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Stone Barrington #24
Severe Clear
Stone Barrington is called to Bel-Air to oversee an exclusive event that will gather the top echelons of the beau monde: Hollywood starlets, socialites, politicos, billionaires from overseas. It’s a task in which Stone has a personal stake, and one that is made all the more pleasurable—though somewhat more complicated—with the arrivals of two beautiful women with whom he’s intimately acquainted.
But the grand occasion has also attracted a dangerous criminal group with sinister plans. The hunt to find them leads Stone into a complex web of deceit and misdirection, in a world where the intrigues of government intelligence collide with the clandestine machinations of the upper crust. As he draws nearer to his quarry, he realizes that the stakes are higher than anybody could ever imagine . . . and that the enemies he’s seeking might just be hiding in plain sight.
But the grand occasion has also attracted a dangerous criminal group with sinister plans. The hunt to find them leads Stone into a complex web of deceit and misdirection, in a world where the intrigues of government intelligence collide with the clandestine machinations of the upper crust. As he draws nearer to his quarry, he realizes that the stakes are higher than anybody could ever imagine . . . and that the enemies he’s seeking might just be hiding in plain sight.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2012
961 people are currently reading
2433 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Woods
408 books3,228 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 439 reviews
June 24, 2017
Excellent read! fast-paced,fun,interesting and an enjoyable series as always (paperback!)
January 30, 2013
Well, I’ll preface this by saying that you pretty much have to know what to expect going into the Stone Barrington books. He’ll get laid repeatedly, he’ll make some money or inherit something, he’ll be drafted by some intelligence agency, he may or may not save his love interest in time (if he does she’ll probably die in a later book, so not to worry), and now he’ll see a little bit of his son... but not nearly as much as you would think he’d want to. Oh, and he’ll probably do someone in a high up position in the US government a favor that will allow him to be included on all kinds of cool things in the future.
This book doesn’t fail to disappoint, though that term may be used in an ironic sense here at best. The book does have a much more modern plot to it, but I can’t really say that I approve of it. Woods seems to forget that Stone is not actually a CIA agent. He’s not trained to be one, and he really has no skills that would make those in the CIA want to trust him with their top secret information. For some reason though, this never seems to stop them, and it winds up with Stone once again getting tangled up in the middle of a big mess. Now, this ties back to the more modern plot because it was somewhat understandable back when the cases being brought to him were to track someone down. While he’s not a PI, he did have the cop background and a good list of contacts he could call for help. With this... well, he just shouldn’t be involved.
What was possibly one of the more amusing plot angles was Felicity and Holly meeting each other for the first time. After all, what could be more interesting than a cat fight between two highly trained operatives? Woods seemed to build up to that, and then lose interest in it though. Which while I would ordinarily say is a good thing for the realism, I can’t do so here. Honestly I think that the Stone Barrington books are so far out of realism to begin with that he should have just thrown us a bone.
Now, the first portions of the book didn’t really bother me much. After all, I know what to expect, and I continue to read it. However, the ending was just so incredibly stupid that it left me in disbelief about it. An impressive feat considering I expect just about anything from these books. That being said, I did get the next book, and I did read it quickly. As such, I have to give it a
2.5/5. It’s a decent time waster, and nothing better.
This book doesn’t fail to disappoint, though that term may be used in an ironic sense here at best. The book does have a much more modern plot to it, but I can’t really say that I approve of it. Woods seems to forget that Stone is not actually a CIA agent. He’s not trained to be one, and he really has no skills that would make those in the CIA want to trust him with their top secret information. For some reason though, this never seems to stop them, and it winds up with Stone once again getting tangled up in the middle of a big mess. Now, this ties back to the more modern plot because it was somewhat understandable back when the cases being brought to him were to track someone down. While he’s not a PI, he did have the cop background and a good list of contacts he could call for help. With this... well, he just shouldn’t be involved.
What was possibly one of the more amusing plot angles was Felicity and Holly meeting each other for the first time. After all, what could be more interesting than a cat fight between two highly trained operatives? Woods seemed to build up to that, and then lose interest in it though. Which while I would ordinarily say is a good thing for the realism, I can’t do so here. Honestly I think that the Stone Barrington books are so far out of realism to begin with that he should have just thrown us a bone.
