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Psycho Path
The first time Niya Kapoor sits across from Robin Hood, he asks her to say it. Say what she’s spent her whole career arguing. That psychopaths aren’t broken. That they’re evolved. That his brain is wired differently and it isn’t his fault.
The court wants an answer. Robin Hood is a serial killer with a teenage following and a lawyer who wants him declared a victim of his own biology. Niya is the expert. Her research is the precedent. If she confirms what she’s always believed, he walks free.
She tells herself she’s studying him. He seems to think it’s the other way around. He knows things about her. Things she thought were buried.
Outside the prison walls, two teenage boys are destroying each other, one camera, one betrayal, one audience at a time.
She tells herself she’s in control.
He lets her believe it.
The psycho-path isn’t a person. It’s a direction.
The court wants an answer. Robin Hood is a serial killer with a teenage following and a lawyer who wants him declared a victim of his own biology. Niya is the expert. Her research is the precedent. If she confirms what she’s always believed, he walks free.
She tells herself she’s studying him. He seems to think it’s the other way around. He knows things about her. Things she thought were buried.
Outside the prison walls, two teenage boys are destroying each other, one camera, one betrayal, one audience at a time.
She tells herself she’s in control.
He lets her believe it.
The psycho-path isn’t a person. It’s a direction.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2026
3 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 18, 2026
Prerna’s debut book is a wonderful example of how to write a thriller that keeps you so intrigued that you keep turning the pages. The storytelling is slow and deliberate, and the author keeps you guessing who is the one behind the mask of Robin Hood until the very last page. As you navigate the human psyche with Niya serving as a guide, Prerna also veers you towards the craze of social media, and how the idea of social acceptance through “reach” can affect not just a person, but almost an entire generation of teenagers. The cat-and-mouse game that Niya and Robin play throughout the book is calculated, gripping and disturbing, all blended into one. The question of moral compass, and whether biology is responsible for some people being more criminally inclined than the others is an important one, and the book puts it wonderfully. The writing in the book is quite gripping and while some scenes might disturb a reader, the visual writing helps you see some of the scenes as they occur. The storytelling is slow and deliberate, and there are points where you stop and think about if we have really become so hungry about 15 seconds of fame that numbers are all that what matters to us. While the book does score on a lot of fronts, there are few places where I think that the story did veer off for a bit. Kabir and Niya’s story, for example, was one aspect where I think a lot of the questions reside, and a bit more about them could have added context to the actions of Niya a lot. Similarly, I felt that we see Robin Hood through the eyes of all the other characters, but I would have connected a bit more had we seen some more from his perspective. The climax, however, very well written and I was impressed how there are threads which might lead to sequels. The post courtroom sequence brings together a lot of threads, but also lets enough questions open for the reader to request a sequel.
Coming to the characters, Prerna’s development of the characters in the book is one of its strengths. Starting from Tejas and Shubh, the entire arc of friends to enemies is something that is very effectively penned. You see two teenagers, hyped up on social media numbers trying to outdo each other. Prerna has captured this pulse very nicely and a lot of it is about the camera angles, direction and edits, which is a mirror that we need to see realistically. The transition of people and situations to “Content” is something that becomes a backbone of this book. The female characters in the book-Arunima, Deepali and Niya- are wonderfully sketched, and I liked how the author provides agency to all the three, but in different aspects. Each of them is equally important at different stages of the book. Sher’s character is someone I started developing sympathy for, atleast for some time, until the last part of the book where things start coming to light, and I think that is the best compliment I can give the author.
Coming to the characters, Prerna’s development of the characters in the book is one of its strengths. Starting from Tejas and Shubh, the entire arc of friends to enemies is something that is very effectively penned. You see two teenagers, hyped up on social media numbers trying to outdo each other. Prerna has captured this pulse very nicely and a lot of it is about the camera angles, direction and edits, which is a mirror that we need to see realistically. The transition of people and situations to “Content” is something that becomes a backbone of this book. The female characters in the book-Arunima, Deepali and Niya- are wonderfully sketched, and I liked how the author provides agency to all the three, but in different aspects. Each of them is equally important at different stages of the book. Sher’s character is someone I started developing sympathy for, atleast for some time, until the last part of the book where things start coming to light, and I think that is the best compliment I can give the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Are monsters born or made? "Psycho Path" by Prerna Wadhawan explores that unsettling grey area with a chilling precision.
Plot: Dr. Niya Kapoor has built her research career on a controversial belief that psychopaths are not broken but evolved. She is assigned to study a notorious serial killer aka Robin Hood who has a massive teenage following and wants Niya to validate his mindset to walk free. The deeper she dives the more it becomes clear....she isn’t the only one observing. He knows her. Her patterns. Her past she believed was buried.
Outside the prison walls, two boys spiral into a toxic rivalry fuelled by ego, betrayal and the intoxicating pull of validation where every move feels like a point scored in the game and no one is ready to back down.
What I loved:
Bold, disturbing and unflinching. It dives into disturbing yet relevant and thought provoking themes like bullying, casteism, social media validation, power and the making of a psychopath. The writing is sharp, immersive and eerily relevant, it almost feels like watching a true crime documentary unfold. And the last 60 pages? Absolutely gripping. The psychological tension truly peaks there.
What didn’t work for me:
The pacing felt uneven.....the first half leans slow and slightly stretched while the latter half felt rushed. A few characters lacked depth and felt unnecessary (maybe they will be relevant in the sequel, can't say). Certain repetitions of sentences disrupted the flow. Niya’s perspective being in third person was also slightly jarring and befuddling.
Final thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dark, unsettling and daring. This is not an easy read but it’s a compelling one. For a debut, this is strikingly confident storytelling. A story that lingers, questions, and refuses to leave your mind quietly. People won’t shy away from this they’ll be drawn to it.
Thank you so much for the ARC @prernawadhawan
Happy Pub Day !!!!! 🫶🏻
Plot: Dr. Niya Kapoor has built her research career on a controversial belief that psychopaths are not broken but evolved. She is assigned to study a notorious serial killer aka Robin Hood who has a massive teenage following and wants Niya to validate his mindset to walk free. The deeper she dives the more it becomes clear....she isn’t the only one observing. He knows her. Her patterns. Her past she believed was buried.
Outside the prison walls, two boys spiral into a toxic rivalry fuelled by ego, betrayal and the intoxicating pull of validation where every move feels like a point scored in the game and no one is ready to back down.
What I loved:
Bold, disturbing and unflinching. It dives into disturbing yet relevant and thought provoking themes like bullying, casteism, social media validation, power and the making of a psychopath. The writing is sharp, immersive and eerily relevant, it almost feels like watching a true crime documentary unfold. And the last 60 pages? Absolutely gripping. The psychological tension truly peaks there.
What didn’t work for me:
The pacing felt uneven.....the first half leans slow and slightly stretched while the latter half felt rushed. A few characters lacked depth and felt unnecessary (maybe they will be relevant in the sequel, can't say). Certain repetitions of sentences disrupted the flow. Niya’s perspective being in third person was also slightly jarring and befuddling.
Final thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dark, unsettling and daring. This is not an easy read but it’s a compelling one. For a debut, this is strikingly confident storytelling. A story that lingers, questions, and refuses to leave your mind quietly. People won’t shy away from this they’ll be drawn to it.
Thank you so much for the ARC @prernawadhawan
Happy Pub Day !!!!! 🫶🏻
April 21, 2026
Sometimes.. the most dangerous mind in the room isn't the one of the killer... it's the one studying him.
Ahhhh Psycho Path. :) The kind of thriller that doesn't simply ask what makes a killer, but also, what makes us believe one.
The story centers around a clinical expert whose career has been built surrounding an idea. One controversial idea. The idea? That psychopaths aren't broken, but evolved. She's asked to evaluate a serial killer with a deeply, disturbingly, devoted teenage following. The story slowly, and unnervingly, descents into a space where science, manipulation, and buried trauma combine.
What unfolds was like an intellectual cat & mouse game between Niya and Robin. The sessions felt much like a duel. A duel fought with razor sharp logic and psychological pressure. He is looking for her to validate him. She wants objectivity. However, the more he reveals, the more clear it becomes that he knows things he shouldn't, things she never intended to be resurfaced.
While navigating the story between our expert, and our killer, a parallel story runs between teens spiraling into violence and betrayal. It adds this raw, almost contemporary edge, reminding you that the psycho path isn't just a diagnosis, or a person, but also a direction. Anyone an slip into the path under the right... or maybe wrong.. conditions.
The atmosphere is clinical, claustrophobic, and tense in such a great way. Prerna keeps you guessing. Unsure who is in control, who is telling the truth, and who is unraveling? If you enjoy interrogation style tension, thrillers that blend psychology and danger, and characters who slowly unravel in devastating ways, this is for you. It's sharp, unsettling, and deeply human. A thriller that will linger with you because it forces you to confront the uncomfortable.
Thank you so much to Prerna for allowing me the absolutely pleasure of reading this story! This review is my own, honest, emotional opinion of this truly unique story.
Ahhhh Psycho Path. :) The kind of thriller that doesn't simply ask what makes a killer, but also, what makes us believe one.
The story centers around a clinical expert whose career has been built surrounding an idea. One controversial idea. The idea? That psychopaths aren't broken, but evolved. She's asked to evaluate a serial killer with a deeply, disturbingly, devoted teenage following. The story slowly, and unnervingly, descents into a space where science, manipulation, and buried trauma combine.
What unfolds was like an intellectual cat & mouse game between Niya and Robin. The sessions felt much like a duel. A duel fought with razor sharp logic and psychological pressure. He is looking for her to validate him. She wants objectivity. However, the more he reveals, the more clear it becomes that he knows things he shouldn't, things she never intended to be resurfaced.
While navigating the story between our expert, and our killer, a parallel story runs between teens spiraling into violence and betrayal. It adds this raw, almost contemporary edge, reminding you that the psycho path isn't just a diagnosis, or a person, but also a direction. Anyone an slip into the path under the right... or maybe wrong.. conditions.
The atmosphere is clinical, claustrophobic, and tense in such a great way. Prerna keeps you guessing. Unsure who is in control, who is telling the truth, and who is unraveling? If you enjoy interrogation style tension, thrillers that blend psychology and danger, and characters who slowly unravel in devastating ways, this is for you. It's sharp, unsettling, and deeply human. A thriller that will linger with you because it forces you to confront the uncomfortable.
Thank you so much to Prerna for allowing me the absolutely pleasure of reading this story! This review is my own, honest, emotional opinion of this truly unique story.
April 20, 2026
4.5 hearts for me.....
Thank you for the ARC ❤
This book honestly made me uncomfortable… and I mean that in the best way possible.
It’s not the kind of thriller that throws twists at you every few chapters just to shock you. Instead, it slowly gets under your skin and makes you think about things that are honestly a little disturbing to confront.
The story moves between two timelines. In the present, we follow Niya Kapoor, a clinical psychologist studying a serial killer known as Robin Hood. His defense is basically arguing that he shouldn’t be blamed for what he did because his brain is wired differently. If Niya confirms that theory, it could literally change the entire case.
At the same time, we also see the past through the lives of two teenage boys, Shubh and Tejas. What starts as school rivalry slowly turns into something darker, and watching that spiral was honestly one of the most unsettling parts of the book.
What really stayed with me though was how the book talks about real social issues without making it feel preachy. It touches on caste discrimination, bullying, the rich–poor divide, and the constant pressure of social media validation. Likes, views, followers… the story shows how easily those things can start controlling people’s behaviour.
I also liked that the book breaks the usual stereotypes.
Rich is not evil.
Poor is not innocent.
Every character is flawed in some way, which makes everything feel a lot more real.
And the biggest question the book kept pushing into my mind was this: if everyone claims they are against violence, then where does all this cruelty actually come from?
This isn’t exactly a “fun” read. It’s dark, uncomfortable, and very thought-provoking.
But honestly, those are sometimes the books that stay with you the longest.
Thank you for the ARC ❤
This book honestly made me uncomfortable… and I mean that in the best way possible.
It’s not the kind of thriller that throws twists at you every few chapters just to shock you. Instead, it slowly gets under your skin and makes you think about things that are honestly a little disturbing to confront.
The story moves between two timelines. In the present, we follow Niya Kapoor, a clinical psychologist studying a serial killer known as Robin Hood. His defense is basically arguing that he shouldn’t be blamed for what he did because his brain is wired differently. If Niya confirms that theory, it could literally change the entire case.
At the same time, we also see the past through the lives of two teenage boys, Shubh and Tejas. What starts as school rivalry slowly turns into something darker, and watching that spiral was honestly one of the most unsettling parts of the book.
What really stayed with me though was how the book talks about real social issues without making it feel preachy. It touches on caste discrimination, bullying, the rich–poor divide, and the constant pressure of social media validation. Likes, views, followers… the story shows how easily those things can start controlling people’s behaviour.
I also liked that the book breaks the usual stereotypes.
Rich is not evil.
Poor is not innocent.
Every character is flawed in some way, which makes everything feel a lot more real.
