I really enjoyed the writing style-each chapter is co written by Colbe (our fmc Katrina) and Acker (mmc Sebastian). I wish there were two voice actors, one female and one male, but the voice actor did a wonderful job for both roles and I was able to easily make the distinction when the pov switched.

As a society we are at a pinnacle of normalizing AI use in our daily lives. The AI aspect was critical to the plot but not overwhelmingly used throughout the story.

My personal experience with thrillers is that they tend to suffer from a slow second act but I didn’t feel that with this one. By having both main characters have their own, but intertwined plot lines, created a fast-paced book that I enjoyed.

Narrator was good but the overall story wasn’t to my taste. I like less romance in my thrillers. It has good reviews and seems to be loved by many. Happy to have had the opportunity to listen and add to my arsenal of recommendations..

Kartina has her own way of grieving with the loss of her husband. She is a huge part of an AI chatbot that came about after uploading thousands of messages from her deceased husband. This allows her to "talk" to her husband. The start up is put in danger when the CEO of the company is indicted and Katrina is put in the hot seat by the Feds. When the chatbot starts glitching Katrina thinks its just a bug needing to be fixed but when it tells her "I think I was murdered" is it right? Is this a bug in programming or is her husband trying to tell her something from beyond the grave?
Katrina heads back to North Haven to find out what truly happened to her husband.

This was a great audiobook. I really enjoyed the narrorator and the voices for each character. Mystery/Thrillers are my go to genre and this is a good one! It is fast paced and keeps you on your toes. I like the relationship with Seb. The insight to grief and moving on seems very relatable. This is a great story of just how much we should be putting into AI. Where as a society do we draw the line of how far is too far. The twist is not what I saw coming! I was shocked!

I picked this up thinking I was in for a futuristic sci-fi adventure, but what I got was a gripping murder thriller—right in my comfort zone! Even though I managed to piece together the twist before the big reveal, the journey there was still full of suspense and kept me hooked. The romance was subtle and clean, adding just the right touch without overpowering the thriller vibe. If you’re into thrillers with a mix of emotions and a bit of romance, this one’s worth picking up!

I think this book may have just not been for me. I gave it a good chance to come around, but I found it redundant and not really telling much of a story, even though it kept going on and on. There also was a lot of weird elements-- AI that could talk beyond the grave and solve a murder, Asian mobs putting hits on (seemingly) civilians, and people that don't want to take the help of authorities.

It has an air of mystery that I did enjoy, but it didn't make the elements that I actually liked more bearable.

I gave this book 60%, and then I couldn't do it anymore. I found I just didn't really care what happened to the characters, and I knew that I had to stop.

Thank you to the Author, Pubisher and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is a thriller that's unafraid of modern technology. With elements of AI, bitcoin, and blockchain included as major plot drivers, the read somehow doesn't feel too tech-heavy for a reader who isn't completely on the up-and-up with these emerging technologies (like me). It maintains its balance with the incorporation of the very organic realm of relationships, family, and friendship.

The company Katrina works for in Silicon Valley is beta testing a new AI system, and she's fed in all her recently dead-husband's electronic records in to test it (but really as a coping tool as she grieves his unexpected death). Texting the program is really communicating with him. He even sends her photographs of their memories. One day she asks him to tell her something she doesn't know. "I think I was murdered," he tells her. He died in a car accident, so this is the last thing she ever expected.

Meanwhile, her grandmother died, so Katrina has come back to her hometown, inherited her family's restaurant, and reconnected with an old friend. Her Silicon Valley career is in shambles and being investigated, and it turns out her husband may have left something behind for her. It turns into a race against time for her to find before whoever killed him for it.

I can't find anything really to fault in this novel. I thought it was done incredibly well. It managed to surprise me a few times, while I was also able to anticipate a few twists and feel that sense of self-satisfaction, too. There are plenty of plotlines to keep us busy, and all of them play into the main story in some way by the end. There is plenty to capture your interest as a reader, and the story felt very robust.

I was provided with an advanced listening copy of this book by the publisher and netgalley. The audio narration is also very good, if you're an audiobook listener like me.

On the scale of wimp to true crime fanatic, I am way down on the wimpy side, and though there are moments of violence included in this book, it never gave me that haunting anxiety feeling as I read. I always like to know where thrillers end up on that spectrum because you can't unread stuff! That's not to say it didn't keep me on the edge of my seat-just that I didn't pee my pants all the way through. ha.

I received an ARC of this audiobook. I thought this book was decent but perhaps didn’t live up to its full potential. This is the first book I’ve read with an AI focus, but I’m certain it won’t be the last, as this topic is likely to only gain popularity.

Something was missing from this book, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. I do think some character building was missing and the book was just trying to do so much. Towards the end, there is a religious aspect. As a reader, I am fine with this, but there hasn’t been any religion mentioned until the end, and then it was sudden and strong. This felt out of place.

The narrator did a great job! Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an opportunity to listen and review!

I went into this book thinking this might be a "Black Mirror" episode but this book just fell flat and felt more like "National Treasure" than a murder mystery. This book definitely had some good twists and turns but it all seemed too predictable.

I thought the characters of Seb and Katrina made a great pairing but there was a lack of backstory and the character development for all the characters just fell flat.

I enjoyed that we had save POVs in this book it wasn't really reflected in the audiobook since there was only one narrator. The audiobook performance by Karen Peakes was ok but this book could have really benefited from a two narrators.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Just the book I needed after to many romcom, sweet romances. This story took a little to get into because of the genre switch but I loved it. Listening to the audio was fabulous.
In the world we are living in this story isn't a stretch, it was addictive and intriguing. I loved the journey it took me on. I felt extreme sadness in relation to the chatbot, so heartbreaking to grieve in that way.

AI is everywhere, so I shouldn't have been surprised to see it at the center of a novel!

The plot was good, with an interesting cast of characters. The authors did a nice job weaving AI throughout the story. While the premise of the novel grabbed my attention, I wasn't wowed by the writing or character development. There wasn't enough tension and I didn't find myself wondering about the plot throughout my day. I also found some of the more romantic scenes to be a tad cheesy. Overall, a decent story. This was my first book by Coble and Acker, and I won't rush to read another.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio was an audio of this work for an honest review.

Interesting book. I haven't read many books about AI and it made me think about the ethical ramifications of this new technology. In my career, I haven't had to worry about business strategies and I struggled with this in the book. The personal and family relationships in the book are more within my comfort zone but I feel a book that makes me feel unsettled is good for a change. This is the second collaboration I have read by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker and will continue to pick them up.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing this audiobook for me to enjoy!

"I Think I Was Murdered" is a gripping and intense crime thriller that delves into the dark world of serial killers, a clever copycat, and the emotional turmoil of an FBI agent whose personal life is deeply entangled in the case. The novel expertly weaves together the psychological mind games of two killers while also exploring the impact of grief, loss, and justice on those who seek to bring these criminals to light.
The plot is fast-paced and suspenseful, as the investigation takes unexpected turns with each new revelation about the killers' motives. The contrast between the seasoned serial killer and the copycat adds an exciting layer to the story, keeping readers on edge as they try to untangle the connections between them. The narrative is built on intense psychological profiling and deep, emotional stakes, making it a compelling read for fans of complex crime thrillers.
The story's emotional depth shines through in the character of the FBI agent whose wife becomes one of the victims. His internal struggle between his professional duty and personal vendetta is a powerful driving force in the novel. The portrayal of his grief and how it influences his decisions creates a sense of urgency and vulnerability, making him a more relatable and well-rounded character.
Another highlight is the dynamic between the two FBI agents. Their partnership—marked by both professional camaraderie and personal tension—adds layers to the narrative. As they close in on the killers, the reader is drawn into their complex emotional landscape, questioning how far they will go to seek justice or revenge.
Despite the strong storytelling, there are moments when the plot becomes a bit predictable, especially regarding the copycat killer's identity. Some clues seem to be telegraphed a bit too early, which can detract from the overall suspense. However, the emotional tension and the layered characters make up for these occasional lapses.
Overall, I Think I Was Murdered is a thrilling and emotionally charged novel that combines the grit of crime investigation with the deep personal stakes of loss and revenge. It's a page-turner that will keep readers hooked, especially those who enjoy stories of psychological warfare, complex character dynamics, and high-stakes investigations.

This was another book that SHOULD have totally been my thing but everything was boring and annoying all at the same time. There was too much that was happening in the first 5% and I just wanted to stick with one thing and one person and figure out what was going on. There were a lot of characters and too much being thrown into the mix. This was just all too much going on.

3.5

I didn't know what to expect when I saw the Christian tag because a lot of people skewer religion for the sake of their story, but this was very respectfully written. Though I didn't relate to any of the characters, I still enjoyed their personalities, and the way they were written was very easy to understand. There is a lot of trauma put into just a few characters, which is realistic in a way, and I don't think it's bad for every story.

I also enjoyed the twists. There were so many, and it was hard to see where the story was going, for me at least. good story!

It took me a bit to get into this audiobook. I briefly considered fast forwarding a few chapters to get to the point. I will say, it did start to pick up at around 70ish%. From the very beginning I guessed who the “bad guy” was and who killed Jason. Even with the partner being caught, I knew who in the inner circle was involved.

I did enjoy reading about Katrina and Seb and their blooming relationship. The AI chat aspect was interesting, although I do wish it was more of a prominent piece of the story.

All in all, it was an ok listen.

First, I'd like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley, the authors, and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing me with an advance audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

In I Think I Was Murdered, we're introduced to a grieving young widow who has recently faced unimaginable loss—her husband, grandmother, and job—all in quick succession. Utilizing an AI program to continue communicating with her deceased husband, she receives a shocking message: "I think I was murdered." This gripping premise invites readers into a world of romantic suspense, rooted in the comfort of a hometown setting, much like enjoying waffles with cloudberry cream.

As the protagonist strives to uncover a criminal conspiracy, she also embarks on a heartwarming journey of rediscovery. The narrative beautifully blends themes of loss and resilience, as she learns to embrace her hometown and its people once more. The futuristic elements of AI serve not only as a plot device but also as a profound commentary on our human connections, especially in times of grief.

One of the highlights of this book is the likability of its characters. The protagonist is relatable and compelling; her emotional struggles are depicted with sensitivity and authenticity. As she navigates her new reality, readers can't help but root for her resurgence, hoping she finds love and purpose again.

While the foundations of the story are intriguing, there are moments in the plot that feel somewhat predictable, which slightly detracted from the suspense. However, the warmth of the characters and the richness of the setting kept me engaged.

Overall, I Think I Was Murdered is a thoughtful exploration of grief and resilience, wrapped in a romantic suspense narrative. If you're looking for a story that combines the complexities of human emotions with an engaging mystery in a cozy setting, this book could be just what you need!

It was only a matter of time until AI made it into a novel and this was a great way to bring it in.

Katrina is mourning her husband, who passed in an accident a year ago and to help cope with his passing, she's talking to an AI version of him in an app, but her life turns upside down again when the AI Jason tells her he thinks he was murdered.

The audio of this was fantastic. The narrator did a fabulous job.

I very, very much enjoyed the story, I was desperate to get to the end and just when I think everything is safe and finished, the next twist comes. Absolutely fantastic.
I will definitely be seeking out other books from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley for the Audio ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book was interesting. The plot was different and I liked it. This book had everything you could want; mystery, suspense, romance, plot twists. I definitely enjoyed this book.

I Think I Was Murdered
by Colleen Coble, Rick Acker
Narrated by Karen Peakes
Pub DateNov 12 2024
HarperCollins Christian Publishing |Thomas Nelson Fiction
Christian| Mystery & Thrillers| Romance




Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley have provided me with a copy of I Think I Was Murdered to review:


I must say this audibook version Of I Think I Was Murdered, kept me awake, the way a good book does.

What would you do if AI told you, a loved one was murdered?



A young widow grieving. This artificial intelligence program allows her to continue talking to her husband. A message she never expected: "I think I was murdered."



Katrina Berg was at the top of her career just a year ago. An AI chatbot start-up star with an adoring husband, she had more money than she knew what to do with. Suddenly, her world blew up. Jason, her husband, was killed in a fiery car accident. In the aftermath of her CEO's indictment, Katrina faces tough questions as the Feds come after her office. Her grandmother's passing is the final blow.


Her most prized possession is a beta prototype for a new, ultra sophisticated chatbot she has downloaded to her phone. Katrina loaded Jason's email, social media backups, pictures, and every bit of data she could find into the bot, and she has been chatting with him every day since October. She is amazed at how well it works. Even the bot's syntax and words sound like Jason's. There are times when she imagines he is right beside her and isn't really dead. While she knows it's slowing her grief recovery, she can't stop pretending.


During a particularly bad day, she taps out: Tell me something I don't know. After several moments of blinking and freezing, the reply flashes rapidly onto the screen: I think I have been murdered.



Discouraged, Katrina returns to her cozy Norwegian-flavored hometown in the redwoods of Northern California, where she enlists the help of longtime acquaintance Seb Wallace to discover what happened. They must navigate complicated paths of grief, family dynamics, and second chances, as well as the complex questions of how much control technology has over them. Both of them hadn't imagined how difficult it would be to survive long enough to accomplish that.

I give I Think I Was Murdered five out of five stars!

This was an unexpected read that keeps you on your toes. It mixes pieces of Enders Game ( but in the real world) and explores the ethics of AI technology, while figuring out a murder. I do think I wanted a bit more from the story and to connect with the characters more, but an interesting read.