The United States in crisis - In the face of increasing terrorist attacks on his own soil, the president of the United States declares martial law and sits for a third term. His country simmers in suspicion and fear. In Chicago, Jason Walker, half Lebanese but thoroughly American, is detained, interrogated and tortured. In exchange for his freedom, he must turn spy for Homeland Security, but it soon becomes impossible to tell who are the good guys . . .

"Chicago journalist Graff (Cold Lessons) takes a less-than-imaginative look at a dystopian near-future America in his second novel, a thriller. An unnamed George W. Bush is still president in what is in effect his third term; a series of terrorist attacks, somewhat improbably, has led to the suspension of much of the Constitution, including presidential elections. When Homeland Security agents arrest freelance photographer Jason Walker because he's been taking pictures of prominent Chicago buildings, Walker manages to convince his captors of his innocence. The nave Walker agrees to use his Lebanese heritage to infiltrate a local Mideastern cultural center, but does so clumsily. The plot thickens after some Lebanese-Americans with uncertain motives recruit Walker as a double agent. While many thoughtful observers have wondered whether the war on terror will cost the U.S. its soul, Graff barely scratches the surface of the challenging ideas his intriguing conceit presents. (Nov.)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)