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Joe DeMarco #3
House Rules
Mike Lawson’s Joe DeMarco thrillers have drawn praise for their fine-tuned suspense, off-kilter characters, intricate plots, and revealing portrait of Washington, DC behind closed doors.In House Rules , a terrorist bombing of the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel is narrowly avoided. Then a private plane headed straight for the White House ignores warnings and is shot down. An atmosphere of fear and panic overruns the country, and when the junior senator from Virginia proposes to deport all non-citizen Muslims and run extensive background checks on all Muslim Americans, his bill gains surprising traction.
Speaker of the House John Mahoney is not pleased. He knows it is the kind of knee-jerk response people will come to regret, like Japanese internment camps, and he needs to find a way to kill the bill before it exposes a secret he wants to keep. So Mahoney calls his man DeMarco. An average guy who struggles with debt, divorce, and an unreasonable boss, DeMarco is an unlikely hero, in over his head, relying on old friends as he attempts to get to the bottom of the attacks in this riveting read, full of suspense, fascinating characters, humor, and timely political intrigue.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published June 10, 2008
363 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
About the author
Mike Lawson
51 books438 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Pen name: M.A Lawson
Michael Lawson was raised in Pueblo, Colorado and attended college at Seattle University, receiving a degree in engineering. On leaving college he went to work for the US Navy as a nuclear engineer, spending approximately thirty years working for the Navy's nuclear power program. Some of this time was spent in Washington D.C. but most was spent at a large naval shipyard in Bremerton, Washington.
At the shipyard he managed a number of different organizations related to overhauling nuclear powered submarines, cruisers, and aircraft carriers, ending up as a member of the government’s Senior Executive Service
To date he has published 12 books starring Joe DeMarco, a fixer for a corrupt politician and three books in his Kay Hamilton series under the name of M. A. Lawson: He has won the Friend of Mystery Award twice and is a five time nominee for the Barry Award.
He lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Pen name: M.A Lawson
Michael Lawson was raised in Pueblo, Colorado and attended college at Seattle University, receiving a degree in engineering. On leaving college he went to work for the US Navy as a nuclear engineer, spending approximately thirty years working for the Navy's nuclear power program. Some of this time was spent in Washington D.C. but most was spent at a large naval shipyard in Bremerton, Washington.
At the shipyard he managed a number of different organizations related to overhauling nuclear powered submarines, cruisers, and aircraft carriers, ending up as a member of the government’s Senior Executive Service
To date he has published 12 books starring Joe DeMarco, a fixer for a corrupt politician and three books in his Kay Hamilton series under the name of M. A. Lawson: He has won the Friend of Mystery Award twice and is a five time nominee for the Barry Award.
He lives in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
April 8, 2017
Okay read.
Bought this book because I like the author and cover got my attention. But it was hard to follow, had to go back couple of chapters and read it again. Plot is about what has been headlines these days; registering all the Muslim Americans. Senator is trying to pass this bill. And chemical or nuclear plants, how home grown terrorist can access them. From politicians to drug dealers all double crossing each other.
Bought this book because I like the author and cover got my attention. But it was hard to follow, had to go back couple of chapters and read it again. Plot is about what has been headlines these days; registering all the Muslim Americans. Senator is trying to pass this bill. And chemical or nuclear plants, how home grown terrorist can access them. From politicians to drug dealers all double crossing each other.
September 14, 2025
Another highly enjoyable entry in the Joe DeMarco political thriller series. Written over a decade ago it still remains relevant today as a Senator introduces a bill to ban Muslims in this country at the same time a series of high profile but unsuccessful attacks are made on the country by Muslim Americans. The county is in fear, the bill keeps getting closer to passing and luckily Joe DeMarco is on the case. As a "troubleshooter" for the Speaker of the House he uses his extensive contacts to track down the people behind these plots. Very well written, and extremely believable, this is another top notch efforr by author Mike Lawson.
September 12, 2025
В "Двойни игри" Лосън се заиграва с настоенията срещу мюсюлманите в САЩ.
Прецизен трилър се е получил, хареса ми.
