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Joe DeMarco #16
Alligator Alley
Joe DeMarco likes to call himself a troubleshooter. It sounds better than "bagman" or "fixer." With more than a decade of troubleshooting under his belt on behalf of John Mahoney, the Speaker of the House, DeMarco has seen his fair share of dangerous situations.
When Andie Moore, a 23-year-old working in the DOJ's Inspector General's Office, is murdered in cold blood in Florida's Everglades, it falls on DeMarco to get to the bottom of things. Paired with Emma, an enigmatic, retired ex-spy with seemingly endless connections in the military and intelligence communities, they venture south to the scene of Andie's murder: Alligator Alley.
DeMarco and Emma waste no time in identifying a two suspects--a pair of crooked, near-retirement FBI agents named McIntyre and McGruder. But as they keep digging, it becomes clear that these FBI agents weren't acting alone, and that this goes much deeper than just the murder of an innocent 23-yearold
woman.
When Andie Moore, a 23-year-old working in the DOJ's Inspector General's Office, is murdered in cold blood in Florida's Everglades, it falls on DeMarco to get to the bottom of things. Paired with Emma, an enigmatic, retired ex-spy with seemingly endless connections in the military and intelligence communities, they venture south to the scene of Andie's murder: Alligator Alley.
DeMarco and Emma waste no time in identifying a two suspects--a pair of crooked, near-retirement FBI agents named McIntyre and McGruder. But as they keep digging, it becomes clear that these FBI agents weren't acting alone, and that this goes much deeper than just the murder of an innocent 23-yearold
woman.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published February 7, 2023
98 people are currently reading
3218 people want to read
About the author
Mike Lawson
26 books442 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Pen name: M.A Lawson
Michael Lawson was raised in Pueblo, Colorado and attended college at Seattle University, receiving a degree in engineering. On leaving college he went to work for the US Navy as a nuclear engineer, spending approximately thirty years working for the Navy's nuclear power program. Some of this time was spent in Washington D.C. but most was spent at a large naval shipyard in Bremerton, Washington.
At the shipyard he managed a number of different organizations related to overhauling nuclear powered submarines, cruisers, and aircraft carriers, ending up as a member of the government’s Senior Executive Service
To date he has published 12 books starring Joe DeMarco, a fixer for a corrupt politician and three books in his Kay Hamilton series under the name of M. A. Lawson: He has won the Friend of Mystery Award twice and is a five time nominee for the Barry Award.
He lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Pen name: M.A Lawson
Michael Lawson was raised in Pueblo, Colorado and attended college at Seattle University, receiving a degree in engineering. On leaving college he went to work for the US Navy as a nuclear engineer, spending approximately thirty years working for the Navy's nuclear power program. Some of this time was spent in Washington D.C. but most was spent at a large naval shipyard in Bremerton, Washington.
At the shipyard he managed a number of different organizations related to overhauling nuclear powered submarines, cruisers, and aircraft carriers, ending up as a member of the government’s Senior Executive Service
To date he has published 12 books starring Joe DeMarco, a fixer for a corrupt politician and three books in his Kay Hamilton series under the name of M. A. Lawson: He has won the Friend of Mystery Award twice and is a five time nominee for the Barry Award.
He lives in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
January 9, 2023
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Mike Lawson, and Grove Atlantic for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Mike Lawson returns with another stellar Joe DeMarco novel, allowing the ‘Bagman of Congress’ to expand his investigative wings down in the Florida Everglades. Lawson provides his protagonist with a difficultly case, trying partner, and intense moments of action throughout, sure to impress the reader. Lawson provides an entertaining backdrop in this sixteenth novel in the series, proving that the DeMarco momentum has not waned one iota.
After a young employee of the Department of Justice’s Inspector General’s Office is found murdered in the Florida Everglades, suspicion surrounding her murderer is high. Young Andie Moore had been following two FBI agents who were tasked with investigating Medicare fraud, but the case had gone sideways for no apparent reason. When Joe Demarco, a bagman for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, is sent to Florida to look into it, things take an interesting turn. DeMarco is not alone and his partner is surely not someone who enjoys taking second chair.
Working alongside the gritty Emma, DeMarco helps to explore the FBI agent angle, though these two are as tight lipped as they come. Still, Demarco and Emma think that there’s more to the story than simply two buffoons wanting their payday for screwing up the case. Emma has contacts all her own and calls on them to help with some of the digital and forensic know-how, which opens new perspectives. Trolling the crime scene in the Everglades, known to locals as Alligator Alley, Emma and DeMarco find some key evidence that shows that the kickback plot is a little more complex than first presumed.
With the apparent leader of the group proves elusive, DeMarco and Emma will have to work quickly and diligently to nail down the killer and ensure that Andie Moore did not die in vain. DeMarco will discover a few new things about himself and how to work alongside the rigid Emma, who has little time for any of his shenanigans. Mike Lawson keeps things strong and uses his abilities to impress the reader once more.
Since discovering the work of Mike Lawson, I have never failed to be impressed by all he adds to his stories to keep them on point. While the political aspect is secondary, it offers some interesting backstory to the larger narrative. Lawson has a great writing style and keeps his pieces moving at a quick pace, entertaining the reader from the opening pages.
With a strong narrative that does not rest for a moment, Mike Lawson lures the reader in from the opening pages. Strong criminal storylines provide something intriguing for the reader, while adding some humour at just the right moments. Great characters who add their own flavouring help Lawson move the story along with ease. A few plot lines fuel the story’s underlying greatness without impacting the momentum the narrative offers. While DeMarco is never doing the same thing, the continuity is there and series fans can be assured of a stellar piece of writing. Lawson is to be applauded and I am eager to see where things are headed next.
Kudos, Mr. Lawson, for a wonderful addition to the series, You never fail to impress.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Mike Lawson returns with another stellar Joe DeMarco novel, allowing the ‘Bagman of Congress’ to expand his investigative wings down in the Florida Everglades. Lawson provides his protagonist with a difficultly case, trying partner, and intense moments of action throughout, sure to impress the reader. Lawson provides an entertaining backdrop in this sixteenth novel in the series, proving that the DeMarco momentum has not waned one iota.
After a young employee of the Department of Justice’s Inspector General’s Office is found murdered in the Florida Everglades, suspicion surrounding her murderer is high. Young Andie Moore had been following two FBI agents who were tasked with investigating Medicare fraud, but the case had gone sideways for no apparent reason. When Joe Demarco, a bagman for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, is sent to Florida to look into it, things take an interesting turn. DeMarco is not alone and his partner is surely not someone who enjoys taking second chair.
Working alongside the gritty Emma, DeMarco helps to explore the FBI agent angle, though these two are as tight lipped as they come. Still, Demarco and Emma think that there’s more to the story than simply two buffoons wanting their payday for screwing up the case. Emma has contacts all her own and calls on them to help with some of the digital and forensic know-how, which opens new perspectives. Trolling the crime scene in the Everglades, known to locals as Alligator Alley, Emma and DeMarco find some key evidence that shows that the kickback plot is a little more complex than first presumed.
With the apparent leader of the group proves elusive, DeMarco and Emma will have to work quickly and diligently to nail down the killer and ensure that Andie Moore did not die in vain. DeMarco will discover a few new things about himself and how to work alongside the rigid Emma, who has little time for any of his shenanigans. Mike Lawson keeps things strong and uses his abilities to impress the reader once more.
Since discovering the work of Mike Lawson, I have never failed to be impressed by all he adds to his stories to keep them on point. While the political aspect is secondary, it offers some interesting backstory to the larger narrative. Lawson has a great writing style and keeps his pieces moving at a quick pace, entertaining the reader from the opening pages.
With a strong narrative that does not rest for a moment, Mike Lawson lures the reader in from the opening pages. Strong criminal storylines provide something intriguing for the reader, while adding some humour at just the right moments. Great characters who add their own flavouring help Lawson move the story along with ease. A few plot lines fuel the story’s underlying greatness without impacting the momentum the narrative offers. While DeMarco is never doing the same thing, the continuity is there and series fans can be assured of a stellar piece of writing. Lawson is to be applauded and I am eager to see where things are headed next.
Kudos, Mr. Lawson, for a wonderful addition to the series, You never fail to impress.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 25, 2023
If you’ve never read a Joe DeMarco thriller before, it’s time to start! This was my first in the long-running series (Alligator Alley is number 16) and I loved it. It’s both exciting and funny. Joe DeMarco didn’t really seem to be the main character in this one - more of the action was led by a woman named Emma who has a mysterious and obviously influential past - so I’m intrigued to go back and start at the beginning of the series to get a better picture of what DeMarco normally does. He’s described as a fixer for the Speaker of the House, so I expect some political machinations along with some solid investigative work.
This particular book takes place far from Washington, DC, in the Florida Everglades. In particular, crucial scenes take place along I-75, known locally as Alligator Alley (hence the book’s title). There are great descriptions of Florida locales and people. As a resident of Naples for the last several years and having driven along that stretch of road many times, I particularly enjoyed the local details and scenes referencing Naples and Collier County, even including some scenes involving the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. Emma and DeMarco are trying to figure out who killed a young DOJ staffer and why. Their main suspects are a pair of crooked (and incompetent) FBI agents, who are nearing retirement. Given that they are FBI agents, who should Emma and Joe trust?
Thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Monthly Press for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. Being a bit late to it, I bounced between the ARC and the published audiobook, courtesy of my public library, which was narrated beautifully by Joe Barrett. All opinions are my own.
This particular book takes place far from Washington, DC, in the Florida Everglades. In particular, crucial scenes take place along I-75, known locally as Alligator Alley (hence the book’s title). There are great descriptions of Florida locales and people. As a resident of Naples for the last several years and having driven along that stretch of road many times, I particularly enjoyed the local details and scenes referencing Naples and Collier County, even including some scenes involving the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. Emma and DeMarco are trying to figure out who killed a young DOJ staffer and why. Their main suspects are a pair of crooked (and incompetent) FBI agents, who are nearing retirement. Given that they are FBI agents, who should Emma and Joe trust?
Thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Monthly Press for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. Being a bit late to it, I bounced between the ARC and the published audiobook, courtesy of my public library, which was narrated beautifully by Joe Barrett. All opinions are my own.
March 26, 2025
Suspenseful and entertaining.
February 7, 2023
MacIntyre and MacGruder, two crooked and greedy FBI agents, were supposed to investigate a fifteen-million dollar Medicare fraud case perpetrated by Lenny and Estelle Berman, a husband and wife team managing a retirement home. Instead, they purposefully tanked the case, making every mistake possible to ensure the Bermans would go free. A young Department of Justice employee named Andie Moore is found deceased in her car after being shot at a rest stop on Aligator Alley in the Florida Everglades. Despite having been called home by her boss, Henry Cantor, the twenty-three year old investigator stayed to follow MacIntyre and MacGruder to see if she could discover the reason for the mistakes. Caught without backup, she was killed. Henry Cantor, devastated from having lost Andie (who reminded him of his deceased granddaughter), approached the crooked, connected Speaker of the House John Mahoney to ask for help from his “troubleshooter,” Joe DeMarco. Henry also called in former DIA agent Emma, a brilliant, cunning, and well-affiliated woman who, with DeMarco, heads to Florida to investigate. Emma has no qualms about doing whatever she has to do, including breaking and entering, withholding evidence, and calling in her arsenal of contacts in order to bring a case to conclusion.
This is the first book I’ve read from author Mike Lawson, and I must say I enjoyed every page. The story is engaging, well-written, intelligent, and believable. The vile characters are motivated by greed, which tracks in human nature, and the “good” characters are willing to do whatever it takes, including cross the line when necessary, for the good of solving the case and bringing the vile characters to justice. Although I understand this is the sixteenth (!) book of the series, it read exceptionally well as a stand-alone. Although I haven’t read previous works, I was able to follow everything immediately. The novel was sprinkled with humor, and the more I read about Emma, the more I loved the character and her gumption. There was plenty of action, tension, and realism making this a true page-turner. I highly recommend “Alligator Alley” to all who love political/government thrillers laced with humor, questionable characters, and plenty of adventure.
