The Asset

A Joe DeMarco Thriller

De: Mike Lawson

Narrado por: Joe Barrett

Backchannel intel points Joe DeMarco in the direction of a possible double agent in the latest pulse-pounding thriller from Edgar and Barry Award finalist Mike Lawson, starring his beloved Washington, DC, troubleshooter.

In the middle of the night, on a winding road in a suburb outside of Washington, DC, a homeless veteran is killed in a hit-and-run—a tragedy that barely catches the attention of the media and police.

Days later, John Mahoney, the former Speaker of the House, is confronted by Diane Lake, an ex-CIA agent turned political researcher with a knack for digging up unsavory intelligence on some of DC’s biggest players. Diane is there with a gift for Mahoney: the news that Lydia Chang, the wife of one of his biggest rivals, might be working undercover as a Chinese agent.

Knowing it’s too early to get the FBI involved, Mahoney does the only thing left to do. He calls in Joe DeMarco.

DeMarco might not have the title of political researcher, but he’s no stranger to digging up dirt either. As DeMarco starts his investigation, he soon learns there’s a lot more going on than Mahoney suspected, and instead of answers, all he finds are more questions. Who’s the mysterious man Lydia Chang has been meeting in the park? Does Diane Lake have an ulterior motive? And why does everything point back to a random hit-and-run?

Another amazing Joe DeMarco thriller!

This 19th edition of the series is an amazing story of domestic & international political scheming woven through the long-running team of DC bagman Joe DeMarco and his boss, U.S. Representative John Mahoney.

“The Asset” by Mike Lawson continues the inside Washington focus with intrigue combining a Georgetown professor, young college coed & her influential parents, along with the PRC Embassy.

Mike Lawton’s story is intricately crafted and keeps listeners clearly informed as the story unwinds. This mainly linear telling (some occasional flashbacks) along with humorous anecdotal character-building encourages listener trust and emotional investment (thank god no use of Unreliable Narrator / Protagonist tropes).

While rooting for the occasionally Machiavellian-edged DeMarco does often fall on the slippery-side of legit, this novel’s conclusion delves completely into darkness with an unexpected focus on modern-day CCP turpitude.

While this story’s conclusion was painful to hear, this real-life situation is a well-documented reality. I was proud author Mike Lawson chose to bring attention to this shameful cultural atrocity. 5 Stars

Masterful

Masterful. One of my favorites in the series. highly recommend the book and the series.

Always a Very Good Solid Listen!!

As always Mike Lawson comes through with another really good Joe DeMarco mystery/thriller! With Joe Barrett narrating you know before you even begin listening that the book is going to be a hit. And it is!

I’ve enjoyed all of the books in this series, especially the ones with Emma. I was sorry she was left out of this one but there’s always the next. If you’ve never listened to any of the other books in this series I would suggest either listening in order or at the very least listen to book one first for background on the characters.
I know regular listeners of this series may not like when I say that Mr. Lawson used to flesh out his characters much more and I think that’s been missing a little more in the later books.
Anyway, as in all his books this has a twisted devious plot that seems to work out well for the good guys in the end and that’s what we all want and these days we NEED!!

This book has my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
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Awesome

Love this author. Love the series. It really is good listen. Fast pace and easy to listen to it

Welcome New Publisher

Thank goodness Mr Lawson got a new publisher and editor. Now he can get back to his busy of writing a a good novel that is entertaining, lots of bark out loud laughter,and a fictional story based on the news. Authors, write what they know, and they put a spin on a fictional story that may or may not mirror their own personal feelings. If this bothers you, then this novel is not for you. However, Mr. Lawson‘s loyal fans will really enjoy this story as I did. See reviewer Shelley‘s comments, hit helpful tab to find her. Her reviews are the best for recommendations when you’re looking for a good book.
Where are my comments of help?