AI and Intrigue Collide in a New Sci-Fi Mystery Thriller

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

As artificial intelligence continues to transform our daily lives, the boundaries between human and machine consciousness become increasingly blurred. The novel Private I delves into these emerging realities, weaving a story of love, betrayal, and ethics in a world shaped by advanced machine intelligence. Co-authored by Jill Fain Lehman, PhD, a senior scientist at Carnegie Mellon University with over 40 years of experience in artificial intelligence, Private I brings a rich blend of technological expertise and narrative depth.

Set in a near-future society, Private I follows Paloma Simonetta, a young woman investigating the murder of her grandfather Nico. Her unlikely companion in this quest is Marlowe, an advanced machine intelligence (MI) created by Nico himself. Marlowe is not your average AI—it is deeply personalized, modeled to understand Paloma's unique psyche and act as her guide. Through this dynamic, the novel explores the profound questions of trust, autonomy, and the implications of human-like machines.

In a conversation about her vision for the book, Jill Fain Lehman shared her insights into the potential and perils of AI. "We wanted to create a story that asks readers to think about the kinds of relationships they might have with AI in the future," Lehman explained. "Do we want these machines to merely assist us, or do we want them to play a more intimate role in our lives? What happens when they begin to feel indispensable?”

Lehman also spoke about the inspiration for Marlowe, the AI central to the story. "Marlowe represents the kind of AI I believe we could create if we focused on making machines deeply personal rather than general-purpose. Unlike large language models trained on massive public datasets, Marlowe is a reflection of Paloma—her thoughts, her habits, her experiences. It’s not just a tool; it’s a mirror."

Written in the style of classic noir, the novel is as much about its central mystery as it is about the ethical challenges AI introduces. "We were inspired by the great noir detectives like Sam Spade," Lehman noted. "But instead of a grizzled gumshoe, we have a young woman and her machine intelligence working together. It’s a modern twist on a timeless genre."

Lehman also emphasized the philosophical undertones of the story, particularly around trust and accountability. "One of the key themes of Private I is the importance of trust in relationships—whether between humans or between humans and machines. In the story, we even imagined legislation, the Machine Intelligence Self-Identification Act, which requires AI to disclose its identity and seek permission before interacting with people. It’s a way of ensuring transparency in a world where these systems become more convincing and pervasive."

Beyond its engaging plot, Private I serves as a thought experiment about the societal and personal impact of intelligent machines. "We hope readers will come away from the book questioning their own expectations for AI," Lehman said. "Do we want machines to think like us, or is it more important that they think differently? And what does it mean to rely on a machine for emotional or moral guidance?"

The book is also deeply personal, reflecting Lehman’s decades of work in artificial intelligence. "I’ve been fascinated by language and human interaction my entire career," she shared. "This story allowed me to explore those ideas in a way that’s accessible and entertaining. It’s not just about AI; it’s about what it means to be human."

Private I offers a gripping narrative that blends edge-of-your-seat mystery with profound questions about the future of AI and humanity. For fans of speculative fiction, tech thrillers, and thought-provoking stories, it’s a compelling exploration of a world that feels both distant and eerily close.

Available now on Amazon, Private I invites readers to step into a near-future where the lines between humans and machines blur in unexpected ways. “We wanted to create a story that lingers with readers,” Lehman said. “It’s not just about solving a mystery—it’s about asking the big questions about where we’re headed as a society.”

If you’re intrigued by the evolving role of AI in our lives, Private I deserves a spot on your reading list.