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Former Florida cop Joe Reddick's world fell apart nine years ago when his wife and son were killed in a home invasion. Ever since, he has blamed himself for not being there. He's remarried, is the father of a young boy and has established a new life in Los Angeles. However, that doesn't stop his ongoing nightmares and a tendency to erupt in a rage at the slightest provocation. He is consumed by the idea that he must protect his new family. His obsession with his family's safety is so extreme that his wife is threatening separation. A minor accident is the catalyst for immersing Reddick in a situation that jeopardizes his loved ones yet again. The driver of the car that hit him is involved in a very dicey situation. Andy Baumhower and three of his friends have formed their own company. They unwisely borrowed money from a Mexican drug enforcer, who is expecting to be repaid within a week. Unfortunately, the group is unable to raise the money that they need. As the situation spirals out of control, one of them ends up dead. When Baumhower hits Reddick's vehicle, he had just dumped the body. One of his cohorts is convinced that Reddick will go to the police and the death will come to light. To prevent that from happening, he threatens Joe's family. Bad move!!! All of Joe's pent-up feelings about what happened in the past come back in full force. He isn't going to take the intimidation lightly. As far as he's concerned, it's his obligation to eliminate anyone threatening his family. The whole issue of the threat was the least convincing part of the book for me. It was hard to believe that someone who had so much at stake would pull such a stupid stunt. The resolution wrapped up much too conveniently. Other than that, I found ASSUME NOTHING to be a fascinating study of a man whose volcanic temper has brought him to a place where he is his own worst enemy. In his quest to protect his family, has he lost the ability to provide them with a responsible and loving husband and father? The book has a distinctly noir tone. There doesn't seem to be any hope that anyone will live happily ever after. § Formerly a training development manager for a large company, Maddy is now retired and continues to enable the addiction of crime fiction fans as owner of the online discussion group, 4 Mystery Addicts(4MA), while avidly reading in every possible free moment herself.
Reviewed by Maddy Van Hertbruggen, December 2011
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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