In Do Not Assume Elaine Williams Crockett creates a complex web spanning decades and involving people at every level of government. Yet even with the complexity of the web she leads the reader through the labyrinth with a very deft touch. As the title suggests, do not assume (or at least not too much) because deception relies upon appearances leading to false assumptions. The antagonists in this book use deception, and violence, often and carefully.

In addition to the mystery/thriller aspect I also enjoyed the juxtaposition of the fast-paced political world inside the Beltway with the quiet supportive community in rural Maine. The changes in locale, however, never slowed the pace of the story as it hurtled toward its conclusion. I would enjoy seeing this become a series, though I am not sure how to proceed. My preference might be to see Judge Alexander and Ruth (an FBI agent) periodically team up when there might be either personal motivation or overlap in their respective domains. Either way, I see a trip to Switzerland.

I would recommend this to readers of both crime and political thrillers. If you're familiar with DC this will also be a fun read (though I am from the MD side of town). ( )