A Tale of Mystery, Resilience, and Discovery

Read Time:4 Minute, 15 Second

BOOK REVIEW
Assume Nothing: A Thriller

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: www.amazon.com

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.

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[photo courtesy of THOMAS & MERCER]

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