“Assume Guilt” a Book Review

[rating=4] It is not often that I do a book review, but under the circumstances, felt it was the right thing to do. For many years, I have seen Paul Lisnek at the theater, or at a taping of the Broadway In Chicago “behind the scenes” programs, or on Channel 9 TV doing his “political thing”. We speak on a regular basis, at the theater, and are “Facebook Friends”. We kid each other about the plays and his love of the “bow tie”, and trade candies at the openings of plays. I never knew him to be a novelist and then heard that he had indeed written a Murder Mystery. I ADORE MURDER MYSTERIES!

Under the circumstances, when his publisher sent me a copy of the novel, asking me to evaluate, I  felt the need to get right into it as quickly as possible. Those who know me, know that during the “Holiday Season” I am a “Santa”, know that my time is limited, and with the play schedule still being strong, it meant finding the time to get into a 300 page book. I did! Here is what I have to say about “Assume Guilt”!

The main character of the book,Matt Barlow, is a true Chicagoan, and from his description is very much a part of the author, Paul Lisnek. Lisnek is an attorney ( not practicing), who is also a political analyst and is a jury consultant and works with major cases. These are functions, except for the reporting, that we find our Hero, Matt Barlow being. They do say that many writers use their own experiences and modify them to fit the story. I have a strong feeling that this is the case with Lisnek.

The story and the case contained within is intriguing and it keep my interest at all times. I am not a great reader, not having a great deal of time to do so, but I found myself going into the city by train instead of driving so I could continue reading and see where this mystery was going. Lisnek’s style is smooth and while we move through Chicago and other notable areas nearby, he makes sure that he stays on track so we pick up all the clues and signs that he is laying out for us. I liked the Prologue and epilogue technique as it got me into the character (s) and summarized it as well.

Again, I would never spoil the adventure of reading this bright story involving a criminal case that might just remind you of “The Fugitive” ( at least for a while), but interestingly, the characters in this story seem real and almost like people you know. Perhaps the guy sitting next to you on the 151 bus as you head down to Michigan Avenue from the Lincoln Park area. Maybe the woman in front of you as you pay your tab at Walgreen’s on State and Randolph. The story is filled with Chicago, making it fun to read for Chicagoans. I am never sure how out-of-towners might react to that. Maybe for them, this book would be a trip to our fair city. One where they hope they do not run into Charles Marchand. The case involves developers, politicians, a mysterious death and another murder. Good reading that you will not want to put down!

The title of the book: “Assume Guilt”

Published by Written Dreams (Legal Mystery series) and is available at most book stores ( if there are any left) and at Amazon  http://www.amazon.com, in all forms, hard cover, paperback and kindle.

Enjoy! I know I did ( and my wife has started it as well)