experience. Over time, however, Ayingbi is confronted with an unfortunate when working at a suicide hotline, you simply can’t save everyone. On top of that, there is something sinister afoot at Rastogi’s agency, least of which are the three phones in Ayingbi’s cubicle, one of which begins to ring without being plugged in . . .
While initially shy and uncertain, Ayingbi learns quickly, her warmth and sincerity enabling her to connect well with callers, her fierce determination to save lives compensating for lack of experience. Over time, however, Ayingbi is confronted with an unfortunate when working at a suicide hotline, you simply can’t save everyone. On top of that, there is something sinister afoot at Rastogi’s agency, least of which are the three phones in Ayingbi’s cubicle, one of which begins to ring without being plugged in . . .
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 31, 2024
The Velvet Hotline is a captivating novel that explores the dark and complex realities of suicide and mental health. The protagonist, Ayingbi, is a compassionate and courageous woman who volunteers at a suicide hotline, hoping to make a difference in people’s lives. However, she soon discovers that her job is not as simple as it seems, and that she is entangled in a web of mystery, danger and supernatural phenomena.
The author, Arsh Verma, has crafted a brilliant story that combines suspense, horror and emotion in a seamless way. He portrays the struggles and dilemmas of Ayingbi and the callers with sensitivity and empathy, while also creating a thrilling and unpredictable plot that keeps the reader hooked. The novel is a rare gem that transcends the boundaries of genre and delivers a powerful message of hope and resilience.
The author, Arsh Verma, has crafted a brilliant story that combines suspense, horror and emotion in a seamless way. He portrays the struggles and dilemmas of Ayingbi and the callers with sensitivity and empathy, while also creating a thrilling and unpredictable plot that keeps the reader hooked. The novel is a rare gem that transcends the boundaries of genre and delivers a powerful message of hope and resilience.
March 14, 2024
3.5 rounded to 4.
January 31, 2024
"The Velvet Hotline" by Arsh Verma is a genre-bending masterpiece that defies easy categorization. At its core, it follows the journey of Ayingbi Mayengbam, a compassionate teacher turned reluctant volunteer at a suicide hotline. Verma's narrative swiftly transitions from slice-of-life to spine-tingling horror, seamlessly blending comedy, drama, mystery, and noir elements. The author's ability to cater to diverse tastes while maintaining a cohesive storyline is commendable.
Verma's writing style is witty, drawing readers deep into Ayingbi's world with its rich tapestry of surrealistic imagery and thought-provoking philosophical undertones. However, sensitive readers should be aware of the heavy themes of suicide and depression explored throughout the novel, which may be unsettling for some. The advanced vocabulary and literary depth may also pose a challenge to certain readers but ultimately enrich the reading experience for those prepared to delve into its complexities.
Despite its unconventional approach, "The Velvet Hotline" resonates as a compelling exploration of human connection, resilience, and the complexities of mental health. It's a testament to Verma's literary genius and a must-read for those seeking a thought-provoking and immersive literary experience.
Verma's writing style is witty, drawing readers deep into Ayingbi's world with its rich tapestry of surrealistic imagery and thought-provoking philosophical undertones. However, sensitive readers should be aware of the heavy themes of suicide and depression explored throughout the novel, which may be unsettling for some. The advanced vocabulary and literary depth may also pose a challenge to certain readers but ultimately enrich the reading experience for those prepared to delve into its complexities.
Despite its unconventional approach, "The Velvet Hotline" resonates as a compelling exploration of human connection, resilience, and the complexities of mental health. It's a testament to Verma's literary genius and a must-read for those seeking a thought-provoking and immersive literary experience.
January 10, 2024
The silver lining has to shape itself into a barbed wire if it is to tear out of a black hole.
Those were my concluding thoughts when I completed Arsh Verma’s debut thriller ‘The Velvet Hotline’. The story is that of a Manipuri girl with a tongue twister of a name (Ayingbi Mayengbum) who works at a suicide helpline.
The book unravels like a dark comedy as Ayingbi speeds across town on her Scooty to save suicidal folks. Her phone calls with these people are what I personally loved. Ofcourse, a book about a suicide helpline will have some commentary on death and what it means to be alive. Soon, Ayingbi finds herself in murky waters. A disconnected phone starts ringing in her cubicle. Her boss begins to act sus. Something happens with the cats of the locality. This is just half the story, by the way.
So, here’s what I loved about this crazy-ride of a book:
THE SUSPENSE: The author has kept a singular focus on puzzle-solving throughout the story. That’s what drives the reader to keep turning the pages. You just have to know what happens next. Without giving much away, there are a couple of parts where I was genuinely astounded as to what was going on in the story (no spoilers!). The author pulls off unthinkable scenarios with a passionate honesty that is hard to rival in a debut.
THE CHARACTERS: Home girl, Ayingbi, is a won’t-back-down go-getter. There is a relentlessness about her that is almost endearing yet scary because she just won’t back down. She’s up against mighty odds (a bit like changing the tyres on a moving vehicle) but she truly gives her all. You root for a heroine like her.
THE WRITING STYLE: Verma doesn’t mince his words. He deploys a pithy tone throughout and keeps you on edge most of the time. The dialogues are crisp, the settings sharp, and the characters emerge with absolute clarity. Peppered here and there is levelled sarcasm, some dark humor, and a wholesome dose of self-inquiry.
I especially love the conversations towards the end of the book as the grand mystery is solved.
Here’s an excerpt that got me thinking:
“It feels like a design flaw… being suicidal. Like we know very little about what our great cosmic purpose is, right? Except to survive. All creatures have that instinct – even bugs and plants, life that can barely think. So, in circumstances of fierce and unnatural pain, we can walk against these grand design wheels. I don’t know if this says more about the universe or more about us. Either the universe is fundamentally broken, or we are. And I don’t know which is worse.”
OVERALL TAKE: Suicide is quite literally a question of life-and-death. An unsolved question, at that. And to take up such a topic in his debut is a sheer act of courage on the author’s part. And he delivers well by mixing in heavy doses of humor and wit that keeps the story from going into a pity party. Infact, the light is always shining in from some corner or the other. In the end, the author makes sure the reader closes the book with half a smile.
P.S. Don’t take the cats on the book cover lightly. They will get you gasping.
Those were my concluding thoughts when I completed Arsh Verma’s debut thriller ‘The Velvet Hotline’. The story is that of a Manipuri girl with a tongue twister of a name (Ayingbi Mayengbum) who works at a suicide helpline.
The book unravels like a dark comedy as Ayingbi speeds across town on her Scooty to save suicidal folks. Her phone calls with these people are what I personally loved. Ofcourse, a book about a suicide helpline will have some commentary on death and what it means to be alive. Soon, Ayingbi finds herself in murky waters. A disconnected phone starts ringing in her cubicle. Her boss begins to act sus. Something happens with the cats of the locality. This is just half the story, by the way.
So, here’s what I loved about this crazy-ride of a book:
THE SUSPENSE: The author has kept a singular focus on puzzle-solving throughout the story. That’s what drives the reader to keep turning the pages. You just have to know what happens next. Without giving much away, there are a couple of parts where I was genuinely astounded as to what was going on in the story (no spoilers!). The author pulls off unthinkable scenarios with a passionate honesty that is hard to rival in a debut.
THE CHARACTERS: Home girl, Ayingbi, is a won’t-back-down go-getter. There is a relentlessness about her that is almost endearing yet scary because she just won’t back down. She’s up against mighty odds (a bit like changing the tyres on a moving vehicle) but she truly gives her all. You root for a heroine like her.
THE WRITING STYLE: Verma doesn’t mince his words. He deploys a pithy tone throughout and keeps you on edge most of the time. The dialogues are crisp, the settings sharp, and the characters emerge with absolute clarity. Peppered here and there is levelled sarcasm, some dark humor, and a wholesome dose of self-inquiry.
I especially love the conversations towards the end of the book as the grand mystery is solved.
Here’s an excerpt that got me thinking:
“It feels like a design flaw… being suicidal. Like we know very little about what our great cosmic purpose is, right? Except to survive. All creatures have that instinct – even bugs and plants, life that can barely think. So, in circumstances of fierce and unnatural pain, we can walk against these grand design wheels. I don’t know if this says more about the universe or more about us. Either the universe is fundamentally broken, or we are. And I don’t know which is worse.”
OVERALL TAKE: Suicide is quite literally a question of life-and-death. An unsolved question, at that. And to take up such a topic in his debut is a sheer act of courage on the author’s part. And he delivers well by mixing in heavy doses of humor and wit that keeps the story from going into a pity party. Infact, the light is always shining in from some corner or the other. In the end, the author makes sure the reader closes the book with half a smile.
P.S. Don’t take the cats on the book cover lightly. They will get you gasping.
March 8, 2024
The premise of the book is quite interesting and the first few pages of the book really set the tone and draw you into the plot. I was quite excited as the events were quite unexpected and the thrill of discovering things was adding to the joy of reading. The storyline has been planned well and keeps you engaged throughout, even though the interest starts dropping a bit towards the end. What I liked about the book that the themes have been planned well and the book is quite structured in the manner it is presented. The author has given time for the concept of the hotline to set in and understand its machinations, however this buildup is what affects the reading experience. The climax seems quite hurried, compared to the initial story and with all the details told in the story, the climax falls flat due to its swiftness and lack of a rush that should have developed after being a part of Ayingbi’s journey. The mystical element of the story was explained hurriedly towards the end, just before the climax and that somehow brought down the pace and the fun I was having with the book until that point.
Coming to the characters, Arsh has created interesting characters that fit well into the story’s mould. Ayingbi’s character as a schoolteacher contrasts nicely with her experience over the summer and the climax, which according to me, was a nice character arc. I also liked the eclectic and secretive nature of Dr. Rastogi and his character also rounds up nicely towards the end. I felt that the characters of Chaitanya and Hardeep could have been explored a bit more.
Coming to the characters, Arsh has created interesting characters that fit well into the story’s mould. Ayingbi’s character as a schoolteacher contrasts nicely with her experience over the summer and the climax, which according to me, was a nice character arc. I also liked the eclectic and secretive nature of Dr. Rastogi and his character also rounds up nicely towards the end. I felt that the characters of Chaitanya and Hardeep could have been explored a bit more.
February 9, 2024
The Velvet Hotline's promises a captivating blend of genres, combining elements of psychological thriller, supernatural mystery, and character-driven drama. The premise of Ayingbi, a compassionate teacher, volunteering at a suicide hotline only to find herself entangled in a strange and potentially sinister situation, is certainly intriguing.
The combination of a suicide hotline setting with supernatural elements and a possible conspiracy creates a fresh and suspenseful atmosphere.
Ayingbi's initial naivety and gradual growth as she confronts the realities of the hotline and the agency's secrets offer potential for an engaging character arc.
The book tackles sensitive topics like suicide, mental health, and the impact of helping others in a difficult emotional environment, adding depth to the narrative.
Overall:
The Velvet Hotline is a gripping and thought-provoking read. The unique premise, engaging protagonist, and exploration of sensitive themes are promising. However, the success of the story will hinge on the execution, particularly in balancing genres, maintaining the right tone, and seamlessly integrating the supernatural elements.
If you enjoy thrillers with a touch of the macabre, character-driven stories that explore complex themes, and unique settings like a suicide hotline, The Velvet Hotline could be worth checking out.
Rating: 4.25✨
May 29, 2024
I finished this book in a day! It was an impulse buy, the blurb had me very intrigued - being a psychologist, the keywords "suicide hotline", "empathy without boundaries" etc stood out for me, and made me decide to give it a try.
The Velvet Hotline is about a primary school teacher who volunteers at a suicide helpline for the summer, while school is off, and certain unnatural events that follow, during her tenure at the helpline. The book covers themes such as the blurred lines between helping others and needing help yourself (the Indian Superhero Complex, my GOD), angst, trauma, some truly bizarre occurrences, death, and hope fuelling the survival instinct. There's also an element of supernatural, Stranger Things-ish horror that makes The Velvet Hotline fall into the genre of a supernatural thriller.
I found it to be quite relatable, and very difficult to put down. My only complaint with it is that the build up to the climax is much more intriguing than the climax itself. The ending fell short for me, a little bit.
P.S - The protagonist belongs to the North East, and I really really loved how the author managed to subtly cover the kind of racial stereotypes that folx from the North East are subjected to.
Overall, a 7/10, and a great book to end your reading slump, if you're at all having one!
