Could readers like AI books more than ones written by humans?

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The Last Ferry Out is a thriller novel by Andrea Bartz that follows a woman who travels to the tropical island where her partner died, only to discover the death may not have been accidental and that she could be trapped with a killer. The book combines suspenseful plotting with island-set atmosphere and interpersonal tension as the protagonist seeks the truth while confronting danger. Andrea Bartz discusses this book on the episode while also addressing concerns about AI and authorship in publishing. The novel exemplifies Bartz's commercial thriller style, which engages readers with twist-driven narratives and vacation-vibe settings. Its mention serves both as author background and a brief promotional plug near the episode's end.

The hosts discuss 'Shy Girl' as a bestselling self-published horror novel by Mia Ballard that was later acquired by Hachette's Wildfire imprint and then canceled after The New York Times reported evidence suggesting heavy AI use in the manuscript. The episode outlines the book's premise (a young woman held captive and forced to live as a pet before exacting bloody revenge), the community detection of repetitive AI-like phrasing, and the subsequent removal from sale. The conversation covers the author's denial, claims about an editor introducing AI, potential legal action, and broader implications for authors and publishers regarding AI detection and definitions. The hosts frame the incident as the first major traditional-publishing casualty in the emerging debate over AI-assisted writing.