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Encrypted Justice

Anand Bala

A Cyber War Sparked by a Sniper Bullet

A gripping tale of truth and resilience in a Techno Political Thriller. Set amidst Kashmir's stunning yet volatile landscape, it follows a clandestine network exposing hidden conspiracies through radical transparency. Amid personal loss and terror, protagonists face ethical dilemmas, blending human vulnerability with fierce resolve, sparking a revolution for justice in a world shadowed by secrecy and chaos.

  Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense   100,007 words   100% complete   4 publishers interested
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Synopsis

Kathy, a brilliant data security expert from Ridgewood, New Jersey, is thrust into a relentless quest for justice after the sniper assassination of her husband, John, in Kashmir. Haunted by this tragic loss, Kathy channels her grief into exposing hidden truths, developing ProjectOrionTruth.org—a sophisticated digital platform designed to validate critical data and dismantle the intricate networks of misinformation.   

Harnessing groundbreaking technologies like blockchain verification, encrypted USB drives, augmented reality filters, and counter-disinformation protocols, Kathy establishes a decentralized network of Truth Circles spanning the globe. These grassroots hubs, powered by real-time analytics and rapid-response strategies, serve as the first line of defence against deception in the digital age.  From the depths of the Berlin Cold War Bunker to the icy data uplinks of Nuuk Arctic Station, Kathy’s mission propels her across diverse and atmospheric locations. Along the way, she encounters powerful adversaries willing to go to any lengths to bury the truth. Her investigation intensifies with a perilous infiltration of WH7—a warehouse in Indore, India, tied to the terror network responsible for John’s assassination. Within its encrypted depths lie political trails, covert instructions, and damning evidence that could shake global power structures.   

As Kathy navigates digital sabotage, cyber harassment, and life-threatening danger, she is joined by Frank, a former FBI agent, and Steve, an intelligence analyst. Together, they race against time to decode secrets hidden in encrypted archives. The story reaches its gripping climax in the rugged valleys of Kashmir, where Kathy, aided by her remote-viewing daughter Jane and the spiritually attuned Maureen, confronts her husband’s assassin. In a final act of poetic justice, the team aims to deliver retribution using the very sniper rifle that ended John’s life.

Sales arguments

  • Broad Appeal Across Genres: The book beautifully blends elements of suspense, drama, and literary exploration, making it versatile for readers of thrillers, contemporary fiction, and socially conscious narratives.
  • Universal Themes: The exploration of transparency, resilience, human connection, and moral dilemmas ensures the story resonates with audiences globally, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.
  • Richly Developed Characters: The protagonists and supporting cast are intricately portrayed, offering readers relatable figures and deeply emotional arcs throughout the narrative.
  • Immersive Setting: The vivid descriptions of Kashmir’s landscapes and cultural nuances not only transport readers but also add depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
  • Thought-Provoking Storyline: The book challenges readers to reflect on societal structures, ethical decisions, and the implications of truth-seeking in an interconnected world.

Similar titles

  • "The Circle" by Dave Eggers (2013) This dystopian novel examines the impact of technology on privacy and personal freedom. The story follows a young woman who joins a powerful tech company and becomes entangled in its quest for total transparency. Like "Orion's Beacon," it raises important questions about the balance between security and privacy, and the role of technology in modern society. Readers who are intrigued by the ethical dilemmas posed by technological advancements will find both books compelling
  • "The Ghost" by Robert Harris (2007) This political thriller tells the story of a ghostwriter who uncovers dangerous secrets while working on the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister. The novel explores themes of political corruption, conspiracy, and the manipulation of information. "Orion's Beacon" shares these themes, as well as a focus on the protagonist's determination to uncover the truth despite significant risks. Both books will appeal to readers who enjoy suspenseful, thought-provoking stories
  • "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson (2005) This novel is a gripping techno-thriller that combines elements of mystery, technology, and political intrigue. The story follows a journalist and a hacker as they uncover a dark conspiracy involving powerful figures. Like "Orion's Beacon," it features a strong, determined protagonist and explores themes of transparency, accountability, and the quest for truth. Both books appeal to readers who enjoy intricate plots and high-stakes scenarios.

Audience

"Encrypted Justice" is written for well-informed, intellectually curious readers aged 30-50 who are interested in techno-political thrillers that explore themes of transparency, accountability, and the ethical implications of surveillance, and who value justice and are intrigued by the complexities of modern-day conspiracies

Anand Bala

About the author

Anand Bala is a distinguished author whose work is deeply informed by a remarkable career spanning over 30 years in financial secrecy, intelligence operations, and digital security. His professional background derives from his tenure at a leading Middle Eastern commercial bank, where he played a pivotal role in managing complex systems and operations. This extensive expertise provides a unique lens through which Anand crafts his narratives, embedding them with authenticity and intricate details that resonate with readers who appreciate realism and depth in storytelling.

Anand’s literary pursuits reflect a profound engagement with global and historical events, as illustrated by his critically acclaimed novel, "Ground Below Zero." This gripping narrative delves into the aftermath of 9/11, exploring the far-reaching consequences of one of the most significant events in modern history. Anand’s ability to weave intricate worlds and multifaceted characters, while addressing profound societal themes, has earned him recognition as a thought-provoking storyteller. His works challenge readers to reflect on the interplay between individual lives and broader societal shifts, creating narratives that linger long after the final page.

With his forthcoming novel "Encrypted Justice," Anand continues to push boundaries in the techno-political thriller genre. Set against the backdrop of the Pahalgam Terror Attack, the book addresses themes of transparency, accountability, and the quest for truth amidst modern-day conspiracies. Anand’s nuanced insights into the complexities of technology and politics enrich his storytelling, offering readers both entertainment and meaningful discourse. His dedication to illuminating pressing societal issues through fiction cements his reputation as a celebrated figure in contemporary literature, whose work bridges the gap between compelling narratives and intellectual exploration.

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Personal Legacies & Mentorship 

With institutions aligned, Kathy turned her focus to nurturing the next generation. She founded the Orion Fellows Program, selecting fifty young activists and technologists from five continents. In Geneva, at the program’s first convening, she addressed the cohort: 

“You are the keepers of truth and the architects of justice. Let John’s light guide you when darkness returns.” 

Each fellow received a mentorship pairing: Anna Meier guided OSINT specialists through advanced verification tool design; Frank coached legal researchers on international evidence-gathering; survivors like Amina Salim mentored fellows in trauma-informed interviewing techniques. 

Anna’s own trajectory soared. She established the Global OSINT Academy in Amsterdam, transforming the safe house into a training campus. Her keynote at the RSA Conference celebrated John’s ongoing tutelage: 

“Every time we crack a botnet, every time we decode a leak, we feel his presence—his voice in the static, guiding our hands.” 

Pete, once a quiet correspondent, took on leadership of the Rohit–Amina Trust, funding educational scholarships for children of victims and providing grants to local Truth Circles. He often quoted letters John had written in the trust’s annual reports: 

“Compassion without action is silence. Let our kindness be courageous.” 

Survivor ambassadors emerged across the network. In Lagos, a former Truth Circle attendee now ran a youth media collective, weaving John’s anecdotes into radio dramas that explored themes of accountability. In Jaipur, volunteers turned John’s poem from the Legacy Journal into school curricula, birthing “Truth Clubs” that taught students critical media literacy. 

Kathy’s inbox overflowed with letters and emails: 

  • From a teacher in Auckland: “Your work—and John’s words—helped my students challenge misleading political ads.” 

  • From a refugee center in Thessaloniki: “We used Orion’s verification steps to protect asylum-seekers from fraudulent sponsors.” 

  • From a rural community radio station in Bolivia: “John’s refrain ‘Light them all’ became our broadcast motto.” 

Each message affirmed that Project Orion’s impact extended far beyond government halls. It lived in classrooms, community centers, and family living rooms. John’s presence—once his physical voice on recordings—now resonated through every mentor’s guidance, every pledge of a Truth Club, every shimmering Truth Beacon lighting the night. 

Cultural Resonance & Memorials 

In New York’s Times Square, artists unveiled the Orion Lantern—a 10-meter kinetic sculpture made of interlocking glass panels etched with John’s quotes. At dusk, programmed lights traced each line in his journal, the words “Light them all” glowing brightest. Passersby paused, scanning their phones to access augmented reality overlays explaining each passage’s context. 

Two feature documentaries premiering at Cannes and Sundance chronicled Orion’s odyssey. One, “Echoes of Light,” interwove Kathy’s speeches, Anna’s OSINT hunts, and survivors’ testimonies beneath the Berlin bunker. The other, “Guardian of Truth,” featured rare footage from John’s early field operations. A bestselling memoir by a former undercover operator—Shadow Hunter—recounted how Orion leaks upended global terror networks, attributing the movement’s ethos to John’s unwavering moral compass. 

On the anniversary of John’s final transmission, communities worldwide lit lanterns and beacons in unison for the first Annual Beacon Festival. From Reykjavík’s frozen shores to Mumbai’s monsoon nights, people raised lights skyward, streaming livestreams that synchronized every flame’s glow into a single digital tapestry. 

In Berlin’s bunker-turned-memorial, an original oratorio based on John’s Legacy Journal premiered. The composition, blending choir and electronics, swelled to a climax at his words: “When our echoes unite, they form a chorus no power can silence.” In Kolkata, street performers enacted his poems in elaborate shadow puppetry, drawing crowds under the Howrah Bridge. 

Digital art spaces offered an immersive tribute: “John’s Room,” a VR experience reconstructed John’s study. Visitors explored shelves of journals, flipped through encrypted drives, and listened to his final soliloquy while rain pattered against ghostly window panes. The experience closed with a single prompt: “Carry the light forward.” 

Cliffhanger: The Next Echo 

At 23:59 GMT, Kathy’s secure terminal pinged with an unmarked data packet titled “Echo 0.” She exchanged a weary glance with Anna before decrypting the file. On screen appeared a 30-second audio clip—hissy, distant, recorded over a decade ago but never shared publicly. John’s unmistakable voice spoke: 

“When our echoes unite, they become a chorus no power can silence. Seek the heart of the wild where light first dawned.” 

A hidden QR code scrolled beneath the clip. When scanned, it directed users to a dark-web server streaming live audio: the faint hum of a new, unlit Truth Beacon deep in the Amazon rainforest—its coordinates masked but its signal pulsing at irregular intervals. 

Anna’s eyes widened. “He always said the final frontier was nature’s embrace—where voices are hardest to hear.” 

Kathy steadied herself. The world had heard John’s echoes in grand halls and digital realms. Now his next message called them into uncharted wilds. As she prepared to rally the movement toward the rainforest’s depths, she felt John’s guiding presence more vividly than ever: a compass pointing toward the next dawn of truth. The echoes remained—and the journey was far from over. 


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  • Ravi Uppal
    on Aug. 6, 2025, 5:48 a.m.

    A wonder success in this and all other projects in future dear Bala!

    Look forward to seeing you and Salma in January.

  • Anita Fracis
    on Aug. 6, 2025, 9:06 a.m.

    Our family, especially Mum sends her best wishes and blessings for the grand success of your book, our dearest Bala Uncle.

  • Arjun Rai Mahendra
    on Aug. 6, 2025, 2:22 p.m.

    Dear Uncle. I am very excited for this book. Your writing style shows a lot of passion for the subject matter at hand. I was always fascinated by the world of OSINT, but never got the opportunity to go beyond dipping my toes. Maybe this book will be the needed timely nudge to enter into this fascinating world. Wishing you all the best for the success of this book.

  • Haiderali Wadiwala
    on Aug. 8, 2025, 11:08 a.m.

    Hi Bala..
    I just made a payment of US $25 by SBICARD.
    I look forward to publishing the book.
    It will indeed be very interesting.
    My best wishes and kind regards to you and Salma.
    Wadi

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