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Joe DeMarco #13
House Arrest
"First-rate . . . Lawson's series is the closest thing on the market today to the witty political thrillers of the late, great Ross Thomas." --BooklistAuthor of House Witness, 2019 Edgar Award Finalist for Best Novel
As the fixer for Congressman John Mahoney in Washington, DC, Joe DeMarco has had to bend and break the law more than a few times. But when Representative Lyle Canton, House Majority Whip, is found shot dead in his office in the US Capitol and DeMarco is arrested for the murder, DeMarco knows he's been framed. Locked up in Alexandria awaiting trial, he calls on his enigmatic friend Emma, an ex-DIA agent, to search for the true killer.
Emma's investigation leads her to a ruthless and competitive CEO who had a motive for killing Canton, related to a personal connection from long ago. But the case the F.B.I. has built against DeMarco is airtight, and not a single piece of evidence points to the CEO. Using her cunning and her DC connections, Emma sets out to prove that the powerful businessman has been using some fixers of his own.
Featuring crimes of passion, corporate corruption, and partisan feuds, House Arrest is the latest fast-paced read from "a reliably excellent writer" (The Seattle Times).
"A great author." --Lisa Gardner
As the fixer for Congressman John Mahoney in Washington, DC, Joe DeMarco has had to bend and break the law more than a few times. But when Representative Lyle Canton, House Majority Whip, is found shot dead in his office in the US Capitol and DeMarco is arrested for the murder, DeMarco knows he's been framed. Locked up in Alexandria awaiting trial, he calls on his enigmatic friend Emma, an ex-DIA agent, to search for the true killer.
Emma's investigation leads her to a ruthless and competitive CEO who had a motive for killing Canton, related to a personal connection from long ago. But the case the F.B.I. has built against DeMarco is airtight, and not a single piece of evidence points to the CEO. Using her cunning and her DC connections, Emma sets out to prove that the powerful businessman has been using some fixers of his own.
Featuring crimes of passion, corporate corruption, and partisan feuds, House Arrest is the latest fast-paced read from "a reliably excellent writer" (The Seattle Times).
"A great author." --Lisa Gardner
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2019
About the author
Mike Lawson
26 books449 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 110 reviews
February 2, 2019
House Arrest
A gripping and timely political thriller that is skillfully crafted to keep you on the edge of your seat.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SUMMARY
This is the thirteenth book in Mike Lawson’s delightful Joe Demarco series, where Joe is a fixer for the long-term and powerful Congressman John Mahoney. In HOUSE ARREST Joe is arrested in the aftermath of the murder of Representative Lyle Canton, House Majority Whip and political enemy of John Mahoney. But DeMarco is being framed. Locked up in the Alexandria jail, DeMarco calls his enigmatic friend Emma, an ex-DIA agent to find the true killer. Emma investigation leads to Sebastian Spear, a ruthless CEO of the multi-billion-dollar Spear Industries. Spear motive for killing Canton was Canton’s wife, Jean. Jean had been the love of Spear’s life in high school many years ago and they had recently renewed their friendship. But now Jean was dead, killed in a car crash while driving drunk. Spear blames Canton for the accident. But the case against DeMarco is airtight. All the evidence points directly to him. Can Emma use her cunning and connections to prove DeMarco was innocent before its to late?
REVIEW
I love this series and this is one of MIKE LAWSON’s best! DeMarco is in deep trouble by no fault of his own this time. The story was fast and gripping. And of course the strong and super intelligent Emma comes to the rescue! I love Emma’s character. I love Joe’s character also, but it’s always nice when a woman comes in to save the day. And it’s a book written by a man. Thank you Mike Lawson for writing a strong woman character in this series.
His writing seem effortless and it is totally enthralling. Lawson has published 16 novels, 13 starring Joe DeMarco, and three books in his Kay Hamilton series. He has won The Friend of Mystery award twice and he is a five time nominee for the Barry award. He is a renowned fly fisherman, guide, fly tier, and founder of the Henry's Fork Anglers fly shop. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Atlantic Monthly Press
Published February 5, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
A gripping and timely political thriller that is skillfully crafted to keep you on the edge of your seat.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SUMMARY
This is the thirteenth book in Mike Lawson’s delightful Joe Demarco series, where Joe is a fixer for the long-term and powerful Congressman John Mahoney. In HOUSE ARREST Joe is arrested in the aftermath of the murder of Representative Lyle Canton, House Majority Whip and political enemy of John Mahoney. But DeMarco is being framed. Locked up in the Alexandria jail, DeMarco calls his enigmatic friend Emma, an ex-DIA agent to find the true killer. Emma investigation leads to Sebastian Spear, a ruthless CEO of the multi-billion-dollar Spear Industries. Spear motive for killing Canton was Canton’s wife, Jean. Jean had been the love of Spear’s life in high school many years ago and they had recently renewed their friendship. But now Jean was dead, killed in a car crash while driving drunk. Spear blames Canton for the accident. But the case against DeMarco is airtight. All the evidence points directly to him. Can Emma use her cunning and connections to prove DeMarco was innocent before its to late?
REVIEW
I love this series and this is one of MIKE LAWSON’s best! DeMarco is in deep trouble by no fault of his own this time. The story was fast and gripping. And of course the strong and super intelligent Emma comes to the rescue! I love Emma’s character. I love Joe’s character also, but it’s always nice when a woman comes in to save the day. And it’s a book written by a man. Thank you Mike Lawson for writing a strong woman character in this series.
His writing seem effortless and it is totally enthralling. Lawson has published 16 novels, 13 starring Joe DeMarco, and three books in his Kay Hamilton series. He has won The Friend of Mystery award twice and he is a five time nominee for the Barry award. He is a renowned fly fisherman, guide, fly tier, and founder of the Henry's Fork Anglers fly shop. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Atlantic Monthly Press
Published February 5, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
February 1, 2019
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.
In a well-paced political thriller series, Mike Lawson has been able to develop his Joe DeMarco character quite effectively. This latest instalment of the series takes readers on a journey in which DeMarco may be in the middle of the excitement, but plays little role in its overall resolution. When a Republican congressman is gunned down in his office, the FBI swoops in to take control of the situation in short order. During routine preliminary interviews, Joe DeMarco offers up an alibi that appears solid, but has been completely fabricated for no known reason. An anonymous tip sends the Feds to DeMarco’s office, where they find a great deal of forensic evidence that points to DeMarco. He is detained and it would seem as though this is an open and shut case. However, DeMarco’s boss, current House Minority Leader John Maloney, is sure that someone is framing DeMarco to cover their tracks and pushes to have some of his contacts work diligently to uncover the truth. While DeMarco is in prison awaiting trial, he is targeted by a hardcore Mexican gang who seek to eliminate him. With no rational reason for this, it may be part of a larger scheme. Meanwhile, a powerful businessman stands in the shadows, saying little, but pulling strings in such a way that no one can tie anything to him. With the mid-term elections on the horizon, DeMarco’s fate hangs in the balance, if he can live long enough to see it through, forcing Maloney to pull out all the stops at arm’s length to get his fixer from being eliminated. Another great novel by Lawson that entertains series fans as much as those just discovering the author. Recommended to those who have journeyed along with Joe DeMarco from the start, though this novel could attract many one-off fans, as it works as a standalone.
I always await the latest releases by Lawson, as they fit nicely into my reading schedule and can usually be devoured in short order. The mix of politics and a mystery with limited time for resolution always has me enjoying the story and much of the development throughout. Joe DeMarco has evolved a great deal through the process, though the series fan will see that he is coming to the end of his illustrious career, not entirely because of his lack of usefulness. Working on vague and undisclosed projects for his boss, DeMarco has been able to keep a low profile and work effectively. His development throughout the series is shown in this novel with crumbs of backstory tossed around, as well as some personal angst as he awaits someone else to save him, a concept unknown to the ‘fixer’. The other key characters help propel the story forward, making their regular appearances within the narrative. The shift away from being helpers in the cause to the solution to DeMarco’s woes is an interesting twist and adds new layers to the story. The overall presentation is fast-paced and keeps the reader wondering how the cat and mouse game will work, with the killer’s identity fairly certain from the get-go. However, it is the pulling together of pieces and the results of the election that could truly shape the book progress and impact any further novels in the series. Lawson has delivered a dandy here, not to be missed by those who have followed DeMarco from the beginning all those years ago!
Kudos, Mr. Lawson, for another great story. I am eager to see how you will take that ending and make it work moving forward.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
In a well-paced political thriller series, Mike Lawson has been able to develop his Joe DeMarco character quite effectively. This latest instalment of the series takes readers on a journey in which DeMarco may be in the middle of the excitement, but plays little role in its overall resolution. When a Republican congressman is gunned down in his office, the FBI swoops in to take control of the situation in short order. During routine preliminary interviews, Joe DeMarco offers up an alibi that appears solid, but has been completely fabricated for no known reason. An anonymous tip sends the Feds to DeMarco’s office, where they find a great deal of forensic evidence that points to DeMarco. He is detained and it would seem as though this is an open and shut case. However, DeMarco’s boss, current House Minority Leader John Maloney, is sure that someone is framing DeMarco to cover their tracks and pushes to have some of his contacts work diligently to uncover the truth. While DeMarco is in prison awaiting trial, he is targeted by a hardcore Mexican gang who seek to eliminate him. With no rational reason for this, it may be part of a larger scheme. Meanwhile, a powerful businessman stands in the shadows, saying little, but pulling strings in such a way that no one can tie anything to him. With the mid-term elections on the horizon, DeMarco’s fate hangs in the balance, if he can live long enough to see it through, forcing Maloney to pull out all the stops at arm’s length to get his fixer from being eliminated. Another great novel by Lawson that entertains series fans as much as those just discovering the author. Recommended to those who have journeyed along with Joe DeMarco from the start, though this novel could attract many one-off fans, as it works as a standalone.
I always await the latest releases by Lawson, as they fit nicely into my reading schedule and can usually be devoured in short order. The mix of politics and a mystery with limited time for resolution always has me enjoying the story and much of the development throughout. Joe DeMarco has evolved a great deal through the process, though the series fan will see that he is coming to the end of his illustrious career, not entirely because of his lack of usefulness. Working on vague and undisclosed projects for his boss, DeMarco has been able to keep a low profile and work effectively. His development throughout the series is shown in this novel with crumbs of backstory tossed around, as well as some personal angst as he awaits someone else to save him, a concept unknown to the ‘fixer’. The other key characters help propel the story forward, making their regular appearances within the narrative. The shift away from being helpers in the cause to the solution to DeMarco’s woes is an interesting twist and adds new layers to the story. The overall presentation is fast-paced and keeps the reader wondering how the cat and mouse game will work, with the killer’s identity fairly certain from the get-go. However, it is the pulling together of pieces and the results of the election that could truly shape the book progress and impact any further novels in the series. Lawson has delivered a dandy here, not to be missed by those who have followed DeMarco from the beginning all those years ago!
Kudos, Mr. Lawson, for another great story. I am eager to see how you will take that ending and make it work moving forward.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
April 18, 2020
"Who is Joe DeMarco? What exactly does he do at the Capitol? Why is it that he’s a lawyer but has never practiced law and isn’t employed by a specific politician or organization in the legislative branch? Why has he been seen so often meeting with John Mahoney when he’s not a member of Mahoney’s staff? How did a man whose father worked for the Italian mob get a job inside the Capitol?"
Those of us who have been through all or some of the dozen previous books know the answers. Lawson avoids the curse of number 13 by doing something a bit different. Here is a case where DeMarco is arrested early on for a political assassination and is in jail for most of the book.
For those of us who have come to enjoy the contrast of Joe’s reluctant participation in Mahoney's assignments but his relentless investigative style, this is a bit of a switch, but not an unwelcome one. It looks like Lawson has upped his game in this thriller with DeMarco vulnerable and dependent on some key friends such as Neil and the always mysterious Emma.
There are high stakes involved in both proving DeMarco innocent and keeping him alive. Clever plans run aground for both the good guys and the other team. Somehow, at least one of the USA’s competitors gets involved, and that creates both chaos and opportunity.
All in all, a very satisfactory addition to the mythical case files of Joe DeMarco.
Those of us who have been through all or some of the dozen previous books know the answers. Lawson avoids the curse of number 13 by doing something a bit different. Here is a case where DeMarco is arrested early on for a political assassination and is in jail for most of the book.
For those of us who have come to enjoy the contrast of Joe’s reluctant participation in Mahoney's assignments but his relentless investigative style, this is a bit of a switch, but not an unwelcome one. It looks like Lawson has upped his game in this thriller with DeMarco vulnerable and dependent on some key friends such as Neil and the always mysterious Emma.
There are high stakes involved in both proving DeMarco innocent and keeping him alive. Clever plans run aground for both the good guys and the other team. Somehow, at least one of the USA’s competitors gets involved, and that creates both chaos and opportunity.
All in all, a very satisfactory addition to the mythical case files of Joe DeMarco.
March 18, 2021
I don't like the star method and I always encourage people to read the review. If you're looking for an fast-paced read to use as a distraction from whatever else is going on in your life, this book is quite good for that. It's well-written, tightly plotted, and it has characters who actually seem like characters instead of stereotypes that the author is moving through a plot he's already devised. I especially liked the inclusion of strong female characters. As a thriller, it hits all the marks.
October 7, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for this arc.
Oh such devious minds...….. I just love this series of Joe DeMarco stories. The political machinations... the manipulations... the breaking and entering... the computer hacking... the networking among all the various players.. and those truly devious minds. Poor old Joe spent most of this book "unavailable" or golfing. But Emma (she of the truly devious mind) was very much front and center in this book. Another great good romp through Washington DC. I do hope Mike Lawson has future plans for Joe.
Oh such devious minds...….. I just love this series of Joe DeMarco stories. The political machinations... the manipulations... the breaking and entering... the computer hacking... the networking among all the various players.. and those truly devious minds. Poor old Joe spent most of this book "unavailable" or golfing. But Emma (she of the truly devious mind) was very much front and center in this book. Another great good romp through Washington DC. I do hope Mike Lawson has future plans for Joe.
July 2, 2022
Joe DeMarco is framed for murder, and only his oh-so-mysterious friend can keep him out of prison.
Pretty much every character in the book belongs in prison, so I wasn't to worried about ol' Joe.
Pretty much every character in the book belongs in prison, so I wasn't to worried about ol' Joe.
April 26, 2020
DeMarco may be in the middle of the excitement, but plays little role in its overall resolution. When a Republican congressman is gunned down in his office, the FBI swoops in to take control of the situation in short order. During routine preliminary interviews, Joe DeMarco offers up an alibi that appears solid, but has been completely fabricated for no known reason. An anonymous tip sends the Feds to DeMarco’s office, where they find a great deal of forensic evidence that points to DeMarco. He is detained and it would seem as though this is an open and shut case. However, DeMarco’s boss, current House Minority Leader John Maloney, is sure that someone is framing DeMarco to cover their tracks and pushes to have some of his contacts work diligently to uncover the truth. While DeMarco is in prison awaiting trial, he is targeted by a hardcore Mexican gang who seek to eliminate him. With no rational reason for this, it may be part of a larger scheme. Meanwhile, a powerful businessman stands in the shadows, saying little, but pulling strings in such a way that no one can tie anything to him. With the mid-term elections on the horizon, DeMarco’s fate hangs in the balance, if he can live long enough to see it through, forcing Maloney to pull out all the stops at arm’s length to get his fixer from being eliminated.
I like stories like this. It was fast past read and entertaining. I have not read every book in the series but felt like this book could be read as a standalone. I like when series are like that so a book can be enjoyed without reading the whole series.
I like stories like this. It was fast past read and entertaining. I have not read every book in the series but felt like this book could be read as a standalone. I like when series are like that so a book can be enjoyed without reading the whole series.
February 15, 2019
I discovered Mike Lawson a few years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed his wonderful books about Joe DeMarco. Joe is the “fixer” for John Mahoney, a powerful Congressman, who sometimes is the Majority Leader, but in this book is the Minority Leader. Why Lawson is not better known is a mystery to me; these books are extremely involving and compelling.
“House Arrest” starts with a killer moving through the halls of Congress, and with an immediate murder. It is quite clear that someone is being set up to take the fall, and of course, that person is Joe DeMarco. I don’t like spoilers so I am not going to give away the plot, but it is exciting and convoluted. Usually Joe is the focus of story, but here some of the secondary characters come to the fore. Although the FBI has a tight case against Joe, his friends know that he did not commit the murder, and they work diligently to free him. It is an interesting twist for a long-running series, of which this is the thirteenth chapter.
I highly recommend “House Arrest.” You do not need to have read the previous books, this one functions perfectly well as a standalone. My prediction, though, is that once you have read this one you will want to read the earlier books, it is that good.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
“House Arrest” starts with a killer moving through the halls of Congress, and with an immediate murder. It is quite clear that someone is being set up to take the fall, and of course, that person is Joe DeMarco. I don’t like spoilers so I am not going to give away the plot, but it is exciting and convoluted. Usually Joe is the focus of story, but here some of the secondary characters come to the fore. Although the FBI has a tight case against Joe, his friends know that he did not commit the murder, and they work diligently to free him. It is an interesting twist for a long-running series, of which this is the thirteenth chapter.
I highly recommend “House Arrest.” You do not need to have read the previous books, this one functions perfectly well as a standalone. My prediction, though, is that once you have read this one you will want to read the earlier books, it is that good.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
December 6, 2020
This one had almost too much tension for me. I was so worried about DeMarco I almost stopped reading. What I mean is I enjoy the fact that he always seems to skirt around being the actual focus of the criminal element’s attentions. He usually doesn’t know how close he comes to danger. This one was nerve-racking. Thank goodness for Emma. I’m glad everything turned out the way it did. Despite the high-tension there were some truly, honestly, hilarious moments that broke the stress up beautifully.
February 22, 2023
Plot. Joe DeMarco, a guy in his late 30s, has a law degree but cannot find a job because he is the son of a deceased mafia hitman. Joe has never been involved with the mob in any way; he's never even owned a gun. Joe gets a job working in the Capitol. Seems the Speaker of the House had an affair with Joe's aunt and she calls in a favor. Joe is a decent guy, divorced, a bit of a horn dog, lazy, and would rather be playing golf. Speaker of the House John Mahone is a demanding alcoholic, a womanizer, as crooked as all politicians, feared by everyone who knows him - except his wife - a gal everyone adores. Mahone has a few redeeming traits, like a love of the veteran. There is another character of interest. Emma is a woman of high moral standards, a retired deep black ops gal that knows everyone and everything. She hates Mahone because she knows he's a typically devious politician but treats Joe as an annoying younger brother.
The series consists of several full-length novels - each with a beginning - middle - end, meaning you don't have to start with book one, The Inside Ring - but it will help with continuity. Bribing for votes, blackmail, dirty politicians and cops from the FBI to local police, heroic war veterans, and many good guys. From the basement of the capitol to alligator swamps, the series contains a wide range of plots. Narration is fine - Scott Brick does the first two books, Joe Barrett the remainder - no issues with either.
The Joe DeMarco Series is written by Michael Lawson, each book in the area of 10 hours of listening in unabridged audiobook format, released starting in 2005 through today by Random House and Blackstone Publishing.
Entertaining.
The series consists of several full-length novels - each with a beginning - middle - end, meaning you don't have to start with book one, The Inside Ring - but it will help with continuity. Bribing for votes, blackmail, dirty politicians and cops from the FBI to local police, heroic war veterans, and many good guys. From the basement of the capitol to alligator swamps, the series contains a wide range of plots. Narration is fine - Scott Brick does the first two books, Joe Barrett the remainder - no issues with either.
The Joe DeMarco Series is written by Michael Lawson, each book in the area of 10 hours of listening in unabridged audiobook format, released starting in 2005 through today by Random House and Blackstone Publishing.
Entertaining.
March 23, 2021
A fabulous author, not overly well known this side of the pond but he really deserves to be.
This is number 13 in his Joe DeMarco series. DeMarco is a lazy and easily distracted fixer for a senior politician in the US Capitol. When a senator is murdered in his office, DeMarco is efficiently framed for the crime and thrown into prison awaiting trial. His life expectancy in prison is pretty low but luckily he has one or two people who believe in his innocence and will do pretty much anything to get him out.
This is part of the DeMarco series, but mainly features his enigmatic and well connected friend Emma. A brilliant character. A few reviews have whinged that DeMarco is a bit player in his own novel, but Emma is a well-established character that really adds something whenever she appears.
The other whinge I have seen is that of political views from the author. It’s an odd one, these are thrillers set within US politics. Political machinations are the background to the whole series! Yep, some can point to comments made about an un-named Trump but they forget that DeMarco’s boss is a senior Democrat on the take. The author appears to have the political view that most politicians are worthless rather than having a party bias. In my humble British opinion.
The author gives us his usual mix of political intrigue, sharply drawn characters and dialogue. His style offers unusual perspective from all characters s you feel you understand their motives. And this is all interlaced with humour and some great one-liners.
An author that just continues giving us brilliant stories.
This is number 13 in his Joe DeMarco series. DeMarco is a lazy and easily distracted fixer for a senior politician in the US Capitol. When a senator is murdered in his office, DeMarco is efficiently framed for the crime and thrown into prison awaiting trial. His life expectancy in prison is pretty low but luckily he has one or two people who believe in his innocence and will do pretty much anything to get him out.
This is part of the DeMarco series, but mainly features his enigmatic and well connected friend Emma. A brilliant character. A few reviews have whinged that DeMarco is a bit player in his own novel, but Emma is a well-established character that really adds something whenever she appears.