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Mike Lawson, and Atlantic Monthly Press New York/Grove Atlantic for the ability to read and review this ARC.
This is the first book I’ve read from author Mike Lawson, and I must say I enjoyed every page. The story is engaging, well-written, intelligent, and believable. The vile characters are motivated by greed, which tracks in human nature, and the “good” characters are willing to do whatever it takes, including cross the line when necessary, for the good of solving the case and bringing the vile characters to justice. Although I understand this is the sixteenth (!) book of the series, it read exceptionally well as a stand-alone. Although I haven’t read previous works, I was able to follow everything immediately. The novel was sprinkled with humor, and the more I read about Emma, the more I loved the character and her gumption. There was plenty of action, tension, and realism making this a true page-turner. I highly recommend “Alligator Alley” to all who love political/government thrillers laced with humor, questionable characters, and plenty of adventure.
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Mike Lawson, and Atlantic Monthly Press New York/Grove Atlantic for the ability to read and review this ARC.
December 20, 2022
Mike Lawson has done it again, Alligator Alley is the latest and upcoming book with Joe DeMarco in the lead role but is he really. I found that Emma has a bigger part and I do like Emma. This book is as always well written and filled with complications for Joe and humor for the reader. I find that I like these later books better than some of the earlier ones and that is a problem for me because I read this series from both ends. Never a good idea. Still I will continue reading the early books until I catch up. Many big thanks to Atlantic Monthly Press and Netgalley for letting me read this book.
February 7, 2023
A Riveting and Rousing Page Turner
SUMMARY
Angie Moore is a twentysomething and newly working for DOJ Inspector General’s office conducting an investigation in Miami. She is found murdered in the Florida Everglades. Joe DeMarco, who works for the Speaker of the House and Emma, retired ex-spy are called in to investigate the murder. The two waste no time identifying the suspects--a pair of almost retired FBI agents named McIntyre and McGruder. As Joe and Emma investigate further, and find crucial evidence they realize these two were not working alone, and the case is much bigger than the murder of Angie Moore. Finding the other person involved is a race against time.
REVIEW
ALLIGATOR ALLEY is a riveting and rousing page turner. Mike Lawson has once again written a seamless and smartly structured story that is highly enjoyable. I have read every Joe DeMarco book and love the series. They just keep getting better and better.
Joe DeMarco is a colorful character and Emma is simply perfect. She keeps Joe in his place and is clearly a women in charge. When Emma walks into a room she is in command. Both of them move the story along famously.
Thanks to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Grove Atlantic
Published February 7, 2023
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Angie Moore is a twentysomething and newly working for DOJ Inspector General’s office conducting an investigation in Miami. She is found murdered in the Florida Everglades. Joe DeMarco, who works for the Speaker of the House and Emma, retired ex-spy are called in to investigate the murder. The two waste no time identifying the suspects--a pair of almost retired FBI agents named McIntyre and McGruder. As Joe and Emma investigate further, and find crucial evidence they realize these two were not working alone, and the case is much bigger than the murder of Angie Moore. Finding the other person involved is a race against time.
REVIEW
ALLIGATOR ALLEY is a riveting and rousing page turner. Mike Lawson has once again written a seamless and smartly structured story that is highly enjoyable. I have read every Joe DeMarco book and love the series. They just keep getting better and better.
Joe DeMarco is a colorful character and Emma is simply perfect. She keeps Joe in his place and is clearly a women in charge. When Emma walks into a room she is in command. Both of them move the story along famously.
Thanks to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Grove Atlantic
Published February 7, 2023
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
September 15, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. I’ve been a huge fan of Mike Lawson since I read his first Joe DeMarco novel back in 2005, ‘The Inside Ring’ and I instantly knew I had found an Author I wanted to closely follow. Since then, all sixteen books in this series have been amazing, so entertaining. I have to say that Alligator Alley would be right up there as one of my favourites. You can’t help but love DeMarco, Emma and Mahoney, three character’s that are nothing alike, however have so much personality, and that really comes across in Mr Lawson’s wonderful writing.
I spent so many enjoyable hours reading this story. Highly recommended. 5/5 Star Rating.
Thank you to Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read this story for an unbiased opinion
I spent so many enjoyable hours reading this story. Highly recommended. 5/5 Star Rating.
Thank you to Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read this story for an unbiased opinion
March 28, 2023
When I requested this book I didn't realise it was number 16 in a series., however there is enough info form the author that it works just perfectly as a stand alone novel as well.
As it turned out this book was fantastic. Joe is a fixer and a delight to read. It is a triller in ever sense of the world and the characters are so well written you can imagine knowing them.
Many thanks to Netgalley the author and the publisher for a chance to read this novel.
As it turned out this book was fantastic. Joe is a fixer and a delight to read. It is a triller in ever sense of the world and the characters are so well written you can imagine knowing them.
Many thanks to Netgalley the author and the publisher for a chance to read this novel.
May 13, 2023
Well, I have found a new author to read. I picked Alligator Alley because of the Florida reference. This book has everything: interesting characters, suspense, action and retribution. Nearly all the characters are flawed but with redeeming characteristics. This was a fun read, and a page turner. In the beginning as the story is set up I thought it seemed a little slow. But once the background was set the story moved quickly. This was #16 in a series, so now I will go back to read earlier books in this series.
December 28, 2022
Investigating the investigators. Rats in the DOJ.
The bad cops are FBI near retirement and one of the murder victims worked in the Inspector General's office. Joe is a fixer with a law degree who works for the Speaker of the House. Joe and an assortment of others dig deep to find the proof needed to get justice for the murdered. One of the things they relearn is that greed makes everyone stupid. A good read.
I have the feeling that Joe will go into retirement and there will be a spinoff series with Emma of the Defense Intelligence Agency in charge with Joe as main supporting character.
I requested and received an EARC from Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press via NetGalley.
The bad cops are FBI near retirement and one of the murder victims worked in the Inspector General's office. Joe is a fixer with a law degree who works for the Speaker of the House. Joe and an assortment of others dig deep to find the proof needed to get justice for the murdered. One of the things they relearn is that greed makes everyone stupid. A good read.
I have the feeling that Joe will go into retirement and there will be a spinoff series with Emma of the Defense Intelligence Agency in charge with Joe as main supporting character.
I requested and received an EARC from Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press via NetGalley.
February 15, 2023
Newest, 16th entry in Lawson’s “Demarco” series. Although author Lawson essentially follows a rather standard formula for the plot development, the story is a good one and moves along at a good clip! 4 stars!
March 19, 2023
Mike Lawson remains one of my favorite authors. Dialogue, setting, characterization, storytelling: he gets and A+ from me in every category. And such distinctive characters as you can get in a mystery. Okay, “A page-turner” is a trite phrase, but if the shoe fits. Oops, another shopworn phrase. Oh well, it’s Sunday and I’m very tired.
Read
March 11, 2023No rating. Strong action, politico, FBI intrinsic sets of duplicity. And extremely violent, at beginning and clearly proceeding. I stopped before the half as this will never be a series I would have more interest within. None of the heroes WERE heroes to me. Corruption, base language prominent, people killed off before you even know them. Not for me.
February 2, 2023
This book is an excellent conspiracy thriller that had me laughing at the most inopportune times. It is indeed serious but the interactions of some of the main characters are laugh-out-loud funny.
When 23 year old Andie Moore gets killed while working for the DOJ, Henry gets involved. He is one of the directors of the DOJ and Andie reminds him of his granddaughter. He enlists John Mahoney, Speaker of the House to assist in finding Andie's murderer. John is a crooked politician but he respects Henry, a model citizen, who won the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam war. Very quickly, John gets a hold of Joe DeMarco, a private eye, and Emma, a retired spy who has more people beholden to her than I could ever imagine.
It becomes clear that there is something crooked going on with two of the FBI agents assigned to the case. McIntyre and McGruder are loose cannons and are marking time till they can retire and go fishing all the time. McIntyre and McGruder are somehow involved. Are they in this alone or are they relying on someone smarter than them for legal advice.
Emma and DeMarco head down to the Everglades where Andie was killed and Emma has a tight rein on DeMarco who'd like some time off the case to golf and pick-up women. Emma is a workaholic and a perfectionist so DeMarco gets no spare time off.
The books chugs right along with one conspiracy after another. It is a true page-turner and a great thriller. My only beef is that I never found out what Emma's hold was on others. I was glad to see, however, that she is not robotic; she can indeed cry.
Thank you to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for an Advanced Review Edition of this book.
When 23 year old Andie Moore gets killed while working for the DOJ, Henry gets involved. He is one of the directors of the DOJ and Andie reminds him of his granddaughter. He enlists John Mahoney, Speaker of the House to assist in finding Andie's murderer. John is a crooked politician but he respects Henry, a model citizen, who won the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam war. Very quickly, John gets a hold of Joe DeMarco, a private eye, and Emma, a retired spy who has more people beholden to her than I could ever imagine.
It becomes clear that there is something crooked going on with two of the FBI agents assigned to the case. McIntyre and McGruder are loose cannons and are marking time till they can retire and go fishing all the time. McIntyre and McGruder are somehow involved. Are they in this alone or are they relying on someone smarter than them for legal advice.
Emma and DeMarco head down to the Everglades where Andie was killed and Emma has a tight rein on DeMarco who'd like some time off the case to golf and pick-up women. Emma is a workaholic and a perfectionist so DeMarco gets no spare time off.
The books chugs right along with one conspiracy after another. It is a true page-turner and a great thriller. My only beef is that I never found out what Emma's hold was on others. I was glad to see, however, that she is not robotic; she can indeed cry.
Thank you to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for an Advanced Review Edition of this book.
February 3, 2023
A hard-to-put-down mix of thriller and police procedural…
Alligator Alley starts with a wrenching scene, as we watch a young DOJ agent, Andie Moore, first tailing, and then being caught and killed by two men, in the Everglades. And, as we learn shortly afterwards, the two are DOJ employees themselves – they are FBI agents, and thus not too concerned about being suspected or caught. However perhaps they should worry. It turns out that Andie’s boss in DC is the highly respected head of DOJ’s Oversight and Review Division, Henry Cantor, who pulls some strings to get both Joe DeMarco (the fixer for the Speaker of the House) and Emma (a now retired DIA spy) sent to Florida to investigate the case.
“What case?” you might say, since we, as readers, already know who did it. Well, we do and we don’t. It seems even their colleagues regard the two FBI guys as being too dumb to actually plan and pull off their crimes, so there must be someone else in the background helping them out. And for the rest of the book, author Mike Lawson does a really nice job of weaving together a thriller and a police procedural while Joe and Emma figure out who that person is - and then how to prove it and hold them accountable.
I’ve had my eye on this series for a while, but Alligator Alley was the first book I actually read. And although it’s usually not a good idea to start with the 16th of 16 titles in a series, I still really enjoyed it. The interplay between “non-stop-bulldozer” Emma, and “all-I-want-is-a-round-of-golf” Joe is a ton of fun, and I always enjoy protagonists with investigative chops. (You’ll both love and hate how Emma unlocks Andie’s iPhone…) And the ending, although almost as wrenching as the beginning, pulls all the threads together in a satisfying way.
Since I was reading the last book first, I did occasionally feel as if I were missing out on some bit of characterization or background. For example, I’m not quite sure why we never learn Emma’s last name. But all-in-all, Alligator Alley works just fine as a stand-alone, although I’ve now added the earlier books in the series to my too-long reading list. Sigh! And finally, my thanks to the publishers, Grove Atlantic, for the advance review copy!
Alligator Alley starts with a wrenching scene, as we watch a young DOJ agent, Andie Moore, first tailing, and then being caught and killed by two men, in the Everglades. And, as we learn shortly afterwards, the two are DOJ employees themselves – they are FBI agents, and thus not too concerned about being suspected or caught. However perhaps they should worry. It turns out that Andie’s boss in DC is the highly respected head of DOJ’s Oversight and Review Division, Henry Cantor, who pulls some strings to get both Joe DeMarco (the fixer for the Speaker of the House) and Emma (a now retired DIA spy) sent to Florida to investigate the case.
“What case?” you might say, since we, as readers, already know who did it. Well, we do and we don’t. It seems even their colleagues regard the two FBI guys as being too dumb to actually plan and pull off their crimes, so there must be someone else in the background helping them out. And for the rest of the book, author Mike Lawson does a really nice job of weaving together a thriller and a police procedural while Joe and Emma figure out who that person is - and then how to prove it and hold them accountable.
I’ve had my eye on this series for a while, but Alligator Alley was the first book I actually read. And although it’s usually not a good idea to start with the 16th of 16 titles in a series, I still really enjoyed it. The interplay between “non-stop-bulldozer” Emma, and “all-I-want-is-a-round-of-golf” Joe is a ton of fun, and I always enjoy protagonists with investigative chops. (You’ll both love and hate how Emma unlocks Andie’s iPhone…) And the ending, although almost as wrenching as the beginning, pulls all the threads together in a satisfying way.
Since I was reading the last book first, I did occasionally feel as if I were missing out on some bit of characterization or background. For example, I’m not quite sure why we never learn Emma’s last name. But all-in-all, Alligator Alley works just fine as a stand-alone, although I’ve now added the earlier books in the series to my too-long reading list. Sigh! And finally, my thanks to the publishers, Grove Atlantic, for the advance review copy!
February 7, 2023
The Joe DeMarco series by Mike Lawson has long been a favorite of mine. Although Joe looks like a hoodlum, he is actually a laid-back fellow who enjoys relaxing with a beer, hanging out with attractive women, and playing endless rounds of golf. He makes a living as a fixer for John Mahoney, the corrupt but influential Speaker of the House. In "Alligator Alley," a pair of greedy and amoral FBI agents, McIntyre and McGruder, are nearing retirement. They were supposed to gather evidence against Lenny and Estelle Berman, a husband-and-wife team who committed Medicare fraud to the tune of fifteen million dollars. Instead, McIntyre and McGruder botch the case, and a twenty-three-year-old Department of Justice investigator named Andi Moore tails the two men—against the orders of her supervisor—and pays the ultimate price for going after these suspected felons without backup.
Henry Cantor, a decorated war hero and Andi's boss, enlists the help of Joe and Emma, a former DIA agent, to find out who killed Andi and why. Emma is brilliant, courageous, cunning, and well-connected in the military and intelligence communities. In addition, she has a stable of operatives she can call upon day or night to do her bidding. Emma and Joe agree to help Henry, whom they like and admire. Emma has no compunction about breaking and entering, withholding evidence, and hacking into people's private records, if doing so will bring the case to a satisfactory conclusion.
"Alligator Alley" is among Lawson's most entertaining books to date. The plot is engrossing; the author enlivens the proceedings with brisk dialogue and sardonic humor; and the villains are rotten but all too human in their desire to steal enough cash for luxurious retirements. This novel is devoid of gimmickry—no flashbacks, no silly twists and turns, and no chapters with alternating viewpoints. Instead, Lawson presents a compelling battle of wits between Emma and Joe and their ruthless adversaries. The indomitable Emma—with Joe as her occasionally nervous sidekick—has plenty of tricks up her sleeve to ensure that justice is done.
Henry Cantor, a decorated war hero and Andi's boss, enlists the help of Joe and Emma, a former DIA agent, to find out who killed Andi and why. Emma is brilliant, courageous, cunning, and well-connected in the military and intelligence communities. In addition, she has a stable of operatives she can call upon day or night to do her bidding. Emma and Joe agree to help Henry, whom they like and admire. Emma has no compunction about breaking and entering, withholding evidence, and hacking into people's private records, if doing so will bring the case to a satisfactory conclusion.
"Alligator Alley" is among Lawson's most entertaining books to date. The plot is engrossing; the author enlivens the proceedings with brisk dialogue and sardonic humor; and the villains are rotten but all too human in their desire to steal enough cash for luxurious retirements. This novel is devoid of gimmickry—no flashbacks, no silly twists and turns, and no chapters with alternating viewpoints. Instead, Lawson presents a compelling battle of wits between Emma and Joe and their ruthless adversaries. The indomitable Emma—with Joe as her occasionally nervous sidekick—has plenty of tricks up her sleeve to ensure that justice is done.
November 3, 2022
I was offered this ARC by Grove Atlantic and NetGalley prior to its scheduled release next February. I accepted with gusto because I’ve read every installment in this series. Unfortunately, I found this read quite unsatisfying. It was thin on plot. It’s more a “prove they did it” than a “figure out who did it” story, which makes it very difficult to keep up meaningful suspense. The hint of an additional political mystery faded away to a mildly amusing and implausible solution, almost as an afterthought.
There was plenty of action in this story, which was good because the characters were also very thin. The bad guys were amazingly stupid given their employment.
And the good guys? This story brings us back to Emma, the enigmatic retired spook with the steel trap brain, who has appeared occasionally over the years. I like her, especially her disdainfully matter-of-fact attitude toward Joe and her ability to call on resources to solve her problems. She has a gun but doesn’t need to use it. She can bring in muscle like Joe and other folks who owe her big-time for unnamed past deeds. And Joe has a mostly supporting role this time. He is focused, as usual, on playing golf and picking up women. Once in a while he has a suggestion, including the final action twist, but it’s rare. I find little in him left to admire, and he certainly isn’t that funny any more.
I finished this novel feeling disappointed. I didn’t get a window into what makes Emma tick. I am tired of Joe’s constant whinging. Joe’s boss may not be speaker of the house by next year. I wonder, will Joe still be employed? Maybe he should be cut loose and go to work for Emma full time.
Giving this one 3 stars with a generous rounding up.
There was plenty of action in this story, which was good because the characters were also very thin. The bad guys were amazingly stupid given their employment.
And the good guys? This story brings us back to Emma, the enigmatic retired spook with the steel trap brain, who has appeared occasionally over the years. I like her, especially her disdainfully matter-of-fact attitude toward Joe and her ability to call on resources to solve her problems. She has a gun but doesn’t need to use it. She can bring in muscle like Joe and other folks who owe her big-time for unnamed past deeds. And Joe has a mostly supporting role this time. He is focused, as usual, on playing golf and picking up women. Once in a while he has a suggestion, including the final action twist, but it’s rare. I find little in him left to admire, and he certainly isn’t that funny any more.
I finished this novel feeling disappointed. I didn’t get a window into what makes Emma tick. I am tired of Joe’s constant whinging. Joe’s boss may not be speaker of the house by next year. I wonder, will Joe still be employed? Maybe he should be cut loose and go to work for Emma full time.
Giving this one 3 stars with a generous rounding up.
February 22, 2023
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.
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.
January 24, 2023
When a young lawyer working in the Inspector General’s office of the Department of Justice is found murdered in a parking area along Alligator Alley in Florida, her boss, Henry, a Medal of Honor winner and very respected member of the DOJ, reaches out to Speaker of the House of Representatives John Mahoney. Mahoney, who we know from earlier books, is your prototypical corrupt politician uses Joe DeMarco as his fixer (or troubleshooter as Joe prefers to be called. He is again paired with the ubiquitous Emma, a retired government agent now in the DOJ, when Mahoney orders them to investigate. The victim has been following two FBI agents in the latter part of their career who she suspects of botching an investigation into a couple who have defrauded the government of millions. Joe and Emma quickly learn that the two agents were probably incapable of dealing with the investigator, but who was directing them? While that will not remain a secret for long, the ensuing investigation will take you on a fast-paced, winding path with plenty of surprises along the way.
What a fun read. This is the 16th book featuring Joe DeMarco - and I have truly enjoyed all of those that I have read (about 1/2). DeMarco is a complicated guy - often lazy and inept yet determined and creative. His relationship with Emma is interesting to say the least, and his boss is a politician and a crook (surprised?). Lawson’s writing style is crisp yet entertaining.
My thanks to Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review this book.
What a fun read. This is the 16th book featuring Joe DeMarco - and I have truly enjoyed all of those that I have read (about 1/2). DeMarco is a complicated guy - often lazy and inept yet determined and creative. His relationship with Emma is interesting to say the least, and his boss is a politician and a crook (surprised?). Lawson’s writing style is crisp yet entertaining.
My thanks to Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 16, 2023
A thriller very different than most I have read recently with some dark humor and fun twists that readers will love!
Joe DeMarco is a problem solver and when a young woman working in the Inspector General’s office is found murdered in the Florida Everglades Joe is called in to help. He gets help from one of his favorites, Emma, a retired spy with all the connections they could need to solve the murder in Alligator Alley. It doesn’t take them long to come up with suspects but what they aren’t prepared for is the suspects are FBI agents. With each new clue, they find themselves in the middle of a dark and twisted scheme that goes deeper than they could have expected.
I picked this one up after seeing it recommended by one of my favorite authors hoping to find a new series to enjoy. I’m not going to say I didn’t enjoy it, but I don’t know if I will be getting anymore of the series. The characters were good, not great; the suspense better than expected, the outcome interesting but not enough to continue on with the series. If you are looking for a quick easy read without much thinking this is a good one to pick up. If you are wanting a deep series that you can have characters that grow and change and really go deeper and will keep you thinking, this didn’t do it for me. I enjoyed what I read but not enough to recommend highly to others.
Joe DeMarco is a problem solver and when a young woman working in the Inspector General’s office is found murdered in the Florida Everglades Joe is called in to help. He gets help from one of his favorites, Emma, a retired spy with all the connections they could need to solve the murder in Alligator Alley. It doesn’t take them long to come up with suspects but what they aren’t prepared for is the suspects are FBI agents. With each new clue, they find themselves in the middle of a dark and twisted scheme that goes deeper than they could have expected.
I picked this one up after seeing it recommended by one of my favorite authors hoping to find a new series to enjoy. I’m not going to say I didn’t enjoy it, but I don’t know if I will be getting anymore of the series. The characters were good, not great; the suspense better than expected, the outcome interesting but not enough to continue on with the series. If you are looking for a quick easy read without much thinking this is a good one to pick up. If you are wanting a deep series that you can have characters that grow and change and really go deeper and will keep you thinking, this didn’t do it for me. I enjoyed what I read but not enough to recommend highly to others.
August 23, 2022
Alligator Alley, a thriller by Mike Lawson, does not disappoint. I am grateful to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic Publishers for the opportunity to read an advance copy of the 16th book featuring Joe Demarco, a fixer (or troubleshooter) for John Mahoney, a corrupt, longtime U.S. Congressman.
As with his other novels, Larson’s writing in Alligator Alley is fast paced, his plotting inventive and well-paced, and his characters well rounded and memorable. When a young lawyer in the Department of Justice is found dead in Florida, Demarco is sent by the Congressman to investigate and find out who is responsible. Complicating the matter is that the woman’s boss suspects the FBI are involved in her murder. Worse, as far as the Congressman is concerned, is that Emma, an enigmatic and secretive former spy and member of the Defense Intelligency Agency, would also be involved. The two have a rather icy relationship. I do hope that Emma shows up in future novels.
Rounding out the twisty plot are two corrupt and somewhat incompetent FBI agents, a missing cell phone, alligators, and a whole lot of stolen money.
I have never tired of reading Lawson’s Demarco series, and I have read every one, after a mutual friend introduced us. They are entertaining and great fun.
As with his other novels, Larson’s writing in Alligator Alley is fast paced, his plotting inventive and well-paced, and his characters well rounded and memorable. When a young lawyer in the Department of Justice is found dead in Florida, Demarco is sent by the Congressman to investigate and find out who is responsible. Complicating the matter is that the woman’s boss suspects the FBI are involved in her murder. Worse, as far as the Congressman is concerned, is that Emma, an enigmatic and secretive former spy and member of the Defense Intelligency Agency, would also be involved. The two have a rather icy relationship. I do hope that Emma shows up in future novels.
Rounding out the twisty plot are two corrupt and somewhat incompetent FBI agents, a missing cell phone, alligators, and a whole lot of stolen money.
I have never tired of reading Lawson’s Demarco series, and I have read every one, after a mutual friend introduced us. They are entertaining and great fun.
February 16, 2023
Henry Canton received the Congressional Medal of Honor after saving his platoon in Vietnam. He is a quiet man, not flaunting his connections. He works at the Department of Justice. He calls on John Mahoney, the Speaker of the House, to ask for his help to avenge the murder of a young woman, who was investigating fraud at the FBI. He asks for Joe DeMarco and Emma, a retired DIA operative, to investigate. Joe and Emma fly to Miami and drive into the Everglades. They manage to locate the young woman's phone which shows photographs of two FBI agents murdering a couple who had embezzled $15 million from Medicare. McGruder and McIntyre, the FBI agents, along with a long-time friend, Patty McHugh, have figured out how to embezzle the already embezzled money. Joe and Emma, who has deep connections in the world of spies, quickly figure out that McGruder and McIntyre were not working alone, especially after they turn up dead, shot in the head by someone sitting in the backseat of their car. Now, the rush is on to prove Patty McHugh is not who she says she is. Another entertaining read in this long-running series. If you are a fan of Harlan Coben, Nick Petrie and Robert Crais, you need to be reading this series.
December 18, 2024
I read Alligator Alley out of sequence in the Joe DeMarco series. I should be on book five but Book 16 worked as a standalone.
There were two plot lines.
1. The murder of 23 year old Andrea “Andie’ Department of Justice investigator. Her primary job was to investigate fraud which led her to follow two corrupt and bungling FBI agents who planned to steal the $15 million dollars the Bermans, Lenny and Estelle stole by committing fraudulent Medicare claims. Andie should not have been following McIntyre and McGruder as they marched the Bermans through the swamps of the Florida Everglades to be munchies for the alligators that infested the swampy waters. But in her overzealousness she followed them anyway. That mistake cost her her life. Her boss, the noble former Vietnam veteran and current Department of Justice Oversight and Review Director, Henry Cantor, wants to find out who killed Andie and why. So Cantor goes to John Mahoney and requests the help of Emma and Joe Demarco.
2. Mahoney wants to find out why a certain congressman didn’t fall in line and vote for a bill Mahoney sponsored.
What I especially liked about this particular novel was that it didn’t have a boatload of characters with a million subplots.
This was another enjoyable read.
There were two plot lines.
1. The murder of 23 year old Andrea “Andie’ Department of Justice investigator. Her primary job was to investigate fraud which led her to follow two corrupt and bungling FBI agents who planned to steal the $15 million dollars the Bermans, Lenny and Estelle stole by committing fraudulent Medicare claims. Andie should not have been following McIntyre and McGruder as they marched the Bermans through the swamps of the Florida Everglades to be munchies for the alligators that infested the swampy waters. But in her overzealousness she followed them anyway. That mistake cost her her life. Her boss, the noble former Vietnam veteran and current Department of Justice Oversight and Review Director, Henry Cantor, wants to find out who killed Andie and why. So Cantor goes to John Mahoney and requests the help of Emma and Joe Demarco.
2. Mahoney wants to find out why a certain congressman didn’t fall in line and vote for a bill Mahoney sponsored.
What I especially liked about this particular novel was that it didn’t have a boatload of characters with a million subplots.
This was another enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2024
I really enjoyed Alligator Alley by Mike Lawson. It’s part of the series that features Joe DeMarco, a “fixer” for the US Speaker of the House. He prefers to think of himself as a troubleshooter and he often handles issues that are dangerous and complicated. This time, along with Emma, a retired ex-spy with a egnimatic past, Joe is investigating the murder of a young DOJ employee who was killed while on assignment in South Florida.
Alligator Alley is filled with interesting characters that are well-defined by the author. Mr Lawson seamlessly provides background information while at the same time keeping the story and the well-written plot moving along at a good pace. The dialogue is enjoyable and the dynamics between Emma (such a great character) and Joe makes the book that much more enjoyable. The settings (D.C. and the Florida Keys) make it even better.
I have always enjoyed spending time with Joe DeMarco and Alligator Alley is one of the best. It’s the perfect book for a lazy summer day and even though it’s part of a lengthy series, it isn’t necessary to read the previous books. it can be enjoyed all on its own. NetGalley provided an advance copy.
Alligator Alley is filled with interesting characters that are well-defined by the author. Mr Lawson seamlessly provides background information while at the same time keeping the story and the well-written plot moving along at a good pace. The dialogue is enjoyable and the dynamics between Emma (such a great character) and Joe makes the book that much more enjoyable. The settings (D.C. and the Florida Keys) make it even better.
I have always enjoyed spending time with Joe DeMarco and Alligator Alley is one of the best. It’s the perfect book for a lazy summer day and even though it’s part of a lengthy series, it isn’t necessary to read the previous books. it can be enjoyed all on its own. NetGalley provided an advance copy.
February 5, 2023
I came to this great series late and I'm still catching up. Alligator Alley works fine as either a stand alone or just out of order. It's an enjoyable read however you approach it. If you like thrillers with well developed main characters, an edge of your seat page turner and some humor, give this series a try.
