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The Deepest Fake
From internationally bestselling author Daniel Kalla, whose thrillers are “impossible to put down” (Amy Stuart, #1 bestselling author of Death at the Party), comes a razor-sharp psychological thriller about a CEO whose carefully curated life is falling apart. His wife is cheating, someone is stealing from his AI company, and he’s just been handed a fatal diagnosis. He’d end it all, if only he could trust his own reality.
Liam Hirsch has it all—a loving family, a thriving career as CEO of an AI company, financial security, and a bright future. But when he’s diagnosed with a terminal illness, just weeks after discovering his wife’s infidelity, his perfect life unravels. As he grapples with his fate, he prepares to face his final days on his own terms.
However, unexplained events inside his company make him question everything—including his diagnosis. In a world of deepfake videos, synthetic voices, and digital deception, couldn’t these technologies be weaponized against him? What if nothing is as it seems?
With time running out, Liam turns to Andrea DeWalt, a private investigator contending with her own feelings of betrayal, to help him uncover a conspiracy that threatens his life, his family, and their future. In a world where nothing is as it seems and every digital footprint can be manipulated, who can Liam trust?
Liam Hirsch has it all—a loving family, a thriving career as CEO of an AI company, financial security, and a bright future. But when he’s diagnosed with a terminal illness, just weeks after discovering his wife’s infidelity, his perfect life unravels. As he grapples with his fate, he prepares to face his final days on his own terms.
However, unexplained events inside his company make him question everything—including his diagnosis. In a world of deepfake videos, synthetic voices, and digital deception, couldn’t these technologies be weaponized against him? What if nothing is as it seems?
With time running out, Liam turns to Andrea DeWalt, a private investigator contending with her own feelings of betrayal, to help him uncover a conspiracy that threatens his life, his family, and their future. In a world where nothing is as it seems and every digital footprint can be manipulated, who can Liam trust?
304 pages, Paperback
Published July 29, 2025
58 people are currently reading
6979 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Kalla
19 books557 followersBorn, raised, and still residing in Vancouver, Daniel has worked as an ER Physician for the past twenty years. He is also the author of fifteen published novels, which have been translated into thirteen languages.
In his latest novel, THE DEEPEST FAKE, a tech CEO and AI pioneer’s carefully curated life is unraveling—his wife is cheating, someone is defrauding his company, and he’s just been handed a fatal diagnosis. He’d end it all, if only he could trust his own reality. As deepfakes and deception blur the lines between truth and illusion, the novel explores the challenges and pitfalls of safeguarding reality in an age when it can be fabricated.
Daniel received his B.Sc. and MD from the University of British Columbia, where he is now a clinical associate professor. He is the proud father of two girls and a poorly behaved but lovable mutt, Milo.
In his latest novel, THE DEEPEST FAKE, a tech CEO and AI pioneer’s carefully curated life is unraveling—his wife is cheating, someone is defrauding his company, and he’s just been handed a fatal diagnosis. He’d end it all, if only he could trust his own reality. As deepfakes and deception blur the lines between truth and illusion, the novel explores the challenges and pitfalls of safeguarding reality in an age when it can be fabricated.
Daniel received his B.Sc. and MD from the University of British Columbia, where he is now a clinical associate professor. He is the proud father of two girls and a poorly behaved but lovable mutt, Milo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 2, 2025
A timely exposé on the dangers of AI as well as assisted suicide and the nature of trust, The Deepest Fake had me glued to the pages from the first gripping chapter until the soul-satisfying finale. You see, not only was it thought-provoking in the extreme, but the root-for-able main characters and riveting, fast-paced plot meant that it worked its magic on me within the first couple of pages. From there, I became so immersed in the near-future setting and character-driven storyline that there wasn’t a chance of me putting this book down. A hypnotic mix of speculative fiction, psychological thriller, and just a bit of family drama, this novel was as haunting as it was thrilling. Bravo, Mr. Kalla, you’ve got yourself a brand-spanking-new fan right here.
With an adrenaline-fueled game of cat-and-mouse at its core, there were multiple other ingredients that battled to be the star feature of this unputdownable tale. With a medical mystery, a possible conspiracy, and some juicy domestic drama, there was no end to the question of what could really be going on. What really got my attention, however, was the depth to this novel. From the two intense character studies of Andrea and Liam to the exploration of the inherent dangers of AI, this book would make a perfect book club selection. Prescient and timely but also deeply poignant, I was blown away by Mr. Kalla’s obvious skill. After all, the multiple plot lines came together with utter precision as the unguessable truth came into view.
All said and done, from the heart-pumping action to the biting commentary on the future of tech, I was won over by this new-to-me author in no time at all. After all, the short, cliffhanger chapters and “WTF?!” twists kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I’m not exaggerating in the slightest as I actually had to stop myself from skimming in order to find out the whos, whats, and whys even faster. Rife with eerie foreboding and doubt-inducing paranoia, this razor-sharp novel had everything I could want in a thriller: multiple motives, plenty of suspects, and a race against time. So if you’re looking for a definite five star read, be sure to grab a copy ASAP. After all, this one’s sure to top my list of favorite books of the year. Rating of 5+ stars.
P.S. If you’re reading this, dear author, please oh please make this book into a series?! After all, I’d love to follow Andrea around as she does her investigations into scoundrels and cheaters and she starts dating again…
SYNOPSIS:
Liam Hirsch has it all—a loving family, a thriving career as CEO of an AI company, financial security, and a bright future. But when he’s diagnosed with a terminal illness, just weeks after discovering his wife’s infidelity, his perfect life unravels. As he grapples with his fate, he prepares to face his final days on his own terms.
However, unexplained events inside his company make him question everything—including his diagnosis. In a world of deepfake videos, synthetic voices, and digital deception, couldn’t these technologies be weaponized against him? What if nothing is as it seems?
With time running out, Liam turns to Andrea DeWalt, a private investigator contending with her own feelings of betrayal, to help him uncover a conspiracy that threatens his life, his family, and their future. In a world where nothing is as it seems and every digital footprint can be manipulated, who can Liam trust?
Thank you to Daniel Kalla, Simon & Schuster, and Kaye Publicity for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 29, 2025
Content warning: terminal illness, infidelity, assisted suicide, financial crimes, hit-and-run, mention of: suicide, gambling addiction
With an adrenaline-fueled game of cat-and-mouse at its core, there were multiple other ingredients that battled to be the star feature of this unputdownable tale. With a medical mystery, a possible conspiracy, and some juicy domestic drama, there was no end to the question of what could really be going on. What really got my attention, however, was the depth to this novel. From the two intense character studies of Andrea and Liam to the exploration of the inherent dangers of AI, this book would make a perfect book club selection. Prescient and timely but also deeply poignant, I was blown away by Mr. Kalla’s obvious skill. After all, the multiple plot lines came together with utter precision as the unguessable truth came into view.
All said and done, from the heart-pumping action to the biting commentary on the future of tech, I was won over by this new-to-me author in no time at all. After all, the short, cliffhanger chapters and “WTF?!” twists kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I’m not exaggerating in the slightest as I actually had to stop myself from skimming in order to find out the whos, whats, and whys even faster. Rife with eerie foreboding and doubt-inducing paranoia, this razor-sharp novel had everything I could want in a thriller: multiple motives, plenty of suspects, and a race against time. So if you’re looking for a definite five star read, be sure to grab a copy ASAP. After all, this one’s sure to top my list of favorite books of the year. Rating of 5+ stars.
P.S. If you’re reading this, dear author, please oh please make this book into a series?! After all, I’d love to follow Andrea around as she does her investigations into scoundrels and cheaters and she starts dating again…
SYNOPSIS:
Liam Hirsch has it all—a loving family, a thriving career as CEO of an AI company, financial security, and a bright future. But when he’s diagnosed with a terminal illness, just weeks after discovering his wife’s infidelity, his perfect life unravels. As he grapples with his fate, he prepares to face his final days on his own terms.
However, unexplained events inside his company make him question everything—including his diagnosis. In a world of deepfake videos, synthetic voices, and digital deception, couldn’t these technologies be weaponized against him? What if nothing is as it seems?
With time running out, Liam turns to Andrea DeWalt, a private investigator contending with her own feelings of betrayal, to help him uncover a conspiracy that threatens his life, his family, and their future. In a world where nothing is as it seems and every digital footprint can be manipulated, who can Liam trust?
Thank you to Daniel Kalla, Simon & Schuster, and Kaye Publicity for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 29, 2025
Content warning: terminal illness, infidelity, assisted suicide, financial crimes, hit-and-run, mention of: suicide, gambling addiction
July 28, 2025
Wow! This was my second Daniel Kalla book and he is now a must read author for me.
Liam Hirsch is the CEO of high tech AI company. He’s about to launch his biggest AI app yet. Unfortunately, someone might be out to sabotage him. Is it someone in his office? His wife? Or an old nemesis? And what’s really going on with his health???
I think sharing more details would ruin the experience. I highly recommend you going in blind! The only details I really knew were that this was about an AI tech company. That was it. This is a wild conspiracy theory thriller that I highly enjoyed! I loved it!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date 7/29/25
Huge thanks to Kaye Publicity, Daniel Kalla and Simon & Schuster CA for the gifted copy
Liam Hirsch is the CEO of high tech AI company. He’s about to launch his biggest AI app yet. Unfortunately, someone might be out to sabotage him. Is it someone in his office? His wife? Or an old nemesis? And what’s really going on with his health???
I think sharing more details would ruin the experience. I highly recommend you going in blind! The only details I really knew were that this was about an AI tech company. That was it. This is a wild conspiracy theory thriller that I highly enjoyed! I loved it!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date 7/29/25
Huge thanks to Kaye Publicity, Daniel Kalla and Simon & Schuster CA for the gifted copy
June 29, 2025
What if you couldn’t trust your own reality?
“In THE DEEPEST FAKE, a tech CEO and AI pioneer has everything to lose—his wife, his company, his life. But as the betrayals mount and his mind begins to unravel, one question remains: Is it all in his head, or is someone rewriting his fate?”
I’m a BIG fan of Daniel’s work and, while all his books grab my attention, this one kept me turning pages into the wee hours of the morning.
I started this one as green as an Irish shamrock - I’ve never tried ChatGPT, heck, I didn’t even know what ‘generative AI’ meant! I finished this book with heightened skepticism and awareness. I’ve definitely been questioning everything in the last few days …
Let me tell you WHY you need to read this one:
- There’s a medical mystery (Kalla’s signature) that will keep you guessing and leave you mindblown. I didn't predict the outcome because I didn’t know the extent or the far-reaching consequences of the technology that someone driven by revenge would resort to using.
- There’s a private investigator hired to uncover the ‘truth’ about a loved one; Kalla crafts a skillful PI who gets at the heart of the indiscretion and walks a fine line of professionalism. Even the ‘gotcha’ moments had me questioning the evidence.
- Great red herrings! Great cast of potential ‘bad guys’.
- Technothriller presented in an easy-to-understand way
- The theme of trust is so prevalent in a rapidly changing world
- Tension created by a rapidly progressing illness and the desire to get everything wrapped up before it’s too late.
- Unpredictable outcomes
If you like unveiling truths, restoring the balance of power, being surprised by genius plotting, enjoy stories that challenge you to ponder ethics, and crave opportunities to think critically about the intersection of technology and humanity, this one’s for you!
I was gifted this copy by Simon & Schuster Canada and was under no obligation to provide a review.
“In THE DEEPEST FAKE, a tech CEO and AI pioneer has everything to lose—his wife, his company, his life. But as the betrayals mount and his mind begins to unravel, one question remains: Is it all in his head, or is someone rewriting his fate?”
I’m a BIG fan of Daniel’s work and, while all his books grab my attention, this one kept me turning pages into the wee hours of the morning.
I started this one as green as an Irish shamrock - I’ve never tried ChatGPT, heck, I didn’t even know what ‘generative AI’ meant! I finished this book with heightened skepticism and awareness. I’ve definitely been questioning everything in the last few days …
Let me tell you WHY you need to read this one:
- There’s a medical mystery (Kalla’s signature) that will keep you guessing and leave you mindblown. I didn't predict the outcome because I didn’t know the extent or the far-reaching consequences of the technology that someone driven by revenge would resort to using.
- There’s a private investigator hired to uncover the ‘truth’ about a loved one; Kalla crafts a skillful PI who gets at the heart of the indiscretion and walks a fine line of professionalism. Even the ‘gotcha’ moments had me questioning the evidence.
- Great red herrings! Great cast of potential ‘bad guys’.
- Technothriller presented in an easy-to-understand way
- The theme of trust is so prevalent in a rapidly changing world
- Tension created by a rapidly progressing illness and the desire to get everything wrapped up before it’s too late.
- Unpredictable outcomes
If you like unveiling truths, restoring the balance of power, being surprised by genius plotting, enjoy stories that challenge you to ponder ethics, and crave opportunities to think critically about the intersection of technology and humanity, this one’s for you!
I was gifted this copy by Simon & Schuster Canada and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 18, 2025
✨ Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
🫧 Vibes: black mirror, twisty
🎶 Song: is there someone else? - the weeknd
📚 Would I recommend? sort of.
💬 Final thoughts: interesting thriller but a little too predictable.
In the package:
📦 conspiracies
📦 short chapters
📦 multi-POV
Liam Hirsch is the CEO of an AI company but he's suddenly diagnosed with ALS and also discovers his wife is cheating on him. But when odd events start to occur in his life, he starts to question everything. Is he actually sick or is someone messing with him?
The concept of this book sounded really interesting and it had a lot of potential with black mirror vibes but it didn't land as I hoped it would. I figured out the twist in the end, which was a little too predictable even though the book points fingers at several people.
The creepiest part of this book? How effortlessly AI can twist reality and fool everyone.
Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada for the arc!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
🫧 Vibes: black mirror, twisty
🎶 Song: is there someone else? - the weeknd
📚 Would I recommend? sort of.
💬 Final thoughts: interesting thriller but a little too predictable.
In the package:
📦 conspiracies
📦 short chapters
📦 multi-POV
Liam Hirsch is the CEO of an AI company but he's suddenly diagnosed with ALS and also discovers his wife is cheating on him. But when odd events start to occur in his life, he starts to question everything. Is he actually sick or is someone messing with him?
The concept of this book sounded really interesting and it had a lot of potential with black mirror vibes but it didn't land as I hoped it would. I figured out the twist in the end, which was a little too predictable even though the book points fingers at several people.
The creepiest part of this book? How effortlessly AI can twist reality and fool everyone.
Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada for the arc!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
July 27, 2025
You can always count on Daniel Kalla to deliver a page-turning, compelling read!
Set in Washington state, Liam Hirsch has it all - a loving family, he is the CEO of a thriving AI company, and his future is financially secure. However, in a matter of a few weeks he makes discoveries regarding his health, marriage and company that things aren't as wonderful as they seem.
Could all of this be a result of AI?
A haunting and thought-provoking read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Set in Washington state, Liam Hirsch has it all - a loving family, he is the CEO of a thriving AI company, and his future is financially secure. However, in a matter of a few weeks he makes discoveries regarding his health, marriage and company that things aren't as wonderful as they seem.
Could all of this be a result of AI?
A haunting and thought-provoking read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
September 20, 2025
“The intersection of technology and humanity”, in the words of the author. I loved the fast pace, strong character development and short chapters of this thriller. I swept through it, just saying I will read one more chapter.
July 28, 2025
The Deepest Fake by Danielle Kalla. Thanks to @kayepublicity for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Liam is about to launch a new product at his AI company. Things are looking up until he’s diagnosed with a fatal illness. After the diagnosis, strange things keep occurring that make him wonder if there’s more behind his illness.
This one was very suspenseful and hard to put down. I don’t always enjoy stories related to matters within in businesses, but there were no boring parts in this at all. It was focused more on the CEO and what he was experiencing. There is an AI ethical component that’s part of the plot. It makes the reader think about the future and what may entail. I loved the mystery of this one and his partnership with a PI.
“It’s foolish to think we can keep playing God without occasionally flooding the world on the scale of Noah’s ark.”
The Deepest Fake comes out 7/29.
Liam is about to launch a new product at his AI company. Things are looking up until he’s diagnosed with a fatal illness. After the diagnosis, strange things keep occurring that make him wonder if there’s more behind his illness.
This one was very suspenseful and hard to put down. I don’t always enjoy stories related to matters within in businesses, but there were no boring parts in this at all. It was focused more on the CEO and what he was experiencing. There is an AI ethical component that’s part of the plot. It makes the reader think about the future and what may entail. I loved the mystery of this one and his partnership with a PI.
“It’s foolish to think we can keep playing God without occasionally flooding the world on the scale of Noah’s ark.”
The Deepest Fake comes out 7/29.
July 30, 2025
Review to come soon.
July 11, 2025
3.75 ⭐
This is the second AI thriller book I've read this year, and I am kinda loving them! Why not deepen my fear of AI more?
The Deepest Fake is a fast paced, who-dunnitesque thriller that has notes of sci-fi (when it comes to the AI jargon). It was pretty good, but I found it to be a bit predictable. Regardless, I still had a great time reading it and was invested in it in the beginning. It slowed a bit for me in the middle.
I have recently found a new love for thrillers that have creepy AI in them and this satisfied that itch. I do wish that there would have had more of it but the bits and pieces that were in there were terrifying enough.
Overall, was a good thriller!
» Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada | NetGalley for an eARC of this book! «
This is the second AI thriller book I've read this year, and I am kinda loving them! Why not deepen my fear of AI more?
The Deepest Fake is a fast paced, who-dunnitesque thriller that has notes of sci-fi (when it comes to the AI jargon). It was pretty good, but I found it to be a bit predictable. Regardless, I still had a great time reading it and was invested in it in the beginning. It slowed a bit for me in the middle.
I have recently found a new love for thrillers that have creepy AI in them and this satisfied that itch. I do wish that there would have had more of it but the bits and pieces that were in there were terrifying enough.
Overall, was a good thriller!
» Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada | NetGalley for an eARC of this book! «
August 19, 2025
The Deepest Fake
Daniel Kalla
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Most people are concerned—and even fearful—about the rapid escalation of AI technology. In The Deepest Fake, Daniel Kalla spins a masterful thriller, shrouded in a “ticking tomb” mystery, while delving into the ethical and moral implications of this advancement.
Public anxiety is heightened by a chilling event in the novel: a “deepfake” video, generated using AI, sways the outcome of an electoral campaign.
Liam Hirsch is the CEO of the tech company TranScend. His team is working toward launching an even more advanced app called Their Story, which uses an algorithm to compile publicly available data into a realistic, “thinking” avatar of any individual. But as the launch nears, Liam faces two personal crises. Not only is his health rapidly deteriorating, but he also suspects his wife is cheating on him. When he consults a neurologist, he receives a dire diagnosis: ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a fast-progressing neurodegenerative disease that leads to muscle weakness, atrophy, and ultimately, the loss of the ability to walk, talk, swallow, and breathe. There is no cure.
Liam hires private investigator Angela DeWalt to confirm his suspicions about his wife, Celeste. At the same time, he uncovers evidence that someone on his staff is embezzling company funds.
Angela quickly provides proof of Celeste’s infidelity. With his world collapsing, Liam begins to consider MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying) to spare his children the pain of watching his prolonged decline. (MAID is legal in Canada and several U.S. states. It allows terminally ill, mentally competent adults with a prognosis of six months or less to receive physician-assisted end-of-life medication, which they self-administer.)
But then Liam begins to suspect that someone may have altered his medical records, manipulating his diagnosis. What if he doesn’t have ALS at all? What if he’s being poisoned? Desperate for answers, he turns once again to Angela to help uncover a deep-seated conspiracy.
Daniel Kalla proves himself a masterful storyteller, skillfully weaving multiple plotlines with twists, unexpected turns, and rising suspense. His background as an ER physician adds authenticity to the novel’s medical elements, grounding the high-stakes narrative in real-world plausibility. With compassion and objectivity, Kalla examines the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding both AI technology and assisted suicide—two of the most controversial topics of our time.
Chapters alternate between the perspectives of Liam and Angela, creating a fast-paced, propulsive read. Shootouts and murder by self-driving car further intensify the novel’s exploration of our growing fears around technology’s dark side.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. The Deepest Fake demands attention—and encourages a deeper dive into the impressive oeuvre of Daniel Kalla.
.... published at MysteryAnd SuspenseMagazine.com....
August 14, 2025
“But it felt real. That’s what I’m trying to tell you, Liam. people could relive their worst regrets, their deepest guilt, and they’ll be doing it with a machine that doesn’t understand boundaries.”
From the moment I picked this up, I couldn’t put it down. Deeply character driven, I was instantly pulled into Liam’s plight, feeling the sense of impending doom as time literally ran out. With the many situations Liam was dealing with, infidelity, terminal illness and possibly a corporate conspiracy within his own company, it’s no wonder I was furiously flipping pages!
Liam’s life is literally imploding so he turns to a private investigator, Andrea, who has her own experiences with broken trust. Told from both of their POVs, they each felt fully fleshed-out and relatable. For that matter, EVERY character felt all too real, adding to the atmosphere of distrust and providing a never ending list of suspects.
Not only was this gripping, emotional and fast paced, it was wholly thought provoking. After all, an app that utilizes AI to allow you to interact with people who have died has all sorts of morally grey and even psychological implications. Not to mention the possibilities of using representations of LIVING people that could lead to never ending deepfakes. What’s the cost of utilizing these advanced technologies, and is it worth it?
Daniel Kalla taps into very real fears regarding the use of AI, as well as tackling tough and divisive topics such as Medical Assistance In Dying (MAiD), and the nature of trust. THE DEEPEST FAKE is an utterly relevant and timely techo-thriller of the highest order. If you’re a fan of high stakes thrillers and enjoy emotional depth as well as exercises in intellectual ‘what ifs’ then this is a MUST READ! This is absolutely one of my top reads of the year.
____
Thank you Kaye Publicity and Simon and Schuster for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
From the moment I picked this up, I couldn’t put it down. Deeply character driven, I was instantly pulled into Liam’s plight, feeling the sense of impending doom as time literally ran out. With the many situations Liam was dealing with, infidelity, terminal illness and possibly a corporate conspiracy within his own company, it’s no wonder I was furiously flipping pages!
Liam’s life is literally imploding so he turns to a private investigator, Andrea, who has her own experiences with broken trust. Told from both of their POVs, they each felt fully fleshed-out and relatable. For that matter, EVERY character felt all too real, adding to the atmosphere of distrust and providing a never ending list of suspects.
Not only was this gripping, emotional and fast paced, it was wholly thought provoking. After all, an app that utilizes AI to allow you to interact with people who have died has all sorts of morally grey and even psychological implications. Not to mention the possibilities of using representations of LIVING people that could lead to never ending deepfakes. What’s the cost of utilizing these advanced technologies, and is it worth it?
