The Operator - (Joe DeMarco Thriller) by Mike Lawson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

"Darkly satisfying . . . This long-running series still has plenty of gas in the tank."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

It's fixer versus fixer, and only one can win

Washington DC troubleshooter Joe DeMarco is pitted against a tech billionaire's merciless fixer in the latest pulse-pounding thriller from Edgar, Barry, and Shamus Award finalist Mike Lawson

Joe DeMarco is a capable man. He works as a fixer for John Mahoney, the former Speaker of the House (though DeMarco prefers the term "troubleshooter"). He's the one Mahoney calls upon when there's a situation that requires creative problem solving.

Carla Andretti--a cutthroat lawyer at one of the world's top firms--is a fixer too. On behalf of the ultra-wealthy tech-mogul Leo Cage, Carla helps her boss conquer whatever he desires, even if she too must bend the law to make it happen.

When one of Leo's schemes begins to crumble, it threatens to expose them both on a massive scale, forcing Carla to do what she does best: fix the situation. In order to keep her and Leo's names clean, she'll have to go after the people responsible for the unraveling. The only problem? Joe DeMarco's onto her--and he knows all too well the tricks of the trade.

Review Quotes

Praise for Mike Lawson and the Joe DeMarco series:

"Darkly satisfying . . . This long-running series still has plenty of gas in the tank."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Lawson delivers a tightly wound, politically charged thriller . . . 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."--Steve Thomas, Best Thriller Books

"No one makes high-level political corruption as blissfully enjoyable as Lawson."--Kirkus Reviews

"The Asset is a cerebral and simmering political-espionage thriller that'll shock you with how dark and disturbing it progressively gets until the shocking finale . . . Lawson creates palpable tension in his narrative with a supreme emphasis on realistic tradecraft and scenarios where outthinking your opponent for a win-win scenario is more interesting than any kinetic and guns-blazing situation . . . An exciting old-school thriller with lots of political intrigue and sleuthing that takes you back to the classic detective tales."--Kashif Hussain, Best Thriller Books

"This time around, Lawson gives his coldly professional D.C. criminal intrigue a surprising heart. Don't get used to it."--Kirkus Reviews

"Lawson continues to capture the qualities that have made DeMarco so easy to root for across the past two decades: his abhorrence of injustice and his willingness to get his hands dirty in service of the greater good. Well-drawn side characters and plausible renderings of crooked political dealings provide a boost. Lawson's winning formula continues to pay dividends."--Publishers Weekly

"Lawson immerses readers in a world of rough operators and political maneuvering, all of it highly satisfying and suspenseful."--Dwyer Murphy, CrimeReads

"Alligator Alley is fast-paced, humorous, chilling, and vividly accurate."--Criminal Element

"Lawson's toolkit includes great pacing, wry humor, a thorough understanding of criminal thinking and engaging characters."--Discover Our Coast

"Assured prose matches the two capable protagonists: the crafty DeMarco and the relentless, brilliant Emma. This is perhaps Lawson's best in the series to date."--Publishers Weekly  (starred review)

"[A]s the plot moves forward, readers may wonder why their palms are sweaty . . . This one sneaks up on you, but it's a really stunning thriller."--Booklist  (starred review)

"The twists and turns keep the pages flying by, with a few moments of levity sprinkled in to break the tension. The conclusion will leave readers both shocked and satisfied . . . This is an easy entry to the Joe DeMarco series and will win Lawson some new fans."--Library Journal

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