Stuart Woods' Finders Keepers

Stone Barrington #66

by Brett Battles

In this latest thrilling adventure in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, Stone Barrington is confronted with a dangerous new threat.

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

496 pages, Paperback

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

Brett Battles is a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling and Barry Award-winning author of forty novels, including the Jonathan Quinn series and its Excoms spinoff, the Project Eden series, and the time bending Rewinder series. He’s also the coauthor, with Robert Gregory Browne, of the Alexandra Poe series. He is one of the founding members of Killer Year, and is a member of Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. He lives and writes in Ventura County, California.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danger, suspense, violence, and a new romance continue to take front stage in the sixty-sixth book in the Stone Barrington series. This series was started by Stuart Woods and is being continued by Brett Battles. Stuart Woods’ Finders Keepers starts with Stone returning from the newest Arrington property that will open soon in Martha’s Vineyard. Jack Coulter asks Stone to help in settling his niece Sara into city life as she goes through a divorce. However, when both Sara’s and Jack’s pasts catch up with them, lives are in danger and Stone must put the puzzle together before someone dies.

By this time in the series, Stone’s character is well developed. He’s smart, depends on his executive assistant Joan to keep him organized, likes women, enjoys the finer things in life, and is a lawyer. There are always several new characters as well as some visits from characters from previous books giving the series even more continuity. Reconnecting with these old friends was effortless. This includes his best friend New York City Police Commissioner Dino Bacchetti, CIA Director Lance Cabot, and Dame Felicity Devonshire, the head of MI6. I enjoy the interactions and humor that Joan provides. This author has done a great job of capturing the vision of Stuart Woods’ characters while continuing to add nuances that provide even more depth.

In this adventure and crime novel, readers quickly learn the antagonists, but it’s the journey that Stone and his team take that keeps readers flying through the pages from start to finish. While readers get different points of view during the story, it is seamless and flows well and is well-balanced. There are plenty of disreputable, dishonest, and dangerous individuals in this multi-layered plot that is full of twists and a few surprises. Travel is also an expected part of each novel and this one doesn’t disappoint. Trips to Martha’s Vineyard and Stone’s country house in England add to the adventure. While it’s a fast read, it’s also entertaining despite the somewhat expected outcome. Themes include friendship, jealousy, greed, and revenge.

Overall, this was a tense, clever, and exciting novel with danger, action, well-developed characters, and some closed-door romance. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next in the series. If you enjoy quality drama, adventure, and mysteries that are packed with suspense then I recommend that you check out this series. While the series is best read in order, the crimes within this one are self-contained. However, readers would be missing a lot of background and character development.

PENGUIN GROUP Putnam – G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Brett Battles provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for June 03, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.02 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[R L HERSKOWITZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed, fast paced Stone Barrington novel.
Well written by Brett Battles.
Primarily Stone & old friends with a new love interest, new associate & new property project.

If you enjoy Stuart Woods novels this is a good one
with cleaner language.
Brett Battles is doing a great job continuing Stuart Woods’ legacy novels.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty well written.

[Robert P. Baron · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful

Stuart Woods would have been disgusted to have his name associated with this awful book. Even he would not have been able to keep track of all of the characters. I continued to read it only because I had just paid for I it. I will not read another post Woods book. Sorry if Stone is brought into one.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

So-so entry in the 66th entry in the Stone Barrington "Lives of the Rich & Famous...Brett Battles, a legacy author for the Woods' Estate, kinda just mailed this one in...Not his best effort, and I LOVE Battles' "The Cleaner" series...Stone and his "universe" get tangled in a mobster's efforts to get his portion of an old big payday heist that he assumes has been stolen by one of Stone's shadier clients...The gang is all here as the dine in NYC's finest eateries, fly private and visit Stone's many homes and hotels...MEH!

[Philip Lerner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did I really pay full price for this 😟?

Nice enough ending but getting through the book was a bit of a struggle. Hours of tedious boredom lightly sprinkled with a few minutes of interesting action and dialogue. Suffice to say that I will never pay full price for another book by this author.

[KDWeber · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not like the change in audible narration. All the voices sound the same. The storylines are getting old. This might be the last book in this series that I read/listen to.

[Mary Herron · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was read by someone new and after listening to so many read by Tony Robert’s it completely threw off the storyline. At times I couldn’t even tell who was speaking. But if this guy will be reading going forward I guess we will get used to it.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Finders Keepers” by Brett Battles is another clever and exciting addition to the Stone Barrington series. Our favorite super wealthy attorney has lunch with a mobster client who has altered his appearance to match his new “straight” life. He is recognized by his past associates who feel they are still owed millions. These gangsters begin to target the mobsters family, Stone and Stone’s loyal sidekicks to ensure they collect. As the complex mystery enfolds we are entertained by the unexpected twists, Stones extravagant lifestyle, and his fantastic sense of humor. A quick and entertaining read!

