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Stone Barrington #63
Distant Thunder
Stone Barrington finds himself in hot water in this exhilarating adventure from the #1 New York Times bestselling author.
During an intense storm in Dark Harbor, Maine, a perplexing murder lands a dead man on Stone Barrington's doorstep. As secrets swirl around this mystery man's identity, Stone quickly sets out to unravel a web of cunning misdirections and lies.
Soon enough, he is embroiled in an elaborate game of cat and mouse between the CIA and nefarious foreign forces, including a bewitching new companion who comes under his protection. But when Stone's actions draw the attention of an old enemy, one who will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from getting out, Stone realizes he may have finally met his match.
During an intense storm in Dark Harbor, Maine, a perplexing murder lands a dead man on Stone Barrington's doorstep. As secrets swirl around this mystery man's identity, Stone quickly sets out to unravel a web of cunning misdirections and lies.
Soon enough, he is embroiled in an elaborate game of cat and mouse between the CIA and nefarious foreign forces, including a bewitching new companion who comes under his protection. But when Stone's actions draw the attention of an old enemy, one who will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from getting out, Stone realizes he may have finally met his match.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2022
1060 people are currently reading
901 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Woods
408 books3,220 followersStuart Woods was an American novelist best known for Chiefs and his long-running Stone Barrington series. A Georgia native, he initially pursued a career in advertising before relocating to England and Ireland, where he developed a passion for sailing. His love for the sport led him to write his first published work, Blue Water, Green Skipper, about his experiences in a transatlantic yacht race.
His debut novel, Chiefs, was inspired by a family story about his grandfather, a police chief. The book, a gripping crime saga spanning several decades, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and was later adapted into a television miniseries. It launched Woods' career as a novelist, leading to a prolific output of thrillers.
Woods' most famous creation, Stone Barrington, is a former NYPD detective turned high-profile lawyer who navigates elite circles while solving crimes. The series became a bestseller and remained a staple of his career, often featuring crossover characters from his other books, such as CIA operative Holly Barker and defense lawyer Ed Eagle.
Beyond writing, Woods was an experienced pilot and yachtsman. He maintained homes in Florida, Maine, and New Mexico, where he lived with his wife and their Labrador, Fred. His literary career spanned decades, with dozens of bestsellers to his name.
His debut novel, Chiefs, was inspired by a family story about his grandfather, a police chief. The book, a gripping crime saga spanning several decades, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and was later adapted into a television miniseries. It launched Woods' career as a novelist, leading to a prolific output of thrillers.
Woods' most famous creation, Stone Barrington, is a former NYPD detective turned high-profile lawyer who navigates elite circles while solving crimes. The series became a bestseller and remained a staple of his career, often featuring crossover characters from his other books, such as CIA operative Holly Barker and defense lawyer Ed Eagle.
Beyond writing, Woods was an experienced pilot and yachtsman. He maintained homes in Florida, Maine, and New Mexico, where he lived with his wife and their Labrador, Fred. His literary career spanned decades, with dozens of bestsellers to his name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 317 reviews
November 11, 2022
3.5 ⭐
A nor'easter hits Dark Harbor, Maine while Stone Barrington and POTUS Holly Barker are spending the Labor Day holiday at Stone's vacation home.
A murder occurred during the storm, the man identified as John Collins was with the CIA. Lance Cabot, CIA boss calls Stone and ask him not to move the body from the island but to store it in Stone's garage! John Collins' widow Vanessa wants to obtain a firsthand account of the death and visits Stone. He also provides advice on the financial of things. They become...friendly.
Book#63 is pretty good, not quite up to par with the last one but still has a good yarn. Spies, Russians, and traveling (New York, England, and Key West). Looking forward to the next (and last?).
A nor'easter hits Dark Harbor, Maine while Stone Barrington and POTUS Holly Barker are spending the Labor Day holiday at Stone's vacation home.
A murder occurred during the storm, the man identified as John Collins was with the CIA. Lance Cabot, CIA boss calls Stone and ask him not to move the body from the island but to store it in Stone's garage! John Collins' widow Vanessa wants to obtain a firsthand account of the death and visits Stone. He also provides advice on the financial of things. They become...friendly.
Book#63 is pretty good, not quite up to par with the last one but still has a good yarn. Spies, Russians, and traveling (New York, England, and Key West). Looking forward to the next (and last?).
