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Joe DeMarco #19
The Asset
Backchannel intel points Joe DeMarco in the direction of a possible double agent in the latest pulse-pounding thriller from Edgar and Barry Award finalist Mike Lawson starring his beloved Washington DC troubleshooter.
In the middle of the night, on a winding road in a suburb outside of Washington D.C., a homeless veteran is killed in a hit-and-run—a tragedy that barely catches the attention of the media and police.
Days later, John Mahoney, the former Speaker of the House, is confronted by Diane Lake, an ex-CIA agent turned political researcher with a knack for digging up unsavory intelligence on some of D.C.’s biggest players. Diane is there with a gift for the news that Lydia Chang, the wife of one of his biggest rivals, might be working undercover as a Chinese agent.
Knowing it’s too early to get the FBI involved, Mahoney does the only thing left to do. He calls in Joe DeMarco.
DeMarco might not have the title of political researcher, but he’s no stranger to digging up dirt either. As DeMarco starts his investigation, he soon learns there’s a lot more going on than Mahoney suspected, and instead of answers, all he finds are more questions. Who’s the mysterious man Lydia Chang has been meeting in the park? Does Diane Lake have an ulterior motive? And why does everything point back to a random hit-and-run?
In the middle of the night, on a winding road in a suburb outside of Washington D.C., a homeless veteran is killed in a hit-and-run—a tragedy that barely catches the attention of the media and police.
Days later, John Mahoney, the former Speaker of the House, is confronted by Diane Lake, an ex-CIA agent turned political researcher with a knack for digging up unsavory intelligence on some of D.C.’s biggest players. Diane is there with a gift for the news that Lydia Chang, the wife of one of his biggest rivals, might be working undercover as a Chinese agent.
Knowing it’s too early to get the FBI involved, Mahoney does the only thing left to do. He calls in Joe DeMarco.
DeMarco might not have the title of political researcher, but he’s no stranger to digging up dirt either. As DeMarco starts his investigation, he soon learns there’s a lot more going on than Mahoney suspected, and instead of answers, all he finds are more questions. Who’s the mysterious man Lydia Chang has been meeting in the park? Does Diane Lake have an ulterior motive? And why does everything point back to a random hit-and-run?
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2026
70 people are currently reading
5012 people want to read
About the author
Mike Lawson
25 books440 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 29, 2025
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.
Mike Lawson returns with another great Joe DeMarco novel, sure to impress series fans! A homeless vet is killed on a backroad outside Washington, DC. No one seems to take notice and the driver soon flees the scene. Days later, Diane Lake appears in the office of the House Minority Leader, John Mahoney, he is all ears. Lake has ways of getting intel on people of the most salacious variety and Mahoney is always ready for the next election cycle. Lake brings news that the wife of the Senate Majority Leader has been seen liaising with the Chinese and could be acting as an enemy agent. Mahoney is interested and turns to his fixer, Joe DeMarco, to check into the intel. DeMarco loves digging up dirt and discovers that there is a lot more to the story. He links Diane Lake's news with Lydia Chang, the senator's wife, and a video that is being used against her about a hit-and-run. Now, DeMarco must determine what Lake has to do with all this. Working the case like only he can, DeMarco finds a thread to follow, unsure what will come of it all. Lawson pens another great piece that I could not stop reading!
I have long enjoyed the work of Mike Lawson and this series in particular. Lawson delivers a strong story that keeps the reader focused on the political situation in DC and crimes at hand. The story develops with a clear narrative, building on past novels and the intense action within this novel. Momentum pushes things along as the pieces come together with each passing chapter. Mixing politics with a little mystery work, Lawson hooks the reader and makes this piece one that holds the attention of all until the very end.
Characters are impactful as their backstories connect well with ongoing development. Readers are presented more Joe DeMarco and John Mahoney, both of whom have long ensured their backstories are known to series fans. Still, there is great banter between them as the piece develops. Tossing in some strong secondary characters, Lawson keeps things intriguing for series fans. Many characters are able to push the plot along while flavouring the piece with their respective layers before all comes together at the right moment.
Surprises are core in a thriller of this nature, as it creates an entertaining foundation, which Lawson has been doing throughout this series. Balancing twists and surprises adds something more to the reading experience and provides something for the reader to enjoy as they try to see how things will solve themselves. The reader may bask in the great things that DeMarco does and situations in which he finds himself, while remaining sure that he will get himself out of another mess. This is a wonderful series and Mike Lawson has done well by the reader.
Kudos, Mr. Lawson for another great thriller in this series!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Mike Lawson returns with another great Joe DeMarco novel, sure to impress series fans! A homeless vet is killed on a backroad outside Washington, DC. No one seems to take notice and the driver soon flees the scene. Days later, Diane Lake appears in the office of the House Minority Leader, John Mahoney, he is all ears. Lake has ways of getting intel on people of the most salacious variety and Mahoney is always ready for the next election cycle. Lake brings news that the wife of the Senate Majority Leader has been seen liaising with the Chinese and could be acting as an enemy agent. Mahoney is interested and turns to his fixer, Joe DeMarco, to check into the intel. DeMarco loves digging up dirt and discovers that there is a lot more to the story. He links Diane Lake's news with Lydia Chang, the senator's wife, and a video that is being used against her about a hit-and-run. Now, DeMarco must determine what Lake has to do with all this. Working the case like only he can, DeMarco finds a thread to follow, unsure what will come of it all. Lawson pens another great piece that I could not stop reading!
I have long enjoyed the work of Mike Lawson and this series in particular. Lawson delivers a strong story that keeps the reader focused on the political situation in DC and crimes at hand. The story develops with a clear narrative, building on past novels and the intense action within this novel. Momentum pushes things along as the pieces come together with each passing chapter. Mixing politics with a little mystery work, Lawson hooks the reader and makes this piece one that holds the attention of all until the very end.
Characters are impactful as their backstories connect well with ongoing development. Readers are presented more Joe DeMarco and John Mahoney, both of whom have long ensured their backstories are known to series fans. Still, there is great banter between them as the piece develops. Tossing in some strong secondary characters, Lawson keeps things intriguing for series fans. Many characters are able to push the plot along while flavouring the piece with their respective layers before all comes together at the right moment.
Surprises are core in a thriller of this nature, as it creates an entertaining foundation, which Lawson has been doing throughout this series. Balancing twists and surprises adds something more to the reading experience and provides something for the reader to enjoy as they try to see how things will solve themselves. The reader may bask in the great things that DeMarco does and situations in which he finds himself, while remaining sure that he will get himself out of another mess. This is a wonderful series and Mike Lawson has done well by the reader.
Kudos, Mr. Lawson for another great thriller in this series!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 13, 2025
I am a massive fan of both the author and his DeMarco series, so was delighted to read this.
Joe DeMarco is a fixer for John Mahoney, minority leader of the House of Representatives and formally a Democrat Speaker of the House. DeMarco does his off the books jobs.
Here Mahoney is handed a gift, the wife of a political opponent might be a Chinese asset, so Mahoney has DeMarco do some quiet digging. It turns out some gifts are not quite what they appear. DeMarco would much rather be playing golf but his boss is somewhat demanding.
As always, clever and witty plotting and properly fleshed out characters. A series that doesn’t ever drop in quality. For some reason they haven’t really taken off in the UK which means a lot of people are missing out on some terrific writing.
Very grateful to the publishers for a review copy
Joe DeMarco is a fixer for John Mahoney, minority leader of the House of Representatives and formally a Democrat Speaker of the House. DeMarco does his off the books jobs.
Here Mahoney is handed a gift, the wife of a political opponent might be a Chinese asset, so Mahoney has DeMarco do some quiet digging. It turns out some gifts are not quite what they appear. DeMarco would much rather be playing golf but his boss is somewhat demanding.
As always, clever and witty plotting and properly fleshed out characters. A series that doesn’t ever drop in quality. For some reason they haven’t really taken off in the UK which means a lot of people are missing out on some terrific writing.
Very grateful to the publishers for a review copy
October 6, 2025
“The Asset” by Mike Lawson is the newest thriller in the Joe DeMarco series. I have been a fan of Joe’s for a long time and each new book is a must read for me, and this book did not disappoint!
Joe is a fixer and works for the former speaker of the house. He learns that the wife of a powerful nemesis is possibly working with a foreign entity and his job is to find out what is really going on. The investigation sets off a series of events full of political intrigue involving a powerful senator, a vengeful billionaire, a blackmailer, and a Chinese spy.
The book is edgy, full of suspense, and our unorthodox golf loving hero is back fully leading the way to a very satisfying ending.
I highly recommend to all thriller fans and new readers, this book can be read as a standalone.
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Joe is a fixer and works for the former speaker of the house. He learns that the wife of a powerful nemesis is possibly working with a foreign entity and his job is to find out what is really going on. The investigation sets off a series of events full of political intrigue involving a powerful senator, a vengeful billionaire, a blackmailer, and a Chinese spy.
The book is edgy, full of suspense, and our unorthodox golf loving hero is back fully leading the way to a very satisfying ending.
I highly recommend to all thriller fans and new readers, this book can be read as a standalone.
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2025
This is the second book I’ve read by Mike Lawson, and after the last one, I had promised myself I’d read more from this author. And I’m still holding true to that promise! I just need to go back and read all the books in the series. Thanks a bunch to NetGalley for sending me this advance copy!
October 30, 2025
The story here was certainly intriguing. Lots of resemblances to real-world individuals - enough to make you say "wow, this sounds like it could be..." I feel like Mahoney wasn't present in this story enough - I like seeing more of his irascible self. Also, Emma being recovering from what happened in Untouchable made DeMarco lack a true sidekick - he ends up using lots of minor players and that made things just feel scattered to me. After Kingpin and Untouchable being some of my favorite DeMarco books, this one just felt a little flat to me. Don't get me wrong - lots of typical DeMarco exploits throughout and I'm very glad I read it - just something didn't spark me about it. While a minor plot point - I would've like to have seen the results of DeMarco's conversation with Mookie actually play out. Lastly, the ending, while a nice little twist of justice for someone who deserved it - felt a little rushed. Overall, not the best in the series, but still worth a read for fans of DeMarco. 3.5 stars rounded down becasue it wasn't quite 4.0 for me.
Thanks to Net Galley and Grove Atlantic for this ARC. #TheAsset #NetGalley
Thanks to Net Galley and Grove Atlantic for this ARC. #TheAsset #NetGalley
February 7, 2026
I like this author and series because the writing is easy to read and follow. Despite reading the last book in the series some time ago I was able to quickly pick up this story. The story is also well done without a lot of side characters and overly complex plot. I was able to finish this book in a day and enjoyed it. The characters: DeMarco is a lawyer and fixer for Mahoney, the ex Democrat speaker of the house.
Spoilers ahead. Diane Lake is an overly ambitious and greedy ex-CIA agent. She had graduated from West Point, served in the military for 4 years and the CIA for 6 but had not risen high enough and earned little. She next worked for a private espionage company that paid a bit better. And in the course of her work she met Cyrus the billionaire. Cyrus is in his 90's and wants for nothing. His hobby appears to be to punish politicians he doesn't like.
Off the books, she pockets $100k for railroading a minor politician for Cyrus. She decides to go for broke. She offers to destroy the career of the ranking Republican politician (McMillan) for Cyrus for $20M and he accepts.
To be honest, the plot does sound far fetched. Lake pays a handsome but poor college professor (Noah) to have a relationship with McMillan's daughter (Jenny, who is very plain). Lake then arranges to have Noah get Jenny drunk and then drunk drive to his house after a dinner. Lake plants a homeless drunk vet in the middle of the road around a blind curve where Jenny hits and kills him. Lake records the accident and uses the video to force Jenny's Mom to pass national secrets (that she gets from her husband McMillan) to a Chinese spy (Zhou). She records their meetings and pass them along to Mahoney (DeMarco's boss) so that he can pass the information to the FBI and thereby create a scandal to wreck or taint McMillan's career.
However, instead of Mahoney passing the info along, he tasks DeMarco with looking into the story. He first investigates Jenny and finds her paramour. He then finds Noah and figures that he was hired to romance Jenny (him being handsome and her being plain). Next Noah is found dead, shot to death in his home and DeMarco figures Noah has been killed to silence him.
There is no reason for an urban homeless man (James) to be in the middle of the road in that rural location at that time without any way for him to get there so he looks into his story. He finds the homeless man's name, finds his pal at the mission and finds where James usually hangs out. He finds the location, which is behind a plumbing supply building. He sees that the alleyway there has a security camera and manages to get a recording of that day which shows James being put into a Honda Accord. The driver appears to be a woman of the same size as Lake and Lake owns an Accord. So DeMarco figures it was Lake who created the whole plot. And after further digging, they realize that Cyrus was involved too and the mystery is basically solved.
What they needed to do now was for Lake to fess up and quit without handing her video to the police, which would still harm Jenny. DeMarco does that by altering and faking the security camera video to show Lake's face clearly putting James into her car. He goes to her apartment to confront Lake with the fake video. By this time, Lake knew that the game was up since she was not able to convince Mahoney to go to the FBI. And Zhou had been told the whole story by DeMarco and did not want to continue with the plot either.
Lake had decided to flee with Cyrus' $10M downpayment and change her identity. When DeMarco came to her apartment, she kidnapped him at gunpoint and drove to a deserted park where she would kill him but he escaped by jumping into the river.
She then buys a cheap car with cash and drives to El Paso where she hopes to buy some fake ID and disappear. Meanwhile DeMarco makes a deal with Zhou. He gives Zhou some classified information and return Zhou agrees to capture Lake and imprison her in China. Zhou does this by calling Lake on her burner phone and offers her a job as a Chinese spy. Since Lake wasn't able to get any fake ID she agrees and Zhou arranges to fly Lake out of the country on a private jet.
The last chapter is in a way meaningless or extra to the plot. It shows Lake getting her just desserts. She is drugged on the plane and wakes up in a Chinese prison. She is then harshly debriefed for 2 months on her entire career in the military and the CIA. After that, she is sent to a desolate camp in the Gobi Desert.
There is one subplot, which is also meaningless. DeMarco is sent to find a pig butcher (named Mookie) in the Appalachians. Mookie has dirt on a state senator (whom apparently many politicians hate). DeMarco has to fly there several times, always missing him before finally catching up with him at his home. I really have no idea why this side plot is needed, except perhaps to show how petty and vindictive politicians are.
Spoilers ahead. Diane Lake is an overly ambitious and greedy ex-CIA agent. She had graduated from West Point, served in the military for 4 years and the CIA for 6 but had not risen high enough and earned little. She next worked for a private espionage company that paid a bit better. And in the course of her work she met Cyrus the billionaire. Cyrus is in his 90's and wants for nothing. His hobby appears to be to punish politicians he doesn't like.
Off the books, she pockets $100k for railroading a minor politician for Cyrus. She decides to go for broke. She offers to destroy the career of the ranking Republican politician (McMillan) for Cyrus for $20M and he accepts.
To be honest, the plot does sound far fetched. Lake pays a handsome but poor college professor (Noah) to have a relationship with McMillan's daughter (Jenny, who is very plain). Lake then arranges to have Noah get Jenny drunk and then drunk drive to his house after a dinner. Lake plants a homeless drunk vet in the middle of the road around a blind curve where Jenny hits and kills him. Lake records the accident and uses the video to force Jenny's Mom to pass national secrets (that she gets from her husband McMillan) to a Chinese spy (Zhou). She records their meetings and pass them along to Mahoney (DeMarco's boss) so that he can pass the information to the FBI and thereby create a scandal to wreck or taint McMillan's career.
However, instead of Mahoney passing the info along, he tasks DeMarco with looking into the story. He first investigates Jenny and finds her paramour. He then finds Noah and figures that he was hired to romance Jenny (him being handsome and her being plain). Next Noah is found dead, shot to death in his home and DeMarco figures Noah has been killed to silence him.
There is no reason for an urban homeless man (James) to be in the middle of the road in that rural location at that time without any way for him to get there so he looks into his story. He finds the homeless man's name, finds his pal at the mission and finds where James usually hangs out. He finds the location, which is behind a plumbing supply building. He sees that the alleyway there has a security camera and manages to get a recording of that day which shows James being put into a Honda Accord. The driver appears to be a woman of the same size as Lake and Lake owns an Accord. So DeMarco figures it was Lake who created the whole plot. And after further digging, they realize that Cyrus was involved too and the mystery is basically solved.
What they needed to do now was for Lake to fess up and quit without handing her video to the police, which would still harm Jenny. DeMarco does that by altering and faking the security camera video to show Lake's face clearly putting James into her car. He goes to her apartment to confront Lake with the fake video. By this time, Lake knew that the game was up since she was not able to convince Mahoney to go to the FBI. And Zhou had been told the whole story by DeMarco and did not want to continue with the plot either.
Lake had decided to flee with Cyrus' $10M downpayment and change her identity. When DeMarco came to her apartment, she kidnapped him at gunpoint and drove to a deserted park where she would kill him but he escaped by jumping into the river.
She then buys a cheap car with cash and drives to El Paso where she hopes to buy some fake ID and disappear. Meanwhile DeMarco makes a deal with Zhou. He gives Zhou some classified information and return Zhou agrees to capture Lake and imprison her in China. Zhou does this by calling Lake on her burner phone and offers her a job as a Chinese spy. Since Lake wasn't able to get any fake ID she agrees and Zhou arranges to fly Lake out of the country on a private jet.
The last chapter is in a way meaningless or extra to the plot. It shows Lake getting her just desserts. She is drugged on the plane and wakes up in a Chinese prison. She is then harshly debriefed for 2 months on her entire career in the military and the CIA. After that, she is sent to a desolate camp in the Gobi Desert.
There is one subplot, which is also meaningless. DeMarco is sent to find a pig butcher (named Mookie) in the Appalachians. Mookie has dirt on a state senator (whom apparently many politicians hate). DeMarco has to fly there several times, always missing him before finally catching up with him at his home. I really have no idea why this side plot is needed, except perhaps to show how petty and vindictive politicians are.
October 10, 2025
I’m a huge fan of Mike Lawson (author) and Joe DeMarco (book character extraordinaire). What a team. Needless to say, I’m always looking forward to Mr Lawson’s next book.
