I Think I Was Murdered is the second novel by writing duo Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. A lawyer for Silicon Valley AI startup, Talk Inc, Katrina Foster has been widowed a year when her life is again upended: her beloved grandmother, Bestemor dies, and the FBI are investigating Talk’s CEO, David Liang who, it turns out, has been embezzling company funds and has disappeared to Shanghai. His girlfriend, and Katrina’s best friend, Liv Tompkins is Talk’s Chief Technical Officer, and has been left holding the baby (well, near enough, she’s pregnant).

Jason Foster was killed in a terrible car accident while on his way to a meeting in North Haven. Talk’s current project is a chatbot, and Katrina has the beta version loaded with texts, emails, social media and anything else needed to emulate Jason’s personality. Although she’s well aware it’s not him, as realistic as it is, it brings her great comfort and emotional support. But has relying on it retarded her healing? And lately, there might be a few glitches: Japanese text, quotes from books and movies out of left field. And then this: “I think I was murdered.”

The adverse publicity from the FBI raid has her seeking refuge with her family in North Haven. Ivy feels they may be in danger from the influential Liangs, and Katrina invites her along. There’s a funeral to attend, and Bestemor’s will holds a surprise that gives her a reason to seek out local restaurateur, Seb Wallace. They have a history from high school days that she’d all but forgotten, but his fluency in Japanese leads her to share the bot’s revelations.

When he realises that she isn’t self-centred like he thought, Seb is very happy to help Katrina in any way he can, although he does have the distraction of a half-brother of whom he was unaware, turning up on his doorstep. Dylan Carter claims to be the son of Rory Wallace and Linda Carver, but is there more to him than meets the eye?

The premise of an AI chatbot that can respond in character is certainly a topical one, although of course, its output always relies on what goes in. Coble and Acker give the reader some appealing characters and a plot that has a few red herrings and takes a turn or two, including some climbing action and a visit to Yosemite, and a nail-biting climax, before the final resolution.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction.

I Think I Was Murdered is a thrilling and emotionally resonant read that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. Colleen Coble expertly blends suspense, romance, and psychological drama to create a compelling story about healing, trust, and uncovering the truth. The strong character development, particularly of Evie and Luke, adds depth to the fast-paced, twist-filled plot, while the themes of justice, identity, and self-discovery give the novel a layer of emotional complexity.

Despite a few predictable elements and areas where the emotional exploration could be deepened, I Think I Was Murdered is an enjoyable and satisfying thriller. If you're a fan of suspenseful mysteries with strong characters and a touch of romance, this book is definitely worth reading. Coble’s expertise in building tension and delivering a suspenseful, satisfying conclusion will appeal to fans of the genre, and her skillful character work ensures that readers will care about the outcome as much as the mystery itself.

This book was so interesting and full of suspense! I rarely read thriller style books that have a love interest so it was really enjoyable having someone to root for their love while also being incredibly invested in the plot. I couldn’t tear myself away from this book. The characters were well developed and the twist towards the end was great. Thank you so much to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for my free eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have enjoyed several books from Colleen Coble, and I Think I Was Murdered did not disappoint. Edge-of-the-seat action, twenty-first-century technology with chatbots and bitcoins, and a long-time-in-coming romance kept my interest high. The authors do a great job of keeping the villain's identity concealed, which keeps the pages turning too! Readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers will not want to miss this one. I read a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

This book had a really interesting premise but in the end it just wasn’t for me. I can see other readers enjoying the plot and the writing however.

Reading I Think I Was Murdered transports the reader to a small town with serious Norwegian flair. It also incorporates what could be a darker side to AI and all the tech advances. Toss in a few twists and turns to the plot to throw you off balance, and you end up with an enjoyable suspense novel.

This is not the first book I have read by Colleen Coble, but I was uncertain how the book would be as a coauther with Rick Acker. No worries as it turned out splendidly.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advance reader copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

I Think I was Murdered is a stand-alone read by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker.

The story begins with Katrina receiving a call about her beloved grandmother falling ill. She needs to return home before it is too late. But she is also struggling with the news her company is being investigated for wrongdoing. On her way home she calls the app that allows her to speak to her dead husband that she continues to rely on while grieving. The AI chatbot program anticipates the responses she feels she needs to hear in his voice. In time she will hear the voice say he thinks he was murdered. Katrina will uncover more mysteries about her husband's death.

This book threw me when I started reading it. It was not at all what I had come to expect when reading Colleen Coble books. The writing is different, not as polished as I have come to enjoy. It is rushed in some spots and drags in others. Let me say that I liked the book, but it was not what I have come to expect which was disappointing for me. It has potential to be a great story, but I think this version needs more work. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, some likeable some could have been left out entirely. Katrina's family is different with no reason explaining why. I was left with more questions than answers.

I wish I could give this a higher rating, but it just does not leave me feeling the way I normally do after I have finished it.

An AI chatbot, bitcoin, and a mystery to solve. This collaboration between Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is quite the page turner.

Katrina Berg is a widow and a lawyer for Talk, Inc. Her deceased husband Jason converses with her regularly via a chatbot app pioneered by her employer. When the Feds descend upon the company, Katrina heads home to New Haven, CA to regroup and mourn another loss -- her Bestemor. I loved the setting in the redwoods and the Norwegian family connections. The food at Bestemor's restaurant sounds fabulous -- waffles and lignonberries on a cloud, for example. Best friend Liv soon joins Katrina and so does a heightening element of danger. If Jason was murdered, is that same person or group now targetting Katrina? Old high school friend Seb Wallace is a welcome partner in investigation and as a restaurant resource. He also has family complications including a dad with Parkinson's and a new brother who has come out of the woodwork.

There is a lot going on in this book. The authors did do a good job of tying up the loose ends by the conclusion. I am not a huge Colleen Coble fan, but if you are then you will also love this new cutting edge mystery. Karen Peakes does a fine job narrating if you choose the audio version.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for a digital ARC and to HarperCollins for an audio ARC. All opinions are my own.

I did not care for this book. The premise was intriguing and the story started off strong, but after the prologue, I just couldn’t get into it. The characters were flat, sappy (in chapter one, literally everyone was crying), and unrealistic (a grown man whose first thought at finding out he has a long-lost half brother from his father’s affair is “I’m so glad I have someone to eat Thanksgiving dinner with” is not believable as a human being). Based on this book, I would not pick up another by either of these authors.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley for this e-arc!

I'll preface this by saying this one was not for me. The writing is there.e I was intrigued by the title and the synopsis. However, when I started reading, I wasn't being drawn into the story. It really didn't start to pick up until around 44% and it was short lived for me. It just started to fall flat again for me.

I was drawn in by the AI element. With the emergence of AI, I think this is a hot topic, and I haven't seen a ton of books coming out on the market that involve AI. But honestly, I don't really get what it added to this story, and the whole AI bot says her husband was murdered. Why would that make you think that the bot has any semblance of being accurate?

Then, the romance subplots also felt so unnecessary. They don't really add to the story. It feels forced to me. The one character is repeatedly mentioned to be pregnant, but again, her being pregnant is not important to the story. It felt weird to just keep bringing it up and it not having an actual role in the plot. Like good for her I guess?

Overall, this was my first Colleen Coble book. I can't say that I would never read another book by them, but I can't really see myself seeking one out either.

A fast paced suspense that will leave you guessing until the end. Unexpected twists keep the adrenaline pounding through the entire wild ride. With hits of sweet romance and dealing with grief and loss, there is something for everyone. It was so fun with the AI tech that added a new edge to it all. Character development was so great, it felt like making new friends. They have a depth to them that pulls the reader deeper into the story. The backdrop to the book sprang off the page, filling in all around the story. From towering trees to restaurant chatter, I could easily picture it all.
Colleen Coble and Rick Acker have seamlessly woven a twisting tale that will keep you fully engaged from start to finish. They combine into one voice that crafts suspense to a whole new level. I can't wait for the next book, it is sure to ensnare once again! I also can't recommend this book more, it's worth more that 5 stars! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The authors have come up with a clean mystery that covers so much more. Family relationships play a large part in the lives of the characters. Overcoming the odds to become all you can be and handling loss are big parts of their story. The characters are likable and themes involving AI advances, chatbots, and bitcoin all add to the adventure. I felt it was a little slow when it came to spending time on the apt. but Chinese triads, crooked FBI agents and betrayal make this a good read.
I received this book from Netgalley and wish to thank them,the author and publisher for making it available.

OH MY GOODNESS! This is one of the best suspenseful books I’ve read in a long time!

Katrina works as a lawyer consult for a big tech Chatbox company in California. When her CEO gets indicted for fraud, she finds herself out of a job and approached by the FBI. Chatbox has become her lifeline to the past since her husband, Jason, died a year ago. After she uploaded all of his phone messages and emails to the app, it’s as if she’s talking to him again. She happily talks to “him” daily until she receives a disturbing text from him saying, “I think I was murdered.”

Katrina’s grandmother unexpectedly passes away around this time and she thinks maybe getting out of the city will help with all of the stress. She’ll quickly find she has some unfinished business back in the town she grew up in and a friend from her past.

It starts out a bit slow, but it works well because of the plot. Once I got through about 60% of the book, it really picked up its pace and I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the development of all of the characters, and even though I thought I knew what was coming at the end, I definitely didn’t! It was one plot twist followed by another!

There is a little bit of romance mixed into the story, but I definitely wouldn’t consider it a romance book. The female main character is a strong, independent woman but also not afraid to ask a man for help. The male main character is swoony and I won’t say anything more than that as to not give away spoilers! 😊

I think this duo does a fantastic job of writing together and I hope I see many more books written by them!

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion. I rate this book as five stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😊

Wow this book was different from what I normally read, but it was so good! It's a gripping, fast-paced techno-thriller, it explores grief, loss, and the ethics of technology in a highly engaging way. The AI chatbot as a central character made for a fascinating concept, and there was a plot twist I never saw coming.

"I Think I Was Murdered" by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is an enthralling blend of mystery, AI intrigue, and the charm of a small-town reunion. Katrina Berg, once at the height of her career, has her world unravel after a series of devastating events. Her husband's tragic car crash, her company's legal troubles, and the loss of her grandmother leave her reeling. But Katrina finds solace in the sophisticated chatbot developed by her company that mimics her late husband, Jason, with eerie accuracy—until it responds with a chilling message: "I think I was murdered."

This twist propels Katrina back to her picturesque hometown in the Northern California redwoods, a place rich with both Norwegian charm and complicated memories. Partnering with Seb Wallace, an old acquaintance and local restaurateur, she embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery behind Jason's death. As they navigate the dangers ahead, they must also face old wounds, rekindle lost connections, and wrestle with the increasing influence of technology over human lives.

The story captivated me from the start, especially with its seamless blend of mystery and AI, set against the stunning backdrop of Yosemite—one of my favorite places. The evolving relationship between Katrina and Seb was heartwarming, especially given their shared history. It added a beautiful layer of redemption to the storyline, giving depth to the characters amidst the twists and turns of their investigation.

The influence of AI in the plot was fascinating and thought-provoking. Seeing how Katrina used the chatbot to cope with her grief added an emotional depth that made the story hit home. I appreciated how the authors handled this delicate balance between the allure of technology and its potential dangers, especially as Katrina faced the temptation to live in a virtual memory rather than face reality.

I found myself getting suspicious of certain characters as the story developed, but I loved how the authors unfolded the truth at just the right pace, keeping the suspense alive throughout. It might be a bit challenging for readers who aren't familiar with artificial intelligence, but for anyone who loves technology—like me—this book was a definite winner. Coble and Acker have created another compelling story that combines innovation with timeless human emotions.

I did receive this copy from Netgalley, but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book had me hooked at page one. I Think I Was Murdered, by Colleen Coble, and Rick Acker is a chilling thriller that has it all. This story pulled me in after the first page, and I stayed up all night because I couldn't put it down.

Good intrigue:
I thought the plot was good and I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue. However, I found the writing style to be a bit choppy and it took me a while to get into it. I also unfortunately never really felt as if I connected with the characters and whilst I was curious to see how things were going to play out, it was more of as an outsider looking in. Katrina and Seb were both likeable and whilst there was a light romantic thread, the emphasis of the story was definitely on the mystery aspects.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

A thriller set mostly in North Haven, Northern California in the present time. Lots of action and twists and turns. Katrina Foster has found a way to talk to her husband who died in an accident 12 months earlier. She uses a chatbot that makes use of Artificial Intelligence. All of Jason’s emails and messages have been downloaded into a chatbot and when Katrina asks a question the chatbot replies using words and phrases that Jason used to use.

When Katrina’s husband died, he had knowledge of a code to unlock a bitcoin. Jason was afraid for his life, so he hid the code and left cryptic messages for Katrina to find it.

Katrina moves to her hometown of North Haven and an old friend helps keep her safe when her life is in danger.

I loved the use of technology and the way Jason left clues for Katrina.

Lots of descriptions of delicious food. This was an action-packed thriller about families, friendships, identity, grief and romance.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for a chance to read this E-Book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

This was a fun story: a bit mystery, a bit romance, and a bit murder "who dunnit", all rolled in to one with a Christian flavor. The authors write Christian fiction, so don't read it you don't want to hear them talk about God, faith, and prayer.
Katrina works as a lawyer for a start-up tech company called Talk, that specializes in AI chatbots. A year ago her beloved husband Jason died, and her co-worker/friend put the company chatbot on her phone - loaded with all of Jason's info (emails, texts, social media, etc.) so Katrina can still "talk" to him. One day she asks Jason-bot to tell her something she doesn't know. His reply, of course, is "I think I was murdered", which starts of the mystery. Katrina moves back to her small Northern California hometown, and with the help of an old friend she begins to investigate the circumstances of Jason's death. Sure enough, he was murdered!
This story will keep you wondering and guessing at who is behind it. You may figure it out before it's revealed in the book - I did, but it didn't make it any less fun to read when it all came out.

This was a very interesting book. I'm definitely feeling some type of way with AI. I feel like we are going to see a lot of these kinds of books in the future