House Odds

A Joe DeMarco Thriller, Book 8

By: Mike Lawson

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Washington fixer Joe DeMarco has been asked to handle a lot of difficult situations over the years for his boss, Congressman John Mahoney. But nothing has ever been quite so politically sensitive, or has hit so close to home, as the task Mahoney hands DeMarco in House Odds, the latest novel from critically acclaimed thriller writer Mike Lawson.

Mahoney’s daughter, Molly, has been arrested and charged with insider trading. An engineer with a high-flying technology firm, she allegedly placed a half-million-dollar bet on one of the firm’s clients. DeMarco’s job is to clear Molly’s name and keep his boss clean. But how did Molly get her hands on so much money to invest in the first place? Before long, DeMarco discovers that there’s far more to Molly’s case than meets the eye, and the risk to Mahoney is more than just a little political embarrassment. Featuring an extensive cast of mobsters and politicians, House Odds is a gripping tale of high-stakes scheming from one of today’s best political thriller writers.

©2013 Mike Lawson (P)2013 Blackstone Audio

Better pace at the beginning.

Another good story by Mike Lawson. Joe Barrett's talent seems to know no bounds. He portrays so many different characters with ease.

Congrats

You wrote a book where I think every person in the book is pos 🙄 pfftt

GREAT STORY. Loved every moment of it.

I luckily discovered Mike Lawson, the author of “House Odds”. I just finished it, and am already hungry for another of his books. Again, I loved every moment.

Amazing writer & incredible Joe Barrett narration!

So glad to have found another series with an excellent, unique, and extremely knowledgeable writer AND narrated by one of best narrators I've heard-if not the best! In fact, I was introduced to author Mike Lawson when searching for more books narrated by Joe Barrett and while each book can be read without following the series, you'll want more, so go for the series! Thank you, gentlemen, for such great entertainment (and education!)

Characters drive the entertainment

I love listening to how things work in DC through these characters. They are well developed and interesting. This story is really complicated. Not in the sense it’s hard to follow, but in the amount of crimes and consequences suffered. Lots of bad guys, only 2 fairly good guys.

Refreshing and Different

This narrator gets better with each book! Joe's bosses daughter is in this one and she creates a situation that Joe uses skills we have not seen before to solve. He draws on skills his relatives used to persuade people at times and I found myself not wanting to quit listening to this book!

Probably his best (so far)

Probably the best in series… so far… great twists and turns. So far… so far

His Mouse

I thought I loved book 9, but this book has turned out to be right next to book 9 in terms of getting stars. The publishers summery is spot on so no need to add to it.
Book 4 is next as I work my way back to book 3,7, and finally 10. Not sure why book 6 has only one review!!! When only a single negative review, it makes me wonder why all the good reviewers did not comment?
I purchased this book and am now working my way through this series as I ran out of author Brian Haig Sean Drummond books narrated by Joe Barrett. Since I want the best first, or rather the stories with the most humor first, this determines my out of order purchases. I started with book 5 as summery was great, but I failed to find the humor. Now after books 9, 8,4 I see where I failed to HEAR the humor as the mystery got in my way so to speak! I have to admit, if you read out of order like I do, then yes you may miss the great building blocks of this series.
I am a new devoted fan of narrator Joe Barrett, but so far author Brian Freeman stories have not compelled me to start a binge on his many series as they seem very dark. This series has sarcastic humor eg Elmore Leonard style.
I can see why reviewer Shelly loves any of the books which showcases the Emma character! Who would not want a dear friend like her. As a friend, she has your Six. The author has developed characters eg Emma on the job with her garden or Joe going to the dentist or dealing with a mouse that makes you want to buy and listen to the full series one after the other.
I do use the 1.25x speed for all mysteries to match the adventure. Give it a try.
Were my comments of help?

Another Awesome Joe D book

This was another Great Joe DeMarco book. House Blood was the new Gold Standard for me. House Odds has matched or surpassed it. Odds had more twists than a coiled snake and hit just as hard. Joe Barrette delivers another flawless performance.
I loved it and can't wait to start House Reckoning.

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.