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jessica_reading_writing's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
I have a strange love/hate relationship with crime thrillers. On the one hand, I love them (especially Chris Carter) because of the murder plots and graphic crime scenes. But then I hate them because I find the majority of crime thrillers to all be the same.
I saw this and was drawn in by the cover. Then I read the blurb and I thought an AI detective sounded pretty cool. I had no expectations tbh.
I was pleasantly surprised. The female MC, Kat, was actually really likable but it's her interaction with Locke, the handsome male AI detective that really sold it for me. I know he's not real but they had chemistry and not in a s*xual way.
The writing was easy to read, unlike some crime thrillers I find and I enjoyed reading about every aspect of the case and how the humans and AI detectives had to work together.
I had a small issue with the plot itself. It got a bit "really?" at one point but overall I really loved this book and will be reading the second book in the series which apparently is already out.
Recommended for crime thrillers lover who fancy reading something a little different.
I have a strange love/hate relationship with crime thrillers. On the one hand, I love them (especially Chris Carter) because of the murder plots and graphic crime scenes. But then I hate them because I find the majority of crime thrillers to all be the same.
I saw this and was drawn in by the cover. Then I read the blurb and I thought an AI detective sounded pretty cool. I had no expectations tbh.
I was pleasantly surprised. The female MC, Kat, was actually really likable but it's her interaction with Locke, the handsome male AI detective that really sold it for me. I know he's not real but they had chemistry and not in a s*xual way.
The writing was easy to read, unlike some crime thrillers I find and I enjoyed reading about every aspect of the case and how the humans and AI detectives had to work together.
I had a small issue with the plot itself. It got a bit "really?" at one point but overall I really loved this book and will be reading the second book in the series which apparently is already out.
Recommended for crime thrillers lover who fancy reading something a little different.
tamisiobhan's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 rating.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author. I was drawn in straight away, I believe I read this within 2 days. I love detective stories. But I’ve never read anything that has included artificial intelligence. Having these two intertwined throughout was great to read. The author has written this so well, and I felt there was a sensitiveness about how the author has written in the cancer element too. I want to go back to the authors' previous books and already cannot wait to see what is in store for the future.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author. I was drawn in straight away, I believe I read this within 2 days. I love detective stories. But I’ve never read anything that has included artificial intelligence. Having these two intertwined throughout was great to read. The author has written this so well, and I felt there was a sensitiveness about how the author has written in the cancer element too. I want to go back to the authors' previous books and already cannot wait to see what is in store for the future.
scknitter's review against another edition
4.0
In The Blink of An Eye is an outstanding police procedural with two main detectives. One is human and the other is AI. Surprisingly, the AI detective wasn’t as farfetched as one might believe. Afterall, we currently have no problems asking Alexis all sorts of things. The interactions with AI Det. Locke were often hilarious and also informative. It was definitely a great start to a new series and perhaps a preview of the future of policing.
anthousainephelei's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
orangeyouglad's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jhews's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
paradise_library's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Just wow. Much as I love a crime novel, the market is flooded and it’s hard to find one that really stands out. Enter Jo Callaghan.
In her book, In the Blink of an Eye, we are introduced to the usual tetchy female detective Kat, who returns to work and is given a new partner: AIDE (Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity) Lock. Unsurprisingly, Kat is far from impressed, as she knows that human intuition is imperative in police work.
I’m still thinking about this book. It’s such a fresh idea and worked fantastically. We see the incredible power of AI in reviewing case notes, researching ideas and trawling social media for clues at the same time we see that compassion, gut feelings and empathy are still important.
The development of AIDE Lock as the technology learns how to act more ‘human’ is fascinating. I am no expert, but it seemed realistic in its design and application, especially the relationship that develops between Lock and Kat as time goes by.
It’s also interesting to see how Kat’s son reacts and interacts with Lock, something that seems to mend their fractured relationship as they share this bizarre experience together. Professor Okonedo also adds to the dynamic, providing additional insight into police procedure and how they work with other organisations. Her own history really adds to the story as we see the issues that remain within many institutions in the UK.
Outside of the technological marvel, there is a strong crime story with good characters, and events that are sad, shocking and surprising; at times we all but forget Lock is not human, until he acts in a particularly unfeeling, robotic way towards someone who has just received bad news. The dynamic is incredible, but also makes you wonder just what will happen in the future as technology continues to evolve.
This book is well-written, fast paced and gripping. An absolutely astounding debut.
I’m so glad that this is the start of a series and am looking forward to seeing this unique partnership flourish and flounder in the next book.
In her book, In the Blink of an Eye, we are introduced to the usual tetchy female detective Kat, who returns to work and is given a new partner: AIDE (Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity) Lock. Unsurprisingly, Kat is far from impressed, as she knows that human intuition is imperative in police work.
I’m still thinking about this book. It’s such a fresh idea and worked fantastically. We see the incredible power of AI in reviewing case notes, researching ideas and trawling social media for clues at the same time we see that compassion, gut feelings and empathy are still important.
The development of AIDE Lock as the technology learns how to act more ‘human’ is fascinating. I am no expert, but it seemed realistic in its design and application, especially the relationship that develops between Lock and Kat as time goes by.
It’s also interesting to see how Kat’s son reacts and interacts with Lock, something that seems to mend their fractured relationship as they share this bizarre experience together. Professor Okonedo also adds to the dynamic, providing additional insight into police procedure and how they work with other organisations. Her own history really adds to the story as we see the issues that remain within many institutions in the UK.
Outside of the technological marvel, there is a strong crime story with good characters, and events that are sad, shocking and surprising; at times we all but forget Lock is not human, until he acts in a particularly unfeeling, robotic way towards someone who has just received bad news. The dynamic is incredible, but also makes you wonder just what will happen in the future as technology continues to evolve.
This book is well-written, fast paced and gripping. An absolutely astounding debut.
I’m so glad that this is the start of a series and am looking forward to seeing this unique partnership flourish and flounder in the next book.
tinkerbellle23's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
ghiblireads's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed this book! It was a unique twist on a generic detective mystery with a lot of interesting elements. The AI plot was kind of crazy but so intriguing and well written. There was a lot of information but it wasn’t overloading. It was a little scary to imagine this in real life - AI is advancing and things like this don’t feel too unrealistic nowadays. It was fast paced and I liked the interview transcripts. It was easy to read and hard to put down. I found it pretty funny at times too. I loved the characters so much - especially Kat and Lock. Their dynamic was a lot of fun. It was great following them working together and seeing how their opinions changed throughout the book. It’s hard for me to remember that Lock is an AI because the author wrote him really well and with personality. The side characters were great too. I particularly liked Browne. I liked the moral debates and the battle between humanity and machine. There was a lot social commentary too, especially on diversity and corruption within the police force. The plot was both complex and a little predictable. It did surprise me at times but I had the majority of it figured out by the half way point. The details and some of the reveals were shocking and I enjoyed them. Was it maybe a little unrealistic and over the top? Yes, but I was okay with that. I will definitely be continuing with this series.
lolasim's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
so satisfying