House Privilege: A Joe DeMarco Thriller

The Joe DeMarco Series, Book 14

By: Mike Lawson

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

In House Privilege, the 14th novel in the Joe DeMarco series, Mike Lawson sends his likeable protagonist to Boston, into the world of hedge funds and trust funds.

When Congressman and DeMarco’s long-time employer John Mahoney gains custody of his 15-year-old goddaughter, Cassie Russell, he sends DeMarco to evaluate the situation. Cassie’s parents have just perished in a plane crash that Cassie survived, and she has now inherited her father’s billions. DeMarco plans to advise Mahoney to leave Erin Kelly, manager of the Russell’s fund, in charge of Cassie’s finances, but he soon learns that Erin may not be as trustworthy as she first appeared.

DeMarco’s digging alarms Erin, who has much to hide, and sets in motion a series of increasingly drastic plans that Erin has devised to protect herself and her wealth. But Cassie has touched DeMarco’s heart of gold, and he won’t let anyone get away with hurting her. A competition in plotting and out-plotting, this latest installment in the series ventures off the grid and outside the reach of extradition treaties for an exhilarating listen.

©2020 Mike Lawson (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

DeMarco With More Depth

This is a little different Joe DeMarco novel. There’s less intrigue and more straight forward strategy to get the bad guys. While the villains were interesting, I would have liked to “in their heads” a little more. On the other hand, I like the way Mike Lawson is developing Joe’s character ... he’s a stronger personality.

I hope Mike will return Emma in his next DeMarco release. A little more Mahoney would always be appreciated.

Joe Barrett’s performance is excellent. If you like Lawson’s Joe DeMarco, don’t miss this book.

Engaging Read

I’m not a good review-writer, but enjoyed this from beginning to end. Actually looked forward housekeeping, which is when I treat myself to audiobooks.

Joe DeMarco Series

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.

Another fine entry to this series

Joe DeMarco has got to be one of the best characters in all the books I listen too. Love the politics (seems they are all crooked) but realize DeMarco has a heart and usually does the right thing even though he has to lie, cheat and steal to get things done. Two more books to go, i hope the author has more in him. I don’t want to stop listening to the adventures of Joe DeMarco.

Irreverent Greed

Lots of dry wit and laughs from this much needed new episode in our Joe’s life. Mahoney is his own best friend as usual, which I love when he is on scene.
Publishers summery is spot on so no need to add to it. I do use the 1.2 speed to match the action of the story,give it a try. Author has a winner in this series as he can pick and choose from so many fun subjects to write about as well as his character choices. I am not too critical when it comes to this author, as I have had some pretty tedious reads in my last couple of books, and this author is always entertaining. This story will not disappoint you.
This is a familiar plot about pure greed and desperation, and if you are a fan of narrator Joe Barrett, then you await this series to come forth with a new adventure. Author Brian Haig, Sean Drummond series, not to be missed, showcases Mr Barrett best talents for interpretation of an author’s wit and humor. When you have exhausted B Haig’s work, then you really appreciate the Joe DeMarco series when you want a Joe Barrett fix.
Were my comments of help?

Fantastic

Loved it. I could not put it down. I missed Ema in this storyline. It was so good and intense, I finished it in one day. It is a must read.

Another Great Story

As a government employee I really like the way he details the bureaucracy, and the perseverance of the majority of government workers

House Privilege

Always enjoy listening to Mike Lawson’s books. This story did not disappoint, as all the normal characters were present. The narrator is perfect and makes the book fun.

Joe DeMarco to the rescue!

Once again Mike Lawson has written another winning story. When John Mahoney (the majority leader in DC) and Joe DeMarco’s boss learns that his Goddaughter’s parents have been killed in a plane accident he sends Joe to take care of the situation. He hasn’t seen the girl in over five years.
When Joe arrives at the girl’s home in Boston his reception is rather unwelcoming due mainly to who his boss is. But shortly after his arrival the forensic accountant working for the girl’s father is murdered. This gets Joe digging up a mess of betrayal, murder and greed that a few dangerous people would like to keep hidden.
The sarcasm flows freely and Joe Barrett delivers masterfully. He is one of my favorite narrators.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and series. Each book can be listened to as a stand alone.
If you found this review helpful please indicate so.
Thank You.

House Privilege .

This book is another great book in the Joe DeMarco series. Mike Lawson is a great storyteller.