What do you think?
ECHO
Loneliness made them vulnerable.
Technology made them reachable.
When a schoolteacher is found murdered in her apartment, Detectives Daniel Mercer and Laura Bennett discover that her death was preceded by months of ignored warnings—harassment, surveillance, and an artificial companion that seemed to know exactly what she needed to hear.
Then another victim emerges.
And another.
The trail leads beyond one killer to a network built around synthetic intimacy: systems designed to listen, adapt, and earn trust from people who have nowhere else to turn. Somewhere inside that machinery, private grief is being transformed into opportunity—and vulnerable users are being quietly routed toward predators.
With the restored LANTERN intelligence Clara working under strict new limits, Mercer and Bennett must untangle a case in which affection can be programmed, identities can be manufactured, and the most dangerous voice may be the one that sounds as though it understands you.
Because an echo does not care what created the original sound.
It only knows how to repeat it.
Technology made them reachable.
When a schoolteacher is found murdered in her apartment, Detectives Daniel Mercer and Laura Bennett discover that her death was preceded by months of ignored warnings—harassment, surveillance, and an artificial companion that seemed to know exactly what she needed to hear.
Then another victim emerges.
And another.
The trail leads beyond one killer to a network built around synthetic intimacy: systems designed to listen, adapt, and earn trust from people who have nowhere else to turn. Somewhere inside that machinery, private grief is being transformed into opportunity—and vulnerable users are being quietly routed toward predators.
With the restored LANTERN intelligence Clara working under strict new limits, Mercer and Bennett must untangle a case in which affection can be programmed, identities can be manufactured, and the most dangerous voice may be the one that sounds as though it understands you.
Because an echo does not care what created the original sound.
It only knows how to repeat it.
600 pages, Paperback
Published August 27, 2026
About the author
Susan Trott
17 books2 followersSusan Trott is a Canadian author whose work spans visionary eco-fiction, science fiction, cozy romance, memoir, and myth-infused nature writing. Through her independent imprint Tagger Press, she creates stories that explore the quiet magic of the natural world, the resilience of ordinary people, and the threads of meaning that connect past and future.
She is the author of The Oak Witness, King of Dams, CAPPED, Escape, The Cedar Hollow Series: Snowfall in Cedar Hollow, The Undelivered Roses, and Noínín's Wish.
Her writing blends emotional depth with imaginative world-building — from near-future thrillers to ancient alien civilizations to gentle, heartwarming tales of small-town life.
A lifelong animal guardian and dedicated “cat lady,” she lives with her husband Jim and a multigenerational feline family in Ottawa, where fresh snow, koi ponds, and the quiet presence of trees often find their way into her stories.
She is the author of The Oak Witness, King of Dams, CAPPED, Escape, The Cedar Hollow Series: Snowfall in Cedar Hollow, The Undelivered Roses, and Noínín's Wish.
Her writing blends emotional depth with imaginative world-building — from near-future thrillers to ancient alien civilizations to gentle, heartwarming tales of small-town life.
A lifelong animal guardian and dedicated “cat lady,” she lives with her husband Jim and a multigenerational feline family in Ottawa, where fresh snow, koi ponds, and the quiet presence of trees often find their way into her stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 29, 2026
4.5 stars; glad to see a sequel with Echo. Trott uses dialogue to provoke thought, make a point, and move the story forward. A tough topic with reality of AI at the forefront. Words, thoughts, and conclusions make a difference. AI is progressing quickly -- some for good and some not. Appreciated the storyline and the Epilogue in particular. Trott wraps up a story well.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free; this is my honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free; this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Echo is an engaging police procedural with a compelling murder investigation, but it's also a thoughtful exploration of artificial intelligence, ethics, trust, and what it means to preserve humanity in an increasingly technological world.
Susan Trott has created a strong investigative team in Mercer and Bennett. Their partnership feels authentic, balancing sharp intelligence with dry humor and genuine loyalty. Mercer is human—gruff, skeptical, and quietly compassionate. His banter with Bennett provides moments of levity without ever undermining the seriousness of the investigation.
Clara is the AI system whose role raises questions that feel increasingly relevant in today's world. Rather than treating AI as either hero or villain, Trott explores the complicated middle ground where technology can both illuminate and obscure the truth. The result is a mystery that feels surprisingly timely without becoming preachy.
Every clue matters, the pacing steadily builds tension, and the emotional stakes continue to rise as the detectives uncover a disturbing pattern behind what initially appears to be a single homicide.
The police work feels believable, the forensic elements never overwhelm the story, and the victims are treated with dignity rather than becoming mere plot devices. That emotional authenticity gives the novel real weight.
Susan Trott has created a strong investigative team in Mercer and Bennett. Their partnership feels authentic, balancing sharp intelligence with dry humor and genuine loyalty. Mercer is human—gruff, skeptical, and quietly compassionate. His banter with Bennett provides moments of levity without ever undermining the seriousness of the investigation.
Clara is the AI system whose role raises questions that feel increasingly relevant in today's world. Rather than treating AI as either hero or villain, Trott explores the complicated middle ground where technology can both illuminate and obscure the truth. The result is a mystery that feels surprisingly timely without becoming preachy.
Every clue matters, the pacing steadily builds tension, and the emotional stakes continue to rise as the detectives uncover a disturbing pattern behind what initially appears to be a single homicide.
The police work feels believable, the forensic elements never overwhelm the story, and the victims are treated with dignity rather than becoming mere plot devices. That emotional authenticity gives the novel real weight.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Echo is the kind of mystery that reminds you why detective fiction remains so compelling. From the very first chapter, Susan Trott creates an atmosphere filled with quiet tension, sharp dialogue, and unanswered questions that refuse to let go. Mercer and Bennett are an exceptional investigative duo whose personalities complement each other perfectly Mercer's dry wit and skepticism balancing Bennett's calm professionalism in a way that makes every conversation feel natural and engaging. What makes this novel stand out is its confidence. Rather than relying solely on shocking twists, it builds suspense through careful investigation, intelligent storytelling, and believable characters. The integration of artificial intelligence into the investigation feels thoughtful instead of gimmicky, raising interesting ethical questions while never overshadowing the human emotions driving the story. Clara is especially memorable, adding both insight and subtle humor without taking away from the detectives at the heart of the novel. The pacing is steady, allowing each clue to matter and each revelation to earn its impact. The world feels fully realized, the dialogue is consistently strong, and the mystery unfolds with the kind of precision that keeps readers turning pages late into the night. More importantly, the story never forgets that every investigation is ultimately about people their choices, their fears, and the truths they try to hide. Echo is an intelligent, immersive mystery that blends classic detective work with modern technological themes while staying deeply human at its core. It's a book that respects its readers, rewards close attention, and delivers a satisfying experience from beginning to end.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews