M. A. Lawson

M. A. Lawson is the author of nine novels in the Joe DeMarco thriller series (writing as Mike Lawson) and the newly released Rosarito Beach.

Recently I asked the author about what he was reading. Lawson's reply:

Not long ago I finished Martin Cruz Smith’s Tatiana and I’m currently reading Michael Connelly’s The Gods of Guilt. Both authors are obviously great based on their popularity alone, but I couldn’t help but be struck by the stark difference in writing styles. Smith’s plots are never straightforward. He dishes out information in bits and pieces so you’re always trying to catch up with where the book is going. His protagonist, Arkady Renko, is unique and quirky, and I love this character. With Connelly, his protagonist, Mickey Haller, is more down to earth – you can see him as a “real” person – and the plots of Connelly’s books – although filled with twists and turns – are not told in the down-the-rabbit hole style used by Smith. But what I’m always amazed by in Connelly’s books is the effort he makes to explain the legal and police procedural stuff, and you just know he got it exactly right. I’m sure Mr. Smith does a lot of research on his books as well, but with Connelly, you can literally see the sweat he puts into getting all his facts straight. Anyway, two successful writers with totally different styles, yet both are a pleasure to read.

Visit Mike Lawson's website.

--Marshal Zeringue