What do you think?
Rate this book
Joe DeMarco #17
Kingpin
The latest pulse-pounding thriller from Edgar and Barry Award finalist Mike Lawson starring his beloved Washington DC “troubleshooter” Joe DeMarco. Carson Newman doesn’t wear tracksuits. He doesn’t have a consigliere or operate out of the back room of a restaurant. And as evidenced by his ever-growing Boston empire, he doesn’t get his hands dirty. Usually. Joe DeMarco, on the other hand, is paid to get his hands dirty. So, when John Mahoney, the former Speaker of the House, calls, DeMarco knows it’s time to get to work. Brian Lewis, an intern for Mahoney, has been found dead, seemingly from a drug overdose. But Brian didn’t seem like a drug user, and even more concerning, he seemed to be on the cusp of releasing a report that identified a group of politicians who had taken bribes in helping dismantle a recent bill. Brian’s mom is convinced that Brian was murdered because of what he’d learned, and it doesn’t take long for DeMarco to come to a similar conclusion. In a city full of shadowy agreements and duplicitous deals, DeMarco will soon learn that to get to the bottom of Brian’s death, he’ll have to look at people perched the very top of the world.
282 pages, Hardcover
First published February 6, 2024
72 people are currently reading
3042 people want to read
About the author
Mike Lawson
51 books438 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Pen name: M.A Lawson
Michael Lawson was raised in Pueblo, Colorado and attended college at Seattle University, receiving a degree in engineering. On leaving college he went to work for the US Navy as a nuclear engineer, spending approximately thirty years working for the Navy's nuclear power program. Some of this time was spent in Washington D.C. but most was spent at a large naval shipyard in Bremerton, Washington.
At the shipyard he managed a number of different organizations related to overhauling nuclear powered submarines, cruisers, and aircraft carriers, ending up as a member of the government’s Senior Executive Service
To date he has published 12 books starring Joe DeMarco, a fixer for a corrupt politician and three books in his Kay Hamilton series under the name of M. A. Lawson: He has won the Friend of Mystery Award twice and is a five time nominee for the Barry Award.
He lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Pen name: M.A Lawson
Michael Lawson was raised in Pueblo, Colorado and attended college at Seattle University, receiving a degree in engineering. On leaving college he went to work for the US Navy as a nuclear engineer, spending approximately thirty years working for the Navy's nuclear power program. Some of this time was spent in Washington D.C. but most was spent at a large naval shipyard in Bremerton, Washington.
At the shipyard he managed a number of different organizations related to overhauling nuclear powered submarines, cruisers, and aircraft carriers, ending up as a member of the government’s Senior Executive Service
To date he has published 12 books starring Joe DeMarco, a fixer for a corrupt politician and three books in his Kay Hamilton series under the name of M. A. Lawson: He has won the Friend of Mystery Award twice and is a five time nominee for the Barry Award.
He lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
April 2, 2025
Easy 5 stars for intrigue and finish.
December 28, 2023
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Mike Lawson, and Grove Atlantic for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
A great fan of Mike Lawson’s work, I was eager to get my hands on the latest in the Joe DeMarco series. There is all sorts of action I would expect and some wonderfully colourful banter that fills the pages of the book. Lawson has captured DeMarco’s demeanour once more and keeps the reader in the middle of tit all. I cannot see an end to this series, which makes me happy, as there is so much to enjoy!
Some of the super-rich in Boston live in a world all their own. Carson Newman is one such person, though he runs things from a hands-off approach, letting others get dirty while he profits and dishes out orders. Joe DeMarco is the opposite, down in the trenches and handling things for the former Speaker of the House, John Maloney. DeMarco likes the work, but has tired of being arrested and constantly scrutinised by others.
When Maloney calls him to help on a case, DeMarco rushes over to see what’s going on. A young intern, Brian Lewis, is found dead, seemingly from a drug overdose. Brian has no history with drugs whatsoever, though he has been looking into some politician payoffs that have him quite concerned. When Brian’s mom voices that she is sure this was murder, DeMarco begins kicking the tires and soon comes tho the same conclusions, though he needs to prove it.
When all things tie back to Carson Newman, DeMarco knows that this is something worth his time. There are many layers that separate Newman from the Lewis murder, but DeMarco vows to link them all together and make a case. This puts DeMarco and those with him he is working in danger, but that’s just the price to pay for justice,. As DeMarco inches closer, he will have to play it carefully or risk losing it all. Mike Lawson spins another flawless web with this piece.
I have long enjoyed the work of Mike Lawson, partially because there is an element of politics, but also due to the strong crime thriller angle. The stories are always full of adventure and some great banter, which flavours things effectively for me. I am fond of the short chapters that help propel things along, keeping me in the middle of the action and wanting to read well into the night.
Lawson’s use of great characters helps the story as well. Joe DeMarco, who seems gruff on the outside, has a soft interior and gets along with most people who respect him. This has been the case for the seventeen novels that have filled the series, keeping things fresh and well-grounded. Some of the secondary characters work well too, providing a great flavouring. This is paired with great twists and advancements throughout the story, entertaining the reader until all comes together by the end. Mike Lawson has been doing well for this entire series and shows no signs of losing his spark.
Kudos, Mr. Lawson, for another great novel.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A great fan of Mike Lawson’s work, I was eager to get my hands on the latest in the Joe DeMarco series. There is all sorts of action I would expect and some wonderfully colourful banter that fills the pages of the book. Lawson has captured DeMarco’s demeanour once more and keeps the reader in the middle of tit all. I cannot see an end to this series, which makes me happy, as there is so much to enjoy!
Some of the super-rich in Boston live in a world all their own. Carson Newman is one such person, though he runs things from a hands-off approach, letting others get dirty while he profits and dishes out orders. Joe DeMarco is the opposite, down in the trenches and handling things for the former Speaker of the House, John Maloney. DeMarco likes the work, but has tired of being arrested and constantly scrutinised by others.
When Maloney calls him to help on a case, DeMarco rushes over to see what’s going on. A young intern, Brian Lewis, is found dead, seemingly from a drug overdose. Brian has no history with drugs whatsoever, though he has been looking into some politician payoffs that have him quite concerned. When Brian’s mom voices that she is sure this was murder, DeMarco begins kicking the tires and soon comes tho the same conclusions, though he needs to prove it.
When all things tie back to Carson Newman, DeMarco knows that this is something worth his time. There are many layers that separate Newman from the Lewis murder, but DeMarco vows to link them all together and make a case. This puts DeMarco and those with him he is working in danger, but that’s just the price to pay for justice,. As DeMarco inches closer, he will have to play it carefully or risk losing it all. Mike Lawson spins another flawless web with this piece.
I have long enjoyed the work of Mike Lawson, partially because there is an element of politics, but also due to the strong crime thriller angle. The stories are always full of adventure and some great banter, which flavours things effectively for me. I am fond of the short chapters that help propel things along, keeping me in the middle of the action and wanting to read well into the night.
Lawson’s use of great characters helps the story as well. Joe DeMarco, who seems gruff on the outside, has a soft interior and gets along with most people who respect him. This has been the case for the seventeen novels that have filled the series, keeping things fresh and well-grounded. Some of the secondary characters work well too, providing a great flavouring. This is paired with great twists and advancements throughout the story, entertaining the reader until all comes together by the end. Mike Lawson has been doing well for this entire series and shows no signs of losing his spark.
Kudos, Mr. Lawson, for another great novel.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 25, 2023
I am a massive fan of this very talented author and this book didn’t disappoint.
joe DeMarco is a fixer for congressman John Mahoney who uses him for things best kept in the background. DeMarco is no criminal, but he plays close to the line to get things done, but he’d much rather be playing golf.
DeMarco is avoiding a job he’s been given and is mainly concerned about his air conditioning. The last thing he wants is another job from his boss, but he is tasked with investigating the death of an intern and the more he looks the more he thinks a drug overdose might actually be murder. But when money and politics are involved, anything could happen.
The author nails it again. Entertaining characters and a clever and engaging plot. Mike Lawton has a real talent for understanding how things work and placing believable and entertaining characters in his plots. This is a thriller but you will find yourself grinning at the cleverness of it.
Really enjoyed this, but I knew I would.
Very grateful to the publishers for an advance copy
joe DeMarco is a fixer for congressman John Mahoney who uses him for things best kept in the background. DeMarco is no criminal, but he plays close to the line to get things done, but he’d much rather be playing golf.
DeMarco is avoiding a job he’s been given and is mainly concerned about his air conditioning. The last thing he wants is another job from his boss, but he is tasked with investigating the death of an intern and the more he looks the more he thinks a drug overdose might actually be murder. But when money and politics are involved, anything could happen.
The author nails it again. Entertaining characters and a clever and engaging plot. Mike Lawton has a real talent for understanding how things work and placing believable and entertaining characters in his plots. This is a thriller but you will find yourself grinning at the cleverness of it.
Really enjoyed this, but I knew I would.
Very grateful to the publishers for an advance copy
June 7, 2024
An Exciting and Captivating Book
SUMMARY
Joe DeMarco is a troubleshooter for the former Speaker of the House, John Mahoney. When Mahoney asks DeMarco to look into the death of his intern, Brian Lewis, DeMarco gets to work. It looks like Lewis died from a drug overdose, but DeMarco isn’t fooled, particularly after talking to his mother and girlfriend. Lewis didn’t do drugs.
Lewis had been researching the votes of twelve Representatives, known as the dirty dozen, on a particular bill and their connections to a particular lobbying firm when he died. He had supposedly written a report, but no one can find the report or his computer; with little evidence to go on, DeMarco needs to figure out what Lewis knew and who would have killed a young, innocent man, not even out of college.
REVIEW
KINGPIN is an exciting and captivating book that keeps you engaged till the end. The author, Mike Lawson, has once again crafted a cleverly written and seamlessly structured story that is highly entertaining. I have read all seventeen books in the Joe DeMarco series; each is better than the last.
All of the characters in the story are well-developed and have a distinctive personality. From DeMarco's charming character to the arrogant Carson Newman, a wealthy Boston developer, each character plays a significant role in this fast-paced tale. One of my favorite parts of the book was when DeMarco teamed up with the Capital Police. Each DeMarco book stands alone, and I recommend starting with any book in the series. You will not be disappointed.
I listened to the audio version of KINGPIN and thought the narrator, Joe Barrett, did an excellent job with the performance. Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Dreamscape Media (Audio)
Published February 6, 2024
Narrator Joe Barrett
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Joe DeMarco is a troubleshooter for the former Speaker of the House, John Mahoney. When Mahoney asks DeMarco to look into the death of his intern, Brian Lewis, DeMarco gets to work. It looks like Lewis died from a drug overdose, but DeMarco isn’t fooled, particularly after talking to his mother and girlfriend. Lewis didn’t do drugs.
Lewis had been researching the votes of twelve Representatives, known as the dirty dozen, on a particular bill and their connections to a particular lobbying firm when he died. He had supposedly written a report, but no one can find the report or his computer; with little evidence to go on, DeMarco needs to figure out what Lewis knew and who would have killed a young, innocent man, not even out of college.
REVIEW
KINGPIN is an exciting and captivating book that keeps you engaged till the end. The author, Mike Lawson, has once again crafted a cleverly written and seamlessly structured story that is highly entertaining. I have read all seventeen books in the Joe DeMarco series; each is better than the last.
All of the characters in the story are well-developed and have a distinctive personality. From DeMarco's charming character to the arrogant Carson Newman, a wealthy Boston developer, each character plays a significant role in this fast-paced tale. One of my favorite parts of the book was when DeMarco teamed up with the Capital Police. Each DeMarco book stands alone, and I recommend starting with any book in the series. You will not be disappointed.
I listened to the audio version of KINGPIN and thought the narrator, Joe Barrett, did an excellent job with the performance. Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Dreamscape Media (Audio)
Published February 6, 2024
Narrator Joe Barrett
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
December 21, 2023
I have read and enjoyed Kingpin by Mike Lawson. Although I haven't read all the books about Joe DeMarco I still state thaat this one is one of the best in the series.This story is all about power and corruption, oh and some murder thrown in. It has all tha hallmarks of a good Joe DeMarco story. He is tasked with finding out a couple of things for John Mahoney and it will be a wild ride with a lot of back stabbing. It is as always well written and there are some great characters and wonderful twists. I must thank Netgalley and Atlantic Monthly Press for letting me read this advance copy.
February 14, 2024
A very good political thriller.
As always, for bad guys: the best tactic is to Do Nothing!
Also: totally with DeMarco about air conditioners and warranties…..
As always, for bad guys: the best tactic is to Do Nothing!
Also: totally with DeMarco about air conditioners and warranties…..
February 29, 2024
A congressional intern is found dead in his apartment. Police say it was a drug overdose, but his mother and fiancé were adamant that he was not a drug user and that he was murdered.
Demarco gets involved because this young man was employed by House Minority Leader and former Speaker of the House, John Mahoney.
Were Mahoney’s enemies behind this? And why? It is up to DeMarco to find the answers.
Mike Lawson continues yo knock it out of the park with the DeMarco series
Demarco gets involved because this young man was employed by House Minority Leader and former Speaker of the House, John Mahoney.
Were Mahoney’s enemies behind this? And why? It is up to DeMarco to find the answers.
Mike Lawson continues yo knock it out of the park with the DeMarco series
February 28, 2024
This is getting to be like the proverbial broken record----but in a good way! Mike Lawson continues his string of 5-star books with this newest title. His books deserve to be on best-seller lists all the time. Yes, these books are that good. Dialogue, characterization, storylines, all top of the line.
February 23, 2024
Joe DeMarco is at his best in this one!
Kingpin is a fast paced story that grabs you right from the get go.
The Joe DeMarco I have come to know and love is everything you hope he would be, and then some. Loved every minute of it. Great ending . Can't wait for the next one. Thanks Mike Lawson, you rock!!!
Kingpin is a fast paced story that grabs you right from the get go.
The Joe DeMarco I have come to know and love is everything you hope he would be, and then some. Loved every minute of it. Great ending . Can't wait for the next one. Thanks Mike Lawson, you rock!!!
February 21, 2024
Great read
Mike Lawson continues to write books with interesting plots. The story is very believable and could happen. Joe DeMarco is more than a fixer for Mahoney, he is the champion for justice. Very hard to put the book down.
Mike Lawson continues to write books with interesting plots. The story is very believable and could happen. Joe DeMarco is more than a fixer for Mahoney, he is the champion for justice. Very hard to put the book down.
February 17, 2024
Great book. Great series. Can't wait for the next one.
February 16, 2024
good read
This book is a fast paced read and keeps things moving. A little hard to believe it all but reasonable enough to make it worth reading.
This book is a fast paced read and keeps things moving. A little hard to believe it all but reasonable enough to make it worth reading.
October 13, 2023
This is what I would call a high thread count genre novel. Very much in the vein of an Washington DC airport thriller - you have the rugged hero who bends the rules to get justice, industrialist and lobbyist bad guys, half drunk Congressmen and flawed/sympathetic secondary characters. It hits all the usual beats. Crime, procedure, resolution.
But . . . it's done with a little more care and flair than usual. The characters have a bit more life to them. It's part of a series but you can jump right in - beyond some offhand references to what I assume were earlier books, it is self contained. Recommended.
But . . . it's done with a little more care and flair than usual. The characters have a bit more life to them. It's part of a series but you can jump right in - beyond some offhand references to what I assume were earlier books, it is self contained. Recommended.
August 15, 2023
Congressman Mahoney’s fixer is at it again. This time he is called on to investigate the death of one of Mahoney’s staffers. Political intrigue, organized crime, and in-fighting among law enforcement agencies all come into play in this excellent addition to the series. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
September 1, 2023
Another fabulous book from this talented Author. I’m so glad that I discovered this series back in 2006 and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all seventeen novels. Joe DeMarco is such a great character, he’s relentless when given a task from his boss John Mahoney. There really is a lot to like about this book. Great characters and a well put together and interesting plot. Definitely well worth a read.
February 5, 2024
This is the first book that I have enjoyed by this author and I was not disappointed. Where I thought that the plot could have moved along in some places it still kept me interested in seeing what would happen next. I also did not really feel lost not reading the other books of the series especially since when I went to write this review I discovered that this was installment number 17 and was pleasantly surprised. Overall this was a good book that I enjoyed from start to finish and would recommend to others.
November 6, 2023
“Kingpin” by gifted author Mike Lawson is headed to the best seller list. A young congressional intern is murdered while doing research on a group of corrupt politicians.and Joe DeMarco is determined to find his killer. Timely you say, you bet it is. This book has everything you want in a great political mystery, wonderful characters, intriguing plot and a feel good ending. I recommend to everyone who enjoys a fast paced thriller.
Thank you NetGalley, and Grove Atlantic, Atlantic Monthly Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley, and Grove Atlantic, Atlantic Monthly Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 2, 2024
A (regrettably) plausible and nicely twisty DC novel featuring Joe DeMarco, a fixer for John Maloney, the recently deposed (thanks to the elections) Speaker of the House. Brian- an intern for Maloney-has died of an overdose except that his mother, her girlfriend, and everyone who knew him insists he didn't do drugs. What he did do is piece together an impressive web of corruption which all leads back to Carson Newman, a Boston developer. DeMarco becomes a target as well, thanks to his probing. He's a wily one, well versed in the art of teasing out bad guys. Lawson has a way with characters, not only DeMarco, but also Maloney's chief of staff, the people who are following him, a Capitol Hill Police officer and others. And his interactions with the air conditioning repair man made me snort. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Great read.
January 9, 2024
The fixer (Joe DeMarco has a law degree and works for the former Speaker of the House), the gangster (Boston developer Carson Newman), the congressman (John Mahoney the former Speaker of the House), and the murder of an intern (Brian Lewis) who worked for Mahoney. Joe and an assortment of others dig deep to find the proof needed to get justice for the murdered and bring down those who deserve it. Excellent read!
I requested and received an EARC from Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press via NetGalley. Thank you
I requested and received an EARC from Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press via NetGalley. Thank you
March 15, 2024
This was a good book. I enjoy his books.
December 31, 2023
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Thank You Mike Lawson for remembering how to turn a genre novel into a story that distinguishes itself.
Exciting while realistic
Smart without making the reader feel dumb
A real peak into a world we "think" we know, and realize the complexities that male us appreciate, if not always root for, our protagonist.
Thank You Mike Lawson for remembering how to turn a genre novel into a story that distinguishes itself.
Exciting while realistic
Smart without making the reader feel dumb
A real peak into a world we "think" we know, and realize the complexities that male us appreciate, if not always root for, our protagonist.
March 7, 2024
fun, engaging, and quite eye opening
Good writing, reads like a good tv thriller, sucks you in with twists and turns, now to run to read another Lawson
Good writing, reads like a good tv thriller, sucks you in with twists and turns, now to run to read another Lawson
March 7, 2024
Kingpin
Mike Lawson hits another one out of the ballpark. Well researched and written, the plot moves rapidly and the characters are well developed and engaging, it’s a winner.
Mike Lawson hits another one out of the ballpark. Well researched and written, the plot moves rapidly and the characters are well developed and engaging, it’s a winner.
February 29, 2024
The book was very well done, just like his other books. I will look forward to the next one.
February 13, 2024
This is a lot of action and twists on every page. It’s smart and not hard to follow. Enjoyable and engaging.
February 11, 2024
Excellent. An absolutely perfect thriller. This is the 17th Joe DeMarco thriller and Mike Lawson hasn’t skipped a beat since the first one. Probably the most entertaining thriller series going.
February 11, 2024
Per usual for this series, couldn't put it down.
August 13, 2023
Kingpin is an interesting tale of intrigue depicting the interaction among a mobster, a DC lobbying firm, an attorney, an Albanian killer for hire and various politicians. Character development is excellent and even the minor characters have an important role to play. I liked the writing style — especially the comparison of throwing a football pass and shooting a gun and phrasing such as “her dark hair looked as if she combed it with a fan.” The book is hard to put down and is recommended for all devotees of this genre.
I thank NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication and look forward to Mike Lawson’s next novel.
I thank NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication and look forward to Mike Lawson’s next novel.
August 25, 2023
I was really looking forward to this book and enjyoed it. It was a lot of cat and mouse with the bad guys trying to stay one step ahead of the people closing in on them. A paranoid developer finds out there is about to be a report put out that puts his dealings in the public eye moves to silence the investigator and this sets the whole plot in motion. It got a little slow in parts for me but the ending was good and I hope there is more to come with these characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews