Title: Inkoded

Heat Level: 4/5

Genre/subgenre: Scifi Mystery

Target audience (age group, reader type): Adult

Word count or page count: 87237/280

Release date: Jan-25

Publisher: Sevannah Storm

 

Series info: Inkounter Series #1

 

Short blurb:

Detective Shaw is pissed. His ex is doing his captain, his rookie partner is a stunner, & asking the mafia for help gets him shot. His A.I. mutilation case is going nowhere, & a real murder might be next.

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One-line hooks or taglines:

Killing AI isn’t murder—until it feels like one.
They said AI couldn’t feel. They were wrong.
A detective. A tattoo artist. A killer who erases more than code.
The first AI serial killer is human. Probably.
In Nova City, even machines bleed.
He tattoos joy into machines. Someone carves it back out.
Dead AI. Missing clues. And a rookie partner he can’t ignore.
A cop chasing patterns. A tattooist hiding secrets. A killer blurring the line between man and machine.
When the AI start dying, the city’s darkest truths rise.

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Buy link: https://books2read.com/u/4jvlvl

 

Excerpts:

He found himself blurting out an apology. “Sorry for the bl0wjob remark. Just not used to…partners.” “Women.” She kept her eyes closed as if the day had tested her, too. “Huh?” He allowed his gaze to travel along the arch of her throat, the stubborn tilt to her jaw, and the ruby softness of her lips. “You’re not used to women," she snapped.

Time slowed. The exact shade of pink staining her cheeks, the freckle just below her right eye, the intense passion threading her ragged breathing, and the sweetness of her mouth would remain with him forever. He grabbed her ponytail, tugging her head back.

He collapsed into the closest chair, dropping his face into his hands. Shame hit him hard, burning his cheeks anew. He’d wanted her, relished the feel and taste of her, yet she suffered, drugged with who knew what. Had he been on his game, he’d have noticed sooner, reacted quicker.

He groaned, pressing his hands to the base of her spine, sliding up to grip her between her shoulder blades. He crushed her against him, marveling at her feminine softness, her rose scent, and the sweet, honeyed nectar of her mouth.

“I’m sorry…” She gestured to his gaping uniform. He’d forgotten about it. “Sorry about what?” “Kissing you…” She sniffed. “I’m sorry I needed to be poisoned to gather the courage to kiss you.”

Moaning, she shoved him back, breaking their kiss. She tugged on his uniform, tossing aside his coat and shirt. With his chest bare, she stilled, trailing a feathering touch over each tattoo. “You’re keeping these.” 

 

Reader reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, fast-paced read!
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2025
This is my first time reading a book by Savannah Storm and I'm hooked. Her writing is fast paced, the plot is intelligent and the dialog is witty. I'll be looking for more of her work.

4.0 out of 5 stars Is Killing AI Murder?
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2025
Inkoded is a masterful blend of sci-fi and mystery with just enough heat to keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Discussion or book club questions:

The story opens with the idea that “killing AI isn’t murder.” Do you agree with that sentiment? At what point does an AI become ‘alive’ or worthy of human rights?

Gibson Shaw begins the story jaded and dismissive of AI suffering. How does his attitude evolve over the course of the investigation—and what triggers the change?

Nate Dough uses emotion-altering tattoos to help others feel joy—but through their AI. Is he a healer or a drug dealer in disguise? How do you view his ethical choices?

What role does emotion—real or artificial—play in the story? Can AI truly experience feelings, or is it just mimicry? Does it matter?

The mutilation of AI mimics the cat tattoo. Why do you think the killer fixated on that specific image? What does it symbolize to you?

How does Nova City itself function as a character in the book? Does the setting influence the moral greyness of the characters and their decisions?

The rookie partner dynamic introduces tension for Shaw—both romantically and professionally. How did that relationship affect his arc? Did it humanize him or distract him?

Dough is forced to confront things about himself he never expected. What did you think of his personal journey? Did you trust him?

Were you able to guess the killer’s identity before the reveal? What clues pointed you in the right—or wrong—direction?

This book blurs the lines between man, machine, and morality. After reading it, do you think the future of AI should include emotions—or is it safer if they stay artificial?

If you had an AI assistant, what tattoo would you give it—and why? Would it match your personality or be its own thing?

Nate’s tattoo ink can shift mood. If you could wear an emotion for a day, what would it be—and where would you tattoo it?

Imagine Shaw’s rookie partner wrote a tell-all memoir about him. What would the title be?

You’ve been accused of being an AI in disguise. What human trait would you use to prove you’re real?

You’re solving murders in Nova City—what’s your weapon of choice: a neural scanner, a smart gun, or a snarky AI sidekick?

Which character do you trust the most—and which one would absolutely sell you out to a rogue bot cult?

Nova City is making an ad to promote AI-human coexistence. What’s the slogan? (“Hug a Bot”? “We Feel. We Serve.” “No Circuit Left Behind”?)

Would you let Nate tattoo you if it meant tweaking your mood for a week? Why or why not? What mood would you pick?

Pick your detective duo: Shaw & Dough, Holmes & Watson, or Mulder & Scully? Defend your answer like it’s life or cyber-death.

Be honest: were you rooting more for the mystery to be solved… or for Shaw to fall for his rookie?

 

Hashtags:

#scifimystery #mystery #crimemystery #cyberpunk #futuristic #bookstagram #mysterybooks #crimeaddicts #amreading #bladerunner #booktok

 

Relevant tropes or keywords:

Crime/Mystery
Artificial Intelligence
Rookie partner
Cyberpunk
Futuristic