New← The Complete Adventures of Byomkesh Bakshi
The Phantom Client
A Chilling Mystery Amidst Hill Station Shadows
by Sharadindu BandyopadhyayDetective FictionMystery
Shailo Rahasya (শৈল রহস্য)
Originally in Bengali1959
30 pages33 min read
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About This Book
When Byomkesh Bakshi checks into the eerie Shayahadri Hotel, he finds himself surrounded by darkness—both literal and metaphorical. A mysterious client and an unsettling supernatural atmosphere draw him into a case unlike any he's faced before. Can Byomkesh separate truth from illusion before it's too late?
Characters
View all 8 charactersAbout the Author
Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay
1899–1970
Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay (1899–1970) was a celebrated Bengali author, best known for his enduring contribution to Indian detective fiction. Born in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, Bandyopadhyay was educated at Vidyasagar College and later at Patna University. He initially worked as a teacher and a scriptwriter for the Bombay film industry, but his literary pursuits remained central throughout his life. His prolific career spanned several genres including historical fiction, short stories, and plays, but he achieved lasting fame for his creation of the detective Byomkesh Bakshi. Bandyopadhyay’s works reflect a deep engagement with the social and cultural life of early- to mid-20th-century Bengal.
Places and Terms in this Book
Ahmedabad— A major city in Gujarat, India, where Bijoy and Haimabati previously ran a hotel.
Arther's Seat— A famous viewpoint in Mahabaleshwar.
Bhabani Mandir— A temple mentioned as a tourist site in Poona.
Bombay— Now known as Mumbai, a major Indian city where Byomkesh completes some work.
Bombay Point— A popular sunset point in Mahabaleshwar.
Calcutta— Now Kolkata, a major city in West Bengal and home to Byomkesh and Ajit.
Vocabulary
saree— A traditional Indian garment worn by women, consisting of a long piece of cloth draped around the body.
vermilion— A red powder (sindoor) traditionally applied by married Hindu women in the parting of their hair.
