I gotta admit to being skeptical about this and pushing it to the bottom of the pile but wow am I glad I finally opened it on my kindle. Kat who has been struggling since the death of her husband, as has her son Cam, agrees to work with Lock, an AI detective (go with it) on cold cases to see how well the Ai works, or doesn't. At her insistence they work on missing young men and what they find is stunning. This is a twisty buddy cop procedural that completely exceeded my expectations. No spoilers from me but I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next in the series (as well as more after).

I really enjoyed this police procedural/AI book.

Widowed single mom DCS Kat Frank and has been asked to participate in a trial with a new AI pilot program called AIDE-Lock (Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity). She wears the device on her wrist, but the program can be seen as a hologram. Kat is skeptical, she knows that no matter how well AI works, it cannot be the substitute for human instinct. She and two other detectives are looking into some cold case missing people with the assistance of Lock. Will it hinder or help?

I was thoroughly invested in this book throughout my reading experience. At first, I was as skeptical as Kat about Lock and the whole inclusion of AI. But as the book progressed I could really see how something like this would benefit investigations.

As for the mystery, missing persons cases are my favorite and this one did not disappoint. The mystery and investigations are intriguing and the clues were uncovered at a rate that kept me involved and not bored. This police procedural has all of the elements that make for a gripping, suspenseful thriller. Definitely one to look for and the sequel is coming out soon.

This is a really good book a very different take on artificial intelligence (AI) that is all the rage right now. DCS Kat has recently returned to work after the death of her husband (by cancer), she is assigned to lead a new group to solve cold cases with the use of AIDE or artificial intelligence detecting entity or more commonly known as Lock. Lock resides in a watch type of device that Kat wears on her wrist, she can also project a hologram of Lock (who chooses to be a young black man always smartly dressed). The team is trying to close cold cases involving missing people, and quickly determine that there are some that have similar aspects to them. Kat is an experienced officer with many years of knowledge, Lock has no experience but can access and review data faster than a human, he can also get under Kat's skin like no other because he has no filter, he says what he thinks based on what he's found. Kat goes more by hunch and gut when investigating. There is a bit of back and forth between the investigation and the young men who are missing, so you know there are alive at that time. I really enjoyed the interplay between Kat and Lock, though they had different ways of investigating, Lock proved to be a fast learner and instrumental during the investigation. I would highly recommend, this is book 1 in a series. Thanks to #Netgalley and #Simon and Schuster for the ARC.

So good! This should follow up with a movie. I enjoyed the characters and especially the personality of the AI. Well wriiten. A great mystery.

Detective Chief Superintendent Kat Frank returns to duty after an absence spent caring for her now deceased husband John, who was suffering from cancer. Her teen son Cam went into a depression and deep anxiety at the time and it took much work and therapy to get him to the point where he returned to school and has just completed his final exams.

Kat's boss/mentor Chief Constable McLeish wants her to head up a pilot unit that will use an Artificially Intelligent Detecting Entity (AIDE) during its investigations. Kat is negative about the idea, being convinced that an AI may be able to crunch numbers, but it can't use the human gut instinct to make the intuitive leaps necessary for moving an investigation forward. McLeish is happy, and tells her he wants her focus on only missing persons cold cases with her new unit, and use every opportunity to log when an AIDE is actually counterproductive, so he can take this as evidence to the Home Secretary, who is very pro-AI, to show her that an AIDE can't be used in policing.

Kat meets her new team, made up of DI Rayan Hassan, DS Debbie Browne, and Professor Okonedo the person (and chief programmer) in charge of the AIDE program, and the AIDE itself, Lock. Kat almost sneers at Lock once he's activated for all the team to see. Kat also mentally catalogues what she can glean about the human officers on her team; she senses that Hassan, who is very ambitious, will likely be challenging her on all her decisions, while Browne will need a bit of confidence boosting.

Kat has the team decide what case they will work on. Lock provides an analysis of which cases have the highest probability of success, and after some argument, the team settles on cases involving two young men, one who disappeared on his way to meet friends, Will Robinson, the other, Tyrone Walters, from university.

There is no obvious connection between the young men, and it is very unlikely they would have ever met, so Kat deploys Hassan and Browne on the Walters case, while she and Lock focus on Robinson.

During the review of all the information and statements and new interviews, Lock proves to be incredibly useful, analyzing huge amounts of publicly available information, such as social media, at super speed, allowing the detectives to pose, dismiss and investigate leads much faster than would normally happen. Along the way, Lock makes a number of mistakes when in the presence of an interviewee, but as Lock is a learning program, its programming adjusts, so these problems become much less frequent as the cases progress.

There are many clues that lead nowhere, but Kat becomes convinced there is a connection between the two young men, they just have to find it. Hassan continues to challenge every one of Kat's assertions, while Browne struggles to keep everyone happy while wrestling with a personal situation.

When Kat herself experiences the acute horror of a loss and her family becomes part of the investigation, McLeish benches her so the rest of the team must now handle three cases. This is when the fractious and difficult relationships between Kat and Lock and between Kat and Okonedo smoothen out and the three actually begin working harmoniously, and under the radar of the rest of the pilot unit and McLeish, to crack the three cases.

Author Jo Callaghan builds the tension to such a high every step of the investigation to the point that I could not put this book down and kept reading late into the night.

I loved that Kat was so set against the use of an AI, and slowly, very grudgingly, began to see the benefits of Lock's superfast data analysis, as well as its different way of looking at situations. I liked how the holographic apparition of Lock reminded me of the Doctor in Star Trek: Voyager when he was first activated: unable to empathize, relying completely on rightness of its analysis of data, and not appreciating the complexity of human behaviour. I really enjoyed its scoffing at the illogic of humans.

I really liked this procedural, and loved the way AI was used in the investigations, which made a lot of sense. Kat makes a lot of progress on multiple emotional fronts throughout this story: her grief for her husband, her difficulty letting go of her son, and her resistance to technology. Her growth is believably handled, as is the evolution of the investigative team. I am so glad that there is a another book after this one!

Thank you to Netgalley and to Random House Publishing Group - Random House for this ARC in exchange for my review.

I thought this debut crime thriller was so, so good! A seasoned British police detective, recently widowed, returns to her precinct and accepts the offer to lead a trial project exploring the feasibility of pairing a human detective with an Artificial Intelligence entity. The well-nuanced characters on her team engage the reader with details to complement the unfolding cold case investigation. While a few plot details perhaps strained credibility, the overall narrative impressed me with its inventiveness and humanity. 4.5 stars rounded up

In this near-future Science Fiction thriller, Callaghan writes a fast paced unique story. With well written characters, this plot doesn’t seem so far off. Paired with an AI Detective, Kat Frank is put in charge of a new program. While Kat’s not too keen on the project, it eventually turns out that it takes both of them to make it work. A new and different type of police procedural that will have you waiting impatiently for the next book in the series! Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

My favorite genres are mystery/triller and science fiction. And I had such high hopes for this book to be able to blend those two together but it fell short immensely for me. It took me forever to get through this slog as it didn't hold my attention very well, and became very repetitive. I found the mystery aspect predictable and the AI annoying without much personality. Not to mention it's just an AI hologram she wears on her wrist. I couldn't connect with the main character either, as I found her know-it-all attitude to be too over the top. Instead of that making her a strong character, it made her weak in my opinion. This book would have been a DNF for me, but I felt obligated to finish. Thank you NetGalley for the ebook.

In the Blink of an Eye is a routine procedural with some AI thrown in and some questionable science. Throughout the entire book I was wondering why a person who hated AI so much, for reasons that are explained but not really logical, partner with an AI "detective." In the end, it was OK but not something I will remember for too long.

Jo Callaghan’s In the Blink of an Eye is a gripping exploration of human intuition versus artificial intelligence, wrapped in a compelling mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative centers around Kat Frank, a widowed police officer whose life has been shaped by profound loss. As a single mother, Kat embodies resilience and determination, traits that serve her well in her profession and personal life. Her intuitive approach to policing is put to the test when she is assigned to lead a groundbreaking pilot program alongside Lock, an Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity.

The premise is intriguing: the pairing of a seasoned cop with an advanced AI hologram forces both characters to navigate their contrasting methods. Lock operates on algorithms and data, analyzing patterns at lightning speed, while Kat relies on her gut feelings and experience from years on the beat. This dynamic sets the stage for a rich exploration of how human emotion and machine logic intersect, often leading to tension and unexpected revelations.

As the plot unfolds, Kat is drawn into two cold cases that unexpectedly become urgent and personal. The stakes escalate when the cases begin to intertwine with her own life, creating a palpable sense of danger. Callaghan expertly crafts a narrative that not only focuses on the mechanics of solving a mystery but also delves into the emotional landscape of its characters. Kat’s vulnerabilities are laid bare, making her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. Her relationship with Lock evolves as they face threats together, highlighting the potential for collaboration between human insight and technological prowess.

Character development is one of the book’s strengths. Kat is fleshed out through her interactions with Lock and her struggles as a mother and a police officer. The dialogue is sharp and reveals much about her character, showing her depth and complexity. Lock, although a hologram, is portrayed with a surprising amount of personality, raising questions about the nature of consciousness and the human connection to technology. Their evolving partnership not only serves the plot but also prompts readers to ponder the implications of AI in everyday life.

The pacing of the book is brisk, with well-timed twists that maintain suspense and intrigue. Callaghan balances action with moments of introspection, allowing readers to engage with both the mystery and the underlying themes of grief, trust, and the quest for truth. The author’s vivid descriptions and attention to detail immerse readers in the story, making them feel the urgency of the cases and the weight of Kat’s personal struggles.

Fans of the mystery and thriller genre will find In the Blink of an Eye particularly appealing due to its unique premise and the ethical dilemmas it raises about technology’s role in law enforcement. The interplay of human and machine not only serves as a thrilling backdrop but also elevates the narrative, offering a fresh take on classic detective tropes. With a riveting plot, strong character arcs, and thought-provoking themes, Callaghan has crafted a novel that resonates on multiple levels, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the future of crime-solving and the complexities of human emotion.

Overall, In the Blink of an Eye is a masterful blend of suspense, character-driven storytelling, and philosophical inquiry into the nature of intelligence—both artificial and human. It challenges readers to consider how we navigate loss, connection, and the moral implications of technological advancements, all while delivering a thrilling ride through a well-crafted mystery.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut book by Jo Callaghan, and the first in the Kat and Lock series. All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4.5 stars rounded up!

Kat Frank is a single mom after her husband died from cancer. She’s also a cop and has just been tasked to lead a pilot program to test whether AI can be used for police work. Enter Lock, a hologram activated by a device on Kat’s wrist. Who will win out – Kat’s gut reactions and experience or Lock’s statistical calculations and analysis?

This was a fascinating book, combining an intriguing police procedural with artificial intelligence. As Kat’s team starts looking into two missing person cases that suddenly become personal, can they work together to solve the mystery in time? This book has wonderful characters. You could feel Kat’s pain of first losing her husband and then losing her son in a different way as he grew up. Lock felt like a real character as well, infusing humor and naivete into the narrative. Plus, the cases were disturbing and I had no clue how they were going to be resolved. I can’t wait to read more from this pair!

“ Did you know that artificial intelligence (AI) is used everyday in our lives? Prominent examples of AI used in everyday life include voice assistants, image recognition for face, unlock in mobile phones, and ML-based financial fraud detection. I never really thought of AI already being used in my life. I always thought it was something to be used in the future. In this novel, Kat is returning to work. DCS Kat Frank is a widowed single mother, Kat is a cop who trusts her instincts. She is chosen to lead a pilot program that has her paired with an AIDE (Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity) Lock, Kat's instincts come up against Lock's logic. But when the two missing person's cold cases they are reviewing suddenly become active, Lock is the only one who can help Kat when the case becomes personal. Can the two work together before someone becomes another statistic or a cold case?

The novel is a based on an idea of an AI actually being a cop’s partner. I was fascinated with how the author was using this as part of the story. After all AI versus human experience is still a different thought. It’s a fascinating book and I hope that there will be a second book to read, if not more.

I really liked this one. It is a British police procedural with the added twist of the woman in charge (Kat) being told she has to work with and evaluate an AI assistant (Lock). They are supposed to be working cold cases, but when they get a lead the case they have chosen becomes active. Her reluctance to use the AI and it's eerie human like presence add both interest and humour. I was happy to see that there is a sequel and am looking forward to it. This in one great debut! Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reading copy . 5/5 stars!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the eARC.
Using A.I. in the world of policing is a fresh and new perspective which was fun as well as interesting.
A seasoned female police officer, Kat, reluctantly teams up with an A.I. bot (Lock) to solve the case of missing young males.
The way things are going in this world, that's not far away in our future, so it was quite a fascinating read. Lock was actually my favorite character.
Recommended ... can't wait for no. 2 in the series!

Kat Frank, widowed single mother, is a cop who trusts her intuition, honed through years of on-the-beat police work. When she is picked to lead a pilot program that has her paired with Lock, an AIDE (Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity)—a hologram that is activated by a device on Kat’s wrist—Kat is skeptical at best. As they begin to work together her gut reactions about people and motives come up against Lock’s statistical calculations and data analysis that can be devised in seconds. But as the two missing person’s cold cases they are reviewing suddenly become active, Lock is the only one who can help when the case begins to target Kat personally. AI versus human experience. Logic versus instinct. With lives on the line, can the pair work together to solve the mystery in time?

This is the debut novel of this author and the first book in her Kat & Lock series. I personally am wary of AI, so reading this, and seeing AI from this perspective was fascinating, as well as a little scary & validating also. It will give you a lot to consider, especially if this were to be the direction law enforcement was headed. This novel was excellent, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, and seeing where Kat & Lock go next. If you are a fan of mysteries & thrillers then you should definitely check this out!

4.5 stars rounded up for a very unique and inventive plot.

Detective Chief Superintendent Kat Frank wants to return to work with the Warewickshire Police Force after having lost her husband to cancer. Her boss, Chief Constable McLeish, offers to let her head a pilot program to test the viability of using AI in police work. She and her team will look into cold cases and will be assisted by Artificially Intelligent Detecting Entity (AIDE) Lock. 'It' helps them choose two recent cases to investigate involving young men who have gone missing.

This is a very interesting look at how humans and AI might interact--humans being more emotional and prone to go with gut instinct, while AI utilizes logic and algorithms. The cases themselves benefit from both sets of skills and soon the detectives are on the track of a deeper plot than was first suspected.

I thought the story was absolutely riveting and I enjoyed meeting these new characters. I deducted one/half star from my rating because I could easily predict where the plot would lead and made note of a clue that AIDE Lock found that DCS Frank totally ignored, which I knew would turn out to be
important. Having read so many mysteries, I love pitting my wits against the detectives'.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for offering me arcs of this book and book 2, Leave No Trace, which is publishing in January, 2025. I am totally hooked and planning to dive right into book 2 to see what happens next.

I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. The premise didn't seem like one I was going to like this much. Now I can't wait for the next book. This one is so good. Jo Callaghan's debut novel is a winner.
Please read the heartfelt Acknowledgments at the ending. Parts sure made me cry. I'm so sorry for her loss. So so sorry.

This is about a female cop who returns to work after losing her husband. Kat's husband had cancer and she cared for him and took care of their son. After she lost her husband she went back to work and was paired with a trial AI to look into unsolved cases. Cold cases. She was given two other new detectives to work with also. While Kat had no hopes of the AI being able to help she agreed to work with it. She was angry because an AI was the cause of her husband's death. At least that is what she believes. He had been misdiagnosed so the cancer he had was further along when it was finally found.

The cases Kat and her team chose are two young men who have been missing for about five or six months. There are a lot of things that this team will find out and do to try and find out what happened. Kat is determined to solve these cases and believes the two boys are connected. But one is from a very prominent family and the other is from the more poor side. The first boy is white and has both parents, even though his dad is dying of cancer. The other boy is black and lives alone with his mother. His dad had died of cancer also.

The AI in my opinion was very helpful. I also believe that AIs will be used in a lot of areas in the future. The not so distant future. In law enforcement that is. I believe AI is already used in many places and at the rate of a fast computer they should do great. As long as they are not compromised in any way. I think the technology would be so very helpful in many areas. Medical, professional, everyday life. I'm not so sure I am ready for it but the world should be prepared as I believe it is headed that way. And it could be such a big help. If used in the right ways.

This book had me cringing and holding my breath in many places. I was on the edge of my seat in a couple also. I rooted for the boys to be saved. I have to say here that I saw parts of this coming. Parts I can't say anything about but don't always trust family. Don't always trust a family friend. Not in certain cases anyway. lol I suspected the two involved and was right. That did not take away from the story in any way though. This is a great DEBUT and the author I'm sure is very proud.

Thank you #NetGalley, #RandomHousePublishing, for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

Five big stars and a very high recommendation.

Detective novels are not a go-to genre for me but I really loved this one. The premise intrigued me -- a seasoned detective partnered with an AI assistant. Callaghan did a GREAT job with the AI's character and the interaction between the detective and the AI was believable, engaging, and sometimes funny. It was interesting to see the places where AI could do a better job than a seasoned detective and also where the detective figured things out more quickly. Good character development all-round, with the freshly widowed detective, her grieving teenaged son and the AI, not to mention a really twisty crime. I'm sure this is going to be a series.

I thought this book was overall a good read . I liked the perspective with AI , interesting thought about the future . I sometimes would get a little confused seeing the name Kat and then seeing DCS Frank and remembering it is the same person. Kat wasn’t the most likeable she seemed annoying at times and she is the lead character. Thank you Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved it. Short, quick paced, well written chapters with a side of humour and suspense make this a great read. I was fascinated by the possibilities and the extent to which the use of AI technology could help Police investigations. I enjoyed how Callaghan developed the characters. The descriptions of the interactions between DCS Kat Frank and her appointed AIDE sidekick, Lock, were priceless. I highly recommend In a Blink of an Eye and anxiously await Callaghan’s next book.
Thank You to NetGalley and Random House for the invitation to read and enjoy this ARC.