Малко ми е само невероятно обаче, как Джо и другарите му обезсмислят и правят да изглеждат смешни действията и усилията на ФБР и на останалия държавен и следствен апарат на САЩ. Ма карай де, нали трябва нещо да не е наред, та да блеснат нашите герои.
Моята оценка - 3,5*.
Прецизен трилър се е получил, хареса ми.
Малко ми е само невероятно обаче, как Джо и другарите му обезсмислят и правят да изглеждат смешни действията и усилията на ФБР и на останалия държавен и следствен апарат на САЩ. Ма карай де, нали трябва нещо да не е наред, та да блеснат нашите герои.
Моята оценка - 3,5*.
November 29, 2021
I found that House Rules by Mike Lawson is like the others in this series about fixer Joe DeMarco is a little slow and repetitive. I will try some more and see where it goes. It's a good plot with a different way to get some bill through congress but the characters are a little stiff. There are some parts that are brilliant though and that is why I will continue the series.
April 19, 2017
I found this book entertaining and relevant especially given the political agenda in 2017 in the USA. The book delves into Islamophobia and a few other stereotypical norms that you would expect given the world views. No, this book doesn't go into philosophy or deals with truth versus fiction...it leaves that up to you.
It is unfortunate that the end came as quick as it did without allowing the reader (me in this instance) time to absorb all that had happened and draw conclusions based on the information Lawson provided. Pity.
(this was written during my progress)
I am finding this book so apropos given the present political climate in the USA and the discomfort around the world.
I am presently about half way through and the web of events is really astounding. Right now, at this portion of the book, if you have any discomfort with Muslim American men this book seems to exacerbate it -or at least try and play on a potential Islamophobic flame beginning to burn inside us."
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One day though (maybe I missed it), I would like to read the adventures of Emma. Now there is an interesting character.
Yes, folks, if you have time, read the book.
It is unfortunate that the end came as quick as it did without allowing the reader (me in this instance) time to absorb all that had happened and draw conclusions based on the information Lawson provided. Pity.
(this was written during my progress)
I am finding this book so apropos given the present political climate in the USA and the discomfort around the world.
I am presently about half way through and the web of events is really astounding. Right now, at this portion of the book, if you have any discomfort with Muslim American men this book seems to exacerbate it -or at least try and play on a potential Islamophobic flame beginning to burn inside us."
------
One day though (maybe I missed it), I would like to read the adventures of Emma. Now there is an interesting character.
Yes, folks, if you have time, read the book.
January 15, 2015
Let’s say there’s someone in Israel you want to get rid of without any suspicion you might be behind it. What better way than to wait until your target is hanging out in a local bar, flip in a bomb, and then have anyone assume it was Hamas? Or perhaps you want to become president or obtain power.. What better way to accumulate money and power than to secretly orchestrate a series of Muslim terrorist attacks and then propose extraordinary methods to eliminate the “terrorist” threat? Contrived though it might be, that’s one of the plot devices in this excellent audiobook
Joe DeMarco works for the Speaker of the House, John Mahoney, in a very special capacity, operating way below the radar. Mahoney wants plausible deniability for his relationship with his troubleshooter and DeMarco is often left hanging in the wind to find his own way getting things done. So why does DeMarco still work for Mahoney? Hard to put on a resume that you've never practiced law, act as a bagman for the Speaker, and have no marketable skills. His latest investigation is precipitated when the Muslim brother of Mahoney’s old friend kills his family and then climbs into his Cessna and steers for the White House. He is shot down by an F-16, but his motives remain quite obscure and that he happens to be a Muslim fuels the flames. Throw in a recently elected Senator who wants all Muslims thrown out of the country and a real Muslim terrorist who wants to blow up a chemical factory that makes hydrofluoric acid and you have a mess.
A political thriller par excellence, with some really caustic wit about Washington. An excellent audiobook.
Joe DeMarco works for the Speaker of the House, John Mahoney, in a very special capacity, operating way below the radar. Mahoney wants plausible deniability for his relationship with his troubleshooter and DeMarco is often left hanging in the wind to find his own way getting things done. So why does DeMarco still work for Mahoney? Hard to put on a resume that you've never practiced law, act as a bagman for the Speaker, and have no marketable skills. His latest investigation is precipitated when the Muslim brother of Mahoney’s old friend kills his family and then climbs into his Cessna and steers for the White House. He is shot down by an F-16, but his motives remain quite obscure and that he happens to be a Muslim fuels the flames. Throw in a recently elected Senator who wants all Muslims thrown out of the country and a real Muslim terrorist who wants to blow up a chemical factory that makes hydrofluoric acid and you have a mess.
A political thriller par excellence, with some really caustic wit about Washington. An excellent audiobook.
December 13, 2020
3.2 stars. It was alright. There were like 1,000 different POVs though 🥴
March 16, 2014
RATING: 4.25
After the horrific events of 9/11, many Americans became very distrustful of people of different ethnicities. Several groups and politicians capitalized on these suspicions to further their own agendas. Among them is Senator William Broderick, who has authored an extreme anti-Muslim bill. Among its provisions is a plan to mass deport all non-citizen Muslims and a proposal that background checks be performed on all Muslim Americans. Supposedly, these background checks would reveal if a Muslim belonged to a radical group or supported radical causes. Although many people rightfully object to the trampling of these Americans' civil liberties, others support the bill wholeheartedly. And after a series of terrorist acts committed by several Muslim Americans, it appears that the bill will easily be passed.
Speaker of the House John Mahoney is one person who believes that Broderick's bill is completely unacceptable. One of the so-called terrorist acts was committed by the son of a close friend of his. Reza Zarif has killed his wife and children and tried to fly a plane into the White House. Of course, he was gunned down before that could happen. The action is so completely out of character that Mahoney asks his aide to look into it. Joe DeMarco is hidden deep within the government bureaucracy; in spite of a fancy title, his real job is to do whatever Mahoney needs—whether that be investigating something , digging up dirt on enemies, or collecting bribes—without worrying about the niceties of laws and ethics.
As DeMarco proceeds, not very successfully, he finds that all of the "terrorist" acts appear to have been committed by people who didn't have any overriding political agenda or motivation to sacrifice themselves for the terrorist cause. He's convinced that each of these people was forced to participate in the attacks because of threats made to those they loved. How else do you explain an ordinary cab driver strapping packs of C-4 explosive to his chest and trying to enter the Capitol, a lazy security guard pulling off a heroic action only to be killed and so on? DeMarco taps into every resource he can find to prove his theory; but if it's true, the master mind has covered his tracks thoroughly.
HOUSE RULES is an exciting and suspenseful book and an excellent revelation of how the game is played in our nation's capital. I liked the fact that DeMarco and cohorts weren't easily able to uncover the truth about the terrorist acts. In fact, there is another one being planned that never comes to his attention, possibly the most chilling action of them all. A radical is training a young boy to perform a suicide bombing mission of a refinery. If successful, there would be death on a huge scale. DeMarco is an imperfect human being, often resentful at what Mahoney asks him to do, but resourceful at the same time. Mahoney is a larger than life character whose drive and ambition power the book, and the villains are nicely nefarious with no need to twirl their mustaches.
Lawson did a fine job of creating a relevant and topical political thriller with its Apocalyptic subject matter balanced by large dollops of sardonic humor. The denouement is exciting and believable, but ironic at the same time. In fact, I'm still chuckling at the last paragraph. I found the book to be engrossing and a refreshingly different take on the typical terrorist conspiracy novel.
After the horrific events of 9/11, many Americans became very distrustful of people of different ethnicities. Several groups and politicians capitalized on these suspicions to further their own agendas. Among them is Senator William Broderick, who has authored an extreme anti-Muslim bill. Among its provisions is a plan to mass deport all non-citizen Muslims and a proposal that background checks be performed on all Muslim Americans. Supposedly, these background checks would reveal if a Muslim belonged to a radical group or supported radical causes. Although many people rightfully object to the trampling of these Americans' civil liberties, others support the bill wholeheartedly. And after a series of terrorist acts committed by several Muslim Americans, it appears that the bill will easily be passed.
Speaker of the House John Mahoney is one person who believes that Broderick's bill is completely unacceptable. One of the so-called terrorist acts was committed by the son of a close friend of his. Reza Zarif has killed his wife and children and tried to fly a plane into the White House. Of course, he was gunned down before that could happen. The action is so completely out of character that Mahoney asks his aide to look into it. Joe DeMarco is hidden deep within the government bureaucracy; in spite of a fancy title, his real job is to do whatever Mahoney needs—whether that be investigating something , digging up dirt on enemies, or collecting bribes—without worrying about the niceties of laws and ethics.
As DeMarco proceeds, not very successfully, he finds that all of the "terrorist" acts appear to have been committed by people who didn't have any overriding political agenda or motivation to sacrifice themselves for the terrorist cause. He's convinced that each of these people was forced to participate in the attacks because of threats made to those they loved. How else do you explain an ordinary cab driver strapping packs of C-4 explosive to his chest and trying to enter the Capitol, a lazy security guard pulling off a heroic action only to be killed and so on? DeMarco taps into every resource he can find to prove his theory; but if it's true, the master mind has covered his tracks thoroughly.
HOUSE RULES is an exciting and suspenseful book and an excellent revelation of how the game is played in our nation's capital. I liked the fact that DeMarco and cohorts weren't easily able to uncover the truth about the terrorist acts. In fact, there is another one being planned that never comes to his attention, possibly the most chilling action of them all. A radical is training a young boy to perform a suicide bombing mission of a refinery. If successful, there would be death on a huge scale. DeMarco is an imperfect human being, often resentful at what Mahoney asks him to do, but resourceful at the same time. Mahoney is a larger than life character whose drive and ambition power the book, and the villains are nicely nefarious with no need to twirl their mustaches.
Lawson did a fine job of creating a relevant and topical political thriller with its Apocalyptic subject matter balanced by large dollops of sardonic humor. The denouement is exciting and believable, but ironic at the same time. In fact, I'm still chuckling at the last paragraph. I found the book to be engrossing and a refreshingly different take on the typical terrorist conspiracy novel.
July 28, 2011
Another great Lawson novel. As I read the series in order, I am learning much more about DeMarco andf his cohort. Although the series moves ahead without needing to read each book in order, it can sometimes help with character development.
I found the premise of the book quite poignant; the desire to 'register' all Muslim Americans in order to sift through those who belong and those who are 'surely terroritst'. I am sure this will ring true and close to the heart for many Americans post-September 11th, but is surely not the answeer. Lawson presents arguments on both sides of the issue.
While thvel clips along at a great pace, the end is quite dramatic... it all ties up in the last 45 pages quite quickly, as tgh Lawson's editor demanded a text of a certain length in a specific time. Other than that, the tangential plot in the latter part of the book, it is an excellent novel with great development.
I found the premise of the book quite poignant; the desire to 'register' all Muslim Americans in order to sift through those who belong and those who are 'surely terroritst'. I am sure this will ring true and close to the heart for many Americans post-September 11th, but is surely not the answeer. Lawson presents arguments on both sides of the issue.
While thvel clips along at a great pace, the end is quite dramatic... it all ties up in the last 45 pages quite quickly, as tgh Lawson's editor demanded a text of a certain length in a specific time. Other than that, the tangential plot in the latter part of the book, it is an excellent novel with great development.
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February 10, 2017
3.5 stars out of 5 for another competent Joe DeMarco novel that I had been reading on and off for a couple of months and finished off last night (too hot to sleep!).
September 23, 2011
An enjoyable audio thriller. I really like the characters in this series (especially House Speaker John Mahoney) and the plot seemed fairly plausible for this type of book. Listened to the audio version read by Joe Barrett.
October 3, 2021
Politics and lies. Some would argue that there is little difference between the two. In this book there is no difference for many of the characters and to an extent for those characters that believe in those characters.
This story deals with prejudice and hate and ignorance. It could easily be based on American politics circa 2015 to present. And that is what makes this well written story so sad.
This story deals with prejudice and hate and ignorance. It could easily be based on American politics circa 2015 to present. And that is what makes this well written story so sad.
November 22, 2020
It’s everything I thought I didn’t like.
Political Thriller - me. No way!
But damn you Lawson somehow, someway I’m all in.
Emma is the best female character ever!
I look forward to Joe’s boss. He’s all that’s good and bad about government.
I am completely in this series.
Political Thriller - me. No way!
But damn you Lawson somehow, someway I’m all in.
Emma is the best female character ever!
I look forward to Joe’s boss. He’s all that’s good and bad about government.
I am completely in this series.
August 20, 2017
I liked it! I was worried that the novel would be overly political with a false-flag terrorism theme. But that was not the case. House Rules was reasonable and nuanced without taking partisan potshots and political screeds.
I have not read the first two books in the series, but the story was easy to follow anyway. I liked the hero, DeMarco, and the concept of him working as a mafia-style fixer working for the Speaker of the House, who was a back-slapping, boozing, womanizing Tip O'Neill/Ted Kennedy style Massachusetts pol. I LOVE the fact that this book focused on Congress rather than the White House. It seems like every 9 out of 10 political thrillers involve the president as a character, which really gets boring/tedious/silly. Focusing on the speaker made for a fresh and less pretentious concept, which I really enjoyed.
The supporting characters were good as well, including ball-busting DEA agent Patsy Hall, degenerate drug supplier and white supremacist Jubal Pugh, and a host of other colorful souls.
As for the story, it was good, taking twists and turns. The way events unfolded kept up the suspense. I hope I get a chance to read some of the earlier or later books in the series.
I have not read the first two books in the series, but the story was easy to follow anyway. I liked the hero, DeMarco, and the concept of him working as a mafia-style fixer working for the Speaker of the House, who was a back-slapping, boozing, womanizing Tip O'Neill/Ted Kennedy style Massachusetts pol. I LOVE the fact that this book focused on Congress rather than the White House. It seems like every 9 out of 10 political thrillers involve the president as a character, which really gets boring/tedious/silly. Focusing on the speaker made for a fresh and less pretentious concept, which I really enjoyed.
The supporting characters were good as well, including ball-busting DEA agent Patsy Hall, degenerate drug supplier and white supremacist Jubal Pugh, and a host of other colorful souls.
As for the story, it was good, taking twists and turns. The way events unfolded kept up the suspense. I hope I get a chance to read some of the earlier or later books in the series.
March 10, 2023
As always, a tightly written fast moving thriller. This time it adds an element of real life fear to the mix as it shows how vulnerable we still are from possible terrorist attacks. Even though it was written several years ago some of the scenarios seem somewhat possible.
March 25, 2024
This was my third Joe DeMarco book, and I remain a fan. To me the big draw of these books is the Joe DeMarco character. He is just a regular working man doing his job as a fixer for the Speaker of the House, Mahoney. Mahoney throws him into impossible scenarios, where even the full resources of the FBI, CIA, military and NSA are unable to make headway. He has an office that is the size of a closet in the basement of the capital building, and to make matters more challenging, Mahoney does not want DeMarco's presence known, so in many cases Joe cannot even use the authority of the Speaker to get results. In this installment the reader witnesses four failed terrorist attacks, and a senator from Virginia, Davis Broderick, attempts to leverage the fear of Muslim terrorists into a major bill that requires all Muslims to register. Of course this is an unconstitutional invasion of privacy, but the US population is whipped into a lather of fear and ready to support the bill a la Japanese internment camps. Mahoney opposes the bill, and he enlists Joe DeMarco to work behind the scenes to uncover the root of the terrorist events. Joe utilizes his meager resources and interviews participants in the drama and moves from place to place. The author does a good job of closing the loop on all the deaths and players, and I am a proponent of leaving no loose ends. A parallel storyline of true terrorism seems to dissipate, almost as if the author ran out of gas, but that is my only main criticism. Bring on book four.
March 7, 2022
I really like this series because it deals with politics coming out of my hometown of Boston. Speaker John Mahoney could easily have been Tip O'Neill pandering to his constituents. In this story a newly appointed Senator from Virginia is trying to get a Muslim registry bill passed since there have been a few recent attacks, airline hijack attempt, Cessna flying toward White House, bomber on the Capitol steps. Through all the twists and turns, it takes us to a small-time drug dealer meeting with a secretive money man, a Cuban assassin, and a rejected Senate Aide to push the agenda. Bring in fixer Joe DeMarco and his contacts to try to figure out why the friend of the Speaker's son flew the plane toward the White House, while trying to stall the bill in the House. It was riveting throughout despite the real threat by a real terrorist to blow up a chemical plant on Lake Erie.
April 21, 2018
‘House Rules’ is an excellent read in what I have come to understand is the Mike Lawson fast paced action packed style. And I think his writing style is funny. I enjoy his sense of humor about his characters, especially about Mahoney. Unlike the first two books in this DeMarco series I did have trouble tracking what was going on with who but it was so good It didn’t matter. There’s a couple of characters that just don’t fit into the scheme of things to me but I still like the book. I would tell you which two characters but then you would say “Hey! That’s a spoiler, so I bet after you read it you will know who I mean! Ha! So I already bought the next DeMarco book. So, now onto ‘House Secrets.’
September 28, 2010
In House Rules, two foiled terrorist attacks and a law targeting Muslim Americans send Joe DeMarco on a dangerous mission among mobsters, meth dealers, and the Washington political elite.
First there was the bomb meant for the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, then a private plane headed straight for the White House is shot down. An atmosphere of fear and panic overruns the country
I read it and loved it and thought it was commenting on a most serious issue of the day and the knee jerk reaction of many people.
First there was the bomb meant for the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, then a private plane headed straight for the White House is shot down. An atmosphere of fear and panic overruns the country
I read it and loved it and thought it was commenting on a most serious issue of the day and the knee jerk reaction of many people.
April 10, 2013
This is the third book in the series and the third I read (for a change I started a series at the beginning rather than in the middle) and the characters are still keeping my interest. Even if this were the first book you pick up, there is enough background so that you don't feel lost about the characters.
In addition to a compelling plot (Who know that life working for Congress could be so exciting!?) , the book had its humorous moments (both dark and light), and mixes in some social commentary as well. If you like David Baldacci, this series is worth a try.
In addition to a compelling plot (Who know that life working for Congress could be so exciting!?) , the book had its humorous moments (both dark and light), and mixes in some social commentary as well. If you like David Baldacci, this series is worth a try.
June 9, 2017
Muslim terrorist attacks on the capitol. Drug cartel. A terrorist mastermind. At one point I was singing the “I’m just a bill,” From the old afternoon special show. What does it take to get a bill through congress?
They got the story wrong in the beginning and again in the end: “… (Kahn)Had been detained by the FBI approximately a year ago for possible links to al-Qaeda and speculated that (javed Khan) may have been carrying on his father’s work.”
They got the story wrong in the beginning and again in the end: “… (Kahn)Had been detained by the FBI approximately a year ago for possible links to al-Qaeda and speculated that (javed Khan) may have been carrying on his father’s work.”
July 30, 2009
This 3rd in the Joe DeMarco thriller series really kept my attention and was a very satisfying read. Joe is an unofficial employee of the Speaker of the House, an all-around "fixer", who in this book is called on to investigate a rash of apparent terrorist attacks which may be politically motivated. Looking forward to reading the next in this series!
September 5, 2012
I met Mike Lawson and bought a copy of House Rules at a writers conference. I was so pleased to find a new hero in ordinary-guy Joe DeMarco. Mike makes his hero believable, interesting and likeable. The plot moved along well with short, snappy chapters.
I liked this book so much that I'm now a DeMarco (and Mike Lawson) fan. I'm so pleased to learn I have about 6 more novels to enjoy!
I liked this book so much that I'm now a DeMarco (and Mike Lawson) fan. I'm so pleased to learn I have about 6 more novels to enjoy!
May 3, 2023
Political intrigue and shenanigans abound in this “get ya hooked slowly but then you can’t leave to do your housework” thriller. Exceptional narration by Joe Barrett - his usual. A couple profanity utterances. But clean overall.
December 28, 2019
This series keeps getting better as we get to know the characters back stories and their motives become clearer...the Speaker of the House turns out not to be the bad guy you think in book 1. A lot of action in this book, but not as much violence as you search for the motives behind the actions.
August 14, 2023
never a dull moment
DeMarco, Emma and Mahoney are brilliant characters and the twists and turns in every story are remarkably clever and unique. Mike Lawson is on a par with the late , great Elmore Leonard
DeMarco, Emma and Mahoney are brilliant characters and the twists and turns in every story are remarkably clever and unique. Mike Lawson is on a par with the late , great Elmore Leonard
February 5, 2013
It takes three quarters of the story before it gains some valid traction after the murders and mayhem. By far the best part of this novel is the last quarter of it. 6 of 10 stars
May 18, 2014
Passable.
August 7, 2020
So glad I stumbled on to this series. Looking forward to #4.
December 9, 2024
Who knows how I managed to overlook this nonstop thriller for two and a half years, maybe I was interrupted by Covid 19 brain fog, but I’m glad I returned to it.
The only problem with this series is the number of characters you have to keep up with.
There are the recurring cast:
1. Joe DeMarco, a young John Travolta look-alike including dimpled chin. His father, Gino DeMarco was a well known New York mafia killer (who himself was whacked by 3 bullets to the chest), spoiled his son’s chances to get hired by a law firm - guilt by association. But Joe’s Aunt Connie had a connection.
Years before, Connie had an affair with Senator John Fitzpatrick Mahoney, Speaker of the House of Representatives hailing from Boston, third in line of succession of the US President. Aunt Connie asks the Senator if he can find something for her nephew and for old times sake Mahoney obliges.
2. Senator Mahoney, (think the late Thomas Phillip O’Neil - aka Tip O’Neal - also from Massachusetts who was Speaker of the House from 1977-1987), is a heavy drinker, a womanizer despite being in love with Mary Pat, his wife of 40 years, but above all is a power broker.
3. Emma (I imagine her to look something like Diane Lockhart from The Good Wife television series) tall, rich, thin 50-60 ish who is retired from the very secretive Department of Intelligence, maybe, who is very well connected and whose life was saved by Joe.
4. Christine - 30 ish, blond, beautiful cello player in the National Symphony Orchestra; Emma’s lover.
Then you have a million other characters that are integral to the story but only appear in this novel.
So the basic story is that Senator Broderick is sponsoring an anti-Muslim bill that would ban Muslims from entering the country and do background checks on American born Muslims with the goal of rooting out all Muslim terrorists.
There are a lot of twists and turns which is what makes this series so good.
The only problem with this series is the number of characters you have to keep up with.
There are the recurring cast:
1. Joe DeMarco, a young John Travolta look-alike including dimpled chin. His father, Gino DeMarco was a well known New York mafia killer (who himself was whacked by 3 bullets to the chest), spoiled his son’s chances to get hired by a law firm - guilt by association. But Joe’s Aunt Connie had a connection.
Years before, Connie had an affair with Senator John Fitzpatrick Mahoney, Speaker of the House of Representatives hailing from Boston, third in line of succession of the US President. Aunt Connie asks the Senator if he can find something for her nephew and for old times sake Mahoney obliges.
2. Senator Mahoney, (think the late Thomas Phillip O’Neil - aka Tip O’Neal - also from Massachusetts who was Speaker of the House from 1977-1987), is a heavy drinker, a womanizer despite being in love with Mary Pat, his wife of 40 years, but above all is a power broker.
3. Emma (I imagine her to look something like Diane Lockhart from The Good Wife television series) tall, rich, thin 50-60 ish who is retired from the very secretive Department of Intelligence, maybe, who is very well connected and whose life was saved by Joe.
4. Christine - 30 ish, blond, beautiful cello player in the National Symphony Orchestra; Emma’s lover.
Then you have a million other characters that are integral to the story but only appear in this novel.
So the basic story is that Senator Broderick is sponsoring an anti-Muslim bill that would ban Muslims from entering the country and do background checks on American born Muslims with the goal of rooting out all Muslim terrorists.
There are a lot of twists and turns which is what makes this series so good.
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