Now, the first portions of the book didn’t really bother me much. After all, I know what to expect, and I continue to read it. However, the ending was just so incredibly stupid that it left me in disbelief about it. An impressive feat considering I expect just about anything from these books. That being said, I did get the next book, and I did read it quickly. As such, I have to give it a
2.5/5. It’s a decent time waster, and nothing better.
November 2, 2025
4 Stars. Another thriller in which Stone Barrington goes down to the wire to prevent catastrophe. Much of the early going is a set-up for the final harrowing scene in Los Angeles. But this time he's not the featured player; it's Holly Barker. She's the former Police Chief in Orchid Beach, Florida who has, through this series and her own, climbed to become Assistant Director of the CIA under Kate Rule Lee who is also First Lady to U.S. President Will Lee. It all centres on the opening of a new hotel in Bel Air. The land had been owned by movie star, Vance Calder. Both he and his wife Arrington Carter, Stone's former girlfriend, are now deceased. The spectacular Arrington Hotel was named after her. Lee and President Vargas of Mexico are meeting at its grand opening to finalize a security treaty. A special concert has been planned with great-singer-of-the-moment Immi Gotham to celebrate the occasion. Every movie star, rising politician, and tech billionaire will be there, but there's one catch. Somewhere in the vicinity or in the hotel itself may be a bomb which could obliterate them all. Then Holly finds a mistake in her quarry's plan. It's a good one. (Fe2025/No2025)
March 11, 2013
I used to love Stuart Woods. I really did.
Had I always read him back to back with the likes of James Patterson I probably would have never outgrown him. But one time I read an Agatha Christie novel and then turned around and read Stuart Woods. It was like going from reading Homer to See Spot Run, or going from reading Vanity Fair to the National Enquirer.
Even before this revelation I never saw the character of Stone Barrington as sexy in any way. I always seemed to equate him with the photo of Woods on the back cover, which is to say, an old man.
And the more SW's books I read the more I realized they were full of a lot of old men having a lot of sex, all of which I just had to skip over because imagining Stuart Woods having sex is about as romantic a notion as imagining Dick Cheney having sex.
Ew.
It would not surprise me at all if his books weren't secretly underwritten by Viagra.
Having said this, I love the characters of President and Mrs. Lee. They are the saving grace of the Stone Barrington series.
So, in short, if you found Matlock sexy, boy have I got a set of books for you!!!
Had I always read him back to back with the likes of James Patterson I probably would have never outgrown him. But one time I read an Agatha Christie novel and then turned around and read Stuart Woods. It was like going from reading Homer to See Spot Run, or going from reading Vanity Fair to the National Enquirer.
Even before this revelation I never saw the character of Stone Barrington as sexy in any way. I always seemed to equate him with the photo of Woods on the back cover, which is to say, an old man.
And the more SW's books I read the more I realized they were full of a lot of old men having a lot of sex, all of which I just had to skip over because imagining Stuart Woods having sex is about as romantic a notion as imagining Dick Cheney having sex.
Ew.
It would not surprise me at all if his books weren't secretly underwritten by Viagra.
Having said this, I love the characters of President and Mrs. Lee. They are the saving grace of the Stone Barrington series.
So, in short, if you found Matlock sexy, boy have I got a set of books for you!!!
October 14, 2012
Having read every single Stuart Woods book and thoroughly enjoying this series, I hate to say that I think this book "jumped the shark." There were ridiculous plot twists and forced ways to tie up loose endings. Plus, NO ONE has this much luck and opportunity. Also, everything to do with Peter, his son, it just too much over the top. NO ONE, especially a teenager, is this together, fabulous, talented, mature, and fortunate ALL THE TIME. I will continue to read these books in the hope that this story got a lot of odd plot points and loose ends out of the way - and that the next will be the usual entertaining reading I've come to expect.
November 26, 2012
I enjoyed seeing characters from early books grow and get promoted which makes me look forward to future books in the series. I am getting a bit tired of the perfunctory delivery of the women jumping into Stone's bed, and things like his son achieving so much. He wants to write and direct another movie and, bam, he's got a deal. He wants his father's office for his team and, bam, it's his. With all the talk this past year of the 99% it is clear the Woods writes from the perspective of the 1%.
November 3, 2012
His Stone Barrington books have always been pretty fluffy, but they've gotten to be unreadable. Such dribble. And nobody uses speech patterns like the characters. "Get in touch with me without delay." Seriously?
