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Redemption
A man discovers that quitting his job comes with a price--his life--in this breakneck financial thriller from the acclaimed author of the Joe DeMarco series.
With his reputation permanently marred by an insider trading conviction, Jamison Maddox, a young Wall Street broker, reluctantly takes a job doing research for a small company in the sleepy town of Redemption, Illinois.
But when he falls in love with a beautiful and enigmatic colleague, Gillian, Jamison begins to realize that he may be doing illegal work for the company. So when she asks him to run away with her, he agrees wholeheartedly. The two set off across the country, hoping to secure some money and go into hiding. The company is soon on their tails, pursuing them with the single-minded goal of silencing them forever.
If Jamison hadn't realized how dangerous these people really are, he now realizes they will stop at nothing to protect the company. And he has no idea that his lover, a stunning woman shrouded in mystery, is as dangerous as the people he's running from.
"[An] excellent legal thriller. . . . Lawson's meticulous plotting keeps upping the suspense to nearly unbearable levels. This basic plot worked wonders 30 years ago for John Grisham in The Firm; in Lawson's capable hands it's once again a winner." --Publishers Weekly
Praise for Mike Lawson
"A reliably excellent writer . . . As always, Lawson's plotting is ingenious and his characters memorable." --Seattle Times
"What a pleasure to read a book by a writer who gets everything right--the engaging protagonist, the fluid and often funny dialogue, the quick-paced and believable plot . . . A." --Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Lawson remains at the top of his game." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"This is a consistently entertaining, well-crafted series. The real mystery here is why Lawson has yet to garner a major award." --Booklist (starred review)
With his reputation permanently marred by an insider trading conviction, Jamison Maddox, a young Wall Street broker, reluctantly takes a job doing research for a small company in the sleepy town of Redemption, Illinois.
But when he falls in love with a beautiful and enigmatic colleague, Gillian, Jamison begins to realize that he may be doing illegal work for the company. So when she asks him to run away with her, he agrees wholeheartedly. The two set off across the country, hoping to secure some money and go into hiding. The company is soon on their tails, pursuing them with the single-minded goal of silencing them forever.
If Jamison hadn't realized how dangerous these people really are, he now realizes they will stop at nothing to protect the company. And he has no idea that his lover, a stunning woman shrouded in mystery, is as dangerous as the people he's running from.
"[An] excellent legal thriller. . . . Lawson's meticulous plotting keeps upping the suspense to nearly unbearable levels. This basic plot worked wonders 30 years ago for John Grisham in The Firm; in Lawson's capable hands it's once again a winner." --Publishers Weekly
Praise for Mike Lawson
"A reliably excellent writer . . . As always, Lawson's plotting is ingenious and his characters memorable." --Seattle Times
"What a pleasure to read a book by a writer who gets everything right--the engaging protagonist, the fluid and often funny dialogue, the quick-paced and believable plot . . . A." --Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Lawson remains at the top of his game." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"This is a consistently entertaining, well-crafted series. The real mystery here is why Lawson has yet to garner a major award." --Booklist (starred review)
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2022
96 people are currently reading
2305 people want to read
About the author
Mike Lawson
51 books437 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 94 reviews
February 1, 2023
Loved this one. I’m a new comer to Lawson books and I’m happy I found them. It’s a wonderful thing when an avid reader discovers an entire series. I’m not reading them all at once, though I did purchase them all at once. That’s saying something.
Redemption, is a standalone. A well done standalone. I recently finished Thomas Perry’s latest book, (loved that one as well) and found these two books very similar in voice, structure and point of view. Entirely different stories though. So, if you are a fan of Perry, give this one a try you won’t be disappointed.
Redemption is an easy read that is engaging from the first page. Without giving away any spoilers, the story is a slow-burn and is not what you think it is on the onset. Lawson feeds out the clues holding the final twist until the end. Difficult to do. I caught a whiff of the twist but had not figured out the whole thing. I love these kinds of books.
I’m not a fan of the third person distant voice, very few authors can pull it off. Lawson is one of them (and Perry). There are a lot of characters and the story does jump around but it’s never confusing. I would’ve liked to have the main character endeared to the reader just a tad more. When the book opens we don’t like him so much (so hang in there). Lawson hangs his hat on story vs character.
Redemption, is a standalone. A well done standalone. I recently finished Thomas Perry’s latest book, (loved that one as well) and found these two books very similar in voice, structure and point of view. Entirely different stories though. So, if you are a fan of Perry, give this one a try you won’t be disappointed.
Redemption is an easy read that is engaging from the first page. Without giving away any spoilers, the story is a slow-burn and is not what you think it is on the onset. Lawson feeds out the clues holding the final twist until the end. Difficult to do. I caught a whiff of the twist but had not figured out the whole thing. I love these kinds of books.
I’m not a fan of the third person distant voice, very few authors can pull it off. Lawson is one of them (and Perry). There are a lot of characters and the story does jump around but it’s never confusing. I would’ve liked to have the main character endeared to the reader just a tad more. When the book opens we don’t like him so much (so hang in there). Lawson hangs his hat on story vs character.
January 6, 2023
"No one asked what the girl would do if she was able to seduce Corcoran. That was obvious: she would take Corcoran to bed in a place where their liaison would be videotaped. Also no one asked what would happen with the girl after she’d done her job. The answer to that question, too, was obvious."
I prefer mysteries to thrillers, but there isn’t any mystery here, except for the way our protagonist, Jamison Maddox (a financial analyst from New York City), finds himself in the middle of the rural Illinois cornfields working for a very security-conscious organization. He is making the best of some limited options. Since the Feds found him part of an insider trading scheme, family and potential NYC employers have all formed a new opinion of him and his promising career is in the past. He’s young and good looking but Lawson has us along for a ride as Jamison starts to “settle in.”
It doesn’t take very long for Jamison to start wondering about the financial analysis that he is asked to do. He doesn’t get to know the client but he gets his assignments including negotiating a buy-out with of a smallish industrial firm where Don Steward is the majority shareholder. Mr. Steward isn’t interested and Jamison reports this back to his boss. He isn’t privy to the following:
"What all this meant was that if Don Steward were to die, Mrs. Steward would inherit his share of the company and would be more than happy to sell it to the highest bidder and move back to Savannah. The client would have preferred to buy his way into the company. Killing Steward and buying it from his wife would be slower and more complicated because his estate would have to go through probate, and there might be issues with Steward’s partners. Unfortunately, Steward’s refusal to sell had made this new course of action necessary."
As Jamison starts noticing that bad things happen to those who don’t go along with his clients’ desires the tension ratchets up. Can he say no to anything his bosses or a client wants?
And, is it possible to ever say goodbye to his job and survive?
What’s to like about Jamison Maddox? I found that the “chase” only carried me so far. It was hard for me to form a connection with Maddox even if he was “better” than the rest.
Lawson shows some nice touches in his “one-off” thriller, but I still prefer his tales of the Congressional “fixer,” Joe Demarco.
I prefer mysteries to thrillers, but there isn’t any mystery here, except for the way our protagonist, Jamison Maddox (a financial analyst from New York City), finds himself in the middle of the rural Illinois cornfields working for a very security-conscious organization. He is making the best of some limited options. Since the Feds found him part of an insider trading scheme, family and potential NYC employers have all formed a new opinion of him and his promising career is in the past. He’s young and good looking but Lawson has us along for a ride as Jamison starts to “settle in.”
It doesn’t take very long for Jamison to start wondering about the financial analysis that he is asked to do. He doesn’t get to know the client but he gets his assignments including negotiating a buy-out with of a smallish industrial firm where Don Steward is the majority shareholder. Mr. Steward isn’t interested and Jamison reports this back to his boss. He isn’t privy to the following:
"What all this meant was that if Don Steward were to die, Mrs. Steward would inherit his share of the company and would be more than happy to sell it to the highest bidder and move back to Savannah. The client would have preferred to buy his way into the company. Killing Steward and buying it from his wife would be slower and more complicated because his estate would have to go through probate, and there might be issues with Steward’s partners. Unfortunately, Steward’s refusal to sell had made this new course of action necessary."
As Jamison starts noticing that bad things happen to those who don’t go along with his clients’ desires the tension ratchets up. Can he say no to anything his bosses or a client wants?
And, is it possible to ever say goodbye to his job and survive?
What’s to like about Jamison Maddox? I found that the “chase” only carried me so far. It was hard for me to form a connection with Maddox even if he was “better” than the rest.
Lawson shows some nice touches in his “one-off” thriller, but I still prefer his tales of the Congressional “fixer,” Joe Demarco.
March 6, 2022
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Mike Lawson, Grove Atlantic and Atlantic Monthly Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Long a fan of Mike Lawson and his writing, I was eager to get my hands on his latest book. A standalone, rather than his long-running Joe DeMarco series, I wondered how Lawson would handle this chance to step away from the world of politics and ‘fixing’. Jamison Maddox had it all in the world of finance, but got a little greedy and it almost cost him everything. When he receives a random invite to join a company in the middle of nowhere, he is leery, but accepts the offer. What follows is a job where he does odd research for his boss, without knowing much of anything, nor is he allowed to share with anyone. After falling for someone in town and agreeing to flee, Maddox risks it all, his life included, to stay one step ahead of his crooked employer and those sent to find him. Lawson does a magnificent job with this standalone and offers the reader a real treat in his latest novel.
Jamison Maddox lived the high life of finance in New York, all before it came crashing down and he faced jail time. Able to weasel his way out of prison, Maddox seeks a new life to reinvent himself. When he is approached to join an elusive company in Redemption, Illinois, he reluctantly agrees. It is only then that he realises that this is not your usual company.
Tasked with completing research without asking questions about clients or colleagues, Maddox begins to wonder if everything is entirely above board. Still, he does the work asked of him, though he soon finds himself drawn to his colleague, Gillian Jamison, who happens to be the wife of his immediate superior. Together, they agree that something is off and they can no longer stay in Redemption, worried that they might get caught up in a web of lies and illegal activity.
While many would think leaving a job would be the end of it, Maddox and Gillian soon learn that the work they did was part of a larger criminal scheme, and death is the only way to ensure their silence. While they remain on the lam, both must dodge those sent to terminate them once and for all. Unsure who he can trust, Jamison Maddox tries to find safety and must devise a plan to share what he knows before he, or his family, face the ultimate consequence. Mike Lawson does a fabulous job spinning this tale and it is sure to keep the reader up well into the night.
I have long enjoyed the Joe DeMarco series that Mike Lawson has been developing for many years. Still, it was nice to get out of that framework for a new and unique thriller by the author. Lawson has invested a great deal of time and effort into making this as strong as his series work, succeeding in ways I could not imagine. A strong story with well-established characters, Lawson offers the reader a gem in this piece, which is sure to make a mark within the genre!
Jamison Maddox might not be entirely unique as a character, but his impact is seen throughout this story. His backstory is developed in the early part of the novel, which sets the stage for some great advancements. Lawson develops his protagonist well, without going over the top. There is much to the man and his skills, but also some of the weaknesses work well to establish relatable flaws. Maddox assumes the role of hero, whistleblower, and man on the run in equal measure throughout, while also falling into the odd trap when blinded by lust. Lawson has done well with him, as well as many of the other key characters in this piece.
Authors who are well-established can sometimes rest on their laurels and use fame to push them forward, Mike Lawson does not do that, choosing to keep reinventing himself with ease novel he releases. This was another winner, with a great narrative that flowed throughout the ups and downs of the story. Developing some key characters helped set the foundation for a strong story and permitted key plot lines to push the novel in various directions. Mike Lawson has something for everyone in this piece, which takes the reader on an adventure like no other. Those who love his series work will likely also enjoy this piece, which has some of the same high-impact action throughout its pages.
Kudos, Mr. Lawson, for another great novel. I can only hope others will see what I did and grab this book when time permits.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Long a fan of Mike Lawson and his writing, I was eager to get my hands on his latest book. A standalone, rather than his long-running Joe DeMarco series, I wondered how Lawson would handle this chance to step away from the world of politics and ‘fixing’. Jamison Maddox had it all in the world of finance, but got a little greedy and it almost cost him everything. When he receives a random invite to join a company in the middle of nowhere, he is leery, but accepts the offer. What follows is a job where he does odd research for his boss, without knowing much of anything, nor is he allowed to share with anyone. After falling for someone in town and agreeing to flee, Maddox risks it all, his life included, to stay one step ahead of his crooked employer and those sent to find him. Lawson does a magnificent job with this standalone and offers the reader a real treat in his latest novel.
Jamison Maddox lived the high life of finance in New York, all before it came crashing down and he faced jail time. Able to weasel his way out of prison, Maddox seeks a new life to reinvent himself. When he is approached to join an elusive company in Redemption, Illinois, he reluctantly agrees. It is only then that he realises that this is not your usual company.
Tasked with completing research without asking questions about clients or colleagues, Maddox begins to wonder if everything is entirely above board. Still, he does the work asked of him, though he soon finds himself drawn to his colleague, Gillian Jamison, who happens to be the wife of his immediate superior. Together, they agree that something is off and they can no longer stay in Redemption, worried that they might get caught up in a web of lies and illegal activity.
While many would think leaving a job would be the end of it, Maddox and Gillian soon learn that the work they did was part of a larger criminal scheme, and death is the only way to ensure their silence. While they remain on the lam, both must dodge those sent to terminate them once and for all. Unsure who he can trust, Jamison Maddox tries to find safety and must devise a plan to share what he knows before he, or his family, face the ultimate consequence. Mike Lawson does a fabulous job spinning this tale and it is sure to keep the reader up well into the night.
I have long enjoyed the Joe DeMarco series that Mike Lawson has been developing for many years. Still, it was nice to get out of that framework for a new and unique thriller by the author. Lawson has invested a great deal of time and effort into making this as strong as his series work, succeeding in ways I could not imagine. A strong story with well-established characters, Lawson offers the reader a gem in this piece, which is sure to make a mark within the genre!
Jamison Maddox might not be entirely unique as a character, but his impact is seen throughout this story. His backstory is developed in the early part of the novel, which sets the stage for some great advancements. Lawson develops his protagonist well, without going over the top. There is much to the man and his skills, but also some of the weaknesses work well to establish relatable flaws. Maddox assumes the role of hero, whistleblower, and man on the run in equal measure throughout, while also falling into the odd trap when blinded by lust. Lawson has done well with him, as well as many of the other key characters in this piece.
Authors who are well-established can sometimes rest on their laurels and use fame to push them forward, Mike Lawson does not do that, choosing to keep reinventing himself with ease novel he releases. This was another winner, with a great narrative that flowed throughout the ups and downs of the story. Developing some key characters helped set the foundation for a strong story and permitted key plot lines to push the novel in various directions. Mike Lawson has something for everyone in this piece, which takes the reader on an adventure like no other. Those who love his series work will likely also enjoy this piece, which has some of the same high-impact action throughout its pages.
Kudos, Mr. Lawson, for another great novel. I can only hope others will see what I did and grab this book when time permits.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 6, 2025
Fantastic!
March 31, 2022
I have never read any books by Mike Lawson but based solely on this book I will changing that fact.
