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Joe DeMarco #9
House Reckoning
The ninth installment in Mike Lawson’s Washington, D.C. political thriller series launches readers back into Joe DeMarco’s past—to the murder of his father, which was never investigated, let alone solved.
DeMarco always knew that his father Gino had a shady job for a local mafioso, but he didn’t understand that Gino had been a hitman until he was murdered. Now, nearly twenty years later, one of Gino’s former mob associates is dying of lung cancer, and he wants to get something off his chest before retiring to his grave: the truth about Gino’s killer. The shocking information, and the powerful position the killer now occupies, sends DeMarco on a mission of revenge with terrible consequences. And after the secret being kept for so long, DeMarco has to rush to do something about it: the killer is on the brink of taking a job in Washington, D.C. that will leave him untouchable.
DeMarco always knew that his father Gino had a shady job for a local mafioso, but he didn’t understand that Gino had been a hitman until he was murdered. Now, nearly twenty years later, one of Gino’s former mob associates is dying of lung cancer, and he wants to get something off his chest before retiring to his grave: the truth about Gino’s killer. The shocking information, and the powerful position the killer now occupies, sends DeMarco on a mission of revenge with terrible consequences. And after the secret being kept for so long, DeMarco has to rush to do something about it: the killer is on the brink of taking a job in Washington, D.C. that will leave him untouchable.
With his job, his morals, and his very life on the line, DeMarco must ask himself: How far will he go for revenge?
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 7hrs. and 58mins.
©2014 Mike Lawson (P)2014 Blackstone Audiobooks
Audible Audio
First published July 2, 2014
165 people are currently reading
744 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 102 reviews
September 16, 2025
Just another excellent story penned by one of my favorite authors.
June 20, 2015
This book is #9 in the Joe DeMarco series by Mike Lawson. For being the ninth novel, I really liked this one because it gave so much background info on the main character, Joe DeMarco. I felt like I could understand why he was the way he was. This gave him a rooted foundation that made him more appealing to me for some reason.
I liked the fast pace and the way the story unfolded. The new info was evenly dealt which is always appreciated. I don't like when the ending is a massive info dump and all the characters jump out and say, SURPRISE.
I like Mike Lawson's books. I always know I will get a great story.
I liked the fast pace and the way the story unfolded. The new info was evenly dealt which is always appreciated. I don't like when the ending is a massive info dump and all the characters jump out and say, SURPRISE.
I like Mike Lawson's books. I always know I will get a great story.
November 24, 2015
Out of the hundred-odd books I've read this year I have only given out a handful of 5-star ratings (like around 4 or 5) but I enjoyed this entry in the Joe Demarco series so much that I just had to go for it. This is just a nigh on perfect story that never flags for a minute and keeps you interested from page 1 to the end. Of course, I recommend that you read the other eight entries first.
October 26, 2020
This is a refreshing fun book...fun in that everything is in front of you and well written. There are a few surprises and a book that is thoroughly enjoyed and understood if you've read the previous 8 books...but not necessary.
December 2, 2020
This time it’s personal!
I absolutely enjoyed the look at the past and the now. Once again I am so happy that Emma is alive and well and part of this series. Long live Emma. I also enjoy DiMarco‘s boss. He may be a piece of crap but he’s my piece of crap!
I kinda fall in love with DiMarco little bit more each book just because his emotions are so every-man.
I absolutely enjoyed the look at the past and the now. Once again I am so happy that Emma is alive and well and part of this series. Long live Emma. I also enjoy DiMarco‘s boss. He may be a piece of crap but he’s my piece of crap!
I kinda fall in love with DiMarco little bit more each book just because his emotions are so every-man.
November 11, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Joe DeMarco always knew that his father Gino had a shady job for a local mafioso, but he didn’t understand that Gino had been a hitman until he was murdered. Now, nearly twenty years later, one of Gino’s former mob associates is dying of lung cancer, and he wants to get something off his chest before retiring to his grave: the truth about Gino’s killer. The shocking information, and the powerful position the killer now occupies, sends DeMarco on a mission of revenge with terrible consequences. And after the secret being kept for so long, DeMarco has to rush to do something about it: the killer is on the brink of taking a job in Washington, D.C. that will leave him untouchable.
With his job, his morals, and his very life on the line, DeMarco must ask himself: How far will he go for revenge?
Another cracking novel featuring Joe DeMarco. I have been following this series for a while now and find each and every offering to be quite delicious.
The beauty of this story - and what sets it apart a little bit from the previous books - is that we get a lot more of Joe's background in this one. It helps the reader to get a much better understanding of why Joe is the way he is. Also, I can think back to the first book, in particular, and can see that it all fits together. That is very cleverly done!
As for the plot - well, it finds Joe on a mission of revenge after finding out the truth of who killed his father. Turns out, the guy is just about to take on a huge job in Washington...and he could become out of reach for Joe.
So the pacing is great - once the countdown begins, everything happens in a fast pace, but not tripping over itself to get the story told. Each revelation, each scene gets its chance to evolve and breathe, leaving the reader time to devour it before the next thing happens.
If you do like political thrillers, then this series could be the one for you!
Paul
ARH
Joe DeMarco always knew that his father Gino had a shady job for a local mafioso, but he didn’t understand that Gino had been a hitman until he was murdered. Now, nearly twenty years later, one of Gino’s former mob associates is dying of lung cancer, and he wants to get something off his chest before retiring to his grave: the truth about Gino’s killer. The shocking information, and the powerful position the killer now occupies, sends DeMarco on a mission of revenge with terrible consequences. And after the secret being kept for so long, DeMarco has to rush to do something about it: the killer is on the brink of taking a job in Washington, D.C. that will leave him untouchable.
With his job, his morals, and his very life on the line, DeMarco must ask himself: How far will he go for revenge?
Another cracking novel featuring Joe DeMarco. I have been following this series for a while now and find each and every offering to be quite delicious.
The beauty of this story - and what sets it apart a little bit from the previous books - is that we get a lot more of Joe's background in this one. It helps the reader to get a much better understanding of why Joe is the way he is. Also, I can think back to the first book, in particular, and can see that it all fits together. That is very cleverly done!
As for the plot - well, it finds Joe on a mission of revenge after finding out the truth of who killed his father. Turns out, the guy is just about to take on a huge job in Washington...and he could become out of reach for Joe.
So the pacing is great - once the countdown begins, everything happens in a fast pace, but not tripping over itself to get the story told. Each revelation, each scene gets its chance to evolve and breathe, leaving the reader time to devour it before the next thing happens.
If you do like political thrillers, then this series could be the one for you!
Paul
ARH
September 7, 2020
I Couldn’t have guessed the ending, and didn’t. My favorite kind of plot. Narrated by one of my favorite performers, Joe Barrett. Some profanity, no hate speech except against the criminals.
In good conscience; poor criminals — I hope “everyone is happy” with that and I don’t receive any “unkind” remarks.
In good conscience; poor criminals — I hope “everyone is happy” with that and I don’t receive any “unkind” remarks.
May 14, 2015
Finished it only out of obligation.
May 9, 2024
I like this series because the writing is easy to follow and I'm used to the characters. It's not really a thriller series. Rather it follows a fixer (DeMarco) who is employed by long term congressman (D) John Mahoney, Speaker of the House (most of the time). Mahoney uses him as a handyman to fix any problems he might come across, anything from investigating a murder for a friend to looking for dirt. And to help DeMarco are two Deux ex machina characters: Emma, an ex-DIA agent who supplies muscle and money and Neil, a computer whiz who supplies intelligence and information.
Spoilers ahead.
We've long heard that DeMarco's father (Gino) was a hitman for the mob who himself got shot and killed. In this book we get a flashback in part 1 where we see how he started working for the mob and how he got killed.
In part 2, the killer is revealed to DeMarco by an old mafia boss on his deathbed who wants to clear his conscience and DeMarco decides to avenge his father.
The killer is revealed to be a rookie cop (Quinn) who did it because he was blackmailed by Gino's boss and who had decided he needed to whack Gino. Quinn is now NY city's police commissioner and about to be nominated to be the new head of FBI. However, DeMarco cannot let Quinn get the job with two murders in his past and his old connections with the mob.
At first he decides to reveal Quinn's murders by getting witnesses to testify at the Senate confirmation hearing but the witnesses are either scared away or vanish. So DeMarco decides to kill Quinn. However Emma stops DeMarco. She tells him that Quinn cannot leave him alive and will be sure to kill him someone so DeMarco is better off using himself as bait and then catching the killers and getting them to turn against Quinn.
The plot was fairly entertaining and simple. I enjoyed it and finished it in 2 days.
Spoilers ahead.
We've long heard that DeMarco's father (Gino) was a hitman for the mob who himself got shot and killed. In this book we get a flashback in part 1 where we see how he started working for the mob and how he got killed.
In part 2, the killer is revealed to DeMarco by an old mafia boss on his deathbed who wants to clear his conscience and DeMarco decides to avenge his father.
The killer is revealed to be a rookie cop (Quinn) who did it because he was blackmailed by Gino's boss and who had decided he needed to whack Gino. Quinn is now NY city's police commissioner and about to be nominated to be the new head of FBI. However, DeMarco cannot let Quinn get the job with two murders in his past and his old connections with the mob.
At first he decides to reveal Quinn's murders by getting witnesses to testify at the Senate confirmation hearing but the witnesses are either scared away or vanish. So DeMarco decides to kill Quinn. However Emma stops DeMarco. She tells him that Quinn cannot leave him alive and will be sure to kill him someone so DeMarco is better off using himself as bait and then catching the killers and getting them to turn against Quinn.
The plot was fairly entertaining and simple. I enjoyed it and finished it in 2 days.
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.
July 21, 2022
Mike Lawson has followed Joe DeMarco down some unusual paths. Here we spend a hefty bundle of pages examining the life and times of Joe's father, the highly thought of enforcer for the mob. We follow him from his early days into hard times, then into the mob, and then to his death. We also find out how Joe became the House Speaker's troubleshooter. Then, after about two decades, Joe discovers who killed his dad. Then his troubles start.
On the flyleaf is a quotation from Bill Farley, the erudite, lively, personable guide I had one Sunday to the delights of The Seattle Mystery Bookshop. The store is gone now but during its tenure it was a wonderful place for writers and readers to be. Bill's quote: "If you've been reading and enjoying Lawrence Block, Robert Crais, Lee Child, George Pelecanos, Don Wilson, et al, you should also be reading Mike Lawson". In that sentence are mentioned six of my favorite authors.
Recommended.
On the flyleaf is a quotation from Bill Farley, the erudite, lively, personable guide I had one Sunday to the delights of The Seattle Mystery Bookshop. The store is gone now but during its tenure it was a wonderful place for writers and readers to be. Bill's quote: "If you've been reading and enjoying Lawrence Block, Robert Crais, Lee Child, George Pelecanos, Don Wilson, et al, you should also be reading Mike Lawson". In that sentence are mentioned six of my favorite authors.
Recommended.
April 17, 2019
Joe DeMarco is John Mahoney's fixer. Mahoney is the former Speaker of the House and Joe handles those situations that Mahoney cannot entrust to his staff. But Joe has gone off the rails and Mahoney fires him. Joe has discovered who murdered his father twenty years ago and he has vowed to end him. Only problem is, it is the current Police Commissioner of the NYPD, who has also just been nominated to be the new head of the FBI. Joe goes undercover to try and destroy Brian Quinn's bid to head the FBI, but Quinn outfoxes him and Joe decides to kill Quinn. Fortunately, cooler heads prevail, and Joe and his friend, Ellen, former head of the DIA, discover a solution that will wipe out Quinn's career and get Joe's back online. This is a very entertaining series that does not receive the attention it deserves. If you are a crime-fiction reader, I recommend this series.
May 27, 2017
5 Stars - ALWAYS ♡
I loved how we got to take a ride into DeMarco ' s upbringing. We all know the basic background, the storyline of his father. But now, we got to see the connection he and his dad had. We got to relate, to see the man for who he was and why.
I loved how far the writer took us, because for years Joe has been with Mahoney. He's been a good guy, do the right the thing. Then it's just a suprise because when you get so far in it, when Joe goes so far, there's no turning back.
I loved how we got to take a ride into DeMarco ' s upbringing. We all know the basic background, the storyline of his father. But now, we got to see the connection he and his dad had. We got to relate, to see the man for who he was and why.
I loved how far the writer took us, because for years Joe has been with Mahoney. He's been a good guy, do the right the thing. Then it's just a suprise because when you get so far in it, when Joe goes so far, there's no turning back.
July 11, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. This is the third book I've read of the Joe DeMarco series. I liked this one because it gave Joe's back story to speak. It goes through his father's life and how he ended up being a Mafia hitman even though he was a nice guy. It shows how Joe got the job he did with Congressman Mahoney. Then the information of who actually murdered Joe's father falls into his hands. Follow him as he tries to right this terrible wrong.
January 25, 2024
Probably the most emotionally charged piece of the series so far. The protagonist’s mob past isn’t allowed to… we are immersed in it. For once Demarco serves as the emotional driver of the novel. The character of Emma has slowly evolved from super spy to voice of reason, and her presence throughout the novel is appreciated. It feels like the author has found a better way of keeping her present without overwhelming the narrative.
September 15, 2024
I have to admit that Lawson almost lost me on this one. We all know Joe DeMarco’s background and I wasn’t interested in spending a whole novel reliving his father’s life. What happened after those first hundred pages got interesting, so I stuck it out. In all novels before this one, you keep asking why Joe never has a weapon when he needs one. For him. To decide to avenge his father’s death was like a 180. I enjoyed it and am glad we’re back on track again.
August 11, 2018
Loved it and I love the whole DeMarco series. This one was particularly good. For funny, pick up “inside ring “ (the fort in the series, and heck it out if you’re into thrillers. The DeMarco series sort of turns the whole genre on its head—Joe DeMarco is no superhero z he didn’t even serve I. The military.
February 12, 2019
A really terrific read. I love this author. He really shows how Washington works. Very depressing though, because most (if not all) legislators are all about how much power they have and they can use it against other legislators. Power corrups -- and absolute power corrups asbolutely. To quote Robert Graves -- it's a sad commentary on our times.
January 3, 2025
This novel varied from the usual format. It gives the backstory of Joe DeMarco with a focus on his father, a mob hitman and the circumstances of his father’s murder.
What I liked most about this story is that it didn’t have a million characters I had to keep track of by keeping a notepad and pen beside me.
What I liked most about this story is that it didn’t have a million characters I had to keep track of by keeping a notepad and pen beside me.
July 31, 2025
Nicely Twisted Ending
In this book, Mike Dawson gives us a history of Joe DeMarco’s parents especially his father and how he was killed and by whom. And Joe seeks revenge on the killer. The Twisted Ending comes about midway through and it was unexpected as other twists begin to occur. Well written by Mr. Dawson
In this book, Mike Dawson gives us a history of Joe DeMarco’s parents especially his father and how he was killed and by whom. And Joe seeks revenge on the killer. The Twisted Ending comes about midway through and it was unexpected as other twists begin to occur. Well written by Mr. Dawson
May 26, 2017
Good Book
I always like the Joe DeMarco books although this one is a bit different. A significant portion takes place in the past mostly in New York where Joe is from. Mahoney is barely in it.
I always like the Joe DeMarco books although this one is a bit different. A significant portion takes place in the past mostly in New York where Joe is from. Mahoney is barely in it.
May 3, 2018
Another fantastic Joe DeMarco story which is the best I've read so far. Can't wait to continue reading the adventures of this realistic Washington, D.C. fixer who leads an interesting and thrilling life.
May 20, 2020
Was a bit predictable and the story was a little unrealistic. The saving grace is the detail of the past that wasn't written about in books prior to this one. That saved the book and gave new prospective on the Joe's character.
January 26, 2021
Awesome
I was totally surprised by the way that the story ended ! (Good job !) I loved the way Mr.Lawson started Gino’s life story,gradually,not intending to end up as it did...I think that’s probably the way of happenings....Great story !!
I was totally surprised by the way that the story ended ! (Good job !) I loved the way Mr.Lawson started Gino’s life story,gradually,not intending to end up as it did...I think that’s probably the way of happenings....Great story !!
April 29, 2021
This entry in this always enjoyable series answers some questions from Joe's past and keeps the suspense level high. Listened to the audio version read by Joe Barrett who did his usual good job.
November 23, 2021
Audio. The most personal book about Joe DeMarco in the series so far. At first, I wondered how he was going to handle the revelations about his father, then was worried that he was going to be so caught up in it that his life would be de-railed. The ending moved it from a 3 to a 4 for me.
June 28, 2022
I didn’t care that much about the whole family history of Joe DeMarco. I like this series because it doesn’t get that deep. Don’t go all mushy on me now! Also, main focus of this volume is men and their daddy issues which is not my point interest. YMMV.
Read
March 17, 2023Good story
I really liked this novel. I kept reading and reading until I finished it. The ending was a little surprising although a little less so once I thought about it. I like these Joe Demarco books. I have read two of of them and I plan on completing the series.
I really liked this novel. I kept reading and reading until I finished it. The ending was a little surprising although a little less so once I thought about it. I like these Joe Demarco books. I have read two of of them and I plan on completing the series.
April 24, 2023
of the seven novels in this series that i've read so far, this is my favorite. one thing i have yet to comment on about this series is it has some really great villains. this was also of interest to me because this provides the reader Joe's back story.
October 8, 2023
3.5 stars! I have enjoyed all of the Joe DeMarco books so far but this one was a little slow. I liked that this book gave the background on Joe and his father that I had wanted to know since the beginning. It had a good twist at the end but it just seemed to drag along in the middle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews