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Stone Barrington #40
Below the Belt
Stone Barrington lands in hot water in this thrilling adventure in the #1 New York Times bestselling series. Newly ensconced in his Santa Fe abode with a lovely female companion, Stone Barrington receives a call from an old friend requesting a delicate favor. A situation has arisen that could escalate into an explosive quagmire, and only someone with Stone’s stealth and subtlety can contain the damage. At the center of these events is an impressive gentleman whose star is on the rise, and who’d like to get Stone in his corner. He’s charming and ambitious and has friends in high places; the kind of man who seems to be a sure bet. But in the fickle circles of power, fortunes rise and fall on the turn of a dime, and it may turn out that Stone holds the key not just to one man’s fate, but to the fate of the nation.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2017
2115 people are currently reading
1656 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 466 reviews
March 19, 2025
I thought this was interesting that this came up for me as a Facebook memory this morning - today, March 18, 2024. It really is a good question, don't you think?
Would you elect someone President knowing they were naturally corrupt, committed crimes against others, and sexually harassed women?
Would you elect someone President knowing they were naturally corrupt, committed crimes against others, and sexually harassed women?
February 7, 2017
Well, I'll be doggone. Just when I'd just about given up on what I've come to call the Stone Yawnington series comes this one - several cuts above the last few I've read. The character's name is Stone Barrington, for the record, and this is, I believe, the 40th in the series. My actual score for this one, in fact, is 4.5 stars.
Author Stuart Woods churns the books out faster than you can say James Patterson, and admittedly, I've missed a few here and there. And although I've always used them as a respite of sorts in between more weighty tomes (i.e., those I get for free in exchange for reviews, which means I have to think about what I'm reading), I've grown weary of the banal banter and nothing-is-exciting attitude of all the characters - most of them filthy rich. Oh, there's a dead body in the wine cellar? Drat. I'll call my secretary to have it removed. While we wait, do you think this 1848 cabernet is the proper accompaniment for the dinner lamb?
All of that is in this one as well; it begins with Stone in Santa Fe with companion Holly Barker, an adviser to the U.S. President (also a Stone bestie, BTW). Within a short time, he writes a check for a Porsche and accepts an invitation from the former President - the husband of the current President who preceded his wife as President - to have dinner with a group of influential friends followed by (what else?) an opera.
The former President uses the meeting guise to entrust a reluctant Stone, a prominent New York attorney, with a package, the contents of which apparently have the potential to incriminate him and thus kill his wife's chances for a second term. Needless to say, other rather nasty individuals are interested in getting their hands on it as well - most notably, perhaps, an ultra-powerful and, if possible, wealthier-than-Stone businessman who is backing an independent candidate for a run in the next Presidential election.
The chase takes Stone and Holly, who's out of the White House for a little mandated R & R, to other locations including Stone's fabulous home in Maine (it has its own airstrip, for gosh sake). That part, I admit, added to my enjoyment of the book; places like Rockland and Mount Desert Island - the latter home to Acadia National Park - are places from which I have treasured vacation memories (not to mention a ton of photographs).
The best part, though, is the description of the clearly unqualified independent candidate, who some (including the author, I suspect) might say resembles the current U.S. President-Elect: "They'll trust me...I'm a wealthy man because I know how to get people to trust me," he boasts.
"His chief talent seems to be the ability to tell people what they want to hear," comes Stone's assessment.
In all, it's a fun, easy-to-read book (I polished it off in less than a day of spare time) and one of the best Barrington books I've read. I think backsliding fans like me will find it entertaining.
Author Stuart Woods churns the books out faster than you can say James Patterson, and admittedly, I've missed a few here and there. And although I've always used them as a respite of sorts in between more weighty tomes (i.e., those I get for free in exchange for reviews, which means I have to think about what I'm reading), I've grown weary of the banal banter and nothing-is-exciting attitude of all the characters - most of them filthy rich. Oh, there's a dead body in the wine cellar? Drat. I'll call my secretary to have it removed. While we wait, do you think this 1848 cabernet is the proper accompaniment for the dinner lamb?
All of that is in this one as well; it begins with Stone in Santa Fe with companion Holly Barker, an adviser to the U.S. President (also a Stone bestie, BTW). Within a short time, he writes a check for a Porsche and accepts an invitation from the former President - the husband of the current President who preceded his wife as President - to have dinner with a group of influential friends followed by (what else?) an opera.
The former President uses the meeting guise to entrust a reluctant Stone, a prominent New York attorney, with a package, the contents of which apparently have the potential to incriminate him and thus kill his wife's chances for a second term. Needless to say, other rather nasty individuals are interested in getting their hands on it as well - most notably, perhaps, an ultra-powerful and, if possible, wealthier-than-Stone businessman who is backing an independent candidate for a run in the next Presidential election.
The chase takes Stone and Holly, who's out of the White House for a little mandated R & R, to other locations including Stone's fabulous home in Maine (it has its own airstrip, for gosh sake). That part, I admit, added to my enjoyment of the book; places like Rockland and Mount Desert Island - the latter home to Acadia National Park - are places from which I have treasured vacation memories (not to mention a ton of photographs).
The best part, though, is the description of the clearly unqualified independent candidate, who some (including the author, I suspect) might say resembles the current U.S. President-Elect: "They'll trust me...I'm a wealthy man because I know how to get people to trust me," he boasts.
"His chief talent seems to be the ability to tell people what they want to hear," comes Stone's assessment.
In all, it's a fun, easy-to-read book (I polished it off in less than a day of spare time) and one of the best Barrington books I've read. I think backsliding fans like me will find it entertaining.
October 23, 2016
Another good and predictable Stone Barrington novel. These always feel like palette cleansers to me. An easy read sandwiched between two emotionally-charged, complicated thrillers. I think we should start a drinking game: every time Stone has sex, we all take a shot. We'd be drunk before we are halfway finished. At least in this book, he only has sex with one woman instead of having sex with everyone he happens to talk to and it actually made me like this book so much more than usual. A lot less slimy and a lot more interesting.
February 6, 2017
3.5 stars. One of his best in recent memory, which might be damning with faint praise. Stone made it through an entire book without buying a new home or luxury automobile, and only slept with one woman to whom he in fact has had sex before. The basic plot involves a request by the first man, former President Will Lee for Stone to take possession of a locked briefcase. N.B. I thought the handcuff attachment was over the top. Anyway, President Kate Lee is facing a challenge from a popular businessman (Nelson Knott), with major financial support from a rich dude named St. Clair. The briefcase contains the memoir of Ed Rawls, a former spy, and contains some "explosive" material about BOTH candidates. Let the games commence.
February 4, 2017
It's too bad you can't just start reading from page 240, as the first 3/4 wanes. Thus, an unmitigated disaster is averted by its ending. 5 of 10 stars
February 7, 2017
READER'S SUBJECTIVE REVIEW FOLLOWS:
I know, I know, I've trashed Stuart Woods in the last umpteen reviews of his '401k instalments' but some wire tripped in his brain and he produced another gem. For all the unflattering things I've said about Woods over the past few years--while continuing to buy every one of his books as light-hearted fodder to 'cleanse the palate' between serious works--I will say unequivocally that 'Chiefs' ranks up there with Nelson DeMille's 'The Gold Coast' and Vince Flynn's 'Term Limits' as the three greatest novels I have EVER READ!!! Jesus, I say that and cringe, as John Sandford's 'Silent Prey' and Lee Child's 'Killing Floor' remind me that it ain't that easy saying who's the greatest. Damn, just remembered Tom Clancy's 'Hunt for Red October' and it's damn nigh impossible--so make those six of my favorite ten. Now back to 'Below the Belt.'
The brilliant move that Woods made in this novel is to borrow from a time-honored tradition: cobble together a new version from a past template. Enter Ed Rawls, the new incarnation of Teddy Fay, the outlaw-turned-hero that only took twelve novels to play out. So Ed Rawls is the disavowed, now reborn protagonist, and he showed up in the nick of time. Imagine that! Woods sticks with good characters he's invested heavily in building, so the target of the villain in 'Below the Belt' is Kate Lee, and the opposition's in position to literally overwhelm her with money until...nobody except Jimmy 'I once lusted for a woman' Carter and Mitt Romney can say their closet is ghost-free. And so it goes with the new challenger; find his ghosts and exploit them before he can counter your best shot! I really believe the new characters introduced are believable and timely, therefore the book seemed real, relevant and happening now. If you read 'Below the Belt' you'll enjoy reading it just because Woods' writing style is like comfortable sex--just hang back and enjoy it! Then it hits you that this one's packing one hell of a storyline besides being easy on the eyes and brain. I believe it's well worth the investment.
PLOT SPOILER SUMMARY FOLLOWS:
Meet Ed Rawls, the new Teddy Fay. Recent downturns in Stone's love life become forgotten affairs when Holly Barker comes to town, ordered out of the White House by POTUS for two weeks of forced annual leave. She takes to Stone like a glove and they're soon on their way to Santa Fe to 'break in' Stone's new mansion. Upon arrival, former POTUS Will Lee calls, separates Stone from others and directs him to proceed to former VP Joe Adams' house and retrieve a special attache case and to protect it with his life--no key, no explanation. Events in Santa Fe soon prove others seek the case, so he and Holly take off for Isleboro for some hiding. It doesn't work, as he is contacted by former CIA Chief of Station Stockholdm Ed Rawls, who knows about the case and unwillingly takes Stone into his circle of confidence. Rawls' exit from the Agency was ballistic--straight to fed pen--for allegedly leaking classified intel to the Russian honey trap he fell into in Copenhagen. Seven years later he proves his innocence via a KGB defector's word and is pardoned in secret by Will Lee. Now a free man, Rawls has assembled a veritable clearing house of CIA and DC political hijinks, made thumb drives and put them in the case, which is CIA special and cannot be opened without jeopardy. Stone is surprisingly invited to billionaire Christian St Clair's megayacht in Penobscot Bay, so he and Holly take in the high style, only to learn of discordant undercurrents. St Clair is pushing his puppet Nelson Knott as the next opponent to face Kate Lee in the next election, under the to-be-formed Independent Patriot Party. Knott and a gaggle of super rich are also on the yacht being squeezed for $100M ante's for the IPP. Soon the pressure on Ed Rawls becomes lethal as he moves in with Stone just before his island house is burned to the ground. Escaping to NYC, the heat on Rawls intensifies as Ed gives hints at what he might be hiding. The CIA and former POTUS Will Lee are pressuring Stone desperately to get Rawls to come clean but he won't. Finally after the third failed attempt on his life, Rawls publishes a tell-all book, replete with affairs Knott has had with former employees--both black--whom he impregnated. When the first one pressured him for college money, he had she and her daughter killed. Now the other former raped employee--Martha Shivers Parker--is one step quicker, helped greatly by the former Delta Force Master Sergeant she married. They escape to Stone's house in UK, only after she records a DVD telling all about Knott's treatment of she and Helen Trimble. Rawls finally gives up the case at gunpoint, which St Clair's black ops security manager takes to the boss immediately, as Rawls was forced to give them the key as well. The case explodes and kills St Clair in his office in NYC; ironic that the case had been completely empty. When Nelson Knott learns his major domo and sole proponent and mentor is dead, he sticks a gun in his mouth and goes out ugly. We are left to contemplate the future of Stone and Holly Barker, as he proposed to her during her stay in New York but turned him down, knowing such a marriage could only work if the two of them were living together, permanently.
I know, I know, I've trashed Stuart Woods in the last umpteen reviews of his '401k instalments' but some wire tripped in his brain and he produced another gem. For all the unflattering things I've said about Woods over the past few years--while continuing to buy every one of his books as light-hearted fodder to 'cleanse the palate' between serious works--I will say unequivocally that 'Chiefs' ranks up there with Nelson DeMille's 'The Gold Coast' and Vince Flynn's 'Term Limits' as the three greatest novels I have EVER READ!!! Jesus, I say that and cringe, as John Sandford's 'Silent Prey' and Lee Child's 'Killing Floor' remind me that it ain't that easy saying who's the greatest. Damn, just remembered Tom Clancy's 'Hunt for Red October' and it's damn nigh impossible--so make those six of my favorite ten. Now back to 'Below the Belt.'
The brilliant move that Woods made in this novel is to borrow from a time-honored tradition: cobble together a new version from a past template. Enter Ed Rawls, the new incarnation of Teddy Fay, the outlaw-turned-hero that only took twelve novels to play out. So Ed Rawls is the disavowed, now reborn protagonist, and he showed up in the nick of time. Imagine that! Woods sticks with good characters he's invested heavily in building, so the target of the villain in 'Below the Belt' is Kate Lee, and the opposition's in position to literally overwhelm her with money until...nobody except Jimmy 'I once lusted for a woman' Carter and Mitt Romney can say their closet is ghost-free. And so it goes with the new challenger; find his ghosts and exploit them before he can counter your best shot! I really believe the new characters introduced are believable and timely, therefore the book seemed real, relevant and happening now. If you read 'Below the Belt' you'll enjoy reading it just because Woods' writing style is like comfortable sex--just hang back and enjoy it! Then it hits you that this one's packing one hell of a storyline besides being easy on the eyes and brain. I believe it's well worth the investment.
PLOT SPOILER SUMMARY FOLLOWS:
Meet Ed Rawls, the new Teddy Fay. Recent downturns in Stone's love life become forgotten affairs when Holly Barker comes to town, ordered out of the White House by POTUS for two weeks of forced annual leave. She takes to Stone like a glove and they're soon on their way to Santa Fe to 'break in' Stone's new mansion. Upon arrival, former POTUS Will Lee calls, separates Stone from others and directs him to proceed to former VP Joe Adams' house and retrieve a special attache case and to protect it with his life--no key, no explanation. Events in Santa Fe soon prove others seek the case, so he and Holly take off for Isleboro for some hiding. It doesn't work, as he is contacted by former CIA Chief of Station Stockholdm Ed Rawls, who knows about the case and unwillingly takes Stone into his circle of confidence. Rawls' exit from the Agency was ballistic--straight to fed pen--for allegedly leaking classified intel to the Russian honey trap he fell into in Copenhagen. Seven years later he proves his innocence via a KGB defector's word and is pardoned in secret by Will Lee. Now a free man, Rawls has assembled a veritable clearing house of CIA and DC political hijinks, made thumb drives and put them in the case, which is CIA special and cannot be opened without jeopardy. Stone is surprisingly invited to billionaire Christian St Clair's megayacht in Penobscot Bay, so he and Holly take in the high style, only to learn of discordant undercurrents. St Clair is pushing his puppet Nelson Knott as the next opponent to face Kate Lee in the next election, under the to-be-formed Independent Patriot Party. Knott and a gaggle of super rich are also on the yacht being squeezed for $100M ante's for the IPP. Soon the pressure on Ed Rawls becomes lethal as he moves in with Stone just before his island house is burned to the ground. Escaping to NYC, the heat on Rawls intensifies as Ed gives hints at what he might be hiding. The CIA and former POTUS Will Lee are pressuring Stone desperately to get Rawls to come clean but he won't. Finally after the third failed attempt on his life, Rawls publishes a tell-all book, replete with affairs Knott has had with former employees--both black--whom he impregnated. When the first one pressured him for college money, he had she and her daughter killed. Now the other former raped employee--Martha Shivers Parker--is one step quicker, helped greatly by the former Delta Force Master Sergeant she married. They escape to Stone's house in UK, only after she records a DVD telling all about Knott's treatment of she and Helen Trimble. Rawls finally gives up the case at gunpoint, which St Clair's black ops security manager takes to the boss immediately, as Rawls was forced to give them the key as well. The case explodes and kills St Clair in his office in NYC; ironic that the case had been completely empty. When Nelson Knott learns his major domo and sole proponent and mentor is dead, he sticks a gun in his mouth and goes out ugly. We are left to contemplate the future of Stone and Holly Barker, as he proposed to her during her stay in New York but turned him down, knowing such a marriage could only work if the two of them were living together, permanently.
January 6, 2017
I see I'm paying for dick breath woods political opinions
again
Why won't the fool just write and stick his political
opinions where the sun don't shine
again
Why won't the fool just write and stick his political
opinions where the sun don't shine
April 12, 2019
It just ended kinda abruptly. I wasn't expecting that.
January 3, 2018
A nice fluffy read, easily consumed in an afternoon. Hard to believe this is the 40th in the series. It checks all the usual entries - visits to England, New York and Maine, check; new car, check; new home (in Santa Fe), check; sexy lady friend, check. He's a reliable break from tougher reading.
ETA: just to be clear: fluff is not a bad thing and Stuart Woods writes some of my favorite fluff.
ETA: just to be clear: fluff is not a bad thing and Stuart Woods writes some of my favorite fluff.
March 7, 2017
As always, very entertaining and enjoyable!
Read
January 12, 2017As a happy, dedicated audio book listener I have recently begun checking not only titles but also narrators, and if I see Tony Roberts name I know I’m in for some really satisfying hours of listening. Roberts is a talented actor who has twice been nominated for a Tony Award and has appeared in a number of films. He brings experience and excellence to his narration of the latest Stone Barrington adventure. You’ll enjoy!
As many know Stone is an intelligent, resourceful New York lawyer who is not afraid to tackle the toughest case or in this instance do a favor for a friend. Happy, relaxed in the home he has just bought in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Stone is asked by his friend Will Lee, a former U.S. president, to simply drive into the local mountains and retrieve a briefcase holding a retired CIA agent’s memoir full of secrets that might well rock the world. Then he is to deliver the case to Will at the Santa Fe Opera following the evening’s performance. Well, the best laid plans....a rock slide on the road down keeps Stone from the Opera.
One person who would suffer if the contents of the briefcase are revealed is ambitious Nelson Knott who is thinking about running for the presidency - he has a host of rich backers who will do whatever it takes to get Knott elected. It seems that Knott isn’t the only person with an interest in the briefcase and any one of them wouldn’t stop at eliminating Stone to get it.
As is his wont Stuart Woods is a master at building suspense until the very end and he shines in Below The Belt, the 40th Stone Barrington novel.
April 23, 2017
I love the Stone Barrington novels but the last few felt like recycled plots from other stories and lacked the punch and wit of the prior novels. Then came this one. I saw it sitting on the library shelf and decided to grab it, hoping to not be as disappointed as a few made me.
Let me tell you, if you fell, as did I, that perhaps the light and luster had wilted in Stone Barrington, that it is back full force in this book.
This felt neither recycled nor boring and while the usual cast and crew, Dino, Viv, Holly and Lance, are present and accounted for, they take a backseat to much of the action and the story. This was a fast paced book that reads fast and makes you wonder what each turn of the page will bring. Full of action and intrigue, this is a the author going back to the early years of his writing and this felt fresh and new.
Let me tell you, if you fell, as did I, that perhaps the light and luster had wilted in Stone Barrington, that it is back full force in this book.
This felt neither recycled nor boring and while the usual cast and crew, Dino, Viv, Holly and Lance, are present and accounted for, they take a backseat to much of the action and the story. This was a fast paced book that reads fast and makes you wonder what each turn of the page will bring. Full of action and intrigue, this is a the author going back to the early years of his writing and this felt fresh and new.
January 6, 2017
(2 1/2) A cold snowy day, not much to do and a new Stone Barrington book. A really good formula. I am glad to say this one is much more focused than the last couple. Over the top as always, but very contemporary, with some great tongue in cheek allusions to our new President and even the Koch brothers. We also are introduced to a new character who could become the next Teddy Fay, another ex CIA agent who has had his share of troubles. Stuart Woods cranks these puppies out every three months, so I am sure we will find out if Ed Rawls is going to stay around or not. A nice distraction.
November 24, 2019
Stone Barrington is an excellent character, and it is no wonder that Stuart Woods makes him the central character in so many novels. He is loyal, trustworthy, and rich--everything that a person would want in a friend, companion, or lawyer. This story was one of Woods' better plots with several shifts and twists. Great book to read on the bus!
March 6, 2025
Better plot. Ed Rawls is a main focus on this installment. Stone becomes embroiled in old CIA business. A strong case, a manuscript and Kate Lee’s reelection bid make this a better read than the last few Barrington books.
Holly is in this one too. A proposal that will never be accepted takes place and Lance maybe getting a promotion.
Fast paced and not too many plot holes that why this gets a 4 star ⭐️ rating out of 5. Off to read the next one.. hoping for the best…
Holly is in this one too. A proposal that will never be accepted takes place and Lance maybe getting a promotion.
Fast paced and not too many plot holes that why this gets a 4 star ⭐️ rating out of 5. Off to read the next one.. hoping for the best…
February 24, 2018
I unfortunately skipped 2 in the series and I guess some character development. Intrigue surrounding the upcoming re-election of Kate Lee. Good, but not one of the better entries in the series.
December 2, 2016
This is the 40th(!!) book in Stuart Woods's series about the well-connected lawyer Stone Barrington, but only the second I have read from the series. It may also be the last. If you like predictable stories where the hero takes care of everything with a sexy lady by his side, an expensive drink in his hand, and servants at his beg and call all over the world, then this may be the book series for you. For some reason, Barrington is on a first name basis with both current and former presidents, CIA directors and police commissioners, and he has seemingly unlimited resources available to him. On top of this, he knows just what to do at all times and by thinking ahead, he usually avoids things going wrong. Needless to say, there is never a lot of doubt how the story will end, and while some readers may appreciate such a scenario, I can't say that I am among them. The setup seems so outdated and almost a parody of the genre of the international thriller with elements of politics and espionage mastered by writes such as Vince Flynn, John Gilstrap and Brad Thor. I recently reviewed a recent book by Jack Higgins, and suggested that he called it quits after a long career and tons of books under his belt. My advice to Stuart Woods is the same if this book is representative of what he has to offer these days.
[An ARC of this book was generously provided by the publisher through the First to Read program]
[An ARC of this book was generously provided by the publisher through the First to Read program]
February 4, 2017
Below the Belt by Stuart Woods
Stone Barrington Series Book # 40
3.5 Stars
From The Book:
Newly ensconced in his Santa Fe abode with a lovely female companion, Stone Barrington receives a call from an old friend requesting a delicate favor. A situation has arisen that could escalate into an explosive quagmire, and only someone with Stone’s stealth and subtlety can contain the damage. At the center of these events is an impressive gentleman whose star is on the rise, and who’d like to get Stone in his corner. He’s charming and ambitious and has friends in high places; the kind of man who seems to be a sure bet. But in the fickle circles of power, fortunes rise and fall on the turn of a dime, and it may turn out that Stone holds the key not just to one man’s fate, but to the fate of the nation.
My Thoughts:
Thank you, Mr. Woods. Once again you have given us our "old" Stone Barrington and not the fast and loose playboy that he had been in some previous books. Good to have Stone back.
This one only received 3.5 stars from me...not because it wasn't interesting or well written...but because in places it had entirely too much politics. After our recent real election fiasco, I just didn't need anymore politics. There were some scary truths in the storyline though. The idea that a mega rich man could dare to think he could buy his very own President along with his own cabinet members while eliminating anyone that stood in his way...and nearly succeeding.
Like all of Stuart Wood's books it is a fast read and has absolutely no wasted words. He gets right to the point.
Stone Barrington Series Book # 40
3.5 Stars
From The Book:
Newly ensconced in his Santa Fe abode with a lovely female companion, Stone Barrington receives a call from an old friend requesting a delicate favor. A situation has arisen that could escalate into an explosive quagmire, and only someone with Stone’s stealth and subtlety can contain the damage. At the center of these events is an impressive gentleman whose star is on the rise, and who’d like to get Stone in his corner. He’s charming and ambitious and has friends in high places; the kind of man who seems to be a sure bet. But in the fickle circles of power, fortunes rise and fall on the turn of a dime, and it may turn out that Stone holds the key not just to one man’s fate, but to the fate of the nation.
My Thoughts:
Thank you, Mr. Woods. Once again you have given us our "old" Stone Barrington and not the fast and loose playboy that he had been in some previous books. Good to have Stone back.
This one only received 3.5 stars from me...not because it wasn't interesting or well written...but because in places it had entirely too much politics. After our recent real election fiasco, I just didn't need anymore politics. There were some scary truths in the storyline though. The idea that a mega rich man could dare to think he could buy his very own President along with his own cabinet members while eliminating anyone that stood in his way...and nearly succeeding.
Like all of Stuart Wood's books it is a fast read and has absolutely no wasted words. He gets right to the point.
January 12, 2018
It's hard to believe this dull, formulaic book was written by the author of the excellent "Chiefs" and other fine books. For the past few years Mr. Woods has been cranking out wearisome story lines, with characters whose inclinations and actions are irksomely predictable and have been completely run into the ground.
For some time now his use of the Stone Barrington series to air his political views (instead of writing a separate book about them) has become as forced, unskillful and annoying as have his tired plots and protagonists. I, for one, do not care for unbecoming snarkiness no matter what side of the aisle a person is on. His books have become a chore to read, when once they were "un-put-downable," spicy and fun. Sad to say, I think I am finally "done" with Stuart Woods.
For some time now his use of the Stone Barrington series to air his political views (instead of writing a separate book about them) has become as forced, unskillful and annoying as have his tired plots and protagonists. I, for one, do not care for unbecoming snarkiness no matter what side of the aisle a person is on. His books have become a chore to read, when once they were "un-put-downable," spicy and fun. Sad to say, I think I am finally "done" with Stuart Woods.
January 7, 2017
And another entertaining read
I love Stone Barrington. This book kept my interest through every chapter and had such a great ending. I loved what was in the case. I also loved what happened to the case. Too bad it didn't cause havoc to all that were present.
So now I hope their is a sequel to the book and we see Kate running for another term and meet her new running mate. Let's hope Mr. Woods already has the book written and it will be available soon.
It is rare for me to read a book in one afternoon but I just didn't want to put the book down. It was entertaining and kept my interest.
I love Stone Barrington. This book kept my interest through every chapter and had such a great ending. I loved what was in the case. I also loved what happened to the case. Too bad it didn't cause havoc to all that were present.
So now I hope their is a sequel to the book and we see Kate running for another term and meet her new running mate. Let's hope Mr. Woods already has the book written and it will be available soon.
It is rare for me to read a book in one afternoon but I just didn't want to put the book down. It was entertaining and kept my interest.
January 16, 2017
Meh, not sure why but I can't get into this book. I normally finish a Stone Barrington book in 2-3 days.
It got better as it progresses so don't worry.
It got better as it progresses so don't worry.
March 26, 2018
This book starts out with Stone and Holly on vacation together at his new house in Santa Fe. He receives a call from former President, Will Lee and accepts an assignment from Will. Stone follows through with the instructions he was given and finds himself embroiled in a situation that is far more dangerous than he was led to believe it would be. Holly was, as usual, not much help to Stone and I found her to be just as dull as normal. Stone then tries to get to the bottom of what is going on. He finds himself caught between Will, Lance Cabot and Ed Rawles. Will is intent on keeping Kate in the dark on all that is going on so Stone is really hindered in what he can do. A new potential candidate for the presidency and his supporter really try their hardest to contain any and all negative information.
The book was probably one of the more interesting Stone Barrington books I have read in a while. It was intriguing and had a lot more plot and substance and a lot less of Stone trying to bed any female with a pulse in his vicinity. The ending was solid and left some unanswered questions, especially when it comes to Stone's personal life.
The book was probably one of the more interesting Stone Barrington books I have read in a while. It was intriguing and had a lot more plot and substance and a lot less of Stone trying to bed any female with a pulse in his vicinity. The ending was solid and left some unanswered questions, especially when it comes to Stone's personal life.
August 30, 2018
This book was just icky... the story line of the first part was just plan boring of the rich and famous: drinks (knob creek), sex, breakfast in bed, Ny times, CNN, shopping, jet to another location rinse and repeat.. How much $ does Stone have.. how much staff does he have on and what is that expense? The series was more interesting when he was "struggling".. LOL!
The second part was all about politics. I was hoping that the Teddy Fay pardon would come out in the briefcase. That would of been some fun fireworks! The Lees are the most BORING Presidents. Lets have an affair, scandal or something to liven them up! LOL!
Ed Rauls was probably the most interesting character in this book. You didn't know what he was going to do! I like how he over took the mobsters in the car.
Christian was interesting sinister character. He was dumb opening that case himself. The author predictably killed off a interesting character stupidly. He could of been interesting some future installments and more challenges for Stone.
Overall a solid 2 stars... mildly entertaining but mostly BORING. Quick read.
The second part was all about politics. I was hoping that the Teddy Fay pardon would come out in the briefcase. That would of been some fun fireworks! The Lees are the most BORING Presidents. Lets have an affair, scandal or something to liven them up! LOL!
Ed Rauls was probably the most interesting character in this book. You didn't know what he was going to do! I like how he over took the mobsters in the car.
Christian was interesting sinister character. He was dumb opening that case himself. The author predictably killed off a interesting character stupidly. He could of been interesting some future installments and more challenges for Stone.
Overall a solid 2 stars... mildly entertaining but mostly BORING. Quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2017
Stuart Woods has recovered nicely. He is a master storyteller and has brought his A-game to this latest episode of Stone Barrington. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. The twists were devious, the plot was continuous, dots were all in a row, without the "Uh, did I miss something?" factor. Every Stone Barrington fan knows that if Lance Cabot is involved, there will always be chaos. Stone and Dino are still a dynamic team. And of course, we see Holly Barker this time, as well. Great read, five stars well earned.
July 5, 2017
I've read several of the Stone Books, and this one seems a little more interesting than others I have read. I get a tickle that he goes and sees his new home in Santa Fe NM, then first thing he packs up and moves on. I've enjoyed the ones where he stays for awhile in Santa Fe, I guess cause I'm a New Mexico girl myself. Tied into political parts of the story, and they move and change into several different locations. He well known, well tied up with his political stories, and we are hearing fireworks outside as today is the 4th!!!
You all have a happy 4th. Best Wishes! Recommend.
You all have a happy 4th. Best Wishes! Recommend.
October 10, 2017
I thought this was one of the best Stone Barrington books. He only slept with one woman the entire book! The President is about to run for a second term and her opponent is a rising star. Stone has been entrusted by a friend to keep a case that all the bad people are looking for. It is a good, fast reading book that I liked a lot.
November 5, 2019
More "Guilty Pleasure" reading about the lifestyles of the "Rich & Famous"...In this one Stone, Will Lee and Ed Rawls become involved in destroying the Presidential aspirations of a Bill O'Reilly-like character and his Fox News-like money man, a Roger Ailes/Rupert Murdoch-like character...Woods is obviously not a fan of Fox and a huge booster of MSNBC's "Morning Joe!"...Meh!!!
September 20, 2023
My need to finish a series onced I have started is killing me with the Stone Barrington.
This wasn't a great read but then that is what we are use to with this series. This will be the last one I read for some time.
This wasn't a great read but then that is what we are use to with this series. This will be the last one I read for some time.
April 4, 2017
Another Stone Barrington novel, great as a free read ..
July 3, 2023
too slow, too much politics
While we all know the Barrington series of books have hits and misses. This is definitely a miss for me. Too much talking and not enough action. It meandered too much, and I gave up. Onwards.
While we all know the Barrington series of books have hits and misses. This is definitely a miss for me. Too much talking and not enough action. It meandered too much, and I gave up. Onwards.
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