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jim Welke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brett Battles has done a great job of continuing the storyline in a writing style nearly identical to the creator of the series, Stuart Woods. Stone finds himself without a girlfriend, but only for a short time. Someone tries to extort money from a client and things get downright exciting. After a quick trip to England and a couple of car accidents, the story comes to an explosive finish.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finders Keepers is a slick, high-octane thriller that keeps the Stone Barrington series alive and well. With Brett Battles stepping in to continue Stuart Woods’ legacy, the novel delivers exactly what fans have come to expect: fast cars, high society, dangerous criminals, and Stone’s signature charm.

The plot centers around a mysterious figure from the past—Jack Coulter, who may or may not be Johnny Fratelli, a man tied to a long-forgotten airport heist. When Stone gets involved, what starts as a favor for a friend quickly spirals into a deadly game of cat and mouse involving mobsters, hidden fortunes, and a trail of bodies.

Battles does a commendable job capturing Woods’ breezy, cinematic style. The pacing is brisk, the dialogue snappy, and the action scenes are well-executed. Stone remains the unflappable, resourceful protagonist, navigating danger with a martini in hand and a clever quip at the ready.

While the plot occasionally leans on familiar tropes, the novel’s strength lies in its escapism. It’s not trying to reinvent the genre—it’s here to entertain, and it does so with flair. Longtime readers will appreciate the continuity, while newcomers can jump in without feeling lost.

Verdict:
Finders Keepers is a fun, fast-paced ride that honors the spirit of Stuart Woods’ original work. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s undeniably entertaining—a solid addition to the Stone Barrington saga. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for my opportunity to review this ARC.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Right or wrong the Stone Barrington series is a package deal - story and narration. And with the passing of both Stuart Woods and Tony Roberts I really experienced the crossroads listening to this audiobook.

So far, I’m impressed with Brett Battles ability to almost seamlessly take over this series. I enjoyed this book, not the best of Stone Barrington, but fitting right in there with many in this series.

BUT, I struggled with the narration of this audiobook. Tony Roberts brought life to Stone and Dino even when the story wasn’t any good, the narration kept me listening. I’m hoping this narrator will continue to work on those characters- especially Stone. The way he was read did not make Stone stand out as the main character more of a supporting role.. also might want to have a female read those characters- a couple were just really bad.

In the beginning I set it aside several times to read something else, by the end I had adjusted with hopes of a few tweaks in the next book.

[Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brett Battles has done a masterful job with this series!
Another exciting adventure with our longtime love interest, Stone Barrington, his longtime friends and
a great bunch of new ones made for a fun romp with
the wealthy. I absolutely adore this book. My thanks to
JP Putnam’s Sons via Net Galley for the download copy of this book for review purposes.

[Bob Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick ez read- good friend of Stone,former mafia, is recognized by someone- bad quys want money they think are owed them- lots of schemes to intimidate- in the end,all bad guys dead,Stones buddy is safe from further mafia retaliation and all good

[Theresa Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s such a gift that the Stone Barrington series rolls on, even after Stuart Woods’ passing. Finders Keepers, coauthored by Brett Battles, feels like Woods’ own voice comes to life once more. The familiar wit, the effortless charm, and the razor-sharp dialogue all return to remind us why we fell for Stone in the first place.
Every page reads like a reunion with someone you’ve known for decades. Stone still navigates New York’s high society, tangles with dangerous adversaries, and offers sage advice to friends in need. Whether he’s smoothing a divorce for a client or outmaneuvering mobsters, his confidence and dry humor never miss a beat.
Finders Keepers unfolds at a breezy pace—just what you want poolside or on a beach blanket. You’ll zip through yacht parties, Manhattan back-alleys, and even an elegant gathering in England. The mix of suspense, world-travel flair, and Stone’s polished insider perspective makes this novel ideal for lazy afternoons.
Finders Keepers proves that Stone Barrington’s adventures remain endlessly entertaining. It’s the kind of book you don’t want to end—exactly what summer reading should be. If you’ve followed Stone for years or you’re just dropping in, this installment will leave you eagerly awaiting the next rendezvous.

[Peter Ackerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finders Keepers, a Stone Barrington novel originally created by Stuart Woods and now continued by Brett Battles, is a delightfully engaging read. Any author taking on this long-running series faces the challenge of juggling the many identities of Stone Barrington—former police officer, lawyer, businessman, and a man with deep ties to the government, including the CIA. One never quite knows which world Stone will be navigating next.

In this installment, the story ventures into familiar territory: Stone Barrington versus the mob. Yet, despite the recognizable premise, the novel is rich with the kind of page-turning complexity fans have come to expect.

Brett Battles does a commendable job of maintaining the spirit of the original novels. As a long-time reader, I found no noticeable difference between Battles’ writing and that of series creator Stuart Woods. With the usual cast of characters, trademark tension, and a few well-placed laughs, Finders Keepers proves that the series is in good hands—and like the best of Woods’ works, it left me wanting more.

[Al Morris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read a couple of Stone Barrington novels before and I thought Stone was an unlikable character. Too rich, too clever, too just about everything. I suppose that if I had read the previous 55 I would know how Stone worked his way up from a NY detective to a super-rich, super smart lawyer, super stud and so well connected. Stone took a beating from the bad guys at one place in Finders Keepers, but not nearly badly enough for my taste.

The books that I read before were written by Woods and I had hoped the Battles would produce something better. Unfortunately not. Same old Stone. A vast disappointment because his Cleaner series was pretty damned good.

I persevered to about page 200, probably because I didn't have another book on hand. Then I skipped to the last 20 where all the bad guys were offed and Stone ponced around his vinyard with his wonderful friends.

The plot? As always, pretty implausible, but borderline OK for mindless entertainment.

If you like Stone, you'll probably love it.

[Cybercrone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, no listing of the epub version. Authors really ought to complain.

When Woods died, I was afraid that was the end of the series for me, because even when it is taken over by another author there seems to be a difference of how the reader and the new author see the characters.
Brett Battles, the author who has taken over this series, seems to have kept remarkably true to the characters. I suppose, as we each interpret who we are reading about through our own lenses, it would be impossible for two people to see the characters in exactly the same light, but this is a pretty good match for me.
The series is light reading - definitely entertainment - and not to be taken seriously. Just what I need to wind down a day of World News intake and this particular book did its job well. Lots of women, bad guys, car chases and evasive manoeuvering. Good meals at top restaurants, toxic love and a new intern for Barrington to top it all off. And the good guys won by the end of the book. That's important to me.

[Ken Karcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun romp with our favorite wealthy New York attorney Stone Barrington and company. This series has been a guilty pleasure since New York Dead and even after loosing Stuart's guiding hand it's still a pleasure to catch up with our old friends and discover new adventures for them to get into. I'm old enough now that many of the authors I loved in my earlier years have now passed and I've been able to see how other fans interpret their characters, and Brett has definitely rang true to what we've come to expect in these novels. I would even venture to say his books show more complexity and an ability to keep a lot of balls in the air at once. Just as Stuart Woods' work evolved over time, I'm curious to discover how these wonderful characters will develop from here.
These books are a very quick read, and if you're not careful, the sun will be coming up just as you finish what you couldn't put down. I continue to look forward to more and can't wait to read it when it's ready!

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review

Stone Barrington's old friend Jack Coulter requests Stone’s help in settling his niece Sara into city life post-divorce. However, when various men from Sara’s past start getting hurt, and Jack’s loved ones find themselves a target in a deadly scheme, it’s up to Stone to put the pieces together . . . before the shrouded conspirer manages to tear them all apart, permanently.

This is book #66 in the Stone Barrington series. Stone, always ready to help a damsel in distress, and ready to lend a hand to his friends, was the perfect gentleman. There was witty banter, as well as plenty of dinners out with his best friend, New York City's police commissioner, Dino Bacchetti. With plenty of near-misses, injuries, car crashes & an array of gangsters, this book was a quick, fun read.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of this (very) long running series will be pleased that Battles is keeping up the side and all of the things that make Stone Barrington the rake who solves crime and well, everything else as well. This latest has him dealing with the problems of his friend Jack Colter, who wasn't always Colter, and who has some very bad men after him because they think he's got a stash of ill gotten cash that belongs to their boss. Of course, Stone's pal Dino, the Police Commissioner, has something to say and do about this. Stone's got a new business, he's got new women to romance, but he always goes to the same restaurants in New York and he's always got friends. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. This is popcorn reading that might make you roll your eyes at times but it will also keep you turning the pages.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuart Woods' "Finders Keepers" by Brett Battles is an absolute triumph, seamlessly capturing the essence of Woods’ long-running series while infusing it with Battles’ distinctive flair. As prolific and well-known authors, both have contributed to a masterpiece that keeps readers riveted from start to finish.

The dialogue throughout the novel is nothing short of excellent—crisp, engaging, and authentic, breathing life into each character and scene. The plot is meticulously crafted, weaving twists and turns that are both surprising and satisfying. It’s brilliantly designed to keep you guessing without ever feeling convoluted.

What truly sets "Finders Keepers" apart are its memorable characters. Each one is well-developed, with distinct personalities that resonate long after the final page is turned. They feel real, their motivations clear and compelling, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journeys.

For fans of the series and newcomers alike, "Finders Keepers" is a must-read. It masterfully combines sharp dialogue, a well-structured plot, and unforgettable characters, all hallmarks of both Woods’ and Battles’ storytelling prowess. Highly recommended!

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Newest installment in the Stone Barrington books and much tamer promiscuous explicitness than most of the previous books. New author Brett Battles having taken over writing this series since Mr. Wood's death has captured more of the dynamic between Stone/Dino/Viv/Mike/Lance/Dame Felicity and of course the new lady interest in this book.

One of his clients Jack Coulter requests help getting his niece Sara situated in NYC, moving her divorce along, investments, apt hunting and a myriad of other things. Soon however, there are random attempts on Sara's ex, Jack's wife and then on Stone. Is this from her soon to be ex or is some of Jack Coulter's past catching up with him.

Stone & crew need to unravel the problem, find the attackers and get this all straightened out.

About a 3.25 for me and better than the last installment.

[Howard Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuart Woods would be happy to know that his characters live on — especially in this exciting new Stone Barrington adventure. It is easy to see that Stone has aged in this novel because it takes him to Chapter 20 before he actually has a woman to bed. The novel features various shady characters all attempting to outsmart each other in their quest for ill gotten gains. There are several surprises along the way and many hospital visits as well as visits to new Arrington hotel properties and to his property in England. Although the story is new, it feels like visiting with people one has known for years. This book is recommended to all who enjoy this genre and I thank NetGalley and Putnam Books for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to its publication.

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Stone attends lunch with his old friend Jack Colter, Jack asks Stone to help his niece, Sara, get set up with a safe place to live, a good financial advisor and a better divorce lawyer than she has now. When Stone meets with Sara and they begin talking he realizes something strange is happening behind the scenes that she isn't aware of and he is only by chance. And to make things more intriguing, someone from Jack's past is looking for him, when he was not Jack Colter, and he thought that past life was well hidden, but apparently someone has found him, and also decided to try to involve Stone and his friend the Police Commissioner in the plot they are planning. Not good for them, to say the least.
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy)

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone Barrington's friend Jack Coulter, asks him to help get his niece, Sara, who is in the process of getting divorced settled in the city and introduce her to the people she needs to know. When Stone learns that her present attorney seems to just be billing her and not doing anything he recommends Herb Fisher. Herb gets Sara her divorce but then Sara and her aunt are in a car accident that didn't seem to be accidental. Stone is even in an accident that didn't appear to be an accident. As the story unfolds the reader learns why Stone's friend is being harassed and threatened as well as hit up for millions of dollars. A good read and a lot of great dialogue between Stone and Dino, the police commissioner. I give this book 4.6 stars.

[Writemoves · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit more violence and added villainy in this Stone Barrington book. Stone actually gets out of his limo and steps out of his various mansions to pick up a gun and aid an ex mobster friend. Lots of bodies lying around, and I am not talking about Stone’s sexual exploits, of which there are some described in the book.

Stone's lifestyle adventures have always been the hook for me in returning constantly to this series. Stone is filthy rich, with mansions all over the world, eats at the finest restaurants, beds beautiful women and possesses an incredible network of influential people, the most important of whom is Dino, the commissioner of police in New York City.

Stone Barrington is filler reading between books of consequence and learning…

[Mary C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend and client of Stone Barrington is an ex-con who has changed his name for his new life. His former cellmate was serving time for a robbery where his portion was never recovered. When someone recognizes Stone's client, he informs one of the men who participated in the robbery who has been trying to find the
missing robbery money. As he targets Stone's client and family, Stone is trying to identify who is behind the unexpected accidents that have harmed Stone his client's family.
Another quick entertaining read, catching up with Stone and friends.
#StuartWoodsFindersKeepers #PenguinGroupPutnam #NetGalley

[Jo Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finders Keepers is another Stone Barrington novel that will remind you why you keep reading about this man and the amazing life he leads. This time around Stone again finds himself spending time with his best friend Dino Bacchetti, New York City's police commissioner, spending time with a new love interest while he travels by private jet to England and to his new hotel property in New England. As always, Stone lives a life the rest of us can only aspire to and in the end takes us to places we wish we could visit with people we would both love and hate. Enjoy this easy to read and exciting novel, I did.



I received an ARC for free and gave my honest opinion voluntarily.

[Cindy Rosen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always listen to the Stone Barrington series on audible. The stories are generally entertaining and a palate cleanser between more intense nonfiction. It’s a guilty pleasure to escape. However, as with most audiobooks, the narrator makes a significant contribution to the book. Since the passing of Tony Roberts, the narrator for many years, I was eager to hear the new narrator. Well, the new narrator was a huge departure from the “voice” of Roberts, that it was difficult to listen to the audio. To @audible.com producers, I suggest that when you replace a longstanding narrator, try to find someone with a similar tone, tenor, and age.