Kill Process

Kill Process follows Angie, a database expert and former hacker who works at a dominant social media company while secretly tracking down domestic abusers online. Her past as a survivor of abuse drives her vigilante activities and shapes her growing concerns about her employer's manipulation of users. By day, Angie maintains the databases that power the social network's algorithms and user tracking. By night, she develops plans for an alternative platform that would give users true privacy and control over their data. When Angie uncovers disturbing practices at her company, she must decide whether to risk her career and safety by taking action. Her technical expertise becomes both a weapon and a shield as she navigates corporate espionage, competing loyalties, and escalating threats. The novel examines themes of surveillance capitalism, data privacy, and the intersection of personal trauma with systemic exploitation. Through its blend of technical detail and human stakes, it raises questions about power dynamics in the digital age and the true cost of "free" social platforms.

Readers describe Kill Process as a technically accurate thriller that resonates with those in tech and cybersecurity fields. Multiple reviews note the authentic portrayal of coding, database architecture, and startup culture. Readers highlighted: - Realistic technical details without overwhelming non-technical readers - Strong female protagonist with depth and complexity - Accurate representation of domestic abuse dynamics - Fast pacing in the second half Common criticisms: - Slow start with heavy technical exposition - Some dialogue feels unnatural - Supporting characters need more development - Third act pacing issues Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (580+ ratings) Sample review: "As someone who works in tech, the accuracy of the technical details was refreshing. However, the first 100 pages were heavy on explaining database concepts which may lose some readers." - Goodreads reviewer "The protagonist's background in abuse survival shapes her actions in believable ways rather than feeling tacked on." - Amazon reviewer

Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson A programmer-turned-warrior battles a computer virus with the potential to infect human minds in a cyberpunk world dominated by corporate franchises.

Daemon by Daniel Suarez A deceased programmer's AI system orchestrates a series of cyber attacks that reshape society through automation and digital networks.

Neuromancer by William Gibson A burned-out hacker takes on a mysterious job that leads to confrontation with powerful artificial intelligences and corporate entities in cyberspace.

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow A tech-savvy teenager uses hacking and digital resistance to fight against government surveillance after a terrorist attack in San Francisco.

The Blue Nowhere by Jeffery Deaver A police detective partners with an imprisoned hacker to track down a digital killer who uses personal data to stalk and murder victims.

🔹 The main character, Angie, is a database expert and security specialist - mirroring author William Hertling's own background in software engineering and web development. 🔹 The book explores the dark side of social media addiction through a fictional platform called Tomo, which uses sophisticated algorithms to manipulate user behavior. 🔹 Hertling wrote Kill Process partly as a response to growing concerns about data privacy and the increasing power of social media companies over their users. 🔹 The technical details in the book about database systems, coding, and hacking are remarkably accurate, earning praise from real-world tech professionals. 🔹 The protagonist's creation of a decentralized social network reflects actual movements in tech circles to develop alternatives to centralized social media platforms.