Two Dollar Bill

Stone Barrington #11

by Stuart Woods

Two-Dollar Bill delivers all the storytelling twists and whip-smart banter readers have come to love in a Stuart Woods' thriller, as suave Manhattan cop-turned-lawyer Stone Barrington is back on his home turf.

His turf is New York City, from Elaine's Restaurant to Broadway, with a little side-trip to Connecticut to be safe, as we find Stone caught between a filthy rich conman – who's just become his client – and a beautiful prosecutor.

Librarian's note: the characters, settings, etc. for the first 30 books in the series are complete: #1, New York Dead, 1991; #2, Dirt, 1996; #3, Dead in the Water, 1997; #4, Swimming to Catalina, 1998; #5, Worst Fears Realized, 1999; #6, L.A. Dead, 2000; #7, Cold Paradise, 2001; #8, The Short Forever, 2002; #9, Dirty Work, 2003; #10, Reckless Abandon, 2004; #11, Two Dollar Bill, 2004; #12. Dark Harbor, 2006; #13, Fresh Disasters, 2007; #14, Shoot Him if He Runs, 2007; #15, Hot Mahogany, 2008; #16, Loitering with Intent, 2009; #17, Kisser, 2009; #18, Lucid Intervals, 2010; #19, Strategic Moves, 2010; #20, Bel-Air Dead, 2011; #21, Son of Stone, 2011; #22, D.C. Dead, 2011; #23, Unnatural Acts, 2012; #24, Severe Clear, 2012; #25, Collateral Damage, 2012; #26, Unintended Consequences, 2013; #27, Doing Hard Time, 2013; #28, Standup Guy, 2014; #29, Carnal Curiosity, 2014, and #30, Cut & Thrust, 2014.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Audiobook

359 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 10, 2004

About the author

Stuart 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.

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series! (paperback!)

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

From earlier times (2005) before the late Stuart Woods turned Barrington into a juvenile acting horn dog and scribed a good story. 8 of 10 stars

[Jack Heath · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars. I had a good time, as I've come to expect with Stone Barrington and friends, but it seemed more over-the-top in unbelievability than usual. Always a fast and easy read, and I like that. And fun. But a helicopter piloted by an untrained Barrington with a madman on board just above Times Square reminded me of James Bond not Stone. Our man in New York enjoys the finer things in life like wine, oops Knob Creek bourbon, women and an evening at Elaine's, or someplace similar, even more than that British spy. But less of the drama. Yet there are similarities; important international intrigue is at the core of this 11th entry in the series. Bill Eggers of Stone's law firm is always looking for rich clients. Again, he urges a new one on Stone, this time a Texan going by the name of Billy Bob Barnstormer. With a name like that, wouldn't you be suspicious? Stone and Dino Bacchetti of the NYPD were, but not enough. Soon Billy Bob is raising eyebrows as he tips waiters with $2 bills which, in the US, are as rare as a Stone Barrington wedding announcement! Lance Cabot of the CIA and the new and lovely US Attorney for New York, Tiffany Baldwin, add to the cast. (Oc2022/Oc2025)

[Jerry B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent enough Barrington, twisty suspense / entertainment!

Maybe the most obvious thing to say, especially to those like us that have read every book in Woods' growing bibliography, including all the Stone Barrington series, is that this one is as predictably good as most of them. While sometimes our playboy sleuth's antics are just too good to be true, his friendly band of regulars - Dino, Elaine, Lance Cabot (CIA), ex- Arrington, and a new love interest, NY ADA Tiffany Baldwin - help conspire to make "$2 Bill" a fun read. Even the villain, Texas con artist Billy Bob Barnstormer, who spreads around two-dollar bills (hence the title) like they were pennies, has so many aliases and concurrent schemes going on that there's rarely a dull moment. Bill's attempt to cast suspicion on Stone by slaying a hooker while spending a night in Stone's house didn't really generate much suspense, but the multiple identity Billy Bob keeps law enforcement and Stone hopping to even figure out who's who half the time. An appearance by Stone's old lover Arrington Calder did heat up things near novel's end, in a couple of ways (!), and frankly the ending was both a little surprising and satisfying.