The other whinge I have seen is that of political views from the author. It’s an odd one, these are thrillers set within US politics. Political machinations are the background to the whole series! Yep, some can point to comments made about an un-named Trump but they forget that DeMarco’s boss is a senior Democrat on the take. The author appears to have the political view that most politicians are worthless rather than having a party bias. In my humble British opinion.
The author gives us his usual mix of political intrigue, sharply drawn characters and dialogue. His style offers unusual perspective from all characters s you feel you understand their motives. And this is all interlaced with humour and some great one-liners.
An author that just continues giving us brilliant stories.
January 31, 2019
“House Arrest” is a contemporary political thriller that could easily have been ripped from the headlines of current news outlets. It was dang scary to get an inside view of how easy it would be to pin a crime on an innocent bystander, given the proper technology. The depth of corruption at the various alphabet agencies is totally in keeping with what is reported nightly on the news, fake or otherwise.
This was my first Lawson book and I was not disappointed. The writing was tight, the characters were well drawn, not given to cliche and the dialogue fit their personas without resorting to excessive foul language. Plot and setting were fluid, changing locations in the course of solving the mystery added interest without becoming convoluted. Secondary characters added a level of complexity but not so as to boggle the brain. M. L. knows this genre well.
There is violence in “House Arrest” but it’s not gratuitous or overly descriptive and there is no descriptive sexual content either. A few off handed comments are made with regards to feminine assets, but these are few and totally in keeping with the characters making the comments. All things considered, this book could be rated PG-13.
I received a copy from a Goodreads Giveaway and have happily fulfilled their request to write a review, albeit a bit tardy as I’ve got quite the pile up on my T.B.R. list 📚📚📚🙉
This was my first Lawson book and I was not disappointed. The writing was tight, the characters were well drawn, not given to cliche and the dialogue fit their personas without resorting to excessive foul language. Plot and setting were fluid, changing locations in the course of solving the mystery added interest without becoming convoluted. Secondary characters added a level of complexity but not so as to boggle the brain. M. L. knows this genre well.
There is violence in “House Arrest” but it’s not gratuitous or overly descriptive and there is no descriptive sexual content either. A few off handed comments are made with regards to feminine assets, but these are few and totally in keeping with the characters making the comments. All things considered, this book could be rated PG-13.
I received a copy from a Goodreads Giveaway and have happily fulfilled their request to write a review, albeit a bit tardy as I’ve got quite the pile up on my T.B.R. list 📚📚📚🙉
January 31, 2019
House of Representatives Majority Whip Lyle Canton is shot to death in his office at the Capitol. Joe DeMarco has an office in the basement of the Capitol with an obscure job title on the door, but he has actually been a fixer for the current minority leader of the house, John Mahoney. DeMarco is arrested for the murder. He calls on his friend, Emma, ex-DIA agent, to find the real killer. Her investigation leads her to Sebastian Spear, CEO of a multi-billion-dollar international corporation that has operated with less than stellar scruples. Spear had appeared drunk and shouting threats at the funeral for Jean Canton, Lyle’s wife, who was killed in a car accident. Jean had been Spear’s one and only love so he became a suspect. But the FBI has built an airtight case against DeMarco. Emma must figure out who is framing Joe, and how.
This is the 13th book in Lawson’s Joe DeMarco series, but only the third that I have read (the last three). Like the previous review, I generally like to read series in order, but have not found that a hindrance in these books. There is clearly a political undertone to this book, and although the author does try to remain neutral in today’s toxic political climate, there are jabs at the current administration that were unnecessary. My thanks to Atlantic Monthly Press and Edelweiss for the ARC of this novel.
This is the 13th book in Lawson’s Joe DeMarco series, but only the third that I have read (the last three). Like the previous review, I generally like to read series in order, but have not found that a hindrance in these books. There is clearly a political undertone to this book, and although the author does try to remain neutral in today’s toxic political climate, there are jabs at the current administration that were unnecessary. My thanks to Atlantic Monthly Press and Edelweiss for the ARC of this novel.
January 9, 2025
Could it be that Joe DeMarco needs a fixer? It certainly appears so.
A Congressman was killed in his office. Joe was being framed for the crime. The investigators had the policeman’s uniform that the killer wore and Joe’s DNA.
But when the crime was committed Joe was minding his business, not even doing something underhanded for Senator John Mahoney, his off-the-record boss.
Senator Mahoney, not a power broker as he had once been as Speaker of the House, took one giant step away from DeMarco as if he never knew the guy. DeMarco knew the one person he could count on, Emma, the wealthy former spy with a stable of contacts at the ready. Joe had unintentionally saved her life from some assassins and she was eternally grateful.
Emma believes DeMarco when he said he didn’t kill the politician despite the damning evidence to the contrary.
If you have been following the series you know that through clever plot twists somehow DeMarco will get out of the jam but along the way his identity has been revealed and his previously masked link to Mahoney is being unraveled.
DeMarco, predictably, is released from jail but he’s lost his job and with his reputation in tatters, he is unlikely to easily find another.
So, is Joe finished?
A Congressman was killed in his office. Joe was being framed for the crime. The investigators had the policeman’s uniform that the killer wore and Joe’s DNA.
But when the crime was committed Joe was minding his business, not even doing something underhanded for Senator John Mahoney, his off-the-record boss.
Senator Mahoney, not a power broker as he had once been as Speaker of the House, took one giant step away from DeMarco as if he never knew the guy. DeMarco knew the one person he could count on, Emma, the wealthy former spy with a stable of contacts at the ready. Joe had unintentionally saved her life from some assassins and she was eternally grateful.
Emma believes DeMarco when he said he didn’t kill the politician despite the damning evidence to the contrary.
If you have been following the series you know that through clever plot twists somehow DeMarco will get out of the jam but along the way his identity has been revealed and his previously masked link to Mahoney is being unraveled.
DeMarco, predictably, is released from jail but he’s lost his job and with his reputation in tatters, he is unlikely to easily find another.
So, is Joe finished?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2020
A fast paced very enjoyable story.
Joe DeMarco is framed the murder of a congressman and his friend, Emma, works to figure out who is the real killer and to set him free. It is quite the intricate frame job and Emma uses a lot of her contacts inside and outside the government to get the job done. The police believe they have the person who committed the crime and don't want to entertain what they consider outrageous accusations like a frame job. DeMarco's life is endangered several times while in police custody and this really upsets Emma. His so called boss, Congressman Mahoney, is also concerned but doesn't want to commit to helping him or expose the fact that Joe actually works for him. The man who wanted the congressman dead is a wealthy businessman who was in love with the congressman's wife. He gets people who work for him to take care of his problems without directly telling them to.
The man working for him uses several different means to obtain his ends but some of them mess up which helps Joe and Emma.
Love this series. The author does a great job of moving the story along at a good pace, providing great descriptions of places and people and providing a good plot.
Joe DeMarco is framed the murder of a congressman and his friend, Emma, works to figure out who is the real killer and to set him free. It is quite the intricate frame job and Emma uses a lot of her contacts inside and outside the government to get the job done. The police believe they have the person who committed the crime and don't want to entertain what they consider outrageous accusations like a frame job. DeMarco's life is endangered several times while in police custody and this really upsets Emma. His so called boss, Congressman Mahoney, is also concerned but doesn't want to commit to helping him or expose the fact that Joe actually works for him. The man who wanted the congressman dead is a wealthy businessman who was in love with the congressman's wife. He gets people who work for him to take care of his problems without directly telling them to.
The man working for him uses several different means to obtain his ends but some of them mess up which helps Joe and Emma.
Love this series. The author does a great job of moving the story along at a good pace, providing great descriptions of places and people and providing a good plot.
February 5, 2019
This is another fabulous addition to the Demarco series. I really enjoy Mike Lawson’s writing style, and his ability to come up with so many wonderful stories, that are all quite different to each other. The main standout for me is the work he puts into the characters.
You would have thought if any of the Demarco family would have ended up in jail it would have been Joe’s dad. Especially since when he was alive he was a hired hit-man for the mob. However, that is exactly where Joe Demarco found himself, locked away for murder. Joe had certainly done some things over the years that could have landed him in prison, and he would have understood if that’s what happened at the time, however this time he was completely innocent. It didn’t help of course that the man murdered was a politician, and a powerful one at that. At least Joe has people on the outside looking out for him, as prison isn’t going to be the safest place for him. I really did enjoy this book from the first page, right through to the last page. A very entertaining and captivating read. 5/5 Star Rating.
You would have thought if any of the Demarco family would have ended up in jail it would have been Joe’s dad. Especially since when he was alive he was a hired hit-man for the mob. However, that is exactly where Joe Demarco found himself, locked away for murder. Joe had certainly done some things over the years that could have landed him in prison, and he would have understood if that’s what happened at the time, however this time he was completely innocent. It didn’t help of course that the man murdered was a politician, and a powerful one at that. At least Joe has people on the outside looking out for him, as prison isn’t going to be the safest place for him. I really did enjoy this book from the first page, right through to the last page. A very entertaining and captivating read. 5/5 Star Rating.
February 15, 2020
As the fixer for Congressman John Mahoney in Washington, D.C., Joe DeMarco has had to bend and break the law more than a few times. But when Representative Lyle Canton, House Majority Whip, is found shot dead in his office in the U.S. Capitol and DeMarco is arrested for the murder, DeMarco knows he’s been framed. Locked up in the Alexandria Jail awaiting trial, he calls on his enigmatic friend Emma, an ex-DIA agent, to search for the true killer.
Emma’s investigation leads her to Sebastian Spear, the ruthless and competitive CEO of the multi-billion-dollar Spear Industries. Spear had a motive for killing Lyle Canton: Canton’s wife, Jean, had once been Spear’s high school sweetheart and the one true love of his life—until Canton won her over. Now Jean was dead, killed in a car crash while driving drunk, and Spear blamed Canton for the accident. But the case the F.B.I. has built against DeMarco is airtight, and not a single piece of evidence points to the grieving CEO. Using her cunning and her D.C. connections, Emma sets out to prove that Spear has been using some fixers of his own.
Emma’s investigation leads her to Sebastian Spear, the ruthless and competitive CEO of the multi-billion-dollar Spear Industries. Spear had a motive for killing Lyle Canton: Canton’s wife, Jean, had once been Spear’s high school sweetheart and the one true love of his life—until Canton won her over. Now Jean was dead, killed in a car crash while driving drunk, and Spear blamed Canton for the accident. But the case the F.B.I. has built against DeMarco is airtight, and not a single piece of evidence points to the grieving CEO. Using her cunning and her D.C. connections, Emma sets out to prove that Spear has been using some fixers of his own.
February 17, 2019
This was a fun read...the best yet in this series. It's a very complicated story with many twists and turns and a lot of irony and plain dead pan comedy, to boot!
Here's the gist of it...DeMarco gets framed for the murder of the Republican Speaker of the House who is well known to be seriously disliked by Joe's clandestine boss, Mahoney, the Democratic minority leader. He goes to jail and his friend Emma, ex-DIA pro, is called by Mahoney and begins to work in a serious fashion using all of her contacts, to investigate. One thing leads to many others, including the involvement of those that planned the murder (basically a billionaire and his minions), MS-13, the Russians, the FBI, DIA, etc... and the plot rolls out like key stone cops. Eventually Emma manages to get to the bottom of it all and DeMarco lives to have more adventures.
Its a great read, and you'll thank me for recommending it.
Here's the gist of it...DeMarco gets framed for the murder of the Republican Speaker of the House who is well known to be seriously disliked by Joe's clandestine boss, Mahoney, the Democratic minority leader. He goes to jail and his friend Emma, ex-DIA pro, is called by Mahoney and begins to work in a serious fashion using all of her contacts, to investigate. One thing leads to many others, including the involvement of those that planned the murder (basically a billionaire and his minions), MS-13, the Russians, the FBI, DIA, etc... and the plot rolls out like key stone cops. Eventually Emma manages to get to the bottom of it all and DeMarco lives to have more adventures.
Its a great read, and you'll thank me for recommending it.
February 18, 2019
This is the first book of the series for me, and I enjoyed it. Joe DeMarco is a Congressional bagman, framed for murder. He is not big, or overly bright, or handsome, or ambitious. He has no Special Ops training, no awesome martial arts skill. In fact, the guy does not have many redeeming traits except a certain charm that keeps the reader engaged. His friend, Emma, comes to his assistance. She has a background in Defense Intelligence Agency, with lots of friends who can hack computers and banks and provide private background info. Plus she has brilliant insights that lead her to the true killers. Certain parts of the plot are slightly ridiculous, which didn't bother me, and the story moved in a linear path to its conclusion. The dialogue is sharp and smart and sometimes amusing, and events often unfold in unexpected ways, which is a good thing. All of the characters are well drawn. The ending is great and original. Recommended for enthusiasts in this genre.
May 23, 2019
The FBI needs to think again in this thriller!
The House majority whip was shot dead in the Capitol office. The killer thought he was too smart to clean the evidence to eliminate himself from being sought by the FBI. They watched the recordings from the CCTV cameras and identified the “perpetrator”. His name was Joe DeMarco who was the son of the former Italian-American mobster.
The victim, Lyle Canton, had recently lost his wife in a road accident four months earlier. The wealthy CEO of Spear Industries had had an affair with Mrs Canton. Is Spear connected to DeMarco? Have the FBI caught the right person? Especially as he claimed that he was innocent.
This title was left to the readers to figure out who was really under house arrest because DeMarco was in custody.
This book was well written and a good thriller!
Columbpoirot
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
The House majority whip was shot dead in the Capitol office. The killer thought he was too smart to clean the evidence to eliminate himself from being sought by the FBI. They watched the recordings from the CCTV cameras and identified the “perpetrator”. His name was Joe DeMarco who was the son of the former Italian-American mobster.
The victim, Lyle Canton, had recently lost his wife in a road accident four months earlier. The wealthy CEO of Spear Industries had had an affair with Mrs Canton. Is Spear connected to DeMarco? Have the FBI caught the right person? Especially as he claimed that he was innocent.
This title was left to the readers to figure out who was really under house arrest because DeMarco was in custody.
This book was well written and a good thriller!
Columbpoirot
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
April 26, 2024
Spoilers ahead.
I'm reading this series out of order and I've already read multiple references to this case where DeMarco was framed for murder.
Basically a US Congressman was shot inside the Capitol Building and DeMarco was framed for his murder. The FBI accepts the evidence prima facie and doesn't really do any further investigation so DeMarco's friend Emma investigates because she knows that DeMarco wouldn't kill the congressman, he has no reason to do so and he's not a killer anyway.
The main suspect is a reclusive and eccentric billionaire who was having an affair with the congressman's wife when she died in a DUI accident. Emma starts by looking at any connections between the suspect and possible killers. Everything she does is extra-legal but eventually she finds a way to pin the murder on the right guy.
The writing is easy to read and follow. It's not really a "thriller" but I enjoy the characters and the action.
I'm reading this series out of order and I've already read multiple references to this case where DeMarco was framed for murder.
Basically a US Congressman was shot inside the Capitol Building and DeMarco was framed for his murder. The FBI accepts the evidence prima facie and doesn't really do any further investigation so DeMarco's friend Emma investigates because she knows that DeMarco wouldn't kill the congressman, he has no reason to do so and he's not a killer anyway.
The main suspect is a reclusive and eccentric billionaire who was having an affair with the congressman's wife when she died in a DUI accident. Emma starts by looking at any connections between the suspect and possible killers. Everything she does is extra-legal but eventually she finds a way to pin the murder on the right guy.
The writing is easy to read and follow. It's not really a "thriller" but I enjoy the characters and the action.
December 5, 2022
Mr. Lawson remains heralded while less than a best-selling author. That is too bad, a sadness, if not for him, then for the readers who are missing out.
The present adventure features Emma more than Joe, although Joe gets his licks in. Emma, the formidable ex-government agent, goes far to help Joe when he is framed for the murder of a Congressman.
While Emma labors on his behalf, Joe lives in the county lock-up, reflecting in a usual Lawson insider way, that "Jails are a convenient place to park the mentally ill, and (he) suspected the screamers were nuts off their needs."
By the final page, we have waltzed with the F.B.I., the NSA, Russians, international drug gangs and political shenanigans. Lawson is often compared to the incomparable Ross Thomas, a comparison both would have liked and deserved. Both were as humorous as another great, Elmore himself.
Recommended
The present adventure features Emma more than Joe, although Joe gets his licks in. Emma, the formidable ex-government agent, goes far to help Joe when he is framed for the murder of a Congressman.
While Emma labors on his behalf, Joe lives in the county lock-up, reflecting in a usual Lawson insider way, that "Jails are a convenient place to park the mentally ill, and (he) suspected the screamers were nuts off their needs."
By the final page, we have waltzed with the F.B.I., the NSA, Russians, international drug gangs and political shenanigans. Lawson is often compared to the incomparable Ross Thomas, a comparison both would have liked and deserved. Both were as humorous as another great, Elmore himself.
Recommended
January 26, 2019
Fans of Washington political conspiracy thrillers should drop everything and start reading this well written series. Start with this one and you'll be fine. Joe Demarco has always been a fixer- sometimes bending things to make others work. This time, though, he's in deep trouble when all the "evidence" points to him being the murderer of the House of Representatives Majority Whip. Lyle Canton had some secrets in his past, of course, but why was he killed and who did it? Emma, a truly awesome woman, untangles things and finds herself focused on Sebastian Spear. In the meantime, Joe's in hot water in the holding cell. This is appropriately twisty, occasionally a little out there, but always a good read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to the next one.
February 27, 2019
A congressman is murdered and Joe DeMarco is framed for it. The people responsible for the murder plan to assassinate Joe while he's in jail. Joe turns to Emma for help.
The problem with this book is that it's mostly boring. The bad guy's backstory takes up far too much time, is of very little interest, and every time Spears is the focus of the book it drags big time!
Another problem is that the book doesn't end on time! There's a bunch more book tacked on beyond where the end should be, and the tacked on part is also quite boring.
Perhaps Joe should be the focus of the books in the future, and Emma just a sidebar, because as a main character, she's rather out of focus and just blah.
A very disappointing addition to the Joe DeMarco series.
The problem with this book is that it's mostly boring. The bad guy's backstory takes up far too much time, is of very little interest, and every time Spears is the focus of the book it drags big time!
Another problem is that the book doesn't end on time! There's a bunch more book tacked on beyond where the end should be, and the tacked on part is also quite boring.
Perhaps Joe should be the focus of the books in the future, and Emma just a sidebar, because as a main character, she's rather out of focus and just blah.
A very disappointing addition to the Joe DeMarco series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2019
This is a good series but this one is just a little too slack and proforma especially with the wily and entertaining DeMarco off stage, under arrest; too much telling and not enough narrative. While there’s the beginnings of a twist about 2/3s of the way in it isn’t really developed. And again, for the millionth time, if you’re a bad guy feeling threatened: sit tight, don’t start killing people.
Two points about Washington. Its not likely that any congressman (waiting to be murdered) let alone the majority whip would be working alone in his Capitol office even on a Friday night - staffers always hang around to suck up. Also 747s don’t fly out of National.
Two points about Washington. Its not likely that any congressman (waiting to be murdered) let alone the majority whip would be working alone in his Capitol office even on a Friday night - staffers always hang around to suck up. Also 747s don’t fly out of National.
April 20, 2019
Joe DeMarco, the Minority Leader's secret fix-it man finds himself in the unenviable position of being the victim in this case...or the suspect as he is set up to take the fall for the death of the House Majority Whip. Joe finds himself in jail on a no-bail offense. Joe is usually on the other side of this occasion and John Mahoney can't really fix things for him in this case. So Emma, the retired CIA agent who is Joe's go-to person has to step in and see if she can make things right. Even she runs into obstacles as they race against time to save Joe. Great read! I love this series of books. Can't wait to read the next one.
August 15, 2019
Joe DeMarco has been Congressman John Mahoney's fixer for years. He has a tiny office in the Capitol sub-basement and goes and does what Mahoney tells him to do. But when Joe is framed for the murder of Congressman Lyle Canton, Mahoney does not dare help him. Mahoney hated Canton, so the Alexandria police have no difficulty being convinced DeMarco is guilty, especially after bloody clothes are found in the ceiling of his office. Now, all of Joe's friends are going to have to find out who really killed Canton and why they are framing Joe. And, keep him alive long enough to find the guilty party. Another great read in this series that I really wish would get more attention.
March 19, 2019
EXCELLENT! This might be the best Joe DeMarco book yet! I listened to it on audible and Joe Barrett’s performance is outstanding. I’ve been reading or listening to this series since book one. I love this series and always can’t wait for the next book. Joe DeMarco is funny, smart, and a somewhat lazy lawyer but you have to love him. Emma is always a great addition and just makes each book better. House Arrest has a lot of Emma which might make it the best yet. Mike Lawson is an incredible writer and knows his characters and what they do best.
February 8, 2019
House Arrest was my first Joe DeMarco novel and I enjoyed every moment of it. It is well written, well thought out with great characters. It's scary to think that the plot is quite plausible with our current technology. The political corruption and the power and dishonest dealings of corporate America seemed all to real. I also liked that Mr. Lawson made one of his major players a bad ass older woman who saved the day.
March 27, 2019
Recently I read a book with lyrical writing, to the point I was fully drawn in to the story. This novel, however, had writing that was often times clunky and almost always I was aware of a writer trying to captivate. The result was a lukewarm story with leaps in logic and lacking story making magic. I didn’t really care about any of the characters and the ending was simply abrupt. Meh of a novel.
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