When I was halfway through The Asset and thoroughly enjoying it, I realized this is the 19th novel in Mike Lawson’s superb Joe DeMarco series—how did I miss this author? Lawson delivers a tightly wound, politically charged thriller that begins with a seemingly minor tragedy: a hit-and-run killing a homeless veteran in a quiet D.C. suburb. Days later, DeMarco’s boss, former Speaker of the House John Mahoney, receives a bombshell tip—Lydia Chang, the wife of his chief political rival, may be a Chinese intelligence asset. Mahoney dispatches his trusted fixer, DeMarco, to investigate, setting off a chain of events that turns a street death into the key to a high-level espionage and blackmail plot.
Lawson’s genius lies in using DeMarco’s role as an unlicensed troubleshooter to explore Washington’s shadowy corners. The initial tip quickly escalates when a Chinese operative threatens to release a video proving Chang’s daughter was behind the fatal hit-and-run. Suddenly, the stakes shift from political maneuvering to a life-or-death crisis. DeMarco, neither cop nor politician, must navigate a dangerous maze of blackmail, rival intelligence officers, and opposition research—all while keeping the scandal buried. Lawson keeps the pace rocket-fast, blending sharp dialogue with DeMarco’s cynicism and resourcefulness.
Ultimately, The Asset is a gripping, twist-filled thriller that exposes the corrupting influence of power and the ruthless lengths people will go to protect it. Political thriller enthusiasts will love the sharp dialogue and the plot, which is packed with credible twists and turns that implicate more powerful figures at every corner. The novel is a hugely satisfying read, filled with political intrigue, well-drawn characters, and DeMarco's single-minded pursuit of justice. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series (like me), The Asset is an easy recommendation—a smart, cynical, and thoroughly entertaining ride through the dark heart of Washington politics.
Now I need to go read more of the Joe DeMarco series!
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Barrington Books
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