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Levi Yoder #4
The Swamp
Crime world fixer Levi is hunting down those who want to destabilize Western society and finds himself dealing with corrupt government apparatchiks from both sides of the Atlantic. A riveting thriller about power, corruption, and deadly politics.
As a fixer for one of the New York Mafia families, Levi would rather keep a low profile. That changes when the Outfit, a mysterious organization, reaches out to him for assistance. Threats to a set of world leaders have been traced back to members of organized crime and their connection with government insiders from DC and Berlin.
When dealing with criminals, Levi knows what to do. However, when he finds himself immersed in a world filled with smiling officials, political apparatchiks, and deceit beyond compare, he learns why some people think of government as The Swamp.
In The Swamp, Levi finds himself taking on an almost unattainable goal: stop an impending threat that, if successful, could destabilize much of Western society and give rise to something much worse.
With threats emerging at a frantic pace on two continents, Levi can’t be everywhere at once.
It may already be too late to do anything about what's going to happen.
As a fixer for one of the New York Mafia families, Levi would rather keep a low profile. That changes when the Outfit, a mysterious organization, reaches out to him for assistance. Threats to a set of world leaders have been traced back to members of organized crime and their connection with government insiders from DC and Berlin.
When dealing with criminals, Levi knows what to do. However, when he finds himself immersed in a world filled with smiling officials, political apparatchiks, and deceit beyond compare, he learns why some people think of government as The Swamp.
In The Swamp, Levi finds himself taking on an almost unattainable goal: stop an impending threat that, if successful, could destabilize much of Western society and give rise to something much worse.
With threats emerging at a frantic pace on two continents, Levi can’t be everywhere at once.
It may already be too late to do anything about what's going to happen.
- GenresFiction
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2022
214 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Rothman
83 books325 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author, M.A. Rothman, is one of the most unlikely novelists you'll ever meet. He's an engineer first and foremost, with a background in the sciences, and somehow or another, this writing habit of his has turned into a bit more than just a run-of-the-mill hobby.
He primarily writes stories that focus on two things: technology and international intrigue. This writing tends to span the genres of science fiction, techno-thriller, and mainstream thrillers.
When not writing, he enjoys cooking, learning about new technology, travel, and spending time with his family.
He primarily writes stories that focus on two things: technology and international intrigue. This writing tends to span the genres of science fiction, techno-thriller, and mainstream thrillers.
When not writing, he enjoys cooking, learning about new technology, travel, and spending time with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 15, 2025
Entretenido, en la línea de los anteriores. Aunque...lo terminé hace 2 días y ya he olvidado de qué iba, ese el poso que deja :D
Esta saga es magnífica para leer y desconectar, es sencilla y directa, muy entretenida y poco después olvidable.
Ya me bajo de aquí, ha sido divertido pero no da para más.
Esta saga es magnífica para leer y desconectar, es sencilla y directa, muy entretenida y poco después olvidable.
Ya me bajo de aquí, ha sido divertido pero no da para más.
April 13, 2025
"The Swamp" by M.A. Rothman, published in 2022 and narrated by Tim Campbell, is a pulse-pounding addition to the Levi Yoder series, delivering a gritty crime thriller that dives deep into the murky waters of power and deceit. This 4th book in the Levi Yoder series follows Levi, a seasoned fixer for a New York Mafia family, as he’s thrust into a high-stakes mission that tests his skills and moral compass. Rothman blends international intrigue, political corruption, and relentless action, creating a narrative that hooks listeners from the opening scene.
The story begins when Levi is contacted by the Outfit, a shadowy organization that pulls him out of his usual orbit of mob-related problem-solving. They reveal a chilling threat: a conspiracy targeting world leaders, orchestrated by an alliance of organized crime and corrupt officials across the Atlantic, from Washington, D.C., to Moscow. Rothman excels at setting a tense atmosphere, portraying Levi as a lone operator navigating a world where smiles hide treachery. The stakes feel global yet personal, as Levi grapples with his role in a system he distrusts, making the narrative both expansive and intimate.
Levi Yoder remains a standout protagonist, his rough edges softened by a sharp mind and dry wit. Rothman deepens his character by exploring his reluctance to step into the spotlight, contrasting his preference for discretion with the mission’s demands. The supporting cast - crooked bureaucrats, cunning mobsters, and enigmatic allies - adds texture, though some archetypes verge on familiar. A key highlight is Rothman’s depiction of “the swamp” itself: a metaphor for entrenched corruption, rendered vivid through scenes of backroom deals and moral decay. The author’s knack for weaving technology into the plot, informed by his engineering background, grounds the story in plausible detail, from surveillance gadgets to strategic maneuvering.
