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A Killer App–an AI mystery
A Killer App
by Linda Lovely
Someone called “The Chameleon” is out to do evil using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Through The Chameleon’s voice we get insight into the creative mind of this computer expert: “My app lets ordinary folks channel their anger and frustration into make-believe violence, thereby obtaining relief and staying out of jail.” But will The Chameleon be satisfied with this goal or take it a step further to actual violence? In the first chapter we become aware of this AI persona, but in subsequent chapters, the reader is gradually introduced to the person behind The Chameleon.
The point of view of the various chapters bounces back and forth between Kylee, a security consultant and retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, The Chameleon, and Grant, the teenage son of Ted Welch who owns Welch HOA Management Company. The whole series is based on real estate properties in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.
As written, the reader gets to see the deranged thinking process in The Chameleon’s mind as well as the way The Chameleon’s actions are interpreted by Kylee and Grant who are actively trying to figure out the crazy things going on in the communities.
Not a fan of AI, I found the first part of the book somewhat confusing, but I think the author did that on purpose so the reader could experience the mystery in the same way the characters did. Although not a funny book, there are lighter moments where the author shares family gatherings and glimpses into some romances. There are humorous quips as well as very dangerous moments, especially for Kylee and Grant.
A Killer App is a decent mystery. It showcases some of the advances in AI (e.g. deepfake) which have the potential to control the minds of those susceptible to manipulation through realistic audio and video.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Mystery
Notes: 1. #3 in An HOA Mystery Series. It could be read as a standalone because there is a helpful list of characters and Homeowner Associations at the beginning of the book and the author introduces them within the text as they appear.
2. Includes a short section of definitions of some AI terms.
3. There is some swearing.
Publication: November 7, 2023—Level Best Books
Memorable Lines:
I’m always shocked by such ugliness in a community where well-off residents have so little to complain about. These people must be successful to afford their homes. Yet they squabble and name-call like kindergarteners.
Grandma’s sort of like Mighty Mouse. She may be tiny enough for a big wind to blow her away, but you better watch out when she blows her stack.
“I never cease to be amazed at how cruel gossips can be—especially when they don’t have to look whoever they’re abusing in the eye.”
The Snow Goose–a story to be treasured
The Snow Goose
by Paul Gallico
Occasionally a story is written that is like a rare and exquisite jewel meant to be held with reverence and examined over and over to absorb the depths of its beauty. For me, that story is Paul Gallico’s novella, The Snow Goose. It was originally written as a short story for The Saturday Evening Post, but Gallico expanded it into a novella that can be cherished for its beautiful language and its emotional impact. It combines the tale of a hunchback with the love of a young girl who brings an injured Canadian snow goose to Rhayader, a recluse who lives in a deserted lighthouse near the village of Chelmbury on the Essex coast. He is an artist and a gentle soul, not at all fitting the image conjured up by the townspeople. When the call comes to rescue the stranded soldiers at Dunkirk, Rhayader has an opportunity to fulfill his potential as a man.
I read this book for my book club. It is only a thirty minute read. Before the meeting I read it again just to immerse myself once more in the beauty of the words, in a tale of love, friendship, and heroism that is such a treasure that you will wish, from deep down in your soul, that it were true. This book is moving, heart-wrenching, and full of magnificent word images. It is a story that will stay with you long after you gently close its pages.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Fiction
Notes: 1. novella
2. I owe a debt of gratitude to the lovely ladies of my book club who contributed to this review through our conversations about The Snow Goose. I think you will find your insights woven into my review.
Publication: First published in 1940—Caramna Corp.
My copy was published in 2018 by Project Gutenberg
Memorable Lines:
Grays and blues and soft greens are the colors, for when the skies are dark in the long winters, the many waters of the beaches and marshes reflect the cold and somber color. But sometimes, with sunrise and sunset, sky and land are aflame with red and golden fire.
Lately it served again as a human habitation. In it there lived a lonely man. His body was warped, but his heart was filled with love for the wild and hunted things. He was ugly to look upon, but he created great beauty. It is about him, and a child who came to know him and see beyond the grotesque form that housed him to what lay within, that this story is told.
With the departure of the snow goose ended the visits of Frith to the lighthouse. Rhayader learned all over again the meaning of the word “loneliness.”
The Cowboy Meets His Match–fake sparks
The Cowboy Meets His Match
by Melinda Curtis
Olivia Monroe has spent two months with Sonny, a sports psychologist, after a disastrous sailboat racing accident that destroyed her self-confidence. When she impulsively kisses handsome former rodeo star Rhett Diaz in front of her cousins, she sets herself and Rhett up for a fake boyfriend scenario which her two business-minded cousins jump on. They offer Rhett a deal. They will help him in his yet undetermined adventure tour company if he will deliver Olivia to her home base of Philadelphia. Sonny accompanies them as they try out various adventure sports like mountain biking and zip lining along the way.
From their first fake kiss, Olivia and Rhett are drawn to each other, but they realize that they are impossibly suited for a long-term relationship. They both are strong-willed and love adventures, but Rhett’s cowboy skills and Olivia’s sailing require very different locations.
The characters are well drawn by the author. Rhett and Olivia are both struggling with the direction of their futures. Sonny is a fun character as he is full of platitudes and advice. Physically he resembles Santa Claus in a motivational T-shirt: he is a walking billboard for positivity with slogans like “Show No Fear” and “Be a Unicorn.” Sonny is recovering from a health scare so food choices on their cross-country trip are a constant, humorous struggle as is his passion for goats!
Relationships change under the pressurized close quarters of travel. Feelings are hurt and reconciliation is needed. Decisions about the future loom large. Compromise seems out-of-reach.
As a Harlequin Heartwarming novel, The Cowboy Meets His Match fulfills its goals of providing the reader with a fun, clean romance. I learned about a lot of adventure tours I never want to personally experience. Author Melinda Curtis created a story that kept me turning pages and left me with smiles and a chuckle at a surprise ending.
I would like to extend my thanks to Melinda Curtis for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Romance
Notes: #7 in The Mountain Monroes, it could be read as a standalone, but reading it in sequence will provide a lot of interesting reading about the various Monroe cousins and the grandfather who binds them together.
Publication: February 1, 2022—Harlequin Heartwarming
Memorable Lines:
Grandpa held a secret the way a colander held water…which was not at all.
This trip was turning into a fresh cowpie on a steep trail.
Sonny snored louder than a revving engine at a tractor pull.
education pathways 