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Stone Barrington #25
Collateral Damage
Stone Barrington returns in this stunning thriller by the New York Times bestselling author, Stuart Woods.
Barrington is back in Manhattan after the successful but eventful opening of the Arrington Hotel in L.A. He's pleased to receive an unexpected visit from his friend and sometime lover Holly Barker, now an assistant director at the CIA. For her part, Holly is glad to leave the staid, official environs of Washington for the dining, atmosphere and action of New York. But her sojourn isn’t only for pleasure. An explosive incident requires her immediate attention—and Stone’s investigative expertise.
What initially appears to be a clear-cut case soon becomes increasingly complex—and dangerous. For, in the secretive world of government intelligence, national interests all too often conflict with power grabs and turf wars, and extreme wealth allows even the most pursued rivals to slip through the cracks. As Stone and Holly follow the trail from London’s posh embassy district to Manhattan’s Upper East Side, they learn just how well the most cunning plans can be disguised . . . and how far some people will go to wreak vengeance.
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.
Barrington is back in Manhattan after the successful but eventful opening of the Arrington Hotel in L.A. He's pleased to receive an unexpected visit from his friend and sometime lover Holly Barker, now an assistant director at the CIA. For her part, Holly is glad to leave the staid, official environs of Washington for the dining, atmosphere and action of New York. But her sojourn isn’t only for pleasure. An explosive incident requires her immediate attention—and Stone’s investigative expertise.
What initially appears to be a clear-cut case soon becomes increasingly complex—and dangerous. For, in the secretive world of government intelligence, national interests all too often conflict with power grabs and turf wars, and extreme wealth allows even the most pursued rivals to slip through the cracks. As Stone and Holly follow the trail from London’s posh embassy district to Manhattan’s Upper East Side, they learn just how well the most cunning plans can be disguised . . . and how far some people will go to wreak vengeance.
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.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
832 people are currently reading
1718 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Woods
408 books3,221 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 344 reviews
December 5, 2020
Great read!
Another well written story -- add to the ongoing intriguing and mysterious series... Recommended to all!
Another well written story -- add to the ongoing intriguing and mysterious series... Recommended to all!
January 29, 2013
When I first started the Stone Barrington novels I loved them, I had to get them all and could not wait for the next to come out. However the last three maybe four novels have just gone down the drain. This book was to be involving Stone yet the entire setting was about Holly. Stone was basically a sideline supportive character which I did not care for.
This novel tied up loose ends from the last book Sever Clear, regarding the terrorist plots and bombing from Stone's new hotel. Well I feel it was too simple of a plot. Yes there was a lot of action taking place however I feel if authors keep continuing to write about terrorist plots there needs to be more research done and a lot more added to the story. Frankly I am bored with reading about terrorist, What happened to a good old fashion "who done it murder"?! I'm really bored with these novels but I keep reading them because once I've read an author and like them I continue with them hoping things will pick up , even when there the series is stuck in a rut.
Stone's character was strong, but to me he is now failing. I really would like to know how many STD'S this man has?!
This novel tied up loose ends from the last book Sever Clear, regarding the terrorist plots and bombing from Stone's new hotel. Well I feel it was too simple of a plot. Yes there was a lot of action taking place however I feel if authors keep continuing to write about terrorist plots there needs to be more research done and a lot more added to the story. Frankly I am bored with reading about terrorist, What happened to a good old fashion "who done it murder"?! I'm really bored with these novels but I keep reading them because once I've read an author and like them I continue with them hoping things will pick up , even when there the series is stuck in a rut.
Stone's character was strong, but to me he is now failing. I really would like to know how many STD'S this man has?!
November 2, 2025
5 Stars. What an ending. Here's a clue - sometimes endings are grand finales with bangs and booms and fireworks galore, and sometimes they work themselves out as things often do in real life. Even with excitement aplenty, this one's still closer to the latter. Just as satisfactory. Collateral is a continuation of #24, Severe Clear. In that one, two men targeted the Presidents of the United States and Mexico who were in Los Angeles to sign a security treaty at the spanking new Arrington Hotel - named after Stone Barrington's first real love. But Jasmine Shazaz of the terrorist threesome, all from one family, was not present nor caught. Authorities didn't even know she existed. Holly Barker had a leading role in Severe as she does here. The excitement begins in London where Jasmine activates a dormant cell and takes revenge for her brothers by killing the British Foreign Secretary as he drove past a Porsche dealership. Talk about explosive! When things get too hot in the UK, she goes to New York. Watch for Stone's common sense approach to catching fugitives - he suggests checking Uber deliveries for their favourite foods! And I just ordered pizza. (Fe2025/No2025)
October 2, 2016
I enjoyed this story and feel it merits 5 stars because it's good.
