Stuart Woods' Blown Away

Teddy Fay #8

by Brett Battles

Former CIA operative Teddy Fay returns for another thrilling Hollywood adventure in this latest installment in the New York Times bestselling series.

Teddy Fay whisks away to join Peter and Hattie Barrington in Palm Springs. But his hope for a relaxing vacation vanishes when he attends a prominent actor’s annual birthday party, where he witnesses a heated squabble between two women, only for one of them to turn up dead the next day.

Teddy investigates who might be lurking in the shadows and uncovers a web of intrigue involving a sinister plan to take over a cutting-edge energy company. If he doesn’t act fast, valuable secrets risk falling into the wrong hands, but more importantly innocent lives could be in jeopardy.

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

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 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, action, and glamour are combined in Stuart Woods’ Blown Away by Brett Battles. I was happy to see the Teddy Fay series continued by this author with the eighth book in the series. Former CIA operative and current movie producer Teddy Fay joins Peter and Hattie Barrington and Ben Bacchetti and his wife Tessa in Palm Springs, California for a vacation that doesn’t materialize. There are problems on the film set with the male lead actor back at Centurion Pictures, a squabble between two women at a prominent retired actor’s birthday party, and then the death of one of them. As Teddy investigates, he uncovers plenty of intrigue.

Teddy is a master of disguises and aliases. He can be charming, genial, considerate, humorous, and respectful. However, he can also be deadly. The other characters have a variety of levels of depth, but it’s appropriate for their roles in this novel. 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.

Battles’s writing is vivid and enabled me to easily visualize the people, the glamourous party, and the desert. Suspenseful and atmospheric, it quickly drew me in. While the pacing has a few slow moments, it built to an action-packed conclusion. This riveting mystery kept me flying through the pages. While readers know who is ultimately behind the murders relatively early, it was exciting to see Teddy’s investigation into trying to understand who it is and why. Additionally, there are a few subplots that keep Teddy and the reader wondering where the next twist will lead them. Themes include murder, jealousy, greed, corporate espionage, and much more.

Overall, this suspenseful, entertaining, and enjoyable novel gripped me from the beginning and kept me fully engaged. I’m a fan of the author and am looking forward to reading his next novel in the series. Battles has done an excellent job continuing this series started by the late Stuart Woods.

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. The publication date is currently set for December 02, 2025.
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My 3.73 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[R L HERSKOWITZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced.
Exciting.
Fun Read.
Teddy Fay adventure.
Stone makes a few brief appearances.
I enjoyed this book!

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brett Battles has breathed some new life into the Stuart Woods' series, as the newest ones are less formulaic and Teddy Fay is a multi-faceted character as well. Centurion Pictures is having trouble with a male lead, requiring producer Billy Barnett to support his director and threaten the actor's agent with his firing. The main plot revolves around an Eastern European oligarch (Victor Popov), who has made a killing by identifying business opportunities in alternative energy and finding an insider to find dirt to negotiate a low-ball acquisition price. At the birthday party of a famous retired actor, the chief engineer has a fight with the organizer's ex-girlfriend, who ends up dead in the pool. Billy Barnett has to find the mole, free the engineer from suspicion, and stop the gangster, his mole, and his thugs. He's the man for this job.

[Joanne Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Teddy and his books never fail to impress.
Brett has done an amazing job taking this series over.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m thrilled to see Brett Battles as a “Legacy Author,” continuing some elements of the Stone Barrington Universe. I’ve really enjoyed much of his earlier work, especially the Jonathan Quinn series, and his previous ventures into the Barrington world were equally satisfying. Instead of New York, the focus of “Blown Away” shifts to the West Coast, featuring Centurian Pictures and Teddy Fay with his hidden identities cleverly foiling another Eastern European oligarch’s attempt to take over an alternative energy company. A total “guilty pleasure” for me!

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reader is glad that she fell into this Teddy Fry series…Hollywood, murder?, superstar party, a company for the “take over”, greed, ACTION, suspense and an “Oligarch” with money. Oh Hollywood-the author gives this reader awesome prose to “actually” visualize the characters and surroundings. Enjoy

[Amanda Cline · Rating 2 out of 5]

What once was a great series has really gone downhill. It happened even before the author changed. I get so tired of the richest and most skilled people always running into the bad news bears. The story is repetitive. The characters are losing my interest really fast. Several times I’ve contemplated stopping the series, but my OCD won’t let me. And I’m paying the price.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

In STUART WOODS BLOWN AWAY, written by Brett Battles, it’s the first day of filming Regina Gideon’s new film. Pike Westin, the film’s male lead, has locked himself in his trailer. He blames his poor performance on Regina for not being up to the director role and wants to replace her with Derek Morton. It is decided that Pike will be replaced if he doesn’t up his game. In another story Senator Andrew Carson receives a ten-million-dollar check for his political action committee from Victor Popov, a former general in the Belerusian army. I want to know how the two stories are connected and read on.

The characters are all interesting, but there seem to be a lot of them to keep track of. Billy is my favorite, especially when his suaveness is on display. I like the quick-witted dialogue. There are different stories that come together. I look forward to reading future books in the Teddy Fay series. Thank you, Putnam and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy.

[Connie Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuart Woods' Blown Away was written by Brett Battles. I have read all of Stuart Woods' books as well as all of Brett Battles' books and I can honestly say that Brett Battles writes Stuart Woods better than Stuart Woods! What I mean is that Stuart Woods' earlier plots were more complex. In later years his books became formulaic, which is not to say they weren't entertaining. They just didn't require much concentration or offer any surprises. I feel like Brett Battles is slowly returning the cast of characters back to more complicated storylines. As a result, Blown Away has the cast of characters you love, the bad guys with thom they cross paths, and a more interesting plot throughout. I absolutely enjoyed Blown Away and would definitely recommend it.

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

Action and Intrigue combined with our favorite
characters makes this another excellent story
that continues to honor the Stuart Woods
Legacy. Brett Battles has made the books
his own, honoring Stuart in every book.
My thanks to G.P. Putnam Publishing via
NetGalley for the download copy of the
book for review purposes.

[Theresa Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a longtime fan and reader of Stuart Woods, I was delighted to dive into Blown Away and see the series continue. Woods has always had a gift for keeping his characters fresh while staying true to the charm that made them beloved in the first place.
It was wonderful to catch up with Stone, Peter, Ben, and Teddy, each of them bringing their own energy and intrigue to the story. The novel balances the familiar rhythms of Woods’ world with new twists that keep the pages turning. There’s a comfort in revisiting these characters, almost like reconnecting with old friends, yet the plot ensures that nothing ever feels predictable.
What I appreciated most is how Woods continues to weave suspense, wit, and character-driven storytelling together. Blown Away feels both like a continuation and a renewal, reminding me why I’ve stayed loyal to this series over the years.
Overall, this installment is a satisfying read that rewards longtime fans while welcoming new ones. It’s proof that Stuart Woods’ storytelling legacy remains strong, and I’m already looking forward to seeing where Stone and his circle go next.

[Peter Ackerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blown Away by Brett Battles is the latest entry in the Teddy Fay series. Like all of the works by the original author—and now by Battles—there are crossover appearances of characters from both this and the Stone Barrington books.

Teddy, a former CIA operative (and one-time criminal), now lives publicly under his cover identity as a Hollywood film producer. In this persona, he finds himself in Palm Springs for a party where, soon after, a guest turns up dead. As the plot unfolds, readers are drawn into a fast-paced story of corporate espionage, deception, and danger.

What I love about this series is fully present in Battles’ latest installment: familiar faces, antagonists you love to hate, a dash of Hollywood glitz, and a page-turning plot that keeps you hooked. Brett Battles skillfully carries on the Stuart Woods legacy, and I hope he continues to deliver these exciting, entertaining stories for years to come.

Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blown Away is a sharp, fast-paced continuation of Stuart Woods’ legacy, carried forward with energy by Brett Battles. At the center is Teddy Fay, as unpredictable and resourceful as ever, navigating danger with a mix of cunning and charm. Battles captures Teddy’s larger-than-life presence while giving him fresh challenges that keep the story exciting.
The book balances action, intrigue, and clever twists, with Battles’ crisp style adding a modern edge without losing the familiar tone fans love. It’s a respectful handoff that feels both new and true to the series, making it a thrilling read for longtime followers and an easy entry point for newcomers.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuart Woods Blown Away is another romp of very rich people partying and then running into several issues that keeps the reader compelled to go on and keep reading. In this novel, Brett Battles focuses on Teddy Fey, the disguise artist who is also a top movie producer in Centurion Studios, owned by the son of Stone Barrington. There are international goons looking to take over a Turbine wind company as well as lavish parties and the normal happenings as depicted in older novels written by Stuart. Woods.

It fast reading and a great book for Stuart Woods fans.

Thanks to Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

I love these books because there are always so many moving parts each almost like their own individual story and they all interlock seamlessly in the end. I adored Billy Barnett back when he was a CIA operative known as Teddy Fay, and he is still delightful in this persona. Stone Barrington does make a brief appearance, but it is very brief. I have to admit, I prefer the Teddy Fay series! If you enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes thrillers that are a quick read, you should definitely check it out. Although this is part of a series, each book can be read as a standalone..

[Greer Andjanetta · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very disappointing effort to reproduce the efforts of deceased writer Stuart Woods. The story begins well using the usual Woods' characters but in the latter half degenerates into bad writing and juvenile dialogue. The supposedly snappy one-liners that characterized the original books in the series fall flat. The author even inserts a cameo appearance by Lance Cabot, FBI chief, in a completely useless attempt to legitamize the story. This book falls far short of enhancing the original author's name and reputation and the executors of his estate should think seriously before allowing any more damage to be done.

[Lisa Malmquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teddy Fay, movie producer and ex-CIA operative is the star of this book.
He runs into a Belarussian oligarch on the golf course and gets tangled up in stopping a technology theft and hostile takeover of an energy company.
Meanwhile, he is trying to run a movie studio and going to the birthday party of a real Hollywood legend. And produce a film with a star that is too arrogant for his own good. What could go wrong?!
Brett Battles does a wonderful job of stepping in to write the series for Stuart Woods. This continuous a great series with action, intelligent characters and plot twists and turns that keep the story rolling along.

[Ken Karcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable story. Our intrepid hero goes on vacation and becomes involved with former Russian generals and a genius turbine engineer. Teddy heads off to Palm Springs to enjoy some time off and a birthday party for a retired film star. What starts as an amusing incident explodes into espionage and death. The various storylines come together well and make for a very good tale, easily gobbled up in what seems like too soon. These books are so easy to read, so easy to get caught up in the story, which is what's always made them fun to read. I definitely can't wait for more.

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Teddy Fay character series in the Stone Barrington universe is my least favorite. Former CIA Teddy Fay, now Billy Barrett movie producer and a couple of other "cover identities" in his arsenal is heading to Palm Springs with the sons of Stone & Dino for a party at a famous movie star. Along the way, there are Bulgarian mobsters, lots of peripheral characters and a couple of plots.

Stone, Herb Fisher make small appearances but mainly, Teddy saves a cutting edge invention from landing in the hands of mobsters.

Just ok, maybe a generous 2.75 rounded to 3 and a fast read.

[Robin Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brett Battles hits another one out of park! He writes so seamlessly you don’t realize it isn’t Stuart Woods writing the story. The whole time reading I could see everything in my mind, like a movie. This is a Teddy Fay novel, with an appearance by Stone Barrington (per usual). Emma Perez’s character reminds me of Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan, from the show Bones. If you’ve ever watched Bones then you’ll know what I mean; very matter of fact and focused.
Never disappointed when reading a Stuart Woods/Brett Battles novel.

[Nancy Cook Lauer · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5. (it was OK). I forgot that almost two years ago I gave the last Teddy Fay book a 2 and decided not to read any more. So, this one's on me. I did finish it, thus earning it a 2, but still not impressed. A bunch of privileged Hollywood types describe their life of privilege while the implausible Teddy Fay -- a former CIA operative movie producer with a dozen disguises -- investigates a former Belarusian general plotting to take over a local tech firm. Lots of murder and mayhem disrupt the privileged life. Somebody just slap me next time.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

The action takes place in Hollywood and Palm Springs among the rich and famous. Teddy continues his career in the high end of film making as he hides his past. Stone Barrington makes an appearance in the novel as he visits his son, Peter and wife. However, soon the goons of the eastern Eurpoean oligarchies enter the scene trying to steal wind turbine companies. The story moves quicky and is entertaining. Can't wait for the next entry in the series.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brett Battles has taken over for Stuart Woods, who unfortunately died in 2022. Since then, Battles has been carrying on where Woods left off. I’d have to say he’s in Woods’ league as a writer. This Teddy Fay book is as good as any of the previous ones, carrying on in the Stone Barrington style of stories. I could have read it in one night, but decided to stretch it a few days. Excitement, something happening constantly, along with some humor has made this one definitely a “must read”.

[Linda Mascarenas-Colgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Stone Barrington books. I have read every one of them. When Mr. Battles began writing them he seemed to keep to the same thread as Stuart Woods.
This book did not feature Stone except for a very small part and NO appearance of chief commissioner. These two character really make the book. I hope if he continues to write these books he brings back Stone and the Chief I in as major characters.

[Chris Earley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed the Teddy Fay stories but this one felt forced. all of the characters were either absolute idiots who had a grandiose sense of themselves or were part of the "hood guys" and were totally likeable and intelligent. I wish this was a little more realistic so it felt like a worthy adversary brought out the best in everyone. Good plot still but a little complicated juat to seem "conplex" but it didn't work for me.

[Bertha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brett Battles is a worthy successor author to Stuart Woods. He maintains the best of what Woods brought to each of his books, while adding his own hallmarks.

This is a great Teddy Fay read. The characters are clever and duplicitous. The plot keeps the pages turning swiftly. The writing style invites a quick read while providing a most satisfying mystery experience.
More books in this series, in this style, by this author will be most welcome.

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teddy Fay, in his Billy the movie producer persona, is hoping for a quiet vacation in Palm Springs, but those plans are dashed when the body of a woman is found in the pool of a retired movie actor. This leads to attacks, blackmail, and sinister plots involving a corrupt senator with a murderous European oligarch.
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy)

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teddy Fey is one of my favorite characters in the Stone Barrington series and this book did not disappoint! The author BB has done an almost seamless job in the handoff from Stuart Woods - at least with Teddy Fey.

I listened to the audiobook and while I miss Tony Roberts; Jason Culp brought Teddy & the rest of the gang to life in his narration.

[Ronnie J. Eley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story but...

Good story but not as fully developed as Stuart Woods usually did. Dialogue and insights normally provided in a Woods' story were lacking. Character development and thought processes were limited and not consistent with a typical Stuart Woods novel. I'll continue to follow the series but not with the same expectations.

[Paul Gifford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this on Audio, did not like it as much as all the other Stuart Woods books however, not because of content but because of the reader. Previously all his books were read by the late Tony Roberts who passed last year. The new reader Jason Culp did do a good job but it will take some getting used too.