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Stone Barrington #23
Unnatural Acts
When a hedge fund billionaire hires Stone Barrington to talk some sense into his wayward son, it seems like an easy enough job; no one knows the hidden sins and temptations of the ultra-wealthy better than Stone. But as Stone and his erstwhile protégé, Herbie Fisher, probe deeper into the case—and an old one comes back to haunt him---he realizes that even he may have underestimated just how far some people will go to cover up their crimes…and plan new ones.
From Manhattan’s mahogany-paneled law offices to its modern penthouse lofts and dimly lit nightclubs, the trail of entrapment and murder leads to a shocking act that no one could ever have anticipated.
From Manhattan’s mahogany-paneled law offices to its modern penthouse lofts and dimly lit nightclubs, the trail of entrapment and murder leads to a shocking act that no one could ever have anticipated.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2012
901 people are currently reading
1885 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Woods
408 books3,220 followersStuart Woods was an American novelist best known for Chiefs and his long-running Stone Barrington series. A Georgia native, he initially pursued a career in advertising before relocating to England and Ireland, where he developed a passion for sailing. His love for the sport led him to write his first published work, Blue Water, Green Skipper, about his experiences in a transatlantic yacht race.
His debut novel, Chiefs, was inspired by a family story about his grandfather, a police chief. The book, a gripping crime saga spanning several decades, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and was later adapted into a television miniseries. It launched Woods' career as a novelist, leading to a prolific output of thrillers.
Woods' most famous creation, Stone Barrington, is a former NYPD detective turned high-profile lawyer who navigates elite circles while solving crimes. The series became a bestseller and remained a staple of his career, often featuring crossover characters from his other books, such as CIA operative Holly Barker and defense lawyer Ed Eagle.
Beyond writing, Woods was an experienced pilot and yachtsman. He maintained homes in Florida, Maine, and New Mexico, where he lived with his wife and their Labrador, Fred. His literary career spanned decades, with dozens of bestsellers to his name.
His debut novel, Chiefs, was inspired by a family story about his grandfather, a police chief. The book, a gripping crime saga spanning several decades, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and was later adapted into a television miniseries. It launched Woods' career as a novelist, leading to a prolific output of thrillers.
Woods' most famous creation, Stone Barrington, is a former NYPD detective turned high-profile lawyer who navigates elite circles while solving crimes. The series became a bestseller and remained a staple of his career, often featuring crossover characters from his other books, such as CIA operative Holly Barker and defense lawyer Ed Eagle.
Beyond writing, Woods was an experienced pilot and yachtsman. He maintained homes in Florida, Maine, and New Mexico, where he lived with his wife and their Labrador, Fred. His literary career spanned decades, with dozens of bestsellers to his name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews
June 11, 2012
Another of my mindless escape authors. I am coming to the conclusion though that I am going to have to find some new authors for my mindless escapes as several of my longtime standbys are getting stale or I am getting bored. Not sure which.
November 2, 2025
3 Stars. This should be sub-titled "A Guide for Full-Service Lawyers" rather than a Stone Barrington thriller! It seemed that way much of the time - examples of how to assist rich clients to accomplish their business and personal objectives, from security to real estate to architecture. And thereby increase billings. As to the story, a billionaire approaches Stone to meet with his son Dink Brennan and get Dink to return to the straight and narrow. But Stone demurs. Instead, he pushes forward Herbie Fisher. We've stumbled over him numerous times. He's now a lawyer at Woodman and Weld and handles that kind of case for the firm. The title could also have been "Herb's Coming of Age." It's hard not to see Dink as either a sociopath or a psychopath - wait for the differentiation and you decide! While this is going on, Dino's old flame, Shelley Bach the serial killer, has returned. Dino is finding it hard to keep his hands off her. This is #23 and I'm worried that all the really good Stone Barrington's are back in the single digits. I have time to find out, but a visit to Elaine's is no longer possible; the restaurant closed after her passing in 2010. (Fe2019/No2025)
April 24, 2012
Unnatural Acts is a worthless addition to the Stone Barrington series. For one, Stone Barrington isn't even the main character in the book, being relegated to supporting status to two other regular characters.
It's not clear why Woods felt the need to elevate Herbie Fisher's role in this series from comic relief to "Stone Barrington Lite". In one book, Fisher goes from a lowly associate to the fastest rising senior associate in the history of Woodman & Weld.
It's one thing to relegate Stone in a Holly Barker or Ed Eagle book, but to make him second fiddle to Herbie Fisher in a "Stone Barrington Novel" is annoying and bothersome.
Maybe the closing of Elaine's killed Woods' spark. Of course, it's his prerogative to do what he pleases with his characters, I just hope he finds a better way to manage his characters than the heirs to Elaine's did in New York.
Another turkey like this, and I'm going to have to go find another place to eat.
It's not clear why Woods felt the need to elevate Herbie Fisher's role in this series from comic relief to "Stone Barrington Lite". In one book, Fisher goes from a lowly associate to the fastest rising senior associate in the history of Woodman & Weld.
It's one thing to relegate Stone in a Holly Barker or Ed Eagle book, but to make him second fiddle to Herbie Fisher in a "Stone Barrington Novel" is annoying and bothersome.
Maybe the closing of Elaine's killed Woods' spark. Of course, it's his prerogative to do what he pleases with his characters, I just hope he finds a better way to manage his characters than the heirs to Elaine's did in New York.
Another turkey like this, and I'm going to have to go find another place to eat.
November 1, 2012
I believe I said a while ago that I wouldn't read anymore of Stuart Woods books because they had gone downhill. However, desperate for something to read I took a chance on this one when I saw it at the library. Big mistake. Just more of the same. Lots of money and sex with no plot. Everyone accomplishes difficult tasks with a minimum of effort.
Stuart Woods should either put some effort into his books or quit writing. He used to be one of the best and to go out like this makes me sad.
Stuart Woods should either put some effort into his books or quit writing. He used to be one of the best and to go out like this makes me sad.
May 8, 2012
Oh Stuart. This book is just crap. And not fun guilty pleasure crap. Just crap. Nothing happened. And the stuff that did happen is completely unbelievable. Such a letdown.
April 24, 2012
Why do I keep reading this stuff?? I guess I just have to know, what next... this is more about Herbie Fisher and his status and advancement within the law firm and dealings with the clients. Dino and Stone are definately important to the story line as always, but most importantly, Elaine's of the famous restaurant of the same name, is no longer alive. The biggest mystery now is where to go for dinner every night?
January 9, 2013
Gosh - another book not worth finishing. Is it just me? I know it's not, as others in my book club commented recently on the declining (or declined) quality of many popular writers' works. Do they even werite these themselves?
I've always loved Stuart Woods and Stone Barrington, but have despaired of finding another good book in that series. I panned Son of Stone and couldn't imagine things getting worse, but guess what? Now it's Herbie Fisher - Herbie Fisher is no Stone Barrington (then again, Stone Barrington is no longer Stone Barrington either). We're supposed to believe this guy? Herbie is really a nauseating character and in the real world would be disbarred because of his chronic violations of attorney-client privilege. Even if it's not the real world, it's bad. Wow. So long Stuart Woods.
I've always loved Stuart Woods and Stone Barrington, but have despaired of finding another good book in that series. I panned Son of Stone and couldn't imagine things getting worse, but guess what? Now it's Herbie Fisher - Herbie Fisher is no Stone Barrington (then again, Stone Barrington is no longer Stone Barrington either). We're supposed to believe this guy? Herbie is really a nauseating character and in the real world would be disbarred because of his chronic violations of attorney-client privilege. Even if it's not the real world, it's bad. Wow. So long Stuart Woods.
May 20, 2012
Woods has become the new Robert Parker (i.e., too formulaic.) Stone takes a back seat in this novel to Herbie Fisher, who has become the "new" fixer at Woodman & Weld. He is enlisted to help the troubled son of a hedge fund owner and his assistance showers him with opportunties, on which he capitalizes. Stone's new romantic interest is being threatened by a talent manager and one of Dino's team is almost killed trying to catch him. Dino's love life is also problematic as he continues his dangerous association with a wanted sexy, serial killer, who ends up shooting him when she realizes she has been set up.
May 17, 2012
Funny, but I thought I'd read at least one of Woods's Stone Barrington novels, but once I started, nothing sounded familiar - except that I was struck by the similarity with John Sandford's "Prey" series. Barrington, a former cop turned attorney, is a more genteel version of Sandford's Deputy Chief Lucas Davenport, and Woods writes in a more laid-back fashion than Sandford. Everything moves along smoothly, but I noticed a decided lack of excitement (for want of a better word) on the part of all the characters. Everything that happens seems to be accepted quite matter-of-factly.
It's not that things don't happen; Barrington and his lawyer pal Herbie Fisher, hired to keep an eye on a wealthy client's son, soon learn it's not all that easy to do when the son is a drug dealer and sociopath. Concurrently, Barrington's cop pal Dino learns an old nemesis and in-the-sack buddy who's on the Most Wanted list is back. And Herbie, who's trying hard to earn his stripes at their prestigious law firm, keeps busy reeling in new clients who just fall into his lap.
Besides the noticeable lack of enthusiasm, a couple of other things were bothersome in this book, the first of which is the lack of background information that would be helpful to someone who hasn't read earlier books. Second is that the person I consider to be the main character, Barrington, makes himself rather scarce as the focus is mostly on Herbie and Dino. But perhaps the worst is that the only thing the characters seem to give a rat's patoot about is that their long-time favorite hangout, Elaine's restaurant, has closed (apparently since the last book in the series, Elaine bit the dust) and they can't find a decent alternate.
Bottom line? If Woods writes another in the series, I'll probably try it. As for this one, ho hum.
AFTERWORD: It's rare that I read the writer's acknowledgements and such at the end of a book, but for whatever reason, I browsed through what Woods wrote here. I must say I was shocked and disappointed, to put it mildly, at his directive that should readers find typos or grammatical errors they feel compelled to point out, they're to contact his publishing company, not him.
I've gone through quite a few red pencils in my many years as a professional journalist and copyeditor of work by writers like you, Mr. Woods, and I do agree that in the end, the buck does stop at the publishing house. If a mistake appeared in one of "my" newspapers, it meant we (or I) weren't thorough enough. But in no way does that let writers off the hook; if you're a professional (and being paid, no doubt handsomely in the case of a best-selling author), it's expected that you turn out copy that's as close to error free as possible. To cavalierly dump all the responsibility at the feet of anyone else is not only unfair, but egregious. Shame on you!
It's not that things don't happen; Barrington and his lawyer pal Herbie Fisher, hired to keep an eye on a wealthy client's son, soon learn it's not all that easy to do when the son is a drug dealer and sociopath. Concurrently, Barrington's cop pal Dino learns an old nemesis and in-the-sack buddy who's on the Most Wanted list is back. And Herbie, who's trying hard to earn his stripes at their prestigious law firm, keeps busy reeling in new clients who just fall into his lap.
Besides the noticeable lack of enthusiasm, a couple of other things were bothersome in this book, the first of which is the lack of background information that would be helpful to someone who hasn't read earlier books. Second is that the person I consider to be the main character, Barrington, makes himself rather scarce as the focus is mostly on Herbie and Dino. But perhaps the worst is that the only thing the characters seem to give a rat's patoot about is that their long-time favorite hangout, Elaine's restaurant, has closed (apparently since the last book in the series, Elaine bit the dust) and they can't find a decent alternate.
Bottom line? If Woods writes another in the series, I'll probably try it. As for this one, ho hum.
AFTERWORD: It's rare that I read the writer's acknowledgements and such at the end of a book, but for whatever reason, I browsed through what Woods wrote here. I must say I was shocked and disappointed, to put it mildly, at his directive that should readers find typos or grammatical errors they feel compelled to point out, they're to contact his publishing company, not him.
I've gone through quite a few red pencils in my many years as a professional journalist and copyeditor of work by writers like you, Mr. Woods, and I do agree that in the end, the buck does stop at the publishing house. If a mistake appeared in one of "my" newspapers, it meant we (or I) weren't thorough enough. But in no way does that let writers off the hook; if you're a professional (and being paid, no doubt handsomely in the case of a best-selling author), it's expected that you turn out copy that's as close to error free as possible. To cavalierly dump all the responsibility at the feet of anyone else is not only unfair, but egregious. Shame on you!
May 3, 2012
Although Woods writes a fair story the characters are so shallow, egotistical, oversexed and completely unbelievable. For example when first introduced Herbie Fisher was a bumbling comical foolish little guy. He was almost likable till Wood developed him into a Stone clone and now he is a ritzy lawyer with millionaire clients falling all over themselves to hire him.
I keep waiting for Woods to write a good book like his first ones. If I wasn't OCD I'd give up on this series but I keep reading and complaining. I guess it's better to be addicted by certain author's books than drugs or booze.
I keep waiting for Woods to write a good book like his first ones. If I wasn't OCD I'd give up on this series but I keep reading and complaining. I guess it's better to be addicted by certain author's books than drugs or booze.
February 17, 2013
I so wish I could say something good about this book but I can't. I have read Woods' novels for over twenty years and feel so hard done by of late by how lazy Mr Woods has become. His last six or so novels have been terrible and this is a real stinker.
There is no real story to this novel, just a series of inter-connecting "semi-stories", all of which are so unbelievable as to have had me cringing with every page read.
The women are nothing more than sexual receptacles for the various male characters, millions of dollars are earned and handed around so easily that I'm sure Mr Woods must think we believe this sort of nonsense, law enforcement policies, banking laws,governmental procedures and everyday facts of living are totally out the window so that Mr Woods can write any old thing that suits him which totally snaps you out of the book with just how preposterous the whole sorry, sordid affair actually is.
I am beginning to think that Mr Woods is no longer taking his writing seriously (he's made his millions so why bother to work at something that a reader will actually cherish), or, SOMEONE ELSE is doing his writing for him.
A total waste of my time, and here is the only redeeming factor to this and many of Woods' novels: they are so easy to read that they take very little time to get through.
A TERRIBLE NOVEL THAT IS JUST TOO UNBELIEVABLE BY A VERY LAZY AUTHOR.
There is no real story to this novel, just a series of inter-connecting "semi-stories", all of which are so unbelievable as to have had me cringing with every page read.
The women are nothing more than sexual receptacles for the various male characters, millions of dollars are earned and handed around so easily that I'm sure Mr Woods must think we believe this sort of nonsense, law enforcement policies, banking laws,governmental procedures and everyday facts of living are totally out the window so that Mr Woods can write any old thing that suits him which totally snaps you out of the book with just how preposterous the whole sorry, sordid affair actually is.
I am beginning to think that Mr Woods is no longer taking his writing seriously (he's made his millions so why bother to work at something that a reader will actually cherish), or, SOMEONE ELSE is doing his writing for him.
A total waste of my time, and here is the only redeeming factor to this and many of Woods' novels: they are so easy to read that they take very little time to get through.
A TERRIBLE NOVEL THAT IS JUST TOO UNBELIEVABLE BY A VERY LAZY AUTHOR.
March 27, 2019
I rea this one way out of order, having finished the series to date. These are the comments from others: "Stone Barrington isn't even the main character in the book, being relegated to supporting status to two other regular characters...Stone takes a back seat in this novel to Herbie Fisher, who has become the "new" fixer at Woodman & Weld. Hapless Herbie is the biggest rainmaker in the world? " All true. the protagonist is a lying rich kid who's father is sorry that he ever brought the kid to life. That's the story.--not Herbie.
November 18, 2024
Herbie Fisher is moving up the corporate ladder at a rapid rate. This book is mainly focused on him with a bit of Stone and Dino thrown in.
Shelley from the previous book has met her fate. It was warranted.
Stone has a new girl that’s Broadway focused. She’s also his neighbor. 🙄🙄 he’s dated most of them 🤣
Shelley from the previous book has met her fate. It was warranted.
Stone has a new girl that’s Broadway focused. She’s also his neighbor. 🙄🙄 he’s dated most of them 🤣
November 29, 2023
An interesting blend of plot lines. A couple of which seem to not be neatly tied up. Kept me entertained and was a quick book to read.
July 15, 2019
Major continuity error in this one.
April 22, 2017
Unnatural Acts
In a review of Son Of Stone, I called Stuart Woods’s novels ‘Twinkies for the mind.’
Unnatural Acts is no different. It’s another ‘cookie-cutter’ Stuart Woods novel with lots of name dropping, lots of drinking, and lots of dining at famous restaurants. The only two things not in abundance here are sex—maybe Stone is finally grieving over Arrington’s murder almost right after they were married—and detailed descriptions of flying. Woods makes up for that with a ‘Cooking with Stone’ scene. Channeling Robert B. Parker, Stuart?
Woods continues to write what I feel is stilted, overly formal (and, hence, unrealistic) dialog. In one scene, a son has told his father he’s getting a break. The father replies, “I would be interested in knowing what you regard as ‘a break.’ Some people do talk this way but most fathers (even ones who talk this way to others) would say to a son, “Tell me about it,” or “What break?” And every time two characters meet, there is always a “Very pleased to meet you, Mr. So-and-so,” or similar exchange.
When I read a book the author heavily peppers with name dropping, I begin to wonder if (a) it’s really to give the reader a picture of the character’s lifestyle, (b) easier than coming up with a fresh way to get that information across, (c) to show how ‘up on the latest in thing’ the author is, or (d) the author boasting to us reader peons indirectly about the life he lives. Maybe I’m being cynical, but I suspect in most cases, it’s one of the last three and almost never the first. Note to all authors: strewing around famous names does not impress me.
Too many story lines running parallel to each other, none strong enough to carry the whole book, gave this novel a scattered feel. The main plot could have carried this novel had it been more developed but it wasn’t and as a result, the other plot lines only diluted it more. Also, many scenes seemed to focus on disgustingly rich people getting disgustingly richer, and related only marginally to crime.
I liked many of the earlier Stone Barrington books but these last few lame efforts leave me wondering has Stuart Woods grown tired of Stone Barrington? Is he running out of good ideas for his characters? Or has he become so successful he feels he can ‘phone it in,’ knowing people will buy his books anyway?
Even so, I'll probably keep reading the series. Even the healthiest eaters grab some junk food once in a while.
In a review of Son Of Stone, I called Stuart Woods’s novels ‘Twinkies for the mind.’
Unnatural Acts is no different. It’s another ‘cookie-cutter’ Stuart Woods novel with lots of name dropping, lots of drinking, and lots of dining at famous restaurants. The only two things not in abundance here are sex—maybe Stone is finally grieving over Arrington’s murder almost right after they were married—and detailed descriptions of flying. Woods makes up for that with a ‘Cooking with Stone’ scene. Channeling Robert B. Parker, Stuart?
Woods continues to write what I feel is stilted, overly formal (and, hence, unrealistic) dialog. In one scene, a son has told his father he’s getting a break. The father replies, “I would be interested in knowing what you regard as ‘a break.’ Some people do talk this way but most fathers (even ones who talk this way to others) would say to a son, “Tell me about it,” or “What break?” And every time two characters meet, there is always a “Very pleased to meet you, Mr. So-and-so,” or similar exchange.
When I read a book the author heavily peppers with name dropping, I begin to wonder if (a) it’s really to give the reader a picture of the character’s lifestyle, (b) easier than coming up with a fresh way to get that information across, (c) to show how ‘up on the latest in thing’ the author is, or (d) the author boasting to us reader peons indirectly about the life he lives. Maybe I’m being cynical, but I suspect in most cases, it’s one of the last three and almost never the first. Note to all authors: strewing around famous names does not impress me.
Too many story lines running parallel to each other, none strong enough to carry the whole book, gave this novel a scattered feel. The main plot could have carried this novel had it been more developed but it wasn’t and as a result, the other plot lines only diluted it more. Also, many scenes seemed to focus on disgustingly rich people getting disgustingly richer, and related only marginally to crime.
I liked many of the earlier Stone Barrington books but these last few lame efforts leave me wondering has Stuart Woods grown tired of Stone Barrington? Is he running out of good ideas for his characters? Or has he become so successful he feels he can ‘phone it in,’ knowing people will buy his books anyway?
Even so, I'll probably keep reading the series. Even the healthiest eaters grab some junk food once in a while.
July 9, 2012
This is the first Stone Barrington novel I've read in awhile - I was so disappointed with the last one i read (Strategic Moves) that I took a break from Stuart Woods. Unnatural Acts was similar to the first few SB novels that I've read and i enjoyed it so much more. Welcome Back Mr. Woods!!!
I read a recent review where the reader indicated that she was disappointed because Stone (the main character) wasn't utilized as much and she surmised that both the author and Stone were getting old. Well, I agree. BUT, I don't think that is a bad thing - the reality is the character and the author ARE getting old, and by expanding on the newer, younger characters (i.e. Herb Fisher), both the author and the reader can experience new shenanigans and fresh stories. Bravo Stuart Woods for acknowledging this and moving on to better things. I look forward to more adventures with Herbie Fisher and Stuart Woods!
I read a recent review where the reader indicated that she was disappointed because Stone (the main character) wasn't utilized as much and she surmised that both the author and Stone were getting old. Well, I agree. BUT, I don't think that is a bad thing - the reality is the character and the author ARE getting old, and by expanding on the newer, younger characters (i.e. Herb Fisher), both the author and the reader can experience new shenanigans and fresh stories. Bravo Stuart Woods for acknowledging this and moving on to better things. I look forward to more adventures with Herbie Fisher and Stuart Woods!
June 6, 2012
Stuart Woods is back up to fluff.
My review of Woods’ last effort – D.C. Dead – was less than complimentary. The only positive note I could strike was at least he hadn’t started farming out his characters to subcontractors like James Patterson has.
Stuart Woods is back up to fluff.
He’s right at the sweet spot of three stars. While this outing has more of a day-in-the-life feel (i.e. no overarching case to propel the plot), it is enjoyable and a relief to those of us who have followed Woods for over 50 books. No pressure on the reader, but also no spectacular screw-ups in plot or character as we saw in the train-wreck that was D.C. Dead.
My review of Woods’ last effort – D.C. Dead – was less than complimentary. The only positive note I could strike was at least he hadn’t started farming out his characters to subcontractors like James Patterson has.
Stuart Woods is back up to fluff.
He’s right at the sweet spot of three stars. While this outing has more of a day-in-the-life feel (i.e. no overarching case to propel the plot), it is enjoyable and a relief to those of us who have followed Woods for over 50 books. No pressure on the reader, but also no spectacular screw-ups in plot or character as we saw in the train-wreck that was D.C. Dead.
January 17, 2015
I just ended a 20-year affair with the novels of Stuart Woods. The break-up has been coming for awhile. The increasingly jaded attitudes and dialogue of Stone Barrington and Dino Bachetti and the decreasing interest of their activities/investigations/cases have been a deadly combination. This book just didn't have anything to keep me reading. I doggedly read the first 50 or so pages, skimmed the rest, and sadly put the book down. I don't know whether the author has just burned out or if the characters just don't have anything left to give, but I have regretfully scratched Stuart Woods off my list of favorite authors.
October 22, 2023
If you read the first couple of chapters and the last couple you would not miss much. Just not for me.
June 2, 2012
My initial thoughts? Wow, that was awful. I mean seriously... suddenly hapless Herbie is the biggest rainmaker in the world? The smartest guy in the room? Really, that guy?
I ain't buying it.
And yet, like most Stuart Woods' books I found myself sucked in anyways -- or IN SPITE OF how awful the subject matter really was. And believe me, it was awful.
There's a lot wrong with this book but as a quick little mind escape it was tolerable.
I ain't buying it.
And yet, like most Stuart Woods' books I found myself sucked in anyways -- or IN SPITE OF how awful the subject matter really was. And believe me, it was awful.
There's a lot wrong with this book but as a quick little mind escape it was tolerable.
September 27, 2012
This was my first Stuart Woods novel and I see no reason for wasting time on more.
New York Times Bestselling Author? I can’t imagine why if this is an example of his work. Underdeveloped characters obsessed with money, glitz and glimmer; no plot and little mystery. There are at least two incidents which, if not impossible, could be cited as implausible.
Did he jot this down between shots of Knob Creek or dictate it to a secretary on the way to the bank?
New York Times Bestselling Author? I can’t imagine why if this is an example of his work. Underdeveloped characters obsessed with money, glitz and glimmer; no plot and little mystery. There are at least two incidents which, if not impossible, could be cited as implausible.
Did he jot this down between shots of Knob Creek or dictate it to a secretary on the way to the bank?
April 9, 2025
Great story- audiobook. Stone, Deano, Herbie, the law firm and a father with a sociopathic son all come together in an interesting story. Of course there's the usual lady friends that entangle with the guys to give it a saucy feeling.
February 9, 2013
Outstanding novel that could have benefited without a bit too much product filler. It helps to be familiar with the Herbie Fisher character. Overall, an excellent read. 9 of 10 stars
June 21, 2023
Another book about the incredibly wealthy meeting other incredibly wealthy folks. With greed and murder on the side.
August 3, 2023
This is a cheesy romantic series and is a very quick read. Just when you thought it can’t get cheesier it does, but I just can’t seem to help myself.
September 2, 2023
DNF. Tedious. Uninteresting. Didn’t do anything for me. Couldn’t bring myself to care.
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November 11, 2024Audio book
November 2, 2021
Puerile. I can't believe this is bestseller stuff.
June 10, 2017
This book is absurdly hilarious, and in no way intends to be. This is a standard Best Seller/Page Turner, but it's also entirely hilarious if you're familiar with Hemingway, particularly imitators of Hemingway and where they have succeeded and, more importantly, failed.
I don't read these Best Sellers often, and while I do like them I am a more "serious" reader and tend to focus on classics and experimental. These books flow in and out of the house via relatives, and I tend to smash through them all when I am out of money and can't buy my own books of interest (which, my being an English graduate, is often).
I read this book at a funny time, or perhaps the perfect time. Recently reread some successful imitators of Hemingway (Carver and Bukowski) after reading this outstandingly aggressive and funny critique of Hemingway by Robert McAlmon (from his memoir, Being Geniuses Together). McAlmon spends 10 pages calling Hemingway's writing style "Babyish," that the characters have the intellect and speak as babies, that the details are those a baby in its limitations would see, that the severity of actions is how a baby would go at things, etc. Highly recommend reading the memoir, as it's the funniest, most brutal attack on Hemingway ever written, but also holds a lot of merit as well. So in my recent rexploration of the Hemingway style, I've done so with McAlmon's argument in my mind, and so a lot of things even from Carver and his brutal stories I am laughing at; that said, I can still find where the style works, and why Carver is a successful example of it.
Stuart Woods, though, is not a successful example. Unnatural Acts reads almost like a parody of the Hemingway style, although it has no idea how idiotic it really is. The book is a 300 page joke; it never ever lets up on the tropes of Hemingway and the writing style.
Here's the formula of what happens throughout every FIVE pages, and then repeats:
Drinking - Sex - Drinking - Ultra Serious Business - Make Tremendous Amounts of Money - Spend Tremendous Amounts of Money - Drinking - Sex - Ultra Serious Business.
This book is utterly insane with how important, severe, intentional, and masculine every single thing is. And not only the actions but the dialogue as well, which completely commits to the factual, minimal, straight-faced Hemingway design 120%. You can open the book to any page and read any of the dialogue aloud and you will keel over from laughing; singularly ridiculous.
It's totally crazy. There is nothing remotely "human" in this book, and the reason is because of the Hemingway style. These are Machines of Masculinity (including the female characters) that fuck, drink, and spend, period. They do nothing wrong; they make money, they make conquests, and anything that tries to stop these Super Humans gets either punched or shot.
Again though, this book is not meant to be funny. This is a blend of the Legal/Criminal Thriller, and it has all the pieces of those two here in this book. There's crime and death and challenge--- but it cannot exist as serious in this book. I literally cannot fathom how a single person could read this and not be laughing wildly. It's too nuts; it's too stupid. And it's so great.
If you want an example of where the Hemingway style fails, then this is a great example. The basic problem is that there's no skilled writing or prose; as is the nature of Best Sellers/Page Turners, the book is 98% dialogue. What "saves" the Hemingway style are those brief, albeit solid, chunks of strong descriptive writing, often scenic oriented that constructs a passionate landscape. But none of that exists here; this is just bizarre machine entities quickly describing their superiority over mediocre humans. It's bizarre, idiotic, and such a strange treat to read.
This is a must read. If you have a partner that you can take turns as characters and read aloud to each other, you will have one of the best times of your life.
*Bonus Drinking Game*
-Take a drink every time there's product placement in this book. Knob Creek, Johnny Walker Black, Ralph Lauren and Armani show up wayyyyyyyy too frequently; can you finish this 2 hour read without throwing up from booze? Goodluck!
I don't read these Best Sellers often, and while I do like them I am a more "serious" reader and tend to focus on classics and experimental. These books flow in and out of the house via relatives, and I tend to smash through them all when I am out of money and can't buy my own books of interest (which, my being an English graduate, is often).
I read this book at a funny time, or perhaps the perfect time. Recently reread some successful imitators of Hemingway (Carver and Bukowski) after reading this outstandingly aggressive and funny critique of Hemingway by Robert McAlmon (from his memoir, Being Geniuses Together). McAlmon spends 10 pages calling Hemingway's writing style "Babyish," that the characters have the intellect and speak as babies, that the details are those a baby in its limitations would see, that the severity of actions is how a baby would go at things, etc. Highly recommend reading the memoir, as it's the funniest, most brutal attack on Hemingway ever written, but also holds a lot of merit as well. So in my recent rexploration of the Hemingway style, I've done so with McAlmon's argument in my mind, and so a lot of things even from Carver and his brutal stories I am laughing at; that said, I can still find where the style works, and why Carver is a successful example of it.
Stuart Woods, though, is not a successful example. Unnatural Acts reads almost like a parody of the Hemingway style, although it has no idea how idiotic it really is. The book is a 300 page joke; it never ever lets up on the tropes of Hemingway and the writing style.
Here's the formula of what happens throughout every FIVE pages, and then repeats:
Drinking - Sex - Drinking - Ultra Serious Business - Make Tremendous Amounts of Money - Spend Tremendous Amounts of Money - Drinking - Sex - Ultra Serious Business.
This book is utterly insane with how important, severe, intentional, and masculine every single thing is. And not only the actions but the dialogue as well, which completely commits to the factual, minimal, straight-faced Hemingway design 120%. You can open the book to any page and read any of the dialogue aloud and you will keel over from laughing; singularly ridiculous.
It's totally crazy. There is nothing remotely "human" in this book, and the reason is because of the Hemingway style. These are Machines of Masculinity (including the female characters) that fuck, drink, and spend, period. They do nothing wrong; they make money, they make conquests, and anything that tries to stop these Super Humans gets either punched or shot.
Again though, this book is not meant to be funny. This is a blend of the Legal/Criminal Thriller, and it has all the pieces of those two here in this book. There's crime and death and challenge--- but it cannot exist as serious in this book. I literally cannot fathom how a single person could read this and not be laughing wildly. It's too nuts; it's too stupid. And it's so great.
If you want an example of where the Hemingway style fails, then this is a great example. The basic problem is that there's no skilled writing or prose; as is the nature of Best Sellers/Page Turners, the book is 98% dialogue. What "saves" the Hemingway style are those brief, albeit solid, chunks of strong descriptive writing, often scenic oriented that constructs a passionate landscape. But none of that exists here; this is just bizarre machine entities quickly describing their superiority over mediocre humans. It's bizarre, idiotic, and such a strange treat to read.
This is a must read. If you have a partner that you can take turns as characters and read aloud to each other, you will have one of the best times of your life.
*Bonus Drinking Game*
-Take a drink every time there's product placement in this book. Knob Creek, Johnny Walker Black, Ralph Lauren and Armani show up wayyyyyyyy too frequently; can you finish this 2 hour read without throwing up from booze? Goodluck!
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