The Velvet Hotline is about a primary school teacher who volunteers at a suicide helpline for the summer, while school is off, and certain unnatural events that follow, during her tenure at the helpline. The book covers themes such as the blurred lines between helping others and needing help yourself (the Indian Superhero Complex, my GOD), angst, trauma, some truly bizarre occurrences, death, and hope fuelling the survival instinct. There's also an element of supernatural, Stranger Things-ish horror that makes The Velvet Hotline fall into the genre of a supernatural thriller.
I found it to be quite relatable, and very difficult to put down. My only complaint with it is that the build up to the climax is much more intriguing than the climax itself. The ending fell short for me, a little bit.
P.S - The protagonist belongs to the North East, and I really really loved how the author managed to subtly cover the kind of racial stereotypes that folx from the North East are subjected to.
Overall, a 7/10, and a great book to end your reading slump, if you're at all having one!
January 19, 2024
What do you expect from a book that has Ruskin’s Bond foreword and ‘cats’ on the cover?
An element of mystery and a power packed story which Arsh Verma delivers point on in his debut book.
If you are a crime/mystery fiction fan, then this book is a must for you. The setting of the story at a suicide prevention hotline, keeps us readers on the edge. The topic of depression & suicide has been handled very maturely with the protagonist helping the disturbed or on the verge of committing suicide individuals by going out of her way and meeting them in person also if the need be.
The other unique thing I loved about the book is the vision and creativity of the author in setting up the scenes and character names along with their descriptions. They feel so real and relatable. The description of the 3 telephones on Ayingbi’s desk and her nicknames for them makes us feel the tension in the story each time there is a call. The characters of Dr Rastogi; Ayingbi's suicide hotline employer and Hardy and Chatty, Ayingbi's co-workers made for interesting and fun banter throughout the book.
Overall, the book is extremely fast-paced, and the vivid description and brilliant makes this book a page turner for me, something that I couldn’t wait to complete.
An element of mystery and a power packed story which Arsh Verma delivers point on in his debut book.
If you are a crime/mystery fiction fan, then this book is a must for you. The setting of the story at a suicide prevention hotline, keeps us readers on the edge. The topic of depression & suicide has been handled very maturely with the protagonist helping the disturbed or on the verge of committing suicide individuals by going out of her way and meeting them in person also if the need be.
The other unique thing I loved about the book is the vision and creativity of the author in setting up the scenes and character names along with their descriptions. They feel so real and relatable. The description of the 3 telephones on Ayingbi’s desk and her nicknames for them makes us feel the tension in the story each time there is a call. The characters of Dr Rastogi; Ayingbi's suicide hotline employer and Hardy and Chatty, Ayingbi's co-workers made for interesting and fun banter throughout the book.
Overall, the book is extremely fast-paced, and the vivid description and brilliant makes this book a page turner for me, something that I couldn’t wait to complete.
January 28, 2024
This is the story of a kind and cheerful girl in her late twenties who has come from Manipur to make something of life. A simple girl, a K-drama fan, and a kindergarten teacher, she also likes to volunteer in her free time.
What started with a cheerful scene in her kindergarten classroom took a dark turn when the protagonist impulsively joined a suicide hotline during her summer holidays. The first day itself was horrific. Rushing to save a suicidal woman, she ended up encountering a terrifying scene at the deceased woman’s residence.
Very deep topics are explored in the storyline, such as the racism faced by people in North-East India and the potential dangers of sharing nudes. It explores how a single mistake can shake your world, but also how empathy can help you overcome such a situation.
Read more: https://instatravelstyle.com/the-velv...
What started with a cheerful scene in her kindergarten classroom took a dark turn when the protagonist impulsively joined a suicide hotline during her summer holidays. The first day itself was horrific. Rushing to save a suicidal woman, she ended up encountering a terrifying scene at the deceased woman’s residence.
Very deep topics are explored in the storyline, such as the racism faced by people in North-East India and the potential dangers of sharing nudes. It explores how a single mistake can shake your world, but also how empathy can help you overcome such a situation.
Read more: https://instatravelstyle.com/the-velv...
March 27, 2025
Arsh Verma's book 'The Velvet Hotline' is about Ayingbi Mayengbam, a school teacher who wants to do something useful during her summer holidays. She decides to volunteer at a suicide helpline, but she gets scared when she comes across a dead body. This frightens her so much that she quits the job. Later, Dr. Rastogi offers her a position at his own suicide helpline, giving her another chance to help people.
The book starts with an interesting idea, mixing mystery and suspense. However, as the story goes on, it becomes a bit confusing, and some parts don’t make much sense. The title is very catchy, but the story doesn’t live up to it.
Overall, this book has a good concept, but the story could have been told in a better way. Some readers may enjoy it, while others might find it less engaging.
The book starts with an interesting idea, mixing mystery and suspense. However, as the story goes on, it becomes a bit confusing, and some parts don’t make much sense. The title is very catchy, but the story doesn’t live up to it.
Overall, this book has a good concept, but the story could have been told in a better way. Some readers may enjoy it, while others might find it less engaging.
February 2, 2024
The Velvet Hotline by Arsh Verma is a supernatural thriller novel centering around a woman named Ayingbi, who volunteers to work for a suicide hotline. On her very first day at work, she feels she isn't cut out for this job and quits, but another hotline company, Dr. Rastogi, offers her a job that she cannot refuse. Soon, she realizes that in this company, something fishy and uncanny is happening, and it seems that the doctor and her colleagues are hiding something.
This book is something very unique I have read, as there were a lot of strange happenings in the story that made me bewildered. I could not drop the book after I picked it up because it was so gripping. There was this rush of knowing what happens in each interaction of the suicidal victims with Ayingbi. I felt that the book was like a mix of satirical comedy and horror thriller. Suicide is such a serious topic, and I commend that the author handled it well, giving us insight into what goes on in the victims' minds, the people who deal with them, and how it affects them—brilliantly portrayed. Sometimes I felt like I was holding my breath, and sometimes I was like, "Oh! What just happened?"
You must pick this book up if you are a lover of gripping, page-turner novels with twisted storylines. However, be careful because it can be triggering for some people due to the close-up interactions with suicidal victims. I would highly recommend this book to all readers.
This book is something very unique I have read, as there were a lot of strange happenings in the story that made me bewildered. I could not drop the book after I picked it up because it was so gripping. There was this rush of knowing what happens in each interaction of the suicidal victims with Ayingbi. I felt that the book was like a mix of satirical comedy and horror thriller. Suicide is such a serious topic, and I commend that the author handled it well, giving us insight into what goes on in the victims' minds, the people who deal with them, and how it affects them—brilliantly portrayed. Sometimes I felt like I was holding my breath, and sometimes I was like, "Oh! What just happened?"
You must pick this book up if you are a lover of gripping, page-turner novels with twisted storylines. However, be careful because it can be triggering for some people due to the close-up interactions with suicidal victims. I would highly recommend this book to all readers.
April 2, 2024
Book #1 of 2024
I finished this book in a day! It was an impulse buy, the blurb had me very intrigued - being a psychologist, the keywords "suicide hotline", "empathy without boundaries" etc stood out for me, and made me decide to give it a try.
The Velvet Hotline is about a primary school teacher who volunteers at a suicide helpline for the summer, while school is off, and certain unnatural events that follow, during her tenure at the helpline. The book covers themes such as the blurred lines between helping others and needing help yourself (the Indian Superhero Complex, my GOD), angst, trauma, some truly bizarre occurrences, death, and hope fuelling the survival instinct. There's also an element of supernatural, Stranger Things-ish horror that makes The Velvet Hotline fall into the genre of a supernatural thriller.
I found it to be quite relatable, and very difficult to put down. My only complaint with it is that the build up to the climax is much more intriguing than the climax itself. The ending fell short for me, a little bit.
P.S - The protagonist belongs to the North East, and I really really loved how the author managed to subtly cover the kind of racial stereotypes that folx from the North East are subjected to.
Overall, an 8/10, and a great book to end your reading slump, if you're at all having one!
I finished this book in a day! It was an impulse buy, the blurb had me very intrigued - being a psychologist, the keywords "suicide hotline", "empathy without boundaries" etc stood out for me, and made me decide to give it a try.
