House Justice

A Joe DeMarco Thriller

By: Mike Lawson

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

When an American defense contractor goes to Iran to sell missile technology, the CIA knows all about it, thanks to a spy in Tehran. But when the story is leaked to an ambitious journalist, the spy is burned, brutally tortured, and executed. The director of the CIA isn’t about to let the callous sacrifice of his valuable spy go unpunished.

Joe DeMarco’s boss, Speaker of the House John Fitzpatrick Mahoney, has his own reasons to get to the bottom of the leak. He once had a fling with the journalist, and now that she’s in jail for refusing to reveal her source, she is threatening to tell all unless he helps get her out.

DeMarco and the CIA aren’t the only ones looking for the source of the leak, either. Someone else wants to avenge the spy’s death, and is tailing DeMarco, hoping he’ll lead him to his prey.

This latest Joe DeMarco thriller is classic Mike Lawson, featuring fascinating characters, inside-the-beltway intrigue, and a gripping plot packed with surprises.

©2010 Mike Lawson (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Engaging….The always present push and pull between the political machinations of alcoholic, egotistical Mahoney and DeMarco’s basic decency raises the ethical stakes.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“Lawson has honed his skill to write a perfect political thriller—fast-moving, cynical, but ultimately moral.” ( Library Journal)

These books are like movies!

I'm enjoying this series. It's like a movie! The author does a good job with the characters, lots of plot twists, and I never know who did it! Haha It's not as fast paced as I wish, but very enjoyable.

Fast-paced adventure with rich characters

Mike Lawson's House Justice is tag-lined as a Joe DeMarco Thriller. The tag line states the truth - it is a thriller. Lawson, a much under-appreciated writer, has developed Joe DeMarco as a solid action protagonist. He surrounds DeMarco with a variety of interesting collaborators. From DeMarco's boss, Speaker-of-the-House John Fitzpatrick Mahoney, to old and new colleagues, Lawson's rich characters stabilize the achilles heel of most action-adventure novels - plots that tend to stretch the believable. Because DeMarco's allies are sometimes reluctant, they're more fun. The villains, particularly in House Justice, are both numerous and not too obvious. As for plot predictability, be prepared for an interesting conclusion.

The audiobook performer, Joe Barrett did a very solid job. Though I wasn't particularly thrilled with the voice he gave DeMarco (a minor nit-pick), Barrett delivered an excellent range of voices, including the necessary subtleties for age and gender differences. Barrett is the 2nd reader (Scott Brick) in 3 audiobooks. For abridged versions, there were two more. For continuities sake, I hope the author can stabilize his reader choices. In addition, Audible skipped two very good books, House Rules and House Secrets.

If you want a fast-paced, fun experience, filled with interesting characters and plot twists, this - and other Mike Lawson books - will not disappoint.

Mike Lawson just keeps getting better!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! Mr. Lawson adds more depth to his characters with each book

What was one of the most memorable moments of House Justice?

The meeting in the Oval Office

Which scene was your favorite?

The final meeting between Mahoney and LaFontain

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A weeks' worth of entertainment in just one movie!

Any additional comments?

Having recently "discovered" Mr. Lawsons' books, I am listening my way through them in order and I have enjoyed each successive book more than the previous one, and I can't imagine anyone but Joe Barrett narrating the books.....he really brings the characters to life!

Quite Enjoyable

Interestingly I’ve elected to endure the new Forced Full review process to write this minimum 15 words.
I truly enjoyed this Joe DeMarco espionage thriller, and appreciate fact there other installments in the DeMarco series available at no additional charge with my monthly paid subscription fee.
Authors notes at the end of the reading add a very personal touch.
Performance of this book is perfection.

Another Great Read

Really enjoy Lawson’s DeMarco series. Engaging story, great writing, and Barret’’s narration is terrific.