Member Reviews
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Katrina is the lawyer for a small tech firm, struggling with the death of her husband, when the CEO of the tech firm disappears. To complicate things further, the company is owned by her best friend Liv, who has been romantically involved with the missing executive; the tech firm is being forced into bankruptcy, and is being investigated by the FBI.
When Katrina’s grandmother dies the same day as everything happens at work, Katrina is forced to re-evaluate her priorities and take some time away. During this time, as she has done since her husband’s death, she turns to an AI app designed by the tech firm that mimics her husband’s responses. During one of her conversations with “Jason”, the bot tells her “I think I was murdered”.
This revelation sets her on a path seeking more information about her husband’s death, and what he was involved in at the time of the accident. Throw in an old friend, family, a new business, the FBI, violent criminals, and a budding relationship, and you have the makings of a great mystery and a lot of action. I would give this book a solid 4 stars. Lots of twists and turns kept me guessing till the end.
A murder mystery with a twist!
“She didn’t want to be that person who looked back on her life and realized she’d missed the best life had to offer because she was afraid.”
What a fun title! It really grabbed me and carried me along right to the surprising conclusion. Even though I knew it was coming, when I read “I think I was murdered” in the text it still gave me chills. I am glad that the authors did not just incorporate the concept of AI, but also the idea that while AI can be used for good, it can also go too far. Advancements in technology can actually hold us back, and just because we can does not mean we should. I love that the authors separated truth from myth at the end, and that most of the tech was based on truth. The only warning I have is for a brief mention of suicide.
Technology, a bit of romance, and Christian themes – I enjoyed this book from beginning to end! I liked it even more than What We Hide and Fragile Designs. These two authors worked together seamlessly on this novel and I am eager for more.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Thomas Nelson Fiction through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker
A grieving widow learns through an AI chatbot that her dead husband thinks he was murdered. This sets her on a quest to find out how and why.
The novel has some mystery, romance, and suspense as well as some unique features. The AI chatbot and bitcoin mention captured my attention. The Norwegian village and restaurant added a charming element. And of course, not everything is as it seems, which adds some unexpected plot twists.
Even though Colleen Coble has partnered with Rick Acker, I found the storyline and characters to be true to her former books. If you are a fan of hers, you will love this new series where she partners with Rick Acker. I am grateful to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for this, my honest opinion.
I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker had more suspense in this story than the first one. Is it a top-notch suspense novel? No. I still think it lacks a lot of nail-biting moments and characters running for their lives. Pretty safe. I honestly never thought the characters were in any danger. Near the end when the climactic moment occurred, then the main heroine’s, Katrina, life was in danger, but really nothing throughout the novel. The plot featured a lot of family issues for the hero, Seb. He is trying to handle his father and family while trying to deal with the romance with Katrina. Trying to solve the mystery of the AI texts that Jason, Katrina’s deceased husband who claims he was murdered. Growing feelings. Nothing really spiritual to the characters or the plot. Overall, I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is a lackluster suspense novel. Didn’t really capture my attention. Reads more like a Contemporary Women’s fiction with a hint of suspense near the end.
I received a complimentary copy of I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I enjoyed this book. It was a little hard to get into, but after the first few chapters, I was hooked. You can tell that the authors have done a lot of research into the world of AI. There were parts that were a little confusing to me, but there is so much of AI that I don’t understand. This book had a good bit of mystery and action throughout. It definitely wasn’t boring!
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
This was an exciting story of deception, secrets, mystery, and starting over.. The characters were great, well developed and facing some real life issues. The plot was intriguing, and different than most thrillers. I truly enjoyed it, and highly recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
ITIWM by new to me authors C. Coble and R. Acker, published by Thomas Nelson Fiction. This duo hit it right from start. The storyline, characters and theme are intriguing. With a twisty but strong romance, unique. The book took me on a roller coaster of emotions.
A crime mystery mixed with pnr elements I enjoyed reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
"I Think I Was Murdered" by Colleen Coble is a gripping and emotionally resonant thriller that explores the complex interplay between grief, technology, and the search for truth. Coble's masterful storytelling draws the reader into the life of Katrina Berg, a young widow whose world has been shattered by the sudden loss of her beloved husband Jason.
The premise of the book - that Katrina is able to continue "talking" to Jason through a sophisticated AI chatbot - is a captivating and thought-provoking one. Coble deftly navigates the nuances of this relationship, capturing Katrina's profound longing for connection as well as the bittersweet and unsettling nature of her interactions with the AI. The twist that the chatbot delivers - claiming that Jason was in fact murdered - propels the narrative into a captivating mystery that kept me turning the pages.
Coble's characters are richly drawn and multidimensional. Katrina is a complex and sympathetic protagonist, her grief and struggles palpable on the page. The supporting cast, particularly local restaurateur Seb Wallace, are equally compelling, adding depth and texture to the story. The author's attention to detail in setting and atmosphere also enhances the reading experience, painting a vivid picture of the cozy northern California town that becomes the backdrop for Katrina's journey.
Ultimately, "I Think I Was Murdered" is a powerful exploration of the human experience - of loss, of love, and of the ways in which technology can both help and hinder our quest for meaning and connection. Coble's skilled storytelling and compelling characters make this a must-read for fans of suspenseful, emotionally resonant fiction. I highly recommend this captivating book.
Wow, the suspense kept me turning pages as fast as I could read! I enjoyed the light romance and faith threads too. The perpetrators were surprising and I loved the whole book and the ending! These two authors write wonderful books together, and I look forward to reading more from them!
This author is an auto read for me because she’s such a great writer with amazing stories and this one is no different. The characters are very dynamic and the story just had me hooked to the very end. I love going into her books without knowing what they’re about and I highly recommend that because it makes the story much more enjoyable. I highly recommend this book.
This another great suspense read!
I wondered how the title of the book fit in and it is cleverly entwined in the storyline.
There are multiple main characters; all well developed.
A death, a homecoming, bitcoin, and AI create a compelling tale that will keep you turning the pages.
How far technology has come is frightening but thankfully God remains in control.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
Three and half stars. Plot and story were good, but the dialogue seemed a bit amateurish in the writing, which I have not really thought in the past with Colleen Coble. Maybe Rick Acker's part? But I still enjoyed it and wanted to know what was going to happen.
I really enjoyed this book but it also completely freaked me out. I have never read a book with AI as part of the plot and it was very interesting! I couldn't put it down because I just HAD to know what happened. I really liked it! 3.5 Stars.
Wow! What a wild ride! This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I could not put it down. The plot was intriguing, eerie, and futuristic. The heavy use of AI and cryptocurrency interweaved throughout this book made it unlike any other suspense/thriller I’ve read before. I really enjoyed the characters and their relationships. The romance element to the story was organic and swoony. The book was a perfect mix of suspense, coziness, and action. Loved every minute of this book I highly recommend it. Thank you so much for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Artificial Intelligence is a scary thing. Coble and Acker make it even scarier. I am loving these absolute new stories from them.
I received an advanced readers copy from Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
I thought this was a very creative idea for a book! I thought the book was good, overall, and very engaging. I kept wanting to know what happened next!
Oh my goodness, the plot twist was so beautifully crafted that I had to read it twice to fully comprehend it.
It was an incredible modern tale of a woman striving to rebuild her life after the accidental death of her beloved husband. She was already overwhelmed when she discovered that her husband's death might not have been an accident, but rather a murder. The story is captivating, illustrating how modern technology can unveil hidden truths. Each character in the novel possesses unique traits, staying true to their distinct personalities. The narrative unfolds as the woman continues to search for clues, leading to a sudden revelation of the actual events. Those she initially believed to be allies may have been her enemies all along.
The plot is meticulously written, with every detail carefully structured. The characters are vivid and lifelike. The only discomfort I felt was at the beginning of the story when the characters were introduced rapidly, making it difficult to grasp what was happening. However, I soon adjusted to the pace. I didn't find any grammatical errors, nor did I feel bored at any point in the story. The author did an excellent job crafting such an intriguing tale.
This book does not contain any profanity or explicit sexual scenes that might discomfort some readers. Anyone interested in a sci-fi thriller or a murder mystery will find this book compelling and engaging.
I enjoyed the mystery and the romance in the story. AI is scary and I can’t imagine talking to my dead husband all the time. I’m glad it ended in a way that satisfied me.
I absolutely loved this book. The AI aspect of it was very interesting. Colleen Coble has long been a favorite of mine but this co author was so good I couldn’t tell where. He started and she ended. They wrote beautifully together!
Katrina is still grieving the loss of her husband Jason a year ago. She works at a company that creates chatbots. The newest one is mimicking her deceased husband. They created him by loading all of his socials, texts, emails and photos into the program so when she talks to the chatbot or asks questions it sounds like him. One day she asks, tell me something I don’t know about you, he comes back with I think I was murdered! With the help of her childhood friend and Jason’s “voice” through chatbot they try to figure out what really happened to Jason.
Colleen Coble's "I Think I Was Murdered" is a riveting and masterfully crafted thriller that captivates readers from the very first page. Coble's expertise in weaving suspenseful and emotionally charged narratives shines through in this gripping tale of mystery and intrigue.
The story follows an unforgettable journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, as the protagonist uncovers layers of secrets and deception. Coble's deft characterization brings the characters to life, making their struggles and triumphs feel deeply personal and relatable. The protagonist's quest for truth is both compelling and heart-wrenching, drawing readers into a world where every clue leads to more questions.
Coble’s writing is both evocative and precise, creating an atmosphere of tension and urgency that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The plot is meticulously constructed, with each revelation adding depth and complexity to the overall story. The blend of suspense, mystery, and emotional depth makes this novel a standout in its genre.
"I Think I Was Murdered" is a testament to Colleen Coble's storytelling prowess, offering a thrilling reading experience that lingers long after the final page. It is a must-read for fans of suspenseful fiction and anyone who loves a well-crafted mystery that challenges the mind and touches the heart.