May 19, 2013
I gave this 2 stars as its better than his last 7 or 8 titles. This is for die hard fans of Woods only, its an easy read but is lazy and contrived and full of inaccuracies and implausible plot lines but it passed the six hours it took me to read it without me shouting at it too often.
If Woods doesn't pull his finger out soon though he will lose me as a reader as the stupidity of the Stone novels just keeps getting more and more ridiculous, I hope his immense fees are worth the sell out.
Its okay but not a book I'd recommend to non-Woods fans.
If Woods doesn't pull his finger out soon though he will lose me as a reader as the stupidity of the Stone novels just keeps getting more and more ridiculous, I hope his immense fees are worth the sell out.
Its okay but not a book I'd recommend to non-Woods fans.
November 9, 2012
I am so tired of reading this old man's misogynist writing. If women in powerful positions are in his book(s), he has to casually bed the salivating line of them (though with little skill & romance). Respect and honor is usually reserved for the Stone Barringtons of his world, or political/professional men. I won't slip up and borrow any more of his third rate stories from my library. I've worked for too many like him, and won't give my time to them any more.
April 24, 2013
The grand opening of the ultra-luxurious hotel named after Stone Barrington’s late wife draws the attention of the wrong kind of people who hope to make the opening something the world never forgets.
I don’t quite know what to make of the Stone Barrington series. They are still ‘twinkies for the mind’ – light, fast reads that were a change of pace from heavier works. The earlier novels were good but of late they seem trite, almost as if Woods has a template he fills out and ships off to his publisher. And he still writes the most stilted overly-formal dialog this side of a nineteenth century English novel of manners.
This is another ‘conglomeration’ novel featuring Stone Barrington, Dino Bachetti, Holly Barker, Herbie Fisher, and most of Stuart Woods’s recurring characters. Only Ed Eagle gets short shrift here. Again. The way his characters cross-populate all his series, maybe he should just lump them all under the ‘Hail, Hail, The Gang’s All Here’ banner.
Or he could call them the ‘Conspicuous Consumption’ series. After all, we are treated to another endless parade of private jets, exotic cars, and expensive clothes. All Woods’s characters are disgustingly rich, mostly through inheritance, lottery wins, divorce settlements, or other means instead of their own labors.
While it is nice to read about people like that, it gets boring after a while – like a constant diet of ultra-sweet desserts. Sometimes you just want an Oreo.
And no Stuart Wood novel would be complete without numerous incidents of casual sex.
It would be nice if a Stone Barrington novel featured Stone solving a case on his own without help from every other Woods character.
I’ll continue to read books in the series and hope that Woods will have future Stone Barrington novel showcase Stone.
I don’t quite know what to make of the Stone Barrington series. They are still ‘twinkies for the mind’ – light, fast reads that were a change of pace from heavier works. The earlier novels were good but of late they seem trite, almost as if Woods has a template he fills out and ships off to his publisher. And he still writes the most stilted overly-formal dialog this side of a nineteenth century English novel of manners.
This is another ‘conglomeration’ novel featuring Stone Barrington, Dino Bachetti, Holly Barker, Herbie Fisher, and most of Stuart Woods’s recurring characters. Only Ed Eagle gets short shrift here. Again. The way his characters cross-populate all his series, maybe he should just lump them all under the ‘Hail, Hail, The Gang’s All Here’ banner.
Or he could call them the ‘Conspicuous Consumption’ series. After all, we are treated to another endless parade of private jets, exotic cars, and expensive clothes. All Woods’s characters are disgustingly rich, mostly through inheritance, lottery wins, divorce settlements, or other means instead of their own labors.
While it is nice to read about people like that, it gets boring after a while – like a constant diet of ultra-sweet desserts. Sometimes you just want an Oreo.
And no Stuart Wood novel would be complete without numerous incidents of casual sex.
It would be nice if a Stone Barrington novel featured Stone solving a case on his own without help from every other Woods character.
I’ll continue to read books in the series and hope that Woods will have future Stone Barrington novel showcase Stone.
November 22, 2024
This was a mess of a book.
February 8, 2017
This really is reading candy: just a fast-acting rush that I finished in a couple of hours and now 6 hours later, I'm stretching to remember the plot. If you are stuck waiting anywhere, this is the book you'll want to read. Whether for the plot, the thrills or the fantasy humor of terrorism and democracy-defenders that never fail to win, there's something for everyone here. It's definitely an alt-world where the President's wife is head of the CIA -- because she's career CIA and confirmed by the entire Senate. Take your fantasy wherever you can find it.
