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Stone Barrington #42
Indecent Exposure
In this action-packed adventure from #1 New York Times bestselling author Stuart Woods, Stone Barrington learns that privacy is hard to come by when you’re one of the rich and mighty.
As an eligible bachelor, man-about-town, and mover in the highest social echelons, Stone Barrington has always been the subject of interest and gossip. But when he’s unwittingly thrust into the limelight, he finds himself scrambling to take cover. Before too long Stone’s fending off pesky nuisances left and right, and making personal arrangements so surreptitiously it would take a covert operative to unearth them. Unfortunately, Stone soon discovers that these efforts only increase the persistence of the most troublesome pests...and when he runs afoul of a particularly tenacious lady, he’ll be struggling to protect not just his reputation, but his life.
As an eligible bachelor, man-about-town, and mover in the highest social echelons, Stone Barrington has always been the subject of interest and gossip. But when he’s unwittingly thrust into the limelight, he finds himself scrambling to take cover. Before too long Stone’s fending off pesky nuisances left and right, and making personal arrangements so surreptitiously it would take a covert operative to unearth them. Unfortunately, Stone soon discovers that these efforts only increase the persistence of the most troublesome pests...and when he runs afoul of a particularly tenacious lady, he’ll be struggling to protect not just his reputation, but his life.
339 pages, Hardcover
First published June 6, 2017
1195 people are currently reading
1432 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Woods
408 books3,225 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 373 reviews
June 30, 2017
Another truly pitiful effort by Stuart Woods. Stone Barrington and now Secretary of State Holly Barker are an item. There is a little bit of politics as the Presidents Lee's son decides to run for Senator in NY potentially opposing the current governor. And Stone gets involved and then uninvolved with a tabloid writer, but no plot and no character development. Blecch.
June 19, 2017
Couldn't tell you why, but I just enjoy these books. A guilty pleasure, easy read, fast, read in one sitting. Enjoyable.
November 26, 2025
3 Stars. I have a pressing question. What does the title mean? Indecent exposure is a criminal act, the public exposing of one's privates in unwanted situations. None of that here. We do find Stone and a paramour skinny dipping in a secluded part of the Caribbean, but that can't be it. The story raises a recurring theme from earlier Barrington episodes. He dabbles elsewhere and creates a mess of difficulty for himself. He meets the beautiful Just Folks gossip reporter Gloria Parsons. One thing leads to another and Gloria mentions over a pillow the name of a buddy she is trying to help get out of Fishkill Prison. If I could talk to him, I'd say, "You know Stone, all that happened next could have been avoided if you hadn't strayed from your girl friend Holly Barker!" Holly is now the Secretary of State under President Kate Lee. Instead, the situation escalates. One incident is delicious. In killing a Parsons story in Just Folks implying a Barrington scandal, the owner several levels up the ladder says to the publisher, "Do you realize who my business partner is? Barrington! Fire Gloria Parsons." Worthwhile, but not top drawer. (Mar2020/No2025)
June 17, 2017
The first 3/4 is quite the snoozer and the last bit barely makes this into an, "ok" story. You won't miss anything by skipping this. 3 of 10 stars
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June 12, 2017I really really really love Stone - especially when the Lee family and Holly are in the story (I long for a marriage)...however, I feel like this one was just too simple or something; just kinda lackluster. Naturally, as a fan girl , I'll keep reading the series ;)) I do wonder if the publishing company is pressuring the author for more and/or faster perhaps? It seems like the trade off for novels more frequently has been a bit of lesser quality story, imo. Can't decide if I prefer to wait longer for better books or enjoy a quick (& WAAAAAY MORE steamy/trashy) story more often! Idk...I'm sure the amount of money I have invested into my reading obsession for well over thirty years could buy me a nice Ferrari or something anyhow; not like I'm gonna change at this point! I am most likely going to continue to support my all time faves regardless 😊
February 11, 2022
This "thriller" literally consists only of people having dinner at restaurants, having sex, having conversations about who might be running for office, boarding private planes at tiny airports, and skinny dipping. It was like opening a bag of chips expecting at least 20 chips to be inside, but there's only one.
July 7, 2017
SUBJECTIVE READER PLOT SPOILER REVIEW FOLLOWS:
I think Stuart Woods has invented a new genre, 'brain candy.' His writing style, short chapters, eternal allusion to sexual enthusiasm and never letting Stone Barrington or Holly Barker age have conditioned our brains to seek his novels out as a quick fix while waiting for something more elegant. Dammit, he evolves the characters so cleverly we can't bear to break away! Holly Barker, introduced what seems like a decade and a half ago, is now US SecState, Kate Lee's just won her second election as POTUS, so guess who's up for the eternal roller coaster ride? Left unsaid but lurking right at the edge of everyone's conspiracy meter during this damn fast-paced page turner is the-to me-obvious fact that Holly and Stone are gonna have to get married if she's the front-runner for POTUS.
Now that wasn't the storyline for 'Indecent Exposure,' getting shot by a telephoto lens while skinny dipping in the Caribbean is the bellwether neither has trouble dodging. I guess the real plot of the book is an opportunistic, smoking hot sexy tabloid reporter named Gloria Parsons who Stone selects at random to get the exclusive story on his being named Kate & Will Lee's personal attorney, obtaining book deals in the tens of millions upon leaving office. Of course they assess one another in the heavy breathing department, followed by an exclusive story in Just Folks magazine where Gloria rates Stones sexual prowess in quite favorable metrics, infuriating Stone and humoring Holly. Stone shuts her out of his life, so she gets all pout-lipped and looks to her seedier side for revenge. Not one to be shunted, she finds the recently cuckholded Governor of NY and proceeds to render him a spent shell casing, prolonging her 15 minutes of fame. She foolishly has him commute the jail term of her high school pal who's an unrepentant ne'er do well, and promptly hires him to kill Stone. Things don't go smoothly for Gloria after she opens the hit on Barrington, but she miraculously gets away with it due to the intervention of her politically in fiancé.
So, as you can see, it's a very decent storyline both on the low life end and on the bristling possibilities in the highest Washington political circles. I read this book in two days, another feature of Woods' 2010 decade custom format. Even shallow as a wagon rut, the damn brain candy thing will keep you turning pages 'til it's done. I don't think 'Indecent Exposure' is that shallow, especially since Woods presents us with the end game of Barrington's eternal woman sampling. I can all but guarantee you will like this book, so buy it and read it. Jeesh, I wish I had somebody preaching that message about 'When There's No Tomorrow.' Here's a hint, it's a winner, big time. Trust me on both counts, Will
I think Stuart Woods has invented a new genre, 'brain candy.' His writing style, short chapters, eternal allusion to sexual enthusiasm and never letting Stone Barrington or Holly Barker age have conditioned our brains to seek his novels out as a quick fix while waiting for something more elegant. Dammit, he evolves the characters so cleverly we can't bear to break away! Holly Barker, introduced what seems like a decade and a half ago, is now US SecState, Kate Lee's just won her second election as POTUS, so guess who's up for the eternal roller coaster ride? Left unsaid but lurking right at the edge of everyone's conspiracy meter during this damn fast-paced page turner is the-to me-obvious fact that Holly and Stone are gonna have to get married if she's the front-runner for POTUS.
Now that wasn't the storyline for 'Indecent Exposure,' getting shot by a telephoto lens while skinny dipping in the Caribbean is the bellwether neither has trouble dodging. I guess the real plot of the book is an opportunistic, smoking hot sexy tabloid reporter named Gloria Parsons who Stone selects at random to get the exclusive story on his being named Kate & Will Lee's personal attorney, obtaining book deals in the tens of millions upon leaving office. Of course they assess one another in the heavy breathing department, followed by an exclusive story in Just Folks magazine where Gloria rates Stones sexual prowess in quite favorable metrics, infuriating Stone and humoring Holly. Stone shuts her out of his life, so she gets all pout-lipped and looks to her seedier side for revenge. Not one to be shunted, she finds the recently cuckholded Governor of NY and proceeds to render him a spent shell casing, prolonging her 15 minutes of fame. She foolishly has him commute the jail term of her high school pal who's an unrepentant ne'er do well, and promptly hires him to kill Stone. Things don't go smoothly for Gloria after she opens the hit on Barrington, but she miraculously gets away with it due to the intervention of her politically in fiancé.
So, as you can see, it's a very decent storyline both on the low life end and on the bristling possibilities in the highest Washington political circles. I read this book in two days, another feature of Woods' 2010 decade custom format. Even shallow as a wagon rut, the damn brain candy thing will keep you turning pages 'til it's done. I don't think 'Indecent Exposure' is that shallow, especially since Woods presents us with the end game of Barrington's eternal woman sampling. I can all but guarantee you will like this book, so buy it and read it. Jeesh, I wish I had somebody preaching that message about 'When There's No Tomorrow.' Here's a hint, it's a winner, big time. Trust me on both counts, Will
June 30, 2017
President Kate Lee is re-elected and Holly Barker becomes the new Secretary of State. Stone Barrington flies into the capital city to celebrate election day with Holly. He returns home where he initiates an affair with a journalist and then is embarrassed when she publishes details of their assignation. The lady is on the outs with Stone and she doesn't take the rejection very well.
The Stone Barrington series seems to be a hit or miss these days. The plot in this one is very thin. The couple of books prior to this one are much better. However, I will continue to read these books whenever the library gets them in. I guess I like to see how the rich live.
The Stone Barrington series seems to be a hit or miss these days. The plot in this one is very thin. The couple of books prior to this one are much better. However, I will continue to read these books whenever the library gets them in. I guess I like to see how the rich live.
July 2, 2017
As good as any of the modern Stone Barrington stories by Stuart Woods. Take that as you will. If you are fan, this is enjoyable, if you are not a fan of the latest works, this might not be to your liking.
June 18, 2017
Stone is back and once again his love life is getting him into trouble. He hooks up with a tabloid journalist and soon learns the error of his ways so he dumps her and goes back to Holly who is now Kate's Secretary of State. Kate is on her second term and both her and Will are both includes in this storyline along with Dino and Viv as they all take a holiday yacht cruise together. This was a quick read for me and I am going to go back and re-read some of the earlier books in the series to remind myself on what really sold me on this series years ago as I feel it lost something along the way.
July 10, 2017
What has happened to Woods? Stone Barrington stories used to be good. They were well written, page turners and mystery. This gave Five Shades a run for its money. If there were no sexual exploits in the book there would have been a book of 50 pages or less. The story stunk, the ending more so. Very disappointing.
June 13, 2017
I love Stone Barrington series, but this book is such a lack luster. His publisher should quit making him come up with a book every quarter. There is so little story in this one or I'm tired of the D.C./political plot.
February 8, 2018
Fast and entertaining but still the characters lack depth. However, I am still a fan of these books because I do enjoy the writing and the action and even though there is not much in the way of character depth or evolution - I do enjoy these for a fast read.
February 6, 2022
More guilty pleasure from Stuart Woods here...I'm sure I'm not the only one with the problems with the titles...They're like Dick Francis titles...They're all alike and you can't be sure whether or nor you've read them earlier...In "Indecent exposure," Kate Lee is re-elected, Holly Barker becomes the new Secretary of State and they all are hounded by gossip columnist seeking the deepest, darkest...Just the usual!
July 22, 2017
This was a quick Stone Barrington adventure--very mild for Stone--minimal sex, violence, etc. Just a happy story. A nice change, but will all the usual characters! A pleasant quick read:)
June 25, 2017
Stone Barrington is approached by a journalist who wants to write about in regards to his relationship with Holly Barker. Barrington, as is his modus operandi, becomes involved with the journalist and things spiral out of control from there.
Lots of intrigue, interesting new characters, and Knobs Creek. Good summer read.
Lots of intrigue, interesting new characters, and Knobs Creek. Good summer read.
November 27, 2017
Not sure if Robert Parker or Stuart Woods started the trend of short chapters and speedy dialogue/plot development. Whichever did, Woods is a master of this style. A few of the Barrington series have more detailed plots and extended story details but most are of the short, quick format. Woods also extends his story plots over several books while telling a complete loop per volume. Stone seems to attract trouble with ease. He can say hello to someone and earn their rage. This is the long tern underlining aspect of this series and with several spin off tales the long running series has some additional legs still to go. We have here a new relationship that turns sour, closer relations with Holly who is now the Sec. of State under second term president Kate Lee and hidden political moves from New York State to a foreign government.
February 16, 2018
Not thrilled. This author gets a lot of promotion on lists of thrillers, after reading this book, he is paying to be added to the list. The story had nothing thrilling about it. The dialogue reads like a wanna-be lawyer trying to act like he is answering questions in court and trying not to give an answer. There is less description than on a bag of unsalted peanuts. There are no beautiful sentences, no inspiring scenes. Everything is formulaic. predictable. The only creative element is the cut-away sentence composed of a euphemism for they had sex. Sentences and paragraphs are so short you could breeze through the book while you have a bowel movement, but don't waste your time. Pick up that toothpaste box out of the trash can next to you and read it. It will be more thrilling.
April 2, 2017
I love Stuart Woods and have read everything he has written. That being said, of late he seems to not be putting in much effort, instead laying out even more preposterous plots and unrealistic scenarios for Stone, Holly et al.
In his last few books he hasn't even tried it seems... how many people could possibly be from Delano, Georgia? The names he chooses, the convenient coincidences, it all gets to be a bit much and my feeling is his writing has really gone down hill as of late.
That being said, I still read every new book he writes so that says something about his ability, or something about me so guess...
In his last few books he hasn't even tried it seems... how many people could possibly be from Delano, Georgia? The names he chooses, the convenient coincidences, it all gets to be a bit much and my feeling is his writing has really gone down hill as of late.
That being said, I still read every new book he writes so that says something about his ability, or something about me so guess...
September 7, 2020
This book was so bad it's almost laughable. Terrible dialogue, terrible storyline, just overall ridiculous. The main character is Stone Barrington. Really? Hahaha and he is such a pig that you hate him right from the first chapter or two. The character development is...oh who am I kidding, there is no character development. This author must be laughing his way to the bank if people actually buy more than one of his books. Luckily, this book was a hand me down so I didn't waste my money. If I did, I would definitely ask the author for my money back.
FYI, this genre is right up my alley but this author, so, so bad.
FYI, this genre is right up my alley but this author, so, so bad.
March 10, 2025
The plot was super ick even for Stuart Woods. 🤢🤢
A gossip columnist and Stone were not a good mix.
Holly apparently is going to run for President. Yawn.
This one has Peter Rule in it and he’s running for Senator of NY. More yawns. His new bride has skeletons and is attached to the old governor. This book was a mess.
Too many characters and you didn’t care a whit about any of them.
Stone was in peril again. 🥱🥱🥱
Taking a break from Stone is necessary.
A gossip columnist and Stone were not a good mix.
Holly apparently is going to run for President. Yawn.
This one has Peter Rule in it and he’s running for Senator of NY. More yawns. His new bride has skeletons and is attached to the old governor. This book was a mess.
Too many characters and you didn’t care a whit about any of them.
Stone was in peril again. 🥱🥱🥱
Taking a break from Stone is necessary.
July 16, 2017
I've reached my saturation point with the Stone Barrington novels. His wealth, political connections, police and lawyer interactions. . . they've become too much. I can only read about the cruises on his yacht & flights on his airplane--along with his Knob Creek whiskey--so many times before I have to walk away.
April 21, 2019
I had never read A Stone Barrington book before. I decided they are not for me.
This was not bad and I chose it because it seemed a political mystery and I love politics and sometimes like mysteries.
This was a bit to light for me. I sped through it but I had thought it would be more dark and sort of like Joseph Finder book. Nothing wrong with this one but not what I was looking for.
This was not bad and I chose it because it seemed a political mystery and I love politics and sometimes like mysteries.
This was a bit to light for me. I sped through it but I had thought it would be more dark and sort of like Joseph Finder book. Nothing wrong with this one but not what I was looking for.
June 24, 2017
This is the last Stone Barrington book i will read, you can already see it now Holly Barker a sheriff from Orchid county is going to become president of the USA and Stone will become the first man or whatever they are called. Books are now too far fetched to be enjoyable reading
November 28, 2017
I did enjoy this book with Stone Barrington
always living the good or should I say the great life.
always living the good or should I say the great life.
June 2, 2018
Another good Stone Barrington novel.
December 26, 2024
Dreadful. Absolutely dreadful. Whoever the ghost writer for this book was should quit writing immediately. What an embarrassment to what was once a well written series.
August 15, 2017
I have read a number of Stuart Wood's books, but this may be one of the fastest scenarios out there. Stone Barrington's significant other , Holly Barker has just been selected to be Secretary of State in Katharine Lee's administration ...before Lee was actually declared the winner of the Presidential election !!
Now the fun begins. Stone meets one Gloria Parsons, a key writer for one of the main gossip magazines in the country, " Just Folks" . What Stone doesn't realize is that Gloria has an ulterior motive for getting close to Stone. There is a long time friend of us that is serving time in an upstate NY prison that she really wants to get out of jail. And she is willing to do anything to achieve this.
You really are going to need a score card to follow the action, as dirty deeds and politics take over Stone's life. This book is a lot of fun and it won't disappoint Stuart Woods fans. Once you start reading it , I assure you that the possibility that you finish it in one day is very, very great !!
Now the fun begins. Stone meets one Gloria Parsons, a key writer for one of the main gossip magazines in the country, " Just Folks" . What Stone doesn't realize is that Gloria has an ulterior motive for getting close to Stone. There is a long time friend of us that is serving time in an upstate NY prison that she really wants to get out of jail. And she is willing to do anything to achieve this.
You really are going to need a score card to follow the action, as dirty deeds and politics take over Stone's life. This book is a lot of fun and it won't disappoint Stuart Woods fans. Once you start reading it , I assure you that the possibility that you finish it in one day is very, very great !!
August 12, 2017
Typical Stone Barrington novel: sex, dinner, booze, new woman, more sex, someone dies, Stone gets richer... I don't know why I continue to read these stories, but I do. Low three stars is the best rating I can offer.
June 15, 2017
Like the old mysteries, a fast reader can enjoy Stone Barrington and the gang, and I mean enjoy, in one sitting. I listened to an audio performance and had a ball. Get yourself the Overdrive App and sign into your library. Have fun. Yes, this one is a pleasurable waste of time. Right on Woods. Hoping you can make it to 100 Barrington adventures. Maybe next he will fly a spaceship, or at least a handsfree car!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews