“Assume Guilt” – A Matt Barlow Novel / a new thriller

2.

take or begin to have (power or responsibility).

“he assumed full responsibility for all organizational work”

Assume itself has several meanings and uses, and is very fitting to the stories that Lisnek creates. In many ways, I think that Barlow is a symbol of Lisnek and the life he would have preferred had he not chosen the path he has. Yes, I know it is exciting to be a journalist, a newsman and an attorney, but there is nothing as exciting as a detective ( even a private eye) when it comes to living life on the edge. Matt Barlow, in my opinion s Lisnek’s “alter ego”. The man he would be if he had made a left rather than a right.

The first thing I want to look at with his writing is his honesty and truth about his city, Chicago. While we see many movies and TV shows that are supposed to be Chicago, often the streets and areas they mention are not really Chicago. The restaurants, the bars, and other locations are “typical” of our city but not the real thing. Lisnek gives us real places and reality as if he himself was enjoying the breakfast at Ann Sathers or dinner at Malnati’s. I love this feature to his work. I feel that I am truly riding shotgun with him ( or maybe I should say, Barlow).

This is a sequel to his last book, “Assume Guilt”, and takes us on a different ride down Lake Shore Drive. This one is political and considering the political world we are living in and the experiences we have recently witnessed, timeing is perfect. It is indeed a presidential campaign during some very difficult times. Barlow’s mission, while assisting one of those who is running for office is to  prove an assassination plot and get resolution.. Barlow and his crew now must use their research expertise to assist Senator Kent as she prepares to make her run.

The campaign season ( is this a real term?) is on the move and bomb threats and bombings take place, one after another. There are also some mall shootings. Do they have anything to do with each other?

Lisnek holds your interest for 289 pages. If you are into spy thrillers, detective novels. “Law and Order” type shows on TV and love politics, you will not want to put this book down. Some will go into the book thinking current politics, but while there are hints at some of what he have just lived through, let’s understand that an author deals with current events and history as they draw from their own experiences to make a story come to life. Barlow may just be the person that Lisnek wanted to be earlier in life, or perhaps, the man he wants to be after he hangs up his microphone and retires from broadcasting.

“Assume Treason” is a great read! It is available in both hard and soft covers through Amazon or at book stores. Since we are in a Covid -19 world, book signings are out, but Paul has offered to send a book plate to thos who want an autographed book. Send your request to me at albresloff@yahoo.com or mail to the radio station WCPT 820 AM

5475 N. Milwaukee Avenue

Chicago IL 60630

book published by Written Dreams   781951375409  $13.99 paperback

special note: Many characters in the book are names that you might recognize as the people you see on WGN-TV where Paul is the Political  Analyst. He also does “Behind the Curtain” podcast and Broadway Backstage ( when we have theater). You may have visited the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago , host to the Paul M. Lisnek Gallery honoring his many years in Chicago broadcasting.