In B’tween: The 3 Claps of Thunder by Nandita Banerjee

A fourth supernatural installment from Nandita Banerjee, In B’tween: The 3 Claps of Thunder is another moody and compelling plunge into a cursed family drama.

Still reeling from the effects of a vile curse and the demonic fiend in their midst, Sunny, Sonya, and Aunt Bina are trying to stabilize their lives, but the manipulation and mind games have only just begun. Taking down this ageless monster becomes a family affair for both the living and the dead, as dark spell-casters clash with spiritual defenders in an epic urban fantasy. That is easier said than done, particularly when black magic sorcerers are still running amok, laying traps for the family left behind.

Playing out in both the spirit and mortal realms, the plot toys with common conceptions surrounding the afterlife, while also artfully blurring the lines between magic, science, and religious tradition. Thematically, the novel digs deeply into the unique bonds of family, the breaking point of loyalty, the burden of parenthood, gender inequality, and the limits of forgiveness, for a surprisingly multifaceted read in this genre.

With Priya’s ghost as the invisible storyteller of the book’s events, there is a maternal tenderness to much of the prose, coupled with her running commentary throughout. This narrative approach makes it easier for readers to follow key moments and for the author to move the plot along. This magical saga is loaded with potential, given the intricacy of the plot, the timely thematic undercurrents, and a collection of complex but relatable characters.