And the biggest question the book kept pushing into my mind was this: if everyone claims they are against violence, then where does all this cruelty actually come from?
This isn’t exactly a “fun” read. It’s dark, uncomfortable, and very thought-provoking.
But honestly, those are sometimes the books that stay with you the longest.
April 18, 2026
We often miss out on incredible books simply because they aren’t traditionally published, and this is one of those reads I truly wish reaches a wider audience. It’s an exceptionally well thought out novel, right from the writing and plot to the characters and the underlying message.
This isn’t a book that relies on shocking twists to unsettle you. Instead, it gets under your skin by holding up a mirror to society and forcing you to confront uncomfortable realities.
The narrative unfolds across dual timelines. In the past, we follow Shubh and Tejas—two boys caught in a cycle of bullying, rivalry, and an unhealthy competition for validation through social media likes and followers. What begins as schoolyard tension gradually spirals into something far darker.
In the present timeline, we meet Niya, a clinical psychologist determined to understand the mind of a serial killer known as Robin Hood. Alongside her perspective, we also get glimpses into the killer’s own thoughts
Although the book does not have any grand twists and turns, it delves deep into pressing social issues, caste discrimination, class divides, bullying, and the psychological impact of social media on young minds. At its core, it raises a haunting question: Are criminals made, or are they born?
This was a very dark but a though provoking read that deeply unsettles you but makes you think about so many things.
This isn’t a book that relies on shocking twists to unsettle you. Instead, it gets under your skin by holding up a mirror to society and forcing you to confront uncomfortable realities.
The narrative unfolds across dual timelines. In the past, we follow Shubh and Tejas—two boys caught in a cycle of bullying, rivalry, and an unhealthy competition for validation through social media likes and followers. What begins as schoolyard tension gradually spirals into something far darker.
In the present timeline, we meet Niya, a clinical psychologist determined to understand the mind of a serial killer known as Robin Hood. Alongside her perspective, we also get glimpses into the killer’s own thoughts
Although the book does not have any grand twists and turns, it delves deep into pressing social issues, caste discrimination, class divides, bullying, and the psychological impact of social media on young minds. At its core, it raises a haunting question: Are criminals made, or are they born?
This was a very dark but a though provoking read that deeply unsettles you but makes you think about so many things.
April 27, 2026
Firstly, thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book.
"Psychopath" by Prerna Wadhawan is not just a thriller that keeps you flipping pages till the very end it also sheds light on pressing societal issues like casteism, bullying, and the vicious effects of social media. The youth’s obsession with follower counts is portrayed in a striking and unsettling way. It reflects the harsh reality of how social media can drive people, especially the younger generation, to extremes.
The narration flows through multiple points of view Niya, Tejas, and Shubh which adds depth to the story. The book carefully explores the reasons behind what shapes a psychopath, clearly reflecting the extensive research the author must have undertaken. Her effort truly deserves appreciation.
All the characters are well written and feel real. The story begins at a steady pace but gradually builds momentum. The courtroom scenes are unique, and the prison conversations stand out as some of the most compelling parts of the book. The depiction of school life, class divide, and casteism is handled effectively. At times, it makes you reflect perhaps as a society, we have failed, and it is from this cruelty that psychopaths emerge.
Highly recommended for all thriller lovers. Definitely a powerful debut by the author.
"Psychopath" by Prerna Wadhawan is not just a thriller that keeps you flipping pages till the very end it also sheds light on pressing societal issues like casteism, bullying, and the vicious effects of social media. The youth’s obsession with follower counts is portrayed in a striking and unsettling way. It reflects the harsh reality of how social media can drive people, especially the younger generation, to extremes.
The narration flows through multiple points of view Niya, Tejas, and Shubh which adds depth to the story. The book carefully explores the reasons behind what shapes a psychopath, clearly reflecting the extensive research the author must have undertaken. Her effort truly deserves appreciation.
All the characters are well written and feel real. The story begins at a steady pace but gradually builds momentum. The courtroom scenes are unique, and the prison conversations stand out as some of the most compelling parts of the book. The depiction of school life, class divide, and casteism is handled effectively. At times, it makes you reflect perhaps as a society, we have failed, and it is from this cruelty that psychopaths emerge.
Highly recommended for all thriller lovers. Definitely a powerful debut by the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review-PSYCHO PATH by prerna wadhawan is not just a psychological thriller, but a deep dive in the human tendency looking at a killer with not an emphatic but a significant scientific lens.
.
.
Shubh,Tejas and Niya Kapoor bring you their stories and once the peels start to come off, you the reader is tempted to think about yourself. In this scenario, what would you have done?
.
.
The author takes us through Niya Kapoor's past and unravels secrets which with the ambience the author builds, makes you squirm and does make you uncomfortable.
.
.
The writing style encompasses the dampness of the themes of the book and if you have as youngsters lived in the culture of competing for likes,views this will hit home.
.
.
While the author does talk about caste-based discrimination, it was a little touch and go situation and I was certainly expecting that the author could have explored it more.
.
.
Other themes like cruelty, what happens when something like videos, views start controlling you.
.
.
The concept of control,power and the concept of searching for remorse or regret from a killer.
.
.
As a millennial, the book took me back to the documentary that was made of the NIRBHAYA CASE ,where the r**pists were asked " do you think what they did was right?" And without fail, they all said YES.
Would you be interested in reading a book like this? Pick up if you have read or want to read about psychopaths...
.
.
Shubh,Tejas and Niya Kapoor bring you their stories and once the peels start to come off, you the reader is tempted to think about yourself. In this scenario, what would you have done?
.
.
The author takes us through Niya Kapoor's past and unravels secrets which with the ambience the author builds, makes you squirm and does make you uncomfortable.
.
.
The writing style encompasses the dampness of the themes of the book and if you have as youngsters lived in the culture of competing for likes,views this will hit home.
.
.
While the author does talk about caste-based discrimination, it was a little touch and go situation and I was certainly expecting that the author could have explored it more.
.
.
Other themes like cruelty, what happens when something like videos, views start controlling you.
.
.
The concept of control,power and the concept of searching for remorse or regret from a killer.
.
.
As a millennial, the book took me back to the documentary that was made of the NIRBHAYA CASE ,where the r**pists were asked " do you think what they did was right?" And without fail, they all said YES.
Would you be interested in reading a book like this? Pick up if you have read or want to read about psychopaths...
Review of advance copy received from Author
Psycho Path is a gripping psychological thriller that goes beyond suspense and makes you question the nature of evil itself. The story of a chilling serial killer and the moral dilemmas around psychopathy keeps you hooked throughout.
What makes this book stand out is not just the suspense, but the way it challenges your thinking. The narrative doesn’t present a simple good vs evil storyline. Instead, it forces you to question whether evil is a choice or a biological condition, an idea that stays with you long after you finish reading.
Prerna Wadhawan’s writing is engaging, with well-paced twists and strong characters that add depth to the narrative. It’s not just a thriller, it’s a thought-provoking read that stays with you.
What makes this book stand out is not just the suspense, but the way it challenges your thinking. The narrative doesn’t present a simple good vs evil storyline. Instead, it forces you to question whether evil is a choice or a biological condition, an idea that stays with you long after you finish reading.
Prerna Wadhawan’s writing is engaging, with well-paced twists and strong characters that add depth to the narrative. It’s not just a thriller, it’s a thought-provoking read that stays with you.
April 17, 2026
This book is addictive from the start! It shows the harsh reality as it is...no cover ups, nothing. Just the entire truth. The book might be fiction, but the concepts showed the truth. The reality we're living in.
This book should be the wake up call to everyone! It should! If this book can change even a small fraction of people and their mindset, we are off to a better start.
First time a thriller book will be impacting people for the better.
My rating: 5/5⭐
This book should be the wake up call to everyone! It should! If this book can change even a small fraction of people and their mindset, we are off to a better start.
First time a thriller book will be impacting people for the better.
My rating: 5/5⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book left me unsettled in a way I didn’t expect.
Told through three perspectives, each chapter shifts the emotion completely. I felt anger, pity, and curiosity throughout.
It doesn’t just show a psychopath, but explores how one is created. The book openly deals with themes like caste discrimination, bullying, violence, and lack of consent, which makes it feel real and uncomfortable.
Every character has flaws. No one is a saint here.
This is not a fast-paced thriller, but a slow and thought-provoking one.
If everyone says they are against violence… then who is actually doing it?
Told through three perspectives, each chapter shifts the emotion completely. I felt anger, pity, and curiosity throughout.
It doesn’t just show a psychopath, but explores how one is created. The book openly deals with themes like caste discrimination, bullying, violence, and lack of consent, which makes it feel real and uncomfortable.
Every character has flaws. No one is a saint here.
This is not a fast-paced thriller, but a slow and thought-provoking one.
If everyone says they are against violence… then who is actually doing it?
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews