13 Times by Cheryl Rao

nisha.singh@harpercollins.co.in | 26 October 2023

Talking about 13 Times, author Cheryl Rao says, “Don’t you sometimes ask yourself:

‘What if I encounter a friendly spirit – or a not-so-friendly one?
What would happen to me in my everyday life – in school, at home, with my friends, if a strange presence intervened?
What if objects took on a life of their own?
Suppose something second hand retains a memory of its past owner, or is still “possessed” by that owner?
What would happen?
Suppose Time stood still – or went into reverse gear?
Would I be able to handle the challenges that came along with it?”

Some of the questions raised and situations faced by characters in this collection of thirteen strange stories that promise to chill and thrill – and will hopefully weave a web of mystery and bring you face-to-face with the unexplained.”

Tina Narang, Publisher – HarperCollins adds, “13 Times is a collection of stories that are part spooky, part scary, part horror, but completely strange. Each unexpected twist, and every bizarre turn will keep you enthralled and turning the pages. It’s the perfect book to bring in the Halloween season with all its chills, thrills and electrifying excitement.”

About 13 Times

I stretched my hand out of the window to feel the raindrops. Just then, there was a flash of lightning. In its white light, I saw the water droplets falling off my hand onto the ledge outside, staining it pink. I gasped and lifted my other hand to the light outside. There were flecks of blood on it.

Are you brave enough to get through this collection of spooky and strange stories?

Neha, whose only friend at her new school is a girl no one else can see …

Kala, whose one innocent purchase sets in motion a violent – and all too real – nightmare …

Deepak, who finds a beautiful painting that comes alive at night …

Tanvi, whose family stumbles upon a hill town where time seems to stand still …

Dev, whose decision to help out a lost girl has brutal consequences …

And many other stories that will send a chill down your spine.

The perfect read for your Halloween this year!