House Witness

A Joe DeMarco Thriller, Book 12

By: Mike Lawson

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

This novel in Mike Lawson's critically acclaimed series takes political fixer Joe DeMarco to New York for behind-the-scenes work on a high-stakes murder case as the witnesses start to decamp one by one.

In House Witness, the expertly plotted 12th novel in this critically acclaimed series, Mike Lawson puts his likable protagonist on the trail of a different kind of fixer - one whose job is to inject reasonable doubt into seemingly air-tight criminal cases.

Minority Leader of the House and Joe DeMarco's long-time employer John Mahoney has kept more than one secret from his wife over the years but none so explosive as this: He has a son, and that son has just been shot dead in a bar in Manhattan. Mahoney immediately dispatches DeMarco to his native New York to provide prosecutor Justine Porter with any assistance necessary, but with five bystanders willing to testify against rich boy Toby Rosenthal, the case seems like a slam-dunk - that is, until Porter begins to suspect that someone is interfering with those witnesses and that this may be connected to a pattern of cases across the country. Could someone be helping to get witnesses out of the way when the fate of a wealthy defendant is on the line?

With the help of Porter's intern, as outrageously smart as she is young, DeMarco becomes determined to follow that question through to its violent resolution in what turns out to be Joe DeMarco's most unexpected adventure yet.

©2018 Mike Lawson (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

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.

Joe Demarco does it again!

Joe's character is spot on in yet another exciting escapade because of a Mohaney assignment.

finished it fast! couldn't stop listening

This is another great DeMarco story. really enjoyed it. Am hoping DeMarco learns the truth about Mahoney on the next book. also like that it looks like Ella will be back. she is a worthy opponent

Just crazy fun characters

Like no one you would hope to know but very entertaining read. Recommend. Thank you

Interesting Plot

Hasn't really thought about a court case in this manner. Scary to realize how people may twist the justice system.

one of my favorite series

love the story line, I always look forward to the next book in the series

must read

Great author!! Love this series!!
I recommend this entire series!
it is intriguing and suspencefull.

Better and Better

Mike Lawson’s books just keep getting better and better. Thank you sir for a great read. Most enjoyable.

Great narrator

These books are great, this was a very good one in the series.

However, the narrator is OUTSTANDING!

I’m
Finished with this series of books and and have preordered the next one. I am anxiously awaiting it!

Entertaining

Enjoyable - no gratuitous sex or violence, political spin, moral but flawed characters. Legal drama. Fun listen.