Anti-Social Network

From the book blurb

When college students across Mumbai are murdered one after another in gruesome ways, inspector Virkar from the crime branch is called in. As Virkar investigates, he stumbles upon a ruthless gang of young, tech-savvy miscreants who use social networking sites and the Internet for blackmail and sextortion. But how are the two cases linked? And who is the mastermind behind these killings?

As the case grows murkier, the computer-challenged Virkar finds himself greatly out of his depth, chasing a killer who always seems to be one step ahead and a group that soon trains its sights on him. He must race against time to unmask the gang and to find the murderer before his reputation is ruined forever. Thick with suspense and layered with grit, anti-social network brings to you inspector Virkar’s toughest case yet

Author

Piyush Jha is an acclaimed film director, ad filmmaker and the author of the bestselling novel, Mumbaistan and Compass Box Killer.

A student political leader at university, he pursued a career in advertising management after acquiring an MBA degree. Later, he switched tracks, first to make commercials for some of the country’s largest brands, and then to write and direct feature films. His films include Chalo America, King of Bollywood and Sikandar.

He lives in his beloved Mumbai, where he can often be found walking the streets that inspire his stories.

Characters

Virkar is intelligent…

Naina is smart…

What I think

To begin with, the title gives away the very premise of the book. The book blurb further elaborates the plot. And, the cover page, nicely depicts the essence creatively.

The story begins from the very first page. No time is wasted and in no time, the mystery begins and Virkar is in search of the murderer.

The narrative is very simple and really gripping. The suspense is neatly developed. The manner in which social Medias are used to exploit through hacking is brilliantly described.

The book is an assured page turner. It is a tiny book with about 192 pages and in no time, you would be turning the last page.

I was wondering throughiut how it would be to watch this book made into a movie. It would be a really thrilling experience!

But...

The climax seemed to be too abrupt. The justification seems to be too lame and clichéd.

Should you read it?

It is a gripping thriller which will definitely let shivers pass all through your body. Go for it!

Rating

4/5

Thank you

The book was received as part of Reviewers Programme on The Tales Pensieve.