House Blood

By: Mike Lawson

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's Summary

With his series of thrillers starring congressional fixer Joe DeMarco, Mike Lawson has earned a reputation as a master of political intrigue and one of the best writers focusing on the behind-the-scenes action of our nation’s capital.

In House Blood, Lawson introduces us to Orson Mulray, CEO of Mulray Pharma, a cold and calculating man obsessed with profit and prestige. Mulray believes he has discovered a drug that could prevent a previously incurable disease. It could be the salvation of millions of people and earn him billions of dollars. But the drug needs to be tested on human subjects, and Mulray needs more than blood samples - he needs autopsy results.

When DeMarco is asked to look into the murder conviction of a lobbyist, he has other worries on his mind: His boss is no longer Speaker, his girlfriend has left him, and his friend Emma may be dying. DeMarco doesn’t expect to free the lobbyist - much less become the target of two of the most callous killers he and Emma have ever encountered.

The seventh book in this celebrated series is a rollicking ride to Uganda, Peru, and beyond. Lawson expertly commands Washington politics, mercenaries, and the pharmaceutical industry for a juicy story full of lifelike characters and thrilling action.

Mike Lawson,a former senior civilian executive for the US Navy, is the author of six novels starring Joe DeMarco. His first book, The Inside Ring, was rated by the Seattle Times as one of the top 10 thrillers of 2005 and was nominated for a Barry Award.

©2012 Mike Lawson (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"While Lawson provides a vivid picture of what it takes to get a drug approved and how high the stakes can be both politically and financially, the book’s main appeal is everyman DeMarco, who’d rather watch college basketball on TV than work. As ever, he’s good at tracking the bad guys - and it’s fun to watch him at it." ( Publishers Weekly)

"The plot and pace are relentless, and the milieus of Congress, DC, and disaster relief seem knowingly presented. But character creation is Lawson’s greatest talent, and Fiona, her supersoldiers, and of course, the ever-cranky cynic DeMarco, will rivet readers’ attention. A host of lesser characters are nearly as engaging. House Blood is so good it will move long-time political-thriller readers to recall the memorable characters and style of the late, great Ross Thomas." ( Booklist)

"A what-happens-next, edge-of-your-seat thriller, told with the author’s clear prose and storytelling skills. I know that Mike Lawson has methodically grown a loyal base of fans, but I think that his consistent excellence needs to be more universally acknowledged." ( Deadly Pleasures)

Finally - A book I can write a positive review for

I think forever ago I read one of Mike Lawson's first or second books & it was o.k but not memorable... I looked through all the reviews and decided to give book # 7 a chance. I'm glad I did. I like Joe Barrett and am most familiar with his work as the narrator for Brian Freeman's books. I think I enjoyed the book mostly for it's plausible story line & The fact that it did not have some over the top action hero doing things beyond their means. It's the very reason I like Joe DeMarco. I do wish Joe was a little more everything though... I wish Mike Lawson didn't paint him as some bumbling half lawyer skating by. I am listening to book 8 based off my experience with # 7 and Joe tried to pronounce anaphylatic shock and bumbled his way through the word and it surprised me that I could say it if not spell it & I am just a pool guy from Florida.. I'd really like to see a Joe DeMarco pick up where his dad left off and make him a hit man of sorts. Anyway - I liked the ending a lot and it brought the whole book together nicely. Audio books are one of the ways I cope with the daily grind & I am glad to have found this book in amoungst the pile of bad books I listened to lately.

For what it's worth.... J

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Best DeMarco so far

This was my 7th Joe DeMarco story and maybe "the best". I am already sad that there are only two more in the series. Mike Lawson, I hope you are hard at work on #10.

This one did not focus so much on "The Speaker's" corruptness. I hear enough about corrupt politicians in the daily news. I don't need more proof in my recreational reading.

I suppose this series can be picked up at any point, but I chose to read them in order. Among my favorite Audible series along with Harlon Coben's Myron Bolitor, Brett Battles' Jonathan Quinn and Connolley's Bosch and Mickey Haller.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Another great Joe DeMarco book

What did you love best about House Blood?

I think Lawson is awesome

What about Joe Barrett’s performance did you like?

Barrett is a top 5 narator

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

I;ve listened to all of Mike Lawson titles, in my book he is in the top five of mystery writers.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful