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Private I
A story of intrigue, romance, murder, and artificial intelligence...
She was almost out, her life of enforced seclusion nearly over. She’d go to college at MITI, make a name for herself in Machine Intelligence (MI), and develop personal MIs to solve the world’s problems by building on the technology her grandfather had secretly invented.
But the house was on fire when Paloma arrived home. Her grandfather, beaten and tortured, lay dead on the floor. Someone knew about Marlowe, Paloma’s MI, and would clearly kill to acquire it. They’d come for her next. They’d come for Marlowe.
Paloma has no choice but to run, at least until she can figure out who is after them. A tech corporation? The government? Anti-tech terrorists? As she encounters each, her grandfather’s arguments about the dangers of a Marlowe-like MI in the wrong hands begin to make sense. But after 15 years together, Marlowe has become both her best friend and, for better or worse, part of who she is.
A new take on classic noir themes, Private I is a mystery thriller rooted in today's headlines and driven by characters with distinct answers to the questions those articles what do we mean by machine consciousness? Would we recognize it if we saw it? Would we want it if we could have it? It is the story of a dead body, a society in decay, and the internal monologue of a voice that is still young enough to care and naive enough to stumble. Of course, in our case, that internal monologue has two voices.
She was almost out, her life of enforced seclusion nearly over. She’d go to college at MITI, make a name for herself in Machine Intelligence (MI), and develop personal MIs to solve the world’s problems by building on the technology her grandfather had secretly invented.
But the house was on fire when Paloma arrived home. Her grandfather, beaten and tortured, lay dead on the floor. Someone knew about Marlowe, Paloma’s MI, and would clearly kill to acquire it. They’d come for her next. They’d come for Marlowe.
Paloma has no choice but to run, at least until she can figure out who is after them. A tech corporation? The government? Anti-tech terrorists? As she encounters each, her grandfather’s arguments about the dangers of a Marlowe-like MI in the wrong hands begin to make sense. But after 15 years together, Marlowe has become both her best friend and, for better or worse, part of who she is.
A new take on classic noir themes, Private I is a mystery thriller rooted in today's headlines and driven by characters with distinct answers to the questions those articles what do we mean by machine consciousness? Would we recognize it if we saw it? Would we want it if we could have it? It is the story of a dead body, a society in decay, and the internal monologue of a voice that is still young enough to care and naive enough to stumble. Of course, in our case, that internal monologue has two voices.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2023
3 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 24, 2025
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
PRIVATE I by Ashlei E. Watson, Jill Fain Lehman & Paul Pangaro is a futuristic sci-fi thriller and murder mystery with a bit of romance featuring a young woman on the run after the murder of her grandfather, but that is the simplistic overview. It also involves many philosophical questions tied to an advanced Machine Intelligence (MI) named Marlowe that her grandfather invented and gave to her as a friend and guide at a young age when she came to live with him.
Ready to leave the rules and strictures of her grandfather’s home, Paloma has graduated and is hoping to attend MIT in the next session. When she comes home after visiting the college, she finds her grandfather murdered and their home on fire. Paloma’s MI, Marlowe, has instructions for an occurrence like this, but Paloma would rather be on the run with Marlowe than destroy her friend of fifteen years. As she tries to figure out who wants the technology enough to kill, Paloma seeks help from some of her grandfather’s friends, but even they seem to have ulterior motives. She does not know who to trust.
Paloma is an interesting protagonist. She is young and seems to have led a sheltered life with Marlowe, but she is also tough and intelligent enough to weave her way through the treachery and lies of the people supposedly trying to help. The dialogue between Paloma and Marlowe was at times entertaining, but it also did a great job of demonstrating Paloma’s complex relationship with a machine that sometimes left her feeling as if she was losing her individual human self. There is some technological discussion and a lot of acronyms that at times I did not understand, but you can skip or not understand the jargon and the main plotline will still pull you in and keep you turning the pages. There is a good mix of action and amateur investigation along with philosophical discussions of humans relying on personal machine intelligence that kept me pondering even after the resolution of the book. The ending was not what I was expecting, but it still satisfied.