Jamison Maddox a convicted felon finds himself working for a firm in Redemption after no one else will hire him. That is where the fun starts. Right from the get go Jamison feels that something is off little does he know how bad it will get. Lawson does a great job with Jamison and I could not help but like him warts and all. I found it really hard to warm to the other key characters in the novel but that only adds to the enjoyment of the novel
This is a well paced thriller with the action and the danger ramping up as the story slowly unfolds. Jamison and in fact the reader are lead on a merry dance and the conclusion - well I did not see that coming at all. This is a well constructed novel with some really great characters and well worth the read.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the chance to read this wonderful novel
Jamison Maddox a convicted felon finds himself working for a firm in Redemption after no one else will hire him. That is where the fun starts. Right from the get go Jamison feels that something is off little does he know how bad it will get. Lawson does a great job with Jamison and I could not help but like him warts and all. I found it really hard to warm to the other key characters in the novel but that only adds to the enjoyment of the novel
This is a well paced thriller with the action and the danger ramping up as the story slowly unfolds. Jamison and in fact the reader are lead on a merry dance and the conclusion - well I did not see that coming at all. This is a well constructed novel with some really great characters and well worth the read.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the chance to read this wonderful novel
April 29, 2022
Thanks to the author, Grove Publishing, and Goodreads for sending me a copy of this book. This is the first book I have read by this author. This book is an action/thriller novel. It was a very quick read and it keeps your attention from start to finish. It was a great story and has some suprising twist and turns. I am definitely going to read more books from this author. 4.5 🌟
April 19, 2022
Most of the books I've read thus far in 2022 have been rather average. Redemption, however, will be in contention as my favorite 2022 read. Although the characters are ethically challenged, they aren't boring. The book moves along quickly and there are no overly dramatic descriptions. The author writes in a very concise manner. I suspect he has very good editors.
June 10, 2022
Action-packed but a bit over the top. Still, this was a fun read. 4/5 stars.
February 23, 2022
When I saw Redemption by Mike Lawson on Net Galley, I was so excited. I have read all the Joe Demarco books and enjoyed all of them. This book is different. Jamison Maddox is a convicted felon who gets a job in Redemption. There are a lot of restrictions – no personal cell or computer but it is his last chance. He does research for the company, but he quickly realizes that something is not right
When Jamison falls in love with Gillian a beautiful co worker who is married to his boss, they decide to run away together. Now the story really starts.
I enjoyed the story – Jamison reminded me of Joe Demarco in a way. I read quickly and recommend it.
When Jamison falls in love with Gillian a beautiful co worker who is married to his boss, they decide to run away together. Now the story really starts.
I enjoyed the story – Jamison reminded me of Joe Demarco in a way. I read quickly and recommend it.
November 26, 2021
In taking a break from his hugely successful Joe DeMarco series, the author is taking a chance. but it was a chance we’ll worth taking. When convicted felon and money man Jamison is released from prison, no one will risk hiring him except a secretive firm In Redemption, Illinois. The longer he works, the more he questions their activities. When he and his “girlfriend” escape, all ‘heck’ breaks loose. Staying a step ahead of the bad guys leads to some scary situations which the author handles expertly.
April 27, 2022
Very well done. The authors diabolical style continues, and I will continue to follow him.
April 5, 2022
I was disappointed by this book which is THE FIRM writ small - a small firm in a small city doing bad stuff. I can't believe the premise. Fresh from his disgrace on Wall Street, Jamison Maddox is hired for a low pay, no visibility job as a researcher for an invisible company located in the middle of nowhere Illinois. Most of what he does is internet work that could be done just as anonymously by researchers from any of the online gig work sites. I've hired similar researchers from Upwork, for example. To do deep research, of the kind that skirts on illegal, other skills are needed, and they must be exercised by a person with money and a reputation, from a base in a financial hot-spot city. Jamison's personal reputation was damaged by an inside trading scandal but that is not the kind of damage that worries many investment types. Some kinds of inside trading that are illegal in the USA aren't illegal in other countries. The damage to Jamison's reputation is more likely to be that he got caught. He would not be able to work for the big firms, but there are lots of little ones that do specialized work that could use his high-level skills. Regardless of who hired him, Maddox can't get the goods on firms and people without schmoozing and he needs to be in a city for that. He needs good clothes and an open pocket. So while the book is a good thriller, I don't find it satisfying.
I received a review copy of "Redemption" by Mike Lawson from Atlantic Monthly Press through NetGalley.com.
I received a review copy of "Redemption" by Mike Lawson from Atlantic Monthly Press through NetGalley.com.
September 20, 2023
Фамилията ще те убие, ако я предизвикаш: http://knigolandia.info/book-review/f...
Джеймисън Мадокс е взел погрешни решения в работата си на Уолстрийт, измъкнал се е поне от затвора, но вече не може да става и дума да си намери отново добре платена работа за специфичните си умения да проучва фирми. Но получава поне една оферта – от малкото градче Редемпшън, където са го проучили добре и му предлагат да работи за тях, което той неохотно приема като първа стъпка към новото начало, от което така отчаяно се нуждае. Веднага се сблъсква с неочаквано солидните им мерки за сигурност, а пътем се намесва и омъжена красавица, която в негово лице вижда възможност да се измъкне от златната си клетка. И точно тези неочаквани съюзници ще разбунят духовете и ще предизвикат стройно изградената организация, която десетилетия е работила като добре смазан механизъм, успявайки да наказва бързо и тихомълком всеки, който застане на пътя им.
Издателство Обсидиан
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/f...
Джеймисън Мадокс е взел погрешни решения в работата си на Уолстрийт, измъкнал се е поне от затвора, но вече не може да става и дума да си намери отново добре платена работа за специфичните си умения да проучва фирми. Но получава поне една оферта – от малкото градче Редемпшън, където са го проучили добре и му предлагат да работи за тях, което той неохотно приема като първа стъпка към новото начало, от което така отчаяно се нуждае. Веднага се сблъсква с неочаквано солидните им мерки за сигурност, а пътем се намесва и омъжена красавица, която в негово лице вижда възможност да се измъкне от златната си клетка. И точно тези неочаквани съюзници ще разбунят духовете и ще предизвикат стройно изградената организация, която десетилетия е работила като добре смазан механизъм, успявайки да наказва бързо и тихомълком всеки, който застане на пътя им.
Издателство Обсидиан
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/f...
August 22, 2022
Having read every Joe DeMarco book, I was excited about a new Mike Lawson stand alone but it fell short for me. Jamison seemed like a gullible chump, first for falling in with his boss and a couple of other senior execs for insider trading, then for taking a job in a nowhere town with lots of rules- no questions, cell phone monitoring, lie detector tests ( it wasn't the CIA or any other alphabet agency) to do "research"?
Then he falls for the wife of his boss and she leads him around by his nose- again gullible.
Joe DeMarco he is not. Wasn't as good as any of that series.
Then he falls for the wife of his boss and she leads him around by his nose- again gullible.
Joe DeMarco he is not. Wasn't as good as any of that series.
September 12, 2022
This was around a 3.5. This is the first book I have read by this author, and it captured my interest from the start. This was a fast-paced, easy read with elements of suspense/mystery.
April 21, 2022
In Mike Lawson’s thriller, “Redemption,” twenty-eight-year old Jamison Maddox is in the doldrums. After making a great deal of money on Wall Street, he was arrested two years earlier for committing “a virtual laundry list of financial crimes.” He cut a deal that allowed him to avoid prison time in exchange for testifying against his colleagues. Now, Maddox is saddled with a criminal record and has little cash after being forced to surrender most of his ill-gotten gains to the government. In desperation, he accepts a job with Drexel Limited, a mysterious company that hires him to carry out investigations for a shadowy, unnamed client. Jamison is bored living in the small-town of Redemption, Illinois, but he has few options, since his past misdeeds make him unemployable at any reputable firm.
Fans of Lawson’s amusing and entertaining Joe DeMarco series may be disappointed with this stand-alone novel, since it lacks humor and nuance and has insufficiently developed characters. Almost everyone in this book is unlikeable. Even Jamison earns little sympathy, since he might have enjoyed a comfortable life had he played by the rules. Everything changes when Gillian Lang, the gorgeous wife of one of the firm’s Drexel’s big shots, convinces Maddox—who is besotted with her—to help her escape from her unfulfilling and stultifying existence.
Lawson is a competent enough storyteller, but “Redemption” lacks compelling themes and is filled with gratuitous violence and too many far-fetched elements. By the time we learn what Drexel’s real mission is, we are no longer that interested, since there is no one in this story about whom we truly care.
Fans of Lawson’s amusing and entertaining Joe DeMarco series may be disappointed with this stand-alone novel, since it lacks humor and nuance and has insufficiently developed characters. Almost everyone in this book is unlikeable. Even Jamison earns little sympathy, since he might have enjoyed a comfortable life had he played by the rules. Everything changes when Gillian Lang, the gorgeous wife of one of the firm’s Drexel’s big shots, convinces Maddox—who is besotted with her—to help her escape from her unfulfilling and stultifying existence.
Lawson is a competent enough storyteller, but “Redemption” lacks compelling themes and is filled with gratuitous violence and too many far-fetched elements. By the time we learn what Drexel’s real mission is, we are no longer that interested, since there is no one in this story about whom we truly care.
October 13, 2023
This was okay, although there was way too much telling and very little showing. I never got why Jamison supposedly fell in love with Gillian? She was hot? I mean, he clearly wasn't the best at making good decisions, but a little more reasoning for that would have been nice. Plus, basically all the women in the book were pretty awful, although, ya' know Gillian was just messed up because of her upbringing. The "master killers" frequently did things that were stupid and that would bring unnecessary attention to what they were doing. Then, they all died without any effort. There just wasn't enough character development and the story was both contrived and derivative.
Audio: the guy was decent in the voice and character department, but he had odd verbal tics that were annoying. For example, it's Shi caw go, not Chi caw go, definitely no hard ch at the beginning of the name.
Audio: the guy was decent in the voice and character department, but he had odd verbal tics that were annoying. For example, it's Shi caw go, not Chi caw go, definitely no hard ch at the beginning of the name.
December 31, 2021
Truly gripping, this book offers a fast paced and credible plot line with a range of intriguing and engaging characters.
January 13, 2022
This is a well written story, entertaining to read, even if the plot isn't very believable and not always logical.
April 9, 2022
Redemption
Riveting read by Mike Lawson! I love his series and this stand alone book did not disappoint! He did an excellent job! I highly recommend!
Riveting read by Mike Lawson! I love his series and this stand alone book did not disappoint! He did an excellent job! I highly recommend!
April 4, 2022
Jamison Maddox is a former employee of Goldman Sachs in Manhattan who is guilty of insider trading and more. When he was approached by the government to testify against his supervisor and the two other senior executives involved, he was forced to plead guilty himself in order to avoid prison time. Jamison is not only a pariah on Wall Street but among his friends and acquaintances. His long-time girlfriend left him, and is currently engaged to his former best friend. He is approached in a small diner by a mysterious elderly man named Claud Drexler who owns a company named “Drexel Limited.” Claud is interviewing him for a job in Redemption, Illinois, which is paying $120,000.00 per year. Claud not only knows he’s a felon, he knows every detail of Jamison’s life, and has no qualms about hiring him for select clients to whom he would prove very useful. Claud assures him the position is for the purpose of financial research with no illegal activity. The protagonist becomes part of the intricate web woven by Claud Drexel, and is the small cog in the much larger machine.
“Redemption,” moves along at a very quick pace. It’s a well-written, interesting novel of insider trading and crime, of deceiving and being deceived, of trusting someone who offers you a second chance, and the importance of family. The mention of well-known companies and organizations provide a very real feel and believability to the story; its intelligent writing illustrates intimate knowledge of and/or excellent research on the subject matter. I loved the double-entendre of the title. While I’m not a huge fan of trading, I still enjoyed this work, and would be interesting in reading other books of suspense by Mike Lawson.
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Mike Lawson, and Atlantic Monthly Press/Grove Atlantic for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“Redemption,” moves along at a very quick pace. It’s a well-written, interesting novel of insider trading and crime, of deceiving and being deceived, of trusting someone who offers you a second chance, and the importance of family. The mention of well-known companies and organizations provide a very real feel and believability to the story; its intelligent writing illustrates intimate knowledge of and/or excellent research on the subject matter. I loved the double-entendre of the title. While I’m not a huge fan of trading, I still enjoyed this work, and would be interesting in reading other books of suspense by Mike Lawson.
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Mike Lawson, and Atlantic Monthly Press/Grove Atlantic for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2024
A rare stand alone book from this author which got me started reading the rest of his books. Spoilers ahead.
The writing is easy to follow. Maddox was an up and coming Wall Street peon who got convicted of insider trading. He was just following his bosses. He turned against his bosses and got a slap on the wrist but he's no longer welcome on Wall Street.
He finds a job working as a financial analyst for a small unknown company in a bodunk town in the Midwest. The small company is highly private and has high security. Everything seems very mysterious and is high compartmentalized, he isn't even allowed to talk to his co-workers about what he is doing. All he does is analyze the financial health of small companies he is told to.
Being bored he starts an affair with his boss's wife. She is also part of the company but cannot stand working in a small town and doesn't love her husband. Maddox doesn't understand why she doesn't just divorce her husband and leave town but she eventually tells him the secret of the company and they decide to escape.
The set-up of the book is the mysterious company. The rest of the book is Maddox and his lover escaping from the clutches of the company when they decide to leave. The set up was pretty good and the second part was not bad either. You do have to take everything with a grain of salt but it works.
Real spoiler here, don't read beyond this point:
The company was a Soviet sleeper community where agents were seeded into this country. The first generation was pretty loyal and the second generation quite so as well. The wife was second generation and didn't really feel any ideological loyalty.
Overall, easy to read and quite enjoyable.
The writing is easy to follow. Maddox was an up and coming Wall Street peon who got convicted of insider trading. He was just following his bosses. He turned against his bosses and got a slap on the wrist but he's no longer welcome on Wall Street.
He finds a job working as a financial analyst for a small unknown company in a bodunk town in the Midwest. The small company is highly private and has high security. Everything seems very mysterious and is high compartmentalized, he isn't even allowed to talk to his co-workers about what he is doing. All he does is analyze the financial health of small companies he is told to.
Being bored he starts an affair with his boss's wife. She is also part of the company but cannot stand working in a small town and doesn't love her husband. Maddox doesn't understand why she doesn't just divorce her husband and leave town but she eventually tells him the secret of the company and they decide to escape.
The set-up of the book is the mysterious company. The rest of the book is Maddox and his lover escaping from the clutches of the company when they decide to leave. The set up was pretty good and the second part was not bad either. You do have to take everything with a grain of salt but it works.
Real spoiler here, don't read beyond this point:
The company was a Soviet sleeper community where agents were seeded into this country. The first generation was pretty loyal and the second generation quite so as well. The wife was second generation and didn't really feel any ideological loyalty.
Overall, easy to read and quite enjoyable.
March 30, 2022
I have not read any previous books by this author, I may have to rectify that, this was a good book. Jamison is an ex con, he and some partners at a hedge fund they all worked at took advantage of some insider knowledge and got caught, in lieu of no prison sentence, Jamison has a criminal record and little money. He's offered a job, out of the blue, in Redemption, IL, working for a company he has never heard of doing background research on various companies, he is not told who the client is or why they want the information, just to do it, don't tell anybody, don't talk to anyone about the company, and pass a polygraph when randomly asked. Things go well to begin, he's given a few companies to research, then notices that weird things happen to those companies, his suspicions are heightened. He also meets and becomes friendly with Gillian who happens to be married to Jamison's boss and she makes no bones that she wants him and he doesn't say no. Gillian eventually tells him about the company he works for, not all of it, but enough to convince him to take off with her, knowing that the company will send enforcers after them and probably kill them both. Gillian and Jamison elude the enforcers travelling across the county to Oregon, things come to a head there. This book held my interest and I was cheering for them to have the happily ever after. You should read the book to find out if they get it. Thank you to #Netgalley and #Atlantic Monthly Press for the ARC.
July 20, 2023
I've read several of Mike Lawson's works and I like them. Well, that stands to reason; why else would I buy another if I didn't like the others?
I first learned about Mike (I can use the familiar as we have the same name; right?) when I came across Rosarito Beach with a DEA agent by the name of Kay Hamilton and M.A. Lawson was how the author was known. That was a trilogy and I would not be upset if Kay were to make another appearance or two. . . dozen or so. But who am I to gripe when he gave us Joe DeMarco? That is a very good series. (Disclaimer: Mike Lawson did NOT pay me to say that. But if he were to offer. . . hint, hint.)
So when I came across this stand alone it was an easy decision and my decision was well made. This work had it all; love, adventure, mayhem, ruthlessness. Well, there weren't many jokes so it was short on humor except when Vera says that she should write Jamison out of her will. That was sort of funny but you will have to READ THE BOOK to understand it.
This book would not lead to more novels with Jamison but I could see a spin-off (is a second novel with a secondary character in the first a spin-off?) with Naomi. (Mike, are you listening?)
If this even hints at something you might like, head to your favorite used book store, brick and mortar or virtual, or possibly in a new book store. . . not a new store but a store that sells new books. It's been out for a year now.
Good reading, one and all.
I first learned about Mike (I can use the familiar as we have the same name; right?) when I came across Rosarito Beach with a DEA agent by the name of Kay Hamilton and M.A. Lawson was how the author was known. That was a trilogy and I would not be upset if Kay were to make another appearance or two. . . dozen or so. But who am I to gripe when he gave us Joe DeMarco? That is a very good series. (Disclaimer: Mike Lawson did NOT pay me to say that. But if he were to offer. . . hint, hint.)
So when I came across this stand alone it was an easy decision and my decision was well made. This work had it all; love, adventure, mayhem, ruthlessness. Well, there weren't many jokes so it was short on humor except when Vera says that she should write Jamison out of her will. That was sort of funny but you will have to READ THE BOOK to understand it.
This book would not lead to more novels with Jamison but I could see a spin-off (is a second novel with a secondary character in the first a spin-off?) with Naomi. (Mike, are you listening?)
If this even hints at something you might like, head to your favorite used book store, brick and mortar or virtual, or possibly in a new book store. . . not a new store but a store that sells new books. It's been out for a year now.
Good reading, one and all.
September 3, 2022
I've got mixed feelings about this book. I've read House Divided, House Rules, House Odds, House Secrets, House Arrest, House Witness, and now, Redemption. Mike Lawson has written 25 books and I am working my way through them. They are excellent. Joe DeMarco, the retired female Chief of Staff, and Representative Mahoney are great characters and I have come to enjoy their chemistry.
This book, as Mike admits in the acknowledgments, is a stand-alone with different characters. I think I enjoy the other books more because I relate with them and the author. I too am a Navy Civilian employee. In fact, Mike and I first connected through email when a story was in the news about espionage and attempted theft of Navy nuclear property. Mike wrote a book about it, long before this current event happened, but I contacted him to acknowledge that his story was basically playing out in the news.
He and I exchanged emails and he then told me about his upcoming release, Redemption. Well, I just finished it.
I encourage you to read this if you like great stories that develop over the course of the book. Mike is great with character development, even though I did not know these two, they always make for great adventures.
Thanks Mike for another great book. Not as good as your other work, but still a good book.
This book, as Mike admits in the acknowledgments, is a stand-alone with different characters. I think I enjoy the other books more because I relate with them and the author. I too am a Navy Civilian employee. In fact, Mike and I first connected through email when a story was in the news about espionage and attempted theft of Navy nuclear property. Mike wrote a book about it, long before this current event happened, but I contacted him to acknowledge that his story was basically playing out in the news.
He and I exchanged emails and he then told me about his upcoming release, Redemption. Well, I just finished it.
I encourage you to read this if you like great stories that develop over the course of the book. Mike is great with character development, even though I did not know these two, they always make for great adventures.
Thanks Mike for another great book. Not as good as your other work, but still a good book.
May 14, 2022
This is not as good as any of the Joe DeMarco books that Lawson writes.. but it ended up better than I first expected
With his reputation permanently marred by an insider trading conviction, Jamison Maddox, a young Wall Street broker, reluctantly takes a job doing research for a small company in the sleepy town of Redemption, Illinois. He's never heard of the company, or of the town, but he's out of money and options. Though Jamison notices right away that everyone in Redemption is in some way related to one another, the big city boy chalks it up to small town ways. And as for the company's seemingly extreme security practices, Jamison was planning on minding his own business anyway.But when he falls in love with a beautiful and enigmatic colleague, Gillian, Jamison begins to realize that he may be doing illegal work for the company. So when she asks him to run away with her, he agrees wholeheartedly. The two set off across the country, hoping to secure some money and go into hiding. The company is soon on their tails, pursuing them with the single-minded goal of silencing them forever.If Jamison hadn't realized how dangerous these people really are, he now realizes they will stop at nothing to protect the company
With his reputation permanently marred by an insider trading conviction, Jamison Maddox, a young Wall Street broker, reluctantly takes a job doing research for a small company in the sleepy town of Redemption, Illinois. He's never heard of the company, or of the town, but he's out of money and options. Though Jamison notices right away that everyone in Redemption is in some way related to one another, the big city boy chalks it up to small town ways. And as for the company's seemingly extreme security practices, Jamison was planning on minding his own business anyway.But when he falls in love with a beautiful and enigmatic colleague, Gillian, Jamison begins to realize that he may be doing illegal work for the company. So when she asks him to run away with her, he agrees wholeheartedly. The two set off across the country, hoping to secure some money and go into hiding. The company is soon on their tails, pursuing them with the single-minded goal of silencing them forever.If Jamison hadn't realized how dangerous these people really are, he now realizes they will stop at nothing to protect the company
April 7, 2022
Redemption by Mike Lawson is a fast paced, action packed interesting novel.. The plot is as mysterious as all of the characters and situations depicted in the book. Not only does it keep the reader guessing as to what is happening but also the reasons why.
Jamison Maddox, our hero, is a former Goldman Sachs successful trader who is down on his luck due to an insider trading scandal in which he cooperated with the authorities in exchange for no prison term. He finally finds and accepts a new position in Redemption, Illinois at a menial level and a lower salary. Along the way he uncovers several discrepancies and unusual deaths in the investigations he pursues, finds himself in a sexual relationship with a married co-worker, becomes involved in family problems and, finally, is sought by his employer who wants him terminated.
I thank NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to its publication.
Jamison Maddox, our hero, is a former Goldman Sachs successful trader who is down on his luck due to an insider trading scandal in which he cooperated with the authorities in exchange for no prison term. He finally finds and accepts a new position in Redemption, Illinois at a menial level and a lower salary. Along the way he uncovers several discrepancies and unusual deaths in the investigations he pursues, finds himself in a sexual relationship with a married co-worker, becomes involved in family problems and, finally, is sought by his employer who wants him terminated.
I thank NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to its publication.
May 2, 2022
A very good and clever novel! I'm giving Lawson the ultimate complement...it was very Thomas "Perryesque," only missing matching the master in degree of detail, not in style. In that, I mean it was written with a very well thought out plot, interesting characters and many twists that you don't see coming...particularly the last one.
Jamison Maddox is a young Wall Street broker from a wealthy background who gets caught up in an inside trading scheme which starts him on a downward spiral that leads him to leave New York city to find a job as a financial analyst with a company based in small town Illinois. The company is very secretive and he eventually finds himself in another legally tenuous position.
From there it gets complicated and becomes a wild ride that you'll enjoy. BTW, I've read and enjoyed all 15 of Lawson's Joe Demarco series and I think this story exceeds those in surprises and fun.
Jamison Maddox is a young Wall Street broker from a wealthy background who gets caught up in an inside trading scheme which starts him on a downward spiral that leads him to leave New York city to find a job as a financial analyst with a company based in small town Illinois. The company is very secretive and he eventually finds himself in another legally tenuous position.
From there it gets complicated and becomes a wild ride that you'll enjoy. BTW, I've read and enjoyed all 15 of Lawson's Joe Demarco series and I think this story exceeds those in surprises and fun.
April 3, 2022
Something is definitely not right in Redemption, Illinois. To Jamison, convicted of insider trading, the job at Drexler seems like a relief- a place to work (albeit with restrictions) and make some money. Canny readers of this genre know, however, that not all is as it seems on the surface and Jamison quickly discovers that there's a problem. A big problem because people connected to his research project are dying. Then there's Gillian, the wife of his boss. They fall for one another and when the pressure amps up on Jamison, take off. And so do the bad guys, who are chasing them because they hold the information that can't get out. No spoilers from me. Lawson has a good way with suspense and he amps up the tensions. This takes some twists and turns until......Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fast, entertaining read.
May 3, 2022
Jamison Maddox was convicted of insider trading and lost his license. He turned state's' evidence against the others involved and only spent a few months is prison. Now, he is unemployable until an old man approaches him and asks him to work for his company in a very small Illinois town called Redemption. Maddox does research for the company morning, noon and night and begins to chafe, living in the boring Midwest, he longs for New York. He is primed for an affair with the beautiful wife of one of the company's executives. But, Gillian has other plans and they do not include staying in Redemption or staying with Maddox. Maddox gets his cousin to investigate the company and she discovers it is a front for something else entirely, and the company is prepared to kill to keep its secrets. Not as good as his Joe DeMarco books, but an interesting read.
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