October 17, 2022
There is a story here without being too offensive as the late Mr. Stone at times writes. A bit of bickering, but still okay. 6 of 10 stars
July 28, 2022
Distant Thunder was a fun and easy read.=ad. I have read all of the Stone Barrington series from the beginning. Stone Barrington is at his house in Dark Harbor, Maine with his girlfriend, Holly Barker, President of the United States. There is a bad storm which has kept them there. He is notified by his friend, Ed Rawls that there has been a murdered man found on the ferry shot twice. The man is John Collins, CIA. Holly calls Lance Cabot, head of CIA and asks him if he knew John Collins and is he suppose to be in Maine and that he has been killed. Lance says to put the body in Stone's garage. A helicopter comes to pick up the body. Joan Robertson tells Stone she thinks Lance knows more than he is saying.
A Vanessa Morgan comes to see Stone saying that she is John Collin's widow, She wanted to hear directly from Stone what he knows about John's death. She was told by a member of the CIA and given an envelope with information on how to claim John's insurance and pension. Stone's card was also in the envelope. The next day after having dinner with his friends, the Bacchettis, he was surprised to see John Collins widow paying for her dinner a the same restaurant, He invites her to his home for a night cap. Her business is seeing people's home for her magazine Indoors and Out. They discuss her situation, Stone's driver drives her home.
The next day two men from the F.B.I. come and ask questions about John Collins. Stone informs them that he has been murdered which they did not know. At this point the reader feels that it is some of Whose on First with the back and forth about who is John Collins. Through out the book there is much talk about John's background and Lance Cabot's evasiveness.
Stone,s boss, Bill Eggers calls Stone about the ad in the paper about John Collins death. He informs Stone that he and John had both attend NYU.
When discussing John Collins with Lance they decide that he was probably killed by the Russians, The man who they think is behind everything is Valery Majorov who is back in the United States.
Vanessa meets Stone at Patroon for dinner with Dino and Viv Bacchettis for dinner. Stone tells them that he received the ME's report on John saying that he was drunk. Vanessa was surprised as she said he never drank.
After dinner Vanessa comes back to Stone's house for a night cap which turns into an evening of pleasure
Because Lance thinks that the Russians might also be angry at Stone he suggests that he get away for awhile. Stone decides to go to England where he has a house and asks Vanessa if she would like to go. Also Lance decides to come. They stay there as well as go to London, When they go back to the states Stone meets Dino at P.J. Clarks. While waiting for Dino at the bar a beautiful woman sits down next to him. She introduces herself and sits with him and Dino. She excuses herself and goes to the ladies room. Dino tells Stone that the woman is a Russian is going to try to kill Stone. When she gets back to the table Dino arrests her but she escapes.
Vanessa meets him for dinner and tells him that John is alive. but they want to continue with his being dead. After meeting John he suggests that he go to Maine at his house there. He does until the Russians try to kill him and he leaves and goes into hiding.
Lance suggests again that Stone again go away. He decides to go to his home in Palm Beach. Dino and Vivian will be going as well as Vanessa.. When picking Vanessa up they see her luggage but she is not there. They go to her apartment and find a bloody body in the bathroom which they think is Vanessa. After dealing with the police Stone, Dino and Viv decide to still go to Palm Springs,
At this point the reader is bouncing back and forth with all that is going on It is a little slap stick with Lance Cabot in and out of the action The ending starts with Dino, Viv. Stone on board his boat. Stone discovers Vanessa's bag that must have been put in with their luggage. He has Viv open it and they find under some clothes they find money, a gun with a silencer and a bomb. Also a tracker. Lance arrives at the boat and he drugs Stone. When he wakes up he believes that he has seen Vanessa. Dino and Viv think he is hallucinating but to their surprise they see that she is alive. Stone believes that the dead body in her apartment was the Russian named Anna. Lance suggests that for their safety that they should be moving instead of remaining anchored. As they head back to Palm Beach they notice a trawler following them. The ending is slapstick with the Russians and Dino and Stone fighting each other with Stone using the bomb that blows up the trawler. When they get back to New York and debark Vanessa has already left. When Stone gets back to his house Lance gives him a letter from Vanessa telling him goodbye and that she will cease to exist. The ending mentions a date and Washington, CT. Is this a clue for the next book in the series?
Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for this ARC.
A Vanessa Morgan comes to see Stone saying that she is John Collin's widow, She wanted to hear directly from Stone what he knows about John's death. She was told by a member of the CIA and given an envelope with information on how to claim John's insurance and pension. Stone's card was also in the envelope. The next day after having dinner with his friends, the Bacchettis, he was surprised to see John Collins widow paying for her dinner a the same restaurant, He invites her to his home for a night cap. Her business is seeing people's home for her magazine Indoors and Out. They discuss her situation, Stone's driver drives her home.
The next day two men from the F.B.I. come and ask questions about John Collins. Stone informs them that he has been murdered which they did not know. At this point the reader feels that it is some of Whose on First with the back and forth about who is John Collins. Through out the book there is much talk about John's background and Lance Cabot's evasiveness.
Stone,s boss, Bill Eggers calls Stone about the ad in the paper about John Collins death. He informs Stone that he and John had both attend NYU.
When discussing John Collins with Lance they decide that he was probably killed by the Russians, The man who they think is behind everything is Valery Majorov who is back in the United States.
Vanessa meets Stone at Patroon for dinner with Dino and Viv Bacchettis for dinner. Stone tells them that he received the ME's report on John saying that he was drunk. Vanessa was surprised as she said he never drank.
After dinner Vanessa comes back to Stone's house for a night cap which turns into an evening of pleasure
Because Lance thinks that the Russians might also be angry at Stone he suggests that he get away for awhile. Stone decides to go to England where he has a house and asks Vanessa if she would like to go. Also Lance decides to come. They stay there as well as go to London, When they go back to the states Stone meets Dino at P.J. Clarks. While waiting for Dino at the bar a beautiful woman sits down next to him. She introduces herself and sits with him and Dino. She excuses herself and goes to the ladies room. Dino tells Stone that the woman is a Russian is going to try to kill Stone. When she gets back to the table Dino arrests her but she escapes.
Vanessa meets him for dinner and tells him that John is alive. but they want to continue with his being dead. After meeting John he suggests that he go to Maine at his house there. He does until the Russians try to kill him and he leaves and goes into hiding.
Lance suggests again that Stone again go away. He decides to go to his home in Palm Beach. Dino and Vivian will be going as well as Vanessa.. When picking Vanessa up they see her luggage but she is not there. They go to her apartment and find a bloody body in the bathroom which they think is Vanessa. After dealing with the police Stone, Dino and Viv decide to still go to Palm Springs,
At this point the reader is bouncing back and forth with all that is going on It is a little slap stick with Lance Cabot in and out of the action The ending starts with Dino, Viv. Stone on board his boat. Stone discovers Vanessa's bag that must have been put in with their luggage. He has Viv open it and they find under some clothes they find money, a gun with a silencer and a bomb. Also a tracker. Lance arrives at the boat and he drugs Stone. When he wakes up he believes that he has seen Vanessa. Dino and Viv think he is hallucinating but to their surprise they see that she is alive. Stone believes that the dead body in her apartment was the Russian named Anna. Lance suggests that for their safety that they should be moving instead of remaining anchored. As they head back to Palm Beach they notice a trawler following them. The ending is slapstick with the Russians and Dino and Stone fighting each other with Stone using the bomb that blows up the trawler. When they get back to New York and debark Vanessa has already left. When Stone gets back to his house Lance gives him a letter from Vanessa telling him goodbye and that she will cease to exist. The ending mentions a date and Washington, CT. Is this a clue for the next book in the series?
Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for this ARC.
October 12, 2022
It's Time for the Barrington Series to Come to a End,
SUMMARY
A dead man found on the ferry ends up packed on ice on the garage floor of Stone Barrington’s Dark Harbor, Maine home. The man had been shot in the head twice. He may have been a CIA Agent, but maybe not. The Russians may have been involved, but maybe not.
Barrington attempts to unravel the mystery of the man’s death and his identity. But the knots in the story are further tightened by the CIA Director and Barrington's friend Lance Cabot. When Barrington returns to his New York home, the dead man’s widow, Vanessa, soon pays him a visit. Barrington offers the grieving widow his condolences and his bed. He also helps Vanessa get her hands on the man’s off-shore accounts.
Harrington whisks Vanessa away to his estate in England when he feels they are being targeted by the same Russian operative who may have killed Vanessa’s husband. From there, they return to New York, only to flee the city once again while a female Russian operative sets her sites on Vanessa.
REVIEW
DISTANT THUNDER is the sixty-third book in the Stone Barrington series. Wow!The series started in 1991, and the number of books published per year escalated dramatically over the past ten years. Author Stuart Woods passed away earlier this year, and there will be at least one more book in series releasing in 2023.
I have read many of the Stone Barrington books in the past, and this one followed the same formula. Things have changed a lot in the past 30 plus years. I think it's definitely time for the series to come to an end. Hopefully, the sixty-fourth book will give us all some closure.
We have all grown up, and no long need Stone Barrington to swoop in with all his money and protect a damsel in distress. Barrington’s suave and irreverent character and his treatment of women may have been acceptable at one time, but not now. This scotch-drinking, ultra-rich boy’s club atmosphere is obnoxious.
The plot came across as slapstick comedy and reminded me of the old Abbott and Costello “Who's on First” act. Well, maybe it wasn't that funny, but when the dead man becomes alive, and a woman who is alive becomes dead and then alive again, it's just too much!
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher G. P. Putnam’s Sons
Published October 11, 2022
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
A dead man found on the ferry ends up packed on ice on the garage floor of Stone Barrington’s Dark Harbor, Maine home. The man had been shot in the head twice. He may have been a CIA Agent, but maybe not. The Russians may have been involved, but maybe not.
Barrington attempts to unravel the mystery of the man’s death and his identity. But the knots in the story are further tightened by the CIA Director and Barrington's friend Lance Cabot. When Barrington returns to his New York home, the dead man’s widow, Vanessa, soon pays him a visit. Barrington offers the grieving widow his condolences and his bed. He also helps Vanessa get her hands on the man’s off-shore accounts.
Harrington whisks Vanessa away to his estate in England when he feels they are being targeted by the same Russian operative who may have killed Vanessa’s husband. From there, they return to New York, only to flee the city once again while a female Russian operative sets her sites on Vanessa.
REVIEW
DISTANT THUNDER is the sixty-third book in the Stone Barrington series. Wow!The series started in 1991, and the number of books published per year escalated dramatically over the past ten years. Author Stuart Woods passed away earlier this year, and there will be at least one more book in series releasing in 2023.
I have read many of the Stone Barrington books in the past, and this one followed the same formula. Things have changed a lot in the past 30 plus years. I think it's definitely time for the series to come to an end. Hopefully, the sixty-fourth book will give us all some closure.
We have all grown up, and no long need Stone Barrington to swoop in with all his money and protect a damsel in distress. Barrington’s suave and irreverent character and his treatment of women may have been acceptable at one time, but not now. This scotch-drinking, ultra-rich boy’s club atmosphere is obnoxious.
The plot came across as slapstick comedy and reminded me of the old Abbott and Costello “Who's on First” act. Well, maybe it wasn't that funny, but when the dead man becomes alive, and a woman who is alive becomes dead and then alive again, it's just too much!
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher G. P. Putnam’s Sons
Published October 11, 2022
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
October 16, 2022
Probably the worst Stone Barrington book I’ve read. The first half was written like a really bad Marx Brothers conversation. Or Laurel and Hardy as I saw in some reviews. Then it turned to total crap. It’s really disappointing considering how good the previous book, Black Dog, was.
October 16, 2022
Stuart Woods, the award-winning author of over 90 novels, passed away in July. His fans will get to enjoy his work one last time thanks to the publication of DISTANT THUNDER, the 63rd installment in his popular Stone Barrington series.
The book opens in Dark Harbor, Maine, where one of Stone’s many houses is located. A former homicide detective, Stone is now an attorney, a consultant to the CIA and a fabulously wealthy man with connections to a number of governmental and industrial departments. His most important romantic relationship is with Holly Barker, his long-time paramour and President of the United States. Holly happens to be a guest for a few days at his home in Isleboro. As a nor’easter batters the island, a generator keeps Stone and his guests out of the dark.
During the storm, Ed Rawls --- a retired CIA operative and a friend of Stone --- informs him that a murder has been committed on the ferry to the island, and the victim is CIA officer John Collins. When the police arrive, Stone offers to house the dead man, who was shot in the head twice execution-style. The body is put in his garage and kept on ice until the weather calms down. He then will be transported to the medical examiner’s office at the morgue.
Upon his return to New York City, Stone is visited by Collins’ widow, Vanessa Morgan, who is now an incredibly rich woman. He gives her advice about her finances and who to contact for more details. Soon they end up in his bedroom and begin an affair. They go out to dinner with Stone’s old pal, Commissioner Dino Bacchetti, and his wife, Viv. Joining them is CIA director Lance Cabot, who is very sly to avoid sharing any information about Collins or what he was doing on the ferry. Did it have something to do with his job? And if so, what exactly?
Soon after this meeting, the news reaches everyone that Collins is indeed alive. His partner was the one who was shot, which readers learn very early in the novel. As the plot unfolds, Collins is in touch with Stone, who allows him to hide out in disguise at his house in Maine. It develops that the Russians are behind the murder and may have others on their hit list. Stone ultimately crosses paths with an old nemesis and realizes that he may have finally met his match.
The suspense is intense, and the narrative will capture readers’ attention. As always, Stuart Woods’ characters are well limned, and the dialogue is impressively realistic. Stone Barrington is a complex yet likable character, and DISTANT THUNDER will please both newcomers and fans of the series.
Reviewed by Barbara Lipkien Gershenbaum
The book opens in Dark Harbor, Maine, where one of Stone’s many houses is located. A former homicide detective, Stone is now an attorney, a consultant to the CIA and a fabulously wealthy man with connections to a number of governmental and industrial departments. His most important romantic relationship is with Holly Barker, his long-time paramour and President of the United States. Holly happens to be a guest for a few days at his home in Isleboro. As a nor’easter batters the island, a generator keeps Stone and his guests out of the dark.
During the storm, Ed Rawls --- a retired CIA operative and a friend of Stone --- informs him that a murder has been committed on the ferry to the island, and the victim is CIA officer John Collins. When the police arrive, Stone offers to house the dead man, who was shot in the head twice execution-style. The body is put in his garage and kept on ice until the weather calms down. He then will be transported to the medical examiner’s office at the morgue.
Upon his return to New York City, Stone is visited by Collins’ widow, Vanessa Morgan, who is now an incredibly rich woman. He gives her advice about her finances and who to contact for more details. Soon they end up in his bedroom and begin an affair. They go out to dinner with Stone’s old pal, Commissioner Dino Bacchetti, and his wife, Viv. Joining them is CIA director Lance Cabot, who is very sly to avoid sharing any information about Collins or what he was doing on the ferry. Did it have something to do with his job? And if so, what exactly?
Soon after this meeting, the news reaches everyone that Collins is indeed alive. His partner was the one who was shot, which readers learn very early in the novel. As the plot unfolds, Collins is in touch with Stone, who allows him to hide out in disguise at his house in Maine. It develops that the Russians are behind the murder and may have others on their hit list. Stone ultimately crosses paths with an old nemesis and realizes that he may have finally met his match.
The suspense is intense, and the narrative will capture readers’ attention. As always, Stuart Woods’ characters are well limned, and the dialogue is impressively realistic. Stone Barrington is a complex yet likable character, and DISTANT THUNDER will please both newcomers and fans of the series.
Reviewed by Barbara Lipkien Gershenbaum
July 4, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Stone Barrington is at his home on the Maine island when a murder is committed. But it is not the man 🚹 who is identified. Who is it? Where is the man 🚹? The widow shows up ☝ at Stone's Turtle Bay Office and becomes Stone's client. The two of them travel in an attempt to keep her safe. It all comes together in Key West. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀😯👒⛵
Stone Barrington is at his home on the Maine island when a murder is committed. But it is not the man 🚹 who is identified. Who is it? Where is the man 🚹? The widow shows up ☝ at Stone's Turtle Bay Office and becomes Stone's client. The two of them travel in an attempt to keep her safe. It all comes together in Key West. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀😯👒⛵
November 25, 2022
As I’ve written before about the latest Stone novels, they would be a better read if advertised as a comedy novel. What a mess this one was! Having read all of the Stone books since the first I find it interesting that there has been absolutely no character growth since around the 30th novel and wonder why; after all we all grow and change. According to Google, Stone is in his late 70’s possibly 80 but still acting the same as when the series began. The sexual ventures have become boring and the writing and dialogue was amateurish and at times seemed written by a very, very amateur writer. It’s definitely time for this series to come to an end and hopefully that’s the case with the last novel Woods wrote prior to his death – I understand it’s due out on 2023. As for this one – absolutely horrid.
September 23, 2022
As uber-rich New York attorney Stone Barrington enjoys an, um, relaxing time at his Dark Harbor, Maine, home accompanied by none other than U.S. President Holly Barker, he gets some disturbing news: there's a dead guy on his property. When it turns out to be CIA agent John Collins and he was murdered, the whole thing turns into a chase to the finish line that Stone just might not live long enough to win.
Well, don't be silly; of course he'll live to see another day - he's the star of this now 63-book series, after all - but there's no shortage of action that brings his life into question. Playing a Central role here, so to speak, is old friend and CIA chief Lance Cabot, who enters the subsequent investigation but is surprisingly tight-lipped about the details. Soon thereafter, the victim's ex-wife, Vanessa, pays a visit, wanting details of his death and how she can claim her rightful share of what may be a small fortune. One discussion leads to another and, as luck would have it, Holly has already left to run the country from Washington, D.C., so naturally Stone is happy to have a relaxation buddy once again.
Back in New York, Stone meets up with good friend and NYPD chief Dino Bacchetti and his wife Viv for dinner - a regular happening - and to share the case's perplexing details. Surprise - here comes Vanessa again, in the mood to relax once again. A new detail is added to the investigation, though, that takes it to a whole 'nother level and prompts Stone to head back to Maine with Vanessa in tow. That changes quickly when it becomes apparent that Stone himself is slated for victimhood, prompting him to head for his property in London, Vanessa once again in tow. There, too, Stone's presence is detected by the bad guys, prompting yet another move to his Palm Springs yacht (yes, with Vanessa in tow). This time, though, the conflict gets very real, with an exciting chase that blows out all the stops.
Of course, plenty happens in between all these relocations, including a ton more food and relaxation and progress in the investigation. All in all, it's another fun romp and a quick read (I finished it in roughly four hours). Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the pre-release copy to be read and reviewed.
Well, don't be silly; of course he'll live to see another day - he's the star of this now 63-book series, after all - but there's no shortage of action that brings his life into question. Playing a Central role here, so to speak, is old friend and CIA chief Lance Cabot, who enters the subsequent investigation but is surprisingly tight-lipped about the details. Soon thereafter, the victim's ex-wife, Vanessa, pays a visit, wanting details of his death and how she can claim her rightful share of what may be a small fortune. One discussion leads to another and, as luck would have it, Holly has already left to run the country from Washington, D.C., so naturally Stone is happy to have a relaxation buddy once again.
Back in New York, Stone meets up with good friend and NYPD chief Dino Bacchetti and his wife Viv for dinner - a regular happening - and to share the case's perplexing details. Surprise - here comes Vanessa again, in the mood to relax once again. A new detail is added to the investigation, though, that takes it to a whole 'nother level and prompts Stone to head back to Maine with Vanessa in tow. That changes quickly when it becomes apparent that Stone himself is slated for victimhood, prompting him to head for his property in London, Vanessa once again in tow. There, too, Stone's presence is detected by the bad guys, prompting yet another move to his Palm Springs yacht (yes, with Vanessa in tow). This time, though, the conflict gets very real, with an exciting chase that blows out all the stops.
Of course, plenty happens in between all these relocations, including a ton more food and relaxation and progress in the investigation. All in all, it's another fun romp and a quick read (I finished it in roughly four hours). Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the pre-release copy to be read and reviewed.
October 26, 2022
pure drivel
Why did I waste my time🤨. Fortunately skipped about half the book and didn’t miss a thing. I feel sorry for anyone who actually paid money for this garbage.
Why did I waste my time🤨. Fortunately skipped about half the book and didn’t miss a thing. I feel sorry for anyone who actually paid money for this garbage.
November 9, 2022
Same old Stone Barrington: jump into bed with various people, get shot at by Russians and flit to his various homes; same story he's had in several books. Tiresome!
October 13, 2022
This is the last one of these I am ever reading. The series started out fun and action packed with a story line. They are now disjointed, same story different girl, and little development. Many questions are left hanging. All end abruptly as if he got tired of writing and just quit.
November 7, 2022
Same old crap revisited
The only thing missing was the tail numbers on the aircraft. Only an moron would slog through this pap with interest.
The only thing missing was the tail numbers on the aircraft. Only an moron would slog through this pap with interest.
October 9, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Stone Barrington is a smart-ass. He is also EXTREMELY wealthy and knows EVERYONE worth knowing. His acquaintances range from the US President to the NYPD Commissioner, to the Head of the CIA.
This book begins as Stone is spending some time at his home in Maine when a huge thunderstorm hits and everyone is on edge, not knowing exactly what is happening. Then a body is found on the ferry from the mainland, which has not run for several days because of the storm. The body is that of a CIA operative who was not known to be in the area, so the CIA asks for Stone's help in finding out why he was there and who killed him. This leads to the "almost" ex-wife of the dead man, who eventually is also murdered.
The action ranges from Maine to NYC to Key West to out in the ocean, but the rapid-fire dialogue keeps the story moving even when NO ONE seems to know what is happening, least of all the reader!!
It's a good, fast read and very entertaining.
Stone Barrington is a smart-ass. He is also EXTREMELY wealthy and knows EVERYONE worth knowing. His acquaintances range from the US President to the NYPD Commissioner, to the Head of the CIA.
This book begins as Stone is spending some time at his home in Maine when a huge thunderstorm hits and everyone is on edge, not knowing exactly what is happening. Then a body is found on the ferry from the mainland, which has not run for several days because of the storm. The body is that of a CIA operative who was not known to be in the area, so the CIA asks for Stone's help in finding out why he was there and who killed him. This leads to the "almost" ex-wife of the dead man, who eventually is also murdered.
The action ranges from Maine to NYC to Key West to out in the ocean, but the rapid-fire dialogue keeps the story moving even when NO ONE seems to know what is happening, least of all the reader!!
It's a good, fast read and very entertaining.
October 23, 2022
Stone is in Dark Harbor, Maine and while there ends up at his doorstep. The mans identity still hasn't been figured out but that doesn't keep Stone from investigating his murder. Each new clue that he finds leads him in a different direction and he soon becomes mixed up r the CIA and a foreign agency. Meanwhile an old enemy of Stones is set to keep him from finding out the answers he seeks. He is determined to keep him from the truth and will stop.at nothing to keep him in the dark. Has Stone finally met his match or will he prove to be the smarter of the two in the end?
September 24, 2023
Quick and easy read, nothing remarkable.
November 22, 2022
Stone Barrington is at it again. A dead man on a ferry is moved to Stone's garage and put on ice. No one knows who he is but Stone thinks he might be CIA. He is contacted by the man's wife who is no help. Will Stone figure it out or will he become a target also?
October 10, 2022
I have read several Stuart Woods books in the past and thought I would try this one. I have to say if you have read one of his recent books, you have read them all. This reads like a Laurel and Hardy act for a while and then it goes into writing that high school boys would enjoy. I could not finish, there are too many good books out there.
This is my own review and not based on a free ARC from NetGalley and Putnam Publishing.
This is my own review and not based on a free ARC from NetGalley and Putnam Publishing.
December 18, 2022
3 and 3/4 stars ⭐️ I completed my 2022’s Reading Challenge by reading 100 books 📚 and still have 2 weeks left to go! It’s ironic that it was my favorite author (Stuart Woods) who has since passed away this year and there is only 1 book left to be published that he wrote before his death 😭
September 15, 2022
I've read all of the Stone Barrington series and this one kept my interest as the pages turned! Always good to have familiar characters to follow along with!
October 5, 2022
I already miss Woods. This latest in the very long running series featuring Stone Barrington, the suave and rich attorney who is the romantic partner of the President of the US, the BFF of Dino Branchetti is filled with the same implausible derring do and romantic entanglements as those which come before it but you know what- it's fun. Stone is with the President when John Collins, a CIA officer, is found murdered on the ferry and Lance Cabot, Director of CIA and another pal, is being very tightlipped. Not so Vanessa, John's widow who begins a dance of sorts with Stone that leads to a confrontation with- wait for it- and evil Russian. I like this series more than I should but I admit to enjoying the fact that Stone and company eat (and drink) at the same (real) NYC restaurants, that they are committed to helping one another, and that the good guys (and women) always win. The mystery of what happened to Collins is as twisty as you want in this sort of novel. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. A fast entertaining read that occasionally made me laugh out loud.
October 20, 2022
Stone Barrington is at his home in Maine during a heavy storm. While he is there a man is shot with two bullets to the head. Stone is asked to hold the body on ice in his garage until someone can pick it up.
Lies and deceptions involving a CIA man and Russians who are after him and therefore Stone as well.
A beautiful assassin and lots of games from the CIA director, Lance Cabot.
Offset with typical humor and adventure!
Lies and deceptions involving a CIA man and Russians who are after him and therefore Stone as well.
A beautiful assassin and lots of games from the CIA director, Lance Cabot.
Offset with typical humor and adventure!
July 11, 2022
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Another installment in the Stone Barrington series. It reads along the lines of the previous stories, still enjoyable. Murder, mystery, intrigue, if you’re a fan you’ll enjoy.
Another installment in the Stone Barrington series. It reads along the lines of the previous stories, still enjoyable. Murder, mystery, intrigue, if you’re a fan you’ll enjoy.
November 2, 2022
Stone Barrington is back once more with a story that takes us from New York City to rural Maine, England and Key West, Florida. It starts with the murder of a CI operative in Maine but gets off-track when that operative is found alive. It progresses to the death of that CIA operative's ex-wife but, surprise surprise, the ex-wife is actually alive. I'm afraid that figuring out the plot of this one was a little beyond me, but one is drawn, nevertheless, to the standard Stuart Woods' elements of watching how the oh-so-rich live and spend their money. Stuart Woods died in September of this year so I believe we're close to the end of these stories.
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April 11, 2023I love Stone Barrington. He is a good man when your back is against the wall and even when it's not. In this story an old enemy resurfaces along with a mysterious man who happens to be found dead on the Maine ferry with two bullets to the back of the head. Sounds like a hit to me. And it was. But who was it, and is who it was really who got hit?
Lance Cabot, director of the CIA (and not someone I care for overmuch), is as cryptic as ever. It is difficult to catch Stone unaware, but it happens more than once in the story, which makes him even more likable because it's not every day when you catch Stone off guard.
I read this in one day. Stuart Woods' books are an easy read.
Lance Cabot, director of the CIA (and not someone I care for overmuch), is as cryptic as ever. It is difficult to catch Stone unaware, but it happens more than once in the story, which makes him even more likable because it's not every day when you catch Stone off guard.
I read this in one day. Stuart Woods' books are an easy read.
December 13, 2022
Typical Stone Barrington antics. A short continuation. At 258 pages it was a very quick read.
February 2, 2023
Solid 3.5 Stone Barrington. Enjoyable and quick.
September 28, 2022
In this book Stone finds himself at his home in Maine. He and Holly ride out a severe thunderstorm and are informed that there is a dead body that was found on the ferry. It soon becomes clear that Lance Cabot is somehow involved in this, though he claims no knowledge. Stone then finds himself needing protection since the Russians have decided to target him again. Luckily he has Dino and Viv to help him at points. He finds himself fleeing to England and then back to NY. When things are still hot, he goes to Key West. It seems that the Russians are aware of what he is doing and he finds himself constantly under attack. There were several times where his common sense seemed to leave him and it could have been deadly. The book was entertaining. However, I did have an issue with the same unbelievable thing happening not once, but twice in the book. It was a bit beyond belief and I wondered why it was necessary. I won't say what happened because I think you need to read the book to find out for yourself. Overall a good book and it definitely was in keeping with the other books in this series. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
October 5, 2022
I've enjoyed books in this series in the past, but I think its getting to be about that time to retire the series.
This book was a fast read, what I like to describe as "empty book calories", perfect beach read or a way to kill a rainy afternoon. I think Stone's character is getting to be repetitive and cliche, and for some reason, in this book he was more crass than usual, which turned me away.
CIA, check. Murder victim in Stone's orbit, check. Sleeping with the President, then the murder victim's ex-wife, check. Multiple dinners with Dino, check. Pop-up interactions with Lance Cabot, check. Nothing really wrong with the book as long as you're ok with the formulaic style. Curl up with an adult beverage, in front of a fire and enjoy!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
This book was a fast read, what I like to describe as "empty book calories", perfect beach read or a way to kill a rainy afternoon. I think Stone's character is getting to be repetitive and cliche, and for some reason, in this book he was more crass than usual, which turned me away.
CIA, check. Murder victim in Stone's orbit, check. Sleeping with the President, then the murder victim's ex-wife, check. Multiple dinners with Dino, check. Pop-up interactions with Lance Cabot, check. Nothing really wrong with the book as long as you're ok with the formulaic style. Curl up with an adult beverage, in front of a fire and enjoy!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
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