I recommend this mash-up sci-fi thriller. It was different for me, and I enjoyed it.
PRIVATE I by Ashlei E. Watson, Jill Fain Lehman & Paul Pangaro is a futuristic sci-fi thriller and murder mystery with a bit of romance featuring a young woman on the run after the murder of her grandfather, but that is the simplistic overview. It also involves many philosophical questions tied to an advanced Machine Intelligence (MI) named Marlowe that her grandfather invented and gave to her as a friend and guide at a young age when she came to live with him.
Ready to leave the rules and strictures of her grandfather’s home, Paloma has graduated and is hoping to attend MIT in the next session. When she comes home after visiting the college, she finds her grandfather murdered and their home on fire. Paloma’s MI, Marlowe, has instructions for an occurrence like this, but Paloma would rather be on the run with Marlowe than destroy her friend of fifteen years. As she tries to figure out who wants the technology enough to kill, Paloma seeks help from some of her grandfather’s friends, but even they seem to have ulterior motives. She does not know who to trust.
Paloma is an interesting protagonist. She is young and seems to have led a sheltered life with Marlowe, but she is also tough and intelligent enough to weave her way through the treachery and lies of the people supposedly trying to help. The dialogue between Paloma and Marlowe was at times entertaining, but it also did a great job of demonstrating Paloma’s complex relationship with a machine that sometimes left her feeling as if she was losing her individual human self. There is some technological discussion and a lot of acronyms that at times I did not understand, but you can skip or not understand the jargon and the main plotline will still pull you in and keep you turning the pages. There is a good mix of action and amateur investigation along with philosophical discussions of humans relying on personal machine intelligence that kept me pondering even after the resolution of the book. The ending was not what I was expecting, but it still satisfied.
I recommend this mash-up sci-fi thriller. It was different for me, and I enjoyed it.
March 27, 2025
If you’re on the hunt for your next great read or you’re just exploring the world of detective fiction, grab this book. The plot will keep you flipping through the pages.
Private I takes place about 20 years from now and Paloma is a tough and determined protagonist who unexpectedly steps into the role of detective after the heartbreaking murder of her grandfather. Right from the start, I was rooting for Paloma as she navigated the threatening dangers of her new life. Watching her kick butt while piecing together the mystery had me on the edge of my seat!
One of the standout "characters" of the book is Marlowe, the AI plugged into Paloma’s ear cuffs. Marlowe's dynamic adds a layer of fun and sparks some engaging conversations about technology’s role in our lives today and what it could look like in the future. It’s an interesting ride as Paloma and Marlowe banter back and forth, providing comic relief amidst the tension of the plot.
The authors did a fantastic job with character development, giving each one a unique feature that enhances the story as you keep wondering who to trust. I found myself glued to the pages, desperate to uncover what was going to happen next.
I have a soft spot for noir mysteries, and this book hits that nostalgic spot while still feeling fresh and exciting. The balance between the old-school detective elements and the slick, high-tech aspects of the storyline is what truly brought the plot to life for me.
And let's not forget the moral dilemmas at play. The story explores the complex relationship between humans and machines, highlighting the good, the bad, and everything in between. It’s a thought-provoking journey that certainly left me contemplating the implications of artificial intelligence in our daily lives.
If you’re ready for a gripping read filled with action, compelling characters, and plenty of food for thought, grab a copy of this unforgettable book. And I just heard there is a sequel in the works. Count me in!
Thank you to the authors for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.
Private I takes place about 20 years from now and Paloma is a tough and determined protagonist who unexpectedly steps into the role of detective after the heartbreaking murder of her grandfather. Right from the start, I was rooting for Paloma as she navigated the threatening dangers of her new life. Watching her kick butt while piecing together the mystery had me on the edge of my seat!
One of the standout "characters" of the book is Marlowe, the AI plugged into Paloma’s ear cuffs. Marlowe's dynamic adds a layer of fun and sparks some engaging conversations about technology’s role in our lives today and what it could look like in the future. It’s an interesting ride as Paloma and Marlowe banter back and forth, providing comic relief amidst the tension of the plot.
The authors did a fantastic job with character development, giving each one a unique feature that enhances the story as you keep wondering who to trust. I found myself glued to the pages, desperate to uncover what was going to happen next.
I have a soft spot for noir mysteries, and this book hits that nostalgic spot while still feeling fresh and exciting. The balance between the old-school detective elements and the slick, high-tech aspects of the storyline is what truly brought the plot to life for me.
And let's not forget the moral dilemmas at play. The story explores the complex relationship between humans and machines, highlighting the good, the bad, and everything in between. It’s a thought-provoking journey that certainly left me contemplating the implications of artificial intelligence in our daily lives.
If you’re ready for a gripping read filled with action, compelling characters, and plenty of food for thought, grab a copy of this unforgettable book. And I just heard there is a sequel in the works. Count me in!
Thank you to the authors for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.
January 13, 2025
This novel is very much a Sci-Fi “almost present day” look at a possible future for humanity. It is notable for its attention to the details of everyday life in that society, with settings and societal elements given appropriate descriptions, names, and acronyms. And thereby hangs a problem.
Excessive acronyms are accurate, even in our time, but they can distract the reader from the meaning of the sentence. A series of letters like FIPAA or MIOPE means a whole lot less than a carefully chosen commercial-sounding name like Fix8tion.
The main modernism the story discusses is the danger of advanced AI, but dealt with on a personal scale. This brings it alive for us, and the book posits a workable solution to the ethical dilemma. A related theme comes from the slowly developing and neatly choreographed “who can I trust?” conflict, which, as in real life, doesn’t get completely solved, leaving us primed for a sequel.
Some of the writing style is not so successful. Long, complex sentences and academic vocabulary will restrict the readership to more educated adults.
A minor point: this book makes an effort to normalize acceptance of various gender roles, some of it successful, some distracting. Using a character who identifies as they/them is reasonable, but it points out the communication problem caused by this new usage. It is a problem with all pronouns to be clear to whom the pronoun is referring, and dealing with a singular pronoun that has traditionally been used for plural means the author must be doubly careful that readers know the antecedent every time “they” is used. Other experiments in pronoun use feel less integral to the plot (“MI pronouns like it, ta, and x?”) and tend to become irritating.
This novel is a tight, emotionally charged discussion of a contemporary problem, with a few distractions that have minor effect on the overall experience. Of special interest to Sci-Fi fans with real-world concerns about AI.
Excessive acronyms are accurate, even in our time, but they can distract the reader from the meaning of the sentence. A series of letters like FIPAA or MIOPE means a whole lot less than a carefully chosen commercial-sounding name like Fix8tion.
The main modernism the story discusses is the danger of advanced AI, but dealt with on a personal scale. This brings it alive for us, and the book posits a workable solution to the ethical dilemma. A related theme comes from the slowly developing and neatly choreographed “who can I trust?” conflict, which, as in real life, doesn’t get completely solved, leaving us primed for a sequel.
Some of the writing style is not so successful. Long, complex sentences and academic vocabulary will restrict the readership to more educated adults.
A minor point: this book makes an effort to normalize acceptance of various gender roles, some of it successful, some distracting. Using a character who identifies as they/them is reasonable, but it points out the communication problem caused by this new usage. It is a problem with all pronouns to be clear to whom the pronoun is referring, and dealing with a singular pronoun that has traditionally been used for plural means the author must be doubly careful that readers know the antecedent every time “they” is used. Other experiments in pronoun use feel less integral to the plot (“MI pronouns like it, ta, and x?”) and tend to become irritating.
This novel is a tight, emotionally charged discussion of a contemporary problem, with a few distractions that have minor effect on the overall experience. Of special interest to Sci-Fi fans with real-world concerns about AI.
