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.
“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)
"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.
"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!
"Mike Lawson just keeps getting better!"
Yes! Mr. Lawson adds more depth to his characters with each book
The meeting in the Oval Office
The final meeting between Mahoney and LaFontain
A weeks' worth of entertainment in just one movie!
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!
specklesmama
"Good action thriller"
The story line was good, but I got a bit confused at times. I couldn't keep all the characters straight - that's one of my problems with intricate books on audiotape. One thread in the storyline, however, tended to be quite humorous - not funny-ha-ha, but the puzzlement of it was amusing. That helped break up the seriousness of the story.
It was all action and I tend to prefer a lot of action. And the cerebral mystery of it.
I didn't care for this narrator. His voice was too gruff for my tastes, so that when he tried to voice a woman, it came out kind of weird. He would have been better off to just 'read' it.
No; it stands well enough alone.
"Revenge is sweet"
I found this story to be nicely in place with many better than aveage thrillers. Probably not memorable but satisfying
The ruthless scenes of revenge along with the scenes depicting the ugly workings of our political system
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
"Entertaining with many twists"
Wtthin the top ten of the books I have listened to. The book has a great plot and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Joe Demarco
All
Just a good overall thriller.
None
"Great Book-My first by this author!"
Great book. Good plot, funny dialogue, mystery, decent amount of violence, however not messy. This is my first time reading this author. I think he has a very unique sense of humor, especially how he wraps it around the minor violence areas in the plot. After 92 books this year, I would definetly buy this one again. Also, I'm not on Audible's or the Publisher's payroll like that chick with the damn cat!
"This narrator sucked"
No
he can't seem to differentiate the characters
with out a good narrator listening to even the best of books is a tough thing to do.
It's time to get Scott Brick back!!!
"Don't waste your time or money!"
This audiobook is terrible, the storyline is akin to a politically correct 'soap opera' very boring! The narration is unberably monotone and tiresome.
If I could give a book a negative rating this would be a negative 5!