A Weaponized Mind

by Bruce M. Perrin

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2026

About the author

Bruce Perrin has been writing for more than 20 years, although you will find most of that work only in professional technical journals or conference proceedings. But, after completing a PhD in Industrial Psychology and a career in psychological R&D, he is now applying his background and fascination with technology and the human mind to writing novels. Besides writing, Bruce likes to tinker with home automation and is an avid hiker, logging nearly 2,500 miles each year in the first two years of Fitbit ownership. When he is not on the trails, he lives with his wife in St. Louis, MO. For a closer look at his writing life, book reviews, and progress on his upcoming works, please join him at www.brucemperrin.blogspot.com.

Reviews

[Judy Johnson]

This book truly kept me guessing. There are plenty of suspects, yet no clear answers in this engaging page-turner. So many possibilities that all seem so plausible, yet all of them also seem so improbable. Wait, what????
A murder takes place, and then the murderer is murdered (that's all I'm gonna spill because it's not a spoiler, but hopefully a hook), and Rebecca Marte, PI, is on the case. Although the book is action-packed, there is even more (riveting) action toward the end that will certainly have you rooting out loud and wondering all the while, what the heck is happening right now and just HOW did we get here?
So, for the answers to all of the above, take the risk, get this book, and I am sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did if you are a fan of murder, mystery, bad guys, good guys, and PIs.
Relatively fast-paced, hard to put down. Take the risk; I think you might just find your new favorite author.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It's not your normal type of investigation and certainly makes you think about the world we live in today and just how much it is changing. Not always for the good, although it makes for entertaining reading.

The story is told by multiple characters. This works well giving you a good coverage from the different perspectives, as the story unfolds. I must admit I didn't think that during one part of the story, near the end, when something happens (nope no spoilers here) and I really wanted to know what happened but the author then gave the perspective of another character and slightly before the indecent, making you wait. Don't worry you don't have too long a wait but if I had been reading a paperback I might have flipped a few pages to see the out come. The mystery is all about the internet and how it can be manipulated. There is a little bit of techno talk and I am not saying I understood it all but it was easy enough to get the gist. There was also a few suspects who got cleared and then ended up right back on the suspect, which kept me guessing who was behind it all. I liked the characters and would join them on another investigation.

When the CEO of a wealth management company, Wilford DeBeer’s is killed on the golf course, the suspect is quickly identified. Before Henry Jansen is arrested he is also killed, the police are happy to close both case but Jensen's young cousin isn't. She wants to know why he did it and hires Private Investigator Rebecca Marte to find answers the police couldn't. Why did Jansen kill DeBeer's ? he wasn't a client and why was he also killed? Somebody close to DeBeer's cleaning house? Rebecca turns to the internet for the connection, instead only finding a list of people who wanted him dead. As she interviews them she being to wonder if she is following the right angle or if she is being led up the garden path. When her questions get a threat directed at both her and her client, she knows she is getting close to answers. Answers that somebody doesn't want her finding.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allow two days, or a very long one, for this twisty, complicated, near-contemporary, laugh-out-loud, psychological, urban AI murder mystery procedural thriller with a touch of romance in Denver, Colorado, beginning in May 2025, involving adults, politics, rescue, a buy-in caddy, a golf meeting, the Denver Water Quality Report, COVID, drugs, a small notebook, a cold case, technology, soft chuckles, the wealth gap, Haters of Wilford DeBeer. Ramen Noodles fees, greed, G-strings, Cherry Creek Shopping Center, three squares a day, model collapse, Multiplicity, Elizabeth Holmes, a professional name, Divine Dress, bots, logistics, puns, libraries, background checks, Bora winds, assumptions, a trap, and a splintered nation.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up A Weaponized Mind expecting a straightforward whodunit, but what I got was a much deeper puzzle. The opening murder grabs your attention immediately, yet the real mystery begins after the shooter is found dead before anyone can learn why he pulled the trigger. I loved following Rebecca Marte as she untangled a web of secrets, half-truths, and unexpected connections. Every answer seemed to open a new door, and I found myself changing my theories more than once. If you enjoy mysteries where the biggest question isn't who did it but why, this one is well worth your time.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read written by Bruce M. Perrin; I can’t wait to read more of his books.

He has written a good stand-alone book. The story is about PI Rebecca; Lauren hired her to investigate the murders of Wilford DeBeer & her cousin, Henry Jansen. Henry killed Wilford but nobody can figure out why after he was also found dead.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. This one quickly pulled me in and kept me turning pages. I found this to be a great escape and will be watching for more books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Willow Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I enjoyed it a lot. It was a good fun read! 5 stars!