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Assumptions
“He awoke in a morgue in London.” So begins Assumptions, a character-driven novella with a flair for mystery. Set in 1880s London and written by a historical scholar, it serves not only as a study of late Victorian society but of the complexities of human nature itself. Enjoy the first chapter of this page-turner, and you’ll want more!
286 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 19, 2026
The Review
This was such a richly woven narrative. The Victorian-era setting was written with such depth and insight that readers instantly felt they could step into the ghastly streets of 19th-century London with ease. The imagery and atmosphere of the story were heavy with dread and shocking events, adding a healthy amount of tension and suspense to the narrative.
The heart of this novella lay in its character development. Instantly, readers are drawn in by the opening sentence, and, without going into much detail, as the story progresses, they are introduced to a unique and deeply human take on an iconic Victorian-era literary figure that will keep readers invested. The bond between the protagonist and his friend John, the mystery of how the protagonist ended up in the morgue, and the deeply insightful look into human nature and psychology made this a compelling novella.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, entertaining, and compelling, author A.A. Sekhon’s “Assumptions” is a must-read Victorian-era mystery thriller. The twists and turns, the shocking levels of suspense, and the rich character dynamics at work in this novella immediately hook readers, and the author’s harrowing imagery creates the atmosphere needed to feel immersed in the world.
This was such a richly woven narrative. The Victorian-era setting was written with such depth and insight that readers instantly felt they could step into the ghastly streets of 19th-century London with ease. The imagery and atmosphere of the story were heavy with dread and shocking events, adding a healthy amount of tension and suspense to the narrative.
The heart of this novella lay in its character development. Instantly, readers are drawn in by the opening sentence, and, without going into much detail, as the story progresses, they are introduced to a unique and deeply human take on an iconic Victorian-era literary figure that will keep readers invested. The bond between the protagonist and his friend John, the mystery of how the protagonist ended up in the morgue, and the deeply insightful look into human nature and psychology made this a compelling novella.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, entertaining, and compelling, author A.A. Sekhon’s “Assumptions” is a must-read Victorian-era mystery thriller. The twists and turns, the shocking levels of suspense, and the rich character dynamics at work in this novella immediately hook readers, and the author’s harrowing imagery creates the atmosphere needed to feel immersed in the world.
March 11, 2026
This was an intriguing little historical mystery set in Victorian London. The opening line immediately pulled me in, and the unusual premise of waking up in a morgue made it hard not to keep reading. The author clearly knows the period well, and the atmosphere of 1880s London adds a lot of depth to the story.
What I enjoyed most was the character-focused approach. It’s less about action and more about observing human nature, motivations, and the assumptions people make about each other. That said, at times the pacing felt a little slow, and I found myself wishing for a bit more development in certain parts of the plot.
Overall though, it’s a thoughtful and engaging novella with a unique voice and a strong sense of setting. Definitely worth reading if you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery.
Thank you Rownvale Publishing for the opportunity to read this book, I have left my review voluntarily.
What I enjoyed most was the character-focused approach. It’s less about action and more about observing human nature, motivations, and the assumptions people make about each other. That said, at times the pacing felt a little slow, and I found myself wishing for a bit more development in certain parts of the plot.
Overall though, it’s a thoughtful and engaging novella with a unique voice and a strong sense of setting. Definitely worth reading if you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery.
Thank you Rownvale Publishing for the opportunity to read this book, I have left my review voluntarily.
April 8, 2026
Here I stepped into the foggy streets of Victorian London. I loved this story and especially the way the author portrayed the atmosphere of back then. Henry wakes up disoriented in a morgue, and I was immediately drawn to the mystery. He lives in a world where class hierarchy matters the most, with moral codes that feel suffocating at times. One’s reputation could make or break a life, and whispered rumors seem to be more important than the truth itself. The story unfolds like an excellent thriller, speaking of identity, assumption, and the masks we all wear from time to time, just to fit in. The characters felt vividly human – I loved that they were portrayed like real people, flawed, driven by fear and desire. I really wanted to find out what happened to Henry and the end was satisfying. A memorable, thought-provoking read – highly recommended! I received a free copy of this book from Rowanvale Books, but the opinion I posted is my own and not biased in any way.
March 12, 2026
Seriously, I didn't even have time to get up and make a cup of tea. There is zero fluff in this book, just a fast paced, gritty ride through Victorian London.
The story focuses on the massive friction between two doctors, and it feels like a missing piece of a much larger, legendary tragedy. It doesn't actually name names until the very end, which keeps you guessing while you're moving through the chapters.
I loved how it handled the main character's change, the brutality and the messy emotions of what happens when a person transforms into something else. It really unearths the dark, twisted side of medicine.
If you want a book you won’t put down, this is it. Just get your drinks and snacks ready before you start, because you aren't moving until it’s over.
The story focuses on the massive friction between two doctors, and it feels like a missing piece of a much larger, legendary tragedy. It doesn't actually name names until the very end, which keeps you guessing while you're moving through the chapters.
I loved how it handled the main character's change, the brutality and the messy emotions of what happens when a person transforms into something else. It really unearths the dark, twisted side of medicine.
If you want a book you won’t put down, this is it. Just get your drinks and snacks ready before you start, because you aren't moving until it’s over.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews