Bibliography: Lawson, Mike. (2006). The Second Perimeter. New York: Doubleday. ISBN: 978-0385515320 (hc) 978-1400095162 (pb)
Plot Summary: The Secretary of the Navy asks John Mahoney, Speaker of the House, to have his fix it guy, Joe DeMarco, investigate his nephew’s claims that fraud is being committed at a naval base in Bremerton, WA. With the help of retired DIA agent, Emma, they discover it isn’t fraud, but an espionage ring. When spies begin to show up dead, it seems the their control may be after more than just top secret information.
Critical Analysis: On the surface, the premise of some of Lawson’s books seem rather like that of other political thrillers being written today. But the devil, as they say, is in the details. (I am tempted to go back and reread Inside Ring just so I can write a review of it here–so much about the politics between the different groups and agencies in Washington, it seems absurd but only because it is probably true.) Here Lawson tells us everything there is to know about how a naval base works. And, incidentally, how someone might go about infiltrating said base to collect classified information. Fascinating stuff.
But what sets Lawson apart are his characters. Joe DeMarco, of course, who so human and so real, and who has that quality that I love in many protagonists of my favorite mysteries and thrillers–a desire for truth, justice and helping others that ignores politics, what it is good for his career and the fact that he could end up dead. But we also have Emma, who made an appearance in the first book. What I love about Emma is that she is older, retired, but still sharp and on her game. And I know that Lawson has to have written her back story and hope that means that she might appear in other entries as well. And then there is the Speaker himself, John Mahoney. Lawson makes him as stereotypical as they come and then gives him hidden strength and cunning to get out of the tightest spots. He’s what you love to hate about politicians and yet in the end he supports DeMarco and Emma. I have a long road trip coming up, I think I’ll add the next DeMarco book to my listening stack.
Review Excerpts: “…[I]t’s the character of DeMarco, a man of insecurities, weaknesses and outright defects, that separates this new series from the herd. DeMarco also has a dry, self-deprecating sense of humor that contrasts nicely to the solemn gravity of his professional circumstances.”–Publisher’s Weekly
“[T]he author (a former civilian contractor for the U.S. Navy) works in plenty of the kinds of details only an insider could know. At once a solid thriller and a revealing look behind the scenes of American politics, the tale will appeal to a wide spectrum of readers.”–Booklist
Reviewed from public library audiobook. Amazon Affiliate: If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.
