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A True Story on How Not to Live

C C SANTHOSH KUMAR

TRUE STORY

Set in a small town and based on real experiences, this book blends the raw passion of a romance with the chilling suspense of a psychological thriller. At its core, it explores the life of a charismatic but deeply flawed individual who cloaks manipulation and abuse in the name of love, faith, and virtue.

  Romantic Fiction   10,000 words   100% complete   2 publishers interested
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Synopsis

With a soft smile, comforting words, and a seemingly selfless heart, Arav appeared to be a guiding light—a man of virtue, wisdom, and divine purpose. But behind the façade of sainthood lay a fractured soul hungry for control, affection, and something far more dangerous: unquestioning devotion.

Told through the eyes of those who trusted him, loved him, and were ultimately broken by him, Fake Saint unravels the psychological layers of a man who blurred the lines between spirituality and manipulation. When love turns obsessive, and faith is weaponized, the truth becomes a painful revelation.

As the cracks widen and secrets spill, the people in Arav’s orbit are forced to confront not just who he truly is—but who they’ve become because of him.

Based on true events, Fake Saint is a haunting, slow-burn thriller about charm, betrayal, emotional trauma, and the cost of following a false light. This is not a story of redemption—it’s a warning.

Sales arguments

  • Based on a true story: The novel draws from real-life events, making the emotional impact and psychological depth disturbingly authentic.
  • Genre-bending appeal: A gripping blend of romance, thriller, and psychological drama that keeps readers emotionally hooked and morally conflicted.
  • Explores taboo themes: Tackles rarely discussed issues like spiritual manipulation, emotional abuse, and toxic love—with bold honesty and literary intensity.
  • For fans of dark fiction: Perfect for readers who enjoy stories like Gone Girl, Verity, or The Silent Patient, where charm hides danger.
  • Conversation starter: Challenges readers to rethink ideas of faith, trust, and morality—making it ideal for book clubs, discussion groups, and social commentary.

Similar titles

  • Verity by Colleen Hoover A dark romantic thriller that explores manipulation, obsession, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction—perfect for readers who enjoy twisted emotional dynamics.
  • Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough A psychological suspense novel involving mind games, secrets, and spiritual manipulation, with a shocking twist that reframes the entire narrative.
  • The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith While not romantic in nature, this classic psychological thriller captures the essence of a charming sociopath who deceives everyone around him—mirroring the “holy fraud” theme in Fake Saint.

Audience

The target audience is readers who enjoy dark, emotionally intense fiction that explores psychological manipulation, toxic relationships, and the hidden dangers behind charm and faith.

Advance praise

“A gripping and unsettling story that peels back the mask of false virtue—Fake Saint will haunt you long after the final page.”
— Early Reviewer


“A bold debut that explores the darkness behind spiritual manipulation with raw emotion and cinematic intensity.”
— Beta Reader


“If you've ever loved the wrong person or questioned a leader's integrity, this book will hit hard—and stay with you.”
— Book Blogger


“Unforgettable, disturbing, and unflinchingly honest. This isn’t just a story—it’s a warning.”
— Author of Psychological Thrillers


“A chilling blend of romance and thriller, Fake Saint is the kind of book you finish in one night and think about for weeks.”
— ARC Reviewer

C C SANTHOSH KUMAR

About the author

AUTHOR C C SANTHOSH KUMAR is a bilingual storyteller who writes in Tamil and English, blending personal truth with gripping fiction. With a deep interest in trauma, emotional complexity, and spiritual conflict, their work explores the darker side of human relationships. Fake Saint is their debut novel—a psychological romance thriller inspired by real events. When not writing, [Your Name] reflects on the power of belief, the damage of deception, and the quiet resilience of survivors.

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1106 Design, LLC

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100 copies • Completed manuscript.
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Chapter 1 — The Arrival

“He wasn’t a saint, but everyone treated him like one…”

[Insert full scene: introduce protagonist, setting, and a hint of underlying tension.]

Chapter 2 — Her First Prayer

[The main female character begins to fall under his spell. Romantic tension builds.]

Chapter 3 — The Confession

[The first sign that something is wrong—a lie, a manipulation, or a dangerous moment.]


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📜 3. “Saint or Fraud?” Digital Companion Guide

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A beautifully designed digital mini-book that breaks down the symbols, characters, real-life inspirations, and hidden meanings behind Fake Saint. Perfect for fans who love layered stories and psychological insight.

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🎧 2. Author-Narrated Audio Snippet

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Hear the story come to life in the author’s own voice. Backers will receive a private audio reading of a chilling scene, delivered directly to your inbox.

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🔥 1. Bonus Chapter – The First Lie

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Get exclusive access to a prequel chapter that won’t appear in the final book. Discover how the deception began—before the first betrayal, before the first prayer.

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  • 1 physical copy
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