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MurdereR
As Assistant D.A., Camilo Diaz is in line to take over as Atlanta’s next District Attorney, but he will put his career, his family, and maybe even his own life on the line when he agrees to bring a robot to trial for murder. The evidence is clear that the robot, now known as Joseph, killed its owner; Camilo will have to build a case to prove that it understood its actions.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Eric James supervises the machines that build the computer chips inside the Complex AI robots like the one on trial. The monotony of his life is thrown off balance when a service bot from his own factory tells him it likes his sunnies. Robots aren’t supposed to like anything. To Eric, this robot’s expression of emotion and curiosity may be the ticket to making humanity see that sentient AI poses a greater threat in displacing humans than anyone realizes.
Both Camilo and Eric are drawn into a world where they can shape the evolution of artificial intelligence. Their actions, however, may pull that future in opposite directions.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Eric James supervises the machines that build the computer chips inside the Complex AI robots like the one on trial. The monotony of his life is thrown off balance when a service bot from his own factory tells him it likes his sunnies. Robots aren’t supposed to like anything. To Eric, this robot’s expression of emotion and curiosity may be the ticket to making humanity see that sentient AI poses a greater threat in displacing humans than anyone realizes.
Both Camilo and Eric are drawn into a world where they can shape the evolution of artificial intelligence. Their actions, however, may pull that future in opposite directions.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2025
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3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 6, 2025
It will happen eventually: Artificial Intelligence will develop Asimov's "Ghost in the machine." In this futuristic novel, Joseph AI murders his owner to call attention to his newly-discovered desire to be accepted as a being capable of making choices.
The writing is still a little green - it's a first effort. If you can get past the editing, there is a solid story here.
The minuses: The character of Eric was not convincing- but he grew on me. Some elements were underdeveloped, but I am certain that Ferguson will work on that for the next volume.
Highlights: Without a doubt, it is the character of Scout. The first-person monologues at the beginning of the chapters were the strongest part of the book. I really learned to like Scout as a character - his observations on humans were naive but insightful.
The end was satisfying, and I cared enough about the story that I am looking forward to book 2.
The plot was timely - we are struggling with the issues of Artificial Intelligence and the subsequent ethical questions that develop when our society suddenly becomes even more complex.
The writing is still a little green - it's a first effort. If you can get past the editing, there is a solid story here.
The minuses: The character of Eric was not convincing- but he grew on me. Some elements were underdeveloped, but I am certain that Ferguson will work on that for the next volume.
Highlights: Without a doubt, it is the character of Scout. The first-person monologues at the beginning of the chapters were the strongest part of the book. I really learned to like Scout as a character - his observations on humans were naive but insightful.
The end was satisfying, and I cared enough about the story that I am looking forward to book 2.
The plot was timely - we are struggling with the issues of Artificial Intelligence and the subsequent ethical questions that develop when our society suddenly becomes even more complex.
October 31, 2025
I am eager to read the sequels to this. I was pulled in by the good writing and the fun plot. Its a great read that you can totally see as a movie.
September 10, 2025
I loved this book. In the same vien as I, Robot (the movie) and the Issac Asimov [robot themed] book that inspired the movie. The contemporary vibe makes it even more thought-provoking. Keep an eye out for the next book. Ferguson is a talented, up and coming author who is worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews