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Assume Nothing: A Thriller
For a brilliant detective and an avid mystery reader, truth really is stranger—and deadlier—than fiction in a suspenseful and wickedly entertaining novel about the games killers play.
Kat McCann was six years old when renowned Austrian detective Alik Lisser solved her mother’s murder. And unfortunately proved Kat’s father as the culprit.
A decade later Kat is still obsessed with the heroic criminologist. She’s also addicted to the bestselling novels inspired by Alik’s ingenious deductions—penned by the grande dame of whodunits, who’s a bit of a mystery herself. Kat has devoured them all. Even the one based on her father’s crime.
When Kat and Alik fatefully cross paths again, a friendship evolves, and Alik is delighted to share the secrets of his success with such an eager and clever girl by inviting Kat to solve a murder of her very own. One that challenges everything Kat believes about the detective, an elusive author, and Kat’s notorious past.
Now, as fact and fiction and truth and deception collide, it’s all Kat can do to survive the shocking twist ending to her own life story.
Kat McCann was six years old when renowned Austrian detective Alik Lisser solved her mother’s murder. And unfortunately proved Kat’s father as the culprit.
A decade later Kat is still obsessed with the heroic criminologist. She’s also addicted to the bestselling novels inspired by Alik’s ingenious deductions—penned by the grande dame of whodunits, who’s a bit of a mystery herself. Kat has devoured them all. Even the one based on her father’s crime.
When Kat and Alik fatefully cross paths again, a friendship evolves, and Alik is delighted to share the secrets of his success with such an eager and clever girl by inviting Kat to solve a murder of her very own. One that challenges everything Kat believes about the detective, an elusive author, and Kat’s notorious past.
Now, as fact and fiction and truth and deception collide, it’s all Kat can do to survive the shocking twist ending to her own life story.
287 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2024
234 people are currently reading
5440 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
December 23, 2024
With a ‘90s vibe, eccentric characters, and one doozy of a twist, Assume Nothing was the definition of a quick, easy read. Let me, however, start at the beginning… Ostensibly geared for adults, this original plot came across more as a YA mystery to my thriller loving eye. Nevertheless, the compelling storyline and dynamite character arc meant for an intriguing read from the slow burn start to the well-plotted somewhat cliffhanger end. All told, I did enjoy this one—even if there were quite a few issues for me.
My biggest pet peeves with this serial killer yarn, however, were mostly due to the inconsistencies within the writing. From long run-on sentences and lack of chapters to the unnecessary descriptions, I found myself skimming altogether more than I would’ve liked. And while I loved the interplay between the two central characters, the entire premise required quite the suspension of all disbelief. The biggest problem for me, though was with Kat. At times wholly immature, the idea that she could ever enact what occurred in the plot verged into the absurd.
Despite all of the above, though, I did race through this book in just a matter of hours. Coming in at just under 290 pages, the nostalgic time period, even pace, and fun mixed media format meant for a mostly rollicking good time. After all, if you also came of age in the ‘90s, you’re going to love the AOL IMs that were scattered throughout. All in all, I did mostly enjoy this one from the character you’ll love to hate to the metafiction feel despite its apparent flaws. Just be prepared for a YA mystery and not a fast-paced thriller meant for adults. As long as you do, this mental game of chess might entertain you as well. Rating of 3 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
In 1985, Kat McCann was six years old when renowned Austrian detective Alik Lisser solved her mother’s murder. And unfortunately proved Kat’s father as the culprit.
Ten years later Kat is still obsessed with the heroic criminologist. She’s also addicted to the bestselling novels inspired by Alik’s ingenious deductions―penned by the grande dame of whodunits, who’s a bit of a mystery herself. Kat has devoured them all. Even the one based on her father’s crime.
When Kat and Alik fatefully cross paths again, a friendship evolves, and Alik is delighted to share the secrets of his success with such an eager and clever girl by inviting Kat to solve a murder of her very own. One that challenges everything Kat believes about the detective, an elusive author, and Kat’s notorious past.
Now, as fact and fiction and truth and deception collide, it’s all Kat can do to survive the shocking twist ending to her own life story.
Thank you to Joshua Corin, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 10, 2024
Trigger warning: domestic violence, social anxiety
My biggest pet peeves with this serial killer yarn, however, were mostly due to the inconsistencies within the writing. From long run-on sentences and lack of chapters to the unnecessary descriptions, I found myself skimming altogether more than I would’ve liked. And while I loved the interplay between the two central characters, the entire premise required quite the suspension of all disbelief. The biggest problem for me, though was with Kat. At times wholly immature, the idea that she could ever enact what occurred in the plot verged into the absurd.
Despite all of the above, though, I did race through this book in just a matter of hours. Coming in at just under 290 pages, the nostalgic time period, even pace, and fun mixed media format meant for a mostly rollicking good time. After all, if you also came of age in the ‘90s, you’re going to love the AOL IMs that were scattered throughout. All in all, I did mostly enjoy this one from the character you’ll love to hate to the metafiction feel despite its apparent flaws. Just be prepared for a YA mystery and not a fast-paced thriller meant for adults. As long as you do, this mental game of chess might entertain you as well. Rating of 3 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
In 1985, Kat McCann was six years old when renowned Austrian detective Alik Lisser solved her mother’s murder. And unfortunately proved Kat’s father as the culprit.
Ten years later Kat is still obsessed with the heroic criminologist. She’s also addicted to the bestselling novels inspired by Alik’s ingenious deductions―penned by the grande dame of whodunits, who’s a bit of a mystery herself. Kat has devoured them all. Even the one based on her father’s crime.
When Kat and Alik fatefully cross paths again, a friendship evolves, and Alik is delighted to share the secrets of his success with such an eager and clever girl by inviting Kat to solve a murder of her very own. One that challenges everything Kat believes about the detective, an elusive author, and Kat’s notorious past.
Now, as fact and fiction and truth and deception collide, it’s all Kat can do to survive the shocking twist ending to her own life story.
Thank you to Joshua Corin, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 10, 2024
Trigger warning: domestic violence, social anxiety
September 29, 2024
*this ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I enjoyed this book a lot! The main character and narrator, Kat, is so endearing and the time period was nostalgic and fun (RIP AOL). It was an easy read, and the writing style felt very organic and like I was listening to how someone would speak. I agree with the other review that I would have liked it to have been split into actual chapters, but that is more of a personal preference than an actual critique.
Overall, I enjoyed the plot, it was original and fun to follow, and Kat’s character could have been me or any of my friends back then. Though some of the actual verbiage was a tad repetitive, I was excited to see how it would end. It was a great way to spend the weekend.
I enjoyed this book a lot! The main character and narrator, Kat, is so endearing and the time period was nostalgic and fun (RIP AOL). It was an easy read, and the writing style felt very organic and like I was listening to how someone would speak. I agree with the other review that I would have liked it to have been split into actual chapters, but that is more of a personal preference than an actual critique.
Overall, I enjoyed the plot, it was original and fun to follow, and Kat’s character could have been me or any of my friends back then. Though some of the actual verbiage was a tad repetitive, I was excited to see how it would end. It was a great way to spend the weekend.
January 1, 2025
Down to the wire with one more for ‘24, rounding up from 3.5 stars
February 16, 2025
3.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ .25 stars! Thank you to NetGalley for the arc and alc! This story follows Kat, whose life was shattered when her father was convicted of her mother's murder, a case solved by the brilliant detective Alik Lisser. Years later, Kat meets Lisser and forms a surprising friendship, but things aren't as simple as they seem. This was a fun read that I recommend.
December 7, 2024
Arc provided by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer. This did not influence my review.
This short novel follows the story of Kat, a young teenager living with her aunt, who is obsessed with mystery novels by a mysterious author called Carissa Miller. What makes her special from all her author fan club chat site friends is that a character from the novels was inspired by her. In fact, Carissa Miller had written a murder mystery inspired by the murder of her mother- and her father who was convicted of that crime.
She becomes particularly close to a university student named Dev from the chat site and one day, when the chance to meet the real life detective who inspired Carissa Miller (and solved the murder of Kat’s mother) is given to her, she takes it. They go together to meet Alik Lisser and listen to his talk on criminology at Harvard. Kat however had other motivations than just fangirling over the real life detective.
In reality, the discovery of the murderer did not liberate Kat from guilt or stop her from wondering. After her father refused to admit he killed her mother, Kat has been wondering if the police got it all wrong. Her chance to ask Alik Lisser this question never comes, however, as her anxiety makes her unable to muster up the courage to go and talk to him.
But God is on her side as later on Alik Lisser calls her and a chance of a lifetime is given to her.
Now onto some technicalities for the mystery aspect. I think it was very obvious (for me I suppose because I read so much I noticed a lot of foreshadowing) which is why I didn’t rate this any higher. Obviously, I think I understand this is YA and Kat is a child so it would not be as logical as if she was an adult. But some of the actions were unrealistic to a massive degree. Also, the novel is written from a first person point of view with no real chapters. There are cuts but they are not proper ones. This was quite annoying because there was no organic place I could stop reading. However, this book is so short I finished it in one setting. If this was any longer then it would be a bigger problem.
The mystery itself was original and different from normal mysteries I have read and I enjoyed all the world building with the novels mentioned. Kat talks like she is a big fan of a series. In fact, she kind of talks like how I used to talk about Agatha Christie when I was younger. This is what makes the novel interesting. Kat is a booknerd at her core and her analysis of moments based on books is interesting.
However, as Kat learns from Alik himself, assume nothing.
This short novel follows the story of Kat, a young teenager living with her aunt, who is obsessed with mystery novels by a mysterious author called Carissa Miller. What makes her special from all her author fan club chat site friends is that a character from the novels was inspired by her. In fact, Carissa Miller had written a murder mystery inspired by the murder of her mother- and her father who was convicted of that crime.
She becomes particularly close to a university student named Dev from the chat site and one day, when the chance to meet the real life detective who inspired Carissa Miller (and solved the murder of Kat’s mother) is given to her, she takes it. They go together to meet Alik Lisser and listen to his talk on criminology at Harvard. Kat however had other motivations than just fangirling over the real life detective.
In reality, the discovery of the murderer did not liberate Kat from guilt or stop her from wondering. After her father refused to admit he killed her mother, Kat has been wondering if the police got it all wrong. Her chance to ask Alik Lisser this question never comes, however, as her anxiety makes her unable to muster up the courage to go and talk to him.
But God is on her side as later on Alik Lisser calls her and a chance of a lifetime is given to her.
Now onto some technicalities for the mystery aspect. I think it was very obvious (for me I suppose because I read so much I noticed a lot of foreshadowing) which is why I didn’t rate this any higher. Obviously, I think I understand this is YA and Kat is a child so it would not be as logical as if she was an adult. But some of the actions were unrealistic to a massive degree. Also, the novel is written from a first person point of view with no real chapters. There are cuts but they are not proper ones. This was quite annoying because there was no organic place I could stop reading. However, this book is so short I finished it in one setting. If this was any longer then it would be a bigger problem.
The mystery itself was original and different from normal mysteries I have read and I enjoyed all the world building with the novels mentioned. Kat talks like she is a big fan of a series. In fact, she kind of talks like how I used to talk about Agatha Christie when I was younger. This is what makes the novel interesting. Kat is a booknerd at her core and her analysis of moments based on books is interesting.
However, as Kat learns from Alik himself, assume nothing.
December 13, 2024
2.5 stars
I think this is marketed as an adult fiction mystery but they way it's written does feel more YA. That the protagonist in a teenage girl, and we read her narrative voice, only further solidifies that feel to the story.
The concept is interesting. Blending meta-fiction, mystery, thriller, and suspense into a tale of revenge and the exposing of a serial killer. There's a lot in the concept that appeal to this reader. Where this stumbles is the age of the protagonist, and her inconsistency in her state of mind, does not match what feels needed to survive this story. There's a lot of shock value in this book - and it's all aimed at the protagonist who, when me meet her, is in a fragile state of mind. I find it difficult to accept she suddenly found the strength to face all those challenges. It is one of those books where you just need to accept whatever happens and not question it too closely.
Where the book shines is in the depiction of Alik. He's written well and is convincing, eve a little ghoulish, which I think only made him more engaging in the story. His appearances, his dialogue, his interactions with the protagonist, where the highlights for me in the book. I also enjoyed that this is not written in the present day, so there was a bit of nostalgia during the read, especially with the whole waiting for somebody to free up the phone line so characters could dial online. Thankfully, those days are long over!
I think this is marketed as an adult fiction mystery but they way it's written does feel more YA. That the protagonist in a teenage girl, and we read her narrative voice, only further solidifies that feel to the story.
The concept is interesting. Blending meta-fiction, mystery, thriller, and suspense into a tale of revenge and the exposing of a serial killer. There's a lot in the concept that appeal to this reader. Where this stumbles is the age of the protagonist, and her inconsistency in her state of mind, does not match what feels needed to survive this story. There's a lot of shock value in this book - and it's all aimed at the protagonist who, when me meet her, is in a fragile state of mind. I find it difficult to accept she suddenly found the strength to face all those challenges. It is one of those books where you just need to accept whatever happens and not question it too closely.
Where the book shines is in the depiction of Alik. He's written well and is convincing, eve a little ghoulish, which I think only made him more engaging in the story. His appearances, his dialogue, his interactions with the protagonist, where the highlights for me in the book. I also enjoyed that this is not written in the present day, so there was a bit of nostalgia during the read, especially with the whole waiting for somebody to free up the phone line so characters could dial online. Thankfully, those days are long over!
January 15, 2025
Loved it!
November 10, 2024
Thomas & Mercer provided an early galley for review.
I was not familiar with Corin's earlier work in young adult novels and Marvel Comics, but this sounded like an interesting mystery set in a familiar decade. That tone is set right out of the gate when the characters are interacting via an AOL chat room. That certainly takes me back.
However, there were several minuses for me as well. First, there is no real "chapter" structure; the book instead relies on pause breaks throughout which makes it difficult for highly organized folks like me to keep track easily of where they are. Second, I did not connect with the narrative voice; Kat is a high school teen and therefore tells her story in a similar fashion. While this style would most definitely appeal to young adult readers, as an elderly reader I found it a bit unappealing at times. Lastly, it felt unnatural for Kat's friend Dev to say f'ing all the time rather than just swear with the actual word. A college student in the 90's most certainly would have sworn. This seems like the author trying to give the character an edge but avoid offending the reader with constant use of a word that would give a film an R-rating very quickly.
About a third of the way in, the plot takes a huge turn. I can see it being concerning for some readers (I certainly found it to be). To see a path forward from that point, I had to suspend belief and rely on the fact that the narrator is still an inexperienced child. My concern, though, was that Kat would end up being much more than her sixteen years would imply impossible in order to get past these circumstances. Again, it had that YA book feel where characters like this are often found. Despite all the things I did not like about it, I still finished the novel anyway with my concern being very much validated in the end.
I was not familiar with Corin's earlier work in young adult novels and Marvel Comics, but this sounded like an interesting mystery set in a familiar decade. That tone is set right out of the gate when the characters are interacting via an AOL chat room. That certainly takes me back.
However, there were several minuses for me as well. First, there is no real "chapter" structure; the book instead relies on pause breaks throughout which makes it difficult for highly organized folks like me to keep track easily of where they are. Second, I did not connect with the narrative voice; Kat is a high school teen and therefore tells her story in a similar fashion. While this style would most definitely appeal to young adult readers, as an elderly reader I found it a bit unappealing at times. Lastly, it felt unnatural for Kat's friend Dev to say f'ing all the time rather than just swear with the actual word. A college student in the 90's most certainly would have sworn. This seems like the author trying to give the character an edge but avoid offending the reader with constant use of a word that would give a film an R-rating very quickly.
About a third of the way in, the plot takes a huge turn. I can see it being concerning for some readers (I certainly found it to be). To see a path forward from that point, I had to suspend belief and rely on the fact that the narrator is still an inexperienced child. My concern, though, was that Kat would end up being much more than her sixteen years would imply impossible in order to get past these circumstances. Again, it had that YA book feel where characters like this are often found. Despite all the things I did not like about it, I still finished the novel anyway with my concern being very much validated in the end.
March 7, 2025
Kat comes face to face with the famous detective who solved her mum’s murder. But did she remember it correctly, or is there something more sinister lurking beneath the surface?
What I Loved:
✅ The ‘90s setting
✅ The twist at the beginning
✅ A satisfying ending
What Didn’t Work as Well:
❌ You really have to suspend disbelief to go along with some of the plot points
❌ The depiction of Britain felt off at times
❌ The build-up didn’t quite match the quick ending
This is a solid YA thriller, perfect for readers aged 14-17 who enjoy mystery and suspense. However, for me, some of the plot points felt like a bit of a stretch, and one key character’s motivations didn’t always make sense. I also struggle with stories where the protagonist keeps hitting dead ends or isn’t believed—even when their claims seem reasonable—which was a bit frustrating here.
That being said, the twist at the start was fantastic, and the ending, while a little rushed, was still satisfying. If you love a good thriller with plenty of twists, this one’s worth checking out!
What I Loved:
✅ The ‘90s setting
✅ The twist at the beginning
✅ A satisfying ending
What Didn’t Work as Well:
❌ You really have to suspend disbelief to go along with some of the plot points
❌ The depiction of Britain felt off at times
❌ The build-up didn’t quite match the quick ending
This is a solid YA thriller, perfect for readers aged 14-17 who enjoy mystery and suspense. However, for me, some of the plot points felt like a bit of a stretch, and one key character’s motivations didn’t always make sense. I also struggle with stories where the protagonist keeps hitting dead ends or isn’t believed—even when their claims seem reasonable—which was a bit frustrating here.
That being said, the twist at the start was fantastic, and the ending, while a little rushed, was still satisfying. If you love a good thriller with plenty of twists, this one’s worth checking out!
December 22, 2024
The storyline is unique and original. The mystery is really entertaining. I liked the pacing. There's no actual chapters which I didn't mind but if it's something that you are very particular about that might bother you. Overall, I enjoyed this and would recommend it. Special Thank You to Joshua Corin, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2024
The storyline, the characters and the descriptive writing of the different locations and scenes throughout this book was great. However, the dialogue was a bit too YA/Teen for my liking. I found this really hard to finish reading (I got about half way, got bored, left it for 2 months, then got back to it). I would only recommend this book to young teenagers, not young adults.
January 30, 2025
Billed as an adult book yet it was a YA mystery/thriller. It was entertaining but not plausible.
November 25, 2024
Genre: Fiction, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Pages: 283, Kindle Edition
Writer(s): Joshua Corin
Where To Read: available December 10, 2024; pre-order your copy here: https://amzn.to/3AR6VHg
RAVING REVIEW: Set against the grainy, dial-up world of the early internet, ASSUME NOTHING is a gripping narrative that ushers us into the life of Katherine (Kat) McCann, a character who navigates the murky waters of her mysterious past. Now sixteen, she is shrouded by the dark legacy of her mother's unsolved murder—a case that wrongly implicated her father. In the backdrop of the 90s, Katherine, or Kat as friends call her, is not just a character in this world but a young woman embarking on a quest to sift through the digital and all too real echoes of her past.
Kat's journey from online forums to the physical world underlines her story. Her rendezvous with Dev, another fanatic of the mystery genre, transitions from text exchanges to an alliance that propels her into confronting her darkest family legends. Through her interaction with Dev, Kat reveals her deep connection to Carissa Miller's novels—tales penned under the inspiration of detective Alik Lisser, whose real-life sleuthing once implicated her father.
Living under the oppressive roof of her aunt and an authoritarian uncle, Kat's life mirrors the confinements of a noir thriller, complete with shadows and whispers. However, it is within these confines that her resolve to uncover the truth about her mother's death is forged. This resolve is tested and tempered at a crucial lecture at Harvard, where she meets with Lisser. This pivotal moment not only shakes her perceptions but stirs doubts long buried.
The plot thickens as Lisser, touched by the shadows of familiarity in Kat's dilemma, extends an invitation to England, promising to unveil the obscured truths of her past. This trip is not just a journey across continents but a deeper dive into the enigmatic history of Kat's life, blurring the lines between reality and memories, truth and deception.
Author Joshua Corin's portrayal of Kat as a protagonist is profound and almost cinematic. His narrative technique, employing a first-person viewpoint, allows readers to step directly into Kat's shoes, making her psychological and emotional journey our own. The textual rendering of her story is as much about discovering the truth as it is about Kat discovering herself.
The setting of the novel plays a crucial role in framing the narrative. The budding days of the internet, complete with the nostalgic sounds of dial-up connections and the thoughts of AOL chatrooms, not only anchor the story in a specific era but also highlight Kat's innovative approach to bridging the gaps in her life. These settings are integral to exploring the story, reflecting the isolation and connectivity that define Kat's quest.
Corin's narrative style is rich in atmospheric detail, painting each scene from the oppressive confines of Kat's home to the mysterious and almost ethereal aura surrounding Lisser. The genuine dialogue enhances the realism of the interactions and deepens the character development, making the relationships within the story more relatable and the narrative more engaging.
Exploring themes of truth versus perception and the intricate dance between fact and fiction, ASSUME NOTHING is a psychological exploration as much as a thriller. Kat's transformation from an observer to a participant in her story serves as a symbolic call to arms for all readers to question their perceptions of reality.
ASSUME NOTHING is a compelling mix of psychological intrigue and a coming-of-age tale. Corin weaves a story that invites readers to traverse the complex corridors of Kat's past as she seeks answers and autonomy. With some structural choices that defy conventional norms, the novel’s strength lies in its dynamic lead, immersive settings, and the profound exploration of significant, universal themes.
Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.
You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.
I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.
[photo courtesy of THOMAS & MERCER]
Year Released: 2024
Pages: 283, Kindle Edition
Writer(s): Joshua Corin
Where To Read: available December 10, 2024; pre-order your copy here: https://amzn.to/3AR6VHg
RAVING REVIEW: Set against the grainy, dial-up world of the early internet, ASSUME NOTHING is a gripping narrative that ushers us into the life of Katherine (Kat) McCann, a character who navigates the murky waters of her mysterious past. Now sixteen, she is shrouded by the dark legacy of her mother's unsolved murder—a case that wrongly implicated her father. In the backdrop of the 90s, Katherine, or Kat as friends call her, is not just a character in this world but a young woman embarking on a quest to sift through the digital and all too real echoes of her past.
Kat's journey from online forums to the physical world underlines her story. Her rendezvous with Dev, another fanatic of the mystery genre, transitions from text exchanges to an alliance that propels her into confronting her darkest family legends. Through her interaction with Dev, Kat reveals her deep connection to Carissa Miller's novels—tales penned under the inspiration of detective Alik Lisser, whose real-life sleuthing once implicated her father.
Living under the oppressive roof of her aunt and an authoritarian uncle, Kat's life mirrors the confinements of a noir thriller, complete with shadows and whispers. However, it is within these confines that her resolve to uncover the truth about her mother's death is forged. This resolve is tested and tempered at a crucial lecture at Harvard, where she meets with Lisser. This pivotal moment not only shakes her perceptions but stirs doubts long buried.
The plot thickens as Lisser, touched by the shadows of familiarity in Kat's dilemma, extends an invitation to England, promising to unveil the obscured truths of her past. This trip is not just a journey across continents but a deeper dive into the enigmatic history of Kat's life, blurring the lines between reality and memories, truth and deception.
Author Joshua Corin's portrayal of Kat as a protagonist is profound and almost cinematic. His narrative technique, employing a first-person viewpoint, allows readers to step directly into Kat's shoes, making her psychological and emotional journey our own. The textual rendering of her story is as much about discovering the truth as it is about Kat discovering herself.
The setting of the novel plays a crucial role in framing the narrative. The budding days of the internet, complete with the nostalgic sounds of dial-up connections and the thoughts of AOL chatrooms, not only anchor the story in a specific era but also highlight Kat's innovative approach to bridging the gaps in her life. These settings are integral to exploring the story, reflecting the isolation and connectivity that define Kat's quest.
Corin's narrative style is rich in atmospheric detail, painting each scene from the oppressive confines of Kat's home to the mysterious and almost ethereal aura surrounding Lisser. The genuine dialogue enhances the realism of the interactions and deepens the character development, making the relationships within the story more relatable and the narrative more engaging.
Exploring themes of truth versus perception and the intricate dance between fact and fiction, ASSUME NOTHING is a psychological exploration as much as a thriller. Kat's transformation from an observer to a participant in her story serves as a symbolic call to arms for all readers to question their perceptions of reality.
ASSUME NOTHING is a compelling mix of psychological intrigue and a coming-of-age tale. Corin weaves a story that invites readers to traverse the complex corridors of Kat's past as she seeks answers and autonomy. With some structural choices that defy conventional norms, the novel’s strength lies in its dynamic lead, immersive settings, and the profound exploration of significant, universal themes.
Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.
You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.
I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.
[photo courtesy of THOMAS & MERCER]
November 23, 2024
📚 PRE-PUBLICATION BOOK REVIEW 📚
Assume Nothing By Joshua Corin
Publication Date: December 10, 2024
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚MY REVIEW:
Assume Nothing was a really fun thriller with whodunnit murder mysteries that really held my attention and kept me excitedly anticipating how everything would be solved. I loved the way this book evoked the vibes of classic mysteries, but also brought a different twist in the way the mysteries unfolded.
Set in the 1990s, this story is told from the teenage POV of Kat, whose father was convicted of murdering her mother in 1985 after the crime was solved by an Austrian detective, Alik Lisser. To detach from her grief, Kat discovers the thrill of reading murder mysteries, particularly enjoying books written by the mysterious Carissa Miller, who fictionalized Kat's mother's murder in one of her books. Miller's stories also fictionalized many other murder mysteries solved by Lisser. When Kat has an opportunity to reconnect with Lisser, she is relieved that she could finally have answers to her questions about what REALLY happened to her mother that night...And this was where the story really got good for me.
AOL chat rooms. Pagers. Digital cameras. Burned CDs.The nostalgia in this 1990s mystery thriller brought me back to a simpler time before the advent of social media and the internet. It was so much fun to watch 'armchair detecting' happen before Reddit rabbit holes and cold case websites were available -- and to remember that thrill of logging into the chat room and holding your breath as you waited to see who might be available to chat.
This book required me to suspend a lot of disbelief, as the teenage main character got involved in a lot of situations that seemed pretty implausible for a teenager. However, I had to remember back to life before the internet and social media, when finding information and researching topics required a lot more creativity and legwork than just typing something into a Google search bar. In my opinion, some of the characters' stories seemed to just end and lack a satisfying conclusion. I finished the book and was like, "but, what about this, and what happened with that...??" While this book was labeled as a YA thriller, it didn't necessarily feel that way to me. Sure, there were parts of the story about Kat's high school experiences, but it added depth to Kat's character and didn't come across as young adultish or out-of-place in the story.
Overall, this was a great read, with a fantastic whodunnit mystery and 1990s nostalgia! If you enjoy classic mysteries and nostalgic vibes, you'll love this book! Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this advanced e-book in exchange for my honest review. (And it's still available as a Read Now if you have NetGalley!)
#AssumeNothing #JoshuaCorin #Thomas&Mercer #amazonpublishing #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #thrillerlover #thrilleraddict #mysteries #youngadultreads #whodunnitmystery #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
Assume Nothing By Joshua Corin
Publication Date: December 10, 2024
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚MY REVIEW:
Assume Nothing was a really fun thriller with whodunnit murder mysteries that really held my attention and kept me excitedly anticipating how everything would be solved. I loved the way this book evoked the vibes of classic mysteries, but also brought a different twist in the way the mysteries unfolded.
Set in the 1990s, this story is told from the teenage POV of Kat, whose father was convicted of murdering her mother in 1985 after the crime was solved by an Austrian detective, Alik Lisser. To detach from her grief, Kat discovers the thrill of reading murder mysteries, particularly enjoying books written by the mysterious Carissa Miller, who fictionalized Kat's mother's murder in one of her books. Miller's stories also fictionalized many other murder mysteries solved by Lisser. When Kat has an opportunity to reconnect with Lisser, she is relieved that she could finally have answers to her questions about what REALLY happened to her mother that night...And this was where the story really got good for me.
AOL chat rooms. Pagers. Digital cameras. Burned CDs.The nostalgia in this 1990s mystery thriller brought me back to a simpler time before the advent of social media and the internet. It was so much fun to watch 'armchair detecting' happen before Reddit rabbit holes and cold case websites were available -- and to remember that thrill of logging into the chat room and holding your breath as you waited to see who might be available to chat.
This book required me to suspend a lot of disbelief, as the teenage main character got involved in a lot of situations that seemed pretty implausible for a teenager. However, I had to remember back to life before the internet and social media, when finding information and researching topics required a lot more creativity and legwork than just typing something into a Google search bar. In my opinion, some of the characters' stories seemed to just end and lack a satisfying conclusion. I finished the book and was like, "but, what about this, and what happened with that...??" While this book was labeled as a YA thriller, it didn't necessarily feel that way to me. Sure, there were parts of the story about Kat's high school experiences, but it added depth to Kat's character and didn't come across as young adultish or out-of-place in the story.
Overall, this was a great read, with a fantastic whodunnit mystery and 1990s nostalgia! If you enjoy classic mysteries and nostalgic vibes, you'll love this book! Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this advanced e-book in exchange for my honest review. (And it's still available as a Read Now if you have NetGalley!)
#AssumeNothing #JoshuaCorin #Thomas&Mercer #amazonpublishing #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #thrillerlover #thrilleraddict #mysteries #youngadultreads #whodunnitmystery #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
December 10, 2024
Thanks to Brilliance Audio & NetGalley for providing an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Somehow I missed that this is a YA thriller, but now that I've read it, it makes sense. It's (obviously) told from the POV of a teen, and does a good job of capturing the voice of a somewhat immature 16 year old. Possibly not a 16 year old in the '90s, but good enough for me.
Kat, whose mom was murdered when she was 6, and whose dad was found guilty of the crime and then later died in prison, now lives with her aunt & uncle in Dorchester, MA. She's a high schooler with few friends, owing to that her classmates are aware of her backstory and she has significant social anxiety - being in crowds is upsetting for her. She spends most of her time in a chat room dedicated to the work of Carissa Miller, a sort of Agatha Christie type whose own Poirot is a character called Adrian Lescher, based on real-life detective Alik Lisser, who just happens to be the world-renowned detective who solved Kat's mom's murder and sent Kat's dad to prison. Kat's mom's case was even dramatized by Miller in one of her books.
One of the other chat room denizens is Dev, who also lives in the area; when he sees that Alik Lisser is doing a public speaking event, he invites Kat to attend with him. They do so, and while Dev meets Alik after the show to get autographs, Kat hangs back, suddenly shy. To her shock, Lisser calls her at her aunt's house a day or two after the show and invites her (and her aunt) to spend her Christmas break with him in his house in England, ostensibly to discuss her mother's case and for her to ask any questions she might want. Kat is thrilled to be in the presence of her idol and to be away from her abusive uncle, but things take a turn and Kat's worldview is deeply changed after the visit. Plus, Dev doesn't believe she went, so she has to swipe a digital camera from the Photography class at school to provide proof ...
Others have mentioned that it's not very believable that a teen with social anxiety and 10 years of unaddressed trauma could comport herself in the manner necessary for the latter part of the story, and that's fair. Still, it's pretty satisfying to read anyway. My only complaint about it was that it seemed to come together VERY quickly after many many chapters of buildup.
Lauren Fortgang did a fine job of capturing the voice of a '90s teen; less good at approximating a Viennese or Southie accent (Kat's aunt mostly gives Brooklyn to my ears).
3.5 stars rounded up
Somehow I missed that this is a YA thriller, but now that I've read it, it makes sense. It's (obviously) told from the POV of a teen, and does a good job of capturing the voice of a somewhat immature 16 year old. Possibly not a 16 year old in the '90s, but good enough for me.
Kat, whose mom was murdered when she was 6, and whose dad was found guilty of the crime and then later died in prison, now lives with her aunt & uncle in Dorchester, MA. She's a high schooler with few friends, owing to that her classmates are aware of her backstory and she has significant social anxiety - being in crowds is upsetting for her. She spends most of her time in a chat room dedicated to the work of Carissa Miller, a sort of Agatha Christie type whose own Poirot is a character called Adrian Lescher, based on real-life detective Alik Lisser, who just happens to be the world-renowned detective who solved Kat's mom's murder and sent Kat's dad to prison. Kat's mom's case was even dramatized by Miller in one of her books.
One of the other chat room denizens is Dev, who also lives in the area; when he sees that Alik Lisser is doing a public speaking event, he invites Kat to attend with him. They do so, and while Dev meets Alik after the show to get autographs, Kat hangs back, suddenly shy. To her shock, Lisser calls her at her aunt's house a day or two after the show and invites her (and her aunt) to spend her Christmas break with him in his house in England, ostensibly to discuss her mother's case and for her to ask any questions she might want. Kat is thrilled to be in the presence of her idol and to be away from her abusive uncle, but things take a turn and Kat's worldview is deeply changed after the visit. Plus, Dev doesn't believe she went, so she has to swipe a digital camera from the Photography class at school to provide proof ...
Others have mentioned that it's not very believable that a teen with social anxiety and 10 years of unaddressed trauma could comport herself in the manner necessary for the latter part of the story, and that's fair. Still, it's pretty satisfying to read anyway. My only complaint about it was that it seemed to come together VERY quickly after many many chapters of buildup.
Lauren Fortgang did a fine job of capturing the voice of a '90s teen; less good at approximating a Viennese or Southie accent (Kat's aunt mostly gives Brooklyn to my ears).
3.5 stars rounded up
December 3, 2024
When I first agreed to review Assume Nothing by Joshua Corin I did not realize it was considered young adult. I don't read a lot of YA because it often is too simplistic for me to really enjoy. This one, however, was fantastic. I would not have thought it to be YA from reading it. It was definitely a quick easy read, that kept me wanting to know what happens next. It was set in the 90s which I loved!
It is an intricate web of a mystery that asks what would you do if everything you thought you knew was a lie? Kat McCann's mother was murdered when she was just six years old. Famous Austrian detective Alik Lisser was the man who solved her mother's murder and ultimately identified her father as the murderer. As she grows up she is introduced to the novels of Carissa Miller, who writes mystery novels based on the many cases Alik Lisser has solved. It just so happens that Miller had written a novel based on the murder case of Kat's mother. Kat struggles to define what she actually remembers about the murder from the details of the case in the novel.
Kat is part of an online fan club that idolizes Carissa Miller and Adrian Lescher (Alik Lisser's detective alias). When the opportunity to meet Alik Lisser arises, Kat sets out to attend a lecture he's giving on criminology at Harvard. Kat hopes to talk to Lisser to gain insight into the murder of her mother and how he determined her father was guilty. Little does she know that not only will she get the answers she seeks but will find herself with more questions. One's that will challenge her perception of her favorite novels, author, and character. She will once again find herself in the middle of a murder mystery, that only she can solve. And in so doing may just re-solve the murder of her mother.
Some of the plot was a little hard to believe, like Kat getting invited to England by her favorite detective to unlock the secrets surrounding her mother's murder. Like Kat being the only one who can bring about the demise of a serial killer. However, it definitely encompasses the vibe of Nancy Drew and Sherlock Holmes, which I'm here for. I also would have loved a more neatly tied up conclusion, but the semi-cliffhanger was also well executed. It leaves room for additional novels but also provides enough of a conclusion on its own. I just wanted more time with the characters! All in all, a very solid, quick read.
Assume Nothing was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
It is an intricate web of a mystery that asks what would you do if everything you thought you knew was a lie? Kat McCann's mother was murdered when she was just six years old. Famous Austrian detective Alik Lisser was the man who solved her mother's murder and ultimately identified her father as the murderer. As she grows up she is introduced to the novels of Carissa Miller, who writes mystery novels based on the many cases Alik Lisser has solved. It just so happens that Miller had written a novel based on the murder case of Kat's mother. Kat struggles to define what she actually remembers about the murder from the details of the case in the novel.
Kat is part of an online fan club that idolizes Carissa Miller and Adrian Lescher (Alik Lisser's detective alias). When the opportunity to meet Alik Lisser arises, Kat sets out to attend a lecture he's giving on criminology at Harvard. Kat hopes to talk to Lisser to gain insight into the murder of her mother and how he determined her father was guilty. Little does she know that not only will she get the answers she seeks but will find herself with more questions. One's that will challenge her perception of her favorite novels, author, and character. She will once again find herself in the middle of a murder mystery, that only she can solve. And in so doing may just re-solve the murder of her mother.
Some of the plot was a little hard to believe, like Kat getting invited to England by her favorite detective to unlock the secrets surrounding her mother's murder. Like Kat being the only one who can bring about the demise of a serial killer. However, it definitely encompasses the vibe of Nancy Drew and Sherlock Holmes, which I'm here for. I also would have loved a more neatly tied up conclusion, but the semi-cliffhanger was also well executed. It leaves room for additional novels but also provides enough of a conclusion on its own. I just wanted more time with the characters! All in all, a very solid, quick read.
Assume Nothing was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
December 10, 2024
We start in the past. In 1985 six year old Kat McCann's mother was murdered. The crime was subsequently solved by the famous Austrian detective Alik Lisser. Sadly it was Kat's father who turned out to be the perpetrator. She was sent to live with her Aunt. Back in the present, 10 years later, Kat Is still obsessed with Lisser. This has been facilitated by the fact that Lisser and the crimes he solved were incorporated into a series of detective novels penned by the successful author Carissa Miller.
Kat finds a kindred spirit in University student Dev and together they attend a lecture talk given by the man himself - Alik Lisser - who they are both fortunate to meet afterwards. But Kat fails to ask the questions she has been wanting to ask him. In the cold light of day she kicks herself for not asking and fears she has missed her only chance. Until she receives a phone call from him with a rather strange but intriguing offer... But... will she like what she finds out or will she regret not letting sleeping dogs lie?
Firstly, this book has no chapters. There are obvious breaks so it's easy to find somewhere to be able to put it down etc, but I can understand that some people might not warm to a book with no usual chapter structure so I wanted to forewarn you.
The story starts off well enough. I can understand Kat being mature beyond her years due to what has gone before in her life, and from where they met, I can also understand her" relationship" with Dev. As I can also with her obsession with Lesser, her mother's death and her father's guilt. Although I thought this was an adult book, something in the way it was written, coupled with the main protagonist's age, leads me to wonder whether it should (also) be YA, looking again, it appears to have a foot in both camps; and I would probably agree.
The story is compelling, intriguing and held my attention may all the way through. spitting me out at the end, pretty satisfied. Characters are believable and all play their parts well.
Pacing is also on the whole good, although it does slow down a tad in places.
All in all a good solid read which I enjoyed. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Kat finds a kindred spirit in University student Dev and together they attend a lecture talk given by the man himself - Alik Lisser - who they are both fortunate to meet afterwards. But Kat fails to ask the questions she has been wanting to ask him. In the cold light of day she kicks herself for not asking and fears she has missed her only chance. Until she receives a phone call from him with a rather strange but intriguing offer... But... will she like what she finds out or will she regret not letting sleeping dogs lie?
Firstly, this book has no chapters. There are obvious breaks so it's easy to find somewhere to be able to put it down etc, but I can understand that some people might not warm to a book with no usual chapter structure so I wanted to forewarn you.
The story starts off well enough. I can understand Kat being mature beyond her years due to what has gone before in her life, and from where they met, I can also understand her" relationship" with Dev. As I can also with her obsession with Lesser, her mother's death and her father's guilt. Although I thought this was an adult book, something in the way it was written, coupled with the main protagonist's age, leads me to wonder whether it should (also) be YA, looking again, it appears to have a foot in both camps; and I would probably agree.
The story is compelling, intriguing and held my attention may all the way through. spitting me out at the end, pretty satisfied. Characters are believable and all play their parts well.
Pacing is also on the whole good, although it does slow down a tad in places.
All in all a good solid read which I enjoyed. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
November 20, 2024
Assume Nothing by Joshua Corin is a highly recommended mystery. Although this is written as a thriller for adult readers it is a perfectly acceptable YA novel.
Sixteen-year-old Kat McCann is an avid reader and loves the books written by mystery writer Carissa Miller. It's 1995 and she is active in a chat group for Miller's fans, which is where she met 19-year-old Dev. After they become friends, Kat shares her secret with him. When Kat was six years old renowned Austrian detective Alik Lisser solved her mother’s 1985 murder and Miller wrote a novel about the case. Many of her novels were based on the cases solved by criminologist Alik Lisser, however, she changes the name to detective Adrian Lescher in the books.
When Dev and Kat learn that Lisser will be giving a talk nearby they both attend. Lisser notices Kat, remembers who she is, and contacts her, inviting her and her aunt to visit him in England. Once there, Kat, who wanted to know the truth behind her mother's murder, has many of her beliefs challenged.
This is an intriguing, compelling mystery with an even paced plot that picks up toward the end. All of the twists along the way are interesting and they will hold your attention in this quick read. It can also feel a bit nostalgic with some of the chat group texts included in the story. Readers will have to set some disbelief aside. The biggest drawback to the narrative is the lack of chapters.
Kat is the narrator, which lends the YA feel to the whole novel. She is a wonderful, fully realized book-smart teen who loves reading mysteries. Her youth provides an enthusiasm and courageousness to the plot that is not entirely based on experience, but she has also had to deal with some real difficulties in life, including the death of her parents and an abusive uncle. Lisser is a creepy, know-it-all who is intensely unlikable. Pedro and Dev are nice supporting characters.
All in all, Assume Nothing is a fun, engaging mystery with a teen protagonist. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/1...
Sixteen-year-old Kat McCann is an avid reader and loves the books written by mystery writer Carissa Miller. It's 1995 and she is active in a chat group for Miller's fans, which is where she met 19-year-old Dev. After they become friends, Kat shares her secret with him. When Kat was six years old renowned Austrian detective Alik Lisser solved her mother’s 1985 murder and Miller wrote a novel about the case. Many of her novels were based on the cases solved by criminologist Alik Lisser, however, she changes the name to detective Adrian Lescher in the books.
When Dev and Kat learn that Lisser will be giving a talk nearby they both attend. Lisser notices Kat, remembers who she is, and contacts her, inviting her and her aunt to visit him in England. Once there, Kat, who wanted to know the truth behind her mother's murder, has many of her beliefs challenged.
This is an intriguing, compelling mystery with an even paced plot that picks up toward the end. All of the twists along the way are interesting and they will hold your attention in this quick read. It can also feel a bit nostalgic with some of the chat group texts included in the story. Readers will have to set some disbelief aside. The biggest drawback to the narrative is the lack of chapters.
Kat is the narrator, which lends the YA feel to the whole novel. She is a wonderful, fully realized book-smart teen who loves reading mysteries. Her youth provides an enthusiasm and courageousness to the plot that is not entirely based on experience, but she has also had to deal with some real difficulties in life, including the death of her parents and an abusive uncle. Lisser is a creepy, know-it-all who is intensely unlikable. Pedro and Dev are nice supporting characters.
All in all, Assume Nothing is a fun, engaging mystery with a teen protagonist. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/1...
February 1, 2025
3.5* rounded up
Having totally fallen behind on my TBR list, I’ve been effectively selecting books off random first-few-pages tasters.
So that’s the first good thing about ‘Assume Nothing’; in those first few pages, we’re pulled back to the ‘90s, to AOL, to chat rooms, and to a time when meeting someone off the internet was the ‘stranger with sweets’ in our childhoods.
Kat is an interesting character; raised by her abusive uncle and wonderful but long-suffering aunt, she is a huge fan of mystery novels. In particular, she’s a big fan of a woman who wrote a novel about Kat’s mother’s murder by her father.
I really enjoyed the sections that took place in the chatroom; it brought me back to hours spent on movie forums and whatever else I followed at the time.
The plot mixes a coming-of-age story with a mystery to be solved by our heroine and her chatroom friend, Dev, and school crush, Pedro. I don’t want to give away anymore than the book jacket does, suffice to say that I really enjoyed this.
It’s undoubtedly written for a slightly(!) younger audience than myself but the elements of ‘90s nostalgia had me hooked right from the start.
The voice of Kat, who narrates in first person, is also very strong and we can certainly get a sense of her world and how she navigates it; we recognise both the street smarts and naivete of her age, and she’s an easy character to root for.
I also enjoyed the other main character, that of famous detective Alik Lisser – a kind of anti-Jesscia Fletcher (depending on where you fall on JF’s ability to turn up at EVERY murder ever) whose pompousness and pride are his fatal flaws.
There’s a bit of suspension of disbelief, for sure, but it’s more in the line of ‘ooh, that’s unlikely but stranger things have happened’ style of disbelief.
I did find the ending a little rushed, with little in the way of follow-up. We don’t get any real update on certain ancillary characters, and it was a little bit of a let-down.
But mostly, a really enjoyable little read with strong characterisation.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer, via NetGalley for the eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Having totally fallen behind on my TBR list, I’ve been effectively selecting books off random first-few-pages tasters.
So that’s the first good thing about ‘Assume Nothing’; in those first few pages, we’re pulled back to the ‘90s, to AOL, to chat rooms, and to a time when meeting someone off the internet was the ‘stranger with sweets’ in our childhoods.
Kat is an interesting character; raised by her abusive uncle and wonderful but long-suffering aunt, she is a huge fan of mystery novels. In particular, she’s a big fan of a woman who wrote a novel about Kat’s mother’s murder by her father.
I really enjoyed the sections that took place in the chatroom; it brought me back to hours spent on movie forums and whatever else I followed at the time.
The plot mixes a coming-of-age story with a mystery to be solved by our heroine and her chatroom friend, Dev, and school crush, Pedro. I don’t want to give away anymore than the book jacket does, suffice to say that I really enjoyed this.
It’s undoubtedly written for a slightly(!) younger audience than myself but the elements of ‘90s nostalgia had me hooked right from the start.
The voice of Kat, who narrates in first person, is also very strong and we can certainly get a sense of her world and how she navigates it; we recognise both the street smarts and naivete of her age, and she’s an easy character to root for.
I also enjoyed the other main character, that of famous detective Alik Lisser – a kind of anti-Jesscia Fletcher (depending on where you fall on JF’s ability to turn up at EVERY murder ever) whose pompousness and pride are his fatal flaws.
There’s a bit of suspension of disbelief, for sure, but it’s more in the line of ‘ooh, that’s unlikely but stranger things have happened’ style of disbelief.
I did find the ending a little rushed, with little in the way of follow-up. We don’t get any real update on certain ancillary characters, and it was a little bit of a let-down.
But mostly, a really enjoyable little read with strong characterisation.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer, via NetGalley for the eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2025
There's a lot of great ingredients here - the central concept is solid and twisty and there are promising characters. The mid-90's setting, although a bit fraught with anachronism (I'm the same age as the main character, and I do not recall anyone in my public high school having the level of internet access that seems to be widespread in this 1995-set book - most of us first used e-mail and the internet a couple years later in college), provides a unique opportunity to use the early days of the world wide web's overlap with what would turn out to be the last days of teenagers' freedom of movement to create the moment when this story could happen.
The problem, however, is the delivery and pacing. The full mystery is revealed early, and the resolution is saved for the very end. That leaves A LOT of middle with little to do, since there's nothing we could really learn about the villain that could be worse than we already know. Seeing the same events play out again, albeit with different people, is therefore redundant rather than dramatic. Dev is underutilized as a character, probably because of the somewhat forced inclusion of Pedro, who seems like he is visiting from a present-day romantic comedy. The odd lack of female friends for the main character wouldn't be as noticeable without the downtime.
Listening to the audio edition may have added to the problem, since the chatroom segments, along with the somewhat inconsistent use of the main character directly addressing the reader, probably work better in a printed format. The narrator's spirited attempt at an Austrian accent is hardly the worst I've heard, but given the amount of dialogue that comes from the accented character there are sections that feel like an extended Hans and Franz skit.
Overall, it's hard to recommend this one unreservedly - but there's a lot there to provide a reason to check out what comes next from the author.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
The problem, however, is the delivery and pacing. The full mystery is revealed early, and the resolution is saved for the very end. That leaves A LOT of middle with little to do, since there's nothing we could really learn about the villain that could be worse than we already know. Seeing the same events play out again, albeit with different people, is therefore redundant rather than dramatic. Dev is underutilized as a character, probably because of the somewhat forced inclusion of Pedro, who seems like he is visiting from a present-day romantic comedy. The odd lack of female friends for the main character wouldn't be as noticeable without the downtime.
Listening to the audio edition may have added to the problem, since the chatroom segments, along with the somewhat inconsistent use of the main character directly addressing the reader, probably work better in a printed format. The narrator's spirited attempt at an Austrian accent is hardly the worst I've heard, but given the amount of dialogue that comes from the accented character there are sections that feel like an extended Hans and Franz skit.
Overall, it's hard to recommend this one unreservedly - but there's a lot there to provide a reason to check out what comes next from the author.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
December 11, 2024
Joshua Corin’s Assume Nothing delivers a unique and gripping thriller that hooks readers from the very beginning. The story plunges us into the world of Kat, whose mother’s death raises immediate questions and suspicions, setting the tone for a narrative full of twists and turns. Corin wastes no time in pulling the rug out from under the reader, with the first major twist arriving early on and signaling that nothing in this story is as it seems.
At its heart, the novel is a relentless exploration of survival. Kat’s journey is one of unraveling buried truths while navigating dangers that keep the reader constantly on edge. Corin’s ability to create suspense and maintain a high-stakes atmosphere is commendable, making the book difficult to put down.
That said, there are moments where the pacing feels uneven. Some sections of the story come across as scattered or drawn out, which slightly detracts from the otherwise tightly woven narrative. However, these lapses are forgivable, given the overall sense of intrigue and excitement the book provides.
In summary, Assume Nothing is a fun and unpredictable read that stands out in the thriller genre. While not without its flaws, its originality and fast-paced plot make it a memorable experience for readers seeking a story that keeps them guessing until the very end.
At its heart, the novel is a relentless exploration of survival. Kat’s journey is one of unraveling buried truths while navigating dangers that keep the reader constantly on edge. Corin’s ability to create suspense and maintain a high-stakes atmosphere is commendable, making the book difficult to put down.
That said, there are moments where the pacing feels uneven. Some sections of the story come across as scattered or drawn out, which slightly detracts from the otherwise tightly woven narrative. However, these lapses are forgivable, given the overall sense of intrigue and excitement the book provides.
In summary, Assume Nothing is a fun and unpredictable read that stands out in the thriller genre. While not without its flaws, its originality and fast-paced plot make it a memorable experience for readers seeking a story that keeps them guessing until the very end.
May 28, 2025
This book was recommended to me by my son, who has worked with the author at Marvel Comics, and I was extremely impressed with it! When I first read the plot summary, It reminded me somewhat of the recent television series "Death and Other Details" (i.e. young girl who had a family murder solved by famous detective reunites with him on a later mystery...), but once I began reading it went in an entirely different, and surprising direction!
The plot raced along at a good pace, and the characters were well defined and easy to identify with. The audience the novel is aimed at seemed to be more late-teens than what I normally read, but it kept me guessing and in the end was a very satisfying read.
I've read a number of books by authors who have delved into the word of Marvel and DC comics, such as Seanan McGuire, Mike Carey, Chares Soule, etc., and Corin measures up pretty well to that group. I'll definitely be checking out his other novels to see if they are as good as this one was!
The plot raced along at a good pace, and the characters were well defined and easy to identify with. The audience the novel is aimed at seemed to be more late-teens than what I normally read, but it kept me guessing and in the end was a very satisfying read.
I've read a number of books by authors who have delved into the word of Marvel and DC comics, such as Seanan McGuire, Mike Carey, Chares Soule, etc., and Corin measures up pretty well to that group. I'll definitely be checking out his other novels to see if they are as good as this one was!
August 19, 2024
I'll be honest, the beginning was a little slow, but important for the context of the story. I'm not sure if there are no chapters because it's an early released version of the book, but I hope that changes before it's fully released! As far as the book itself goes, I love the time period the author chose. I feel the AOL chatroom is key, this may be because text bubbles just tickle my brain in the best way possible! 1/3 of the way through the book, it really starts to heat up & get interesting! Assume nothing is a story with anxiety representation and domestic violence representation, which is just not talked about enough in my opinion. One of my expectations of a thriller is to keep me on my toes and this book definitely didn't disappoint on that front! As far as the author goes, he is an excellent descriptive writer, with quotes such as comparing snow to mashed potatoes and a bruise to the color of an overcooked eggplant. This really helps the reader visual the story!
December 18, 2024
I had a really hard time deciding how I felt about this book. It was interesting and held my attention but at the same I didn't really enjoy reading it. I think my main problem is that while it's smart and has all the components that I would usually love in a story it just was so completely unrealistic that I couldn't really immerse myself in the story. I think if I approached this as a YA book it would change my viewpoint a bit. I'd feel a little more David vs. Goliath and things are possible as long as you have friends to help. Instead, I'm just feeling a little bit icky about Alix and his motivations in having Kat become his muse. The dilemma seemed insurmountable, but the conclusion was too easy in its simplicity. I'm glad there was a conclusion, but I could see this becoming a series and I'm not sure I'd continue with it.
I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways. All opinions are my own.
I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways. All opinions are my own.
December 19, 2024
Assume Nothing is an engaging story about a very well known detective (Adrian Lescher), a prolific thriller writer (Carissa), and a teenager (Kat) who had her mother killed (and her father condemned for it). Kat lives with her aunt and uncle in Boston and all her communication with her father ended when she left California, she'll only know that her father wrote her letters after he passes away in prison and they'll only add to her loneliness and need to understand whar happened. She's also a huge fan of Carissa's thrillers which are based upon Adrian Lescher's cases and their paths will once again cross. Kat will get to know the detective and his quirks in depth and her life will be turned upside down until she's able to devise a plan and reach vengeance for her parents' death. Captivating, well-written, it keeps on building tension and mystery till the end.
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
June 22, 2025
i could tell from the first couple of pages that this was going to be good. Going in, I didn't realize it would be more in the young adult category, but I actually like those still and it's refreshing.
Maybe it's the 90s time frame, but everything was written smoothly and brings back memories. Most new releases now reference tiktok and cryptocurrency and the newest technology trends so at the cost of feeling old, it's nice to read something more familiar and lived through.
The actual plot and whodunnit aspect caught me off guard. At a certain point it became pretty far-fetched, but that's why it's a fictional world.
Kat is an interesting, anxiety ridden mess but she's smart. Without spoiling much, her actions and thought process seemed to shift gears after seeing a title of a book someone was reading lol.
Thanks for the good read, definitely putting this author down on my list to check out other titles.
Maybe it's the 90s time frame, but everything was written smoothly and brings back memories. Most new releases now reference tiktok and cryptocurrency and the newest technology trends so at the cost of feeling old, it's nice to read something more familiar and lived through.
The actual plot and whodunnit aspect caught me off guard. At a certain point it became pretty far-fetched, but that's why it's a fictional world.
Kat is an interesting, anxiety ridden mess but she's smart. Without spoiling much, her actions and thought process seemed to shift gears after seeing a title of a book someone was reading lol.
Thanks for the good read, definitely putting this author down on my list to check out other titles.
November 25, 2024
“‘Want to see the novel I’m in?’ I asked Dev, and he said yes, though I bet now he wishes he said no. ”
Here are reasons to read the Thriller book:
Mystery Fan - Kat is a huge fan of a mystery author, as well as the real live detective the main character is based on, Alik Lisser
Lecture - So she attends a guest lecture by him at the encouragement of her friend Dev
Invitation - After meeting Alik, he invites Kat and her aunt to stay with him in England for the holidays
Dark past - Oh, did I forget to mention Alik was the detective on the case where Kat’s Dad allegedly killed her mom a long time ago?
This book is filled with some pretty dark backstory. High school Kat hanging out with college Dev, while they are only a few years apart is still slightly weird. But the whole story of this detective and Kat’s family life is so very suspenseful. There is a fairly big twist that is revealed pretty early on, but that’s not the real mystery to this story. This is more about the danger that Kat finds herself in now and how she tries to get people to believe her. It was hard to read, but only because of the anxiousness I felt for her in this situation. Very successful thriller you should check out.
Here are reasons to read the Thriller book:
Mystery Fan - Kat is a huge fan of a mystery author, as well as the real live detective the main character is based on, Alik Lisser
Lecture - So she attends a guest lecture by him at the encouragement of her friend Dev
Invitation - After meeting Alik, he invites Kat and her aunt to stay with him in England for the holidays
Dark past - Oh, did I forget to mention Alik was the detective on the case where Kat’s Dad allegedly killed her mom a long time ago?
This book is filled with some pretty dark backstory. High school Kat hanging out with college Dev, while they are only a few years apart is still slightly weird. But the whole story of this detective and Kat’s family life is so very suspenseful. There is a fairly big twist that is revealed pretty early on, but that’s not the real mystery to this story. This is more about the danger that Kat finds herself in now and how she tries to get people to believe her. It was hard to read, but only because of the anxiousness I felt for her in this situation. Very successful thriller you should check out.
December 16, 2024
Kat, fifteen, develops an unlikely relationship with a famous detective Alik Lisser. She's a little obsessed with him for a few reasons. He is the model for a fictional detective from one of her favorite mystery writers. Oh yeah and he's the one who solved her mother's murder when Kat was six years old.
This story is kind of a Kat and mouse (ha ha), almost a cozy but not quite, could be considered YA (it's told from Kat's perspective and her thoughts are, well, those of a fifteen year old). It's a fun read that is all over the place with nutty twists and turns. Were there plot holes? Big ones. Did I stay glued to the story? Certainly.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the digital ARC.
This story is kind of a Kat and mouse (ha ha), almost a cozy but not quite, could be considered YA (it's told from Kat's perspective and her thoughts are, well, those of a fifteen year old). It's a fun read that is all over the place with nutty twists and turns. Were there plot holes? Big ones. Did I stay glued to the story? Certainly.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the digital ARC.
December 16, 2024
This was a quick read with some crazy plot twists. Kat was only 6 when her father was convicted of murdering her mother, the crime solved by the dazzling detective Alik Lisser. Since then, she has devoured mystery novels to cope with the loss of both parents - especially those written by an author styled after Agatha Christie - who writes about the cases Lisser solves. When Kat has the chance to meet the detective 10 years after her mother’s murder, she is awed. When she gets the chance for a friendship with him? She is in thrall. However, not everything is as it seems in this novel and Corin absolutely keeps you on your toes until the very end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC of this title!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC of this title!
January 7, 2025
Enjoyed the characters but found the main character unreliable (as can be expected) Twists were predictable and ended quite abruptly, would’ve liked to have seen a better ending. I also would’ve enjoyed the author explaining what actually happened to Dev as it was very skimmed over and by the end of the book, Dev became irrelevant. However, the overall plot was enjoyable and the somewhat nostalgic. Unlike other reviews, I did not enjoy Kat as a main character but liked how the two lead characters always became intertwined. Hermann was a favourite and would have like to have seen a ‘redemption arc’ for him, better than what was given. Found the book to be quite dull at the beginning which took me a while to get over. Enjoyed the chapter length
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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