House Justice

A Joe DeMarco Thriller

By: Mike Lawson

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

When an American defense contractor goes to Iran to sell missile technology, the CIA knows all about it, thanks to a spy in Tehran. But when the story is leaked to an ambitious journalist, the spy is burned, brutally tortured, and executed. The director of the CIA isn’t about to let the callous sacrifice of his valuable spy go unpunished.

Joe DeMarco’s boss, Speaker of the House John Fitzpatrick Mahoney, has his own reasons to get to the bottom of the leak. He once had a fling with the journalist, and now that she’s in jail for refusing to reveal her source, she is threatening to tell all unless he helps get her out.

DeMarco and the CIA aren’t the only ones looking for the source of the leak, either. Someone else wants to avenge the spy’s death, and is tailing DeMarco, hoping he’ll lead him to his prey.

This latest Joe DeMarco thriller is classic Mike Lawson, featuring fascinating characters, inside-the-beltway intrigue, and a gripping plot packed with surprises.

©2010 Mike Lawson (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Engaging….The always present push and pull between the political machinations of alcoholic, egotistical Mahoney and DeMarco’s basic decency raises the ethical stakes.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“Lawson has honed his skill to write a perfect political thriller—fast-moving, cynical, but ultimately moral.” ( Library Journal)

These books are like movies!

I'm enjoying this series. It's like a movie! The author does a good job with the characters, lots of plot twists, and I never know who did it! Haha It's not as fast paced as I wish, but very enjoyable.

Fast-paced adventure with rich characters

Mike Lawson's House Justice is tag-lined as a Joe DeMarco Thriller. The tag line states the truth - it is a thriller. Lawson, a much under-appreciated writer, has developed Joe DeMarco as a solid action protagonist. He surrounds DeMarco with a variety of interesting collaborators. From DeMarco's boss, Speaker-of-the-House John Fitzpatrick Mahoney, to old and new colleagues, Lawson's rich characters stabilize the achilles heel of most action-adventure novels - plots that tend to stretch the believable. Because DeMarco's allies are sometimes reluctant, they're more fun. The villains, particularly in House Justice, are both numerous and not too obvious. As for plot predictability, be prepared for an interesting conclusion.

The audiobook performer, Joe Barrett did a very solid job. Though I wasn't particularly thrilled with the voice he gave DeMarco (a minor nit-pick), Barrett delivered an excellent range of voices, including the necessary subtleties for age and gender differences. Barrett is the 2nd reader (Scott Brick) in 3 audiobooks. For abridged versions, there were two more. For continuities sake, I hope the author can stabilize his reader choices. In addition, Audible skipped two very good books, House Rules and House Secrets.

If you want a fast-paced, fun experience, filled with interesting characters and plot twists, this - and other Mike Lawson books - will not disappoint.

Mike Lawson just keeps getting better!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! Mr. Lawson adds more depth to his characters with each book

What was one of the most memorable moments of House Justice?

The meeting in the Oval Office

Which scene was your favorite?

The final meeting between Mahoney and LaFontain

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A weeks' worth of entertainment in just one movie!

Any additional comments?

Having recently "discovered" Mr. Lawsons' books, I am listening my way through them in order and I have enjoyed each successive book more than the previous one, and I can't imagine anyone but Joe Barrett narrating the books.....he really brings the characters to life!

A fun run through mayhem and murder

What did you love best about House Justice?

The narrator did a brilliant job of weaving the different elements the author brought to this tale. Compassion, humor, terror, cynicism, idealism - they all flow like someone who takes a bag full of such emotions and empties it out on the floor in the disorganized fashion we experience it in our lives - if without the beautiful women, people being murdered every 30 pages, senators and senior officials as common as our mailman . .

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

For the most part, but sometimes authors put too much emphasis on this. The clever interweaving of the different perspectives of the key characters keeps the story moving.

What about Joe Barrett’s performance did you like?

The best!

Joe DeMarco Series

Plot. Joe DeMarco, a guy in his late 30s, has a law degree but cannot find a job because he is the son of a deceased mafia hitman. Joe has never been involved with the mob in any way; he's never even owned a gun. Joe gets a job working in the Capitol. Seems the Speaker of the House had an affair with Joe's aunt and she calls in a favor. Joe is a decent guy, divorced, a bit of a horn dog, lazy, and would rather be playing golf. Speaker of the House John Mahone is a demanding alcoholic, a womanizer, as crooked as all politicians, feared by everyone who knows him - except his wife - a gal everyone adores. Mahone has a few redeeming traits, like a love of the veteran. There is another character of interest. Emma is a woman of high moral standards, a retired deep black ops gal that knows everyone and everything. She hates Mahone because she knows he's a typically devious politician but treats Joe as an annoying younger brother.

The series consists of several full-length novels - each with a beginning - middle - end, meaning you don't have to start with book one, The Inside Ring - but it will help with continuity. Bribing for votes, blackmail, dirty politicians and cops from the FBI to local police, heroic war veterans, and many good guys. From the basement of the capitol to alligator swamps, the series contains a wide range of plots. Narration is fine - Scott Brick does the first two books, Joe Barrett the remainder - no issues with either.

The Joe DeMarco Series is written by Michael Lawson, each book in the area of 10 hours of listening in unabridged audiobook format, released starting in 2005 through today by Random House and Blackstone Publishing.

Entertaining.

Quite Enjoyable

Interestingly I’ve elected to endure the new Forced Full review process to write this minimum 15 words.
I truly enjoyed this Joe DeMarco espionage thriller, and appreciate fact there other installments in the DeMarco series available at no additional charge with my monthly paid subscription fee.
Authors notes at the end of the reading add a very personal touch.
Performance of this book is perfection.

Another Great Read

Really enjoy Lawson’s DeMarco series. Engaging story, great writing, and Barret’’s narration is terrific.

Insightful The plot reflects Reality

Joe Demarco. A man with a conscience and inner conviction.
A Florist
Russian Gangsters
A female CIA agent

Revenge is sweet

Where does House Justice rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I found this story to be nicely in place with many better than aveage thrillers. Probably not memorable but satisfying

What was one of the most memorable moments of House Justice?

The ruthless scenes of revenge along with the scenes depicting the ugly workings of our political system

Any additional comments?

the reader did a good job but did not nail a couple of the accents.. but in his defense there were quite a variety of international players

He's Back!

It is great to see a new arrival from Mike Lawson on Audible. In this story, DeMarco is faced with a twisted conspiracy to sort out. The plot gets a little confusing at times, but the story is well written, the characters are multi dimensional and the ending is satisfying. The narrarator balances his voice between female, male, American and foreign accents. I enjoyed this listen and hope to see more by this author available soon!