Tim Campbell’s narration is a perfect match, his gravelly tone embodying Levi’s world-weariness while injecting urgency into action-packed moments. He navigates the story’s international scope with ease, using subtle accents to distinguish characters without caricature. Campbell’s pacing enhances the suspense, though in quieter scenes, his intensity can feel slightly overdone, momentarily breaking the mood. Still, his performance keeps listeners locked in, making the audiobook feel cinematic.
Thematically, "The Swamp" probes the cost of power and the fragility of trust, asking whether one man can dent a system rigged against him. Rothman balances these questions with taut plotting, though occasional leaps in the conspiracy’s scale may stretch credulity for some. The story’s strength lies in its momentum and Levi’s resourcefulness, ensuring it never feels preachy or bogged down. "The Swamp" is a very engaging story with Campbell’s dynamic narration. It’s a must-listen if you relish a flawed hero tackling impossible odds, delivering a satisfying mix of brains, brawn, and betrayal that leaves you hungry for his next move.
The story begins when Levi is contacted by the Outfit, a shadowy organization that pulls him out of his usual orbit of mob-related problem-solving. They reveal a chilling threat: a conspiracy targeting world leaders, orchestrated by an alliance of organized crime and corrupt officials across the Atlantic, from Washington, D.C., to Moscow. Rothman excels at setting a tense atmosphere, portraying Levi as a lone operator navigating a world where smiles hide treachery. The stakes feel global yet personal, as Levi grapples with his role in a system he distrusts, making the narrative both expansive and intimate.
Levi Yoder remains a standout protagonist, his rough edges softened by a sharp mind and dry wit. Rothman deepens his character by exploring his reluctance to step into the spotlight, contrasting his preference for discretion with the mission’s demands. The supporting cast - crooked bureaucrats, cunning mobsters, and enigmatic allies - adds texture, though some archetypes verge on familiar. A key highlight is Rothman’s depiction of “the swamp” itself: a metaphor for entrenched corruption, rendered vivid through scenes of backroom deals and moral decay. The author’s knack for weaving technology into the plot, informed by his engineering background, grounds the story in plausible detail, from surveillance gadgets to strategic maneuvering.
Tim Campbell’s narration is a perfect match, his gravelly tone embodying Levi’s world-weariness while injecting urgency into action-packed moments. He navigates the story’s international scope with ease, using subtle accents to distinguish characters without caricature. Campbell’s pacing enhances the suspense, though in quieter scenes, his intensity can feel slightly overdone, momentarily breaking the mood. Still, his performance keeps listeners locked in, making the audiobook feel cinematic.
Thematically, "The Swamp" probes the cost of power and the fragility of trust, asking whether one man can dent a system rigged against him. Rothman balances these questions with taut plotting, though occasional leaps in the conspiracy’s scale may stretch credulity for some. The story’s strength lies in its momentum and Levi’s resourcefulness, ensuring it never feels preachy or bogged down. "The Swamp" is a very engaging story with Campbell’s dynamic narration. It’s a must-listen if you relish a flawed hero tackling impossible odds, delivering a satisfying mix of brains, brawn, and betrayal that leaves you hungry for his next move.
July 1, 2025
The Swamp by M.A. Rothman is best approached as a light, entertaining political thriller—something you’d pick up when you’re in the mood for a fast-paced story without needing to overthink it. It’s got all the classic ingredients: a mysterious death, a brilliant but quirky forensic pathologist, and a tangled web of government secrets and conspiracies. Think of it as a popcorn read—fun, a little over-the-top, and not trying to be anything more than what it is.
Dr. Levi Yoder, the main character, is a likable enough lead, and his background in forensic science adds a bit of flavor. But don’t expect deep character development or a nuanced exploration of political systems. The plot moves quickly, sometimes at the expense of realism, and the twists can feel a bit formulaic if you’ve read a lot of thrillers.
That said, it’s not a bad way to spend a weekend afternoon. Rothman keeps the pages turning, and if you’re into stories with a bit of cloak-and-dagger drama and a dash of science, it’ll scratch that itch. Just don’t go in expecting a literary masterpiece or a profound political commentary—it’s more of a Netflix-style thriller in book form.
Dr. Levi Yoder, the main character, is a likable enough lead, and his background in forensic science adds a bit of flavor. But don’t expect deep character development or a nuanced exploration of political systems. The plot moves quickly, sometimes at the expense of realism, and the twists can feel a bit formulaic if you’ve read a lot of thrillers.
That said, it’s not a bad way to spend a weekend afternoon. Rothman keeps the pages turning, and if you’re into stories with a bit of cloak-and-dagger drama and a dash of science, it’ll scratch that itch. Just don’t go in expecting a literary masterpiece or a profound political commentary—it’s more of a Netflix-style thriller in book form.
May 28, 2024
Almost Perfect
Found that I liked this book due to its propensity for action and results. The premise for world wide bad actors and the depth of a secret organization with limitless resources may have been stretched a little far in this book. Operating at the breakneck speed to in this case help Levi in a foreign country little immediate repercussions might be cranked back some. But I was looking for a male point of view in the antagonist and I do get that in spades with Levi. If you are looking for the same thing I highly recommend Rothman's Yoder.
Found that I liked this book due to its propensity for action and results. The premise for world wide bad actors and the depth of a secret organization with limitless resources may have been stretched a little far in this book. Operating at the breakneck speed to in this case help Levi in a foreign country little immediate repercussions might be cranked back some. But I was looking for a male point of view in the antagonist and I do get that in spades with Levi. If you are looking for the same thing I highly recommend Rothman's Yoder.
March 28, 2025
No me ha acabado de enganchar.
Me he pasado toda el libro esperando a que pasase algo importante pero no ha ocurrido prácticamente hasta el último capítulo y éste se ha resuelto nada más empezar, no sé, no he conseguido que me enganchase, lo dicho, lo he leído esperando a algo grande y no lo he encontrado, me ha dado la sensación de que al protagonista se lo ponen todo en bandeja y no de que se esté jugando la vida.
Me he pasado toda el libro esperando a que pasase algo importante pero no ha ocurrido prácticamente hasta el último capítulo y éste se ha resuelto nada más empezar, no sé, no he conseguido que me enganchase, lo dicho, lo he leído esperando a algo grande y no lo he encontrado, me ha dado la sensación de que al protagonista se lo ponen todo en bandeja y no de que se esté jugando la vida.
October 6, 2025
Great book with a standalone storyline in a series
It is always great to find an author who mixes fiction with non fiction with a blend that immerses you in to the storyline.
M. A. developes each character with its own unique personality and doesn't take away from the main character.
He keeps slivers of information from the series previous books.
I don't write reviews for many authors, but this gentleman was deserving of my comments with the request.... Keep them coming!
It is always great to find an author who mixes fiction with non fiction with a blend that immerses you in to the storyline.
M. A. developes each character with its own unique personality and doesn't take away from the main character.
He keeps slivers of information from the series previous books.
I don't write reviews for many authors, but this gentleman was deserving of my comments with the request.... Keep them coming!
August 31, 2022
The story in this book was great. The reason that I downgraded it to 4 stars was that there were too many spelling, grammatical and technical writing errors. These had me stopping and rereading parts to try and keep things straight. This really broke the flow of the read. Better proofreading and editing would have earned the fifth star.
May 10, 2023
I have read all the previous books in the series. This one was a little different. Quite a few typos… unexpected… needed attention. I’m okay with speculative tech… this was showing off…
I’ll read the next. I am able to dismiss a little sloppy… I can even suspend belief… might not be a plot point to have our hero moved about by quantum physics… just sayin’…
I’ll read the next. I am able to dismiss a little sloppy… I can even suspend belief… might not be a plot point to have our hero moved about by quantum physics… just sayin’…
December 14, 2024
So far, the last book in this series when I read it.
All these offices for the Outfit in ever main city, reminded me The Continental hotel in John Wick films.
This story is closing some chapter for Levi as he is dealing with some russians related to a russian Levy already dealt with some years ago.
All these offices for the Outfit in ever main city, reminded me The Continental hotel in John Wick films.
This story is closing some chapter for Levi as he is dealing with some russians related to a russian Levy already dealt with some years ago.
July 27, 2022
Very cool end to the series (hopefully not for long). This book leans a little more on action than it's characters, but is quite entertaining. I do wish the main character had addressed the issue with his sometimes boss, but the fact he didn't doesn't hurt the story.
September 22, 2022
I want answers
A magical train that puts the Hogwarts express to shame? Eventually you need to explain the room of requirement pretending to be a club also. These explanations should precede turning Levi's girls loose on the world as an oversized Charlie's angels.
A magical train that puts the Hogwarts express to shame? Eventually you need to explain the room of requirement pretending to be a club also. These explanations should precede turning Levi's girls loose on the world as an oversized Charlie's angels.
October 20, 2022
Another tale of corruption in Washington DC and a mafia hit man who also works for yet another covert group in Washington investigating government corruption. A fairly routine story, not much new in the plot and not much excitement in the story.
July 29, 2024
The Swamp.
I think this is aptly named for what goes on in DC. People say they are going to drain it, but it never happens. So in that respect this story is fantasy. But it’s a good story.
I think this is aptly named for what goes on in DC. People say they are going to drain it, but it never happens. So in that respect this story is fantasy. But it’s a good story.
January 9, 2025
Enjoyable series
Fourth book of the series and it’s good. You don’t need to have read the other three to catch up but I would recommend reading them because they’re good. I’ve enjoyed reading them and they are quick little books easy plot lines likable main characters.
Fourth book of the series and it’s good. You don’t need to have read the other three to catch up but I would recommend reading them because they’re good. I’ve enjoyed reading them and they are quick little books easy plot lines likable main characters.
June 3, 2025
Wow this is a really great continuation of the series.
These stories just keep getting better a more intense as they go on. I'm going to have to ration myself so that I don't push past how fast Mr. Rothman can write.
These stories just keep getting better a more intense as they go on. I'm going to have to ration myself so that I don't push past how fast Mr. Rothman can write.
June 23, 2025
.La 4ª entrega de las andanzas de Levi Yoder. Está vez teniendo que trabajar para una organización llamada "La panda" , que le llevará s varios viajes con bastante peligro para el y por daño colateral a su hija
August 9, 2025
disrupting the food chain
this one was interesting in that Rothman tied in the string of unfortunate’accidents’ at us food processing plants. one horrific chain of events seems to drown out the previous one. this one was a pretty good read.
this one was interesting in that Rothman tied in the string of unfortunate’accidents’ at us food processing plants. one horrific chain of events seems to drown out the previous one. this one was a pretty good read.
January 1, 2026
The Levi Yoder series just keeps getting better. This one definitely continues on what happened in the previous books so, do yourself a favour and read them in order. Looking forward to the next in the series - I wish they were available at bookstores instead of only through Amazon.
July 24, 2022
No spoilers but the book left me wanting more !!
August 20, 2022
My rating: 4-1/2 stars
September 22, 2022
Another good one
Liked the pacing and the story kept me interested. Now its just an impatient wait for next. Off to hunt another book
Liked the pacing and the story kept me interested. Now its just an impatient wait for next. Off to hunt another book
October 17, 2022
The Swamp: Levi Yoder book 4
Another very good read. Levi order has been built up to be a significant intricate character. The plot parts of his books are always fun to read.
Another very good read. Levi order has been built up to be a significant intricate character. The plot parts of his books are always fun to read.
February 7, 2023
Great fun
Read all four books in a week highly recommended if you like Lee Child Jack Reacher or Jack Ryan hope there is going to be a 5th.
Read all four books in a week highly recommended if you like Lee Child Jack Reacher or Jack Ryan hope there is going to be a 5th.
August 3, 2023
Outstanding. The uniqueness of each story is equally as impressive as the character development of Levi and company. Hope more is to come.
December 24, 2023
Taking care of business.
April 15, 2024
Another great novel
The book was amazing. I really enjoy Mr.Rothman's writing. I hope he continues this series. Now onto book number six.
The book was amazing. I really enjoy Mr.Rothman's writing. I hope he continues this series. Now onto book number six.
April 28, 2024
It was good but not as good as the others.
April 29, 2024
Yoder cleans up
Another solid read. I enjoy the Yoder character. Hope there is a 5th story. Maybe about a corrupt Presidential election? Maybe?
Another solid read. I enjoy the Yoder character. Hope there is a 5th story. Maybe about a corrupt Presidential election? Maybe?
July 24, 2025
DEATH DEFIED ONCE AGAIN.
Great triller of a book. Levi jumps through the hoops and a widow to complete the mission while his family skates through an attempt on her life.
Great triller of a book. Levi jumps through the hoops and a widow to complete the mission while his family skates through an attempt on her life.
August 17, 2022
Levi Yoder's main objective in this book is to plant a virus on a computer. If you've read any of the previous installments in this series you will sympathize with my poor rating. Almost like going to watch LeBron play and he never touches the ball. I hope the next book Levi gets his hands dirty a little bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews