“Ronni’s mind fell completely silent. She stopped being aware of the room around her, there was only the hateful figure of a bully and an abuser ahead of her, all else was a blur.”You’re in a strange city. Your friend is missing. Could you find the courage to do what is necessary? Would you even know where to start?These are the questions faced by law graduate Ronni Wong when her friend Jenny disappears after a date with a man she met online. Finding evidence suggesting that Jenny’s internet lover hides the darkest of secrets, Ronni is forced to embark on a journey through social media to discover the identity of a kidnapper, and then a dangerous race against time through the streets of Metro Manila to save her friend’s life. The clock is ticking, can Ronni make it in time?Join Ronni as her investigation into one disappearance leads her into mortal danger. Social Murder will keep you on the edge of your seat, and at the same time challenge you to think about how you use social media. Are you safe online?
Wayne Michael Dunwell was born in Lincolnshire, north-east England, in the same year that British Leyland launched the Austin Allegro, the British government introduced the equally popular Value Added Tax, Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Sydney Opera House and Typhoon Nora paid unwelcome visits to the Philippines and China. At least the Aussies had a good year, eh?
He has worked in a variety of logistics and IT-related posts in Windy England, taught contact centre agents how to provide technical support in Rainy Belgium, managed online customer support and community management for a well-known electronics brand in Frozen Finland, and taught Chinese students English in the scorching-hot Philippines.
As well as a penchant for variances in climate, he also spends far too much time watching and reading detective and sci-fi stories, which is probably why he got as far as his mid-forties before actually putting any of his ideas down in writing. Social Murder is his first work to be published.
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Metro Manila is the setting for this taut and absorbing novel, whose author understands the importance of a real sense of place in such a fiction.
Ronni and her brother were born of a Filippina mother but were adopted when young babies by a Chinese couple who took them to their home in Australia, where they grew up. Having completed her law degree and before taking her place in her father’s law practice, Ronni has decided to satisfy a yearning to experience a little of what life was like, albeit for a short time, in the country of her birth. She is still learning to find her way around Manila and to adjust to its way of life. The narration cleverly negotiates the double thoughts and perspectives of the Chinese girl she thinks of as Mei-Lin, always urging her to be respectful and polite, to think of her ‘public face’, and Veronica, the Aussie girl who doesn’t tolerate being messed about. Sometimes she feels like a Bruce Banner-like character fighting to restrain Veronica. When her friend Jenny disappears after meeting someone she met on a dating web, Ronni tries to trace him through a complex internet investigation.
‘Social Murder’ is very skilfully constructed , moving between two parallel worlds: cyber space where the challenge is purely cerebral, and a hyper-real Metro Manila where the game will finally be played out. Ronni’s cultural duality plays a crucial psychological part in the action of Dunwell’s pacey and utterly absorbing novel, which vividly evokes this bewilderingly complex and never still metropolis.
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In "Social Murder," Wayne Michael Dunwell crafts a gripping narrative that delves into the dark side of social media and its potential perils. This thrilling novel follows law graduate Ronni Wong as she navigates a labyrinth of danger and deceit in her quest to find her missing friend, Jenny. Dunwell expertly combines suspense, action, and social commentary to create a story that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
The novel opens with an intensely vivid scene that sets the tone for the rest of the story. Ronni's determination and bravery are immediately apparent as she faces the horrifying reality of her friend's disappearance. Dunwell’s portrayal of Ronni's character is both relatable and inspiring. Her journey from confusion and fear to courage and action is depicted with great depth, making her a compelling protagonist.
As Ronni delves into Jenny’s online interactions, she uncovers a web of secrets that reveals the sinister side of the internet. Dunwell skillfully uses this investigation to highlight the dangers lurking in the virtual world, posing critical questions about online safety and the anonymity of social media users. The narrative raises awareness about the vulnerabilities that many people, especially young women, face in the digital age.
The story's setting in Metro Manila adds a unique flavor to the novel, providing a vivid backdrop for the high-stakes chase that ensues. Dunwell’s descriptive writing brings the bustling streets and hidden corners of the city to life, adding to the sense of urgency and danger. The race against time to save Jenny is a heart-pounding journey that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with each twist and turn heightening the suspense.
One of the novel’s standout features is its ability to intertwine action with social commentary. "Social Murder" is not just a thrilling read; it is a stark reminder of the importance of being vigilant online. Dunwell challenges readers to reflect on their own digital footprints and consider the real-life implications of their virtual interactions.
In conclusion, "Social Murder" is a must-read for fans of thrillers .
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