The Asset starts out strong – well-written and good plot. Joe is trying to track down someone who has some information about a political rival of Joe’s boss, former Speaker of the House, John Mahoney. Before that search is resolved, Joe’s handed an additional problem. The wife of another powerful political rival (Mahoney has a lot of those) has been observed meeting with member of the Chinese embassy. Joe’s job is to determine if this woman has been compromised or, worse yet, she’s become an asset to the Chinese government. Joe’s plate is definitely full.
With this kind of beginning, I expected to lose sleep as I raced to the end of the book. But, part way through it seemed to slow down as Joe tried to figure out how to resolve the issues without involving innocent bystanders. Most of the story is related by Joe, but there is a portion that’s told from the point of view of another character.
Simply put, I missed Joe and I think the book did too. The other missing piece was Emma, a woman who is often involved in some way with Joe’s investigations. She’s truly a foil for DeMarco and Mahoney and she always adds so much to the plots and storyline.
The Asset isn’t my favorite book in the series, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not already impatiently waiting for the next book to appear. It’s 3.5 stars for me but I’ll round it up to 4 stars. NetGalley provided an advance reader copy.
The Asset starts out strong – well-written and good plot. Joe is trying to track down someone who has some information about a political rival of Joe’s boss, former Speaker of the House, John Mahoney. Before that search is resolved, Joe’s handed an additional problem. The wife of another powerful political rival (Mahoney has a lot of those) has been observed meeting with member of the Chinese embassy. Joe’s job is to determine if this woman has been compromised or, worse yet, she’s become an asset to the Chinese government. Joe’s plate is definitely full.
With this kind of beginning, I expected to lose sleep as I raced to the end of the book. But, part way through it seemed to slow down as Joe tried to figure out how to resolve the issues without involving innocent bystanders. Most of the story is related by Joe, but there is a portion that’s told from the point of view of another character.
Simply put, I missed Joe and I think the book did too. The other missing piece was Emma, a woman who is often involved in some way with Joe’s investigations. She’s truly a foil for DeMarco and Mahoney and she always adds so much to the plots and storyline.
The Asset isn’t my favorite book in the series, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not already impatiently waiting for the next book to appear. It’s 3.5 stars for me but I’ll round it up to 4 stars. NetGalley provided an advance reader copy.
October 11, 2025
Readers love Joe DeMarco, not because he is so good, but because he isn't. He often bends rules, sometimes breaks them, to get the job done. He's a lawyer ostensibly working for any House member who needs his help, but he actually serves only one person--John Mahoney, House Minority Leader. The task at hand starts out as a simple surveillance job, watching Lydia Chang, the Chinese wife of "Dutch" McMillian, the Republican leader of the Senate. Mahoney and McMillian hate each other, so when former CIA operative and current political oppo researcher Diane Lake approaches Mahoney with the assertion that Chang is a Chinese agent, Mahoney would love to use the info to sink his nemesis. But he's been around long enough to know that as much as he'd like to believe Lake, nothing in D.C. happens this easily. He suspects some kind of setup and sends DeMarco to figure it all out. The ensuing investigation has DeMarco grappling with double-crosses, security threats, political intrigue, and murder. One misstep, and DeMarco could destroy lives, careers, and global peace.
DeMarco is one of my favorite characters. He looks like the mobster his father actually was, sometimes even acts a little like him, but he usually tempers that with intelligence and humanity. He's a good guy, a closet softie, who sometimes skirts legal limits to keep Mahoney and himself out of trouble. Readers will thoroughly enjoy this installment in a series that never seems to get stale.
Thanks to the author, Grove Atlantic, and NetGalley for a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DeMarco is one of my favorite characters. He looks like the mobster his father actually was, sometimes even acts a little like him, but he usually tempers that with intelligence and humanity. He's a good guy, a closet softie, who sometimes skirts legal limits to keep Mahoney and himself out of trouble. Readers will thoroughly enjoy this installment in a series that never seems to get stale.
Thanks to the author, Grove Atlantic, and NetGalley for a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the first book I've read by Mike Lawson. I liked what I read, and will be going back to the beginning of the series to get caught up. Early in the book the reader is introduced to a young Chinese College woman, Jenny. She has fallen in love with one of her professors. He takes her to a remote restaurant (she is driving her family car) where they have a lot to drink. Her asks her to drive him home, and almost to his home she comes around a sharp corner and hits a man standing in the middle of the road. She wants to call someone, but he convinces her to drop him at his house and go home. Very soon thereafter, McMillian's wife is being blackmailed because of the incident, and Diane Lake, an ex CIA agent now working at Vicount Analytics research firm goes to Mahoney, the minority leader of the House of Representatives and tells him that she saw the Chinese wife of Dutch McMillian (Republican leader of the Senate) talking with Zhou Enlai, an intelligence officer in the Chinese Embassy. Mahoney immediately calls DeMarco (his fixer) to his office. The reader soon realizes that Diane Lake is actually mixed up in this. Things continue to become very exciting, but I don't want to give away what happens. The book is very exciting and I will be reading the full series beginning at Number 1!
I thank Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the chance to be introduced to this author of exciting books.
I thank Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the chance to be introduced to this author of exciting books.
November 29, 2025
My third book in the series. I got hooked after Kingpin and have been following Mike Lawson and the adventures of his Washington DC fixer Joe DeMarco ever since. They're an easy read but smart and filled with enough character to set them a touch above the average book in this genre (Capitol thriller, political conspiracy, whatever you want to call it). They really should be a lot more well known, but I suppose this is a crowded space on the bookshelves with a lot of huge names.
If you want the familiar thrills and spills of a crime thriller, Washington skulduggery and tradecraft, these books fit the bill to perfection. There's also enough cynical humor and offbeat dialogue to keeps things interesting.
You can jump in at any point in the series I think - I certainly did, because Kingpin is number 16, and at no point have I ever been confused about the characters or what's going on. The publisher is Grove Atlantic, though I think this one has been spun off to a new crime imprint. Morgan Entrekin has always done very interesting things, so always worth checking out whatever 'genre' stuff they are publishing. They're the ones who brought James Lee Burke to the world.
Many thanks to Atlantic Crime for the ARC.
If you want the familiar thrills and spills of a crime thriller, Washington skulduggery and tradecraft, these books fit the bill to perfection. There's also enough cynical humor and offbeat dialogue to keeps things interesting.
You can jump in at any point in the series I think - I certainly did, because Kingpin is number 16, and at no point have I ever been confused about the characters or what's going on. The publisher is Grove Atlantic, though I think this one has been spun off to a new crime imprint. Morgan Entrekin has always done very interesting things, so always worth checking out whatever 'genre' stuff they are publishing. They're the ones who brought James Lee Burke to the world.
Many thanks to Atlantic Crime for the ARC.
October 4, 2025
The Asset by Mike Lawson follows Joe DeMarco, a man who works for John Mahoney, the former Speaker of the House. On paper, he’s a lawyer with an office in the basement of Capitol Hill, and his services can be used by anyone in the building who needs legal aid. But in truth, he’s a fixer of sorts for Mahoney. After a conversation with Diane Lake, he learns that the wife of a powerful nemesis is possibly working with a foreign entity. Instead of turning her in he sends DeMarco to find out precisely what is going on. As he delves deeper into the facts around the case, it becomes more complex, and everything is not as it seems.
This was my first time reading a book by Mike Lawson, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not only is it well-written, but the story also keeps you engaged the whole time. His characters come to life on the pages, and I enjoyed every twist and turn in this political thriller. I’m going to go back and read some other books in the series. I highly recommend that others read this book.
Thank you to Netgalley, Mike Lawson, Grove Atlantic, and Atlantic Crimes for allowing me to read the advanced copy.
This was my first time reading a book by Mike Lawson, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not only is it well-written, but the story also keeps you engaged the whole time. His characters come to life on the pages, and I enjoyed every twist and turn in this political thriller. I’m going to go back and read some other books in the series. I highly recommend that others read this book.
Thank you to Netgalley, Mike Lawson, Grove Atlantic, and Atlantic Crimes for allowing me to read the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Asset is a Political Thriller by Mike Lawson. It's part of his Joe DeMarco series but can be read as a standalone.
"An ex-CIA agent comes to John Mahoney with information that the wife of one of his political rivals is possibly working as a Chinese agent. Mahoney calls in DeMarco to find out what's going on. DeMarco discover more questions than answers. What is the agent's motive? Why do things keep coming back to a random hit-and-run accident?"
This book feels like an early Baldacci. The politicos in charge are not as worried about upholding the law but seeing how much political capital they can get out of something. DeMarco is an interesting character in that he's atypical of what you often find in fiction. He's not infinitely wealthy, he's not fearless and there are moments where he thinks he's done for. There are times where he decides to have that conversation instead of just wondering or putting it off. That was nice to see.
DeMarco and Mahoney never seem to rest (There's a side story with a Mookie) so the pace is good. This was my first DeMarco book but now I'm interested in the others.
Good story from Lawson.
"An ex-CIA agent comes to John Mahoney with information that the wife of one of his political rivals is possibly working as a Chinese agent. Mahoney calls in DeMarco to find out what's going on. DeMarco discover more questions than answers. What is the agent's motive? Why do things keep coming back to a random hit-and-run accident?"
This book feels like an early Baldacci. The politicos in charge are not as worried about upholding the law but seeing how much political capital they can get out of something. DeMarco is an interesting character in that he's atypical of what you often find in fiction. He's not infinitely wealthy, he's not fearless and there are moments where he thinks he's done for. There are times where he decides to have that conversation instead of just wondering or putting it off. That was nice to see.
DeMarco and Mahoney never seem to rest (There's a side story with a Mookie) so the pace is good. This was my first DeMarco book but now I'm interested in the others.
Good story from Lawson.
February 11, 2026
As the 19th installment of the Joe DeMarco series, "The Asset" by Mike Lawson continues the inside Washington beltway focus with more political intrigue combining a Georgetown professor, young college coed & her influential parents, along with the PRC Embassy.
Mike Lawton's story is intricately crafted and keeps listeners clearly informed as the story unwinds. This mainly linear telling (some occasional flashbacks) along with humorous anecdotal character-building encourages listener trust and emotional investment (thank god no use of Unreliable Narrator / Protagonist tropes).
While rooting for the occasionally Machiavellian-edged DeMarco does often fall on the slippery-side of legit, this novel's conclusion delves completely into darkness with an unexpected focus on modern-day CCP turpitude.
While this story's conclusion was painful to hear, this real-life situation is a well-documented reality. I was proud author Mike Lawson chose to bring attention to this shameful cultural atrocity. 5 Stars
Mike Lawton's story is intricately crafted and keeps listeners clearly informed as the story unwinds. This mainly linear telling (some occasional flashbacks) along with humorous anecdotal character-building encourages listener trust and emotional investment (thank god no use of Unreliable Narrator / Protagonist tropes).
While rooting for the occasionally Machiavellian-edged DeMarco does often fall on the slippery-side of legit, this novel's conclusion delves completely into darkness with an unexpected focus on modern-day CCP turpitude.
While this story's conclusion was painful to hear, this real-life situation is a well-documented reality. I was proud author Mike Lawson chose to bring attention to this shameful cultural atrocity. 5 Stars
September 21, 2025
5 stars
The Asset is an exciting book with an insight into what actually happens in the world of Washington politics. Although it is fiction, it is, unfortunately, very believable. There is a plethora of action including a hit and run accident, buying election votes with help from a pastor, digging up dirt on political candidates, pig slaughters, clandestine meetings in a park and, of course, a man employed as a fixer. The writing is interesting and extremely descriptive and includes items such as “….they wouldn’t talk if you wired their nuts to a battery “ or “…..are one of those guys who could hardly see, walk, or think and was a barely breathing advertisement for term limits “ or “….landed in a bunker, one that was deeper than a Kentucky coal mine….”. This book is highly recommended for all readers and I thank NetGalley, Grove Atlantic and, of course, the author for the opportunity to read this novel prior to publication.
The Asset is an exciting book with an insight into what actually happens in the world of Washington politics. Although it is fiction, it is, unfortunately, very believable. There is a plethora of action including a hit and run accident, buying election votes with help from a pastor, digging up dirt on political candidates, pig slaughters, clandestine meetings in a park and, of course, a man employed as a fixer. The writing is interesting and extremely descriptive and includes items such as “….they wouldn’t talk if you wired their nuts to a battery “ or “…..are one of those guys who could hardly see, walk, or think and was a barely breathing advertisement for term limits “ or “….landed in a bunker, one that was deeper than a Kentucky coal mine….”. This book is highly recommended for all readers and I thank NetGalley, Grove Atlantic and, of course, the author for the opportunity to read this novel prior to publication.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dear Debbie presents an ordinary woman facing sudden personal and financial collapse. The setup is relatable and effective. The pacing is tight, and the story remains engaging throughout.
However, the book focuses more on impact than depth. Debbie’s choices escalate quickly, leaving little room for reflection. Some readers may accept this as part of the thriller style. Others may find it rushed.
The biggest talking point is the moral stance. The story seems to favour vigilante justice. This will appeal to some readers but may trouble others. The book does not fully explore the consequences of such actions.
Overall, the novel succeeds as a quick and provocative read. It entertains but does not challenge the reader in a balanced way.
Thank you, Edelweiss, for sharing an advanced reader copy of the book for review.
However, the book focuses more on impact than depth. Debbie’s choices escalate quickly, leaving little room for reflection. Some readers may accept this as part of the thriller style. Others may find it rushed.
The biggest talking point is the moral stance. The story seems to favour vigilante justice. This will appeal to some readers but may trouble others. The book does not fully explore the consequences of such actions.
Overall, the novel succeeds as a quick and provocative read. It entertains but does not challenge the reader in a balanced way.
Thank you, Edelweiss, for sharing an advanced reader copy of the book for review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mike Lawson writes fast paced, political thrillers with engaging characters, lots of action, and more than a few unexpected twists. Although this is the 19th book in this series they never get stale. Mike Lawson does an excellent job of keeping them fresh with each new story. Although this can easily be read as a stand alone I recommend starting with the first book, "Inside Ring," and reading the entire series in order. Highly recommended
Thanks to NetGalley and Atlantic Crime for an advanced reader copy
Thanks to NetGalley and Atlantic Crime for an advanced reader copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Exceptional Read. This is the nineteenth book I’ve read in this series and I’ve absolutely loved every one of them. Mike Lawson certainly deserves all the praise he has received for his books. He puts just as much work into the characters as he does on the plot. Jo De Marco is definitely one of my favourite characters, he’s a no-nonsense guy that gets the job done. I’m also a big fan of John Mahoney, he is one of many characters that make these stories so good. This book is well worth a read. 5/5 Star Rating
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Asset by Mike Lawson is the latest installment in the long-term Joe DeMarco series. I have read them all and this one is good.
Diane Lake shows up at the House Minority Leader, John Mahoney’s office telling stories about Mahoney’s arch enemy in the house. Mahoney sends his fixer out Joe DeMarco to find out more.
Joe goes out and finds out that the wife is being extorted with a video of her daughter hitting a homeless vet.
This is a solid story and I really enjoyed it. Reading some or all of the earlier books helps with the enjoyment.
Highly recommended
Diane Lake shows up at the House Minority Leader, John Mahoney’s office telling stories about Mahoney’s arch enemy in the house. Mahoney sends his fixer out Joe DeMarco to find out more.
Joe goes out and finds out that the wife is being extorted with a video of her daughter hitting a homeless vet.
This is a solid story and I really enjoyed it. Reading some or all of the earlier books helps with the enjoyment.
Highly recommended
Review of advance copy
I found this ARC in a Little Free Library so I'm technically not supposed to have it but I'm glad I found it.
I had never heard of this author before or the series (it's the 19th book in a series but I don't feel like I missed anything, it can absolutely be read as a standalone). The author roped me in quickly and I didn't want to put it down. There is humor and mystery and action and subtle references to actual politicians that made me laugh while reading it.
I will absolutely be reading more books in this series.
I had never heard of this author before or the series (it's the 19th book in a series but I don't feel like I missed anything, it can absolutely be read as a standalone). The author roped me in quickly and I didn't want to put it down. There is humor and mystery and action and subtle references to actual politicians that made me laugh while reading it.
I will absolutely be reading more books in this series.
October 13, 2025
What Mahoney wants, he gets. And Joe DeMarco is the man to get it done. Two cases in this story, but totally unrelated . When a political opponent’s daughter is framed, Demarco is sent to figure who, why, and how. I only wish the “Big Money” had been outed. The backwoods are hiding Mookie, who is the key to the other case. good characters and excellent plot unwinding. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a great and thrilling story! DeMarco is a fixer without having to hold a gun or any other kind of weapon besides his brain. In The Asset he discovers a plot that will mess with the life of a high political figure through his wife's and daughter's misdemeanors whether they did it willingly or not. Fast-paced, full of suspense and mystery The Asset is a must-read for those who are thriller lovers.
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
November 29, 2025
Another great DeMarco book in the ongoing series. Easy to read as a standalone since one of the series characters is out of action for this thriller. Several tense stories twine together to reach a startling ending!
Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read this ARC.
November 30, 2025
This is a heart-pumping, high-stakes thriller that had me on the edge of my seat!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book has an interesting and very good plot, and the characters are great. However, the story has too many details and descriptions that really aren't necessary.
Review of advance copy
Another good story in one of the very best series going.
February 3, 2026
This is a v good political/thriller series. As always, Lawson does a good job with insider politics and this one has an especially psycho bad guy, whose plans are maybe a bit too elaborate?
February 10, 2026
Recommended.
Review posted at Tzer Island book blog:
https://www.tzerisland.com/bookblog/2...
Review posted at Tzer Island book blog:
https://www.tzerisland.com/bookblog/2...
February 11, 2026
Joe DeMarco. That is all
February 11, 2026
good read
A story well worth the time spent to read. At time a little hard to believe but this day in time anything can happen and does i believe.
A story well worth the time spent to read. At time a little hard to believe but this day in time anything can happen and does i believe.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Asset by Mike Lawson is one of the better ones in this series about Joe DeMarco fixer extraordinaire. It has some twists and turns that makes it really enjoyable and the political backstabbing is sadly only to real. This time DeMarco has to deal with two totally different cases but the end goal is the same. I do enjoy this series although I'm very far behind on the backlog, I hope I will catch up. I found the book well written and the death of the homeless person and all that surrounds that case is a really good plot. The characters are interesting and it's not often that Joe doesn't need more help. It's also interesting to see some politician that is ready to help out across the dividing party line. I must thank Atlantic Crime and Netgalley for letting me read this advance copy.
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