September 24, 2012
Finally, the upscale Arrington hotel in Bel Air is slated to open, with the U.S. and Mexican presidents schedule to sign a cooperative treaty followed by a big concert. Al Qaeda decides its time for revenge for the killing of Osama Bin Laden, and plans to detonante a nuclear bomb, killing millions in the L.A. area via three operatives: Wynken, Blynken, and Nod. A few minor errors along the way tip off Mike Freeman's Strategic Services, the CIA (Holly), and MI-6. Stone's son and his artsy Yale friends and even Herbie get involved. More exciting than other recent Barrington stories.
August 6, 2016
Severe Clear is the 24th book in the Stone Barrington Series about two presidents meeting at a fancy new hotel built in honor of Stone's late wife Arlington. The Secret Service becomes aware of bombs placed on the grounds by terrorists and the race is on before a million lives are lost. Page turner and nice to see Stuart Woods merging all his characters although characters at times are a bit flat.
May 10, 2017
The CIA Director, who is also the wife of the President of the USA, personal operative, who is also a double agent, plots to kill the presidents of the USA and Mexico.
Author Woods never ceases to amaze me how he keeps his characters and stories current. Severe Clear had good flow and it was short and sweet.
Author Woods never ceases to amaze me how he keeps his characters and stories current. Severe Clear had good flow and it was short and sweet.
September 1, 2013
Stone Barrington is using his deceased wife's fortune to help built a plush hotel in Lao Angles. The Mexican and American presidents will meet there on opening weekend to sign a treaty between the two countries. Someone from the Middle East is planning a terrorist attack on the hotel during a star studded concert the same weekend at the hotel.
October 4, 2019
Aw, Stone had several rendezvous but there were a lot of characters to take up the slack. Money is money but who counts? I gave it 4* for what it was and what it will be. I have 7 more Stone Barrington novels to read.
July 7, 2020
During my lock down what better way
to spend it. Yes, traveling with Stone
Barrington and all his buddies.
I did try to help him find who planted
major bombs. Guess I didn't help
too, much but between all of us we got
the job done.
to spend it. Yes, traveling with Stone
Barrington and all his buddies.
I did try to help him find who planted
major bombs. Guess I didn't help
too, much but between all of us we got
the job done.
August 15, 2020
I love Stone books. This one is one of the latter and I haven’t read all before it but still most of the same characters! International terrorizing, attempts on presidents life, and a little romance! Great entertaining book as always!
January 17, 2017
One of the best in the Stone Barrington series.
May 6, 2022
Stone Barrington is about to open a luxury hotel in Los Angeles called The Arrington, named in honor of his late wife. At the Grand opening there was to be a concert, with many celebrities, billionaires and socialites expected to be in attendance, as well a meeting between the U.S. president and the president of Mexico. Unfortunately for Stone, an international group of terrorists may also be trying to wreak murder and havoc at the event. The book brings all Stones friends into the action to try and thwart the terrorists. It is a fast paced, exciting book.
November 2, 2025
I always enjoy books written by Stuart Woods. He writes mysteries involving his handsome, clever and rich main character, Stone Barrington. (what a name!) Stone works to solve these mysteries as he jet sets around the world bedding beautiful women. The sharp and witty dialogue is one of the strengths of these books. Knowing that things usually get wrapped up by the end of the book in no way takes away from the enjoyment of reading them.
December 7, 2017
Love Stuart Woods and Stone Barrington!
June 25, 2017
Perfect book for a beautiful weekend spent outside. Quick, easy to read, not memorable, easy plot to follow and easy to move on to the next book.
March 24, 2025
One of my favorites so far. Fast paced action packed!! Had me reading until I could finish!!
August 3, 2017
An interesting plotline, but the characters and dialog were just not believable. I listened to half of this book, couldn't take it anymore, but was interested in how it ended. So I flipped to the last disc. The ending was formulaic and uninspired. My first Stuart Wood book, and it will be my last.
October 25, 2025
Great plot twist as usual. Entertaining, and suspenseful reading., kept me on the edge of my chair .