February 4, 2013
As usual I just keep reading these books. The only thing said in my defense is they are so light it doesn't take long to finish. Plus it gets my mind to working to answer this question: In a matter of days Holly flies from DC to London to NYC, hunts down terrorists, advises the CIA director, becomes the regional director of the CIA in NYC, thwarts bomb attempts and STILL has time for naps, wild sex and fancy dinners each evening. I'm not sure James Bond could pull that off!
February 11, 2013
Stone Barrington is back and teamed with his friend and sometimes lover Holly Barker, assistant director of the CIA.
An explosion at the U.S. Embassy in London finds Stone and Holly on the trial of a terrorist out for revenge. The terroristic attacks move to New York and the threats escalate. The closer they get to finding the terrorist, the closer they come to being the next target.
Narrator Tony Roberts does an excellent job bringing the characters to life. His vocalization gives distinct voices to Stone, Holly, Dino, and the others. I can’t image Stone sounding any other way.
Author Stuart Woods has developed Stone Barrington into an intrigue protagonist over the years. He doubles the fun when he adds his protagonist from another series, Holly Barker, to the mix. The two protagonists make a fun couple to follow with a mix of romance, suspense, and excitement.
COLLATERAL DAMAGE begins a bit slow, but steady. There are references to a prior story, but enough background is given so new readers/listeners aren’t lost. As the story continues, the excitement and adrenaline begins to build. By the end Woods has readers holding their breath waiting to see who will be standing when the dust settles after the last explosion.
A good addition to the Stone Barrington and Holly Barker collection.
FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
An explosion at the U.S. Embassy in London finds Stone and Holly on the trial of a terrorist out for revenge. The terroristic attacks move to New York and the threats escalate. The closer they get to finding the terrorist, the closer they come to being the next target.
Narrator Tony Roberts does an excellent job bringing the characters to life. His vocalization gives distinct voices to Stone, Holly, Dino, and the others. I can’t image Stone sounding any other way.
Author Stuart Woods has developed Stone Barrington into an intrigue protagonist over the years. He doubles the fun when he adds his protagonist from another series, Holly Barker, to the mix. The two protagonists make a fun couple to follow with a mix of romance, suspense, and excitement.
COLLATERAL DAMAGE begins a bit slow, but steady. There are references to a prior story, but enough background is given so new readers/listeners aren’t lost. As the story continues, the excitement and adrenaline begins to build. By the end Woods has readers holding their breath waiting to see who will be standing when the dust settles after the last explosion.
A good addition to the Stone Barrington and Holly Barker collection.
FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
April 4, 2014
I'm beginning to hate the Stone Barrington character. I was actually rooting for Al-Quada and hoping that they would succeed in killing Stone or Holly or anyone else related to Stone just to knock him down a few pegs. His character has developed into someone that never makes mistakes and is allowed to sit in on even the highest level of meetings. Again someone close to him receives incredible wealth. You are not allowed to be his friend unless you are wealthy
May 9, 2013
I think I am done with S. Wood's books. It seems a great deal of the dialogue is niceties. Hello.....hello, good morning....good morning...good evening.....good evening. Maybe it is a good filler but it is something I have noticed in the last few books.
December 9, 2013
This book starts out slow. But once it gets going, it is fast paced. It answers questions left unsolved in a past installment and plots continue from Severe Clear. Stone is now a partner in the law firm Woodman and Weld. Holly has advanced up the ladder in the Ci.A. Stone Barrington and Holly Barker are reunited as co-workers for the C.I.A. and lovers as they work to end a terrorist ring from London to New York. It wasn't one of my favorites.
July 6, 2023
At the risk of setting myself up for a fall - this book was quite good. Lets hope we are getting back to the novels I know and love.
August 7, 2016
I'm not sure why this is classified as a Stone Barrington novel instead of the next installation in the Holly Barker series. Until a little more than halfway through the book, one would think that Holly (a CIA operative) was the protagonist since Stone only shows up to have sex with her (and once to remind us that he's a pilot, lest we forget). Stone finally shows up, but then he's usually Holly's tag-along as she conducts Official CIA Business, which apparently consists of exchanging stilted dialogue with people (e.g., when approving a new restaurant design at Langley, "It looks great. How soon?" "All the fixtures are available ready-made. Three days?" "Go. Now I have to take a call."). Heck, Stone's best friend Dino (to whom he's usually attached at the hip) doesn't even appear until the tail end of the book, and it's a cameo appearance at best.
For anyone who's read a Stuart Woods book before, bad dialogue is not new. Unfortunately, neither are absurd plot points, which I won't go into here so as to avoid a major spoiler. Just know that what should be most exciting part of the book ends up being laughable. My best guess (from reading all the prior books in the series) is that Woods wrote himself into a corner and had to come up with something absurd to get him out of the situation he was in.
Frankly, I keep reading Woods' books because they're so bad I can't believe that one person can sustain such a poor level of writing. However, Woods continues to prove me wrong with each book he churns out. Stone Barrington is a one-note character who has experienced no growth at all since the series began; he's the most clever attorney who ever lived, he's a pilot, he's extremely sexually active (with multiple partners and absolutely no sign of safe sex precautions), and he has friends in high places (POTUS, CIA contacts, MI6 contacts, etc.). It's clear that Stone is a thinly veiled fictitious version of Stuart Woods -- or at least who Woods wishes he could be.
Woods' books cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be called "good." However, this book was poor by even the low standards one measures such books.
For anyone who's read a Stuart Woods book before, bad dialogue is not new. Unfortunately, neither are absurd plot points, which I won't go into here so as to avoid a major spoiler. Just know that what should be most exciting part of the book ends up being laughable. My best guess (from reading all the prior books in the series) is that Woods wrote himself into a corner and had to come up with something absurd to get him out of the situation he was in.
Frankly, I keep reading Woods' books because they're so bad I can't believe that one person can sustain such a poor level of writing. However, Woods continues to prove me wrong with each book he churns out. Stone Barrington is a one-note character who has experienced no growth at all since the series began; he's the most clever attorney who ever lived, he's a pilot, he's extremely sexually active (with multiple partners and absolutely no sign of safe sex precautions), and he has friends in high places (POTUS, CIA contacts, MI6 contacts, etc.). It's clear that Stone is a thinly veiled fictitious version of Stuart Woods -- or at least who Woods wishes he could be.
Woods' books cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be called "good." However, this book was poor by even the low standards one measures such books.
July 15, 2017
Sigh... Frustrating. This was such a great idea for a book but just not carried out. Its not really a Stone Barrington book but rather a Holly Barker book and while that character started out great. Her current position, and the characters of Will Lee and Kate Lee just almost made the book unreadable. And then add to that the fact that there are five terrorist cells in the country. So what to Holly Barker and Kate Lee do? Interview chefs and look at restarant plans for the NYC office... Sigh. I was just waiting for the Stuart Woods of old to come through, break through with his style of old and develop the story but it just NEVER happened. I predicted and knew exactly how the book would end with five chapters left, hell with 20 chapters left. Villan dies and Holly getting promoted and everyone winning awards.... blah blah blah.... terrible.
I still read the Stone Barrington series, but I have stopped buying them. I think I have four left and I use them as filler books between other authors that at least put a little effort into their writing. All in all this was a week of my life that I'll never get back. Sorry to say. If you liked this book go back to the beginning and read some of the early books. OR Read his non Barrington books, White Cargo and Chiefs were two of the best books I've read. But as for this book the only Collateral Damage was my brain from suffereing through this mess.
I still read the Stone Barrington series, but I have stopped buying them. I think I have four left and I use them as filler books between other authors that at least put a little effort into their writing. All in all this was a week of my life that I'll never get back. Sorry to say. If you liked this book go back to the beginning and read some of the early books. OR Read his non Barrington books, White Cargo and Chiefs were two of the best books I've read. But as for this book the only Collateral Damage was my brain from suffereing through this mess.
February 24, 2013
It is hard to believe that a little over a year ago, I was prepared to leave Stuart Woods on the roadside of good authors gone sour. I gave his "D.C. Dead" a scathing review and wondered if Woods had run out of string.
In this the third book published in this past year (did I mention that Woods is prolific?), I have given "Collateral Damage" the highest rating I have ever given a Stone Barrington series installment. And yes, I have read all 23 going back to "NY Dead." This does not include Barrington's various cameos in other Woods series, which I have also read.
While I can nit-pick here, the errors, which Woods is pretty routine in delivering, seem more of editorial deference than the laziness we saw in "D.C Dead." For example, I was put off with the new omnipresent nickname given to a recurring character: Felicity Devonshire has now been christened "The Architect" though we had never heard this appellation in her numerous previous walk-ons. Be careful, Stuart, your loyal fans are paying attention -- even when you aren't.
If you are just diving into Stone Barrington's world, read "Severe Clear" first. It's really a two-parter.
In this the third book published in this past year (did I mention that Woods is prolific?), I have given "Collateral Damage" the highest rating I have ever given a Stone Barrington series installment. And yes, I have read all 23 going back to "NY Dead." This does not include Barrington's various cameos in other Woods series, which I have also read.
While I can nit-pick here, the errors, which Woods is pretty routine in delivering, seem more of editorial deference than the laziness we saw in "D.C Dead." For example, I was put off with the new omnipresent nickname given to a recurring character: Felicity Devonshire has now been christened "The Architect" though we had never heard this appellation in her numerous previous walk-ons. Be careful, Stuart, your loyal fans are paying attention -- even when you aren't.
If you are just diving into Stone Barrington's world, read "Severe Clear" first. It's really a two-parter.
March 4, 2025
Sept 2024. The antagonist is Jasmine Shazaz. Many of Woods stories continue after the final page. This one is wrapped up. Up to 6 stars.
sept 2022 WOW. last time reading it wa in Nov 2020 and COVID hot and heavy and Bartton in Assisted living and we have a toilet leak and building being Painted!!!!
Nov 2020. Coviud 19 Pandemic. While our Master BR toilet leaking from tank to bowl.. Zoom today with OJOBDL. and Joe Plus in Arizona with Barton in the assisted living SUNRISE. This was perfect escape for me. And our windows all exterior covered due to entire Waterstone re-painted while, grey, grey and black. Amazing effort.
This book: my first encounter 7 years ago. Still teaching. I liked my 2018 about Jasmine.
2-2018 The terrorism hits a little too close to home. I should give this story a rest for 4-5 years.
4-2-16 book on tape. Jasmine against the world!!!!! another favorite!!
3-24-2015 read the book this time.
4-1-2013 book on tape. this is #25 of Stone barrington novels.
funny to know all the characters after a few years hiatus.
great accompaniment to the commute back and forth.
sept 2022 WOW. last time reading it wa in Nov 2020 and COVID hot and heavy and Bartton in Assisted living and we have a toilet leak and building being Painted!!!!
Nov 2020. Coviud 19 Pandemic. While our Master BR toilet leaking from tank to bowl.. Zoom today with OJOBDL. and Joe Plus in Arizona with Barton in the assisted living SUNRISE. This was perfect escape for me. And our windows all exterior covered due to entire Waterstone re-painted while, grey, grey and black. Amazing effort.
This book: my first encounter 7 years ago. Still teaching. I liked my 2018 about Jasmine.
2-2018 The terrorism hits a little too close to home. I should give this story a rest for 4-5 years.
4-2-16 book on tape. Jasmine against the world!!!!! another favorite!!
3-24-2015 read the book this time.
4-1-2013 book on tape. this is #25 of Stone barrington novels.
funny to know all the characters after a few years hiatus.
great accompaniment to the commute back and forth.
June 30, 2018
Fast paced and a quick read. I read it in two sittings and could have done it in one if I had not had to do adult things. LOL
This is my first Stuart Woods book and I'm jumping in to the middle of a series. I've noticed with other books and series of this nature that things either start off rough and get better or they go the other way around. Never do they stay good all the way through. If this started well and is still this good...I'll be reading more.
This is my first Stuart Woods book and I'm jumping in to the middle of a series. I've noticed with other books and series of this nature that things either start off rough and get better or they go the other way around. Never do they stay good all the way through. If this started well and is still this good...I'll be reading more.
September 16, 2013
Jasmine Shazaz has escaped to England following a a failed nuclear terrorist attack in Los Angles. She takes on an agenda of British and American intelligence targets. Stone Barrington and Holly Baker work together to try to stop her. The author handicapped a good story with excessive sexual situations and details.
January 29, 2013
A real page turner! Stone Barrington as his
Best. Best if you read "Severe Clear" before this
one as it is a continuation.
Best. Best if you read "Severe Clear" before this
one as it is a continuation.
October 9, 2019
Stone took a minor role in this one. Holly Barker being the star. More bombings, by al qaeda. Then Dino Nd Vic to the rescue. Good read short and fast.
April 19, 2021
A fast paced quick to read.
October 22, 2025
A little thin compared to most of this series. The dialog just wasn't up to it's usual snappy reparte'. Stone wasn't really in the story very much, although I was glad to see Holly featured. The plot wasn't bad but just didn't have the depth and color that Woods usually provides. I was very disappointed that Elaine's had closed and not been replaced with another center of operations (so to speak).
November 4, 2015
Yet another thrift store find that served as mindless entertainment to distract me from my classes for a short time. I know that I keep asking myself why am I reading this series, but I guess it is just another bad habit that is hard to break.
I realized that this book was Stone #25 but it almost seemed more like a Holly Barker novel than Stone, yet Holly was as flat and two-dimensional in this as she always is when we see her in Stone's world.
I used to enjoy the Barrington books but now Woods has just over complicated everything with all these high-level agency promotions and the over-lapping of so many characters. I liked when the story was a short, fun read that almost never truly carried over from one book to the next except for small things that took time such as Stone going from the cop to the lawyer, etc. Now the stories are so intertwined as Will Lee, Holly, Stone, Dino, Herbie, Lance and others are all popping up in each book with references to previous stories and a continuing story-line. I haven't read these that far out of order yet I am struggling to understand what is occurring in the current book due to having missed the one before it or recall what happened in another's character's book that I read two years ago.
I don't think that I have any other Barrington novels on my bookshelf at the moment and I think that I will refrain from purchasing anymore if I can help myself. I do see a few Woods works on my shelf but I think they are early Will Lee novels. Perhaps if I go back to the late 1980s-early 1990s writing style of Mr. S. Woods, I will be pleasantly reminded as to why I started reading his novels in the first place.
I realized that this book was Stone #25 but it almost seemed more like a Holly Barker novel than Stone, yet Holly was as flat and two-dimensional in this as she always is when we see her in Stone's world.
I used to enjoy the Barrington books but now Woods has just over complicated everything with all these high-level agency promotions and the over-lapping of so many characters. I liked when the story was a short, fun read that almost never truly carried over from one book to the next except for small things that took time such as Stone going from the cop to the lawyer, etc. Now the stories are so intertwined as Will Lee, Holly, Stone, Dino, Herbie, Lance and others are all popping up in each book with references to previous stories and a continuing story-line. I haven't read these that far out of order yet I am struggling to understand what is occurring in the current book due to having missed the one before it or recall what happened in another's character's book that I read two years ago.
I don't think that I have any other Barrington novels on my bookshelf at the moment and I think that I will refrain from purchasing anymore if I can help myself. I do see a few Woods works on my shelf but I think they are early Will Lee novels. Perhaps if I go back to the late 1980s-early 1990s writing style of Mr. S. Woods, I will be pleasantly reminded as to why I started reading his novels in the first place.
April 3, 2015
Something that has surprised me lately is the stultifying badness of books that are really popular. Books that seem to move a lot of copies seem to be poorly written and edited - almost deliberately so - to the point where it feels as if books achieve sales _because_ they are poorly written.
Which brings me to this audio book, of which I was only able to stomach about the first CD. The whole thing felt like a parody of what a dumb person would think a good international thriller would be like. Starting with the protagonist's hilarious name. Stone Barrington. Manly enough for you? Anyway, so Rod Stiffington is this operative with some undefined relationship with the CIA, and does things occasionally for them like saving the President and his cabinet from being blown up by swarthy Muslim (of course) terrorists, and he also is friends with benefits to a female CIA agent. Did I mention that the head of the CIA is the president's wife? Also, Wood Shaftington has a friend named Dino with whom he has exploits.
I realize I am jumping in at what is probably a point in a series that is past its sell by date, but the idea that this author is moving copy while Iain Pears is relatively unknown is criminal. Also, the author crowbars his research into the story in very unsubtle ways, emphasizing dumb details like what distinguishes diplomatic plates into characters' dialog. Bleh.
Which brings me to this audio book, of which I was only able to stomach about the first CD. The whole thing felt like a parody of what a dumb person would think a good international thriller would be like. Starting with the protagonist's hilarious name. Stone Barrington. Manly enough for you? Anyway, so Rod Stiffington is this operative with some undefined relationship with the CIA, and does things occasionally for them like saving the President and his cabinet from being blown up by swarthy Muslim (of course) terrorists, and he also is friends with benefits to a female CIA agent. Did I mention that the head of the CIA is the president's wife? Also, Wood Shaftington has a friend named Dino with whom he has exploits.
I realize I am jumping in at what is probably a point in a series that is past its sell by date, but the idea that this author is moving copy while Iain Pears is relatively unknown is criminal. Also, the author crowbars his research into the story in very unsubtle ways, emphasizing dumb details like what distinguishes diplomatic plates into characters' dialog. Bleh.
April 20, 2015
We’d several years ago tired of Woods’ wealthy playboy Stone Barrington set, with now 35 novels in the booklist. But we’re fond of Woods’ Holly Barker – a former MP and small-town Florida police chief, who is now a highly placed officer in the CIA. Indeed, in the prequel to this book, “Severe Clear”, Holly was appointed assistant director by Director Kate Lee, who happens to also be First Lady. In that story, Holly is instrumental in dealing with bombing attacks from two al Qaeda brothers named Shazaz, who were killed in ensuing action. Now in “Damage”, their sister, Jasmine Shazaz, who has a network of helpers and plenty of funds, is out for revenge. After successfully executing some bombs in London, she heads to NYC and virtually overnight starts wreaking havoc there.
Meanwhile, Holly visits NYC, where she works to locate Jasmine, after several leads identify her as the perp. She shacks up with Stone while there (a little too readily for our taste), and a dynamic hunt and chase unfolds.
We enjoyed this tale more than most – probably because Stone’s role was definitely secondary to Holly’s, and the suspenseful story was more engaging than most. We’ll not likely return to regularly reading this series, but this one in particular was plenty entertaining.
Meanwhile, Holly visits NYC, where she works to locate Jasmine, after several leads identify her as the perp. She shacks up with Stone while there (a little too readily for our taste), and a dynamic hunt and chase unfolds.
We enjoyed this tale more than most – probably because Stone’s role was definitely secondary to Holly’s, and the suspenseful story was more engaging than most. We’ll not likely return to regularly reading this series, but this one in particular was plenty entertaining.
May 27, 2013
Woods again treats us to a 'Hail, Hail, The Gang's All Here' entry in his Stone Barrington series. Stone's cronies - Holly Barker, Dino Bachetti, Felicity Devonshire, Kate Rule, Will Lee, Lance Cabot, Herb Fisher, and Mike Freeman - all make appearances. But by rights, it should be a Holly Barker novel since she has most of the action, even though in the end, they all help save the day.
This was a much meatier novel, not in size, but in a more serious main plot, which is an extension of Severe Clear, the previous book. Woods seems to have put the 'Conspicuous Consumption' aura of the last few books in this series on hold. There's plenty of private jets, expensive restaurants, booze, and casual sex here, but they don't seem to dominate the story.
And Wood's dialog here has dropped the needle on the Stilted Dialog meter. But he still has a ways to go.
This book actually give me hope that this series might heading back toward the types of stories that made earlier entries entertaining reads.
Now if Woods could just make Stone the star of novels bearing his name.
This was a much meatier novel, not in size, but in a more serious main plot, which is an extension of Severe Clear, the previous book. Woods seems to have put the 'Conspicuous Consumption' aura of the last few books in this series on hold. There's plenty of private jets, expensive restaurants, booze, and casual sex here, but they don't seem to dominate the story.
And Wood's dialog here has dropped the needle on the Stilted Dialog meter. But he still has a ways to go.
This book actually give me hope that this series might heading back toward the types of stories that made earlier entries entertaining reads.
Now if Woods could just make Stone the star of novels bearing his name.
May 17, 2014
This is a fun piece! Action-packed, and a lot of female characters in strong positions. It was also a very fast read, as far as I was concerned. A story that takes place mostly in NYC, revolving around the tracking down of a terrorist, Jasmine Shazaz, by Holly Barker, with input from various other people (including the man the series is named after, her lover, Stone Barrington).
The storyline moves from London to Washington DC to NYC regularly, involving four female players - the First Lady, Kate Lee, Holly, Felicity Devonshire, and Jasmine. Each one is interesting in her own right, though the story mostly focuses on Holly and Jasmine.
The action starts out very early in the story and remains simmering in the background, building up to a boil in between dates, eating out, drinking, and politics. I enjoyed the characters and the story flow, as well as so many female characters in what I'd usually consider a 'man's genre'.
The storyline moves from London to Washington DC to NYC regularly, involving four female players - the First Lady, Kate Lee, Holly, Felicity Devonshire, and Jasmine. Each one is interesting in her own right, though the story mostly focuses on Holly and Jasmine.
The action starts out very early in the story and remains simmering in the background, building up to a boil in between dates, eating out, drinking, and politics. I enjoyed the characters and the story flow, as well as so many female characters in what I'd usually consider a 'man's genre'.
May 23, 2021
Note: Reviewed as an audiobook. This is the 25th book in Woods’ Stone Barrington series, and clearly a follow-on to the previous book in the series (Severe Clear). Crisis averted in California, Stone is now back in New York City when Holly Barker of the CIA appears at his doorstep. After a deadly bombing in London, it appears the person or persons responsible have moved across the pond. The sister of the two terrorists from the previous book is intent on revenge and Holly and Stone are clearly in her crosshairs. Another excellent book to listen to - the narrator of all of the books in this series is one of the best. And Woods continues to write entertaining stories with enough action and plenty of humor.
April 18, 2025
This book was a page turner! It was a follow up of the previous book which was fun to follow. I felt some of the events in this book were predictable but still had me excited and nervous for what was coming next. Again, it is a follow up to the thwarted terrorist plot in LA from the book before. This book is also not lacking any of the usual Stone and Dino banter either but there was a really sweet moment in this book between Dino and Stone. There was a very thoughtful & sweet gesture where Stone shares something with Dino that he was going to give Arrington at one point some years before. In addition to wishing Arrington was still in the picture to make things more interesting, I do also really enjoy Stone and Holly Barker together...they make a pretty good crime fighting team!
January 14, 2013
A great read! This is the reason I was read this author. The story made sense - and was so much better than the last one. It picked up right where the other story left off and left out the side story of his son - which I still think is ridiculous. All that said, this was a Holly Barker book - not a Stone Barrington book. Oh, he was there; but, in such a minor role it wouldn't have mattered if he was part of this story or not. He sat in on random meetings for no particular reason; but, other than that this is all Holly. It was a great story - and one I read in one afternoon - as it was a fast-paced, taut story!
June 9, 2013
Jasmine Shazaz Seeks Her Revenge. The surviving sister of the two brothers who formed the cell for the LA bombing conspiracy begins exacting revenge by bombing the Foreign Minister and the US Embassy in London, then moves across the Atlantic to take out her vengeance on the CIA in NYC. Working closely with MI-6 and the NYC Police Dept, Holly Barker is able to unravel Jasmine's safe haven and the Al-Qaeda cell in NYC just in time to prevent an huge truck bomb from being detonated outside Stone's Turtle Bay townhouse.
Storylines are getting shallow, as one longer book could have finished off this revenge saga.
Storylines are getting shallow, as one longer book could have finished off this revenge saga.
July 6, 2015
Same old, drab, mind-numbing story telling. A new low was achieved following the attack on the New York Station; moments later, the CIA director and Holly are discussing the food service quality of the cafeteria at the NY Station while the body count from the attack is underway. Holly reviews decor plans for the NY Station dining room and conducts vetting for the new chef. Wasn't there a terrorist attack on the station days ago? As usual, ad naseaum product placement. Seriously weird book on many levels.
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