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Mo Katz #8
Patriots Circle
As the Washington D.C. area prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July, a mob of malcontents assembles along the George Washington Parkway running adjacent the Potomac River from the south end of Old Town Alexandria to the circle at Mount Vernon.
As the mob assembles, attorney Mo Katz is investigating the mysterious death of John "Jack" Smith (alias The Jack of Hearts) at River Pointe, a historic mansion located along the parkway. Smith, a former CIA spook, had just been released from the penitentiary after serving time for the murder of his ex-wife.
Katz, who played a role in putting Smith behind bars, now seeks to solve the questionable circumstances behind Smith's death and determine whether Smith died by suicide or murder.
Reports surface that the mob moving down the parkway is planning to assassinate U.S. Senator Abe Lowenstein, who is scheduled to give a Fourth of July speech at the circle. Abe Lowenstein, an unabashed liberal, is impersonating George Washington during the 250th celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In response to the reports of an attempted assassination, patriots from nearby neighborhoods rush to strategic points along the parkway to stop the angry mob.
Interactions between the two groups take place at the famous stone bridge, the tunnel at Ft. Hunt Park, and the knoll at Cedar Ridge.
The mayhem that unfolds at the circle results in the venue being renamed Patriots Circle.
With assistance from an entourage of crime busters, Mo Katz discovers the link between the death of the King of Hearts and the assault along the parkway.
As the mob assembles, attorney Mo Katz is investigating the mysterious death of John "Jack" Smith (alias The Jack of Hearts) at River Pointe, a historic mansion located along the parkway. Smith, a former CIA spook, had just been released from the penitentiary after serving time for the murder of his ex-wife.
Katz, who played a role in putting Smith behind bars, now seeks to solve the questionable circumstances behind Smith's death and determine whether Smith died by suicide or murder.
Reports surface that the mob moving down the parkway is planning to assassinate U.S. Senator Abe Lowenstein, who is scheduled to give a Fourth of July speech at the circle. Abe Lowenstein, an unabashed liberal, is impersonating George Washington during the 250th celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In response to the reports of an attempted assassination, patriots from nearby neighborhoods rush to strategic points along the parkway to stop the angry mob.
Interactions between the two groups take place at the famous stone bridge, the tunnel at Ft. Hunt Park, and the knoll at Cedar Ridge.
The mayhem that unfolds at the circle results in the venue being renamed Patriots Circle.
With assistance from an entourage of crime busters, Mo Katz discovers the link between the death of the King of Hearts and the assault along the parkway.
- GenresMystery
306 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2026
About the author
John Wasowicz
8 books31 followersJohn Wasowicz, a seasoned attorney, is the author of the Mo Katz mystery series, including Slaters Lane (2020), Jones Point (2019), and Daingerfield Island (2017). The books feature fictional U.S. Attorney Mo Katz and are set in Alexandria, VA. Wasowicz has over 35 years of legal experience, including work as a state prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 30, 2026
John Adam Wasowicz has done it again. Patriots Circle is the 8th book in his delightful Old Town Mystery series and one of his best.
Combing an intricate and timely plot with great characters and plenty of twists and turns; Patriots Circle is quite the enjoyable page-turner.
For all the spectacle and domestic terror plot, some of the finest moments are the smaller ones, especially those featuring the characters Katie and Heidi. I think I see spin-off potential here.
As Robert B. Parker's Spenser is to Boston, Mo Katz is to DC and Northern Virginia. I am always pleased to recognize places in the story. Not the DC landmarks and memorials but the smaller ones. This book even mentioned a road basically across the street from where I live. You don't have to reside in the area to enjoy these books but I feel it does offer some extra thrills for those of us that do.
Another great thing about this entry is all of the history that is woven through the story. Read this enjoyable entry and you'll most likely learn something new before you're through.
Combing an intricate and timely plot with great characters and plenty of twists and turns; Patriots Circle is quite the enjoyable page-turner.
For all the spectacle and domestic terror plot, some of the finest moments are the smaller ones, especially those featuring the characters Katie and Heidi. I think I see spin-off potential here.
As Robert B. Parker's Spenser is to Boston, Mo Katz is to DC and Northern Virginia. I am always pleased to recognize places in the story. Not the DC landmarks and memorials but the smaller ones. This book even mentioned a road basically across the street from where I live. You don't have to reside in the area to enjoy these books but I feel it does offer some extra thrills for those of us that do.
