Book Review: ‘Ghost Stories from Mussoorie’ by Anmol Jain

Book Title: Ghost Stories from Mussoorie
Author: Anmol Jain
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Number of Pages: 208
ISBN: 978-9370030602
Date Published: May 10, 2025
Price: INR 295

Book Review

Anmol Jain’s “Ghost Stories from Mussoorie” brings together a series of eerie tales set against the misty backdrop of one of India’s most iconic hill stations. Clearly fond of his hometown, Jain draws on his family’s long history in Mussoorie to craft stories that aim to blend folklore with personal experience. The book begins with a foreword and preface that frame these ghostly encounters as not just campfire stories, but windows into the strange, sometimes inexplicable moments that people whisper about in small towns. The writing is descriptive, aiming to evoke both the charm and the chill of life in the hills.

Jain’s strength lies in capturing the local colour—the winding roads, colonial-era buildings, and the quirks of everyday life in Mussoorie. He interviews locals and relatives, attempting to trace the roots of these supernatural stories. “The Hitchhiking Chudail,” for instance, draws from both second-hand accounts and a supposedly personal brush with the paranormal. These efforts lend the collection a kind of documentary feel, even if the line between fact and folklore is often blurred. There’s an earnestness to his approach, even if the stories sometimes lean on familiar tropes.

What’s interesting is Jain’s wavering stance on belief. He frequently questions the stories he presents, often stepping back to wonder aloud whether they’re the products of fear, suggestion, or simply the power of the human imagination. This self-awareness is refreshing and gives readers the freedom to enjoy the stories without feeling forced to buy into every spectral claim. Still, a few tales might have benefited from tighter pacing and stronger narrative tension, as not every account lands with the intended impact.

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Finally, “Ghost Stories from Mussoorie” is a heartfelt tribute to a town steeped in memory and myth. Jain’s affection for Mussoorie is unmistakable, and it’s that warmth—more than the ghosts—that stays with the reader. While the scares may not rattle seasoned horror fans, the book offers a pleasant stroll through a fog-draped world where stories, not necessarily spirits, come alive. For readers who enjoy a light shiver without diving too deep into the dark, this collection offers just enough to raise a brow—and maybe, on a quiet night, a goosebump or two.

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