Many feel Woods' books have descended into straight formula work, though we feel the Holly Barker stories (she gets a few brief mentions herein) have a fresh feel to them. With the Barrington set running a dozen or so tales, it's tough to get too creative - but then we pretty much know what has to happen anyway! Enjoy!

[Joanne Farley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stone really should stop leaving the house, I am really how much trouble can one man get into? There is nothing startling new in this addition to the series and that is anther reason I read it. I know exactly what I am going to get. Stone gets into trouble, Stone beds the girl and Dino assists Stone to clean up the mess. This series is fun and Two Dollar bill continues that trend.

[ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh this story was bizarre and totally implausible but it’s fiction so who cares right?!? Meh.

Arrington is back and zero gets resolved. She’s THE most annoying character of the series even worse than Holly 😬😬

The next book is a Holly book.. meh I know it will be bad but I’ll read it anyway ugh 😑

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Automatic deduction of a star for the inclusion of stupid Arrington. Also I wish Mr. Woods would find a new copy editor. Whoever he is using is not great.

[Kathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another "light" (mindless) Stone Barrington adventure.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very engaging one day, pull me along quick read which is exactly what I was looking for a rainy day. Predictable? Yes. Somewhat ludicrous in the scenarios? Yes. I like the speed at which Stone works through his 'adventures' with Two Dollar Bill aka Billy Bob aka Ronald Peeples, etc. So much happens so quickly and is a bit over the top which is perfect. Stone has his love interest, gets shot at a few times, gets in jams, escapes, gets in more tight spots and finagles his way through them (of course).
Recommend for new or returning fans of the Stone Barrington series or of Stuart Woods in general. I hadn't read him in years; always enjoyed his stories.

[Gary Gallucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this eleventh book of the Stone Barrington series, someone is out to kill Stone. What's new, right? This possible assassin is well trained and seems to have unlimited resources at his disposal. Most of the story deals with Stone trying to figure out who this guy is and why he wants him dead. What happens in the latter part of the book defies believability and perhaps goes a bit too far. That was my biggest issue. Still, lots of excitement, along with Stone's seemingly unquenchable sexual appetite.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good addition to this series. Easy to read, flows well, stereotypical and dated in places…but enjoyable nonetheless.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suspend all belief and enjoy the crazy ride.

[Barbara Happes]

This one was not so suspenseful as the pals didn't plan properly for their status in various armed forces. I saw things would occur before they caught on.

[William · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was just too much (or too little, depending on how you look at it)! It was, once again, more of the same. One, Stone is like a traffic cop, trying to manage all the beautiful woman that seem to flock to him like flies to honey. Two, someone hires him and involves him in some hard to believe plot and three, Stone manages to extricate himself from a situation that would have certainly killed any mere mortal. And there are 53 more of these books?!?!?! I will read a few more (why? - I don't know) but I have a feeling that I will pass Stone [pun intended] very soon.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bill Eggers, the managing partner of the law firm that uses Stone Barrington for several of its “dicier” cases appears one night at Elaine’s (Barrington’s go-to restaurant) and approaches the table where Stone is sitting with best friend and NYC Detective Dino Bacchetti. Bill introduces Billy Bob Barnstormer, who has been referred to the firm by a Texas lawyer. While Stone takes an instant disliking to his new client, he agrees to represent him when pressured by Eggers and when presented with a $50,000 retainer (since, as often is the case, his firm is running low on funds). As soon as the check is deposited, matters begin to head south. Stone is talked into letting Billy Bob stay as his home, which becomes the first clue that Billy Bob in not who he says he is when a dead girl is found in Stone’s extra bedroom and Billy Bob has left town. Stone finally does some research on his new client and discovers that Billy Bob may or may not be his real name - he has several other identities that he apparently uses. At the same time, Stone is philandering (if that is a word, but clearly describes the main character throughout the series) with Tiffany Baldwin, the new US Attorney for New York. She wants in on the case, which expands to include Lance Cabot, a senior official of the CIA, who has his own reasons for finding Billy Bob or whoever he is. As with most of the books in this series, there is plenty of action and plenty of humor. This is the 11th book in the series (#57 is due out in March), and one of the best in terms of storyline that I have read. I continue on my mission to read (or listen to as these books are good to listen to as well) all of the books in the series, but I have a long way to go.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action!!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Capitol Crimes I thought I would really like this book by the same author. Instead, the author throws the whole Alphabet Soup of our Criminal Justice System in a show of incompetence beyond belief, after the most farcical antagonist. The protagonist is always just one step behind with coincidental witnesses coming forward from nowhere at exactly the right moment with important information. So it just seemed slapped together like the author was just calling it in, instead of doing the actual work of making the book fun without all the improbabilities, the gratuitous sex, and misogynistic tendency of the writer and characters. I was severely disappointed with this book, I gave it 2 stars because I finished it, but I won't keep it or recommend it.

[Bill Hooten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the stories that Stuart Woods tells; and I know it is just me, but I wish he would just leave part(s) of it out. That is all I will say about that, and I will get off my soapbox. I think Stuart Woods writes some entertaining, fun, suspenseful stories that will draw you in, and hanging on to the very end. He writes the kind of books that are hard to put down. As I was reading this, when I read about "Two Dollar Bill" I kept thinking of the role that Jimmy Dean played in the James Bond movie. I like the regulars Stone, Dino, Elaine, and the rotation of supporting characters. Read this book in one day, and really enjoyed it.

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone Barrington and his ex-detective partner, Dino, continue to dine at Elaine's restaurant for dinners. Stone is hired by a quacky new character, Billy Bob Barnstormer, who pulls the wool over his eyes and deceives him. Stone becomes sexually involved with a States Attorney, Tiffany Baldwin, and one of their sexual interludes is broadcast on the internet for all to see. It's a fast-paced, easy to read book.

[Paula Galvan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dino and Stone wind up in trouble again (not surprising) yet Stone manages to eat, drink, and have lots of sex, which is normal for him. The plot of this book seemed more than a little unrealistic. Billy Bob is such an all-around, perfect criminal it boggles the mind. But, of course, Stone (with a little help from his NYPD and CIA pals) puts the bad guy down...again. Spoiler alert...he finally finds out that Peter is his son.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remember why I don't read Stuart Woods. Stone Barrington has got to be the dumbest investigator ever. I had this pegged from the beginning, but just kept going because I had nothing else to listen to. The reader was good, but the characters certainly aren't the brightest lights on the law enforcement holiday tree...

[Joseph Reto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuart Woods is a very good author! He incorporates dysfunctional characters at multiple levels while building suspense! Perpetrator in this book has multiple aliases and kills people in a flash! Stone Barrington is a lawyer whose clients often lead him to compromising situations! As improbable as the circumstances seem Woods stories are plausible!

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was lacking. I like Elaine and the added sub plot along with her scenery, but it was a little off.

`Two Dollar Bill' is probably my least favorite Barrington novel yet. Sometimes I think I deserve my opinion because I did pay $8 for the kindle book, so my opinion is it was just OK

[Cybercrone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fairly funny. The usual criminal highjinks and a con man with multiple identities. And the newest woman didn't cry, which was nice, but was definitely certifiable.
I'm enjoying these - what can I say?

[Genie Bearden · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Stone Barrington stories are growing on me. When I first started reading them I was put off by how he seems to have sex with any woman that comes along. The books seemed to read like a trashy romance novel. Now I just overlook that and just try to enjoy the story.

[Linda W. Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disgraceful

This book is an example of just how ineffective our security and intelligence services are. It helps you realize the calamity of the FBI and CIA of the last four years is a disgrace to us all.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this 11th book stone is plunged into a battle with a con man with unlimited resources. The new us attorney for ny gets involved along with Lance Cabot. In addition Arrington reappears on the scene. A typical Stone Barrington story with lots of action and intrigue. A fun read.

[dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone Barrington an ex cop, lawyer consultant and handsome ladies man, gets into a mess. A flashy new client causes him all sorts of problems. He gets blamed for all of Billy Bob's crimes and has to sort out why he is out to Gey him. An easy read and always a good story.

[Paul La Fata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

A continued great read, pretty exciting sometimes you can anticipate the outcome of certain actions and incidents but the longer the short of it it was a great book. Looking forward to the next chapter of Stones life.