The Deadly Conch

What if no one trusted you, not even your own family? Tara's triumphant return to Morni is short-lived. Her stepmother's daughter, Layla is angry and wants to avenge her mother's death. Her actions cast suspicion on Tara: a dead dog in the village temple, contaminated well water, and whispers that Tara is possessed by the demonic spirit of Zarku's mother. Layla fuels the villagers' blind superstitions and fears. Soon all of Morni is against Tara, even her own family. Death seems to be the only way to stop her evil stepsister. Tara turns to Lord Yama and his deadly conch for help. After a visit to the Underworld, Tara has only twenty-four hours to prove her innocence and save the village before she must go back to the world of the dead. And live there forever. Can Tara believe in herself one last time to defeat Layla, or will Lord Yama and his deadly conch claim her living soul? The Tara Trilogy is a middle-grade fantasy adventure set in India. It is infused with Indian mythology, culture, and folklore. A young girl must fight an evil healer, Zarku, who is intent on destroying all that is precious to her. Armed only with courage, perseverance, and an indomitable spirit, she must try and save herself, and the ones she loves. Mahtab Narsimhan is an award-winning author with numerous critically acclaimed books in the fantasy, horror, mystery, and contemporary genres. Many of her books have landed on prestigious lists and The Third Eye won the Silver Birch Fiction Award. She is deeply committed to representing diversity in her books. Please visit www.mahtabnarsimhan.com for more information.