February 7, 2025
A riveting thriller
In Private I, the reader is brought into the future, 2040 to be exact. I haven't read anything by these authors before, and what a hidden gem. Paloma tells her story and at first, you are trying to gather all the pieces of what is going on, and why Marlowe is giving her instructions and information, like a whisper in her ear. Then, you understand, somewhat. The first chapter takes place at a memorial service for Dr. Smoller. Though it's a memorial service, much of the conversations is about Machine Intelligence (MI). Marlowe was created by Paloma's grandfather and has been with her since she was a child. There are a lot of nuances, in the story, and it also brings forward the newest technology of artificial intelligence and creating it to be more than a computer program. It is a being, whether it’s a robot, or a fancy machine, it is still an it, but it learns, and becomes more of a human than other humans. This connection with Paloma shows why she doesn't always understand the human side of humanity, and ironically, Marlowe shows Paloma more about humanity and helps her find out the truths that need to be unleashed. This story is a grand suspenseful story. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. This story is amazing! Private I is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
In Private I, the reader is brought into the future, 2040 to be exact. I haven't read anything by these authors before, and what a hidden gem. Paloma tells her story and at first, you are trying to gather all the pieces of what is going on, and why Marlowe is giving her instructions and information, like a whisper in her ear. Then, you understand, somewhat. The first chapter takes place at a memorial service for Dr. Smoller. Though it's a memorial service, much of the conversations is about Machine Intelligence (MI). Marlowe was created by Paloma's grandfather and has been with her since she was a child. There are a lot of nuances, in the story, and it also brings forward the newest technology of artificial intelligence and creating it to be more than a computer program. It is a being, whether it’s a robot, or a fancy machine, it is still an it, but it learns, and becomes more of a human than other humans. This connection with Paloma shows why she doesn't always understand the human side of humanity, and ironically, Marlowe shows Paloma more about humanity and helps her find out the truths that need to be unleashed. This story is a grand suspenseful story. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. This story is amazing! Private I is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
January 29, 2025
I like this story and how the tale unraveled. I'm not a huge Sci-Fi reader but I did enjoy how the authors put things into perspective when it came to finding out who did what. I love the detective part of this story. For me, mysteries are fun when you can follow along from start to finish. Kind of like watching CSI or Law and Order. Paloma and Marlow have to figure out what is going on before someone takes them out. Using the technology and know-how can they do it?
November 30, 2024
This book had me hooked from the first scene, combining the atmosphere of classic detective fiction with timely questions about AI consciousness in a way that felt fresh and exciting. Perfect for readers who love Philip K. Dick or William Gibson but want something more contemporary and character-driven.
December 11, 2024
Private I delivers a thrilling mix of mystery and cutting-edge technology. The novel’s futuristic setting seamlessly blends with a classic detective noir vibe, creating a world that feels both familiar and innovative. The characters are richly drawn, and the plot is packed with twists that keep you guessing!
March 13, 2024
An absolute banger. I swept through it at a record pace, the narrative was super tight, I literally laughed out loud in some parts, the romance was absolutely adorable, and the ai omg the ai - finally someone wrote tech lingo without making it a cringe fest. I NEED the second part.
November 30, 2024
I was captivated by how this book blends traditional noir mystery with cutting-edge AI concepts, making complex tech questions feel surprisingly personal and urgent. I'd recommend it to fans of both sci-fi and detective novels who enjoy stories that make them think while keeping them entertained.
November 18, 2023
This book was really fun! The main characters of Paloma, the hard-boiled young woman forced to be a detective searching for her grandfather's killer, and Marlow, her AI that always resides in the cuffs she wears on her ears, were fascinating. I love the callbacks to old detective noir thrillers mixed in with futuristic details and situations. I really is a great and illuminating read.
November 30, 2024
Just wow! Great great book. Must read.
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November 30, 2024I couldn't put the book down. So gripping!! Must read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews