Thrillers
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Overview
Joe DeMarco, a political gunslinger and trouble-shooter for John Mahoney, the conniving Speaker of the House, is asked to investigate what appears to be a minor case of fraud at a U.S. naval base. DeMarco discovers instead that an Asian espionage ring is stealing top secret data on nuclear submarines and that their leader, a deadly female spy, has a personal vendetta against DeMarco’s friend and advisor, Emma, a retired DIA agent. DeMarco is in over his head, outwitted at every turn by people more lethal than any he’s ever encountered, and he doubts that he’ll be able to protect America’s secrets or keep himself and his friend alive.Synopsis
When the Secretary of the Navy’s nephew tells him that two colleagues at a naval base are committing fraud, he is skeptical and reluctant to start an official investigation. So he asks Speaker of the House John Mahoney to send his fixer, Joe DeMarco, to check out the story. DeMarco and his friend Emma, a semi-retired intelligence agent, soon realize that what they thought was a low-stakes government swindle is something far more terrifying. Soon they’re mixed up in a deadly conflict with Chinese spies, and not only is Emma’s life in danger, but Mahoney’s is as well.Praise forThe Second Perimeter
“Spies, former spies, and criminal operatives entangled in a deadly and suspenseful war of attack and reprisal. What could be more entertaining?” –Thomas Perry
“Proves that Lawson’s fine debut was no fluke. While the author’s prose is highly readable and his plot fast-paced, it’s the character of DeMarco... that separates this new series from the herd.”—Publishers Weekly
“Lawson again ratchets up the suspense and takes DeMarco on a wild ride.”—The Oregonian
“At once a solid thriller and a revealing look behind the scenes of American politics.” –Booklist
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
Joe DeMarco returns for a second adventure after last year's excellent debut, The Inside Ring. This time out DeMarco, an unofficial operative for the Speaker of the House, is asked to casually look into a security company that may be price gouging the government for its services at a U.S. naval base. However, DeMarco's innocent investigation quickly becomes a deadly matter of national security, involving stolen top secret information, murder and a ruthless Chinese agent out for revenge. Poe does an excellent job reading this complex thriller, providing just the right pace to keep the thrill quality of the material high, yet pulls back when needed in order to present the more human and less melodramatic aspects. He is especially adept in bringing out the humor laced lightly through the book. Poe gives DeMarco a ruffled, slightly put-upon but ultimately heroic persona, a solid, multileveled characterization. Karen DiMattia's abridgment should also be noted, as her judicious cutting manages to keep the story moving at a ready clip but never sacrifices coherency or character. Simultaneous release with the Doubleday hardcover (Reviews, May 29). (July) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.Book Details
Published
January 10, 2012
Publisher
Grove/Atlantic, Inc.
Pages
528
Format
Mass Market Paperback
ISBN
9780802145604