The Book Case: Episode Summary Title: Stacey Abrams Makes AI a Murder Suspect
Hosts: Charlie Gibson, Kate Gibson
Release Date: July 24, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode titled "Stacey Abrams Makes AI a Murder Suspect" delves into the literary endeavors of Stacey Abrams beyond her prominent role in politics. Hosts Charlie and Kate Gibson welcome Abrams to discuss her latest work in the mystery genre, highlighting her innovative integration of artificial intelligence (AI) as a central element in her storytelling.

2. Guest Profile: Stacey Abrams

Stacey Abrams is predominantly recognized for her influential political career, including her tenure as the minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives and her two gubernatorial campaigns in Georgia. Beyond politics, Abrams is an accomplished author, having penned several novels across different genres.

Kate: "Stacey Abrams is well known in the political world... she's been very outspoken about organizing voting rights... and she writes novels and she writes good ones." ([00:41])

3. Discussion on 'Coded Justice'

Abrams introduces her latest novel, "Coded Justice," the third installment in the Avery Keene series. The book pivots from traditional mystery narratives by positing AI as a potential perpetrator in a high-stakes murder investigation within a healthcare company.

Abrams: "This is really a topic I didn't understand. AI is this extraordinary tool for learning, for gathering information, for synthesizing ideas." ([13:59])

4. Themes of AI in the Novel

The novel explores the duality of AI—its potential benefits and inherent dangers. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, Abrams questions what safeguards are necessary to prevent AI from overstepping ethical boundaries.

Charlie: "AI can do in an instant what could take weeks or months. That is a miraculous thing... but we are refusing to govern, we are refusing to regulate." ([15:06])

Abrams emphasizes the concept of AI "hallucinations," where AI systems generate false information when lacking sufficient data, mirroring deceptive human behaviors.

Abrams: "When you're an AI model, it's called hallucination." ([12:45])

5. Writing Process and Research on AI

To authentically portray AI in her novel, Abrams undertook extensive research, including reading works like "The Coming Wave" by Mustafa Suleiman and completing a short course on AI from MIT. Her approach combines curiosity with a critical eye on the implications of AI in societal structures.

Abrams: "I entered it with curiosity, with a little trepidation, just because it's such a complicated topic." ([13:59])

6. Separation of Names and Pseudonyms

Abrams has authored novels under the pseudonym Selena Montgomery to differentiate her romance writings from her political and legal publications. This separation ensures her diverse literary works reach their intended audiences without bias.

Charlie: "Selena Montgomery had to exist for romance to be in the world, and Stacey Abrams got to be the tax policy writer." ([21:30])

7. Future Works

Abrams confirmed that the Avery Keene series will continue beyond "Coded Justice," with at least two more installments planned. She aims to further explore the complexities of AI and its impact on human lives through her storytelling.

Charlie: "She is. As of actually this week. Doubleday has said that Avery has at least two more stories in her." ([24:08])

8. Rapid Fire Questions

In a segment of rapid-fire questions, Abrams shares insights into her reading preferences and personal inspirations:

• Favorite Book: "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Jester.
• Best Presidential Biography: Robert Caro's compendium on Lyndon B. Johnson.
• Reading Habits: Reads both fiction and non-fiction simultaneously, utilizing bookmarks or memorizing page numbers.
• Influential Teachers: Her parents, who instilled a love for learning and resilience.

Charlie: "The first book I remember reading on my own was Helen Keller, the Story of My Life." ([27:37])

Key Takeaways

• Innovative Storytelling: Stacey Abrams successfully integrates AI into the mystery genre, offering a fresh perspective that challenges traditional narratives.
• Extensive Research: Her dedication to understanding AI ensures a credible and thought-provoking depiction of technology's role in society.
• Literary Diversity: By using a pseudonym, Abrams adeptly navigates multiple genres, broadening her literary influence.
• Future Endeavors: The continuation of the Avery Keene series promises further exploration of complex themes surrounding AI and justice.

Notable Quotes

• "Having been in politics for too long, what can be a tool for us can also be a weapon against us." — Stacey Abrams ([10:14])
• "Regulation does not mean stopping. Regulation means questioning." — Charlie ([16:08])

Conclusion

This episode of The Book Case offers an insightful exploration into Stacey Abrams' foray into mystery writing, underscored by her profound understanding of AI and its societal implications. Through "Coded Justice," Abrams not only entertains but also provokes critical thought on the ethical dimensions of technological advancements.