The Velvet Hotline is about a primary school teacher who volunteers at a suicide helpline for the summer, while school is off, and certain unnatural events that follow, during her tenure at the helpline. The book covers themes such as the blurred lines between helping others and needing help yourself (the Indian Superhero Complex, my GOD), angst, trauma, some truly bizarre occurrences, death, and hope fuelling the survival instinct. There's also an element of supernatural, Stranger Things-ish horror that makes The Velvet Hotline fall into the genre of a supernatural thriller.
I found it to be quite relatable, and very difficult to put down. My only complaint with it is that the build up to the climax is much more intriguing than the climax itself. The ending fell short for me, a little bit.
P.S - The protagonist belongs to the North East, and I really really loved how the author managed to subtly cover the kind of racial stereotypes that folx from the North East are subjected to.
Overall, an 8/10, and a great book to end your reading slump, if you're at all having one!
December 26, 2023
A gripping 3 hour read
If you loved reading Agatha Christie during your holiday travels as a kid you will love this.
The characters and the scenes kept taking me to a fantasy world amidst a gripping thriller and all of it was done in an effortless flow.
If you loved reading Agatha Christie during your holiday travels as a kid you will love this.
The characters and the scenes kept taking me to a fantasy world amidst a gripping thriller and all of it was done in an effortless flow.
May 7, 2024
***Please note this book extensively mentions suicidal thoughts, people struggling mentally, and gruesome scenes.***
The Subtle nuances of societal ignorance and its impact on its impact on individuals are something that had my attention. Not your usual comfort read :)
The Subtle nuances of societal ignorance and its impact on its impact on individuals are something that had my attention. Not your usual comfort read :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2024
i read this book recently while on a train ride from delhi to kathgodam (uttarakhand). it was a pretty quick read and i finished it in one seating.
i think our heroine Ayingbi's character was really well molded. from the beginning we are shown different facets of her being and it was wonderful getting to peel her layers like an onion. throughout though, her goodness shone through and i felt so much for her. ayingbi's conviction and conscience was a shining beacon and as a reader i really rooted for her as she tried her best to save the different people.
as for the mystery element in the book, i had a really good time trying my very best to unravel what was happening (i wasn't successful though). the first agency she joins is very shady and then, at the second palce too, the boss started acting very suspiciously. the author also interspersed the story with instances of casual racism that are so true in a metropolitan. ayingbi's awareness and mental disturbance regarding this was also well pointed out. i think this whole issue was well touched upon without tokenising the racism element in regards to ayingbi's ethnic identity and appearance.
overall, the tone of the book is full of dry (and dark humour) and the pacing is also done very well. moreover, the whole premise of the book - ayingbi working in a suicide helpline center - is no small one. as a reader, i think the author has dealt with this topic in a sensible manner, while weaving the whole fictional element of a story around it.
however, the ending took a turn that i did not at all expect. it was completely out of the blue. perhaps the buildup in this regard - supernatural - could have been done a little better even with the whole telephone angle.
overall, i really enjoyed reading this book and i definitely recommend it to all!
i think our heroine Ayingbi's character was really well molded. from the beginning we are shown different facets of her being and it was wonderful getting to peel her layers like an onion. throughout though, her goodness shone through and i felt so much for her. ayingbi's conviction and conscience was a shining beacon and as a reader i really rooted for her as she tried her best to save the different people.
as for the mystery element in the book, i had a really good time trying my very best to unravel what was happening (i wasn't successful though). the first agency she joins is very shady and then, at the second palce too, the boss started acting very suspiciously. the author also interspersed the story with instances of casual racism that are so true in a metropolitan. ayingbi's awareness and mental disturbance regarding this was also well pointed out. i think this whole issue was well touched upon without tokenising the racism element in regards to ayingbi's ethnic identity and appearance.
overall, the tone of the book is full of dry (and dark humour) and the pacing is also done very well. moreover, the whole premise of the book - ayingbi working in a suicide helpline center - is no small one. as a reader, i think the author has dealt with this topic in a sensible manner, while weaving the whole fictional element of a story around it.
however, the ending took a turn that i did not at all expect. it was completely out of the blue. perhaps the buildup in this regard - supernatural - could have been done a little better even with the whole telephone angle.
overall, i really enjoyed reading this book and i definitely recommend it to all!
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