Book excerpt: The enigmatic leopard is an apex predator that embodies seductive beauty, grace, stealth, and power. While much popular content exists on African leopards, the story of the Indian leopard has seldom been promulgated. Set in the enchanting wilds of India, In the Realm of the Phantom is an informative treatise on this iconic big cat as seen through the eyes and lens of an avid wildlife photographer who spent over five years on its trail. Replete with captivating images and enthralling anecdotes, it reveals the life and character of this covert feline, while also touching upon more specialized aspects of how to approach leopard photography. Written in an easy, amicable, and often humorous style, the author's endearment for this spotted beauty and the land it inhabits flows through, as he takes the reader on a captivating journey to tell the story of the Indian leopard. This book is a quintessential 'must-read' for anyone with an interest in the natural world and wildlife photography.