House Blood

"I love Joe DeMarco. . . . These are wonderful. I think they're inventive, nicely detailed, just a treat to read." -Nancy Pearl

With his series of thrillers starring congressional fixer Joe DeMarco, Mike Lawson has earned a reputation as a master of political intrigue, one of the best writers focusing on the behind-the-scenes action of our nation's capital. In House Blood, Lawson introduces us to Orson Mulray, CEO of Mulray Pharma, a cold and calculating man obsessed with profit and prestige. Mulray believes he has discovered a drug that could prevent a previously incurable disease. It could be the salvation of millions of people and make him billions of dollars. But the drug needs to be tested on human subjects and Mulray needs more than blood samples-he needs autopsy results.

Lizzie Warwick, a naive philanthropist who provides relief to third-world victims of wars and natural disasters, is the ideal tool. But then her D.C. lobbyist uncovers the plan, so Mulray has him killed and frames his partner, Brian Kincaid, for the murder.

Two years later, DeMarco is asked to look into the seemingly hopeless case but he has other things on his mind: his powerful boss, John Mahoney, has been ousted from his position as Speaker of the House; his girlfriend has left him; and his friend Emma may be dying. DeMarco has no expectation of freeing Kincaid-and he certainly doesn't expect to become the target of two of the most ruthless killers he and Emma have ever encountered.

The seventh book in this celebrated series is a rollicking ride toUganda, Peru, and beyond. Lawson expertly commands Washingtonpolitics, mercenaries, and the pharmaceutical industry for a juicy story full of lifelike characters and thrilling action.