Social networking as it turns out to be has become an overpowering medium of communication among people. From teenagers to oldies all are coloured in one single effect of social networking. But hazardous attempts have been made to malign people and it has also become a source of notorious activities. Author Piyush Jha in his latest thriller "Anti-Social Network" has embarked on a mission to uncover the gruelling face of social networking. So does he aces in his attempt to throw some light? Let's find out.
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.
First look at the title and the cover and the black and red in the image is an evidence to the fact that something shady and mysterious is going to be part of this book. The title very unusual but a commonly used term nowadays makes an instant connection to the readers. The blurb talks about one the upcoming fiction heroes and his latest endeavours with a case never seen or heard of. It's a blurb concealed in mystery and forcing people to rake their brains and run in tow with Inspector Virkar to solve a crime.
The story starts off with some gruesome murders in Mumbai city and Inspector Virkar is found in action and at helm of the case. The police along with people are clueless as the whole thing gathers momentum and takes Virkar to the length and breadth of the entire city. But there's more to what Virkar can decipher and unearth from his investigations. So will Virkar be able to solve the serial killing saga? Is there a twist in the tale? Will it prove to be a roadblock in Virkar's shiny career? Let's find out.
As the book promises there is no dearth of suspense, action and high voltage thrill. The length and breadth of Mumbai being covered with ease. As a crime thriller it manages to invade the minds and gets the better of the reader with it's flawless interpretations and bold coverage. There is a feeling of ease as the pages are turned and it's evident all throughout.The book paces beautifully and along the way leaves a lot for the readers to decipher. The story with an uncanny fiction hero makes up the entire set up daunting and challenging. The theme of the story as social networking weaves out its charm and commands the appropriate attention from thriller fanatics. The story has been spiced up at the right places and promises a completely new experience delivered in local style.
The only downside of the book is it could have avoided the local dialect in the story after sometime.
All in all the story once again with a powerful narration and a well groomed hero churns out a simple looking yet captivating thriller. The book stirs the desire of the readers to crave for more from the author's pen. It also extinguishes the quench of the readers in a grand fashion. There are no ifs and buts in the story line and it's a smooth sail without hiccups. The book has a motion to reel effect and leaves the readers gasping for breath at the end of it. A befitting crime thriller.
RATINGS:
4 OUT OF 5
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