July 27, 2012
This is the twenty-third book that calls out to the millions of Stone Barrington fans across the globe, and is yet another in the long line of cases for the ‘super-sleuth’ lawyer who never seems the least bit stumped when it comes to solving the mystery.
Still alive and well in New York City, Stone Barrington is living, loving, and lawyer-ing each and every day. Recently however, Stone has taken on the added extra job of working with his detective friend, Dino to look for a new restaurant that can take the place of the famous Elaine’s.
Readying themselves to fly off to Bel Air, Stone and his friends are going to be a part of the grand opening of “The Arrington.” This is a new ‘5-star’ hotel that will offer patrons the absolute best in luxury, and has been built on the grounds of the former home of Stone’s late wife. Let’s face it, this is going to be the ultimate ‘party of the century.’ Invitations were sent out to everyone who is ‘anyone’ in the area; a long list that includes socialites, stars of stage and screen, true royalty, and billionaires from every continent.
Being that this is the age of ‘watching’ and ‘spying’ in the technological world, various telephone conversations have come to the attention of the NSA. These ‘talks’ have proven to the government that international terrorists are keeping a very close eye on the Bel Air party—especially since the President of the United States, as well as the President of Mexico are among the attendees.
Stone Barrington, as fans all know by now, has friends in the CIA, and calls in some favors from his buddies to have them keep watch over the event as it erupts in mystery!
The usual suspects are all here, and the tale is as fast-paced as all of Woods’ books are, making it a perfect one-day read. Familiar characters, a good storyline, and humorous dialogue still abound and Woods, most likely, is already working on number twenty-four.
Until Next Time, Everybody,
Amy
Still alive and well in New York City, Stone Barrington is living, loving, and lawyer-ing each and every day. Recently however, Stone has taken on the added extra job of working with his detective friend, Dino to look for a new restaurant that can take the place of the famous Elaine’s.
Readying themselves to fly off to Bel Air, Stone and his friends are going to be a part of the grand opening of “The Arrington.” This is a new ‘5-star’ hotel that will offer patrons the absolute best in luxury, and has been built on the grounds of the former home of Stone’s late wife. Let’s face it, this is going to be the ultimate ‘party of the century.’ Invitations were sent out to everyone who is ‘anyone’ in the area; a long list that includes socialites, stars of stage and screen, true royalty, and billionaires from every continent.
Being that this is the age of ‘watching’ and ‘spying’ in the technological world, various telephone conversations have come to the attention of the NSA. These ‘talks’ have proven to the government that international terrorists are keeping a very close eye on the Bel Air party—especially since the President of the United States, as well as the President of Mexico are among the attendees.
Stone Barrington, as fans all know by now, has friends in the CIA, and calls in some favors from his buddies to have them keep watch over the event as it erupts in mystery!
The usual suspects are all here, and the tale is as fast-paced as all of Woods’ books are, making it a perfect one-day read. Familiar characters, a good storyline, and humorous dialogue still abound and Woods, most likely, is already working on number twenty-four.
Until Next Time, Everybody,
Amy
February 7, 2025
Good plot. Great book
January 16, 2023
A mildly entertaining read and I was hung up on whether to give it two or three stars, but finally settled on two. Like most of the books in this series up to this point, you can almost guess what's going to happen several chapters before it does. There were also several "scenes" in this book that really stretched imagination. First was Holly's promotion to Assistant Director of the CIA. Really??? She's only worked for the CIA for five(?) years and before that was Police Chief of a small town in Florida??? Second, Holly is faced with a major development in the case, bursts into the President's bathroom and interrupts the President and First Lady in the shower and then decides she has time to go to lunch with Stone??? And finally, when the Vanity Fair reporter asks Stone about what happened, he tells her she must forget everything she's seen and heard, but he then goes on to answer all her questions including everything that actually happened.
These books seem to be set in a fantasy world where teenagers all appear to have come from Stepford and where a bumbling incompetant can all of a sudden become a senior associate in a major Manhattan law firm. The only positive I can find is that these books are quick reads and are a light change of pace after reading some darker, more violent books. Kind of like a brain cleanse.
These books seem to be set in a fantasy world where teenagers all appear to have come from Stepford and where a bumbling incompetant can all of a sudden become a senior associate in a major Manhattan law firm. The only positive I can find is that these books are quick reads and are a light change of pace after reading some darker, more violent books. Kind of like a brain cleanse.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 439 reviews