MAIN STREET FRINGE

Detective Theo Barnes has the world figured out, even knowing it’s a fixed game. Do your job well. Protect your family. Steer clear of the system.

Until his sting operation brings down a powerful state Senator. Doing the right thing thrusts him over a line you can’t cross, and the system bites back—hard.

His career…over. Reputation…obliterated. The truth…beyond reach.

Amidst the rubble, a clandestine cabal of conspiracy fanatics hell-bent on annihilating the “true power” behind America anoint Barnes as a symbol of their own plight. They perceive Barnes as one of them, abused by society and martyred by the Deep State.

Failing to infiltrate these zealots, the FBI turns to Barnes for help. Desperate for answers and redemption, he reluctantly agrees to go undercover—using the most dangerous identity possible: his own.

Real life and the investigation blur, and Barnes’ impossible choices drag his family into the crosshairs. Every move, every word, contains unspeakable danger. As the cabal’s atrocities collide with the conspiracy that destroyed him, he must separate lies from truth, or he won’t survive.

His quest for salvation rests on one question. How much of his soul must a man give to save not just his family, but the country?

. . .

"Rapid-fire, boldly political, and filled with twists and turns, Main Street Fringe is a page-turning thriller that reminded me of Stephen Hunter's golden age." 

~ Jordan Harper, Edgar Award-winning author of A Violent Masterpiece

and Everybody Knows

“Main Street Fringe is a deep and thrilling dive into the dark heart of the current political climate—made all the more terrifying by Matthew Lavoie's experience in Washington. This guy knows what he's talking about, he knows where the bodies are buried... and that makes this a must-read.” 

~ Rob Hart, USA Today bestselling author of The Warehouse

and the Assassins Anonymous Series

“Matthew Lavoie’s Main Street Fringe is an exciting and ambitious debut that is both character and plot-driven, detective investigation, and political tale. From page one, this book moves.” 

~ Henry Wise, Edgar Award-winning author of Holy City

“Embroiled in conspiracy and betrayal, this sharp-paced thriller climaxes when brotherhood reaches a bitter and fatal flashpoint and two worlds collide into one. Engrossing and timely.” 

~ David Swinson, author of The Second Girl

“Main Street Fringe had me in its grip from the opening pages and never let go. A timely take on political culture in this country, Lavoie has used his D.C. background to write a twisty thriller that crackles with authenticity. Don’t miss this stellar debut.” 

~ Joshua Moehling, USA Today bestselling author of And There He Kept Her

and A Long Time Gone