Puppeteers of Palem by Sharath Komarraju

"Puppeteers of Palem" by  Sharath Komarraju - A noir. 

This book is published by Westland in 2014 and has 312 pages.

A SOS letter from Thatha, who used to tell them stories in their childhood, brings Arvind, Chanti, Ramana, Chotu and Sarayu to Palem (Village of Rudrakshapalem). Something is not right. The village appears dead. People sleep at least 14 hours per day. SHE has returned!

But how is it possible? How can SHE return? How can an entire village go waste? What's happening?

The story is noir, very noir. There is paranormal presence. There are deaths, many deaths.  It's all gloomy. It's mysterious. Concept of being able to give dreams and being able to control ones dreams is interesting.

Story takes place in three time periods. 1984 the story of past, 2001 when the story happened and 2002 the post event diary entries of a journalist, Sonali.

The paranormal entity, it's destruction, it's resurrection, it's influence, its impact and it's relation, real relation to the past is the core of the story.  Who are the puppeteers of Palem?

The story is a bit sluggish. At times readers start to lose interest. For a long time one doesn't understand exactly what's happening. Who is behind it?

If you don't like the genre this book is not for you. Even If you like the genre it may not appeal to you.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? No shock. 

What did I like?  Idea of giving dreams.

Give it a miss.