Another great thing about this entry is all of the history that is woven through the story. Read this enjoyable entry and you'll most likely learn something new before you're through.
July 22, 2026
Patriots Circle by John Adam Wasowicz illustrates how personal ambitions, driven by regret and shame, can shape our perceptions of success, regardless of the cost we must bear to attain it. For most people, appeasing their deceased loved ones becomes a ghost that haunts them forever, sometimes even shaping the trajectories of their careers. These ghosts deny them the contentment that comes with gradual progress in life, as they seek greater pursuits to please the spirits they regret having disappointed. The lingering question is how far we will go to atone for our shortcomings? Do the ghosts ever send a sign of when to stop?
When the hunger for success claims others' lives, it transforms from a mere desire to overcome obstacles into a force that disrupts global peace. Worse, it plants the seed of revenge in the masses, seeking justice through vengeance in a nation that should teach forgiveness and compassion. Such was the situation that Mo Katz, Old Town’s top-ranking attorney, found himself in when the Jack of Heart’s corpse was discovered at River Pointe. The coroner’s report ruled Jack’s death as suicide, but this did not stop Mo’s inquest into the incident. In fact, it fuelled his pursuit to uncover any foul play.
My favorite aspect of this eighth installment of the Old Town Mysteries is John’s excellent narration style throughout the novel. He vividly narrated the major incidents in the storyline, helping me better understand each character. For example, Mo's and Mai’s argument on the distinction between motive and motivation was excellently presented, in addition to the philosophical discussions that Henry David had with his students about how the United States’ political trajectory was, and still is, characterized by a pattern of numbers.
Narrating the plot from the third-person omniscient perspective while still indicating the passage of time enabled me to trace each plot shift without losing track of the subplots. The few images and maps scattered across different pages not only break the monotony of narration but also further enhances readers' engagement with each setting in the book. I enjoyed the inclusion of Tom Mann’s articles in the novel, which proved how the media is used in the modern world as a tool of propaganda, yet could still be used to advance the common good. There could not be a better novel that accurately portrays the political climate of the United States in a realistic way while still allowing readers to reflect on each character's actions.
My reading experience was flawless thanks to the excellent editing performed in the book. I did not find anything to dislike and would happily rate it five out of five stars. I recommend Patriots Circle to readers of all ages, from teenagers to youth and even adults. Its character composition conveys the essence of society and shows how everyone, regardless of age, plays a role in improving their community. Readers who enjoy murder mysteries complemented by philosophical excerpts will especially enjoy this novel.
When the hunger for success claims others' lives, it transforms from a mere desire to overcome obstacles into a force that disrupts global peace. Worse, it plants the seed of revenge in the masses, seeking justice through vengeance in a nation that should teach forgiveness and compassion. Such was the situation that Mo Katz, Old Town’s top-ranking attorney, found himself in when the Jack of Heart’s corpse was discovered at River Pointe. The coroner’s report ruled Jack’s death as suicide, but this did not stop Mo’s inquest into the incident. In fact, it fuelled his pursuit to uncover any foul play.
My favorite aspect of this eighth installment of the Old Town Mysteries is John’s excellent narration style throughout the novel. He vividly narrated the major incidents in the storyline, helping me better understand each character. For example, Mo's and Mai’s argument on the distinction between motive and motivation was excellently presented, in addition to the philosophical discussions that Henry David had with his students about how the United States’ political trajectory was, and still is, characterized by a pattern of numbers.
Narrating the plot from the third-person omniscient perspective while still indicating the passage of time enabled me to trace each plot shift without losing track of the subplots. The few images and maps scattered across different pages not only break the monotony of narration but also further enhances readers' engagement with each setting in the book. I enjoyed the inclusion of Tom Mann’s articles in the novel, which proved how the media is used in the modern world as a tool of propaganda, yet could still be used to advance the common good. There could not be a better novel that accurately portrays the political climate of the United States in a realistic way while still allowing readers to reflect on each character's actions.
My reading experience was flawless thanks to the excellent editing performed in the book. I did not find anything to dislike and would happily rate it five out of five stars. I recommend Patriots Circle to readers of all ages, from teenagers to youth and even adults. Its character composition conveys the essence of society and shows how everyone, regardless of age, plays a role in improving their community. Readers who enjoy murder mysteries complemented by philosophical excerpts will especially enjoy this novel.
June 17, 2026
Patriots Circle continues the author’s set-in-Alexandria mystery series. As with other books in the series, it highlights landmarks or locations; fills in little-remembered history (e.g., the final sentence of the Declaration of Independence); and includes the key series protagonist, Mo Katz, and several people in his orbit.
The book opens days before the 250th anniversary of the United States. Mo happens to be at a site near the Potomac River when a body is discovered. He knows the dead person, someone who had been his informant when Mo was a prosecutor. This link between the two men is not lost on the blogger Tom Mann, who has an active “army of followers” and seems to be everywhere at once. Adding to the mix is Mo’s mentor, Senator Lowenstein, who is in a relationship with a much younger attorney; rumors abound whether the attorney really loves Lowenstein or is using him. Finally, entering the scene of the crime is Special Agent Peter Danker, who “liked to give orders” and cared about his personal appearance. And many more characters are introduced.
Added to the mystery about the dead man are the vague rumors on the dark web about sinister plans to disrupt the country's 250th birthday.
As with other books in the series, it is a fast-paced romp around Alexandria, with events and fast action picking up steam until a chaotic and show-stopping confrontation at Patriot Circle.
The author does a great job juggling the various characters and their actions in this book.
One fresh addition to the cast’s key actors is Mo’s adopted daughter, Katie. She literally stars in a show about Paul Revere and Samuel Prescott, the lesser-remembered rider who warned about the British advance on Lexington at the opening of the Revolutionary War. Moreover, her interaction with “the culprit” places a small finger on the balance of the story’s ending.
Overall, Patriot Circle is a fun read. The author’s enthusiasm for the story shines through.
Two final notes:
• I respect and support the author’s comments in his notes. “I also dedicated the book to those of us who want to build bridges and seek common ground during this time of political turbulence…. I prefer a world in which we’re bold enough to take down the barriers that divide us and to work for the common good.”
• As a disclaimer, the author sent me an early copy for review. I provided input which he has generously acknowledged.
The book opens days before the 250th anniversary of the United States. Mo happens to be at a site near the Potomac River when a body is discovered. He knows the dead person, someone who had been his informant when Mo was a prosecutor. This link between the two men is not lost on the blogger Tom Mann, who has an active “army of followers” and seems to be everywhere at once. Adding to the mix is Mo’s mentor, Senator Lowenstein, who is in a relationship with a much younger attorney; rumors abound whether the attorney really loves Lowenstein or is using him. Finally, entering the scene of the crime is Special Agent Peter Danker, who “liked to give orders” and cared about his personal appearance. And many more characters are introduced.
Added to the mystery about the dead man are the vague rumors on the dark web about sinister plans to disrupt the country's 250th birthday.
As with other books in the series, it is a fast-paced romp around Alexandria, with events and fast action picking up steam until a chaotic and show-stopping confrontation at Patriot Circle.
The author does a great job juggling the various characters and their actions in this book.
One fresh addition to the cast’s key actors is Mo’s adopted daughter, Katie. She literally stars in a show about Paul Revere and Samuel Prescott, the lesser-remembered rider who warned about the British advance on Lexington at the opening of the Revolutionary War. Moreover, her interaction with “the culprit” places a small finger on the balance of the story’s ending.
Overall, Patriot Circle is a fun read. The author’s enthusiasm for the story shines through.
Two final notes:
• I respect and support the author’s comments in his notes. “I also dedicated the book to those of us who want to build bridges and seek common ground during this time of political turbulence…. I prefer a world in which we’re bold enough to take down the barriers that divide us and to work for the common good.”
• As a disclaimer, the author sent me an early copy for review. I provided input which he has generously acknowledged.
July 19, 2026
My book club just finished reading and discussing Patriots Circle. A fun and engrossing book that ties into the 250th Anniversary of our Independence! If you live in the Mount Vernon, Virginia area, you will especially enjoy recognizing many of the local sites.
September 9, 2026
Patriots Circle is a smart, engaging thriller that pulls you in quickly and keeps you guessing. The story moves at a great pace, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. A really fun read that’s hard to put down!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews