The Middleman: A Legal Thriller

by Mike Papantonio

The Middleman is an epic drama of whistleblowers, murder, thrills, and legal combat—torn out of today’s headlines.

Nicholas “Deke” Deketomis and his law firm take on America’s Big Pharma when Deke’s college pal, Matt Redmond, presents him with a case of possible fraud involving EirePharma, the Redmond family business and a powerful Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM). PBMs serve as the “middlemen” between drug manufacturers and insurance companies, working in cryptic ways to determine not only the cost of drugs but also placing them on insurers’ preferred formularies. EirePharma was recently taken over by the charismatic CEO, Connor Devlin, who has a Rasputin-like influence over Matt’s cousin, Amy, the company’s current president. Devlin may be utilizing racketeering practices—and perhaps murder—to raise the prices of insulin and other drugs for his own profit and to the detriment of consumers.

Amy, who at first was in love with Devlin, decides—at great peril—to become her company’s whistleblower and provide evidence to Deke and his team. When key witnesses and even Redmond family members meet mysterious and violent deaths, Amy finds herself a pawn caught in the center of a frightening and deadly game of wills between a formidable gangster, who in the eyes of the public is a respected businessman, and a law firm that is determined to investigate and uncover the Middleman’s crimes.

In the tradition of Suspicious Activity and Inhuman Trafficking, Mike Papantonio takes Deke and his cohorts on a new and different kind of legal gambit in The Middleman, which is chock full of the action and thrills for which he is known.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction

312 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2025

About the author

MIKE PAPANTONIO is an American trial lawyer, television presenter, radio talk show host, and author. He is a senior partner with Levin Papantonio, one of America’s largest plaintiffs’ law firms, and was one of the youngest inductees into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame. He has aggressively taken on Big Pharma, tobacco, corporate polluters, and weapons manufacturers, among other bastions of corporate greed, and uses his own cases as springboards for his seven-book series of legal thrillers featuring Nicholas “Deke” Deketomis.

Mike was featured in the Academy Award-nominated documentary Jesus Camp (2006) and in the award-winning documentary Oxy Kingpins (2021), about how a network of pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and retailers worked together to orchestrate and perpetuate the opioid crisis that has killed over half a million people in America. He was also featured in The Devil We Know (2018), which highlighted the dangers of DuPont’s man-made chemical C8 and was adapted into the Hollywood blockbuster film Dark Waters (2019), starring Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, and Tim Robbins. And he was a key figure in Beyond Pollution (2012), regarding the truth behind the largest man-made natural disaster in history, the BP Oil Spill.

Mike’s most recent legal thriller is A Death in Arcadia, inspired by the infamous Dozier School for Boys. It will be published in March 2026.

Reviews

[JM Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who devours legal thrillers, I can confidently say this book hits all the right notes. The courtroom strategy, behind-the-scenes maneuvering, and high-stakes corporate corruption make for a gripping, intelligent read. The characters are sharp, especially Deke, whose relentless pursuit of justice makes him a force to be reckoned with. The author clearly understands the intricacies of the system, and it shows in the detailed, realistic plotting. If you love legal thrillers that blend compelling legal drama with real-world relevance, this one is a must-read.

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kept reading just to see how dumb, Amy (the damsel in distress) could get. She did not disappoint.
The main characters are pretty two dimensional, so I never really liked them or disliked them. However, there was a fair amount of male horn tooting, which really turned me away from the supposedly 'Good guys'. The bad guys, stereotypical. I enjoy the colorful underdog with lots of wit, especially when the back story isn't very interesting, as in this case. Perhaps an article on the corruption of insulin pricing would be better, and leave the story telling to Connelly and Crais.

[Leigh B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Papantonio has authored another outstanding, suspenseful, and exciting legal thriller. I appreciate knowing that his writings are based on true court cases and experiences from his many years as an accomplished trial lawyer. Here he turns to pharmacy benefit managers/PBMs and their heavy impact on the pharmaceutical industry. He does such an incredible job with the characters, settings, and events that for me, reading became more like a vivid visualization of an action movie at times. Entertaining and well worth reading.

[Sandra Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several of Mike Papantonio's books and they're all suspenseful and easy reads. This one is no exception.

Nicholas “Deke” Deketomis and his law firm take on a case to help Amy Redmond as she strives to gather evidence and prove that her fiancée Connor Devlin is a con man who is out to make money from insulin by marking up the price.

My Review

[SM Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I knew where this story was headed, but I was wrong—multiple times! The stakes kept getting higher, and the characters were written so well that I felt invested in every decision they made. Deke and his team face so many obstacles, and it was thrilling to see how they handled each one. The writing is sharp, the pacing is quick, and the suspense never lets up. Definitely one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year!

[Flavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything I wanted—danger, courtroom drama, and a plot that felt like it could be ripped from the headlines. Devlin is the perfect villain, charming on the outside but completely ruthless. Amy’s struggle to escape his influence and do the right thing was really powerful. Deke and his team are the kind of lawyers you root for, even when the odds seem impossible. If you want a thriller with real-world relevance, this one’s for you.

[D Hubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Middleman dives deep into the shady world of Big Pharma and PBMs, and honestly, it was eye-opening. The story is fast-paced, but it also makes you think about the real-life implications of these corrupt systems. Amy’s journey from Devlin’s puppet to a courageous whistleblower was intense and emotional. Deke and his legal team are relentless, and the courtroom battles had me on edge. Highly recommend if you like thrillers with both action and substance.

[Chloe Goode · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t just an action-packed read—it’s also incredibly thought-provoking. The way the story exposes corruption in the pharmaceutical industry makes it feel all too real. The characters are smart and compelling, and I found myself rooting for them the whole way. The pacing is perfect, never dragging but also giving you time to absorb the gravity of what’s happening. A must-read for anyone who loves a smart, well-written thriller!

[Austin McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t just an action-packed thriller—it has real heart. The characters go through so much, and I found myself really caring about what happened to them. The author does an incredible job weaving in real-world issues without making it feel heavy-handed. The twists and suspense keep the story moving, but there’s also an emotional depth that sets it apart. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time!

[Alfred Naider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book expecting to read a few chapters, and before I knew it, I was halfway through! The writing is crisp, the characters are engaging, and the plot unfolds in such a gripping way. It’s both exciting and thought-provoking, which I love in a good thriller. I also appreciated how the author didn’t rely on clichés but instead gave us a fresh, compelling story. This is one I’ll be recommending to my friends!

[William Reimers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is an intense ride through the dark world of pharmaceutical greed. Deke’s team takes on a seemingly impossible case, and the twists and turns make it a gripping read. Amy’s role as a whistleblower added so much depth to the story, making her one of my favorite characters. The book keeps you engaged from start to finish with strong writing and a well-paced plot.

[Pily Rivero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the first page! The mix of legal drama, corporate corruption, and suspense kept me turning the pages late into the night. Deke Deketomis is a compelling protagonist, and the stakes felt incredibly real. If you love legal thrillers that tackle real-world issues, this is a must-read.

[SB Borcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love books that keep you glued to the page, you need to read this one. Every chapter ended in a way that made it impossible to stop reading. The main characters were so well-developed that I truly cared about what happened to them. The action is intense, but there are also quiet moments that make the story even more powerful. This book has it all!

[LAURA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing in this book is fantastic—sharp, intelligent, and full of energy. The way the plot unfolds keeps you constantly engaged, and the stakes just keep getting higher. The dialogue feels natural, and the character development is top-notch. It’s been a while since I read a thriller that kept me this hooked.

[Victoria Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up expecting a solid thriller, but it turned out to be even better than I imagined. The story is so timely, shedding light on the corruption hiding in plain sight. I loved the mix of intense action and emotional depth, especially with Amy’s character arc. The writing is crisp, and the plot never drags. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, eye-opening read, this is it!

[Jessica Suarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that are both thrilling and thought-provoking, and this one nailed it. The action is intense, but there’s also a lot of heart behind the story. Amy’s character really stood out—she’s tough but also vulnerable in a way that makes her super relatable. The story moves fast, and I never felt like it dragged. Definitely adding this author to my must-read list!

[Mary Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is more than just an exciting read it makes you think about the systems we trust. The storyline is gripping, the writing is strong, and the characters feel incredibly real. Amy’s transformation from someone under Devlin’s influence to a brave whistleblower was one of my favorite parts. There were some truly shocking moments that made me gasp out loud.

[Mateo Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! The story moves fast, with unexpected twists and intense moments that kept me turning pages late into the night. The characters are well-developed, and I found myself really invested in Amy’s journey. The stakes felt incredibly real, making every chapter more thrilling than the last.

[Natalie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that keeps you up at night because you just have to know what happens next. The story moves fast, with action-packed scenes and shocking revelations. The characters felt so real, especially Amy, whose transformation into a whistleblower was so well written. Every chapter left me eager to turn the page.

[Danna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good legal thriller, and this one delivered. The corruption in the pharmaceutical industry felt disturbingly realistic, which made the stakes even higher. Deke is a fantastic character smart, determined, and willing to risk it all. The tension kept building with every chapter. I was on the edge of my seat until the very end!

[Kate Lowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop! The pacing was perfect, with enough action and intrigue to keep me hooked. Amy’s courage was inspiring, and I loved watching her take a stand despite the dangers. The villains in this story are terrifyingly realistic, which made it all the more gripping. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!

[Macie Forman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kept telling myself, just one more chapter—but then I looked up, and it was 2 AM! That’s how good this book is. The story pulls you in, the suspense keeps you there, and the characters make you care about what happens. I love books that feel like a mix of thriller and real-life drama, and this one nails it. If you’re looking for your next can’t-put-it-down read, this is it!

[Val Giggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book that keeps you glued to the pages, this is it. The tension builds from the very beginning, and just when you think you know what’s coming, another twist hits. The characters are strong, the writing is tight, and the plot is absolutely gripping. I found myself holding my breath during certain scenes! Definitely worth picking up.

[Ian Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this book didn’t just focus on one character but gave us a full cast of people with real motivations. The story itself is thrilling, full of twists and moments that had me on edge. The pacing is excellent, keeping you hooked without overwhelming you. There’s a perfect balance between action and emotional depth. Easily one of my favorite reads this year!

[Matt Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked because it feels so close to reality. The themes of corruption, greed, and power struggles are chilling, especially with how well they’re woven into the plot. The characters are flawed but relatable, making their journey even more compelling. I also liked that the action didn’t overshadow the emotional depth. A perfect balance of suspense and substance!

[Hans Bhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s rare to find a book that balances action and emotional depth as well as this one does. The writing is sharp, and every scene serves a purpose, keeping the tension high. The characters are flawed but compelling, which made me even more invested in their struggles. The themes of corporate greed and deception are timely and thought-provoking.

[JM Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like it was ripped straight from the headlines. The corruption, the danger, and the fight for justice all felt incredibly real. The writing is smooth, and the story flows effortlessly. I loved how it balanced action with emotional depth. If you like books that make you think while keeping you entertained, this one is for you!

[Sebastian Zamorano · Rating 5 out of 5]

What really made this book stand out for me were the characters. They weren’t just names on a page—they felt like real people, facing real struggles. The plot was engaging, but it was the emotional moments that really stuck with me. It’s a mix of suspense, action, and human drama. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year!

[Esteban Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well-written that I could picture everything like a movie playing in my head. The action, the suspense, and the drama were all on point. I loved the way the author built up tension throughout the story. I wouldn’t be surprised if this gets turned into a film one day. It’s just that good!

[Emily Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books are just fun to read, and this was definitely one of them. The story moves fast, and there’s never a dull moment. I found myself completely wrapped up in the characters and their struggles. It’s the perfect mix of drama, action, and suspense. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a great legal thriller!