The Second Perimeter

The dazzling sequel to The Inside Ring finds Joe DeMarco, the Speaker of the House's all-purpose fixer in a battle of wits against a lethal female spy. When the Secretary of the Navy's nephew says he believes that two colleagues at a U.S. naval base may be committing fraud, his uncle is skeptical. Reluctant to launch an official investigation based on a relative's vague suspicions, the secretary asks House Speaker, John Mahoney, to send his troubleshooter, DeMarco, to check out the story. As DeMarco and his friend Emma, a retired DIA agent, began to investigate what they thought was a low-stakes government swindle, they come to the terrifying realization that an espionage ring has infiltrated the naval base. The leader of the espionage cell is a woman with whom Emma has a history that goes back to the cold war. Their encounter destroyed the woman's once promising career and turned her into a ruthless operative who cares about only one thing: destroying Emma, the person responsible for her shame, dishonor, and shattered life. DeMarco has never been near a spy in his life--at least not that he knew of--and now he's dealing with a foreign agent who is more deadly than anyone he's ever encountered.

Review :
Praise for Mike Lawson's "The Inside Ring -- "" One of the top ten thrillers of the year." * " "" While Lawson's debut may look like others in the genre, it's in a league by itself. . . . This is high -level entertainment from a writer who could soon rise to the top of the thriller heap." -- "Publishers Weekly " " "The Inside Ring" is the kind of whodunit thriller you can't stop thinking about while you're reading and can't stop talking about once you're done. Smart, original, crafted with true insider knowledge, brimming with vivid characters, and with a forward drive that just won't quit, this book will have the Beltway buzzing-- and just about everywhere else. I couldn't put it down." -- Vince Flynn, author of "Memorial Day" " "" In his debut Michael Lawson shows a knack for sketching realistic characters, even minor ones, in deft and nuanced strokes. Lawson is droll, writes sharp dialogue, and seems to know his way around Beltway politicking... reminiscent of the cynical but bemused espionage tales that the late Ross Thomas wrote." "-- "*" Seattle Times " " Lawson makes an assured debut in what looks like a series opener. . . . Tight and engaging story, sharp writing, and dialogue that's good to the last line." -- "Kirkus "(starred review) " When Ross Thomas, arguably the best thriller writer of his time, died 10 years ago, he left a gaping hole that has yet to be adequately filled. But this debut by former high-ranking civil servant Lawson, with its wonderfully complex plot, sardonic humor, and memorable characters may be the next best thing. Lawson has the ability to shade character and evoke meaningful descriptions as economically as possible. In two words... more please." -- "Baltimore Sun" " Thrilling enough to demand a sequel" -- "New York Daily News " Praise for Mike Lawson's "The Inside Ring -- ""One of the top ten thrillers of the year." * " ""While Lawson's debut may look like others in the genre, it's in a league by itself. . . . This is high -level entertainment from a writer who could soon rise to the top of the thriller heap." -- "Publishers Weekly " ""The Inside Ring" is the kind of whodunit thriller you can't stop thinking about while you're reading and can't stop talking about once you're done. Smart, original, crafted with true insider knowledge, brimming with vivid characters, and with a forward drive that just won't quit, this book will have the Beltway buzzing--and just about everywhere else. I couldn't put it down." --Vince Flynn, author of "Memorial Day" " ""In his debut Michael Lawson shows a knack for sketching realistic characters, even minor ones, in deft and nuanced strokes. Lawson is droll, writes sharp dialogue, and seems to know his way around Beltway politicking...reminiscent of the cynical but bemused espionage tales that the late Ross Thomas wrote." "-- "*" Seattle Times " "Lawson makes an assured debut in what looks like a series opener. . . . Tight and engaging story, sharp writing, and dialogue that's good to the last line." -- "Kirkus "(starred review) "When Ross Thomas, arguably the best thriller writer of his time, died 10 years ago, he left a gaping hole that has yet to be adequately filled. But this debut by former high-ranking civil servant Lawson, with its wonderfully complex plot, sardonic humor, and memorable characters may be the next best thing. Lawson has the ability to shade character and evoke meaningful descriptions as economically as possible. In twowords... more please." --"Baltimore Sun" "Thrilling enough to demand a sequel" -- "New York Daily News "