We discuss chapters 1-8 in RV Raman’s latest Harith Athreya mystery ‘A Dire Isle‘. Liam Dunne has requested Athreya’s aid in investigating possible financial fraud at an archaeological dig-site in Bundelkhand. When the dig’s director is slain on a mysterious, haunted island nearby, the supernatural comes knocking, and Athreya finds himself put to the test in the investigation.

We’re also joined by PHD Student Ankita Rathour from Louisiana State University to talk about her dissertation in Indian Anglophone fiction, Bollywood, the dead girl trope, and positive developments in the subcontinent’s creative arts.

Check out Part Two and Part Three here!