Contamination by Richa Lakhera comes off as a supernatural cum horror genre-ic intervention post Hungry Gods where both elements of nature and the supernature come together to haunt and hunt the reader. Bollywood’s romance with “rural legends” like Makdee (Spider), Kaali Khuhi(Black Well) and Tumbaad is reflected in Lakhera’s Indian indie horror that is perfect for you during the chill of the dead winter. Asian-horror readers shall find similar lines of familiarity in terms of violence against women, shamanism, and the revival of the rural-lore of witches. The psychological, social and postcolonial dimensions of the novel sharpen the lens through which criticism is inked and read. Debuted in September, 2022 this horror cum thriller shall keep you on your heels, reeling against the unpredictability and sheer suddenness of the storyline, a perfect read for cold wintry and looming midnights. (Ananya Roy, University of Delhi)