SAFE TO ASSUME

by J.C. Fuller

** An Epilogue has been added to clarify the untraditional ending. **

You know what they say about assuming...

Imagine seeing the face of a woman you had a first date with, only seventy-two hours prior, suddenly being plastered across the news, reported as a missing person. Not only missing, but potentially the next victim of a devious serial killer haunting your county?

And what if, once the police are involved, the finger of suspicion points squarely at you? The last person to have seen her alive.
Even more concerning, an armchair detective and her team, all convinced of your guilt, have taken it upon themselves to prove you’re the hunted serial killer… and by any means necessary.

It’s SAFE TO ASSUME this would be torture for an innocent man or a serious threat to a guilty one. Either way, isn’t everyone guilty of… something?

Safe To Assume is the first witty, gritty psychological thriller by J.C. Fuller, who is also known for the Rockfish Island mysteries, a whodunit cozy thriller series set in the Pacific Northwest.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 18, 2025

About the author

J.C. Fuller is a PNW author living in Washington state who loves all things mystery, especially thrillers and whodunits. She loves sharing her imagination with readers and has written her first psychological thriller, Safe to Assume. She also has a cozy thriller whodunit series known as The Rockfish Island Mysteries, the first of which is Black Bear Alibi. She is looking forward to continuing this series while working on additional standalone thrillers.

Reviews

[Melody McNamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was am entertaining short novel about the hunt for a serial killer and the suspect's quest to prove his innocence. The story was told in dual POV's, the written "confession" of main suspect "Mr. Clean" and the armchair detective Lydia's voice recording transcripts. Pictures of potential evidence and chatroom discussions among Lydia's assembled team of Internet sleuths were also interspersed throughout the narrative. Because of the alternating perspectives, the timeline was not always totally chronological, which led to a bit of repetition. Mr. Clean apparently has a questionable past but is he a serial killer? And is Lydia so determined to nail him for the crimes that she's misinterpreting or even fabricating evidence? With two unreliable narrators and lots of speculation, the story moved along at a fast pace. I do feel that some editing was required, however, as there were multiple misplaced commas and a few spelling errors. The word "segue" was twice spelled as "segway"???Seriously, someone should know better!!

[J.L. Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in two sittings - such an easy read! I think this is the first time in years that I've finished a book and immediately wanted to flip back and read several chapters again to see the clues I missed. You're sneaky, JC Fuller!

Needless to say, I didn't see the ending coming at all! Also, having pictures of a lot of the "evidence" and text messages, receipts, etc. was SO cool - this is the first time I've seen an author do this and it just really helped me get lost in the story and feel like I was there.

I believe this releases in the next two weeks and will be in KU - I have a feeling a lot of people will be reading it!

[Alanna Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safe to Assume
JC comes out with a thriller! This book arrived at the perfect moment. Under 200 pages, this novella packs a punch! I enjoyed this fast-paced story and loved the uniqueness of the artifacts included in the story. I wonder if there are more thrillers up JC’s sleeve!

[Larae Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! JC Fuller's latest thriller, Safe to Assume, is a masterclass in suspense, twists, and edge-of-your-seat tension. From the very first page, I was hooked. The premise is brilliantly chilling: imagine your first date, one you were genuinely excited about, suddenly turning into a nightmare when that woman is reported missing, and the police start looking at you as the prime suspect. As if that weren’t enough, a self-appointed armchair detective and her team are determined to prove you’re the serial killer – and they’ll do whatever it takes to make their case.

Fuller excels at building the psychological torment that comes with being accused of something you didn’t do. The constant paranoia, the fear of what’s coming next, and the pressure to prove your innocence make this a relentlessly compelling read. You can’t help but ask yourself: If everyone is guilty of something, what does that make me?

On a personal note, I am beyond grateful to be included as one of the characters in the book. It was a surreal experience seeing myself woven into the plot. And, I must say, the way JC Fuller handled my character’s fate was masterfully done – I loved how my death played out, even if it was a bit… well, intense!

Additionally, I am so incredibly grateful that I had the chance to read as JC Fuller was writing the ending of the book. Witnessing the final twists come together in real-time was an unforgettable experience, and I feel so lucky to have been part of it.

If you're a fan of psychological thrillers with twists that will leave you questioning everything, Safe to Assume is a must-read. Fuller once again proves why they’re a force to be reckoned with in the genre.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and am beyond blessed to have had the chance to read this. I absolutely love JC books. This one.... is uhm.... mind twisting, leaving me utterly speechless. What on earth just happened? So, wait.... the one character wait. So, this is definitely a thought book. It may be short and a quick read but you really want to take your time and absorb it. I will be rereading it as I'm just stunned. Like how... so who..??? I can honestly say that I have no idea what just happened or who did what.
This is JC at her finest. Another masterpiece.
Full of suspense and safe to say lies. Safe to Assume you will not know and this book will have you second guessing everything you just read.

[Dede loves books · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick read, but fun and interesting. fun 🤔

[Sagit Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! It gripped me from the first chapter, and I was invested all the way through. The ending was satisfying too.

[Celine Permann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m confused

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh!

I have read books that switch between different POV and really enjoyed it, this one I found kind of difficult to follow. The end was suspenseful but then I couldn’t remember the significance of said suspect or make the connection. Only after finishing and going back to previous chapters did I make a connection, otherwise I was just confused at the end. Not my favorite read ever!

[Natasha Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my very 1st read by this author and I can tell you, it’s not my last. I will read anything written by her.
Just when I thought I knew who the killer was, I would change my mind, then again and again!
Amazing, jaw dropping, stare at a wall kind of book.

[laina (taylor’s version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this book recommended to me from my local bookstore and I’m so glad I picked it up! As soon as I finished reading, I wanted to start it again because I feel like I missed so much, which could be seen as a pro or con. I loved the writing style and storyline that kept me guessing throughout the book.

[Kim Seay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so entertaining, definitely a page turner! A very unique mystery thriller that had me guessing the whole time! My first book by this author and I will definitely be reading more! Fast paced which I love! Loved that the format of this book was different than any other, lots of detail and receipts shown, txt conversations between characters that keeps you wanting more! Highly recommend!!

[De Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! She dips into a new genre!

I will say it’s a twisty turning book so PAY ATTENTION! If you failed to understand something you have to go back and reread because it’s all there! I know because I missed a twist bc I was distracted with my kiddos and I had to reread and was like ooo okay I got it!

This book is amazing! I cannot wait for the hardcopy to be released!

I’m so proud of this author coming out of her genre comfort zone and trying a new one!!! That’s brave!

Great work JC Fuller!!!!

[Kait Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a master piece. I jokingly said this is the Taylor swift of thriller writing because of how many easter eggs and clues were hidden in this story. Though it’s only 200 pages - it’s full of tons of twists and turns. You definitely will not guess the ending! Well done JC fuller! Not that I’m surprised but this was fantastic!

[Amy Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced & twisty! I wasn’t sure whodunnit until the last page! This is a timely read with social media, dating profiles, and internet sleuths. I loved the text threads and internet chat being included and all of the receipts / reports / evidence. Very clever and added to my experience with the book.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! It really makes you think. I absolutely love the way it was written. Two POVs keep you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't put it down! I kept thinking I knew whodunnit, but I didn't. The ending blew me away! Highly recommended read!

I was privileged to receive an ARC of this book. Since then I've read it three more times. It's just that good!

[Jaclynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book! Loved they layout of the book, loved all the evidence, easter eggs and clues! I was taking notes and still didn't figure it out. JC you are very clever! I absolutely devoured this book and loved every page! Bravo 👏

[Chelle Cypress · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when authors try something new and fresh from their typical writing style. JC who typically writes cozy mysteries takes a turn toward the darker in this thriller in a unique first person POV weaving in evidence, voice memos, interviews and other tidbits so you the reader are the detective.
As always JC masterfully hides the truth in plain sight holding your focus so by the end when all is revealed you find your mind shifting around the clues.
I recommend for mystery lovers, especially true crime enthusiasts

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an intriguing mystery thriller. I liked the way it was written. It was written from 2 perspectives. Mr. Clean and Lydia. Lydia believes that Mr. Clean is behind the murders going on and she has taken it upon herself to investigate him and trick him. She also participates in a private chat room and the people in that group are helping her get more evidence against Mr. Clean. Mr. Clean comes across as an innocent guy and nobody would ever guess that he is up to no good but is he the Manicurist Killer?

[Kellie Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of Park Great !

I’m not about to give anything away in this review about the plot of this book, so please just read it .
BUT JC Fuller of course has written another phenomenal book that has me wondering who did what to who like usual! You’re amazing and keep the great writing!!!

[Lesa Leggore · Rating 5 out of 5]

very enjoyable

Loved this entire story from the way it was written to all the characters and the ending that maybe didn’t catch me completely off guard but still shocking. Will be looking for more from this author.

[Marsha Simone · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very slow. Ending left me so confused.

[Cathye Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced, keeps you on your toes. And a great twist ending.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the different genre from JC Fuller. This book was an easy read. I liked how the story line was leading you in different ways and the ending was well thought out. I was absorbed in the book the whole read.

[Meghan Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Booktok convinced me to read this one because every video I saw said it was a 5 star read and that I wouldn’t see the twist coming.

Well, I’ve combed back through the book and I’m still confused on the ending lol

Maybe this type of story just isn’t for me because it requires you to really think back and leaves the who done it up for discussion?

It was a quick read and I think it might even be more enjoyable in audiobook given that half the chapters are “voice memos” but the shock and awe just didn’t land with me because I’m unsure about everything that I read sooo not sure if I’d recommend this one 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Leigh.empresselly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever story that will have your head spinning! JC takes her readers for a ride as we become armchair detectives trying to solve the case! Throughout the story, we receive evidence, confessions, chat room drama and so much more while following 2 POV’s!
Who do you think did it?

I thoroughly enjoyed it! Buddy read with my girls and we were up really late still discussing all the details for hours! This was a clever book!

[Christy Cramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.C. Fuller does it again! I am a huge fan of her mystery series so when I saw she had a new book coming out I was so excited! The book immediately had me hooked and there are so many twists and turns! You have to pay close attention to the small details or else you’ll miss some good clues along the way. One of my favorite things about J.C.’s books is I can never guess the ending no matter how hard I try. The epilogue really wrapped everything up nicely and I would give the book 10 stars if I could! I really hope she writes more psychological thrillers!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first J.C. Fuller book and I loved it. I loved that she took the extra time to add all the extras to this book. It made you feel like you were truly investigating the crime. I look forward to reading more for this author.

[Leslie Erkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.C. Fuller is known for her cozy mystery series. She makes the characters come alive on the pages. When I found out she was doing a psychological thriller… i preordered that so fast!
I started reading and I will not lie… I was confused at first. This was a new way to do a psychological thriller. I wasn’t sure if I would like it. Then JC sucked me into the story.
This is a dual pov and was so smart of the author to do this. You don’t know who to trust or if you should trust anyone. Just when you think you know everything… bam! It makes you want to re read the book from your fresh prospective. Was there an inkling of a clue I had missed?
The ending is full of twists that gives you the thrill you seek with these types of books.
I’m convinced JC Fuller can write anything at this point.
I highly recommend this book. If the beginning gives you pause… push through it just a bit. I guarantee it is worth it and it will make all kinds of sense at the end.
I’m hoping she treats us to another book in this genre someday.

[Carmen DaVinleam · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you like Dateline, you’ll love this book!

Fabulous one sitting read!! I love the formatting of the evidence I love everything about this book. I got it on release day and read it on release day and I am so excited that I took the time to read it because JC Fuller has done it again written such a good mystery thriller that it is just the best ever.

This was a quick read with dual perspectives. That was just so much fun to read so much fun to guess and play along. Basically it was just so good! If you like mystery thrillers if you like dateline read this book!