The Perfect Algorithm: a Novella

by Ken Scudero

Dane Gilbert knew he was a great psychiatrist. What else could explain his ability to cure patients to the point they never came back? Life at home was another story...

Dane and his wife, Janie, lived in the wealthy community of Pleasant Lake, NY - a place with more secrets than sunsets. When Janie, an artist, vanishes on the lake after an argument, Dane becomes the top suspect due to his violent past.

In the midst of searching for his wife and proving his innocence, Dane discovers a haunting conspiracy involving artificial intelligence. He ends up on a wild goose chase encountering suspicious neighbors, FBI agents, and a mysterious tech company called Lucas Corp. Dane's own sanity is tested when he questions who he is actually searching for - his wife, the people framing him, or the CEO of Lucas Corp.

Book 1: The Pleasant Lake Mysteries Series

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2025

Reviews

[Blaiz Ferrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great fast read- just 124 pages but it packed so much in. Very different and eerie from anything I've read before.
Thank you Ken for this gifted copy- Can't wait to check out your other work!

[Dan Gerhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book cover to cover the day it came in. One of those rare books that is a gift and a curse. Gift being it’s so entertaining, curse being, you can’t put it down. Clear your day and enjoy. A great story that creates a David Fincher film in your mind. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Sam Veltre · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella delivers a powerful punch in a compact package. At just 124 pages, it's a fast-paced, engaging read that immediately draws you into its unsettling atmosphere. The author skillfully crafts a sense of unease and mystery, creating a story that feels refreshingly different from typical psychological thrillers. The premise – a man trying to prove his innocence after his wife vanishes, while battling memory loss and a strange conspiracy – is compelling and well-executed. While the narrative occasionally felt a touch disjointed, the overall effect is one of suspense and intrigue. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end, and the exploration of artificial intelligence adds a unique and thought-provoking layer to the story. This is a solid four-star read, perfect for anyone who enjoys a quick, intense mystery with a touch of the uncanny

[Jennifer Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Algorithm is a suspenseful pschological thriller. A short and quick read with twists and turns that keep you guessing and just when you think you've got it figured out, guess again!

A husband who's wife disappears under mysterious circumstances, he must prove his innocence, or can he? Was it him? A tech corp conspiracy? UFO's? Who's in on it and who's telling the truth? For such a quick read it had a lot packed into it, which kept me trying to piece together what happened up until the very end. Loved the plot twists and while it felt the main character was all over the place, by the end it all came together.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you Ken, I will definitely be reading more from you.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a quick, intense read that kept me guessing how it was going to turn out. That there was strange stuff going on with protagonist Dane’s wife was obvious from the start. Whether Dane was going to figure it out or convince the authorities it wasn’t him so they would figure it out kept things tense, for Dane and the reader. Dane’s already hard struggles with himself become even harder with this going on. Just when I thought I had it all figured out and things were coming to a head, I found out how wrong I was. Maybe you’ll figure things out better than I did or maybe not. Either way if you’re in to intense thrillers this one delivers.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Bette Reith · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love psychological mysteries, this book is for you. Imagine, you have an argument with your wife, and she goes out in a boat for a bit. You have a slight accident, hit your head, and blackout. When you wake up, your wife is still missing and you are to blame. Nothing makes sense to you, the neighbor is sure that you were involved. How do you prove your innocence, when you can remember what happened. Interesting characters and twists that you might not expect. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of this book.

[Katrina Freckleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not overly enthusiastic about this book as I should be. There were places that had me confused and it wasn’t until I was half way thru that I began to understand what was happening. I think the premise was good and the characters were sound but it chopped around a bit too much for my liking.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nancy Gerhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible!!!

So many twists and turns. I certainly was not expecting the ending. I was actually sad when I got to the last page. I eagerly await the sequel. Mr Scudero please write faster.

[Andy Krahling · Rating 2 out of 5]

On the positive, I liked the cover. On the negative....well, let's just say this didn't work for me. I struggled to get through the 100 pages. Sorry.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from BookSirens, and my review is being left freely.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The perfect algorithm, very interesting book! There are lots of plot twist, conspiracy theories. And a lot to think about. I found myself feeling a little confused reading the book, but that seemed to be the point in the story!

[Hannah Bosworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic little Novella with a twist that I didn't expect to come. Easy to read.
Great introduction to becoming an ARC reader.

[Jules]

DNF

[kaylasreadingdnd · Rating 4 out of 5]

page turner!! loved my first book by this author!!!

[Paige · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept of this book is very creative and unique. It was a quick read. Unfortunately, it missed the mark for me personally. The beginning was a little confusing. Some of the verbs and adjectives seemed to not fit the intended tone of the overall story (the men in this book love to 'giggle' in dire situations).

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.