The title of the newsletter says it all. The reasons why are numerous. And it goes well beyond the worry about AI coming to life and killing all humanity, like in Science Fiction. My first concern is a big one. One I see when I use a search engine. Toward the bottom, the notation: AI Can Make Mistakes! Imagine that!! This goes back to the old computer adage: Garbage in, garbage out! Bad data will mean bad results. AI is out there gobbling up every ounce of data it can, and in the process, the data it reads can be wrong, inaccurate, or biased. Large corporations are trying to take control of AI for their own greedy needs. Using it to replace people in the workplace, to increase profits. This is already happening at large tech firms like Microsoft. And the same can be said of those in the political world. They want to have control. Bending and shaping AI to change the narrative to what fits their political agenda and point of view. In many cases, feeding outright lies into the algorithm. And when questions arise about their narrative being wrong, these politicians shut down the conversation without debate. This type of control without safeguards is dangerous and just plain wrong, and can’t be allowed.
Computers aren’t free thinkers like humans. A computer has no soul. No heart. No emotion. It makes decisions with the data it has on hand and what it’s been programmed to do. This leaves the results in the hands of those managing the data and the programming. And the data can be weighed on relevance. Those in charge have the ability to push the data they don’t like to the bottom of the pecking order. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) does this every day and can be easily manipulated. We can’t take hard-working people and their individual thoughts out of the equation. Eliminating the need for their creative juices and out-of-the-box thinking. Eliminating the need and demand, and at the same time eliminating jobs which people need to live. Businesses will make more money for their corporate heads and shareholders, but will lose the individuality, uniqueness, and diversity that make this world great. And a silicon-based machine with peta-bytes and soon to be exa-bytes of data can’t match what we as humans can create.
For authors and other creative artists, this has been devastating. There are companies out there stealing authors’ books and feeding their words into AI, in an attempt to teach AI how to write a book. Lawsuits have been filed to stop this practice, but the cat is out of the bag, for AI has already had the author’s works uploaded. A financial settlement will eventually happen, but it won’t correct the damage done, which we’re already seeing. Authors are being accused of using AI to write their work, with AI being used to evaluate. This is happening with other artists and in the scholastic world. The catch-22 is that AI has absorbed all this data written by many and then looks at someone’s written words and rates the work on whether AI was used. AI is the thief, and now it’s also the accuser. If unbiased controls aren’t put in place, the long-lasting effects will be devastating.
Two years ago, I pledged to my readers never to use AI to write any work I publish. This goes for my books, my newsletter, and my website. Every word is my own, though I do have help from my editor with my books, who is a real flesh-and-blood person. With this pledge, I’m proud to announce that book 2 in the Steel Wheels Cold Mystery, Justice for the Accused, has been sent off to my beta readers. Once I get their feedback, I’ll do a few more revisions and then send it off to my editor, Tina, for her magic touch. I feel the story has come together nicely, bringing back both Donnie Steel and Kogel for another wild adventure. The story takes place in Minnesota and involves the year-old murder of a woman, her retired Army Ranger boyfriend, the prime suspect. Next month, I’ll have more information, including a synopsis, news about the cover, and maybe a preview chapter link.
The audiobook for Sold Souls: The Divine Devils Book 3 is coming along nicely. Philip Polite, who did the first two audiobooks in the Divine Devils series, has returned to produce book 3 and Divine Retribution: The Final Chapter. Below, I’ve embedded the Sold Souls Prologue for you to listen to. Be advised, this book does deal with human trafficking. If this is a trigger, you should avoid listening to the narration.
A reminder, book 11 in the Jarvis Mann PI series is now available. Mayhem in Music City takes our main protagonist to Nashville, hired to protect the country music duo, Rule of Law. The book is available on Amazon in eBook, paperback, and Kindle Unlimited. Signed paperbacks can be purchased at the Book Store on my Website. Below are more 5-Star reviews of Mayhem in Music City.
Jarvis Mann is back and in good form. His friend, Sam, contacts him to help protect the music duo of Rule of Law – KC and Boone. In Music City where it’s hard to sort truth from lie, it’s not surprising that the happy couple is anything but when the cameras stop rolling. Add in the threats, twists and surprises, and the steady pace, and prepare to stay up late to finish the book. Once again, Weir packs a lot into each chapter with as steady pace and high tension. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the setting descriptions sound true-to-life. Anyone who enjoys a thriller, will enjoy this one – Christa
This installment is fast-paced and gritty, with a case that escalates quickly and keeps the tension high. The pacing works especially well here; there’s very little downtime, and each development feels purposeful rather than thrown in for shock value. The Nashville setting adds atmosphere without distracting from the investigation itself. What really anchors the story, though, is Jarvis Mann. He’s tough, capable, and experienced, but not invulnerable, and that balance keeps the stakes feeling real. The supporting characters feel grounded rather than exaggerated, which helps the twists land more effectively – Gina
I still have a backlog of books on the shelf I’m trying to clear out, since I ordered too many for the Tucson Festival of Books. At my Online Book Store, I’m offering a 20% Discount on all paperbacks. Just type: Tucson in the Coupon Code Field when checking out to get the discount. This is good for orders for shipping in the US only. All books are shipped via USPS and signed personally by me!! No AI is involved. LOL!!
Thanks to everyone who’s been watching and listening to my vodcast, Bringing Life To Characters. I’ve had some fabulous guests for all 68 episodes, with many more in the pipeline. You can watch and listen on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, and Apple Podcasts.
Though it was a slow event, I did have several people stop by my table at the Art and Author Showcase last month. Here are two pictures of book buyers. Thanks to everyone who came out to support all the artisans.
I have one event in May, held at Library 21C in Colorado Springs on May 16th. If you live in the area, I hope you’ll stop by. Eighty-two wonderful local authors will be on hand to talk and sell their books to voracious readers.
This month, I have several more Book Funnel links where you can find eBooks for free, discounted, or on Kindle Unlimited. Here’s a chance to find your next great read.
Detective Police Thriller has 18 free eBooks until May 21st via this link.
Box Sets and Anthologies May 2026 has 23 bundle packs of books at a great price until May 31st via this link.
May Crime Stories Kindle Unlimited has 29 books available on Kindle Unlimited until May 31st via this link.
Detective Stories and Hardboiled Crime with 27 free eBooks until May 31st via this link.
Enter the Mind of a Killer has 66 free eBooks until May 31st via this link.
Edge of Your Seat Promo – May has 26 eBooks to discover until May 30th via this link.
KU MYSTERY & THRILLERS BOX SET PROMO with 13 Kindle Unlimited book sets until May 30th via this link.
Find your next favourite author! with 34 free eBooks available until Dec 31st via this link.
YEAR-LONG Mystery Newsletter Builder with 74 free eBooks until Dec 31st via this link.
2026 All-Year Crossover Promo (Thriller/Horror/Sci-fi) with 90 free eBooks until Jan 1st 2027 via this link.
When we travel in our motorhome, Kim can work remotely. I’ve been searching for a better option for her workspace. One that provides her a little more comfort and ergonomics. After a lot of research, I found a LiftSync Mobile Desk. This desk fits in the space where our breakfast table sits, the table easily removed and set aside. The LiftSync Mobile Desk Tilts, raises and lowers, and folds up flat for easy storage when traveling or not in use. The flexibility is great, and she loves it. Here is a picture of her setup.
Thanks for reading and sharing this newsletter with family, friends, and any book lovers you know. A reminder, anyone who signs up to receive this newsletter will get an offer for two free eBooks. If you signed up and didn’t receive the notice, send me an email, and I’ll email you the link to download them via Book Funnel.
All the best!!
R. Weir