Where Shadows Speak: New-Age Bengali Thrillers at IKBF 2026

🖊️Dayeeta Chowdhury

Kolkata Book Fair and Bengali literature are intertwined; it is like tea without sugar—unthinkable, incomplete, and deeply ingrained in everyday culture. The International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF) 2026 once again proves that for Bengali readers, literature is not limited to poetry or nostalgia; it also thrives in suspense, mystery and crime.

Among Bengali literature, there are vast genres that explore black magic, psychological tension and detective fiction. From the timeless Feluda series to contemporary narratives like the Arin Roy series, Bengali thrillers have evolved with changing times while remaining rooted in familiar social and cultural landscapes. This year’s book fair reflects that evolution strongly, with newly launched thrillers drawing young readers, students and genre enthusiasts alike.

One of the notable new releases is “Karigorer Rahashya” by Pronobhar Chowdhury, where mystery unfolds through everyday urban settings. Adventure blends with suspense in “Jora Captain Da” by Subhadeep Biswas, while “Adhar Periye” by Nilanjan Sanyal offers a darker, psychological reading experience.

Social commentary finds a place in crime fiction through “Naam Badnam” by Sangamitra Roy Chowdhury, whereas history and hidden treasures take centre stage in “Nababer Sesh Guptodhon” by Subhajit Ghosh. Readers interested in varied narratives can explore “Thriller to Thriller” by Chandrani Basu. Experimental storytelling appears in “Obyakto Trinal Purush” by Debarjunath Chakraborty, while “1486” by Proshun Nashkar combines historical elements with gripping suspense.

Beyond these titles, IKBF 2026 introduces many emerging voices in the thriller genre, moving past popular works like “Gini Rohoshyo” by Manali Samanta and “Pine Patay Rokter Daag” by Arindam Ghosh. Together, these new launches make the Kolkata Book Fair an exciting space for young readers to discover how Bengali thrillers continue to evolve and captivate.