Anti-Social Network: Book Review

Genre: Thriller
Pages: 200
Publishers: Rupa & co.

Book Jacket:

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.

Book Review:

Anti-social network written by Piyush Jha is the third installment of Mumbaistan series. The first two books were Mumbaistan and Compass box killer. The author has nailed it once again and this time he has played with the deepest desires. The way he has presented the story is mind blowing.

Young students are getting murdered in  a gruesome way and Piyush Jha’s very own, Inspector Virkar steps in to find the killer. What looked like a psycho killing start taking a shape of sextortation and what lies next for Virkar is beyond his imagination.

There is no beating around the bushes, the story is bang on from the very beginning. Even a roller coaster ride has its low point but this book has none. The way murders are executed is  very intriguing to read (it doesn’t mean that  I’m a sadist or I’m getting inspired by it) and so as Virkar’s chase for the mastermind. The story has given spotlight at a very serious issue and it can also be taken as a lesson about what users must not do while using the internet or social networking so as to stay safe.

The character of Inspector Virkar needs no explanation but still… he was mind blowing. Thankfully, he was not portrayed like Chulbul Panday or Shingham. Virkar looks real. The character of Naina, a psychiatrist and a professor, was really good. Her character had so many different shades from strict/ caring professor to an intelligent lady to a passionate lover. Apart from these, I really liked the character of Richard. He was funny, cunning and perfect.

I find nothing wrong with this book and thank god, the story was not stretched. The story line is very intriguing and will keep the readers no their toe. The pace will force the readers to turn pages one after another.

This is a perfect weekend book and this book is also the best way to distract yourself from the irritating person sitting next to you, while you are travelling. This book is a delight for thriller fans and no doubt one of the best thrillers by an Indian author in recent times. It’s worth reading.

Rated: 4/5

This book has been reviewed as part of The Tales Pensieve Book Review program.