Review: I Think I Was Murdered - Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

Review: I Think I Was Murdered - Colleen Coble and Rick Acker - November 2024

After a challenging week that derailed my reading routine, I found myself drawn back to the pages through this compelling cyber thriller that couldn't have arrived at a more perfect time. I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker masterfully weaves together cutting-edge technology with classic mystery elements, creating a story that feels both timely and timeless.

The plot centers on Jason, who discovers a valuable Satoshi Egg before being run off the road in what appears to be a fatal accident. One year later, his widow Katrina faces a cascade of crises: the FBI raids her employer Talk Inc where she serves as legal counsel, and her grandmother's death calls her back to New Haven—the same town where Jason died. Armed with her legal expertise and an AI chatbot designed to simulate Jason's personality, Katrina embarks on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth behind her husband's death.

What elevates this thriller beyond typical crime fiction is its thoughtful exploration of artificial intelligence and its implications for grief and memory. As someone who advocates for AI when used responsibly—I've personally found it invaluable for refining grammar and improving the flow of my writing—I appreciate how the authors neither demonize nor glorify the technology. Instead, they present a nuanced view of AI's potential benefits and inherent dangers.

The concept of AI chatbots preserving the essence of deceased loved ones is both fascinating and deeply troubling. While the technology offers comfort and connection, the novel expertly illustrates how it can become a crutch that prevents healthy grieving. Katrina's relationship with Jason's chatbot demonstrates how this digital resurrection can feel so real that it prolongs the mourning process, making it difficult to accept loss and move forward.

The authors skillfully highlight the vulnerability of such systems to manipulation and hacking, adding layers of suspense while raising important questions about data security and emotional exploitation. The revelation that the killer lurks closer to Katrina than she realizes provides a satisfying twist that feels both surprising and inevitable.

 This book will leave readers questioning not just "whodunit," but whether we should embrace or fear the digital preservation of human consciousness.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jhIoLK