The Velvet Hotline

The ideas explored in this book are compelling and make you pause and think about the human predicament. The narrative style and tone used is honest, heartfelt and refreshing. The author does a great job of weaving in laughs with melancholy themes — I was laughing and getting the chills from one moment to the other.The book is fast-paced too with intriguing likeable characters and an unexpected, tightly woven story. You find yourself wanting to know more about Ayingbi — the enthralling protagonist — from the get go, and grow to like her. I am hoping there’s a sequel that explores this world more and goes deeper into Ayingbi’s life and who she is. All in all, a stunning debut from the author.

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.

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.

it moves at a leisurely pace with dry/dark humor.. keeps the reader engaging... the end chapters could have done with a crispier editing.. overall its an off-beat entertainer

I picked up this book because of its endorsement by Ruskin Bond. The Velvet Hotline is a wonderful gripping supernatural thriller about a woman who works at a suicide hotline.The book covers topics such as suicide, depression and mental health but in a very sensitive way. Arsh Verma weaves these themes very skilfully into the narrative, creating a symphony of emotions, seamlessly blending supernatural elements with a deeply human touch. His unique narrative approach immerses readers in a haunting yet uplifting tale that defies genre conventions. The unexpected twists and turns keep the narrative unpredictable, while the underlying theme of redemption adds a layer of depth.A great debut novel & look forward to reading more from this author!

Loosely knitted story line, plots are immature, far from reality. I lost interest in the initial few pages only, then I thought there might be a twist, so, continued till the end but it is the same monotonous story line.

The main character Ayingbi captivates your mind right from the very beginning of the story. I started reading the book and I didn't stop till I reached the end. A well crafted thriller that gives you chills. It's a must read.

(Voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of the book on For The Love of Fictional Worlds)•TW: Depression/Anxiety/Suicide/Violence•It was the synopsis of the book that drew me in - a school teacher working as a volunteer in a suicide hotline during the summer month wherein she encounters a death on the first day?I got chills just reading this part of the synopsis and I knew I would definitely be picking this one up immediately! 🫣•Our MC, Ayingbi, is a very relatable protagonist and right from the moment you meet her, you are drawn towards her very beguiling narrative style. And the author does a fantastic job of showing his readers why. The way the mental health issues of depression, suicide, and anxiety in much a sensitive manner.But what I didn’t expect was the supernatural aspect of the plot - I should have from the synopsis; but I didn’t; and this made it even a far more enthralling read for me.Definitely a debut that I think you would love, just please be aware of the trigger warnings 🙌