Bison Track

by Rahul Chak

After a string of unsatisfying jobs, 31-year-old Navin Razdan arrives at a southern Indian mountain town to start his teaching career at Briggs Academy, a school that's tense and watchful in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal. His life in the mountains is better than he he finds friendship in the small community, his students admire him, and the woman he loves wants to give their relationship another chance. Navin seems to have finally found his groove - until a sudden betrayal pushes him into a precarious friendship with a disturbed student, and triggers a series of events that threaten his career and his closest bonds.

268 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2016

Reviews

[Srishti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rahul Chak’s Bison Track is a slow-burning thriller that seamlessly blends atmospheric tension, psychological depth, and a touch of human vulnerability. Set in the mist-laden town of Vayam, nestled in the Western Ghats near Bangalore, the novel captures the eerie, watchful silence of a place where secrets fester beneath the surface. With its foreboding setting and richly layered characters, the book is a gripping exploration of personal redemption, fractured trust, and the shadowy complexities of human nature.

At the heart of this narrative is Navin Razdan, a man at the crossroads of his life, seeking solace and stability after a string of personal and professional failures. His appointment at Briggs Academy—a school still reeling from a sexual harassment scandal—seems like a fresh start, yet the unease that permeates the institution hints at darker undercurrents. Razdan's initial struggle to find his footing is compellingly portrayed, and as he gradually settles into his role, his character arc takes shape, evolving from uncertainty to purpose. However, his fragile sense of belonging is shattered by betrayal, pushing him into a precarious relationship with a disturbed student—an entanglement that triggers a spiral of events threatening both his career and closest relationships.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its masterful use of setting. Vayam is more than a backdrop; it is a living, breathing entity, cloaked in mist and the whispers of the unknown. The descriptions are so immersive that the cold, damp air and the flickering warmth of a fire feel almost tangible. The prologue sets the tone impeccably, teasing the inevitability of loss—a death in the forest looms large, and the anticipation of discovering who the victim might be keeps the suspense taut.

Chak’s narrative thrives in the subtleties of human psychology. The novel delicately weaves themes of broken dreams, emotional isolation, and unfulfilled ambitions, mirrored both in Razdan’s longing for his ex, Devika, and in the school’s hidden fractures. The writing carries a cinematic quality, reminiscent of a dark, slow-burning OTT thriller—a visual experience unfolding in words. The author maintains a consistent feeling of unease, ensuring that the reader is never quite at ease, much like the protagonist navigating a town where everyone knows everyone’s secrets, their sins, and even their passwords.

Beyond its central mystery, Bison Track is a love letter to animals and nature. Small but poignant moments—like Razdan stopping his car to feed a limping dog—add heartwarming depth to the novel. The titular Bison Track, an ominous and mysterious trail, plays a significant role in heightening the book’s suspense, acting almost as a silent observer to the unfolding drama.

While the plot twist might become apparent midway, the journey remains undeniably engaging, as the true intrigue lies not just in the revelation but in the psychological unraveling of the characters. In essence, Bison Track is a thriller wrapped in the haunting stillness of a hill town, where secrets lurk behind the mist, betrayal comes from unexpected quarters, and the past is never truly left behind. Rahul Chak’s debut is commendable, not only for its well-crafted suspense but also for its atmospheric storytelling and nuanced character study. For readers who enjoy slow-burning mysteries infused with psychological depth, this novel is a chilling yet rewarding experience—one that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

[Rahul Vishnoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

-A Mystery Wrapped in Mist-
Review of 'Bison Track' by Rahul Chak

Bison Track is an atmospheric thriller wrapped in mist and cackling fire. Set in Vayam, somewhere in Southern India, nestled close to Western Ghats, I could feel the writing pushing me into the coldness of the hill town, later becoming the very mystery that it intends to be.

The prologue sets up the story for a loss we know is coming. A death in the forest looms large upon the reader and as I kept reading, I wondered who would die (or be murdered?) and that's always good for a thriller.


If the town Vayam is a 'city of broken dreams', our protagonist Navin Razdan is also nursing a broken heart, expecting a call from his ex Devika. Not being able to hold onto jobs, his life personally or professionally, isn't rosy. The school he is going to teach isn't very welcoming as the headmaster informs him that the only reason he got the job without the qualification is because of his father. Moreover, a sexual scandal had rocked the foundations of the school and Razdan was being offered the job of the teacher who was allegedly the culprit.

