Unintended Consequences

Stone Barrington #26

by Stuart Woods

Stone Barrington is no stranger to schemes and deceptions of all stripes—as an attorney for the premier white-shoe law firm Woodman & Weld, he’s seen more than his share. But when he travels to Europe under highly unusual circumstances, Stone finds himself at the center of mystery that is most peculiar, even by his standards. Two unexpected invitations may be the first clues in an intricate puzzle that will lead Stone deep into the rarefied world of European ultra-wealth and privilege, where billionaires rub elbows with spies, insider knowledge is traded at a high premium, and murder is never too high a price to pay for a desired end...

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

400 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

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

[Sherri F. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audio version: 2 to 2.5 stars-For my first in this series & possibly my first Stuart Woods, I don't think I picked a good 1 to start with, but I will at least try another one before deciding if it's a read later (after things I like better) or read never, considering this is #26 of a series that goes into the 30s you would think they have to be fairly good or possibly just not my taste. I liked the Stone character enough and him waking up in Paris (at the U.S. Consulate) having lost several days & not knowing how he got there was a fairly good start. However, right after it went on slow motion cruise control of mediocre content at best. Went to a party of a wealthy Parisian man he didn't think he knew who seemed throughout book just wanted to buy every business he came across that he liked or did decent work, met a beautiful, wealthy-via-divorce Swede woman who not only fell into bed w/Stone ended up being a CIA-affiliated colleague of his, oh & killed a man in her suite either for work or b/c he came on to her too strong. But even the few attempts on Stone or Marcel's life were quick and fairly boring, until the last 45 min to hour (of 7.5) when the ending sped up & was more interesting. So basically a lot of filler & fluff & little quality content & excitement. Most long-running series have a dud or 2 so I hope that what is the case here.

[Big Otter Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unintended Consequences by Stuart Woods 2 stars

Oh, my, where to start with this one? Stone Barrington is back as the handsome, rich, virile, larger-than-life attorney/hero of this long running series. Widower Stone takes a mysterious journey to Europe that is eventually explained via a long, slow slog through the usual plot devices: sexy sophisticated women, car chases, helicopters, shoot-outs, rich men that may or may not have hidden agendas, spies, lies, huge amounts of money spent with reckless abandon, etc etc. One surprise-the actual sex is toned down quite a bit, oh the characters still "do it" a LOT! But with much less detail. As a quick beach read, this is ok and if you are a fan, you will only be slightly disappointed with this one; we've watched the series slide downward for at least the last 6 books so we know what we're getting when we pick it up. 2 stars

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it's time for the one dimensional, predictable Stone Barrington to call it a day. Same story, same wardrobe, same cavalier relationships with women. Absolutely no character development. Just seems like a rerun you watch in the middle of the night because you can't sleep and there is nothing else better on tv.

[Chris Durkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the entire book in less than 6 hours straight. I have read all of Mr. Woods' works and this is one of his better works as of late. The plot is intriguing from the beginning, but in the end becomes somewhat of a typical Stone Barrington.

Mr. Woods did try to shake things up with the introduction of Stone's most recent crisis. Although not altogether a new concept, having the protagonist have "memory loss" issue, by any means, can create the necessary mystery to keep the reader reading. Thankfully, this is not a major plotline, but just makes it seem as though the reader is working with the same limited information as Stone.

Those familiar with the Stone Barrington series will be happy to know that all the regulars return with a minor "twist" at the beginning. Personally, I do not like the CIA angle the series has taken in the recent years as this is a major plot line in this installment. Additionally, it is somewhat interesting that Mr. Woods decided to create a child for his main character, but then does not feature him really at all after the first few books.

I assume reader panels led him to believe that the CIA plot line was better than what made this character so great and loved by fans worldwide; the crazy clients and obscene situations Stone would get him in. Not to mention his charm, class and sense of humor.

Stone Barrington is a lawyer. He is not a spy. He is not a contract killer. He is not a detective. Changing a character that people have grown to love and bought millions of books about is a risky move and I assume was not taken lightly, but that I personally feel has taken from the authenticity of the series. I just seems so far out of touch from reality.

I will continue to read the series, but it has lost its focus and should return to its roots and what made it a bestseller.

Stone however proceeds to be Stone and the book is an entertaining read. Excellent read for a mindless vacation/trip, or if you are a voracious reader like me, then an afternoon.

[Jay Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amnesia.

Losing 2 to 4 days must be the plot device of the month. Here in "Unintended Consequences," the first scene is Stone discovering he is in Paris in a infirmary with no recollection as to why, and the new Dan Brown novel – “Inferno” (which I will review shortly) – begins with Robert Langdon waking up in a hospital bed in Florence, Italy and having no clue as to how he got there. The lead characters in each novel react true to form: “the last thing I remember I was crossing Harvard Yard” (Langdon) versus “I was at a party in my home” (Barrington).

Once you get past the incongruence of the mental picture of Dan Brown looking over Stuart Woods’ shoulder to steal tips on plotting, you begin to enjoy the fact that these two authors have delivered fun romps, of low and middle brow, of divergent depth from identical starting points.

While, I had worried that Woods had lost his edge back several installments ago (in the two-star “D.C. Dead”) this latest outing for Stone Barrington and crew, though not up to last times “Collateral Damage,” is well worth the suspension of belief and gender stereo-typing required for a stay in Barrington’s company.

Of note, is the introduction of a new international cast – led by billionaire Marcel duBois. Let’s hope for several trips “across the pond” in coming installments. The change of scenery will do us all well provided it continues to give Woods a new bright shiny object to keep his storytelling juices flowing.

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Stone Barrington novel that does not start with "Elaine's late." Stone finds himself in Paris with no notion of how he got there or what happened in the last four days. He has some new friends: businessman Marcel duBois, a French Warren Buffet, lover, Helga Becker, a crafty Swede, and CIA pal, Richard LaRose. Everybody seems to want to buy Stone's Arrington hotel property in Bel Air, with duBois selling the first of his new supercars to Stone at a discounted price. Meanwhile, the CIA wants a relationship with duBois and the Russians seem to be intent on killing Stone's friends. After some shenanigans in Paris, the group relocates to Stone's U.S. homes, where things escalate before a wild helicopter duel over Brighton Beach.

[ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically all Stone Barrington books are the same. You know he’s going to try an f- every attractive woman he meets, he’s going to eat out an insane amount and he will always drink Knob Creek even though there are much better bourbons 🥃 out there.

This one has triple bingo because Stone was able to visit all 3 of his houses! 🤣🤣🤣

Lots of death and destruction follow Stone. The women almost always die but Helga was of stronger Swedish stock I guess.

The plot on this one was really bad. I’m not sure why I continue to read these. Maybe I enjoy the predictability 😬😬😬.

[Jack Heath · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars. I didn't feel much emotion; not as good as the last couple but it did heat-up as we raced towards the end. The ultra wealthy cadre is not that appealing - this one almost reaches the level of the tech giants we all know and love so much. Are you thinking Elon Musk? At one point, a rather likeable French billionaire offers $1B for Stone's Arrington Hotel in Beverley Hills. And Stone turns it down! If you recall, it was named for the love-of-his life, Arrington Carter, who died several volumes back. Their son Peter Barrington is studying theatre but eventually it will all come to him. The book opens with Stone in Paris not knowing why he's there. He's suffering from amnesia as a result of a drug slipped to him on Air France. But why was he on the flight? People keep calling him - Marcel DuBois, the billionaire in question, asks for an appointment and even offers Stone one of his his latest fast cars, The Blaise, at a huge discount. He must want something! And then a lovely woman calls to go to dinner with him. Who are these people? Throw in the Russian mob, Lance Cabot and the CIA, and what do you get? Fun. A good read, but not a great one. (Se2025/No2025)

[Eileen Pace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not capture my attention. I thought the plot was weak, and although it did start with a good mystery about the way Stone woke up in the American Embassy in Paris without a lick of knowledge about how he got there, the plot became slow after that. It was laced with drooling, drippy scenes of too much money spent selfishly, a crutch that tends to make me weary after reading several of the same theme.

[Vannessa Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unintended Consequences is full of surprises. Surprises, I believe fans of Stone Barrington will enjoy.

[Geri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always wonder what situation Stuart Woods will put
Stone into. No matter what, Stone always has enough money
and contacts and of course women to help him fight crime.
I usually have to smile.

[Joanne Farley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty good addition to the Stone Barrington series.

[Marcia Conner · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've stopped reading Stuart Woods' books because they'd become predictable, reconsider. This book takes a fresh global approach to Stone's adventures with a new set of interesting characters and some truly unique problems. Well, OK, anyone who has read these books can predict how Stone will handle, err umm, certain situations... but I'd like to think that speaks more to human nature than Woods being in a rut. The story has fewer big crazy thrills than others, but there are many small ones throughout. And truly, some of the new additions to the cast, such as Marcel and Rick could get their own series. They're easy to cheer for and follow alongside as the plot unfolds.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

August 2023 Marcel is quite central plus Helga and Rick and of course Dino’s fancy schmancy apartment.

Sept 2021. another fav...
Oct 2019 book on tape. a companion while I drive in the city.

