House Secrets

A Joe DeMarco Thriller

By: Mike Lawson

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's Summary

Mike Lawson’s previous novels starring Joe DeMarco, fixed for the Speaker of the House, have earned him a loyal following from thriller aficionados and a place among the most talented and captivating thriller writers focusing on the dangerous games of our nation’s capital.

In House Secrets, DeMarco is sent to investigate the death of a reporter, the son of one of his boss’ old colleagues, even though it appears to be nothing more than an unfortunate accident. He soon learns that the reporter was on the trail of Senator Paul Morelli, a rising star considered a shoe-in for his party’s presidential nomination. Some politicians are lucky, and Morelli has been luckier than most, but his past has already been thoroughly scrutinized and he looks clean. But then, why is DeMarco being followed by a pair of rogue agents who freelance for the CIA?

Dirty secrets, beltway politics, and divided loyalties threaten as DeMarco’s investigation spirals dangerously out of control. Filled with surprising twists, a captivating plot, and excellent characters both old and new, House Secrets is Lawson’s best book yet.

©2009 Mike Lawson (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic Reviews

“In Lawson’s excellent fourth Washington thriller to feature Joe DeMarco…[t]he action builds to a stunning final twist.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“Lawson’s latest Joe DeMarco thriller proves to be his best yet…Intriguing, multidimensional characters balanced between good and evil combine with an involving plot and plenty of behind-the-scenes political machinations. It all adds up to one of the best thrillers of the year.” ( Booklist )

I'm enjoying this series

Protagonist Paul DeMarco is a lawyer and fixer for US House powerhouse representative John Mahoney in this unique suspense thriller series. The last sentence of House Secrets includes a terrific twist. Listening to Joe Barrett narrate is always a pleasure.

Flawless Toast Maker

So after re listening to book 5 for the third time as I was determined to fine the humor in that story, I purchased this book as a Reviewer said lots of humor! Not so much, as I finally figured out with books 3,7,10 to buy that this series has bits of humor in all the stories, but you have to like the general subject author has chosen to feature. Hence book 9 ,8 seem to rival the top spot for overall story and humor. Since I failed to listen to this series in order, I get mixed feelings about each book. Each review has a person saying they were not nuts about Mike Lawson politics and because he is a terrific writer I did not even realize how well he inserts his personal feeling into each of the stories. Some reviewers were not nuts about the John Mahoney character, whom I love with his irreverent style, impure thoughts or actions, and patriotic mind set.
When some reviewers say they listened to all eight books straight through, it is hard to believe. I have not even gotten books 1,2 on the radar as I purchased this series due to narrator Joe Barrett. He makes this whole series fun.
I do use the 1.25x speed for all mysteries.
Were my comments of help?

Great story!

This book, as well as all the books in the series, is fantastic. The character development is outstanding and so is the plot. The humor is amazing! I have to say, I found myself chuckling throughout the book. I love the narration- Joe Barrett, you do a great job with all the characters, although I particularly like John Mahoney!

Best so Far!

I recently discovered this series and have enjoyed each book. However, this had been my favorite. I normally figure out the plot and the ending well in advance. Not this time; and it was worth the wait!

Recommend

Held my interest throughout. Only negative is that I occasionally had difficulty disquishing which character was speaking.

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.

Good political thriller

I like the twists of this story about a Senator and his cronies getting rid of any threats to his run for the White House. Demarco plays a good role in this book and the narrator is very good

To the grave

I've given this book 5 stars because of the ending. The last sentence to be more precise. Wow

Gripping

Another unusual great story by Mike Lawson. Sometimes depressing, always interesting and suspenseful House Rules was hard to "put down'. Joe Barrett does masterful job narrating.

my new favorite author

Lawson has hit hit full stride by book 3.. every moment enjoyable. great narrative and narrator 5 stars