Chak doesn't let the feeling of foreboding slip away from his story. He starts in the shades of grey and blue, reflected not only in the atmospherics but also in the characters. I know it's not a good thing to compare a book to an OTT series, but I felt this story would be equally interesting as a visual.

I loved how the author has included his love for animals in the story. The protagonist asking the driver to stop the car and feed bread to a limping dog: that's the positivity we need in our lives. Also loved this quote: '(Vayam is) small enough that everyone knows everyone else's love lives, their crimes against the humanity, even their passwords.'

Read this if you like your mysteries wrapped in mists of the hills.

[Sameeksha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bison Track by Rahul Chak – A Gripping Tale of Mystery, Suspense, and Second Chances

Ever felt exhausted by life’s uncertainties? Ever wanted to pack your bags and start over? If you enjoy stories that uncover the raw truths of reality, Bison Track by Rahul Chak is a must-read.

A Thrilling Journey of Escape and Chaos

Navin has faced his fair share of failures, and with the constant pressure weighing him down, he craves a fresh start. Seeking refuge, he moves to a serene mountain town in South India to begin a new chapter as a teacher. However, life takes a dark and unexpected turn when he gets entangled in a scandalous sexual harassment case, throwing him into the depths of chaos.

A Web of Mystery, Suspense, and Secrets

As Navin navigates this turmoil, the plot thickens with compelling characters like Zameer, Tarun, and Devika, each adding layers of intrigue. The well-developed characters, along with the unfolding twists, keep readers hooked. The mysterious mountain setting further amplifies the suspense, making every moment immersive and unpredictable.

Exploring Deep and Dark Themes

Rahul Chak masterfully weaves a narrative that blends:
✔ Mystery & Suspense – A thrilling plot that keeps you guessing
✔ Murder & Betrayal – Unexpected twists that leave an impact
✔ Friendship & Relationships – Exploring human connections amidst chaos
✔ Death & Survival – A raw portrayal of life’s unpredictability

Why You Should Read Bison Track

With the perfect mix of thrill, adventure, and thought-provoking themes, this book lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. If you enjoy mystery novels that grip your thoughts, Bison Track is the perfect read for you.

A must-read for fans of suspenseful storytelling, intriguing characters, and intense, thought-provoking narratives.

[Prerna Shambhavee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading "Bison Track" by Rahul Chak and I'm still thinking about it. The story is about Navin, a guy who feels stuck in his life. He's unhappy with his job, so he decides to move to a small town in southern India to teach.

At first, everything seems great. Navin makes new friends, his students like him, and his love life is going well. But as the story goes on, things start to fall apart. The school is dealing with a serious problem, and someone Navin trusts betrays him.

What I really liked about this book is how it shows how complicated relationships can be. Navin's story is easy to relate to, and we've all struggled to find our way in life at some point. The author writes in a way that's interesting and easy to follow, and the characters feel real and believable.

One thing that really stood out to me was how the author dealt with themes like trust, loyalty, and making things right. Navin's friendship with a student who's having a tough time is especially noteworthy, because it adds depth to the story and makes you think about how our actions affect others.

To be honest, there were times when I got frustrated with the choices Navin made. But that's what made the story feel real. We've all made mistakes and bad choices, and it's how we learn from them that counts.

All-in-all, I highly recommend "Bison Track" to anyone looking for a book that will make them think. It's a story that will stay with you even after you finish reading it. It reminds us that life has its ups and downs, but it's how we deal with them that really matters.

📚 Recommendation: If you enjoy character-driven stories with complex themes and relationships, then "Bison Track" is the perfect read for you.

[kriti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bison Track follows Navin Razdan, a 31-year-old teacher who leaves behind a string of unfulfilling jobs for a fresh start in a southern Indian mountain town. Arriving at Briggs Academy, a school struggling to recover from a sexual harassment scandal, Navin’s life unexpectedly takes a turn for the better. The small town offers him a sense of belonging, his students admire him, and his personal life seems to be on the mend with a second chance at love.

But just as Navin seems to have found his footing, things begin to unravel. A sudden betrayal forces him into a troubled relationship with one of his more disturbed students. This fragile friendship sets off a series of events that threaten not only his career but also the relationships he’s worked so hard to rebuild.

The novel captures the complexity of Navin’s life with its mix of triumph and tension. The way it explores personal growth, career pressures, and the weight of betrayal feels raw and relatable. However, the pacing sometimes falters, with certain moments feeling rushed or overly drawn out. The characters are well-developed, but a few secondary storylines don’t get the attention they deserve, leaving some emotional arcs feeling underexplored.

That said, Bison Track still manages to pull you in. Its portrayal of a man seeking redemption, only to face unforeseen challenges, is compelling in its imperfections

4/5
#bookphotograph #booknerd #bookreview #bookrecommendations

[Aparna Prabhu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small towns located on hilly terrains have an air of mystery around them. So did Vayam, the place in picture. As you read along, you will discover that it is “A melting pot of people from all over the country, the world in fact”, rightly stated by author Rahul Chak.

Navin Razdan landed in the quaint mountainous town of Vayam lying in the hairpin curve of Western Ghats. Recently employed at the Briggs Academy as a Middle School Teacher, he felt like a fish out of water. He gets acquainted with Joseph who shows him around, trying to make him comfortable with the surroundings. One day, when Razdan goes on a quick stroll along the Bison track, he's followed by a ‘sinister entity’ who haunts him for days.

The read transported me to the hilly area, taking in the sights, sounds and smells. The surroundings reminded me of the hilly town of Dehra as imagined by Ruskin Bond. The mystery of the bison and sexual harrasment scandal involving a certain Madan Prakash created a level of intrigue. The mention of Bombay and rock bands instilled a sense of nostalgia. The atmospheric novel had an air of suspense and mystery to send a chill down the spine. A sub-theme revolving in the entirety of the novel is animal care and how a long harboured ambition doesn't leave you. It took me a while to get accustomed to the pace of the novel and atmospheric elements.

[Book_withquotes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bison Track by Rahul Chak is a captivating thriller set against the backdrop of a picturesque mountain town in southern India. The novel follows Navin Razdan, a young teacher who arrives at Briggs Academy seeking a fresh start. However, his newfound peace is shattered by a series of unsettling events, including a disturbing incident involving a student and a long-buried scandal that continues to haunt the school.

Chak masterfully builds suspense, creating a chilling atmosphere that is both eerie and captivating. The narrative explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, while also offering a glimpse into the unique culture and beauty of the southern Indian landscape. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and their struggles and triumphs resonate with readers on a deeper level.

Bison Track is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that will keep readers on the edge. With its atmospheric setting, intriguing characters, and suspenseful plot, this debut novel is a promising start for author Rahul Chak.

[Archana Ashok · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Not surprising. You're new here, and you don't look like a tourist, so you can expect some curious looks. The rest of us are just part of the tapestry."

This is the story of a 31 year old Navin Razdan who wanted to start his teaching career at a place in the mountains. The entire plot is built up upon his time there and how he navigates through a set of challenges.

I'm happy to support this debut author by reading his book. The language was extremely simple and yet fast-paced. I loved the way the author has designed Navin's character, the backdrop, and the teaching profession. Even the other relating characters were good. If you're looking for a simple yet engaging read, then this is for you.

[Solitude and books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bison Track is a novel by author Rahul Chak.
Navin Razdan is the main character here, who is 31 years old, and tired of jobs already that don’t make him happy. He moves to a mountain town in southern India to work as a teacher at Briggs Academy. The school is dealing with tension after a serious incident involving harassment.

At first, life in the mountains seems good and he makes friends in the small town, his students like him, and the woman he loves decides to give their relationship another try. Everything feels like it’s finally falling into place. But things take a dark turn when someone betrays him. This leads him into a risky friendship with a troubled student, starting a chain of events that puts his job and relationships in danger. This story is about finding one’s path, facing challenges, and dealing with tough decisions in life.

[Our_readingjourney · Rating 4 out of 5]

BISON TRACK - RAHUL CHAK

PLOT
Navin Razdan is about to start his teaching career at Briggs Academy in the hill station town Vayam close to Banglore. But the environment at school is tense and watchful in the wake of a sexual harrasment scandal.
After his unsuccessful past he finally finds his groove until a sudden betrayal pushes him into a precarious friendship with a disturbed student that triggers a series of events that threaten his career and his closest bonds.

MY THOUGHTS -
A commendable job by the author for his debut novel . It's an atmospheric slow burn mystery with elements of thrill.
The narration as well as the editing of the book is well done.
Navins character development where he finally finds purpose in his life and enjoys teaching the kids.
Though halfway through the book I figured the story and the plot twist yet I found it engaging.
I really enjoyed some elements of human psychology in a particular character and reading about them was the highlight for me.