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Stone Barrington #69
Stuart Woods' Fool Proof
Not yet published
Expected 2 Mar 27In this new adventure in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, Stone Barrington finds himself lured in by a deadly, decades-old secret.
When Stone Barrington is asked to represent a client interested in buying Ben Bacchetti’s ranch property, Stone declines, citing a conflict of interest. Little does he know that, in the last few days, Ben has been also approached by three other prospective buyers.
As far as Ben is concerned, there’s nothing remarkable about the property. It operates as a vacation ranch, offering guests a taste of the "ranch life." Still, Stone finds the sudden surge of interest odd, and suggests they enlist Bob Cantor to scope out the land under the guise of a guest.
But when Bob mysteriously disappears and Stone receives an unexpected request from an old acquaintance, Stone quickly realizes there is far more at stake than he and Ben first realized, and if they don’t act fast, the hit to Ben’s property will be the least of their worries.
When Stone Barrington is asked to represent a client interested in buying Ben Bacchetti’s ranch property, Stone declines, citing a conflict of interest. Little does he know that, in the last few days, Ben has been also approached by three other prospective buyers.
As far as Ben is concerned, there’s nothing remarkable about the property. It operates as a vacation ranch, offering guests a taste of the "ranch life." Still, Stone finds the sudden surge of interest odd, and suggests they enlist Bob Cantor to scope out the land under the guise of a guest.
But when Bob mysteriously disappears and Stone receives an unexpected request from an old acquaintance, Stone quickly realizes there is far more at stake than he and Ben first realized, and if they don’t act fast, the hit to Ben’s property will be the least of their worries.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 2, 2027
About the author
Brett Battles
102 books1,112 followersBrett 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.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 stars
“Fool Proof” by Brett Battles is another entertaining addition to the Stone Barrington series.
When Stone is approached by someone determined to purchase a ranch owned by Ben Bacchetti, the outrageously generous offer raises suspicion. What seems like a simple real estate deal soon turns into a dangerous mystery involving a valuable secret, ruthless criminals, and plenty of unexpected twists.
This series is so much fun to read! I love spending time with Stone and the familiar cast of characters, and Brett Battles has done a wonderful job continuing Stuart Woods legacy. Since Battles took over the series, each new mystery seems to be even better than the last. The fast pace, clever dialogue, and touch of snarky humor makes this another enjoyable read.
You don’t have to be a longtime fan of Stone Barrington to enjoy this one. Fool Proof works well as a standalone, and I think new readers will find themselves wanting to go back and discover more books in the series. I highly recommend picking up this one, I’m already looking forward to the next adventure!
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Brett Battles Keeps the Stone Barrington Tradition Alive! In Stuart Woods’ Fool Proof, Stone Barrington is approached by someone interested in purchasing a Nevada ranch owned by Ben Bacchetti, whom Stone represents. Ben inherited the ranch from his grandfather, who wanted the property to remain in the family, so selling it has never really been part of the plan.
Then the offers start coming—and they keep getting higher. Soon, prospective buyers are offering amounts far beyond the ranch’s appraised value, raising the obvious question: What is so valuable about this property that someone is willing to pay almost anything to acquire it?
Stone sends two of his associates to the ranch, supposedly as guests, to retrieve something from the ranch manager for Ben. Before they arrive, however, the ranch manager suffers a sudden medical emergency and disappears. Stone’s associates quickly sense that something is not right, and what begins as a seemingly simple trip soon leads them into a minefield of danger. Before long, the ranch, its employees, and even its tourists are caught in the middle of a much larger criminal conspiracy.
The novel is filled with many of the characters readers have come to know over the course of more than 65 Stone Barrington novels. Brett Battles does an excellent job of keeping Stuart Woods’ tradition alive, particularly through the easy-to-read dialogue, humor, and familiar repartee among the characters. For longtime readers, returning to Stone and this cast of characters feels a little like coming home for a family reunion. The mystery is engaging, the danger steadily builds, and the familiar personalities make Fool Proof another enjoyable addition to the long-running series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest, personal, and unbiased review.
Then the offers start coming—and they keep getting higher. Soon, prospective buyers are offering amounts far beyond the ranch’s appraised value, raising the obvious question: What is so valuable about this property that someone is willing to pay almost anything to acquire it?
Stone sends two of his associates to the ranch, supposedly as guests, to retrieve something from the ranch manager for Ben. Before they arrive, however, the ranch manager suffers a sudden medical emergency and disappears. Stone’s associates quickly sense that something is not right, and what begins as a seemingly simple trip soon leads them into a minefield of danger. Before long, the ranch, its employees, and even its tourists are caught in the middle of a much larger criminal conspiracy.
The novel is filled with many of the characters readers have come to know over the course of more than 65 Stone Barrington novels. Brett Battles does an excellent job of keeping Stuart Woods’ tradition alive, particularly through the easy-to-read dialogue, humor, and familiar repartee among the characters. For longtime readers, returning to Stone and this cast of characters feels a little like coming home for a family reunion. The mystery is engaging, the danger steadily builds, and the familiar personalities make Fool Proof another enjoyable addition to the long-running series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest, personal, and unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fool Proof is an exciting novel with an intriguing premise about various shady parties and their desire to purchase land in northern Nevada valued at 4 to 6 million dollars for up to 100 million dollars. There is also an interesting sub plot about Herb Fisher and his new fiancée. The novel is replete with all of the characters we have come to know over the years and, to me, what makes this story noteworthy is the dialogue and repartee among them. As a senior citizen, I absolutely loved the description and conversations in the Brooklyn Clearwater Senior Living House. The novel is actually fun to read and I can wholeheartedly recommend this to all readers. I thank NetGalley and G. P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to read and review this excellent book in the Stone Barrington series prior to its publication.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
And the hits keep coming!!
Another Barrington five star read by Battles.
Stone is approached by someone interested in buying a ranch in Nevada, which Ben Bacchetti, whom he represents, owns. And shortly after, other interested parties make up their offers for the property as well. The only problem is that Ben inherited the land and ranch from his grandfather who wanted it to remain in the family, and has no intention of selling it.
Suddenly, the property becomes a minefield of danger and the ranch itself and its tourists are thrust into the middle of a criminal conspiracy.
Terrific story with suspense, and non stop action.
The usual and always entertaining, while intriguing, characters are as addictive as,ever.
Great read.
Next....
Another Barrington five star read by Battles.
Stone is approached by someone interested in buying a ranch in Nevada, which Ben Bacchetti, whom he represents, owns. And shortly after, other interested parties make up their offers for the property as well. The only problem is that Ben inherited the land and ranch from his grandfather who wanted it to remain in the family, and has no intention of selling it.
Suddenly, the property becomes a minefield of danger and the ranch itself and its tourists are thrust into the middle of a criminal conspiracy.
Terrific story with suspense, and non stop action.
The usual and always entertaining, while intriguing, characters are as addictive as,ever.
Great read.
Next....
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm always excited to see a new Stone Barrington novel pop up on my to be read list, its been special treat to catch up with characters who have become friends after 20+ years. This book starts out in the normal way with Stone being thrown headfirst into something suspicious, this time connected with property owned by Ben Bacchetti, Dino's son. This is a very fast paced book which seemed to go by too quickly, the writing is just that good. It's easy to lose a few hours getting wrapped up in the story. I love that these books still have that same appeal even after Stuart Woods passing. I can't wait to see what kind of trouble Stone will get into in the next novel, but I'm certain it's going to be interesting and exciting!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Somehow these Stone Barrington books give a completely fresh look at crime solving! Glad to see some familiar faces showing up with Stone and Dino. Another quick read!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews