The Pawn

by John P. David

When TV reporter Pete Lemaster gets an after-hours call from a college friend, he doesn't expect it to catapult him into another big story in his reporting career. Scott "Uncle Scotty" Wilkins—a globe-trotting, charismatic businessman—has been arrested at a Singapore airport with enough drugs to guarantee a life sentence.

The case explodes into an international spectacle. Viral images of Scotty charm the public, fuel conspiracy theories, and attract opportunists eager to profit from the scandal. For Pete, it's personal—he owes the family a favor. But pursuing the truth could compromise his career.

Teaming up with police lieutenant Rebecca Dawes, Pete follows a trail that leads from glossy boardrooms to Singapore's prisons. Every clue exposes another betrayed lovers, vengeful spouses, shady investors, and rivals with millions at stake.

But the closer Pete gets to uncovering who framed his friend, the more he realizes he may be the next pawn in a deadly game of deception.

If you enjoy journalist-sleuth mysteries like The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, you'll be hooked on The Lemaster Files!

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

251 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2026

About the author

John David is a long-time public relations and crisis communications consultant, author of a non-fiction business book, and a corporate ghostwriter.

His debut novel, The Bystander (The Lemaster Files Book 1), was named one of 2025's Best Thrillers by BestThrillers.com, won the 2025 Page Turner Award for mystery novels, was longlisted for the BPA First Novel Award and was awarded as a finalist for the 2025 Storytrade Book Award for traditional mysteries. It was released by Tule Publishing in September of 2025. Though not a big joiner, he is a member of the International Thriller Writers Debut Author program.

When not working or writing, he enjoys fishing, talking about politics, and following the Florida Gators. He and his beautiful wife Pamela live in Pinecrest, Florida.

Reviews

[♡Heather✩Brown♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

PUB✶DAY (MAY 13)

🆃🅷🅴 🅿🅰🆆🅽
< @
ᴘᴜʙ ᴅᴀʏ ᴛᴏᴅᴀʏ!

Ooof! Y’all!! 💥💥 If you missed it, I loved this author’s first book and I can now confirm that The Pawn is just as fast-paced and gripping as The Bystander. Good ol’ Pete is back at it - and it’s a story of a lifetime. (Because it always is 😉.)

A. MUST. READ! While this is the second book in the Lemaster series, it can be read as a standalone. But I recommend reading both back-to-back. TRUST!

The NCAA basketball tournament is on, the phone is set to “do not disturb,” so why is his phone ringing?! In the world of reporting, a day off is never really a day off. Not when crazy things are happening and there’s a story to be chased. So much for that.

I just love how David writes - how he sets everything up and how he lays his story out for us. I wish I could explain what I mean but I just can’t. You really have to experience it for yourself, but then you’ll know what I mean. Just know that I love it. But I did learn my lesson and knew that once I started this book I would be locked in. Bingeable!

Hooks you from the start and won’t release you until the very last page. The term “unputdownable” was termed for books exactly like this one!

Plus we get the kick@$$ female character Rebecca Dawes too! I lovedddd the Singapore chapters and you know I’m down for a good conspiracy - this book has it all.

Just oof! Once again, move over Patterson, trust me on that!

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pawn
By: John David
Pub Date: May 13, 2026
Publisher:Tule Publishing

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved the first in this series, The Bystander. This is the second in the Lemaster files.

Pete Lemaster is a TV reporter. One night he gets a call from an old buddy. He lets him know that his relative Scott Wilkins is in prison in Singapore after being arrested for drugs. “Uncle Scotty” used to hang with Pete and his buddy in college.

Laws in other countries can bring in horrific practices. Uncle Scotty could be facing prison and “caning” I had never heard of this type of punishment.

Pete and his girlfriend who is a police lieutenant find themselves in Singapore trying to find out what really happened!!

This novel is fast- paced and kept my interest with all the juicy details and all the possibilities. Was Uncle Scotty set up like he claims? Shady secrets, jealousy and more makes this a fun one.

Thank you to the author for the copy of his latest novel. I highly recommend both in the series and hope he continues books in this series.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pawn (The Lemaster Files Book 2) written by John David has TV reporter Pete Lemaster once again getting in over his head as a friend’s family member is arrested for trying to carry drugs on a plane. Is he guilty or framed? Pete and girlfriend, police lieutenant Rebecca Dawes travel to Singapore to follow the clues. Big story but also a big need for the real story to come to light. Fast-paced with more twists and turns than any rollercoaster this story rolls. This is a well-written, well-thought out, satisfying mystery that will have you wanting more from John David.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

After loving The Bystander, I couldn’t wait to continue with this series, and The Pawn did not disappoint.

This book is fast paced, immersive, and packed with details that kept me fully engaged from start to finish. It was one of those reads that was incredibly hard to put down.

I especially enjoyed seeing more of the familiar characters, along with the unexpected twists that kept the story exciting and unpredictable. John David’s writing continues to grow stronger with each book, making this series even more enjoyable to follow.

Thank you to author John David for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Heather Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Lemaster series and I love it as much as the first book, The Bystander. Pete has been called by an old friend to help his uncle Scott, who has been arrested in Singapore. Peter immediately jumps in, along with his police lieutenant girlfriend, Rebecca, to get to the truth. Things are bot always how they seem. I absolutely loved this book and I hope there is another in this series!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

No sophomore slump here. Pete Lemaster is back on the beat with another thorny story to investigate and uncover the truth before the other networks. I absolutely love this character and these stories. The real time reporting narrative is both fascinating and riveting. You get caught up in the process waiting for the next clue to uncover or the next lead to chase down. Here the personal connection almost makes you think Pete might be a pawn but if you do you severely underestimate him and his skills (and Rebecca who keeps him on track lol). The story is multifaceted with lots of twists and some shocking surprises. You just really need to read it to see, it’s a fantastic book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pawn is the second book in John P. David’s fabulous series, The Lemaster Files. I read the first book and it was terrific. The second book is also fantastic. The book features Pete Lemaster, an investigative journalist for the Jacksonville, Florida television station. It is set during the NCAA basketball tournament season. We learn that Pete is in a relationship with police lieutenant Rebecca Dawes. He receives a phone call during his Florida Gators game and sees it is his college buddy calling to share what has happened to his Uncle Scotty Wilkins and ask for his professional help. Pete had met Scotty back in college times. He is a very wealthy man and took the guys out for drinks and dinner. Scotty has been arrested in Singapore with a large amount of THC gummies in his luggage. He is a businessman who travels to Singapore and the far east regularly. Pete’s team and Rebecca start investigating the background and how this could have happened.

Pete’s story unleashes lots of other reporters and social media influencers who are interested in Scotty. They pose possible theories as to how the drugs got into the suitcase. They look into Scotty’s past and current girlfriends, people he may have angered, friends, and business associates for answers. Pete and Rebecca go to Singapore to interview Scotty so they can try to find a way to get the charges dropped. Each clue leads to another one and the mystery remains elusive.

This is an excellent mystery/thriller. John has created an exciting and dramatic story with well crafted characters. The book had me totally engrossed and it was hard to put down. I enjoyed the interactions between Rebecca and Pete also. There were lots of twists, surprises and suspense. This is a five star book that I am happy to recommend.

I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing Company in exchange for my honest review.

[Ricky Hirschi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pawn is a stellar sequel to The Bystander. The story follows Pete Lemaster, a reporter at a local news station in Jacksonville. Pete is approached by an old friend, Cole, whose uncle has been arrested in Singapore for drug possession. Cole asks Pete to help in any way he can. Cole's uncle, Scottie, happens to be a total hottie, and his imprisonment becomes a media sensation with the help of Pete and other reporters.


Like in The Bystander, not everything is as it seems. Pete digs deep to find the shocking truth behind Scottie’s imprisonment. In some ways, the recurring character is reminiscent of Robert Langdon (of the Da Vinci Code), but a news reporter, not an art historian and, well, different in every way, except that blend of expertise in a thriller-like setting where everything is not as it appears.


The characters are written each with a unique voice and touch. There are even some recurring characters from the first book, like Pete’s overbearing and colorful mother and the beautiful and discerning police lieutenant, Rebecca Dawes.


The book is written with the perfect level of detail and pacing, resulting in an immersive experience. In reading the book, I was zipped away on this zany and captivating narrative.


If you haven’t read the first book, you don’t need to, strictly speaking, but it is great, so why not? I highly recommend this book, really to anyone, but particularly those interested in a newsroom drama.

[Julie (JuJu) · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 “THE PAWN” by John David ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Wow, I actually did my homework this time and read book one, “The Bystander,” before diving in. Pete Lemaster already had my attention, but this round? He’s even more of a scene-stealer.

Thanks to the author for this #giftedARC provided through #Bookfunnel. All opinions are my own.

Pete is back doing what he does best, getting too involved in something that is absolutely not his job. This time it’s for a college friend whose uncle, Scotty, is about to swap his passport for a Singapore prison jumpsuit thanks to a suitcase surprise.

What starts as a simple favor explodes into an international circus. There’s a legal showdown in Singapore, a ticking clock to trial, and social media is losing its mind, featuring hashtags like #scottythehottie. Pete shows up and dives headfirst into the madness.

This is where things get juicy. The investigation is tight, the pace never lets up, and Pete’s gut keeps dragging him deeper even when the odds are stacked against them. The closer we get to trial, the more we feel that pressure cooker vibe. One slip and it’s game over.

And that ending! Seriously, wow. I’m usually pretty good at calling twists, but this one totally blindsided me.

If you’re into thrillers with a gutsy lead, wild international drama, and a side of social media chaos, this one’s calling your name. Start with book one, though. Pete’s even more fun when you know his baggage.

[Melissa Ammons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Peter Lemaster knows no bounds. This time, he finds himself receiving a phone call from his buddy, Cole, who needs help getting Uncle Scotty out of jail … in Singapore! Did Pete go to Singapore to cover the story? Yes. Did Rebecca go with him? Again, yes. WJAX, where Pete works, was delighted to be covering such a big story … but never fear, the more Pete looked into the mystery of how the gummies got into Scott’s bag, the deeper he went into finding answers.
And, Cole. Oh my goodness, Cole. Why did you do what you did in the end?
Scott was rich, good-looking, never seemed to not have a lady friend by his side, and he threw some parties!
Oh, and Pete keeps his sense of humor throughout and his internal thoughts. I really enjoy this series because of Pete’s personality, his sense of humor, and his persistence in seeking the truth and not stopping until he finds the answer; no matter what that truth is, friend or foe, family or not, with his persistence, he gets the answers. I also enjoy the different working relationships Pete has with his coworkers at WJAX – they are very relatable characters.
And what is Pete going to do about the amazing offer he received? I guess we will have to wait for book three in this series to find out. I’m sure Pete and Rebecca have some more adventures in their future.

[Kim Novak (The Reading Rx) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pawn is the second installment in The Lemaster Files series which follows Jacksonville, Florida TV reporter Pete Lemaster as he finds himself caught up in high-profile investigative crime-based news stories. While the book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, reading The Bystander first will give insight into Pete's prior journalistic experiences and the other characters within his work and personal spheres.

I loved the international aspect of this story and the mystery of how the drugs got into the suitcase (and it certainly had me thinking about just how unsupervised my own suitcase is during an international flight... rather unsettling). I also enjoyed getting to know Pete a little more, especially reflecting on his college years when he maybe wasn't so perfect and ethical. The author does a great job of incorporating the machinery and politics of investigative journalism within the story to add understanding of a profession we often only have a curated view of. The fast pace and shorter chapters kept me turning pages to see what would happen next, and I am interested to see what adventure next awaits for Pete Lemaster.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pawn by John David is a thriller featuring our MMC named Pete Lemaster who is a tv reporter. Cole, one of Pete's college friends calls Pete on his day off looking for help with his Uncle Scotty who was just arrested in Singapore on drug charges, only he doesn't do drugs. Pete is asked to investigate the situation with Uncle Scotty in Singapore by his friend to find out what happened, since Uncle Scotty lives in the same local town as Pete, which is Jacksonville Florida. Pete covers local stories in the Jacksonville Florida area and not international stories, so he is a little reluctant at first. But he agrees to help Cole help his Uncle Scotty find him a way home from Singapore and prison. I loved the writing of this thriller, it was engaging from the first page until the end. I loved the character of Pete that the author writes about how reporters never really have days off, which would be true in the world of reporting;) Also I loved how the author brought into the read laws in other countries like caning, etc. which the USA does not have. It is a great message/observation about the outside world compared to our country. Excellent thriller!

I want to read more about Pete in another book soon!

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pawn ~ The Lemaster Files #2 by John David

The Pawn, the second instalment in The Lemaster Files series by John David, is a gripping and well-crafted mystery that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

The story follows TV reporter Pete Lemaster, who is drawn into a complex international case alongside police lieutenant Rebecca Dawes. When an old friend, Scott “Uncle Scotty” Wilkins, calls for help after being arrested on drug charges in Singapore, Lemaster and Dawes are pulled into a fast-moving investigation filled with suspense and unexpected twists.

John David delivers a strong narrative supported by well-developed characters and a compelling storyline. The pacing is effective, maintaining tension throughout while gradually revealing layers of intrigue.

Overall, The Pawn is an enjoyable and absorbing read. Fans of mystery and suspense novels will appreciate its engaging plot and dynamic character interactions.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy intelligent and intriguing crime fiction.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lemaster Files Book 2 is here - Pete Lemaster is back and this time he finds himself in the middle of an international incident involving his college friend’s uncle Scotty 👀

I really enjoyed reading The Bystander and was excited for the next book in the series. This book is fast paced and easy to get lost in. There are some good twists and turns that will have you saying “just one more chapter!” I was completely hooked by the first chapter and trying to figure out the mystery of Uncle Scotty and his luggage…

I really like our main character Pete - yes he is focused but he also has this sense of humor that makes me smile and is very relatable. But make no mistake, As a reporter he is always digging and looking to understand what is really going on and uncover the truth - no matter where it leads…and no spoilers…but yes, what he uncovers will definitely surprise you!!!

That ending!! 👀

✨ What to Expect:
💥 Thriller / Suspense
🔍 Mystery
👀 Crime Thriller
📰 He’s A Reporter
✈️ International Incident / Singapore
⚖️ Legal Drama / Chaos
📲 Social Media

[Emma_bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the second installment in the Lemaster Files series. Pete and his team are out to help his friend's uncle who has been detained for having dr*gs in his holdall.

I like how they research the prison and their procedures to best help out Scott. I feel Rebecca came out of her shell more in this one, I like her workmanship with herself and Pete.

Scott seems to have drummed up quite a petition online for his release and I like that interviews are done to various people linked to Scott and the family, we learn a lot along the way. I wasn't expecting that ending!

You can tell a lot of research has gone into the writing of this book, aswell as the first book too.

I'm looking forward to another book in the future as I enjoyed the flow of this book. It can be read as a standalone but probably better read in order as we follow Pete Lemaster through his career which starts with a "right place, right time" type situation.

[Tim Crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently, I received an advanced copy of "The Pawn" from the publisher. I was excited to receive it, because I really enjoyed reading the prior book in the series - "The Bystander". That book took me on an incredible journey, and I was excited for another trip in Pete Lemaster's world.

I'm very pleased to say this is another fantastic read. I particularly enjoyed revisiting some of the main characters - especially in a new and surprising setting. As before, Mr. David is an expert at pacing; I found it very easy to spend a Sunday afternoon breezing through several chapters.

Beyond that, I found myself rooting for Pete as he tries to make sense of all that's happening around him. There are some unexpected turns, and I enjoyed seeing how the characters react to these situations.

I would highly recommend this book. In fact, I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series. What a great ride!

[Sarah-Louise Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to be sent John's first book, and now an early copy of his second book. Due for publication on May 13th 2026. Another absolutely brilliant read.
I love how the author gives you a real feel for the characters and their personalities. An easy read, that just flows and you can't put it down. I won't lie, I read this book in two sittings I was hooked.

This book follows Pete Lemaster who is a TV reporter and journalist. Again, nothing is as it seems and Pete has to find out the truth about his uncle, who claims he has been set up - in Singapore. Who needs the police when you have Pete Lemaster. A brilliant investigative journalist, who gets straight to work researching the whole situation. Each clue uncovers scorned people all round! Pete is in a race to find the truth. Will Pete be the next pawn in this deadly game? Then I highly recommend reading the book to find out..!

5 stars

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written, fast paced story. Full of drama, mystery, intrigue, suspense, friends, secrets, twists, thrills, social media, humor and surprises. Pete Lemaster is a TV reporter and a friend to Scott Wilkins. They hung out together in college then he receives a call from Scott years later. Scott has been arrested in Singapore for having drugs in his luggage. Scott asks Pete for help so Pete teams up again with his friend Police Lieutenant Rebecca Dawes. Together they head for Singapore and to find the truth. Lots of questions- how did the drugs get into his suitcases, who and why is someone after Scott. Has lots of action, places and people to interview as to what really happened. Will keep you turning the pages trying to figure out who did it. Keeps you right on the edge of your seat. The characters are ready to ignite the pages while on their explosive journey. Would recommend to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well as the title suggests someone is the scapegoat here. Pete is asked to help the uncle of a college friend. The uncle has been arrested for drug possession and possibly trafficking while on a business trip in Singapore. What follows is a tangled web of deceit. Such a great story and the ending left me totally gobsmacked. Yeah it’s an old term but I just couldn’t fund a better one. Absolutely loved it. Looking forward to Pete’s next adventure. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Red Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing this free digital ARC of The Pawn in exchange for my honest review. This is the second book in The Lemaster Files and I’m already looking forward to the next one. We follow Pete Lemaster, a TV reporter who gets a call from a friend asking for help getting Uncle Scotty out of jail in Singapore. What starts as a simple favor quickly turns into another major story for Pete’s career. The writing is strong, the characters are memorable and the plot kept me guessing until the very end. I loved the fast pace and short chapters and even though it’s part of a series, it works well as a standalone. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to readers who love mystery or crime fiction.

[judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t read The Bystander which is the first book in the series and this is the first book I have read by this author . It definitely won’t be the last book that I will read by him . This book is riveting . Pete has been called by an old friend to help his uncle Scott, who has been arrested in Singapore. Peter immediately jumps in, along with his police lieutenant girlfriend, Rebecca, to get to the truth. Things are not always how they seem. I absolutely loved this book . It is the type of book I will read again in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Steve Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love thrillers and are searching for a standout series, John David delivers again with The Pawn, the follow-up to The Bystander in The LeMaster Files. Building on the momentum of its predecessor, this sequel raises the stakes with a tightly wound, high-intensity narrative that solidifies the series as essential reading for fans of investigative suspense.

Complete review here: https://www.bestthrillerbooks.com/ste...

[Melinda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written read that hooked me from the beginning. Pete gets a call from a friend who has been arrested in Singapore at the airport for alot of drugs. Pete tries to find who has framed his friend but runs into deceit, lies. Will he be the next Pawn in this thrilling game? Interesting characters and gripping twists. I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going viral. Title a journalist doing a favor for his college roommate. A story that takes off and buries the lead. Presented with a dilemma and attempting to garner interest in a news story, this journalist and his team are chasing leads around in circles. The characters are interesting if not a little cringy. The story is complicated and twisty. The ending is one you don’t want to miss. It’s all Gators versus Badgers for the win.

[Carolyn Valdez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story although I did not get to read the first one I will definitely be going back and reading it. The author really knows how to pull you in and keep you interested till the end. I can’t wait to see what he brings us next. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys mystery and suspense and a lot of drama.


I received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review.

[Tara Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over, Detectives. The journalists have entered the chat.

I loved the shift in perspective here. Seeing the mystery unfold through an investigative lens rather than a standard police investigation felt so fresh. The characters were compelling, and the plot was genuinely original. It’s dark, smart, and impossible to put down.

[Hot Mess Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

​"The Pawn" is a masterclass in crime suspense. While it’s part of a broader series, John David has crafted this story so skillfully that it works perfectly as a standalone. David brings a wealth of knowledge to the genre, weaving a complex 'whodunit' with richly developed characters that keep you on a total rollercoaster ride. Although The "Bystander" remains my personal favorite for its emotional depth, "The Pawn" is an impressively plotted crime thriller that feels incredibly relevant to our current climate. Bravo, John David!"

Thank you for allowing me to read before publication.

[Mystery Review Crew]

“…I did not want to put the book down.“ Can we say that twice? “…I did not want to put the book down.“

Read more of our thoughts on John David's The Pawn viaMystery Review Crew

[Laurie Witherby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pawn is the second book in John David's Lemaster series. This thriller kept me intrigued through the entire time, and guessing "whodunit"! Grab this one as well as the debut novel The Bystander; two great reads!

[enjoyingbooksagain · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pawn is a suspenseful read filled with twists, danger, and psychological tension.
The characters are intriguing, and the story keeps you guessing until the very end.
A good thriller for readers who enjoy dark secrets, mind games, and unpredictable plots.