The main characters are DeMarco, Emma and Mahoney. Demarco and Emma make one heck of an investigative team. They work for DOJ and have been sent to the famed area of Florida known as Alligator Alley to track the people responsible for the death of Andie Moore, a young lawyer who was on her own, following a lead involving a couple of crooked FBI agents. From start to finish I was sucked into the case and kept saying "just one more chapter" until I was out of chapters. Yes, Mike Lawson is that good a writer. I'll say no more for fear of committing spoilers.
My thanks to the publisher Atlantic Monthly Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The main characters are DeMarco, Emma and Mahoney. Demarco and Emma make one heck of an investigative team. They work for DOJ and have been sent to the famed area of Florida known as Alligator Alley to track the people responsible for the death of Andie Moore, a young lawyer who was on her own, following a lead involving a couple of crooked FBI agents. From start to finish I was sucked into the case and kept saying "just one more chapter" until I was out of chapters. Yes, Mike Lawson is that good a writer. I'll say no more for fear of committing spoilers.
My thanks to the publisher Atlantic Monthly Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 15, 2023
3.5*** ALLIGATOR ALLEY was my 1st Mike Lawson novel. It took me a while to 'get into it'...that is until I began to enjoy his writing style crammed full of humor, despite the serious and gruesome subject matter. ALLIGATOR ALLEY became a fun read.
Basically it involved 3 horrible people, 2 of whom were involved in killing an equally bad couple in the Everglades late at night. A gal from the government suspecting their guilt followed them into the Everglades, witnessed their murders and, then, was herself killed by the couple. The dead couple had $15 million stashed away from, their take from a crime they committed. Now it would only have to be split 3 ways. Little did they expect they would be hunted by Joe DeMarco (the 'fixer' for the Speaker of the House in DC, and Emma, an ex-spy and member of the Inspector General's office.
What follows is a most readable and believable story involving this DC pair and assorted others attempting to solve the original murders.
A fun, often exciting read.
Basically it involved 3 horrible people, 2 of whom were involved in killing an equally bad couple in the Everglades late at night. A gal from the government suspecting their guilt followed them into the Everglades, witnessed their murders and, then, was herself killed by the couple. The dead couple had $15 million stashed away from, their take from a crime they committed. Now it would only have to be split 3 ways. Little did they expect they would be hunted by Joe DeMarco (the 'fixer' for the Speaker of the House in DC, and Emma, an ex-spy and member of the Inspector General's office.
What follows is a most readable and believable story involving this DC pair and assorted others attempting to solve the original murders.
A fun, often exciting read.
May 6, 2023
Mike Lawson understands that women can play a variety of roles. He also knows how to pick relevant crimes. This time the crime is Medicare fraud. A husband and wife duo who made off with fifteen million dollars die at the hands of two renegade FBI agents early on. But the agents, McGruder and McIntyre were both greedy and sloppy. Andie Moore, a young female investigator, was collateral damage. She tracked the agents and witnessed the double murder. Her body was found in Alligator Alley. The remainder of the book covers Joe DeMarco and Emma's investigation. They identify more players and expand their own team as needed, and finally bring about justice for the murder of Andie Moore. DeMarco has a brief moment of macho maleness when he wants to golf, but he plays well with Emma on the case. Since this was my first Joe DeMarco thriller, I was happy to see them interacting so well. There is a lot of planning surrounding the violence in this book, but given that potential level of violence, the actual acts of violence carried out are not that excessive.
May 28, 2023
I started reading Mike Lawson books because I wanted something to occupy my mind in addition to John Grisham books. I've not been disappointed. This was another venture with Joe DeMarco and Emma, (I don't believe the author ever reveals Emma's last name), two primary characters, in addition to Speaker of the House John Mahoney. Each character is perfectly developed individually, but it would be good to start with Mike's first series of books and I believe the first one is entitled, "The Inside Ring." Mike has provided many hours of great reading for me. This was a good edition. Not as good as some of the others. One of the last Mike Lawson books I read coincided with events that were actually happening in current events. "The Second Perimeter," when I read it, there was a news story about someone at a nuclear submarine facility stealing records. That's the premise of this book and it was excellent. At any rate, while this one wasn't as tantalizing as that one, it was still a good read. Great job, Mike. Keep them coming.
September 30, 2023
My first read of Mike Lawson, and it did not disappoint.
Got surprised a little at beginning as crime seemed so routine & mundane , but in many ways that’s how the real world is.
The other surprise was the greed that was displayed by the criminals , and in this case it was regular people with full retirement benefits kicking in soon, yet wanting more.
Although the DeMarco dude preformed well, the real star of this book was Emma,the retired ex American female spy with a brilliant mind and a load of connections. Despite being filthy rich her determination to solve the crimes was relentless, and contrasted well with Joe Demarco’s casual, but focused style , of always thinking about golf, good meals, sleep and attractive women. Emma did everything she could to destroy the fun, and concentrate on the game of “justice for all”, even if their pursuit could put Emma & Joe in jail.
The setting jumped from the DC political arena, with bribes & payoffs …..to Miami , the Florida keys …..and yes alligators, that made the average “Joe “ miss his desk job on capital hill.
Got surprised a little at beginning as crime seemed so routine & mundane , but in many ways that’s how the real world is.
The other surprise was the greed that was displayed by the criminals , and in this case it was regular people with full retirement benefits kicking in soon, yet wanting more.
Although the DeMarco dude preformed well, the real star of this book was Emma,the retired ex American female spy with a brilliant mind and a load of connections. Despite being filthy rich her determination to solve the crimes was relentless, and contrasted well with Joe Demarco’s casual, but focused style , of always thinking about golf, good meals, sleep and attractive women. Emma did everything she could to destroy the fun, and concentrate on the game of “justice for all”, even if their pursuit could put Emma & Joe in jail.
The setting jumped from the DC political arena, with bribes & payoffs …..to Miami , the Florida keys …..and yes alligators, that made the average “Joe “ miss his desk job on capital hill.
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