When TV reporter Pete Lemaster gets an after-hours call from a college friend, he doesn’t expect it to catapult him into another big story in his reporting career. Scott “Uncle Scotty” Wilkins—a globe-trotting, charismatic businessman—has been arrested at a Singapore airport with enough drugs to guarantee a life sentence. The case explodes into an international spectacle. Viral images of Scotty charm the public, fuel conspiracy theories, and attract opportunists eager to profit from the scandal. For Pete, it’s personal—he owes the family a favor. But pursuing the truth could compromise his career. Teaming up with police lieutenant Rebecca Dawes, Pete follows a trail that leads from glossy boardrooms to Singapore’s prisons. Every clue exposes another enemy: betrayed lovers, vengeful spouses, shady investors, and rivals with millions at stake. But the closer Pete gets to uncovering who framed his friend, the more he realizes he may be the next pawn in a deadly game of deception. If you enjoy journalist-sleuth mysteries like The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo , you’ll be hooked on The Lemaster Files! "Fast-paced yet purposeful, The Pawn explores timely themes of media influence and the fragility of truth in the digital age." - Best Thriller Books " The Pawn is the follow-up to this author's first novel, The Bystander , featuring reporter Pete Lemaster. I loved the first book, and this one was no exception. The pacing, dialogue, and banter keep the reader engaged in the story. There were many times I did not want to put the book down." - Mystery Review Crew " The Pawn is a stellar sequel to The Bystander ... The book is written with the perfect level of detail and pacing, resulting in an immersive experience. In reading the book, I was zipped away on this zany and captivating narrative." - Leaf Bound Review "A great premise that really hits home given the implications associated with drug-smuggling in Singapore and other Asian destinations. The setup is very plausible and the dialogue really on point. The narrative is given a very clear direction from the beginning and for that reason, the momentum gathers pace and never let's up." -- 2026 Page Turner Awards John David writes "ripped-from-the-headlines" mysteries layered with gripping thriller elements. His debut novel,  The Bystander , the first installment in The Lemaster Files, earned critical acclaim in the United States and abroad. The book was named a 2025 BestThrillers Book Awards finalist, shortlisted for the 2025 Page Turner Award and winner in the mystery genre, selected as a finalist for the Storytrade Award in the mystery category, and longlisted for the 2023 BPA First Novel Award.   His second novel in the series, The Pawn , continues the story of television reporter Pete Lemaster as he unravels an international mystery filled with political intrigue, conspiracy theories, and an unflinching look at how modern media shapes our culture.   John David's novels are available in all major formats. The Lemaster Files series will be released in audiobook format by Tantor Audio, beginning in 2026.