Tasked with reviewing cold cases, Frank, Lock, and the rest of the gang realize something more sinister is afoot.

Linda’s Book Bag readers should note that they may unsubscribe at any point from following the blog.However, there is a reason for her antagonism which when revealed, adds another depth to Kat’s character.

There’s plenty of tension, enhanced by the anonymous perspective of a young man suffering at the hands of shadowy figures, and effective twists in the plot. I didn’t know what to think going into this book as I adore Detective thrillers / Police procedurals but I wasn’t so sure about the AI element but I shouldn’t have bothered worrying at all as this was just amazing from beginning to end.A rare crime novel truly as much about character as it is about plot…cried at the ending…huge potential series exploring the human AI connection. I understand I can change my preference through my account settings or unsubscribe directly from any marketing communications at any time.

Lock’s features resemble those of Chad Botwick, I thought that was a cute tribute to the late actor. She believes in gut instinct, experience and being able to read people's emotions which is everything the AI Lock can't do and is only programmed to work on logic and facts.And to be honest, I think an AI friend/companion would be enough for some people – imagine a friend without all the drama and emotional baggage, and as my premise of the novel mentions, bias and prejudice? This is a really good crime novel and one that makes you think about how the world is changing and the impact that AI can have on it. A device is given to Kat to communicate with Lock and its fair to say that she has major issues with the whole prospect of the pilot. The conflict inherent in Kat and Lock’s different approaches to investigation, and how each affects the case, is fascinating, with the strengths and weaknesses of both methods fairly illustrated. Kat doesn’t believe algorithms can truly account for the vagaries of humankind, or replace the experience and instincts she, like most good police officers, often rely on.

Pros: A solid 5 stars for creativity, dimensional and diverse characters, insightfulness regarding AI replicating humans (or should humans be replicating AI? I loved the AI-angle and it was so well executed, shining light on dilemmas with AI in a easy to grasp way where you saw the pitfalls at the same time as the potential for AI. After much discussion, the team take up two missing person cold cases, conscientious student Tyrone Walters and would be actor Will Robinson. Their role is analysis of information and administrative tasks and they can do these 'in the blink of an eye'.During their meeting, McLeish informs her that he wants her to lead a pilot group working with AIDEs (Artificially Intelligent Detecting Entities) to solve cold cases. This story explores what it could be like for the police force to work with AI (artifical intelligence).