House Blood

A Joe DeMarco Thriller, Book 7

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

And Justice For All

Working through the series out of order. So this story was a bit dark for me. Great Emma character, not too much Mahoney but he was good when featured. Of course Joe is the good thread. When I say a bit dark, morality was the under theme and loyalty another. Very little bark out loud laughter on this one, but Joe give good sacrarium. This was a longer adventure full of twists and turn. I do use 1.25x speed to match the mystery. I am on this series due to the wonderful narration of Joe Barrett. Do not miss his reads of author Brian Haig, The Sean Drummond series for bark out loud laughter and great mysteries
Were my comments of of help

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.

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.

Excellent performance…good story

The narrator made the story better than it probably was, however, this is a good series with plausible yarns that help you escape to, well, a world not unlike the real world. The difference in Lawson’s world is the good guy wins in the end. Not so much in the real world.

Great Story- Fantastic Narrator

This was the third book written my Mike Lawson and read by Joe Barrett that I have listened to in the past month. I’m hooked on these Joe DeMarco mysteries even more than the Robert Ludlum books of old. Joe Barrett’s virtuosity as a reader and his ability to sound like the characters makes listening to these thrillers a captivating experience.

Interesting timing Read this January of 2021

Another well written plot. The narrator does a great job of shifting between characters in a fashion that projects emotion anf true feelings.

The plot does raise some questions about morality and ethics where pharmaceutical companies trust drugs. It is, of course, up to the reader to decide individually if there is any wrongdoings morally or ethically on the industry.

GTG start the next book in the series now

House Blood--Sure Hit!

This is my second Mike Lawson book. And he gets better and better. Joe DiMarco, our hero, is definitely flawed...he works for an U.S. Congressman, an Irish Catholic one, to boot. Bad characters, yup, a number of evil villainous folks, who kill other folks! And Big Pharma and drug testing...you know they must be bad because I called B.P. are up to evil deeds and sneaking. So, yes, bad guys don't reach the back cover. Joe Barrett brings this great story to life; with his outstanding voice, his timing, his Irish accent‐spot on! Mike and Joe are an excellent team. I highly recommend House Blood!