Oct 2018 book on tape. Continue to enjoy this series.
April 2017 This story continues to keep me engrossed. The term "unintended consequences" seems to be able to be applied to many political decisions. Probably, a more honest term would be " ooops - I've made another M I S T A K E !"

re-read 1-12-2015 venues in NYC and Paris
lots of traveling, flying. Both Holly and Stone and Lance
New in 2013. a Stone Barrington. Another 4 star.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story begins with Stone's memory loss and this reviewer could not find much excitement here as well. There is not much to cheer for when even the supposed good guys are suspect. 4 of 10 stars

[Kate West · Rating 3 out of 5]

love the lavish lifestyles in this book. everything was a little too neatly tied in a bow. no real tension or friction. didn’t seem serious for the content.

[Heather Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

My least favorite of this series so far. Did not like the storyline in the beginning. Just really strange. But it picked up in the end. Still a great series!!!

[Diana S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

[Dee Cyr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another good Stone Barrington read. It doesn't get old!

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone Barrington is on a flight to Paris and when he wakes up, he is in a room at the U.S. Embassy. He doesn’t know why he is Paris or what happened to his memory. As Stone investigates what happened to him, he finds himself and those around him, in danger. With the help of Holly Baker, Dino Bacchetti, and Lance Cabot, Stone eventually is able to find answers. Stone has a new love interest Helga Becker as well as a new business partner Marcel DeBois. Marcel gives him an interesting gift at the end of the book. This is another typical, but still exciting book in this series. I enjoyed it!

[Monnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early last summer, I read my first Stuart Woods book featuring cop-turned-attorney Stone Barrington (Unnatural Acts, which I believe is the 23rd in the Barrington series). So when this one became available, I figured I'd give it a go. A day later, I'd finished - and although I can't say I didn't enjoy it, I realized it had evoked no emotions whatsoever: No thrill, no heart palpitations and no particular connection to any character including Barrington.

That prompted me to re-read my review of Unnatural Acts - and found that my reaction to that book was exactly the same: Good plot that moves along quickly but with zero excitement. Everything that happens seems to be accepted matter-of-factly.

Such is the case here as well. Maybe, I've concluded, it's a matter of wealth; Barrington is filthy rich, as are several of the other characters. Maybe when you own and pilot your own airplane, own homes all over the country and move in circles where everyone has obscene amounts of money, situations that most people would be at least a little upset about - such as a total loss of memory of four days out of your life - just aren't worth fussing over.

Nor, I guess, are people. When Barrington hears from his assistant that two of his dearest friends were on the passenger list of an airplane that's crashed with no survivors, for instance, for a couple of sentences he seems a tad concerned about having to tell the couple's son. But soon after, when he learns they're safe, he doesn't bother to call his assistant or the son to make sure they know the truth.

Some details seem a bit off as well. One night, standing on the back porch of his vacation home in his bathrobe (after tucking his gun at the back to free up his hands to hold binoculars), Barrington and one of his law enforcement buddies spot what they think are bad guys sneaking up on the property from the water. Immediately, the two decide to sneak down in the pitch dark and surprise the intruders. In his bathrobe? For goodness sake, man, at least grab a pair of pants.

Still another scene has Barrington, described as a pilot who never fails to follow the checklists for take-off and landing, simply handing over the controls to a woman who's never been in a cockpit before just because she asks. Perhaps he reasoned that because she took him to the moon and back in bed she'd be a good pilot as well?

On the positive side, I learned about some excellent fine wines, haute cuisine and how to fortify a home and car (not that I can afford any of that, mind you). And there was a bit of question throughout - I can't quite bring myself to call it suspense - as to which character might turn out to be the villain here. And as I said before, everything moves along quickly and interestingly - just don't expect to get excited.

[Dr. Thomas Wasser · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well... it started out interesting but by chapter six it turned into the exact same thing as the previous 25,235,646,146 Stone Barrington novels. Meaning (1) Everything done by cell phone, (2) no sleuthing as was common and good in the first 473 books but dropped completely from 474+ (3) sex, but not too bad. (4) no new excitement until chapter 58 and then even that was not believable. A black hawk helicopter with the lead CIA operative in Paris running the guns in NYC... yep thats what I said. All in all just not a good read. I hurried through it just to put myself out of my misery.

Why do I keep reading them you ask? Well 15 years ago I went to the book barn and found them all sitting on the shelf. So I bought them used and all in order. Thank God I've only got one more to go until I'm done with what I bought. Probably will read it on some coast to coast flight where I can't get out of it. Then I'm done.

Seriously. Woods was good in the early days and then he got some kind of contract that he had to churn out 2,352 of these things a week in order to afford his new airplane. So he sold out his readers and strung us along. So I'm done. There are so many other really good characters out there. Lucus Davenport, Virgil Flowers, Andy Carpenter, Elvis Cole, Joe Pike, John Stride and many others... Honestly if you type in your book list you will get really good recommendations and I have never been let down by Goodreads

I feel guilty putting these books in the book drop because I am inflicting pain on some unsuspecting soul but hey... Their loss and I had already bought a box of fire starters.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well there was nothing fantastic to me about this novel. I found it rather boring. The action was limited, and I did not like the fact that Dino was by Stone's side until the end. Those two are paired for life and make a great team, you can't have one without the other. I find it hard to believe that Stone's house (and anyone else living on his block) has not been demolished yet. I can't see how no one is ever on his block when some arises. I know it's just fiction but really come on.

I did not car for the way the first chapter opened as well. It just did not sit right with me. I was glad to see Stone's sex life toned down finally, but I did really want him to be with Holly. Too many actions were taking place in the last book between them for them not to be together at this point.

I really do not like the character of Lance Cabott. He bothers me to no end. His motives and priorities are to mixed up and he likes to play to many games. Marcel duBois character was to blah for me as well. He was just a rich person who made his moves to get what he wanted and gave nothing in return. He was boring and not very charismatic.

Yet again a fail in my eyes for this one.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed as an audiobook.

This is the 26th book in Stuart Woods’ Stone Barrington series. Stone awakens in a secure facility in Paris with no idea of how he got there or any memory of the previous four days. Why was he going to Paris? Once there, he meets Marcel duBois, a French billionaire, Helga Becker, a Swedish intelligence agent (and his love interest for this book), and CIA agent Richard LaRose, each of which will help him regain those lost days. The Arrington Hotel in Bel Air is once again in the picture (the previous two books in the series revolved around this property as well) - a bunch of people, including duBois, want to buy it, and some will go to great lengths to do so. The explanation for the drugging takes a while to be disclosed but it soon leads to some frantic action back in the U.S. at Stone’s Maine home. Another enjoyable read (listen!). This is not literary fiction - just quick reads with a decent plot.

[Pamala Kagarise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Stuart Woods!

Quick reading and fun to follow Stone and his adventures. Deeply saddened by Mr Woods passing...We will miss a wonderful author

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone Barrington, ex-NYPD homicide detective, is currently an attorney for a reputable firm in New York. In this book, he finds himself in Paris, France without any memory of how he arrived there. He meets several new characters and proceeds to become involved with the newest woman he has met. Thankfully no explicit sexual scenes as in some previous books.

Dino and Viv are more involved in this book. Dino nails it on the head about Stone being soft since he is no longer a police officer. He trusts people and doesn't keep his eyes open regarding what's happening around him.

As all the books in the 'Stone Barrington' series, it is fast-paced and interesting.

[Mysteryfan · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the powerful impact of the Last Policeman trilogy, I needed a complete change of pace. Stuart Woods as always delivers the very best popcorn read. Stone wakes up in France with no memory of how he got there or of the previous four days. The French Warren Buffett offers him hospitality and an incredible new car (think Delorean). He also acquires a new Swedish girlfriend. Stone struggles to regain his memory and figure out why people are shooting at the. Dino gets promoted to chief of police, Lance gets promoted to CIA head, and stuff happens with Russian oligarchs. Als0, this is when Fred entered the picture. So an important book in the series

[David Freas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another run of the mill entry in Woods's Conspicuous Consumption - Oops! - I mean Stone Barrington series.

Stone buys another $300,000 car, stays in 4 star hotels, dines in 4 star restaurants - no Burger King or McDonalds for him! - and spends outrageous amounts of money the way us normal people spend a dollar.

At least in this one, Stone carries most of the action. The last few books have been more 'Hail, hail, the gang's all here' novels with all but a few of Woods's many of characters sharing the load.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuart Woods', "Unintended Consequences" has Stone interacting with billionaires in Paris where everyone wants what Stone has "The Arrington" among other things. The tale opens with Barrington waking up in the American Embassy in Paris with no memory of the past four days. It's a rollercoaster ride from there. Stone is immediately invited to a black tie & dress affair by a multi-billionaire Marcel duBois; which explains why Stone packed his tux. At the party Stone meets spies beautiful agents & bad guys. Relationships grow from there. Great tale with mysterious twists & turns. Enjoy.

[Gary Gallucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 26th book in this long-running series. At this stage, Stuart Woods was pumping out about four books a year. That's crazy, right? All the guy must have done was produce outlines and write. In this episode, our hero Stone has lost his memory. The previous four days of his life are a blur, but he knows darn well some significant happenings took place. He finds himself in Paris, where he's invited to parties by people he doesn't know. More crazy things happen, of course. An interesting concept.