Abnormalities and Formalities

Fifteen orphans inherit a wealthy estate, only to face chaos when Alex uncovers the truth behind James and a missing document. The story begins with Alex uncovering the truth behind James and a missing document, which triggers intense conflict between the two oldest members of the group. As grief becomes restless for the younger children and an excuse for the elders, tension rises within the household. Connor, who works as a night security guard at a museum, attempts to distract the group by taking all fourteen of them to view a new exhibition of paintings. This decision leads to chaos when a specific command causes the fifteen individuals to lose their minds. They become lost within the landscape paintings, experiencing hallucinations and seeing creatures that lurk without any exit. Words are spoken that split people apart, and the older side tries desperately to hide their pain from the younger ones. This work suits readers who enjoy psychological horror and supernatural fiction where family dynamics fracture under pressure. It draws on gothic traditions of isolation and madness within confined spaces. The narrative does not suit those seeking lighthearted tales or clear resolutions, as the characters remain trapped in a cycle of fear and confusion. Akhtar qualifies this exploration through her focus on the psychological unraveling of individuals forced to confront hidden truths. The book challenges the reader to consider who holds power in such desperate situations.