What happens when a charming American businessman gets arrested in Singapore for drug trafficking after allegedly carrying marijuana gummies through the airport? What happens when the penalties include years in prison and the terrifying possibility of caning? And what happens when his family insists he was set up?
Those are the questions at the center of The Pawn.
Television reporter Pete Lemaster is just trying to survive another day in the newsroom when his old college friend Cole calls with shocking news. Cole’s uncle, Scott “Uncle Scotty” Wilkins, has been arrested overseas. Scotty is charismatic, adventurous, flirtatious, and the kind of man who seems to collect stories everywhere he goes. He is also suddenly at the center of an international media firestorm.
As Pete begins covering the story, the case explodes online. Public fascination with Uncle Scotty grows by the hour. Women around the world become captivated by the handsome businessman caught in a nightmare abroad. Cable news jumps on the story. Social media turns it into obsession. Everyone has an opinion.
And Pete quickly realizes this is not just another news story. The deeper he digs, the stranger everything becomes.
Together with Rebecca Dawes, a sharp public information officer with the sheriff’s department and Pete’s romantic interest, Pete follows the investigation all the way to Singapore. There, they begin peeling back layers of deception involving ex-lovers, angry husbands, suspicious business dealings, and even an OnlyFans model who may know more than she admits.
Every suspect seems believable. Every answer creates new questions.
At its core, The Pawn is about manipulation, perception, and the dangerous gap between public narrative and reality. In a world where viral attention can turn someone into a hero or villain overnight, Pete Lemaster finds himself chasing something increasingly difficult to uncover: the truth.
Fans of intelligent thrillers, fast-paced investigations, newsroom intrigue, and layered mysteries will find plenty to enjoy. Whether you are already familiar with Pete Lemaster from The Bystander or meeting him for the first time, The Pawn drops you directly into a story that refuses to sit still.
Because in this game, somebody is always making moves behind the scenes.
The real question is who.
About the Author
John David is an award-winning mystery novelist whose work combines sharp storytelling with an eye for human complexity. His debut novel, The Bystander, received widespread critical acclaim and earned the 2025 Page Turner Award for Best Mystery. Before turning to fiction, John built a successful career as a public relations and crisis communications consultant, advising executives and organizations on high-stakes issues. When not working or writing, he enjoys fishing, talking about politics, and following the Florida Gators. He and his beautiful wife, Pamela, live in Pinecrest, Florida. Follow me on Bluesky.
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