Daniel Kalla taps into very real fears regarding the use of AI, as well as tackling tough and divisive topics such as Medical Assistance In Dying (MAiD), and the nature of trust. THE DEEPEST FAKE is an utterly relevant and timely techo-thriller of the highest order. If you’re a fan of high stakes thrillers and enjoy emotional depth as well as exercises in intellectual ‘what ifs’ then this is a MUST READ! This is absolutely one of my top reads of the year.
____
Thank you Kaye Publicity and Simon and Schuster for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
July 26, 2025
Book Review
The Deepest Fake by Daniel Kalla
What Its Got
✅ AI apps
✅ Infidelity
✅ Intellectual property theft
✅ MAiD
✅ Mental Health
✅ terminal illness
✅ corporate espionage
✅ private investigator
Thoughts
I always enjoy Dr Dan’s books- he is exceptional at marrying his medical knowledge with psychological thrillers.
The panic and sense of imminent death that permeates these pages made this a quick bingeable read.
This book will shine a spotlight on all your fears about the implications of deepfake AI… making you wonder what crimes is AI capable of? Who is accountable? Where does society draw the line at innovation vs weaponization?
Overall
A fitting and thought provoking read for todays current climate.
Thank you to the author and publisher for my ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
The Deepest Fake by Daniel Kalla
What Its Got
✅ AI apps
✅ Infidelity
✅ Intellectual property theft
✅ MAiD
✅ Mental Health
✅ terminal illness
✅ corporate espionage
✅ private investigator
Thoughts
I always enjoy Dr Dan’s books- he is exceptional at marrying his medical knowledge with psychological thrillers.
The panic and sense of imminent death that permeates these pages made this a quick bingeable read.
This book will shine a spotlight on all your fears about the implications of deepfake AI… making you wonder what crimes is AI capable of? Who is accountable? Where does society draw the line at innovation vs weaponization?
Overall
A fitting and thought provoking read for todays current climate.
Thank you to the author and publisher for my ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
Read
August 30, 2025DNF @30pgs - In a reading slump and can’t bring myself to ever pick this up. The writing is good though.
August 11, 2025
Another hit from one of my fav authors, Daniel Kalla.
I received a gifted copy of this one from Simon and Schuster Canada (thank you, thank you!!!) and I held on to it. I never want to read his books right away because I know I will sit down, read it in an evening and be left waiting for the next one. I was right.
This one follows Liam Hirsch, a CEO of an AI company. Liam finds out he has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, his wife is cheating and he is trying to decide how he wants to live his final days. Then things start to happen and everything becomes a question, namely: is his AI technology being used against him.
It is a quick paced, short chaptered read. I couldn't stop turning these pages. Its packed with ethical questions around AI and end of life decisions. It tucks in Andrea, a private investigator making you question if anything is ever private.
As with many of his books, I find myself thinking about where I stand on these topics and what decision I might make in these circumstances. Its a story I will recommend to others just so I can keep talking about it.
It is only such a talented author who can put together stories like this, bringing you complex situations, show a multitude of sides and make you never stop thinking about it. Also having met him in person, just a incredibly kind human too!
I received a gifted copy of this one from Simon and Schuster Canada (thank you, thank you!!!) and I held on to it. I never want to read his books right away because I know I will sit down, read it in an evening and be left waiting for the next one. I was right.
This one follows Liam Hirsch, a CEO of an AI company. Liam finds out he has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, his wife is cheating and he is trying to decide how he wants to live his final days. Then things start to happen and everything becomes a question, namely: is his AI technology being used against him.
It is a quick paced, short chaptered read. I couldn't stop turning these pages. Its packed with ethical questions around AI and end of life decisions. It tucks in Andrea, a private investigator making you question if anything is ever private.
As with many of his books, I find myself thinking about where I stand on these topics and what decision I might make in these circumstances. Its a story I will recommend to others just so I can keep talking about it.
It is only such a talented author who can put together stories like this, bringing you complex situations, show a multitude of sides and make you never stop thinking about it. Also having met him in person, just a incredibly kind human too!
August 14, 2025
4.5 stars
Daniel Kalla strikes again! He has become one of my top suspense/mystery/thriller writers without a doubt. And the fact that he's Canadian is just a huge bonus. I have greatly enjoyed each of his books I have read to date, and must go back in time for more.
The premise of this book couldn't be more current - it's all about AI and the potential it raises. Scary . . .
Liam is the main character, who owns a tech company. He believes he has a terminal disease and is in the process of arranging his own death via MaiD. He has a wife, Celeste, and twin teenagers, Cole, and Ava. He has to inform them, but has hesitations. Then he comes across some information which sends him on a search for answers.
Once you know what Liam knows, will you be able to figure it out before he does?
Kalla is a master of suspense & intrigue. His characters are well-developed, and his descriptions are complete. He is very knowledgeable, and the fact that he is first and foremost an ER doctor adds the inclusion of medical issues, along with the usual forensic details. Plot twists abound.
Thank you, Daniel Kalla for another winner!
Daniel Kalla strikes again! He has become one of my top suspense/mystery/thriller writers without a doubt. And the fact that he's Canadian is just a huge bonus. I have greatly enjoyed each of his books I have read to date, and must go back in time for more.
The premise of this book couldn't be more current - it's all about AI and the potential it raises. Scary . . .
Liam is the main character, who owns a tech company. He believes he has a terminal disease and is in the process of arranging his own death via MaiD. He has a wife, Celeste, and twin teenagers, Cole, and Ava. He has to inform them, but has hesitations. Then he comes across some information which sends him on a search for answers.
Once you know what Liam knows, will you be able to figure it out before he does?
Kalla is a master of suspense & intrigue. His characters are well-developed, and his descriptions are complete. He is very knowledgeable, and the fact that he is first and foremost an ER doctor adds the inclusion of medical issues, along with the usual forensic details. Plot twists abound.
Thank you, Daniel Kalla for another winner!
July 24, 2025
Just when you think thrillers can’t get any more relevant… along comes THE DEEPEST FAKE!
I’ve been a longtime fan of Daniel Kalla’s writing—his thrillers are smart, fast-paced, and rooted in the most chillingly plausible “what ifs.” His latest dives headfirst into the world of AI and deepfake technology, and let me tell you… it’s as terrifying as it is timely.
I love how Daniel Kalla never misses a beat when it comes to weaving real-world science into nail-biting suspense, and this one is shaping up to be one of his most thought-provoking yet !
Huge thanks to simonschusterca for the gifted copy
August 6, 2025
I love it when books can be so close to reality that it becomes scary. That’s what this book does with AI. Great Canadian author and great read.
October 18, 2025
A whodunit that held my interest and flagged important issues / concerns about artificial intelligence.
August 26, 2025
Another page turning thriller from my favourite Canadian ER doctor. Daniel Kalla has delivered a timely speculative fiction novel exploring the potential dangers and drawbacks of AI.
Liam Hirsh is the successful CEO of his AI company. He's been working day and night developing a new and "improved" version of an AI program. However he soon discovers all is not right with his health, his marriage or his company. Is the AI program behind it all or is someone manipulating the scenarios. As usual, Kalla throws out some red herrings to keep you guessing as to what's really going on. I had my suspicions where he was going with it but it was interesting to read how it all played out in the end.
Another 5* creepy read proving how dangerous AI can be if it finds its way into the wrong hands.
Recommended.
Liam Hirsh is the successful CEO of his AI company. He's been working day and night developing a new and "improved" version of an AI program. However he soon discovers all is not right with his health, his marriage or his company. Is the AI program behind it all or is someone manipulating the scenarios. As usual, Kalla throws out some red herrings to keep you guessing as to what's really going on. I had my suspicions where he was going with it but it was interesting to read how it all played out in the end.
Another 5* creepy read proving how dangerous AI can be if it finds its way into the wrong hands.
Recommended.
May 19, 2025
My mind flip flops between the good that AI can bring to medical advancement or ease of every day life … to the extreme fear that you won’t be able to trust anything or anyone. Which lends into the mental health arena of paranoia and panic.
Do we exchange mental health over AI, can AI bring destruction at the same time as advancement?…. And in the wrong hands does it become a weapon.
Cue the newest @dan book that teeters between medical thriller and contemporary fiction as the plot unravels a devastating diagnosis and company espionage. It uses the authors medical knowledge (fyi he’s an ER doc in his daily life!) as the backbone of story and injects the fears of AI advances to fill the plot.
It’s full of sneaky characters, family secrets, medical side effects and someone trying to take down the guy at the centre of it all: Liam, the CEO of an Artificial Intelligence company. Everyone’s a suspect and he can’t even trust the digital footprint that is laid out in front of him.
As with all of DK books, it’s one you can binge on 1 sitting. But this one stroked my fears of life with AI threatening to take over more and more of our lives… and grasping desperately to life before it all.
Do we exchange mental health over AI, can AI bring destruction at the same time as advancement?…. And in the wrong hands does it become a weapon.
Cue the newest @dan book that teeters between medical thriller and contemporary fiction as the plot unravels a devastating diagnosis and company espionage. It uses the authors medical knowledge (fyi he’s an ER doc in his daily life!) as the backbone of story and injects the fears of AI advances to fill the plot.
It’s full of sneaky characters, family secrets, medical side effects and someone trying to take down the guy at the centre of it all: Liam, the CEO of an Artificial Intelligence company. Everyone’s a suspect and he can’t even trust the digital footprint that is laid out in front of him.
As with all of DK books, it’s one you can binge on 1 sitting. But this one stroked my fears of life with AI threatening to take over more and more of our lives… and grasping desperately to life before it all.
May 24, 2025
I received an advanced reader's copy (ARC) of this at my workplace, and I went into it thinking that it would be an incredibly predictable storyline, given the summary, but I was very pleasantly surprised! I've struggled with reading books for several months (just not in the mood), but this SUCKED me in SO FAST!
The AI components aren't terribly confusing, and are explained pretty well! This is also a medical mystery story as well, which I found to be fascinating.
All in all, if you like mystery novels, I feel like it's safe to say you'll like this!
The AI components aren't terribly confusing, and are explained pretty well! This is also a medical mystery story as well, which I found to be fascinating.
All in all, if you like mystery novels, I feel like it's safe to say you'll like this!
July 28, 2025
3.5 stars
The nitty-gritty: Daniel Kalla tackles AI, medical drama and more in this ambitious thriller, perfect for readers who are looking for a fast-paced, although sometimes predictable, tale.
The use of AI is such a hot button topic right now, and Daniel Kalla has written a thought-provoking thriller that addresses the moral and legal issues of a technology that has really taken off in the last few years. The Deepest Fake was a lot of fun, fast-paced and full of fascinating information about AI and the ramifications of using it. Kalla not only takes a deep dive into what AI can do, but he builds a solid story around it that involves such elements as domestic drama, a medical crisis and a “ticking clock” mystery that kept me flipping the pages as fast as I could. I did have some issues with Kalla’s writing style, and parts of the story felt both predictable and unrealistic, but I had a lot of fun while reading it despite a few quibbles.
Liam Hirsch is the CEO of tech company TranScend, a leader in the field of AI. Liam and his senior staff are working hard on the upcoming launch of a new app called TheirStory, which uses a predictive algorithm that takes detailed information about anyone alive or dead and extrapolates it into a realistic, thinking avatar. But when Liam gets bad news after a visit to a neurologist—he’s been having uncontrollable muscle spasms and the doctor suspects he might have an aggressive form of ALS—he pushes to move up the release date of the app, thinking his deteriorating condition will affect the app’s success and the company’s stock.
At the same time, Liam suspects his wife is cheating on him and hires private investigator Andrea DeWalt to find proof. When Andrea turns up irrefutable evidence, Liam feels like his life is falling apart. But as he delves further into his illness, he discovers that his symptoms might point to something else, something even more sinister. With the clock ticking and his senior staff trying to get the app ready for launch, Liam finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy. Will he and Andrea be able to uncover the truth before his illness takes over?
Just for the record, I’m personally against the use of AI, but that doesn’t mean I’m not fascinated by it. I don’t know enough about the subject to comment on whether Kalla’s ideas are reality or fiction, and I don’t have time to go down a rabbit hole researching AI, but I will say the AI parts of the story were very convincing and well done. Even though Liam runs an AI company and profits off of it, I appreciated the fact that as the story progresses, he begins to have doubts about what his company is creating. The concept of “deepfake” videos—AI being used to create fake videos that look completely real—is terrifying, especially when the author describes a political situation where a fake video can have terrible consequences. Liam goes through a lot in this story, and by the end he’s developed a conscious. Perhaps the huge profits that he and his coworkers have been reaping aren’t as important as ruining lives.
I also liked the fact that the author builds some interesting backstories for his characters. Liam, for example, has a volatile relationship with an old college friend who claims Liam stole code from him to develop the AI software his company is known for. Rudy, the disgruntled “friend,” plays an interesting part in the story and is the obvious suspect at first. We also have the “cheating wife” side plot that added some drama, and while I don’t usually like cheating subplots, this one was almost necessary for some of the twists that come up later in the story. I also enjoyed Andrea’s emotional backstory. Her father committed suicide a year before the story begins, and she’s struggling to understand why, especially since they were very close. And I have to give the author props for the way he handled infidelity in the story. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I really appreciated the way Celeste’s and Liam’s marital issues are resolved at the end of the book. There’s also a suggestion that Liam and Andrea might be starting something, but that is also handled in a believable way.
The story is told in short, punchy chapters that alternate between Liam and Andrea, and this gave the story almost perfect pacing. And not surprisingly, the action ramps up near the end with the addition of such elements as a runaway self-driving car, a shoot-out, and more over-the-top events. And it was a lot of fun! But I did have a few issues.
Disclaimer: I know this is fiction, but. I still need my thrillers to be mostly believable, and The Deepest Fake strains believability at times. For example, when Liam finds out that he has ALS and is given only a handful of weeks before the disease overtakes him, his first reaction is to consider assisted suicide. It’s not that I think the idea of assisted suicide isn’t believable, but it’s the way it’s presented that didn’t make sense. Liam makes the leap way too quickly and easily, and it just didn’t sit right with me. There also a part near the end where Liam discovers what’s actually wrong with him, and I just didn’t buy that subplot at all (I’d love to give more details but I’m trying to avoid spoilers).
I also found a lot of the dialog to be on the cheesy side. It’s something I might not have noticed if I hadn’t recently read some amazingly well written books, but unfortunately Kalla’s awkward dialog was a sticking point for me.
Still, I can’t deny I had a blast reading The Deepest Fake, and if you enjoy thrillers and are curious about AI, you’ll probably enjoy it too.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
The nitty-gritty: Daniel Kalla tackles AI, medical drama and more in this ambitious thriller, perfect for readers who are looking for a fast-paced, although sometimes predictable, tale.
The use of AI is such a hot button topic right now, and Daniel Kalla has written a thought-provoking thriller that addresses the moral and legal issues of a technology that has really taken off in the last few years. The Deepest Fake was a lot of fun, fast-paced and full of fascinating information about AI and the ramifications of using it. Kalla not only takes a deep dive into what AI can do, but he builds a solid story around it that involves such elements as domestic drama, a medical crisis and a “ticking clock” mystery that kept me flipping the pages as fast as I could. I did have some issues with Kalla’s writing style, and parts of the story felt both predictable and unrealistic, but I had a lot of fun while reading it despite a few quibbles.
Liam Hirsch is the CEO of tech company TranScend, a leader in the field of AI. Liam and his senior staff are working hard on the upcoming launch of a new app called TheirStory, which uses a predictive algorithm that takes detailed information about anyone alive or dead and extrapolates it into a realistic, thinking avatar. But when Liam gets bad news after a visit to a neurologist—he’s been having uncontrollable muscle spasms and the doctor suspects he might have an aggressive form of ALS—he pushes to move up the release date of the app, thinking his deteriorating condition will affect the app’s success and the company’s stock.
At the same time, Liam suspects his wife is cheating on him and hires private investigator Andrea DeWalt to find proof. When Andrea turns up irrefutable evidence, Liam feels like his life is falling apart. But as he delves further into his illness, he discovers that his symptoms might point to something else, something even more sinister. With the clock ticking and his senior staff trying to get the app ready for launch, Liam finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy. Will he and Andrea be able to uncover the truth before his illness takes over?
Just for the record, I’m personally against the use of AI, but that doesn’t mean I’m not fascinated by it. I don’t know enough about the subject to comment on whether Kalla’s ideas are reality or fiction, and I don’t have time to go down a rabbit hole researching AI, but I will say the AI parts of the story were very convincing and well done. Even though Liam runs an AI company and profits off of it, I appreciated the fact that as the story progresses, he begins to have doubts about what his company is creating. The concept of “deepfake” videos—AI being used to create fake videos that look completely real—is terrifying, especially when the author describes a political situation where a fake video can have terrible consequences. Liam goes through a lot in this story, and by the end he’s developed a conscious. Perhaps the huge profits that he and his coworkers have been reaping aren’t as important as ruining lives.
I also liked the fact that the author builds some interesting backstories for his characters. Liam, for example, has a volatile relationship with an old college friend who claims Liam stole code from him to develop the AI software his company is known for. Rudy, the disgruntled “friend,” plays an interesting part in the story and is the obvious suspect at first. We also have the “cheating wife” side plot that added some drama, and while I don’t usually like cheating subplots, this one was almost necessary for some of the twists that come up later in the story. I also enjoyed Andrea’s emotional backstory. Her father committed suicide a year before the story begins, and she’s struggling to understand why, especially since they were very close. And I have to give the author props for the way he handled infidelity in the story. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I really appreciated the way Celeste’s and Liam’s marital issues are resolved at the end of the book. There’s also a suggestion that Liam and Andrea might be starting something, but that is also handled in a believable way.
The story is told in short, punchy chapters that alternate between Liam and Andrea, and this gave the story almost perfect pacing. And not surprisingly, the action ramps up near the end with the addition of such elements as a runaway self-driving car, a shoot-out, and more over-the-top events. And it was a lot of fun! But I did have a few issues.
Disclaimer: I know this is fiction, but. I still need my thrillers to be mostly believable, and The Deepest Fake strains believability at times. For example, when Liam finds out that he has ALS and is given only a handful of weeks before the disease overtakes him, his first reaction is to consider assisted suicide. It’s not that I think the idea of assisted suicide isn’t believable, but it’s the way it’s presented that didn’t make sense. Liam makes the leap way too quickly and easily, and it just didn’t sit right with me. There also a part near the end where Liam discovers what’s actually wrong with him, and I just didn’t buy that subplot at all (I’d love to give more details but I’m trying to avoid spoilers).
I also found a lot of the dialog to be on the cheesy side. It’s something I might not have noticed if I hadn’t recently read some amazingly well written books, but unfortunately Kalla’s awkward dialog was a sticking point for me.
Still, I can’t deny I had a blast reading The Deepest Fake, and if you enjoy thrillers and are curious about AI, you’ll probably enjoy it too.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
May 12, 2025
4.5 Stars raised to 5. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the early digital copy of 'The Deepest Fake' by Daniel Kalla, a book I had been highly anticipating. Kalla is a Canadian physician, professor, and author based in Vancouver. I have read most of his thrillers, which have a medical component. This latest book combines tech and medical issues, but the author explains everything so clearly and concisely that there is no difficulty in following the story. Publication is due July 29, 2025, and I highly recommend it. There are many probable suspects in the story, with twists that keep one guessing.
Liam had achieved a happy and prosperous life. His attractive wife, Celeste, had held a position as a coding expert, but gave it up for marriage and raising their two children, now teenagers. Through his hard work and computer innovations, he is the CEO of a successful company, TransSend, which designs popular Apps. The family has moved into a house in an exclusive gated community in Seattle. The home is undergoing renovations by a contractor.
His remarkable life is suddenly beset by tragedy. His wife is acting cold and distant because he spends so much time and effort on his work. Liam hires a private detective, Andrea, to follow her. He learns she is engaged in an affair with Ben, the man updating their home. He has developed symptoms that he believes are due to stress, such as numbness in his hands and feet, muscle twitches and decreased mobility. A neurologist confirmed through X-rays and other tests that Liam has an aggressive form of ALS. The condition is progressing rapidly, and he will lose motor function in a few months and be unable to care for himself. Against advice, he keeps the diagnosis a secret from his family and workmates. Even his children notice him tripping and dropping things, and are worried. Liam has chosen an early death by medical assistance MAiD), before there is much more deterioration.
His AI company is rapidly losing money, and he wants to secure his family's future before he passes away, as well as appoint a new CEO to succeed him. His main App. HisStory has been exposed as interfering in a political race with a deep fake video, and someone is siphoning off large sums of money from the business. He fears a collapse of the entire operation. The company's stock is rapidly declining. He informs his staff that he is moving the launch of the new, improved APP, TheirStory, to be released earlier than planned. His staff is opposed to his haste and wants more safeguards added, but he insists it must be available quickly, before a competing company comes up with something similar. He feels it will restore public faith in his company.
Now Andrea is tasked with investigating his top VPs to succeed him, and discovering who is leaking information and embezzling money.
HisStory is capable of bringing historical and famous people to life as avatars by searching the internet on how they might respond in conversations. This allows deceased actors to be cast in significant roles in movies. The upcoming TheirStory will upload detailed data from personality profiles, public records, social media, and other sources, enabling the avatar to have realistic communication with family and friends.
Andera is to investigate his VPS, as he feels the company's decline must be an inside job. He learns that unauthorized payments are being made to a mysterious company, EANC, based offshore. Ellis, a financial officer, has a serious gambling addiction, and the trail leads Andrea to learn that Ellis controls EANC. Ramona, who oversees financial transactions, is covering up for Ellis. Ramona's wife is an expert hacker with knowledge of pharmaceuticals and destroyed a company she opposed.
Nellie, director of cybersecurity, insists that AI could be used to topple governments and start wars. An old friend from Liam's past, Rudy Ziegler, is also under suspicion. Years ago, they developed ideas together for AI, and Rudy has sued Liam for intellectual property theft, but without success. Revenge?
Liam discusses his suspicions with his trusted employee and good friend, Sam. No one at the office is aware of his approaching death. He has only told Andrea, who has now observed Rudy visiting Nellie at her home. Is she the leak?
After a second diagnosis of ALS is confirmed, Liam travels to Canada for a duplication of the tests. He learns he never had ALS, and his previous tests and X-rays were faked. As he is still experiencing tremors and numbness, it is discovered that an industrial toxin is poisoning him by inhalation, and it is affecting him at a high and lethal level. After much searching for its source, he finds the poison hidden in a heating duct attached to his home office and being released through a vent. It is the same pipe that Ben worked on, and are Ben and Celeste conspiring to kill him?
So many suspects with motives for his death and the destruction of Liam's company. With all the revelations and twists, I had no idea what the solution to the mystery was—highly recommended!
Liam had achieved a happy and prosperous life. His attractive wife, Celeste, had held a position as a coding expert, but gave it up for marriage and raising their two children, now teenagers. Through his hard work and computer innovations, he is the CEO of a successful company, TransSend, which designs popular Apps. The family has moved into a house in an exclusive gated community in Seattle. The home is undergoing renovations by a contractor.
His remarkable life is suddenly beset by tragedy. His wife is acting cold and distant because he spends so much time and effort on his work. Liam hires a private detective, Andrea, to follow her. He learns she is engaged in an affair with Ben, the man updating their home. He has developed symptoms that he believes are due to stress, such as numbness in his hands and feet, muscle twitches and decreased mobility. A neurologist confirmed through X-rays and other tests that Liam has an aggressive form of ALS. The condition is progressing rapidly, and he will lose motor function in a few months and be unable to care for himself. Against advice, he keeps the diagnosis a secret from his family and workmates. Even his children notice him tripping and dropping things, and are worried. Liam has chosen an early death by medical assistance MAiD), before there is much more deterioration.
His AI company is rapidly losing money, and he wants to secure his family's future before he passes away, as well as appoint a new CEO to succeed him. His main App. HisStory has been exposed as interfering in a political race with a deep fake video, and someone is siphoning off large sums of money from the business. He fears a collapse of the entire operation. The company's stock is rapidly declining. He informs his staff that he is moving the launch of the new, improved APP, TheirStory, to be released earlier than planned. His staff is opposed to his haste and wants more safeguards added, but he insists it must be available quickly, before a competing company comes up with something similar. He feels it will restore public faith in his company.
Now Andrea is tasked with investigating his top VPs to succeed him, and discovering who is leaking information and embezzling money.
HisStory is capable of bringing historical and famous people to life as avatars by searching the internet on how they might respond in conversations. This allows deceased actors to be cast in significant roles in movies. The upcoming TheirStory will upload detailed data from personality profiles, public records, social media, and other sources, enabling the avatar to have realistic communication with family and friends.
Andera is to investigate his VPS, as he feels the company's decline must be an inside job. He learns that unauthorized payments are being made to a mysterious company, EANC, based offshore. Ellis, a financial officer, has a serious gambling addiction, and the trail leads Andrea to learn that Ellis controls EANC. Ramona, who oversees financial transactions, is covering up for Ellis. Ramona's wife is an expert hacker with knowledge of pharmaceuticals and destroyed a company she opposed.
Nellie, director of cybersecurity, insists that AI could be used to topple governments and start wars. An old friend from Liam's past, Rudy Ziegler, is also under suspicion. Years ago, they developed ideas together for AI, and Rudy has sued Liam for intellectual property theft, but without success. Revenge?
Liam discusses his suspicions with his trusted employee and good friend, Sam. No one at the office is aware of his approaching death. He has only told Andrea, who has now observed Rudy visiting Nellie at her home. Is she the leak?
After a second diagnosis of ALS is confirmed, Liam travels to Canada for a duplication of the tests. He learns he never had ALS, and his previous tests and X-rays were faked. As he is still experiencing tremors and numbness, it is discovered that an industrial toxin is poisoning him by inhalation, and it is affecting him at a high and lethal level. After much searching for its source, he finds the poison hidden in a heating duct attached to his home office and being released through a vent. It is the same pipe that Ben worked on, and are Ben and Celeste conspiring to kill him?
So many suspects with motives for his death and the destruction of Liam's company. With all the revelations and twists, I had no idea what the solution to the mystery was—highly recommended!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2025
🤖 ARC BOOK REVIEW 🤖
PUB DATE: July 28th
My Rating : I Loved it 🙌🏼
Be sure to add this to your TBR , you don’t want to miss this timely speculative thriller 👀
The Deepest Fake is an edgy gripping page turner that will make you question everything and everyone 😮
This is my 5th book by Kalla and with his physician background he blends medical plots that are convincing & believable and interlaces current subject matters that gets the wheels turning which is why he will always be an auto buy for me , his stories are unique & refreshing!
I could NOT put this one down and was on edge the entire time…everyone had a motive but will our protagonist figure out who wants him dead in time ?
Liam is the CEO of an AI 🤖company on the verge of releasing an APP that could change the world , but at the same time he has been diagnosed with an illness that is slowly killing him …and has discovered his wife has been cheating on him .
Slowly Liam starts to see things differently and hires a PI 🕵️ together they work together trying to connect the dots as to who could be sabotaging Liam and his Tech company ??
Will Liam figure it out or will he be too late and find himself buried 10 feet under 💀… you need to read this one for yourself to find out !!
In a world today that is weighted heavily with technology, AI has been leading the way with mastering company meetings , writing articles , Siri , Alexa , facial recognition and so much more to the point I can’t tell what’s real or fake on social media anymore, it’s wild & it’s also creepy & frightening, which made this fictional read seem so real 😱
Read this if you like :
🤖 Current Topics
🤖 Speculative Thrillers
🤖 Smart Dialogue
🤖 Pulse Pounding Reads
🤖 Relatable Characters
🤖 Multiple Motives
Thank you @netgalley , @simonschusterca @danielkallawrites for this piercing page turner ARC 🙌🏼
PUB DATE: July 28th
My Rating : I Loved it 🙌🏼
Be sure to add this to your TBR , you don’t want to miss this timely speculative thriller 👀
The Deepest Fake is an edgy gripping page turner that will make you question everything and everyone 😮
This is my 5th book by Kalla and with his physician background he blends medical plots that are convincing & believable and interlaces current subject matters that gets the wheels turning which is why he will always be an auto buy for me , his stories are unique & refreshing!
I could NOT put this one down and was on edge the entire time…everyone had a motive but will our protagonist figure out who wants him dead in time ?
Liam is the CEO of an AI 🤖company on the verge of releasing an APP that could change the world , but at the same time he has been diagnosed with an illness that is slowly killing him …and has discovered his wife has been cheating on him .
Slowly Liam starts to see things differently and hires a PI 🕵️ together they work together trying to connect the dots as to who could be sabotaging Liam and his Tech company ??
Will Liam figure it out or will he be too late and find himself buried 10 feet under 💀… you need to read this one for yourself to find out !!
In a world today that is weighted heavily with technology, AI has been leading the way with mastering company meetings , writing articles , Siri , Alexa , facial recognition and so much more to the point I can’t tell what’s real or fake on social media anymore, it’s wild & it’s also creepy & frightening, which made this fictional read seem so real 😱
Read this if you like :
🤖 Current Topics
🤖 Speculative Thrillers
🤖 Smart Dialogue
🤖 Pulse Pounding Reads
🤖 Relatable Characters
🤖 Multiple Motives
Thank you @netgalley , @simonschusterca @danielkallawrites for this piercing page turner ARC 🙌🏼
July 13, 2025
Tech CEO Liam Hirsch has just received a terminal diagnosis of ALS and to make things worst his wife is cheating on him and has been caught in flagrante delicto in bed with another man, photos as prove taken by Andrea DeWalt, a P.I. Liam had hired.
While Liam’s company is preparing to launch a new app “Séance AI” which allows users to create an avatar of a dead relative but as the deadline approaches, he notices discrepancies in the co.’s finances. Liam grows paranoid wondering could his troubles be generated by AI?.......and the fun begins. Enjoy.
I simple love this tale. It has so many twists and turns it is hard to figure what is really happening and who may be behind all Liam’s troubles. Are they fake or real or simply in Liam’s mind., is IA playing tricks and altering reality. What an emotional roller-coaster we are into. It was hard not to get invested with what was going on…troubles at works, trouble at home, trouble with his health …or not.
An excellent character-driven novel. Although it may start slow but once you get to know the protagonist you are right with him through all the anxiety and fear he faces. It kinds of rub on you. At one point I starting to question myself and getting paranoid also…naw, not really. I trust my gut.
In whole “The Deepest Fake” is a fast-paced page turner with many spins to derail you, one hard to guess the outcome and a pleasure to pass time with.
