I Think I Was Murdered

I THINK I WAS MURDERED by COLLEEN COBLE and RICK ACKER is a real page turner that will keep you guessing right to the end. There is mystery, romance, betrayal, adventure, murder and mayhem,; in facr everything you expect in a good thriller, plus much more, with the addition of a chatbot, a Chinese gang, bitcoin and a valuable egg.
When this chatbot uses her late husband’s voice to tell Katrina he thinks he is murdered, her already disturbed life takes another direction and gets really dangerous. With Seb, someone she looked down on and treated badly when they were young, and her best friend Liv, she sets off to find out what really happened.
The story is told against the background of a friendly town with a Norwegian flavour, and eateries with good food…….
Family dynamics and the characters’ emotions are explored…….
I do not want to tell you any more for fear of spoiling your read.
I highly recommend this exciting and well written novel to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This was really interesting and different. I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Wow Colleen Cable and Rick Acker what a team. They are really writing future bestsellers in my opinion. I think I was Murdered is a very thought provoking suspense about AI and greed and grief. I enjoyed reading about Norwegian food and customs. The characters were as always well thought out and pulled you into their lives and got you hooked on the roller coaster ride. You could relate to Katrinas grief over losing her husband Jason and her grandmother, but then to discover that he was probably murdered over a mysterious egg worth a fortune. I never knew some of the things in this book were even possible. Katrina and Sebs story was heartwarming and a bit sad. They pulled you through the twists and turns to the exciting and final satisfying page. I even went on the website she provided and watched the goats on the roof!! I want to thank Netgalley and Thomas Nelson publishing company for the advanced copy for my honest opinion.

This is a fascinating story encompassing AI, chatbots, and Bitcoin, that I found impossible to stop reading, until the last page was turned. I recommend not starting it late in the day if you plan to get some sleep.
Jason Foster had searched for the mythical, most likely fictitious, Satoshi eggs for over a decade. When he found it a couple weeks earlier, he’s been fearful for his life. Although it doesn’t look like much more than a faded, plastic Easter egg, inside the USB drive has those hunting for treasures frantic to find it.
Upon the death of Jason in what appears to be an innocent car accident during heavy fog, his widow, Katrina, is obsessed with chatbots, which combining all former messages and information about Jason, gives her the impression she is still in communication with him using her phone. What a surprise when the Jason-like voice announces “I think I was murdered.”
Katrina, an attorney, and her best friend, Liz, the Chief Technology Officer, work at Talk, Inc., a tech company in Palo Alto, with a unique AI app. The CEO of the company, who also was the boyfriend of Liz, appears to have vanished. He’s not been heard from nor is he responding to any phone calls. The FBI is now looking into their business dealings.
This is a fast-paced, action-packed story that includes many loveable and relatable characters, and some that left me with questions about their true character. It seems Jason left some clues for Katrina to find that includes the code for $30 million dollars of Bitcoin.
There are many unexpected twists and turns to this captivating story. I could have never guessed the shocking conclusion of this most fascinating story.
Colleen Coble has been one of my favorite authors for years, however, her writing partnership with Rick Acker has increased my love of suspense, which I’ve found to be at it’s very best, written by these two.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This writing duo is on fire! The books keep getting better. I think this one is my new favourite!

I love to learn as I read, love a ‘suspense forward’ romantic suspense and love the assurance that I’ve got a clean read in my hands. This book has all that IN SPADES.

I was captivated by a great story centered around artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies, and chatbots. I appreciated the delicate balance of this with things that pulled on my heartstrings: characters who learned that the most important things in life aren’t tangible, inspirational messages from exchanges between a Nazi guard and Corrie ten Boom, and reminders that every beginning starts with an ending.

Every time I felt that the tension had crescendoed to a nail-biting height, I knew that a smile was close at hand. For example, the duo referenced Freia chocolate, Tillamook ice cream, or the mixup over the Norwegian word for suit, at the perfect place in the story. As much as I loved the chase of ‘gunting’, I appreciated a well-balanced story with faith elements and romance.

I can’t wait for the next Colleen Coble - Rick Acker mystery!

I was gifted this copy by Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

**Thank you so much to Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! These thoughts are entirely my own.**

I loved this book! The plot was amazing. I was hooked from the beginning, and I had such a hard time putting it down! The action was fast-paced, but not so much so that I couldn’t keep track of what was happening. I never would have guessed the twist at the end, either.

The characters were super interesting and compelling. Their relationships were deep and interesting to read about. I cared what happened to them, which was wonderful! The book is dual-POV, which I liked. The writing style was done well, so the different character perspectives felt distinct. And, I never would have known I Think I Was Murdered was written by two authors if I hadn’t seen it on the cover. The whole book is seamless, and you cannot tell that more than one person wrote it.

The exploration of Artificial Intelligence and its impacts on humanity and our emotions was so cool and so well-done. I LOVED reading about the AI, and also about some of the other technological items used in the novel.

My only complaint with this book is the Christian content. I loved what was there, but I wish there was a little bit more. It was mentioned so little that I was jarred whenever it was mentioned. I also wish it was a little bit deeper in theology.

However, I had such a fun time reading it, and I definitely recommend it!

This is the first time I have read anything by these authors. I can, with confidence, say that I would read other books by them. Although I have always been into technology, this is the first time I understood a little about what AI can do. At my age, I would have given anything to be able to hear my mother & father’s voices throughout my life. If only this existed, or made available twenty years ago!!

The story was intriguing and the characters were likable. The small town setting, relaxing atmosphere, and a “family” of friends watching out for each other is something I long for right now. The authors painted a vivid picture.

There was a twist at the end that I did not see coming. I highly recommend reading this book!

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker brings Artificial Intelligence into the mystery genre in I Think I Was Murdered. I enjoyed the suspense and twists and this was a quick read for me. The romance and family themes were also sweet to read. Thank you, Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker brings Artificial Intelligence into the mystery genre in I Think I Was Murdered. I enjoyed the suspense and twists and this was a quick read for me. The romance and family themes were also sweet to read. Thank you, Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Good mystery….as always!
I enjoyed that the characters knew each other in high school and reconnected. Interesting dynamics between the brothers and their dad.
I have no idea what bit coins are but that didn’t take away from the story.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc.

This story has great twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I loved the AI twist too. Colleen Coble and Rick Acker are wonderful writers but together it takes their work to another level. This is classified as Christian literature and I understand that but it's not written with hit me over the head Christian ideas. Instead it shows how a Christian uses their relationship with God to help them in difficult situations.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an ARC.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

"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.

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.

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.

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.

Everything about this book was fascinating! From the title that grabs your attention, to the multilayered storyline with AI technology, danger, and suspense themes, to the various family issues. It has great characters and a beautiful setting for the backdrop to this unforgettable mystery. Coble and Acker make a dynamic team!

Katrina finds herself back home after the sudden loss of her grandmother, her company job on the line, and less than a year after an accident claims the life of her husband. When her deceased husband’s voice through the use of an AI technology bot tells her, “I think I was murdered.” It sets off a series of danger and events that take the reader on a thrilling ride that they never know what is coming next.

This book is an excellent addition to this series books by this author team. I found the use of AI technology in this storyline absolutely fascinating and took it to another level. I found it hard to put this one down and waiting anxiously to be able to read it again. This story will not disappoint!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

katrina works for an ai bot company but her husband was killed in a car crash and now the ceo has left the country . she goes back to help with the restaurant that was left to her but something else is going on she has an app on the phone that she can ask and get an answer from her late husband and one is that he thinks he was murdered this is a good suspense story will written if you like suspense and some romance you will want to read this story i was given a copy of the book by netgalley but this is an honest review

Once again I have enjoyed reading Collen Coble (& Rick Acker)' s mystery thriller. What's more, learning a little bit about Bitcoin and chatbots was interesting. Katrina, Seb, Magnus, Liv and Dylan along with Agent Hughs, all added further intertwined intricacies to keep me guessing as they raced to find the key to the Satoshi egg. Who would find it first! Besides being tense at times I found the narrative to have some fun elements. I also liked the touches of faith in God factor. I believe the discussion questions at book's end would help a thoughtful reader suss out their conceptions regarding issues brought up in the novel.

Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger
July 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.

Goodreads review:

Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy!

This story is telling from the point of view of Seb, Dylan and Katrina - Katrina has just lost her grandmother and has been forced to confront her past, all while dealing with the loss of her husband the prior year. Seb is wrestling with himself & the past he’s tried to forget.. and Dylan is hiding something. I loved how the story ended up coming together. I would love to read more books by this author pair.

To the authors - WOW! Just wow! I loved it!

Be prepared for all the feels and a breakneck pace that keeps you up all night! This one's twisty from atmospheric start to toe curling finish! As a longtime fan of Colleen Coble, I've been waiting for the book that takes me back to her early Rock Harbor books like Haven of Swans. I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of I Think I Was Murdered from Netgalley while I was waiting for it to come out!

I Think I Was Murdered surpasses anything Coble has written before and it's exciting to see her explore new heights with author Rick Acker. The two take what could have been a sweet, small town romance, juxtapose it against Silicon Valley's dark underbelly, then christen it with an international flair that takes attains stylish heights in a tech savvy dream of a story! Every character draws you more deeply into Seb & Katrina's lives. Coble & Acker make nuance use of each to vividly bring to life a shared past while offering clues to their troubling present. The way Norwegian culture peppered throughout had me craving lingonberry covered waffles and Freia chocolate, but listening to the band No. 4 as Katrina fall for Seb and communicates with an AI bot of her dead husband left me too far on the edge of my seat to stop long enough to eat!

This technology-centered story could have been ripped straight from the headlines! Colleen Coble is one of my favorite authors because her books are always different and keep me on my toes. But this was a departure from anything she's done before, and I loved it.
The main character, Katrina Berg is a young widow who works as an attorney for an AI startup. To test their new chatbot, Katrina uses an app that helps her "talk" to her deceased husband, Jason.
Then, Katrina receives a message from the app stating, "I think I was murdered." Suddenly, Katrina's life is turned upside down. She's determined to find out who murdered Jason, but she has no idea how much danger she's in--and it's getting closer.
When Katrina returns to her hometown in northern California, she requests the help of an old friend, Seb Wallace. Together, they'll plunge into mystery, danger, and even new love.
I fell in love with the atmosphere in Katrina's hometown, even before I fell in love with Seb! This book left me craving waffles, ice cream, and crab cakes.
The story had lots of twists and turns and plenty of action. I thought the characters were great, and I loved the chemistry between Seb and Katrina.
I've never read anything like this before. The AI chatbot and all of the technology made this story so unique and took the mystery to a whole new level for me. This book is perfect for people who love technology--even if they're like me and don't understand it all! You should read this if you're a fan of Colleen already, but if you aren't, this book is the perfect place to start!
I'm so excited to see this new direction from Colleen and Rick Acker, and I can't wait to see more from them!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Hold onto your seat for a truly unique and thrilling story! Collen Coble and Rick Acker team up again to bring a genuinely thought provoking story based on AI and delayed grief. Katrina is not ready to let go of Jason and with his information loaded into the chatbot, she does not have to. She can “talk” to him everyday. When her world turns upside down and she needs answers more than ever, she has to rely on other people for help and truth. As the heat gets turned up and mounting pressure surrounds her, she partners with Seb on a journey that is both painful and cathartic. There are significant twists and turns that made it impossible to put this book down. I love how modern and relevant this story is; it is so near to possible it is not a stretch to imagine how it all came together. The writing is fresh and seamless. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy thrilling, thought provoking stories with a little romance and a lot of second chances.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

With each book I read by this author, I like her more and more. I loved the complexity of the story and the structure of the plot. The characters are rich and unforgettable. It was an excellent read

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker have done it again! I Think I Was Murdered will keep you guessing until the end. When Katrina’s life is upended by the death of her husband and the loss of her job and an investigation led by the FBI about her job, she doesn’t think she can take much more. Then her dear grandmother dies and she returns home. She is alone and sad and her only relief from grief comes from a chatbot that she uses to “speak” to her dead husband. But when the bot tells her that he was murdered, the real mystery begins. Very well done! Five stars!

I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is such a fabulous novel. It takes a unique spin on AI suspense. This book is just as brilliant as their first collaboration. I have so many questions about AI after reading this book. I loved this book and can’t recommend it enough. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I could not put this book down! This was a fast paced, roller coaster ride with many twists and turns. Absolute must read for all thriller and romantic suspense fans!

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

This team did not disappoint in their second book. Definitely on trend with AI and chatbots. I enjoyed the discussion questions at the end and can't wait to introduce this book to my book club. This is going to spark some amazing discussions with my group! How do you let go if you keep hanging on? Great book!

This book was so good! Another great one from this duo. I’ve always loved Colleen Coble’s books but pairing up together with Rick Acker has been great too! Their books together work so well!

I received an ARC copy of this book from the out and NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

I wasn't expecting this to be so twisty-turny. Well, I did because Colleen Coble is attached to it, but wow! Great premise. Highly entertaining characters and overall an awesome read!

A grieving young widow. The AI program that allows her to continue to "talk" to him. And a message she never expected: "I think I was murdered." Fantastic book and series!! I really am not into this type of genre but I am loving this series! This book has wonderful characters, suspense, intriguing, action, murder, mystery, a great who done it and some crazy twists and turns! The story was very interesting and kept me glued to my kindle! I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

I am loving this writing duo. Coble and Acker combine their individual talent to form what feels to be a new subgenre in Christian Romantic Suspense.

Life for Katrina Berg has been out of control for the last year. Grieving the death of her husband, Jason, she runs to an AI “chatbot” to text with a computer generated version on her late husband. When questionable business tactics by her employer leave her jobless and her beloved grandmother dies, Katrina once again runs to the chat or for comfort, but what she finds is far from
Comfort. Her “husband” chat bot sends the mysterious message, “I Think I was Murdered”. From there, the action, mysterious, and questions continue to unravel and lead her home to North Haven and the familiarity of her Bestemor’s Norwegian restaurant and the somehow familiar, Uber successful restauranteur, Seb Wallace.

The mystery kept me guessing. The characters were intriguing and well developed. This book allows the cozy atmosphere of North Haven to envelope you all will keeping you in the edge of your seat to find out what happened to Jason.


Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Reasons to Read this Book:

1. Let’s just cut to the obvious visual…. Check out that cover!! Sigh…..

2. For anyone who read their first book together, you know that they are a terrific writing team. If you e ever read any of their individual books, you know how good they are. So….. Coble’s romantic suspense meets Acker’s legal suspense? Umm, YES, PLEASE!!

3. Though A.I. (artificial intelligence) admittedly creeps me out, this novel is so very timely for today. However, there can be good to come from it. Buuuuut, there can also be a whole lot of bad. The premise of this book is fascinating. Katrina, the main female character, uses her AI chatbot from work to “talk” to her late husband. Actual info, e-mails, social media, texts, etc. were all put into a chat bot to ‘become’ Jason. But, then one day, ‘he’ tells her that he was murdered!

5. The reader will find both positive and negative personal struggles, familial situations, and issues with the main characters as well as with some minor characters. It makes them very relatable.

6. There is a fantastic balance of intense moments and regular life. That balance always make the best suspense books by far. There is some mystery and a a treasure hunt of sorts within this story. There are clues that the female main character’s late husband had left for her. I was fully engaged in the adrenalin AND the everyday happenings throughout this book. This is a WOW novel!!

7. As someone who is more than half-Norwegian and who has travelled there twice, I truly enjoyed all the Scandinavian (predominantly Norwegian) references: meals, desserts, art, words/phrases, style, history, and various other things. This novel has prompted so many wonderful memories of my dearly missed Bestemor (Grandma), our trips there, all my family there, etc. This novel kept me in a state of “hygge” throughout….. 🥰 Norwegian heritage or not, anyone can appreciate the culture, history, and traditions that this book sprinkles out so beautifully.

After reading that amazing novel, I personally need a Norwegian lutefisk meal with some cloudberry dessert, and then some sjokalade on bread for a snack later. And someone must send me a boat load of Freia chocolate NOW because I personally KNOW how good it is!!! (The authors only mention it about 34 times or so! Or at least it felt that way because of my cravings!). I NEED some serious Freia chocolate time as I decompress from the amazing adventure that is this novel.

I do have ONE complaint….
As much as I wanted to keep swiping through my e-reader pages to learn what would happen next, I also didn’t want it to end! I felt invested in the characters and Norwegian settlement community of North Haven. Therefore, I feel I ‘deserve’ to not-so-subtly HINT that there should be a couple more books to make a series. I have minor characters already in mind who really should share their stories, too. Just sayin’….

***My appreciation for an advanced reader copy goes to Net Galley and the publisher. My review is voluntary and written in my own words.

I adored the setting for I Think I was Murdered. It's set in a Norwegian inspired town in California known for it's hygge. And that comfort is exactly what widow, Katrina, needs after she loses her job and her grandmother and travels back home. This story is intriguing as it explores the world of AI and bitcoin, But the real heart of the story lies in the people who surround Katrina. Her old friend, Seb Wallace, has certainly outgrown his awkward adolescent self and has made his way to the top of the restaurant business. He's there to help in any way he can. The balance of hygge and high tech makes for a fascinating story I didn't want to put down.. I received a free copy, and opinions are my own.

A very intriguing cover, title, and concept kept me hooked to the pages in I Think I was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. They’ve quickly become a dream team in the Christian romantic suspense world.
Katrina truly grieved the death of her husband and a chatbot offered the perfect responses when she needed to feel a connection to him. But her reliance became a crutch until it spouted the title, which was genius. I was wondering how anyone in their right mind would “think” they were murdered. Great premise and I can’t wait for more from these two.
Lastly, I liked the romance. Seb isn’t your conventional hero. It took a while for Katrina to have eyes for him. Also great job not having her be in love with him since they were young. He took that honor.
All in all, great book. Would’ve loved a little more triad interaction but the rock climbing scenes made up for that.
I received this book through Net Galley and was not required to give a positive review.

WOW! This writing duo is amazing! Coble and Acker write tight, fast-paced suspense like no other. Katrina Berg was working at a chat-bot start-up company and at the pinnacle of her career. She was madly in love with her husband Jason and life was grand.....until it wasn't! Jason was killed in a fiery car crash leaving her devastated and wondering how to go on. Her friend and co-worker, Liv, has installed a beta-protype chat-bot on her phone with all of Jason's emails, social media, pictures allowing her to "talk" to him every day. It's a crutch she knows that she needs to let go but can't - it's holding her together some days. One day when she asks it to tell her something she doesn't know, the message "I Think I Was Murdered" appears and the wild ride begins. When her grandmother dies, Katrina returns to her hometown for the funeral and finds she's inherited her grandma's restaurant. But with so much on her plate, she decides to sell to Seb Wallace, a local restaurateur. But things begin to spiral out of control and she's in a race to find out who wants her dead. Can she and Seb work together to figure out what's happening before it's too late? This amazing novel has so many twists and turns I couldn't put it down! Grab it for a late-night thriller - a 2024 must-read!

Wow, wow, wow!! This book kept ratcheting up the suspense! It was a GREAT story that kept me spellbound trying to figure everything out. I was suspicious a few times before the biggest reveal, but it still managed to mostly surprise me.
It does have light faith elements, the romance is sweet and kisses only.

This was such a great book. I enjoyed reading this book. It was an easy read, and was very thought provoking. I enjoyed the characters, would definitely recommend to someone wanting an easy read or a change of pace.

Just when I thought this would be a four star book, it quickly turned into a five star. It started a little slow, but then wham! You don't want to miss this exciting book. It has suspense, romance, and a great story with memorable characters. There are a few times the wording and messages just really pulled me in. I have to quote this line, "Grief only eclipses those blessings for a little while. They're still there, and so is God."

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“I think I was Murdered,” by Coleen Coble and Ricker Acker is a gripping mystery on the cutting edge of technology and AI development but with a delightfully warm hygge feel. This book is both cozy mystery and sci-fi thriller wrapped into one! I enjoyed this read and found it to be a perfect fall escape. This was an intriguing look into what is actually possible in this world of AI technology while also considering the very human elements of loss, family, hometown, and ultimately love.

This was my first Colleen Coble and Rick Acker book- and it did not disappoint! I heard them talk about it during an author event and the concept of AI technology replicating "talking" to the MC's deceased husband was fascinating, I couldn't wait to read it. I was hooked within the first pages. What a ride this book was; the twists and turns I didn't expect kept happening just like the hair pin curves in the West Coast mountains where this book is set. I also loved the justice/redemption aspects, the sweet love story that deepened over time, the healing that took place in relationships, and the emphasis on family.

I have been provided with a review copy of this title from NetGalley for an impartial review. This was just a great read. I was just drawn in to this story so thoroughly. I just had so much fun reading this story.

I Think I Was Murdered is the second book I read that Coollen Coble co-authored with Rick Acker. I enjoyed the writing style of these two authors. The storyline managed to keep me engaged and in suspense. The main character Katrina Berg had lost her husband the previous year in a tragic auto accident. It gives her a little bit of comfort that she still communicates with him via an AI chat program that compiles all of her late husband's emails, photos and social media content. In one "conversation" she had with him he said I thinkI was murdered. Due to a job upheaval she temporary moves back to her hometown that has a Norwegian flair. She inherits her beloved grandmother's restaurant. She also reconnects with her old school mate Seb Wallace. I have read just about every Colleen Coble book she has written and I thought I knew where the story was heading but I was wrong. It threw me for a loop. Don't want to say much more to spoil it for anyone wanting to read it.
I highly recommend this book for people who enjoy reading clean suspense novels. I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley from Thomas Nelson. All opions are my own.

This gripping psychological thriller masterfully blends grief, AI, and a murder mystery. Tension builds throughout the book leaving you questioning the boundaries of human control and machine power. A compelling read.

I Think I Was Murdered was an excellent story! I found the title intriguing, and was immediately hooked.

Katrina has been grieving her husband, Jason, for a year. To help her cope, she’s been using a chatbot that has all of her husband’s media information, so she feels like she’s actually talking to him. This was created as a prototype for her company, which is now in bankruptcy. But suddenly she’s called home for her beloved grandmother’s funeral. Katrina inherits her Bestemor’s restaurant, which causes hurt feelings and unpleasant family dynamics.

Feeling heartbroken, Katrina chats with Jason. While they are “talking”, he tells Katrina that he thinks he was murdered. She shares this information with her best friend, Liz, who helped create this Chatbot. Katrina also discovers that Jason believes he was killed because he found something extremely valuable. Katrina follows the clues, rediscovers old relationships, and realizes that not everyone close to her deserves her trust. Somebody is willing to go to any lengths to claim what Jason has hidden.

I highly recommend this book! I don’t know much about bitcoin or chatbots, but found this interesting. I loved the characters and found myself cheering for new love. #IThinkIWasMurdered #NetGalley

This was an interesting look into Artificial Intelligence and the effect it can have on our lives. As many people are so obsessed with their phones, so is Katrina. She is relying on what her deceased husband is telling her through a a chatbot that her company developed.. Grief keeps her glued to what he is saying even when it puts her in danger. This book is a good lesson for us to put our phones down and talk to real people in real time.

Wow! What a fun and intriguing read. I love how Colleen Coble & Rick Acker creates situations out of the norm. And this one definitely gets you really thinking!!! So man twists and turns that keeps you constantly guessing and reading long into the night.

I love anything by Colleen Coble and then when you throw in Rick Acker it was AWESOME!! I was captured from the very beginning. I listened to audiobook at first but decided just to read the book and I love that better. I always feel the emotions in every book that Colleen writes. Thank you!!

WOW! Another winner by Colleen Coble!

With all the publicity about AI this tear, I found the story about a widow talking to an AI of her husband who had died to be quite an interesting idea. Add in all the information about Sastoshi eggs. The details were so realistic I had to Google to see if there was such a thing. The results were intriguing to say the least. These two authors built an original story adding in some recent technological achievements, which really added to what a great book it was.

Besides the well-thought-out plot, the authors added some characters with a mix of personalities. Some of them are a bit flawed, and some have been through difficult times. This is, in my opinion, Christian fiction at it's best. Especially when you throw in edge-of-your-seat scenes. 5 stars!

Lately I really come to enjoy techno-thrillers a lot! This one features a AI chatbot made for a fascinating purpose which kept me intigued!
Katrina is likeable character and I could very well connect with her.
For me the AI aspect in the story felt authentic, as one can mention this definition in terms of artificial intelligence!
At the beginning it was a bit difficult to keep pace with all the characters but keeping on paid off well!

Thank you #NetGalley #Thomas Nelson for this ARC

This is one of the best Christian suspense books I have read since my last Terri Blackstock. The aspect of AI in the story made it really interesting. The whole time I thought one character was the killer when it was actually someone else. I really didn't see it coming. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries and suspense stories. I hope Coble and Acker write a lot more books together!

I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is a thrilling romantic suspense novel. I was skeptical of reading a book involving AI because it just isn't something I'm interested in at all but it was actually a really great novel. It certainly kept me guessing and I had no idea who the culprit was going to be. It was a book that was very hard for me to put down. The characters were well written and the involvement of a deceased husband via AI was an interesting touch and unlike anything I've ever read before. I would recommend picking this up for a different sort of read.

The talented team of Coleen Coble and Rick Acker have created a fascinating story encompassing AI, chatbots, and Bitcoin. I knew these technologies by name only and enjoyed learning how they could be incorporated and affect modern day life.

Structural engineer,Jason Foster had searched for the mythical, most likely fictitious, Satoshi eggs for over a decade. Then he found it and now he’s fearful for his life. Strangely the very valuable Satoshi egg looks simply like a faded, plastic Easter egg, but inside is a USB drive with valuable information to those hunting for treasures and are frantic to find it. Some desperate enough to kill.

Jason’s fears were merited because he has died in what appears to be an innocent car accident during heavy fog, leaving behind his beloved wife, Katrina. Since her husband’s death, she has become obsessed with chatbots, where she has combined all her husband’s former messages and his social media information into an app. Talking to Jason’s chatbot voice gives her the impression she is still in communication with him using her phone app Talk. While conversing with her deceased husband’s, Jason-like voice, he announces “I think I was murdered.”

Katrina, an attorney, and her best friend, Liz, the Chief Technology Officer, work at Talk, Inc., a tech company in Palo Alto, with a unique AI app. And here’s another strange occurrence… CEO of the company, who also was the boyfriend of Liz, appears to have vanished. He’s not been heard from nor is he responding to any phone calls. The FBI is now looking into their business dealings.

I Think I Was murdered is a fast-paced, action-packed story that includes many likable and relatable characters, although some that prompted me to question their true character.

Katrina is left to examine the intricate clues Jason left behind that includes the code for $30 million dollars of Bitcoin.

Get ready for many unexpected twists and turns to this captivating story. I defy you to guess the shocking conclusion of this most fascinating story.

This theiller is also of the Christian genre where Christian ideas are aptly placed throughout the many conflicts. The authors demonstrate how a persons of faith use their relationship with God to help them in difficult situations.

I highly recommend this thrilling adventure which is a smart read encompassing rich vocabulary and Norwegian culture.

What would you do if an AI chatbot 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!

Such a fantastic book! I love the sci-fi elements and the futuristic AI thing where you can speak with people who have already passed away. It is so interesting and it was definitely a great mystery with lots of secrets and twists and turns!!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

** “Pain was a part of life, but joy couldn’t be suppressed and always came back.” **

Colleen Coble once again joins forces with Rick Acker to deliver another incredible thriller with “I Think I Was Murdered,” a story that could be ripped from today’s headlines.

Katrina Foster can seemingly communicate with her dead husband Jason through an up-and-coming chatbot designed by her best friend Liv Tompkins. But when the chatbot tells Katrina he believes he was murdered, and when the tech company both Katrina and Liv work for is investigated by the FBI, the two women return to Katrina’s hometown to seek answers.

Meeting again her high school acquaintance, Seb Wallace, a restaurant owner who once worked at her grandmother’s restaurant, the three work together to find answers about the tech company and also if and why Jason was murdered.

With a shocking ending, Coble and Acker fill “I Think I Was Murdered” with twists and turns and an action-packed storyline with enough romance to keep the lovers of love happy. They develop intriguing characters that deal with past traumas, overcoming trials and finding confidence in their abilities.

The story is also filled with several great themes, like learning whom to trust; there’s always room for love (“Love was a funny thing — no matter how much of it you thought you’d used up, there was a limitless capacity to experience more”); forgiveness; “the most important things in life aren’t tangible”; overcoming grief and betrayal; and finding what is lost.

Fans of authors like Terri Blackstock, Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason and even some Mike Dellosso novels with love “I Think I Was Murdered,” which is due out Nov. 12.

Five stars out of five.

Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Okay, I couldn’t put this book down. It was crazy intriguing and addictive, trying to solve the case. I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker was a highly unique and suspenseful who-dun-it. I would love to see a book 2 with the same cast of characters, it was so thrilling!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

This book will capture your attention from the beginning. If you like mystery, intrigue, fast-paced, action-packed books, then this is the book for you! Katrina has lost her husband in what she thinks is a terrible car accident. An AI program that her best friend helped develop allows her to "talk" to her deceased husband through a bot by using data from her husband, Jason's, emails, social media, pictures, etc. He tells her "I think I was murdered". That is the start of a lot of Katrina's life and career being turned upside down. There are people that start coming after her for something they think her husband possessed that was very valuable. They now think Katrina has possession of a bitcoin key that is worth 30 million dollars! Katrina reunites with a friend of hers growing up. Sebastian helps Katrina to try to solve this mystery and to stay alive. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #netgalley #thomasnelsonfiction

I Think I Was Murdered is an intriguing and suspenseful read! Straight from the beginning I was hooked! Katrina has recently lost her husband and is struggling with her grief. A bot programmed to answer her questions as her dead husband leads her to the truth that he was murdered. Teaming up with the handsome Seb, she unlocks the truth about what happened. I highly enjoyed this book! The action and mystery was great as well as the subtle and slow burn of the couple. The ending took me by surprise! I would highly recommend this book! I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.

This book is definitely living in 2024! It is a wild ride full of twists and turns that will leave the reader guessing until the last page!

I have read many books by Colleen Coble but never from Rick Acker. They make a great team! This novel centers around Katrina Foster. She works for an AI company called Talk. To deal with the grief of losing her husband, she and a co-worker download everything about Jason into Talk: voicemails, emails, texts, and social media posts. The result is Katrina can use AI to "communicate" with her dead husband. It responds so much like him that she uses it everyday for a year. She knows it's unhealthy but can't stop herself. One day she asks "Jason" to tell her something she doesn't know. It responds with, "I think I was murdered." This sets Katrina on a new path to discover what really happened during his car accident. As she begins to dig into the past with the help of an old classmate named Seb, someone is determined to stop her from finding out the truth. As danger looms at every turn, Katrina must try to stay safe and maybe open her heart for a second time.

I loved I Think I was Murdered and read it in two days! I loved the plot and I think it explores the advantages and pitfalls of artificial intelligence. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and it has a satisfying ending!

I loved this book! Katrina and Seb were great characters and I appreciated how their relationship changed throughout the book. I thought the storyline was fascinating, especially with the involvement of AI! That definitely brought a bit of a unique twist to the plot. Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book!

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

The audio of this one was so well done! There was just enough creepy to ramp up the suspense in the story.

Katrina Foster works for Talk, Inc., creator of one of the premier chatbots in the AI world. Losing her husband to an accident threw her life into turmoil, but when her friend offers to upload all of her husband's texts and conversations to the Beta version of a new interactive chatbot, it feels like she's gotten him back. She texts the chatbot and her husband, Jason, answers - or does he? The answers sound like ones he'd give, but when she asks him about the day he died, he says, "I think I was murdered." The more she investigates, the more sure she becomes that he really was murdered. Inheriting her grandmother's cafe, she returns to her Norwegian-ancestry hometown, and enlists restaurateur Seb Wallace to help her figure out what happened.

Seb Wallace fell for Katrina Foster in his early teens when she was the only kid in school who was ever kind to him. He lost touch before graduation when her ex-boyfriend broke his nose for taking her to prom. Nearly 20 years has only made her more beautiful but he sees the torment in her eyes. When accidents start happening that appear to be targeting Katrina, Seb offers his help. Will they be able to keep her safe until they find the real killer?

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker make a dynamic writing duo! This is the second book I've read by this pair, and both were edge-of-the-seat, pulse-pounding thrill rides! The creepiness of the chatbot answering Katrina as if her husband still lived within her phone sent chills every time she asked it a question. Readers who are looking for their next suspense novel need to run out and pick this one up. It gets all the stars from me!

I loved this novel! It’s been a while since I’ve read a Colleen Coble book, and I’ve never read one by Rick Acker. Needless to say, this reminded me why I love her books! I read all of the time, and there are so many books with so little time. That being said, I’ll be reading the ones I’ve missed and the ones still to come.

The characters are well-developed, and I became completely engrossed in their story. Seb and Katrina do have some romantic moments, but this is mainly a suspense. I think that their romance added to the story especially since they knew each other when they were younger.

The AI chatbot element was so creepy yet so relevant to today. AI is getting smarter, and the beta version that Katrina’s company created is off the charts creepy. I’m a widow too, and I can totally see how Katrina would want to keep chatting with her late husband even though it obviously wasn’t him. Hunting for clues as to who murdered him, and all of the danger the characters faced had me turning the pages. I literally read it in just a little over a day. I also really appreciated the faith and forgiveness themes since I think we can all relate to needing to forgive someone even when they don’t ask for it.

I highly recommend I Think I Was Murdered to those who love page-turning Christian suspense with a bit of romance! I give it 5 stars!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I Think I Was Murdered
Colleen Coble
Rick Acker
November 12, 2024

Katrina Berg was known as the focus of the AI Chatbot. Her husband, Jason was a structural engineer but he was also all about finding one of the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto red eggs. Inside each was a futuristic piece of technology. He never let on to Karina about this ambition so when he discovered the red object his plan was to bring it back home area near Humboldt Bay, California. He knew that someone would be looking to find him. On one of the mountainous spiral roads he was trying to get control of the chatbot and drive. He spied a car coming into his lane. He knew the end was near; off the road he went and down the long drop to the bottom of the canyon.
I Think I Was Murdered will be published by Thomas Nelson on November 12, 2024. NetGalley provided me with the ARC of Coble and Acker’s latest suspense thriller. I appreciate Thomas Nelson allowing me to read this latest novel by the duo. Once again bit by bit and scene by scene we are led to the person who took Jason’s life. It was originally thought to be an accident but as Katrina and one of the partners in TALK,INC worked to discover the how and the why of what actually happened, the group discovered their whereabouts. I Think I Was Murdered is an excellent book of intriguing written chapters that follow the characters. it is a true page turner. Be certain to pick up a copy, and do enjoy!

This was such a unique storyline! From texting a deceased husband to find answers to how he dies, to going on a search for physical clues. The characters were interesting and the main characters were endearing. I felt immersed in the setting and the culture, a new place for me, but after reading I feel I've been there. The book was exciting and I couldn't put it down!

The authors have delivered a terrific cyber-crime/chatbot murder mystery. Still grieving widow Katrina Berg returns home after her grandmother dies and the company that she is an attorney for is shut down by the FBI. Katrina gets comfort from the chatbot that contains all her deceased husband Jason's texts and emails. In one of her exchanges with the chatbot, Jason believes that he might be murdered. With the help of a former classmate Seb, she starts looking for answers. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. There is plenty of action, suspense, twists and turns in this Christian romantic suspense mystery. Adding to the story is a little family drama and the start of a sweet romance. Even though this is a standalone story, I would love to see a follow-up story revolving around Dylan or Magnus. The Norwegian dishes and culture flourishing in her hometown also add to the story.

Really great, clean mystery with romance by one of my favorite Christian authors, Colleen Coble along with Rick Acker. This is their second book together and I think I liked it even more than What They Hide. The AI aspect was pretty interesting to me and I can see how one can get addicted to the communication with someone who has passed through the app Katrina had. I loved watching her and Seb's relationship grow and it was fun to try to figure out who killed her husband.

Once again, Karen Peakes is a wonderful narrator. I was able to read/listen to this book in 2 afternoons and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 12 November 2024

Katrina Berg lost her husband Jason in a horrible car accident. And now her grandma has passed away, her company went under, and she is under scrutiny by the FBI. How could it possibly get worse? But it somehow does.
Katrina worked for an emerging AI chatbot company and as a test, they uploaded all electronic files, texts, emails, pictures etc. of her late husband Jason's. So now she can talk to "Jason." The chatbot then claims that it was murdered making Katrina question if Jason's death really was an accident.
As she looks into it more, more danger comes her way. Before long she has recruited an old friend from high school, Sebastian Wallace into helping her find clues and discover what really happened to Jason.

This book was so interesting and whole concept of the chatbot was quite fascinating. The book was full action and mystery and some turns that I did not see coming!!
Seriously give this book a read!

Fantastic, creative, original, kept me glued to the pages! I had no idea what to expect, and I loved every minute of it, I could not stop turning pages. I've read many wonderful suspense stories by Colleen Coble, this is the first story I've ready by the duo authors Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. I will definitely be checking out more of their collaborative stories.

From the first lines in the prologue "In 2009 Satoshi Nakamoto laid an egg. Jason Foster had found it two weeks ago, and he'd been running for his life ever since." to the last lines of the epilogue, I could not put it down!

This suspenseful page-turner involves an incredible AI chatbot program, a search for an illusive bitcoin egg containing a USB drive worth millions, including dangerous people after it as well, family relationships, forgiveness, loss, grief, betrayal, and finding your place, your people, and your purpose.

I enjoyed the wonderful cast of characters from Katrina Foster and her family, and Seb Wallace and his family. Seb came from a broken childhood and somehow turns out to be the nicest guy. I loved watching their interactions.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

I Think I Was Murdered is written by the dynamic duo of Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. This edge of your seat thriller had me riveted from the very beginning. The concept for this book is very relevant in the age of artifical intelligence. Honestly, with the way technology evolves, this may not be that futuristic at all. When a young widow keeps a bot on her phone that has her dead husband's voice on it, she asks it to tell her something she doesn't know. It answers by saying he thinks he was murdered. With the help of an old friend, who happens to be a handsome restaurateur, they look for answers. Action, suspense and romance ensues.
I listened to this nail-biting thriller and the narrator was spot on. She was perfect for the performance. My husband listened to it with me and he agrees wholeheartedly. 5 stars!!

Widowed attorney Katerina is missing her husband. She is testing a unique app that lets her interact with Jason as if he were still alive. She is shocked when the app declares that Jason may have been murdered. Her career has fallen apart and her company is under FBI investigation. So when she inherits a cafe from her ffgrandmother, she moves back to the quaint mountain town of North Haven near where her husband lost his life. A note her grandmother left her says she can sell the cafe and names Seb, a childhood friend, as a good choice. There begins a tale of mystery, science fiction like technology, and a relationship that could go anywhere. There are a few side stories that made this a complex novel with sinister overtones. Themes of redemption, forgiveness and moving on from the past were evident.
The concept of AI chatboxes was intriguing and showed how Katrina was relying on fantasy and not really moving through her grief. But at the same time, the chatbox helped uncover the truth about Jason and his death.
My favorite characters were Seb who was loyal, honest and tried hard to honor his father and grandmother Frida, who, although she is not on the page, left a legacy of faith for Katrina and her brother.
Thought provoking, with up-to-the-minute technology and the possible consequences, this book kept me turning pages and I did not want it to end.
*I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

This book was a single sitting read for me. I was so immersed in the lives of the characters that I forgot about everything going on around me.

The main character is Katrina Berg. Her world has completely imploded which began with the death of her husband. Now she may lose everything she has worked so hard for, and then to make matters even worse, she has just lost her beloved grandmother. This is how she ends up back home in Northern California where she is in for a huge surprise. This grieving widow finds solace using a chat bot communicating with her dead husband. It makes her feel that he is almost present, although she knows he is not. When the chat bot delivers the crushing news that "I think I was murdered", her world is rocked off its axis. She will find solace with an old friend, Seb, who is more than ready to protect her. Seb is not the young man she knew all those years ago as she will soon learn.

The nail-biting suspense and tense mystery continues to build with each chapter from the bizarre world of artificial intelligence to the even more interesting world of bitcoins, this romantic suspense checkmarks everything I love in a romantic suspense novel. The hits just kept coming as more is revealed. I simply could not put it down. I look forward to more books from this dynamic duo.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

"Tell me something I don't know."
"I think I was murdered."

Can you imagine getting that message from your late spouse?
This book combines advanced technology, bitcoins, deception, grief, romance and mystery, all wrapped in danger.
Katrina Berg, legal counsel for an AI chatbox company, has lost so much in the past year and now her grief rages again at a new loss. It's time to go home to northern California and be with her family. She is about to endure more twists and turns in her life. Seb Wallace is a successful restaurateur, an unexpected acquaintance from her past and may be the one who can help her seek out what the truth is. He may also reawaken her heart.
I received an e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. This is my own unsolicited opinion. This is a very different offering from author duo Colleen Coble and Rick Acker.
Wow, what a story! It is creepy to think that a person could create an AI program to assume a like identity to one's dead husband so a widow could have an on-hand communication with 'him'. It's well plotted and certainly kept me trying to solve things. (I did guess 'who dunnit'.) I really liked Katrina and could understand her dependency on the AI which kept her from fully accepting her grief. Seb is an excellent character, wounded yet moving forward with his life. I give this a 4.5 rating. In a way I could see this becoming the beginning of a series.
It's a good clean story.

A fun suspense that kept me guessing until the end!
These two authors combined talents to make an exciting and thrilling series.
Colleen Coble always writes such intriguing mysteries! This one did not disappoint.
The characters were very well developed and the protagonist was so believable.

Title: I Think I Was Murdered
By: Colleen Coble; Rick Acker
Pub. Date: November 12, 2024

Genre:
Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Christian,

Red Flags:
Death, Grief, Loss of Spouse
*Clean Christian Read*

Favorite Quote:
“Every new beginning started with an ending, and this was no different. Pain was part of life, but joy couldn;t be suppressed and always came back. She was thankful she’d finally realized it.”

Summary:
Katrina is grieving the loss of her husband who passed away in a car accident last year. She is very grateful for the newly created TALK bot which allows her to chat with Jason daily. However, dangerous this is for Katrina, her world begins to come crashing down all at once, and the chatting allows her to feel as if Jason is still with her through this process. However, one day, the bot delivers a shocking revelation—Jason's death may not have occurred the way Katrina has always believed. This startling information sets her on a new mission: to uncover the truth behind the circumstances of his death. Will Katrina live to tell his story?

Review:
I’m a big fan of any novel by Colleen Coble, and this collaboration with Rick Aker is no exception. Together, they've crafted a gripping, suspenseful, and action-packed story set in the world of AI. It's the perfect read for today's world, full of unexpected twists and turns that keep you hooked until the very last page. The Christian themes are subtly woven in, striking the perfect balance without feeling too overwhelming. I truly enjoyed devouring this novel and anticipate their next collaboration!

Thank you Colleen Coble, Rick Aker, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#IThinkIWasMurdered
#ColleenCoble
#RickAker
#ThomasNelsonFiction
#reluctantreaderreads
#advancedreadercopies
#NetGalley

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

Thank you so much Collen Coble and publisher for allowing me to have a copy of this book. I can't wait to start reading it .

This is Christian Fiction at its best, a page turner, and wanting more.

Just when you think you know the answers, nope, all the way to the last page and beyond to the epilogue, new answers kept coming, and not always the way you want them to.

The author gives us some sweet romance, but we are ducking bullets and fists, and around the next corner there is more!

We have a young woman whom is deeply grieving the death of her husband, and with the help of technology she is comforted by his texts, or what the bot is writing, until she get a disturbing message!

We journey with this young lawyer back to her hometown and family, and danger follows!

I found myself holding my breath, and at the same time looking for answers!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was mot required to give a positive review.

I loved the complexity of this book, with its multiple layers and how the protagonist dealt with her grief by using a Chatbot with AI. Katrina’s loss of her husband Jason, followed by the death of her beloved grandmother, seems to get her to focus on finding out what really happened to Jason. When he “messages” her on the AI chat that he thinks he was murdered, Katrina is intrigued enough that she continues to pursue clues to find out if he was murdered and if so, who did it and why. The mystery is totally intriguing and the relationships between the characters are as complex as the plot. Katrina meets Seb when she goes back to North Haven for her grandmother’s funeral, the same Seb from high school who carried a torch for her but was too shy to act on his attraction. Now he is a famous restauranteur and wants to help Katrina unravel the mystery of Jason’s death. Meanwhile, back in Katrina’s life in CA, she and her company are being investigated by the FBI, her friend and co-worker Liv is pregnant and has no place to go since they are both unemployed now. So Katrina invites Liv to stay with her in North Haven. The plot gets more and more complicated and the clues are abundant. I enjoyed following the clues, getting to know all of the places Katrina visited as she searched out a hidden message from Jason as well as getting acquainted with a multitude of possible suspects and motives. This is romantic suspense with an edge since grief is added in as well as current technology. I found the story fascinating and the characters realistic. This book offers a great read that made me think as I sought to solve the mystery alongside Katrina and Seb. The romance element simmers under the surface, breaking through with a few kisses and a lot of questioning looks. It took second place to the mystery but added to the intrigue as I guessed whether the couples would truly get together and stay that way or not. I highly recommend this novel as it held me captivated for days as I tried to figure out whodunit and how Katrina would be able to deduce the truth from the AI messages that Jason sent her. Fans of romantic suspense books that are original and believable will definitely want to read this book!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

I Think I Was Murdered, by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is a fast paced contemporary Christian suspenseful story. This story is filled with action and suspense. Katrina is recently widowed and has an app on her phone that allows her to speak with her deceased husband. One of the responses sent her on a search to find out what really happened to him.

This is a well written and easy to read story. I enjoyed how the authors wrote the story to give a look into what the future could hold when dealing with electronics. I enjoyed how Katrina connects with an old friend and how they rekindle an old friendship that grows into a sweet story. This story has nice characters. I especially enjoyed how helpful Jeb was to Katrina during the time of uncertainty and I found Kristina to be very strong. I found myself wanting to keep reading this story as it contained multiple twists and turns as the story developed.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

Katrina Berg's life is in shambles. Just months before her husband's car went off a steep curve, killing him. Now the tech company she is legal counsel for is under investigation and although she has done nothing wrong, she fears repercussions. Then her beloved grandmother dies and Katrina heads for her childhood home. Since her husband's death, she has turned to a bot - an AI device loaded with all her husband's emails, texts, and social media-- for comfort and solace. Programmed with the ability
to answer her questions, Katrina has begun to rely on it as her actual husband talking to her. But when the bot (to her, her husband) answers one of her questions with the words, "I think I was murdered" Katrina is thrown into a world of intrigue, danger, and mystery. I've always enjoyed Colleen Coble's books, but her new collaboration with Rick Acker adds even more depth. I give this Christian suspense novel a 5 star. With the AI component, it is timely and thought provoking.

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker team up again to bring readers another thrilling read. I Think I Was Murdered is a standalone (not part of the Tupelo Grove series). But the story is a must-read for suspense fans.

Katrina Berg thought she had it all – her dream career and loving husband. But when Jason dies, she downloads old texts, pictures and emails into a program that lets her talk to Jason in a chatbot version of himself. But when AI Jason tells Katrina that he thinks he was murdered, she heads back to her hometown to figure out what really happened when his car went off the road. She enlists her old friend, Seb Wallace, to help her, but someone doesn’t want either one of them to get too close to the truth.

I loved this book from start to finish. The mystery was complex, and in a small town, just about anyone was a suspect in my mind. But what I really loved was the setting. Katrina comes from a small Norwegian town where her grandmother ran a café and served authentic Norwegian delicacies. I loved the culture and characters, which all blended nicely into one intriguing mystery. I highly recommend I Think I Was Murdered to anyone who loves an intriguing mystery with complex characters and a unique setting.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I think I was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker, was a book so full of intrigue and mystery, it was hard to put down. I fell in love with Katrina, and found myself so drawn into her story, they felt like friends. Highly recommend this book!

Have you ever picked up a book based on the title alone? This one definitely grabbed my attention—and from the very first page I was hooked!

Katrina Berg is a grieving widow who uses an experimental chatbot to “talk” to her dead husband. But when “her husband” tells her “I think I was murdered,” she has to wonder if the bot is glitching . . . or could it be telling the truth?

Lies, betrayal, and murder meet cutting edge technology in this fascinating thriller that will keep you guessing what’s real and what’s AI all the way to the end. Fast-paced and fabulous!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Attorney Katrina Foster hasn’t recovered from the death of her husband, Jason, from a year ago. Killed in a car accident, she has been able to “visit” with him through his AI chatbot. She knows that she must move on until she hears his message telling her that he thinks he was murdered. He was meeting someone the day of the accident, but who is this person and did the meeting take place? Katrina is still working as legal counsel at Talk, Inc. with her friend and company CEO, Liv. With personnel and other issues, the company is soon investigated by the FBI. Returning home, she has inherited Bestemor, her grandmother’s beloved restaurant. Dealing with family issues, she meets with restauranteur Sebastian “Seb” Wallace for his advice on running Bestemor. Seb has his own family concerns as he and Katrina become more than casual friends. Will she ever find out what really happened to Jason? Can she forgive, recover and move on with her new life and love? A bit confusing (for me) at first due to the AI Chatbot feature, but an enjoyable, twisted mystery. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

This was such a clever, relevant and modern concept and the authors executed it beautifully. The plot plays on our fears of the unknown and how technology might change our world, but does so in quite a credible way- not over the top in how it is done. I don’t know how two authors managed to work together to present such a seamless work, but there is no sense of disconnect or inconsistency. The style is concise, clear and descriptive. A really good book.

This story might not appeal to everyone, but personally, I found it captivating! I was so engrossed that I couldn't stop reading. The exploration of chatbots, AI, cryptocurrency, and Triads was fascinating, and contrary to my initial assumption, it was far from dull. The narrative isn't overly technical, so it doesn't overwhelm the reader with language. The plot thickens when Katrina, a Silicon Valley lawyer, learns from a chatbot that her husband's death, seemingly accidental, was actually murder. She embarks on a quest for the truth, returning to her roots in a unique Norwegian community in Northern California. The vivid descriptions of this town are enchanting. There, Katrina reconnects with Seb, a former high school peer she once wronged, now a successful restaurateur. Their evolving relationship, from mere acquaintances to friends and eventually more, is the kind of development I love in a story. The book is replete with peril and action as Katrina and Seb delve into the mystery of her husband's death and the deadly pursuit of chatbot/AI technology. A cast of well-developed characters enriches the story, adding layers and intent. Particularly poignant is Seb's dynamic with his father, while Katrina's fluctuating relationships with her family contribute significantly. Overall, it's a riveting tale with numerous twists that kept me reading well into the night.

Katrina's life falls apart when her beloved grandmother dies at the same time her company collapses due to embezzlement. North Haven, where she grew up, is a temporary haven, particularly when she discovers her grandmother has left her her cafe/restaurant. She held things together after her husband died in an accident by 'talking' to him using the chat bot her company developed, which had been loaded with all his previous chats and messages - but now, in the middle of everything, the bot suddenly claims Jason was murdered. Worse, it soon becomes clear that the danger isn't over. Between trying to follow clues Jason left and evading more present dangers, can she stay safe against known and unknown dangers and find what Jason died trying to protect - not to mention work out what she actually wants to do with the rest of her life, given the chance?

A great read that held my attention and kept me guessing from the first page. I can't claim to have guessed who the culprits were, but I'm glad of who it wasn't. Her family relationships are somewhat complicated, and his are worse, but both sides improve over the course of the book, which I appreciated. I love the way Seb supports Katrina, though with the hints we kept getting about 'that day in the woods', I thought more was going to come of it, possibly complicating things. Instead, we get a relatively straightforward romance amid a complicated suspense plot - but it probably worked better that way. If you like a suspense story that keeps you guessing, with danger, mystery and intrigue, and a side of romance where they work together to try to sort things out, this is definitely one to try. Recommended, and looking forward to more by the authors.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

After that intriguing title, here's a fast-paced, adventurous novel with lots of unexpected twists and turns, surprises galore, romance and heart, lifelong love and long-term friendship, familial conflicts and sibling rivalry. Toss in danger [both off-stage and present) and twisty mysteries (even reported Bigfoot sightings) in a beautifully scenic locale. The result is an engrossing story to keep readers riveted late into the night.

I think there is no way you could predict the story or the villain. Actually I do not think, I know! Lol! Expertly written, unexpected twists and turns, believe me this story will keep you on the tip of your toes!
Katrina is challenged with heartbreaking loss, not only her husband but also her grandmother. Upheavel, betrayal, loss, new hope, suspense, drama, possible romance, this book truly has it all!