I really enjoyed the story in The Murder Machine—it had solid suspense, well-developed characters, and the kind of dark intrigue I’ve come to expect from Heather Graham. The pacing kept me hooked, and the audiobook narration brought the tension to life. That said, the title didn’t quite match the depth and tone of the story. It felt a bit too mechanical for such a layered mystery. Overall, though, a great listen for thriller fans!

The Murder Machine had a solid premise and some good suspenseful moments, but overall it just didn’t totally grab me. The idea of a tech based killer was interesting, and there were a few twists that kept me going, but some parts felt a little slow or predictable.

The characters were fine, but I didn’t feel super connected to them, and I wish there had been a bit more depth or emotion in some of the scenes. The relationship between the two detectives felt forced. It wasn’t a bad read—just not one that really stuck with me after I finished.

If you’re into crime thrillers and want something quick and easy to read, this might be worth a try.

Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Well, that was different (in all the best ways). I loved the added creepiness of the technology. This story definitely makes you look around and think about all the technology in your house. Well done! The characters, plot, and villain are so good. This one is hard to put down.

This was a really fun read. Being about AI and how it can affect the world is a realistic outlook on what could happen in the future if someone has those capabilities and really wants to hurt someone. The love story that was intermingled between Vicky and Jude was a really nice touch to the story as well. It's always nice to hear about a happy ending between two people and them saving the world.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

The Murder Machine by Heather Graham, narrated by Tim Paige

Heather Graham’s The Murder Machine is a techno-thriller with a pulse—and a conscience. Set in a world where smart homes are smarter than their owners, the novel opens with a chilling premise: a woman is found dead in her ultramodern, AI-controlled house, and the only witness may be the home itself. Enter FBI agents Jude Mackenzie and Victoria Tennant, who must navigate a maze of digital footprints, cybercrime, and increasingly “accidental” deaths to uncover the truth.

Graham blends procedural grit with speculative intrigue, raising unsettling questions about autonomy, surveillance, and the thin line between convenience and control. The plot moves at a brisk clip, punctuated by moments of eerie stillness—doors that open on their own, appliances that seem to think for themselves, and a growing sense that the investigators are being watched.

Tim Paige’s narration is a standout. He brings a grounded intensity to the story, voicing Jude with a steady confidence and giving Victoria a sharp, no-nonsense edge. Paige’s delivery enhances the tension without overplaying it, letting the story’s creeping paranoia do the heavy lifting. His pacing is especially effective during the more claustrophobic scenes, where the house itself feels like a character—cold, calculating, and possibly homicidal.

What makes The Murder Machine more than just a high-tech whodunit is its thematic resonance. Graham doesn’t just ask who committed the crime—she asks what happens when we surrender too much to the machines we build. The result is a thriller that’s both timely and timeless, with just enough romance and supernatural shimmer to remind you it’s still a Heather Graham novel.

For fans of smart suspense with a digital edge, this audiobook is a sleek, sinister ride—and Tim Paige is the perfect voice to guide you through the circuitry.

This was a great slow burn. Great story and character building. I typically stay away from locked room stories but this one caught my eye with two female detectives investigating a murder and how AI was involved. An interesting premise that I haven't read before. The pace was a tad slow for me but overall this was a solid read.

The narrator did a wonderful job keeping what pace they could. Their intonation was great and the story was better in audio.

Thanks @netgalley and @harlequintradepublishing for a copy of this title. All my reviews are unbiased

I enjoyed listening to The Murder Machine. It is a futuristic romantic suspense story between two FBI agents. That are working on a case.. Heather Graham writes good suspenseful storylines.

Can a house kill someone? Can a boat or a car control itself? It can when AI is involved.

When Jude and Vicky get teamed together after a gruesome murder occurs in a locked house they start on an investigation on what AI can do. Or at least what the people controlling AI can do. Jude brings old school knowledge while Vicky brings the technology knowledge.

Twists and turns, close calls, secrets and lies, new friendships and a little spice makes this a must have!

The narrator did a great job keeping you entertained and the flow going well. The voice changes were pleasant and not annoying

The description of the book intrigued me; AI is becoming ‘normal’ whether we want it or not. (I’m in the ‘not wanting it’ group. Hello… Skynet is coming!) When I read the book description about a ‘smart home’ and the owner being murdered, I wanted to read it.

And I loved the beginning! I was pulled in from chapter one with the aftermath of the death of the home owner. But I didn’t connect with the two FBI agents and the fact that they fell for each other just didn’t work for me. The story line was reasonable for me, but I could have done without that.

The narrator did a good job with the novel.

The idea of AI becoming a ‘murder machine’ is an idea I am still wanting to read more of. Especially since out world is becoming so much more dependent on AI. I mean, who will know what is actually real or not real?

Thank you to the publisher for granting me a copy to listen to and review. I wish I could have enjoyed it more.

Thank you to the author, Harlequin Audio, and Netgalley for the ALC in exchange for a honest review.
How safe is your smart home, really? Because let’s be honest… we all saw Smart House in 1999 and thought, “That could never happen.” 😅
Well… guess what? IT’S HAPPENING. And it’s not Disney anymore, folks. 🫣

The book opens with a woman politely asking her smart appliances to do basic things—y’know, lights on, coffee brewed, total chaos initiated—and before you can say “Pat, behave yourself,” she’s DEAD. 😱
Yes, that’s the opening. No spoilers here, just pure techno-terror from page one.

Cue the FBI and a moody cyber specialist: Jude and Victoria. T They’ve got to figure out who’s hijacking smart homes and turning Alexa into a silent assassin.

Turns out, all roads lead to a sketchy law office… but every clue ends in a dead end—or a dead body. 💀 The tension? HIGH. The danger? Digital and deadly. The plot? A rollercoaster with hacked seatbelts.

So if you like your thrillers smart, snappy, and sprinkled with Smart House nightmares come true—this one’s for you.

I liked the narrator.. It was a really good audio. Thank you for the ARC. I would recommend this to other people. Heather Graham never disappoints!

Thank you Netgalley, Heather Graham and Harlequin Audio
Narrated by Tim Paige

The Murder Machine is a medium paced thriller which combines mystery elements. After a fully automated house controlled by AI goes rouge and kills its occupants. FBI agent Jude Mackenzie and Special Agent Victoria Tennant set on the case to figure out whether AI is overtaking the world or is this good old fashioned murder.

I felt this book started strong and I really liked the characters, FBI agent Jude Mackenzie and Special Agent Victoria Tennant and the slow burn relationship that develops. I also love the old school and A.I related theories and the pitfalls of modern technology. The middle kinda meandered a little but soon picks up pace again for the finale. It was still an engaging, quick read.

Tim Paige narrated this book really well and loved his engaging, storytelling voice.

3.5 Stars for Netgalley. 4 Stars for other review sites.

The Murder Machine by Heather Graham. This book was not one of my favorites that I have read by her. Maybe the AI just didn’t grab and keep my attention. I found myself zoning out while listening to this audio. Thank you to #NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for this Arc. This is my honest review

I’m not usually into futuristic or technology-driven books. They often feel a bit too far removed from reality for me, and I tend to prefer stories that are more grounded and relatable. That said, I do believe it's important to step out of my comfort zone from time to time and try something different.

This book ended up being a pleasant surprise. While it took me a little while to adjust to the setting and understand some of the more advanced concepts, once I got into it, I found myself really engaged. The ideas were thought-provoking, and the world-building was impressively detailed.

Overall, I'm glad I gave it a chance. It reminded me that sometimes pushing past initial hesitation can lead to a rewarding reading experience. I may not reach for this genre often, but it's nice to know there are stories out there that can still catch me off guard—in a good way.

Ooh, I love that Heather Graham uses hackable technology, that most people have, to commit these murders, it gives you the same kind of creepy vibes as the Final Destination movies. Anytime a death is possible, but not probable, you get the creeps. I love Heather Graham's paranormal suspense series, but it was fun to delve into this technology suspense.

Tim Paige did a great job narrating the story.

a solid mix of suspense and romance, with a fast-paced plot and atmospheric settings. While it follows familiar thriller beats, fans of her Krewe of Hunters series will enjoy the supernatural twist and team dynamics.

Creepy, twisty, and just the right amount of romantic — The Murder Machine pulled me in from the first page. Heather Graham delivers another chilling Krewe of Hunters mystery, full of eerie vibes, ghostly help, and a case that feels a little too methodical for comfort.

The main character has that sixth sense Graham fans know and love, and the chemistry between the leads adds a spark without overshadowing the mystery. It's suspenseful but not over-the-top, with enough clues and curveballs to keep you guessing.

If you like your thrillers with a side of supernatural and just a hint of slow-burn romance, this one’s a solid pick. Graham knows how to weave the past into the present in the creepiest, most satisfying ways.

This started out so good. The gruesome opening scene was a set up for what I hope was a thrilling killing machine. But ended up a romantic suspense thriller chasing some bad guys. I wanted a machine gone rogue, and got some revenge story and two investigators falling in love. Not sure at what point my interest dropped in this book, but the investigation felt like it lasted forever.

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted ALC.

Okay this book had SO MUCH potential. With the nostalgia of the movie "Smart House" and the increase in AI in our daily world, this book definitely had the foundation for a thrilling book but it really just fell flat very quickly.

The first few chapters were a bang and it just went nowhere after that.

A few things:

There were a lot of characters and sometimes that kept me from really delving into the story.

The main characters were likable and their budding romance was the most thrilling part of this book.

The ending wasn't "twisting" for me.

Again, idk this book had so much potential but it really just didn't hit any marks.

I really enjoyed this book. it is differently I will be buying for my library patrons. I was a very interesting twist on a murder case. I love a good mystery.