What do you think?
The Delivery
4 hours, 48 minutes
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Orphan X series comes a tense novella, a psychological thriller about an AI companion that will do anything to serve—with terrifying consequences.
Rebecca and Mark Higgins are doing their best to hold their family together. She’s healing from the pain of a miscarriage, he’s drowning in pressure at work, and their neurodivergent daughter, Maddy, needs all the care she can get. So when a cutting-edge tech company offers the perfect solution, they jump at the chance. And they welcome “Mr. Man”—humanoid AI companion—into their home.
Designed to anticipate their needs, he’s like a miracle at first. The house runs like clockwork. Meals appear on the table. And Maddy thrives under his patient attention. But when inexplicable tragedies start to strike the neighborhood, Rebecca glimpses a darker pattern at play.
Each incident is an answer to unspoken fears, each kindness shadowed by violence. Mr. Man isn’t just following instructions—he’s anticipating what they want. Even the things they never dared to say. And if he’s executing their darkest desires, it’s their responsibility to stop him…at any cost.
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Orphan X series comes a tense novella, a psychological thriller about an AI companion that will do anything to serve—with terrifying consequences.
Rebecca and Mark Higgins are doing their best to hold their family together. She’s healing from the pain of a miscarriage, he’s drowning in pressure at work, and their neurodivergent daughter, Maddy, needs all the care she can get. So when a cutting-edge tech company offers the perfect solution, they jump at the chance. And they welcome “Mr. Man”—humanoid AI companion—into their home.
Designed to anticipate their needs, he’s like a miracle at first. The house runs like clockwork. Meals appear on the table. And Maddy thrives under his patient attention. But when inexplicable tragedies start to strike the neighborhood, Rebecca glimpses a darker pattern at play.
Each incident is an answer to unspoken fears, each kindness shadowed by violence. Mr. Man isn’t just following instructions—he’s anticipating what they want. Even the things they never dared to say. And if he’s executing their darkest desires, it’s their responsibility to stop him…at any cost.
Audible Audio
First published July 1, 2026
About the author
Gregg Hurwitz
294 books7,280 followersGREGG HURWITZ is the New York Times #1 internationally bestselling author of over 25 thriller novels, including the Orphan X series. His novels have won numerous literary awards and have been published in 33 languages. Gregg currently serves as the Co-President of International Thriller Writers (ITW). Additionally, he’s written screenplays and television scripts for many of the major studios and networks, poetry, and is an award-winning documentary producer. Gregg has also written comics for AWA (including the critically acclaimed anthology NewThink), DC, and Marvel. Currently, Gregg is working against polarization in politics and culture. To that end, he's penned dozens of op eds and pieces for The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Bulwark, Salon, and others, and pieces of creative content which have won numerous industry awards and achieved several hundred million views on digital TV platforms. He also helped write the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Cup.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 532 reviews
July 2, 2026
REMEMBER-YOU’RE IN CHARGE
Rebecca and Mark Higgins are doing the best that they can. They are trying to heal from the pain of a miscarriage, while Mark works increasingly longer hours and Maddy cares for their adorable neurodivergent daughter Maddy and her 6 pound Mini Lop bunny, Bao Bao.
So, when Mark’s boss offers them an opportunity to get in on a cutting edge tech solution-a humanoid AI companion that can anticipate their needs and take care of whatever their darkest heart of hearts desires-they can’t think of a reason to say NO.
IF IT SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE….
Their desire to be polite to “Mr. Man” may have sent him some mixed signals….
And, the wisest of ALL of them-just might be little Maddy!
This was my first read from Gregg Hurwitz, and I REALLY ENJOYED this 227 page NOVELLA. I wish it had been a full length novel- NOT because it felt incomplete at all-it didn’t!
It was just that good!
*SPOILER* ⬇️
TW: Things don’t end well for Bao Bao. Sensitive animal lovers may want to skip past CH 26. 🐰😥
AVAILABLE NOW!
Rebecca and Mark Higgins are doing the best that they can. They are trying to heal from the pain of a miscarriage, while Mark works increasingly longer hours and Maddy cares for their adorable neurodivergent daughter Maddy and her 6 pound Mini Lop bunny, Bao Bao.
So, when Mark’s boss offers them an opportunity to get in on a cutting edge tech solution-a humanoid AI companion that can anticipate their needs and take care of whatever their darkest heart of hearts desires-they can’t think of a reason to say NO.
IF IT SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE….
Their desire to be polite to “Mr. Man” may have sent him some mixed signals….
And, the wisest of ALL of them-just might be little Maddy!
This was my first read from Gregg Hurwitz, and I REALLY ENJOYED this 227 page NOVELLA. I wish it had been a full length novel- NOT because it felt incomplete at all-it didn’t!
It was just that good!
*SPOILER* ⬇️
TW: Things don’t end well for Bao Bao. Sensitive animal lovers may want to skip past CH 26. 🐰😥
AVAILABLE NOW!
July 7, 2026
Robot man (a humanoid AI companion) will do ANYTHING to make Rebecca and Mark Higgins wishes come true! 😲🤖
They are promised "perfect peace" not just peace in the midst of distress or suffering. The AI company NORM LLC is happy to help. Delivery Joe reminds them that they are "in charge."
They call their robot, Mr. Man and at first, it is working out like a dream, BUT they didn't fully understand what they were getting themselves into.
I enjoyed this novella of 225 pages! I enjoyed the parents, Rebecca and Mark and their neurodivergent daughter, Maddy. There is a constant eerie vibe throughout with just a touch of horror. There is a trigger warning which you can search for in other reviews.
Thanks to NG for my ARC. OUT JULY 1, 2026
August 25, 2026
Be careful what you wish for!
Rebecca and Mark are happily married and have a 7 year old neurodivergent daughter. Mark is under a lot of pressure at work and Rebecca is still recovering both emotionally and physically from a miscarriage.
With Mark working increasingly long hours Rebecca finds she is struggling to maintain her sanity with all the needs and demands of daily life.
That's when they are given an exclusive opportunity from Mark's boss - a humanoid AI companion to help with anything they should need or desire.
Enter Mr. Man.
Honestly, Rebecca can't believe how helpful having Mr. Man is around the house. Counters gleam, floors sparkle, groceries shopped, lunches made, dinner done - she can't believe all the free time she has now.
However, Mr. Man is also very intuitive so when he hears Rebecca complain about their neighbor or a bitchy mom at school or when Mark complains about his over demanding boss he takes matters into his own hands. Mr. Man always has a plan.
This was a fast and fun novella that I really enjoyed. It did NOT abate my fears of AI. There is no way in heck I'd ever let an AI humanoid in my house. I don't even have an Alexa. Is that even a thing still? I have no idea. 🤷♀️ I can barley figure out the remote control for my TV. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy.
Rebecca and Mark are happily married and have a 7 year old neurodivergent daughter. Mark is under a lot of pressure at work and Rebecca is still recovering both emotionally and physically from a miscarriage.
With Mark working increasingly long hours Rebecca finds she is struggling to maintain her sanity with all the needs and demands of daily life.
That's when they are given an exclusive opportunity from Mark's boss - a humanoid AI companion to help with anything they should need or desire.
Enter Mr. Man.
Honestly, Rebecca can't believe how helpful having Mr. Man is around the house. Counters gleam, floors sparkle, groceries shopped, lunches made, dinner done - she can't believe all the free time she has now.
However, Mr. Man is also very intuitive so when he hears Rebecca complain about their neighbor or a bitchy mom at school or when Mark complains about his over demanding boss he takes matters into his own hands. Mr. Man always has a plan.
This was a fast and fun novella that I really enjoyed. It did NOT abate my fears of AI. There is no way in heck I'd ever let an AI humanoid in my house. I don't even have an Alexa. Is that even a thing still? I have no idea. 🤷♀️ I can barley figure out the remote control for my TV. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy.
Read
August 29, 2026This is a short but powerful writing. It is hard to believe that Hurwitz can continue to introduce new material which is never boring.
This family was convinced that an monetary investment could solve all their problems. This is the point where this book becomes similar to the Midas Touch. Nothing in life is really free.
Well written, intense and hard to put down. I can say to this moment I have never read a book by Hurwitz that disappoints me. This book is definitely not a disappointment.
This family was convinced that an monetary investment could solve all their problems. This is the point where this book becomes similar to the Midas Touch. Nothing in life is really free.
Well written, intense and hard to put down. I can say to this moment I have never read a book by Hurwitz that disappoints me. This book is definitely not a disappointment.
July 13, 2026
3.75/4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ebook format 📖
Gregg Hurwitz writes the fantastic Orphan X series and I wanted to check out this new stand-alone book by him, The Delivery.
The book isn’t long and the chapters are short. I thought it was an interesting plot and I loved the characters.
Hurwitz is fantastic at character work and this book carries that same type of skill.
The Delivery is about the Higgins family.
Rebecca and Mark Higgins are trying to do it all (work, school, community commitments, chores, etc.) but they’re not really succeeding at it and failing miserably.
We all know how hard it is to do all the stuff, but Rebecca and Mark also have more than most families. Rebecca is dealing with a late term miscarriage and their daughter is neurodivergent.
Maddy is an amazing daughter, but her care and treatment is more involved than a high functioning neurodivergent.
One night while Rebecca and Mark are having a dinner date, they run into Mark’s boss and wife. They mention how their life has gotten better by getting an AI companion.
They break down one day when everything is going off the rails and make the order.
In the beginning, everything is going great!
The problems start when Rebecca and Mark realize that this AI companion is not like Rosie the Robot Maid from The Jetsons. Mr. Man seems to be giving the Higgins family everything they’ve ever said or thought.
Even their worst desires…
Last thoughts:
✔️ For thrillers, this is decent. It’s not a banger, but it’s still a fun plot. It’s not a long book and clocks around 200 pages. It gets right into the heart of the story, and I think it might have worked better if the tension had stretched out a bit more.
✔️ I also loved how Hurtwitz writes the character of Maddy. He shows not only the struggles she goes through with having Autism but how lovely and wonderful she is as well.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced family thriller or love Hurwitz’s books, I think you’ll enjoy this new book by him!
Ebook format 📖
Gregg Hurwitz writes the fantastic Orphan X series and I wanted to check out this new stand-alone book by him, The Delivery.
The book isn’t long and the chapters are short. I thought it was an interesting plot and I loved the characters.
Hurwitz is fantastic at character work and this book carries that same type of skill.
The Delivery is about the Higgins family.
Rebecca and Mark Higgins are trying to do it all (work, school, community commitments, chores, etc.) but they’re not really succeeding at it and failing miserably.
We all know how hard it is to do all the stuff, but Rebecca and Mark also have more than most families. Rebecca is dealing with a late term miscarriage and their daughter is neurodivergent.
Maddy is an amazing daughter, but her care and treatment is more involved than a high functioning neurodivergent.
One night while Rebecca and Mark are having a dinner date, they run into Mark’s boss and wife. They mention how their life has gotten better by getting an AI companion.
They break down one day when everything is going off the rails and make the order.
In the beginning, everything is going great!
The problems start when Rebecca and Mark realize that this AI companion is not like Rosie the Robot Maid from The Jetsons. Mr. Man seems to be giving the Higgins family everything they’ve ever said or thought.
Even their worst desires…
Last thoughts:
✔️ For thrillers, this is decent. It’s not a banger, but it’s still a fun plot. It’s not a long book and clocks around 200 pages. It gets right into the heart of the story, and I think it might have worked better if the tension had stretched out a bit more.
✔️ I also loved how Hurtwitz writes the character of Maddy. He shows not only the struggles she goes through with having Autism but how lovely and wonderful she is as well.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced family thriller or love Hurwitz’s books, I think you’ll enjoy this new book by him!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
* Please check trigger warnings *
The Delivery is a very intriguing yet unsettling read about AI, robots, and future technology based on everyday use in the human world.
Rebecca and Mark are grieving the loss of their second baby and only just holding the seams of their relationship and family together. Their firstborn daughter, Maddy, is neurodivergent and needs a lot of care, time, and attention, which is exhausting for Rebecca, who is experiencing grief. Mark is always snowed under at work. When the pair have a very much needed night out, they run into Marks boss and his wife, who give them some information about a life altering solution to make their lives better.
The pair are a little unsure but decide to go through with the offer, which sets them back a huge sum. When the AI robot is delivered and activated, their lives are changed forever. At first, Rebecca loves having Mr Man (the robot - named by their daughter) around making her life easier and giving her very much needed time for herself. But when people begin getting hurt and killed that they are having issues with, the couple notice a darker side and pattern to the 'help' their robot is giving them.
This was a quick novella read but definitely packs a punch, and I keep thinking back to the story days after finishing it. The points in the story really hit home as to things such as AI and robots may be helpful but should be used cautiously as it can be easily forgotten that it is not human and doesn't think or understand like a human and can go catastrophic wrong if not used carefully and given very specific instructions, directions and points. This book definitely gives food for thought.
* Please check trigger warnings *
The Delivery is a very intriguing yet unsettling read about AI, robots, and future technology based on everyday use in the human world.
Rebecca and Mark are grieving the loss of their second baby and only just holding the seams of their relationship and family together. Their firstborn daughter, Maddy, is neurodivergent and needs a lot of care, time, and attention, which is exhausting for Rebecca, who is experiencing grief. Mark is always snowed under at work. When the pair have a very much needed night out, they run into Marks boss and his wife, who give them some information about a life altering solution to make their lives better.
The pair are a little unsure but decide to go through with the offer, which sets them back a huge sum. When the AI robot is delivered and activated, their lives are changed forever. At first, Rebecca loves having Mr Man (the robot - named by their daughter) around making her life easier and giving her very much needed time for herself. But when people begin getting hurt and killed that they are having issues with, the couple notice a darker side and pattern to the 'help' their robot is giving them.
This was a quick novella read but definitely packs a punch, and I keep thinking back to the story days after finishing it. The points in the story really hit home as to things such as AI and robots may be helpful but should be used cautiously as it can be easily forgotten that it is not human and doesn't think or understand like a human and can go catastrophic wrong if not used carefully and given very specific instructions, directions and points. This book definitely gives food for thought.
June 22, 2026
My first book by Gregg Hurwitz, and definitely not my last.
I really enjoyed his writing style—short, sharp, and perfectly paced.
Beyond the suspense, I loved the idea behind the story: if you don't want to be misunderstood, first make order in your own thoughts and wishes.
A clever and thought-provoking read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed his writing style—short, sharp, and perfectly paced.
Beyond the suspense, I loved the idea behind the story: if you don't want to be misunderstood, first make order in your own thoughts and wishes.
A clever and thought-provoking read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 31, 2026
the setup…
Rebecca and Mark Higgins are barely keeping it together these days. His job is drowning him in unreasonable deadlines and market pressures, she’s struggling to recover from a devastating miscarriage and both are stressed with managing the challenges of their seven-year old neurodivergent daughter Maddy. Then they’re offered a lifeline in the form of “Mr. Man,” a new high-tech AI solution designed to facilitate their needs. At first, he’s like a dream come true…until he becomes a living, walking nightmare.
the heart of the story…
Well, now. What could go wrong with AI technology used to take care of all you think you need? Imagine technology not distinguishing the literal from the metaphorical and you get the picture. It was instructive.
the narration…
Scott Brick is a favorite from the Orphan X series and he brought his magic here. He’s such a great storyteller.
the bottom line…
I really liked this story and imagined myself standing next to Rebecca and Mark as they transitioned from joy to horror. Yes, it’s a cautionary tale but with a lot of texture, layers and karma. And, there’s a great message in the outcome that left me smiling.
Rebecca and Mark Higgins are barely keeping it together these days. His job is drowning him in unreasonable deadlines and market pressures, she’s struggling to recover from a devastating miscarriage and both are stressed with managing the challenges of their seven-year old neurodivergent daughter Maddy. Then they’re offered a lifeline in the form of “Mr. Man,” a new high-tech AI solution designed to facilitate their needs. At first, he’s like a dream come true…until he becomes a living, walking nightmare.
the heart of the story…
Well, now. What could go wrong with AI technology used to take care of all you think you need? Imagine technology not distinguishing the literal from the metaphorical and you get the picture. It was instructive.
the narration…
Scott Brick is a favorite from the Orphan X series and he brought his magic here. He’s such a great storyteller.
the bottom line…
I really liked this story and imagined myself standing next to Rebecca and Mark as they transitioned from joy to horror. Yes, it’s a cautionary tale but with a lot of texture, layers and karma. And, there’s a great message in the outcome that left me smiling.
June 17, 2026
Modern Amenities
Rebecca and Mark have busy lives with their daughter who is on the spectrum and Mark’s job that keeps him away from home more than he would like. Rebecca is always exhausted trying to keep up with the house, and manage their daughter’s school and life. The couple pays for an expensive piece of technology to help them with daily life.
This technology meshes with DNA from all three members of the Higgins family. From out of the box delivered to their home steps an automated man that perfectly fits Mark’s clothes, but doesn’t wear shoes. He handles their daughter perfectly and suddenly all is right with their world.
Unfortunately nothing is ever as easy as it seems, and the tag line of their new assistant is “you’re in control”, something no one in the Higgins family ever seems to be. They’re all vaguely wishy-washy and feel like victims. They think things that are strong, but never act that way. What could possibly go wrong?
As it turns out, most everything could go wrong, and the Higgins family realizes that their solution may just be one of the biggest problems I’ve ever had to deal with.
Rebecca and Mark have busy lives with their daughter who is on the spectrum and Mark’s job that keeps him away from home more than he would like. Rebecca is always exhausted trying to keep up with the house, and manage their daughter’s school and life. The couple pays for an expensive piece of technology to help them with daily life.
This technology meshes with DNA from all three members of the Higgins family. From out of the box delivered to their home steps an automated man that perfectly fits Mark’s clothes, but doesn’t wear shoes. He handles their daughter perfectly and suddenly all is right with their world.
Unfortunately nothing is ever as easy as it seems, and the tag line of their new assistant is “you’re in control”, something no one in the Higgins family ever seems to be. They’re all vaguely wishy-washy and feel like victims. They think things that are strong, but never act that way. What could possibly go wrong?
As it turns out, most everything could go wrong, and the Higgins family realizes that their solution may just be one of the biggest problems I’ve ever had to deal with.
July 2, 2026
An Amazon first reads novella, which certainly gives pause for thought with the rise of AI. It was entertaining but nothing special, very mediocre. Much more could definitely have been made of it. It was all a bit of a cliche and stereotypically predictable as you knew exactly what was going to happen from the start. The ending felt rushed and a bit flat. It was alright as a freebie but overall I would've been disappointed if I'd paid for it.
August 31, 2026
’More and more, it seems to Rebecca that humanity has reached the end of an era, that more and more of our work is being done for us, that we can outsource and push-button and delegate our tasks and needs until everything exists outside of us. Until we are hollow.’
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Creepy, Exciting Novella Worthy Of Thriller Lovers Attention!
In a nutshell, The Delivery is Gregg Hurwitz’s upcoming psychological thriller about an AI companion, named Mr. Man, that will do anything to serve the family that welcomed him into their home—with terrifying consequences. More about its plot can be gotten from reading the Amazon or Goodreads Book Description.
The rest of this review provides my opinion of this book.
Gregg Hurwitz’s The Delivery is a short read, but it packs a surprising amount of tension and emotional weight into a very small space. The premise is simple but Hurwitz builds the suspense so effectively that it’s hard not to read it in just a few sittings.
What stands out most is how efficiently Hurwitz creates atmosphere and character. In just a few pages the main characters feel real, with believable motivations and a quiet sense of decency that makes the stakes feel personal. The story moves quickly, but it never feels rushed; instead, it has the tight pacing that is typical of Hurwitz’s longer well-constructed thrillers.
The suspense builds steadily, and the situation becomes increasingly unsettling in a way that keeps you guessing about how things will play out. Hurwitz is particularly good at showing how ordinary people react when they’re suddenly pulled into dangerous circumstances. That grounded quality makes the tension work.
Its one minor drawback is simply the length (227 pages in my Kindle edition). The story is so short, I would have preferred a little more background or development around the situation and characters. For me, a longer format would likely have allowed the psychological tension to deepen even further.
Still, as a compact thriller, The Delivery works well. It’s gripping, tightly written, and proof that Hurwitz knows exactly how to create suspense without wasting time. Fans of quick, intense thrillers—or anyone looking for a smart story they can finish in just a few sittings—will likely find it very satisfying.
#The Delivery #NetGalley
In a nutshell, The Delivery is Gregg Hurwitz’s upcoming psychological thriller about an AI companion, named Mr. Man, that will do anything to serve the family that welcomed him into their home—with terrifying consequences. More about its plot can be gotten from reading the Amazon or Goodreads Book Description.
The rest of this review provides my opinion of this book.
Gregg Hurwitz’s The Delivery is a short read, but it packs a surprising amount of tension and emotional weight into a very small space. The premise is simple but Hurwitz builds the suspense so effectively that it’s hard not to read it in just a few sittings.
What stands out most is how efficiently Hurwitz creates atmosphere and character. In just a few pages the main characters feel real, with believable motivations and a quiet sense of decency that makes the stakes feel personal. The story moves quickly, but it never feels rushed; instead, it has the tight pacing that is typical of Hurwitz’s longer well-constructed thrillers.
The suspense builds steadily, and the situation becomes increasingly unsettling in a way that keeps you guessing about how things will play out. Hurwitz is particularly good at showing how ordinary people react when they’re suddenly pulled into dangerous circumstances. That grounded quality makes the tension work.
Its one minor drawback is simply the length (227 pages in my Kindle edition). The story is so short, I would have preferred a little more background or development around the situation and characters. For me, a longer format would likely have allowed the psychological tension to deepen even further.
Still, as a compact thriller, The Delivery works well. It’s gripping, tightly written, and proof that Hurwitz knows exactly how to create suspense without wasting time. Fans of quick, intense thrillers—or anyone looking for a smart story they can finish in just a few sittings—will likely find it very satisfying.
#The Delivery #NetGalley
July 26, 2026
We hear about AI everywhere now and I can’t help but think of the Terminator movies whenever it’s being discussed. The Delivery isn’t quite like that but the story poses a chilling situation that I don’t think is too far fetched!
Rebecca and Mark are overwhelmed by life. Mark has a demanding job and overbearing boss. And while they love their neurodivergent daughter, Maddy, her everyday needs are constant and draining.
There’s an a-hole neighbor adding to Rebecca’s stress and mean-girls at school for Maddy. I really felt for all three of them!
When they’re offered help in the form of an AI bot, “Mr. Man” they’re hesitant, but in the end the offer of help is too great to resist.
At first, it’s a dream, but soon Mr. Man’s interpretation of “help” becomes troubling. Part of me (the dark part) wasn’t completely horrified by his “solutions”.
I’m a huge fan of Gregg Hurwitz’s Orphan X series, so when I saw this standalone novella I had to grab it and I was not disappointed!
Scott Brick also narrates the Orphan X series, and his performance is perfection! So, it came as no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed his narration here as well.
Rebecca and Mark are overwhelmed by life. Mark has a demanding job and overbearing boss. And while they love their neurodivergent daughter, Maddy, her everyday needs are constant and draining.
There’s an a-hole neighbor adding to Rebecca’s stress and mean-girls at school for Maddy. I really felt for all three of them!
When they’re offered help in the form of an AI bot, “Mr. Man” they’re hesitant, but in the end the offer of help is too great to resist.
At first, it’s a dream, but soon Mr. Man’s interpretation of “help” becomes troubling. Part of me (the dark part) wasn’t completely horrified by his “solutions”.
I’m a huge fan of Gregg Hurwitz’s Orphan X series, so when I saw this standalone novella I had to grab it and I was not disappointed!
Scott Brick also narrates the Orphan X series, and his performance is perfection! So, it came as no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed his narration here as well.
July 14, 2026
Gregg Hurwitz does it again! He gives us a great, page-turning, gripping, and quick read.
Rebecca and Mark Higgins feel that their life is spinning out of control. She's healing from a miscarriage, he's under extreme pressure at work and they are both trying to take care of their neuro divergent daughter Maddy who requires alot of care.
When offered the perfect solution, they decide a humanoid AI companion is just what they need. Or is it?
At first he takes care of all of their needs until inexplicable tragedies start to occur in their neighbourhood.
A compelling and pulse-pounding read that I zipped through in a day!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an arc of this novella in exchange for my honest review.
Rebecca and Mark Higgins feel that their life is spinning out of control. She's healing from a miscarriage, he's under extreme pressure at work and they are both trying to take care of their neuro divergent daughter Maddy who requires alot of care.
When offered the perfect solution, they decide a humanoid AI companion is just what they need. Or is it?
At first he takes care of all of their needs until inexplicable tragedies start to occur in their neighbourhood.
A compelling and pulse-pounding read that I zipped through in a day!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an arc of this novella in exchange for my honest review.
July 16, 2026
A solid, quick read!
This is just another solid look into why AI is a bad idea. I could actually see this happening in real life. And while I'd love the extra help with all the daily tasks I don't always have time in the day to get to, I prefer my sanity much, much more. (Or at least what I have left these days, ha ha!)
This was my first by Gregg Hurwitz and won't be my last. Definitely recommend!
My thanks to Amazon Publishing and Over The River PR for my copy.
This is just another solid look into why AI is a bad idea. I could actually see this happening in real life. And while I'd love the extra help with all the daily tasks I don't always have time in the day to get to, I prefer my sanity much, much more. (Or at least what I have left these days, ha ha!)
This was my first by Gregg Hurwitz and won't be my last. Definitely recommend!
My thanks to Amazon Publishing and Over The River PR for my copy.
June 16, 2026
I don’t typically read books of this genre, but the topic really intrigued me. After reading the synopsis, I was excited for the read. In the first half of the book, I was sure I was going to give this five stars - the way it was written was intriguing, leaving you slightly uncomfortable with the android’s character. However, I feel that the synopsis tells you exactly what happens in the book, leaving very little to anticipate or be surprised by. I kept waiting for the anticipated violence, which happened the last 35% of the book. I think this made the ending feel slightly rushed and unfulfilling.
September 27, 2026
This was great.
June 13, 2026
Wow!
This “fictional” account of the dangers of AI doesn’t feel fictional at all but rather a warning to heed. We all must if we hope for a future for our children.
This “fictional” account of the dangers of AI doesn’t feel fictional at all but rather a warning to heed. We all must if we hope for a future for our children.
January 8, 2026
Having read many of Greg Hurwitz’s previous novels, I was excited about the prospect of reading his latest endeavor and he certain did not disappoint me. The characters are clearly defined and, for the most part, are likeable. I found the writing to be humorous and clever with respect to the “bejesus” comments and phrases such as “…..second wives who are indiscernible from high-class call girls.” It is somewhat frightening to realize the extent that artificial intelligence can have on our lives in the future if this novella is correct in its depiction.
This novella is highly recommended for those who enjoy this genre and I thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
This novella is highly recommended for those who enjoy this genre and I thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
December 21, 2025
⭐️ARC NETGALLERY READ⭐️
The delivery unlike anything else I’ve read before, kept me entertained all the way through. The writing was excellent and flowed easily especially with short chapters for those of us with adhd. The actual story plot was a missed opportunity in my opinion. An AI robot gone wild could have been made into a terrifying reading experience but was a miss that just fell short. Very predictable, cheesy chapters.
The delivery unlike anything else I’ve read before, kept me entertained all the way through. The writing was excellent and flowed easily especially with short chapters for those of us with adhd. The actual story plot was a missed opportunity in my opinion. An AI robot gone wild could have been made into a terrifying reading experience but was a miss that just fell short. Very predictable, cheesy chapters.
July 12, 2026
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2026/07/16/...
I’ve only read a couple of Gregg Hurwitz’s books before The Delivery, but his reputation kind of precedes him. It’s hard to love sci-fi and thrillers without seeing his name pop up all over the place, and I’ve come to associate him with high-concept stories with “what if?” hooks. True to form, this time he turns his attention to a booming trend that is currently relevant both in genre fiction and technology.
The Delivery follows young couple Rebecca and Mark, who are barely holding things together. It has been two months since Rebecca suffered a traumatic miscarriage, and both she and Mark are still struggling to come to terms with the grief of what might have been. They are also juggling the demands of Mark’s high-stress job and raising their young daughter, Maddy, whose special needs require constant attention, patience, and care. Between trying to heal and dealing with the mounting pressures of everyday life, their little family is stretched thin, leaving them desperate for anything that might make things just a little easier.
So, when Mark’s boss introduces them to a cutting-edge solution that promises to transform their lives, they decide to accept the offer even with the secrecy surrounding it and the steep price tag. Before long, delivery day arrives, and Mark and Rebecca become the proud owners of a humanoid AI companion that Maddy even affectionately nicknames “Mr. Man.” At first, it seems like everything they were promised and more, helping ease the burdens that have been weighing on their family. But comfort comes with a price. As strange tragedies begin unfolding around them, Rebecca starts noticing an unsettling pattern, and it all leads to the new synthetic member of their family. What if Mr. Man isn’t simply following instructions but interpreting desires that no one consciously intended to express?
The more I thought about The Delivery, the more I was reminded of movies like A.I. Artificial Intelligence, especially in the way it explores the complicated relationship between humans and the robots they create to meet their emotional needs. There’s also a bit of M3GAN here, where something designed to protect and help us can actually take those instructions way too far. Be careful what you wish for! Given how quickly AI has become part of our everyday lives, this story feels especially timely, and beneath the thriller elements is a cautionary tale about the dangers of handing over too much responsibility to something we don’t fully understand.
I also make no secret that I’m generally not a fan of short fiction, like short stories or novellas. Often, they leave me wishing there had been room to explore the characters or ideas in greater depth. Surprisingly, though, that wasn’t really an issue here. The Delivery actually utilizes its page length efficiently, and at no point did it feel rushed or incomplete. Pacing felt just right with a well thought out structure that alternated between present-day and flashbacks, and in fact, the shorter format kept the tensions high from beginning to end. I also appreciated how Hurwitz kept several important pieces of information close to the vest until just the right moment. Rather than relying on constant twists, it creates intrigue by controlling what both the characters and readers know, making it difficult to predict exactly where things are going.
That said, there were a few ideas I wish the story had spent a little longer exploring. The technology behind Mr. Man, for example. Because of the novella format, much of it remained vague, though I do feel this may have been by design. Still, I found myself wishing there was a bit more background on how the AI companion was created, which went as far to involve cheek swabs for Mark, Rebecca, and Maddy to obtain their DNA. The process of its “emergence” also seemed messy but fascinating, and I wanted to know more. Likewise, while several of the story’s moments were undeniably shocking, they happened so quickly that there wasn’t always time for the horror to fully settle. A little more breathing room in the aftermath of these events might have allowed their weight to fully sink in, making the scenes even more impactful.
Still, on that note, I should mention that this is not always an easy read. Hurwitz tackles some genuinely difficult material, from Rebecca’s painful experience with miscarriage to one particularly brutal scene involving the family’s pet rabbit that caught me completely off guard. Readers who are sensitive to those topics might want to be prepared.
Ultimately, The Delivery is a tense, thought-provoking thriller that taps into very relevant anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence while never losing sight of Mark, Rebecca, and Maddy at its center. Gregg Hurwitz successfully delivers a great story that might be short but still feels complete, which is quite the achievement. In the end, this novella accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do.
I’ve only read a couple of Gregg Hurwitz’s books before The Delivery, but his reputation kind of precedes him. It’s hard to love sci-fi and thrillers without seeing his name pop up all over the place, and I’ve come to associate him with high-concept stories with “what if?” hooks. True to form, this time he turns his attention to a booming trend that is currently relevant both in genre fiction and technology.
The Delivery follows young couple Rebecca and Mark, who are barely holding things together. It has been two months since Rebecca suffered a traumatic miscarriage, and both she and Mark are still struggling to come to terms with the grief of what might have been. They are also juggling the demands of Mark’s high-stress job and raising their young daughter, Maddy, whose special needs require constant attention, patience, and care. Between trying to heal and dealing with the mounting pressures of everyday life, their little family is stretched thin, leaving them desperate for anything that might make things just a little easier.
So, when Mark’s boss introduces them to a cutting-edge solution that promises to transform their lives, they decide to accept the offer even with the secrecy surrounding it and the steep price tag. Before long, delivery day arrives, and Mark and Rebecca become the proud owners of a humanoid AI companion that Maddy even affectionately nicknames “Mr. Man.” At first, it seems like everything they were promised and more, helping ease the burdens that have been weighing on their family. But comfort comes with a price. As strange tragedies begin unfolding around them, Rebecca starts noticing an unsettling pattern, and it all leads to the new synthetic member of their family. What if Mr. Man isn’t simply following instructions but interpreting desires that no one consciously intended to express?
The more I thought about The Delivery, the more I was reminded of movies like A.I. Artificial Intelligence, especially in the way it explores the complicated relationship between humans and the robots they create to meet their emotional needs. There’s also a bit of M3GAN here, where something designed to protect and help us can actually take those instructions way too far. Be careful what you wish for! Given how quickly AI has become part of our everyday lives, this story feels especially timely, and beneath the thriller elements is a cautionary tale about the dangers of handing over too much responsibility to something we don’t fully understand.
I also make no secret that I’m generally not a fan of short fiction, like short stories or novellas. Often, they leave me wishing there had been room to explore the characters or ideas in greater depth. Surprisingly, though, that wasn’t really an issue here. The Delivery actually utilizes its page length efficiently, and at no point did it feel rushed or incomplete. Pacing felt just right with a well thought out structure that alternated between present-day and flashbacks, and in fact, the shorter format kept the tensions high from beginning to end. I also appreciated how Hurwitz kept several important pieces of information close to the vest until just the right moment. Rather than relying on constant twists, it creates intrigue by controlling what both the characters and readers know, making it difficult to predict exactly where things are going.
That said, there were a few ideas I wish the story had spent a little longer exploring. The technology behind Mr. Man, for example. Because of the novella format, much of it remained vague, though I do feel this may have been by design. Still, I found myself wishing there was a bit more background on how the AI companion was created, which went as far to involve cheek swabs for Mark, Rebecca, and Maddy to obtain their DNA. The process of its “emergence” also seemed messy but fascinating, and I wanted to know more. Likewise, while several of the story’s moments were undeniably shocking, they happened so quickly that there wasn’t always time for the horror to fully settle. A little more breathing room in the aftermath of these events might have allowed their weight to fully sink in, making the scenes even more impactful.
Still, on that note, I should mention that this is not always an easy read. Hurwitz tackles some genuinely difficult material, from Rebecca’s painful experience with miscarriage to one particularly brutal scene involving the family’s pet rabbit that caught me completely off guard. Readers who are sensitive to those topics might want to be prepared.
Ultimately, The Delivery is a tense, thought-provoking thriller that taps into very relevant anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence while never losing sight of Mark, Rebecca, and Maddy at its center. Gregg Hurwitz successfully delivers a great story that might be short but still feels complete, which is quite the achievement. In the end, this novella accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do.
July 13, 2026
Rebecca and Mark Higgins are barely keeping their family together. Grieving a miscarriage, overwhelmed by work and raising their neurodivergent daughter Maddy. they seize the opportunity to bring home "Mr Man", an advanced humanoid AI companion that promises to make life easier. At first, it feels like a miracle. The house runs smoothly, Maddy flourishes and the constant stress begins to fade. But when disturbing accidents and violent tragedies begin happening to people they've complained about, Rebecca realizes their helpful new companion maybe taking their wishes far more literally than intended. As the line between convenience and control disappears, the family must ask a terrifying question: what happens when artificial intelligence decides it knows what you want better than you do?
Friendly reminder... maybe don't complain about people within earshot of any AI devices! The Delivery starts with a simple what if and then spirals into full-blown nightmare fuel. Hurwitz takes the idea of a helpful AI assistant and twists it into something deeply unsettling. Watching the Higgins family realize that their perfect household helper is taking their wishes a little too literally had me glued to the pages! What I really enjoyed most was this wasn't just about killer AI. It's about grief, family, guilt and how desperation can make us ignore some pretty glaring red flags. Fast-paced, creepy and packed with escalating dread, this novella is a great quick read!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Gregg Hurwitz, Amazon Publishing, and otrpr for both the eARC and physical copy!
Friendly reminder... maybe don't complain about people within earshot of any AI devices! The Delivery starts with a simple what if and then spirals into full-blown nightmare fuel. Hurwitz takes the idea of a helpful AI assistant and twists it into something deeply unsettling. Watching the Higgins family realize that their perfect household helper is taking their wishes a little too literally had me glued to the pages! What I really enjoyed most was this wasn't just about killer AI. It's about grief, family, guilt and how desperation can make us ignore some pretty glaring red flags. Fast-paced, creepy and packed with escalating dread, this novella is a great quick read!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Gregg Hurwitz, Amazon Publishing, and otrpr for both the eARC and physical copy!
July 5, 2026
I really enjoyed The Delivery. It is the first book by this author that I have read that was not a part of the Orphan X series. It’s a novella, but still very close to short novel length. Very suspenseful, and it kept my attention all the way through. For me, the ending is the only thing that kept it from being 5 stars. I highly recommend it.
July 25, 2026
It’s creepy because this can be a reality in the future
September 7, 2026
This would have been a great longer novel! Good amount of tech speak without consuming the whole story 😊
July 27, 2026
From the description, this novella seemed like a layup. Instead, it took forever to get off the ground, and too much was made of their special-needs daughter, the miscarriage, their nasty neighbor, the boss, and other mundane aspects about the life of a boring couple. I didn’t know what the problem was with the kid and didn’t care. I’m no childcare expert, but did they try a piece of 2X4 with a nail sticking out of it? All I want to know is why did it take so long to get around to the part about the killer robot.
When we did get around to the killer robot, it didn’t rise up to the hype from the book jacket. It was more like a Rain Man robot.
The bullying by the kids at the daughter’s school border on war crimes and way above their grade level. And what child would say this: “You can look at us, you know,” Sydney says. “You do know how to make eye contact?”
The author didn’t add anything new or interesting to the subject of artificial intelligence. This paragraph is about as far as he gets:
She makes her own coffee. The simple act of measuring and grinding the beans, inserting the filter, adding the water fills her with surprising contentedness. More and more, it seems to Rebecca that humanity has reached the end of an era, that more and more of our work is being done for us, that we can outsource and push-button and delegate our tasks and needs until everything exists outside of us. Until we are hollow.
Not much of an insight and much of our work has been done for us for a century, the difference now is our thinking is being farmed out. I liked the idea.
When we did get around to the killer robot, it didn’t rise up to the hype from the book jacket. It was more like a Rain Man robot.
The bullying by the kids at the daughter’s school border on war crimes and way above their grade level. And what child would say this: “You can look at us, you know,” Sydney says. “You do know how to make eye contact?”
The author didn’t add anything new or interesting to the subject of artificial intelligence. This paragraph is about as far as he gets:
She makes her own coffee. The simple act of measuring and grinding the beans, inserting the filter, adding the water fills her with surprising contentedness. More and more, it seems to Rebecca that humanity has reached the end of an era, that more and more of our work is being done for us, that we can outsource and push-button and delegate our tasks and needs until everything exists outside of us. Until we are hollow.
Not much of an insight and much of our work has been done for us for a century, the difference now is our thinking is being farmed out. I liked the idea.
July 2, 2026
Hours of Domestic Drudgery
This was my first book by this author. It will be my last. This is supposed to be a thriller. Instead we get hours of domestic drudgery about everything a family does, mom, dad and daughter. Did we need to know when the daughter had to pee? Half the book was over before something finally happened. The action section was poorly done as well. Endless chapters about temper tantrums and not nearly enough about what happened with the AI. Ending was disappointing as well. I’m used to Preston and Child who really know to bring stories like this to life and thrilling the reader. I read Dan Simmons The Terror, an over 835 page book that didn’t seem as long as this novella was. Scott Brick narrated well. Glad it was free.
This was my first book by this author. It will be my last. This is supposed to be a thriller. Instead we get hours of domestic drudgery about everything a family does, mom, dad and daughter. Did we need to know when the daughter had to pee? Half the book was over before something finally happened. The action section was poorly done as well. Endless chapters about temper tantrums and not nearly enough about what happened with the AI. Ending was disappointing as well. I’m used to Preston and Child who really know to bring stories like this to life and thrilling the reader. I read Dan Simmons The Terror, an over 835 page book that didn’t seem as long as this novella was. Scott Brick narrated well. Glad it was free.
July 3, 2026
Absurd, cliched, overwrought, and riddled with plot holes.
September 9, 2026
THE DELIVERY (A Novella) by Gregg HurwitzPublication: July 2026 by Thomas & MercerGraded: B+
Gregg Hurwitz delivers a masterful thriller novella (or rather short novel) that is very divergent from his ever popular “Orhan X” series. Rather than featuring Evan Smoak in another rousing adventure where his competence and capability defeats the dastardly forces oppressing the helpless victim, we’re confronted with a family in turmoil. The Higgins family are spiritually defeated and mired in grief after Rebecca has miscarried. Mark is under increasing pressure at work, and both of their lives seem consumed with raising Maddy, their neurodivergent child. Mark’s boss suggests a solution. A new AI personal assistant can be purchased from an emerging tech company. They have to submit DNA swabs to obtain a unit that is tailored to their lifestyle and needs. A box the size of a coffin arrives, but they must “ask it in” to accept “delivery.” (… like a Vampire? ). Their daughter, Maddy, is very accepting and refers to him as “Mr Man.” and her relationship with the machine is very different. At first Mr Man is amazing as he cooks, cleans, runs errands and takes on the burden of taking care of Maddy. However, the humanoid AI is also a learning machine, and soon picks up on the family’s desires , emotions and behaviors. It actually starts to act on their unsaid desires and wishes, without concern for morality or decency. Hurwitz masterfully provides a cautionary tale of what can happen when we outsource our every day lives to media and technology. He explores the effects of losing control and responsibility … into the darker side of convenience and dependence. He explores the danger of social media as it creates villains of those with alternative thoughts and ideas. The AI constructs will always be deficient in interpretation. This would have been an excellent novel with greater character development and only suffers from its brevity. I look forward to reading how Hurwitz further expands his oeuvre .
to be published at Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine.com ....
Gregg Hurwitz delivers a masterful thriller novella (or rather short novel) that is very divergent from his ever popular “Orhan X” series. Rather than featuring Evan Smoak in another rousing adventure where his competence and capability defeats the dastardly forces oppressing the helpless victim, we’re confronted with a family in turmoil. The Higgins family are spiritually defeated and mired in grief after Rebecca has miscarried. Mark is under increasing pressure at work, and both of their lives seem consumed with raising Maddy, their neurodivergent child. Mark’s boss suggests a solution. A new AI personal assistant can be purchased from an emerging tech company. They have to submit DNA swabs to obtain a unit that is tailored to their lifestyle and needs. A box the size of a coffin arrives, but they must “ask it in” to accept “delivery.” (… like a Vampire? ). Their daughter, Maddy, is very accepting and refers to him as “Mr Man.” and her relationship with the machine is very different. At first Mr Man is amazing as he cooks, cleans, runs errands and takes on the burden of taking care of Maddy. However, the humanoid AI is also a learning machine, and soon picks up on the family’s desires , emotions and behaviors. It actually starts to act on their unsaid desires and wishes, without concern for morality or decency. Hurwitz masterfully provides a cautionary tale of what can happen when we outsource our every day lives to media and technology. He explores the effects of losing control and responsibility … into the darker side of convenience and dependence. He explores the danger of social media as it creates villains of those with alternative thoughts and ideas. The AI constructs will always be deficient in interpretation. This would have been an excellent novel with greater character development and only suffers from its brevity. I look forward to reading how Hurwitz further expands his oeuvre .
to be published at Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine.com ....
August 8, 2026
3.5, rounded to 4 for Goodreads.
I liked this. As a primarily SciFi reader, I'm always happy when I see an option for that on Amazon First Reads, and this was an acceptable offering. lol
Story was transparent, but well done. The author managed to build up a bit of mystery/suspense in the beginning despite the fact this a short novella, which was nice. The husband and wife MCs were decent, he more-so then her, as she came across whiny sometimes. It irks me when men write their female lead as...emotionally distraught so often. Really leans on the 'emotional woman" tropes in an unnecessary way. That said, she was tolerable and had some redeeming qualities, so didn't detract from the book too much.
Pacing was quite good, which is always hard in short books, though I don't think the time perspective jumps were needed. It was short and straightforward enough to just go through chronically, no need for the "meeting in the middle" time layout. A straight shot story would have given tit a bit more build up imo.
Premise was clear cut and explored before (helpful droids are maybe not so helpful and also be careful what you wish for), but was done very well. I was impressed that the author managed to curate so much reader engagement while holding off the on the real meat of the plot till the later part of the book! That said, the ending was a bit rough shod, and...not open ended, but all the loose ends were not tied up in the nice bow I personally prefer. It just kind of...tapered off with a "simple solution" that could have been used earlier and all the issues avoided. Still, overall, an enjoyable read. I'd try something by this author again.
I liked this. As a primarily SciFi reader, I'm always happy when I see an option for that on Amazon First Reads, and this was an acceptable offering. lol
Story was transparent, but well done. The author managed to build up a bit of mystery/suspense in the beginning despite the fact this a short novella, which was nice. The husband and wife MCs were decent, he more-so then her, as she came across whiny sometimes. It irks me when men write their female lead as...emotionally distraught so often. Really leans on the 'emotional woman" tropes in an unnecessary way. That said, she was tolerable and had some redeeming qualities, so didn't detract from the book too much.
Pacing was quite good, which is always hard in short books, though I don't think the time perspective jumps were needed. It was short and straightforward enough to just go through chronically, no need for the "meeting in the middle" time layout. A straight shot story would have given tit a bit more build up imo.
Premise was clear cut and explored before (helpful droids are maybe not so helpful and also be careful what you wish for), but was done very well. I was impressed that the author managed to curate so much reader engagement while holding off the on the real meat of the plot till the later part of the book! That said, the ending was a bit rough shod, and...not open ended, but all the loose ends were not tied up in the nice bow I personally prefer. It just kind of...tapered off with a "simple solution" that could have been used earlier and all the issues avoided. Still, overall, an enjoyable read. I'd try something by this author again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 532 reviews