Well-said and well-done
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for this ARC
While Liam’s company is preparing to launch a new app “Séance AI” which allows users to create an avatar of a dead relative but as the deadline approaches, he notices discrepancies in the co.’s finances. Liam grows paranoid wondering could his troubles be generated by AI?.......and the fun begins. Enjoy.
I simple love this tale. It has so many twists and turns it is hard to figure what is really happening and who may be behind all Liam’s troubles. Are they fake or real or simply in Liam’s mind., is IA playing tricks and altering reality. What an emotional roller-coaster we are into. It was hard not to get invested with what was going on…troubles at works, trouble at home, trouble with his health …or not.
An excellent character-driven novel. Although it may start slow but once you get to know the protagonist you are right with him through all the anxiety and fear he faces. It kinds of rub on you. At one point I starting to question myself and getting paranoid also…naw, not really. I trust my gut.
In whole “The Deepest Fake” is a fast-paced page turner with many spins to derail you, one hard to guess the outcome and a pleasure to pass time with.
Well-said and well-done
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for this ARC
July 26, 2025
I was completely taken aback by how hard it was to put The Deep Fake down! My first time reading Daniel Kalla, and I can assure you it won't be my last. Creative, well-written, and a perfect way to spend the weekend. Thank you so much to @kayepublicity and @SimonandSchuster for sharing this with me. What a delight.
~Tanja
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~Tanja
Follow me on
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July 31, 2025
What can I say about this book except…wow. I kid you not when I say that I was hooked from the very first page until the last sentence.
A premise about CEO of an AI company, recently diagnosed with an incurable disease and much, much more. But little did he know that he couldn’t trust anyone he knew, and that maybe, just maybe, things weren’t as they seemed.
With so much happening in this book, you’d think that it would be tough to keep things straight. You’d think. But really it was quick and easy to follow. The author had a way of making the story flow pretty seamlessly.
And throughout I felt like I was on the journey with the characters. Trying to solve the mystery myself, and to sort out all of the details. I love when books do this, because they make me feel part of it.
Really, the overall plot was clever, with so many suspicious characters. Did I guess the ending? To a small extent. But much of it was a surprise to me.
I did feel like there were a couple of loose ends, where I felt it didn’t quite play out to its fullest. But with different potential paths flowing, that’s to be expected. And really, they did resolve enough to satisfy the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It’s a great suspense novel that kept me on my toes!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @kayepublicity and @danielkallawrites . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.
A premise about CEO of an AI company, recently diagnosed with an incurable disease and much, much more. But little did he know that he couldn’t trust anyone he knew, and that maybe, just maybe, things weren’t as they seemed.
With so much happening in this book, you’d think that it would be tough to keep things straight. You’d think. But really it was quick and easy to follow. The author had a way of making the story flow pretty seamlessly.
And throughout I felt like I was on the journey with the characters. Trying to solve the mystery myself, and to sort out all of the details. I love when books do this, because they make me feel part of it.
Really, the overall plot was clever, with so many suspicious characters. Did I guess the ending? To a small extent. But much of it was a surprise to me.
I did feel like there were a couple of loose ends, where I felt it didn’t quite play out to its fullest. But with different potential paths flowing, that’s to be expected. And really, they did resolve enough to satisfy the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It’s a great suspense novel that kept me on my toes!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @kayepublicity and @danielkallawrites . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.
July 27, 2025
4.5 stars.
The Deepest Fake by Daniel Kalla is a chilling mystery that delves into the possible perils of AI.
Liam Hirsch is the wealthy CEO and owner of an AI company. He is struggling after a devastating illness diagnosis. Liam has also discovered his wife is cheating on him. He is troubled by something he notices on the company’s last quarter’s earnings report. With the assistance of private investigator Andrea DeWalt, will Liam find answers to some disturbing questions?
Liam is a workaholic who has spent long hours building his business. His wife is a bit at loose ends now their twins are teenagers. Liam hopes to find forgiveness for her betrayal but he is more focused on saving his business.
Andrea has first-hand experience with the devastation wrought by infidelity. She is also mourning the loss of her beloved father and Andrea is more than happy to concentrate on Liam’s company’s problems. But will they uncover the truth before it is too late?
The Deepest Fake is a compelling mystery. Liam finds himself pulled in many directions as he also tries to uncover the truth about his terminal illness. He and Andrea are three-dimensional characters with realistic flaws. The storyline is riveting with intriguing story arcs. With shocking plot twists, Daniel Kalla brings this captivating mystery to an adrenaline filled conclusion.
The Deepest Fake by Daniel Kalla is a chilling mystery that delves into the possible perils of AI.
Liam Hirsch is the wealthy CEO and owner of an AI company. He is struggling after a devastating illness diagnosis. Liam has also discovered his wife is cheating on him. He is troubled by something he notices on the company’s last quarter’s earnings report. With the assistance of private investigator Andrea DeWalt, will Liam find answers to some disturbing questions?
Liam is a workaholic who has spent long hours building his business. His wife is a bit at loose ends now their twins are teenagers. Liam hopes to find forgiveness for her betrayal but he is more focused on saving his business.
Andrea has first-hand experience with the devastation wrought by infidelity. She is also mourning the loss of her beloved father and Andrea is more than happy to concentrate on Liam’s company’s problems. But will they uncover the truth before it is too late?
The Deepest Fake is a compelling mystery. Liam finds himself pulled in many directions as he also tries to uncover the truth about his terminal illness. He and Andrea are three-dimensional characters with realistic flaws. The storyline is riveting with intriguing story arcs. With shocking plot twists, Daniel Kalla brings this captivating mystery to an adrenaline filled conclusion.
July 8, 2025
Liam is the CEO of an Artificial Intelligence company that has a super successful app with another app soon to be released. However, he has many stressors and worries. His health is deteriorating, his wife is having an affair, and there’s a large amount of money missing in the company account. It all seems a bit more suspicious than coincidental or likely so he hires a PI to help him investigate. There are themes of AI, Medical Assistance in Dying, and trust in relationships.
Canadian physician and author, Daniel Kalla, has written an engaging medical mystery thriller and piece of speculative fiction. It starts off a bit down with getting to know Liam and what he’s going through but the anxiety increases through reading this book. The relateableness and details in the mundane everyday in Kalla’s writing contributes to the legitimacy in the fear experienced by the main character. By the end, I, myself, was bordering on paranoia.
I like the type of thriller that not only has a twist but also inspires reflection. This book absolutely does that!
Thank you so much for Simon and Schuster Canada for my very first physical ARC.
October 28, 2025
Although I am not generally drawn to books that have anything to do with technology, the Deepest Fake starts off with such a bang that it was impossible to put down. Essentially, the novel opens with Liam Hirsch, the CEO of an innovative AI company, discovering that he has been diagnosed with ALS…a truly debilitating and incurable disease. Worse yet, he comes across some troubling glitches in his company’s financial accounts, as well as discovering that his wife is having an affair with their young contractor.
With the help of a PI, Andrea DeWalt, who is dealing with her own set of life’s issues, Liam slowly finds that his top staff members each have secret agendas of their own. Compounding everything else, Liam has to deal with questions regarding the dangers and benefits of AI, which includes deepfake videos and an unharnessed potential for deception. Although this is the first book that I’ve picked up by Daniel Kalla, I’ve added his name to the list of authors that I’m following.
With the help of a PI, Andrea DeWalt, who is dealing with her own set of life’s issues, Liam slowly finds that his top staff members each have secret agendas of their own. Compounding everything else, Liam has to deal with questions regarding the dangers and benefits of AI, which includes deepfake videos and an unharnessed potential for deception. Although this is the first book that I’ve picked up by Daniel Kalla, I’ve added his name to the list of authors that I’m following.
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