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Stone Barrington #49
Wild Card
Stone Barrington clashes with a determined adversary in the latest non-stop thriller from #1 New York Times-bestselling author Stuart Woods.Stone Barrington and his latest paramour are enjoying a peaceful country retreat when their idyll is broken by an unwelcome stranger. He was sent by an enemy, someone who'd be happy to silence Stone and all his collaborators for good . . . only it's soon clear that Stone is not an easy man to target.But with boundless resources and a thirst for vengeance, this foe will not be deterred, and when one plot fails another materializes. Their latest plan is more ambitious and subtle than any they've tried before, and the consequences could remake the nation. With the country's future in the balance, Stone will need to muster all his savvy and daring to defeat this rival once and for all.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2019
4065 people are currently reading
1306 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Woods
413 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 311 reviews
May 24, 2019
A much better effort by Mr. Woods than many of his latest scribes. 9 of 10 stars!
April 10, 2019
Admittedly, I keep reading this series mostly as a sort of respite from books that challenge my mind in some manner - whether that be thrilling, thought-provoking or educational. The lead character here, filthy rich New York attorney Stone Barrington, is a likable chap, but over the years the books - this is the 49th - for the most part have become rather banal. Once in a while, though, a gem pops up - and this is one of them. The plot is intriguing and attention-holding, and there seemed to be a bit more of the wry humor I always enjoy sprinkled throughout the pages.
This one opens as Stone is entertaining (euphemistically speaking) his most recent love interest, Jamie Cox, at his home in England. Jamie is polishing up the book to hand off to her editor (when she's not putting her hands all over Stone, that is). As they dawdle the time away, Stone gets a call from his pal, New York Police Commissioner Dino Bacchetti, informing him that the FBI has decided not to prosecute family members for their alleged computer crimes Jamie has written about, largely because almost all the evidence was destroyed in an explosion and fire. One of the family chieftains, however, is certain that Stone was behind the explosion and is intent on payback, hopefully sooner than later.
When one of Stone's dinner guests - a well-known movie star - and his trainer meet Stone later for a gym workout, the actor takes a bullet to his backside; Stone is convinced the shot was meant for him so it's off to the mattresses (meaning other of Stone's many homes - from Key West to Maine to New York City) while Bacchetti and other cop-type friends try to gather enough evidence to ensure indictments. Rest assured, though, everyone is well entertained, wined and dined at every turn - as long as they're properly dressed for the occasion, of course.
All told, it's a rather fun romp that kept me reading almost nonstop (short chapters and not much over 300 pages make that even easier). Enjoyable!
This one opens as Stone is entertaining (euphemistically speaking) his most recent love interest, Jamie Cox, at his home in England. Jamie is polishing up the book to hand off to her editor (when she's not putting her hands all over Stone, that is). As they dawdle the time away, Stone gets a call from his pal, New York Police Commissioner Dino Bacchetti, informing him that the FBI has decided not to prosecute family members for their alleged computer crimes Jamie has written about, largely because almost all the evidence was destroyed in an explosion and fire. One of the family chieftains, however, is certain that Stone was behind the explosion and is intent on payback, hopefully sooner than later.
When one of Stone's dinner guests - a well-known movie star - and his trainer meet Stone later for a gym workout, the actor takes a bullet to his backside; Stone is convinced the shot was meant for him so it's off to the mattresses (meaning other of Stone's many homes - from Key West to Maine to New York City) while Bacchetti and other cop-type friends try to gather enough evidence to ensure indictments. Rest assured, though, everyone is well entertained, wined and dined at every turn - as long as they're properly dressed for the occasion, of course.
All told, it's a rather fun romp that kept me reading almost nonstop (short chapters and not much over 300 pages make that even easier). Enjoyable!
March 20, 2019
Either I got stuck in a time warp or this book was published prior to March 26th, explaining why there are more than 20 copies in our local library system. I liked Wild Card, which picked up where the prior book (A Delicate Touch) left off: Stone is still with the same woman, a NY Times writer working on a blockbuster book about some ex-wise guys now running an investment bank, still seeking ill-gotten gains. Their enforcer is out for blood, especially Stone, the reporter, Bob Kantor and his girlfriend. Lots of action and near death experiences, with a very satisfying conclusion.
April 1, 2019
Last Stone Barrington book for me. Same old, same old. I was glad I had downloaded this one on the computer so I could increase the speed at which it went from one trite scene to another. I would love to have the job of Police Commissioner in New York because all he seems to do ( besides being available to directly pick up the phone when Stone calls) is fly off to join Stone in one of his many homes, for several days at a time. Amazing how fast ambulances arrive, police are summoned, experts are in place when Stone says the word.
April 17, 2019
Love Stone Barrington!
March 22, 2025
4 Stars. I decided to try a recent Stone Barrington. My previous read had been #28. Stone hasn't changed much, even richer with homes in all the great places - New York, Florida, and London where this one opens. No longer practicing, he and his flame au moment, Jamie Cox, a reporter with the 'NY Times,' are at his English estate when Felicity Devonshire, of many a romp and now head of MI6, drops in with a British film star in tow. When the heart-throb gets shot in the rear end, Stone is certain it was meant for him in an effort to stop Jamie's forthcoming reveal-all book about the Thomas clan, the mob-owners of a private bank in New York. Dino Bacchetti, elevated to NYPD Commissioner, flies over to confer. A subplot relates to a Thomas grandson, Hank, who has political ambitions; he thinks a Trump-like Senator's Republican nomination campaign for the Presidency will destroy the Party and open up the next nomination for him. Holly Barker is the Democratic candidate! Watch for Woods's mistake of mixing up a nomination convention with the US Electoral College. It's good, but I still want to get back to #1 in the series! (Se2019/Mar2025)
April 16, 2019
Typical of Stuart Woods’ later books. He just produces according to formula. He likes rich people and regales the reader with details of private jets, mansions, designer clothes, wines, etc. He also likes sex scenes, but in a very juvenile sense, mostly sexy talk and undressing. A little suspense and fairly involved plots.
I listened to this on a road trip and it held my interest but strictly a time killer. Narration was good.
I listened to this on a road trip and it held my interest but strictly a time killer. Narration was good.
April 25, 2019
Meh. I enjoy this series but Wild Card was boring.
July 24, 2019
ugh. i’m really done this time. stop writing these books. same story every time. Taking you off my list Mr. Woods. Sorry not sorry!
March 28, 2025
More politics and The Thomases. They are like a bad rash that won’t go away.
This installment took an unexpected turn at the end.
Shockingly, Stone is still with the reporter. I’m not sure how long she will last though. Stone it seems over the last several books has been in constant peril. It’s getting ridiculous 🙄
This installment took an unexpected turn at the end.
Shockingly, Stone is still with the reporter. I’m not sure how long she will last though. Stone it seems over the last several books has been in constant peril. It’s getting ridiculous 🙄
September 30, 2020
Not my favorite Stone Barrington story and rather boring to tell the truth.
March 30, 2019
A good formula is a good formula. Wood’s Stone Barrington and his accompanying cast of characters continues to hit the spot. So enjoy Stone’s latest bed partner and the rest of the escapades that make this series so much fun.
April 5, 2019
Everything is political and silly now.
April 12, 2019
(3). As usual, we only had to wait 3 months to see if Stone could get his current intrigue resolved. This is typical Barrington fare, but the story carries this more than the outrageous behavior of the characters. Lots of contemporary references, especially political. We are once again wowed by the depth of Stone's bank and sperm accounts, but that is the norm. Almost always fun, certainly a super easy read and still (I don't know why exactly) one of my go to therapies. Good stuff.
April 28, 2019
Stuart Woods is an engaging storyteller, but he seems to have run out of characters and story lines. Thin on plot. Same old, same old. All the usual characters are here plus a collection of villains from Woods’ last book.
April 15, 2019
Stone Barrington and Dino Bachetti are at it again! I love this series and author.
Stone Barrington is a lawyer in New York and his friend, Dino is now the New York City Police Commissioner.
(If you haven't read this series before it is a light crime novel with humor and great characters.)
In this book, the Thomases are an old crime family who used to be known as the Tomassini's. They now are in the banking business. Looking to be respectable, but old habits die hard. Stone has stepped on some toes when he publishes some old papers found in a safe about various crime families.And to make matters worse his girlfriend, Jamie has written a book about all the various connections. The Tomassini's blame Stone for all their woes and want revenge. So of course, Stone, Jamie and anyone connected to Stone become targets. Entertaining to see how Stone always stays on the right side of the law while making sure that these guys end up getting their just desserts. A few funny viewpoints about the craziness in politics and candidates that are coached to look like great candidates, but aren't. ( I like the fact that the books don't have a lot of heavy violence and rely on characters to move the plot along.) If you haven't read this author maybe give it a try!
Stone Barrington is a lawyer in New York and his friend, Dino is now the New York City Police Commissioner.
(If you haven't read this series before it is a light crime novel with humor and great characters.)
In this book, the Thomases are an old crime family who used to be known as the Tomassini's. They now are in the banking business. Looking to be respectable, but old habits die hard. Stone has stepped on some toes when he publishes some old papers found in a safe about various crime families.And to make matters worse his girlfriend, Jamie has written a book about all the various connections. The Tomassini's blame Stone for all their woes and want revenge. So of course, Stone, Jamie and anyone connected to Stone become targets. Entertaining to see how Stone always stays on the right side of the law while making sure that these guys end up getting their just desserts. A few funny viewpoints about the craziness in politics and candidates that are coached to look like great candidates, but aren't. ( I like the fact that the books don't have a lot of heavy violence and rely on characters to move the plot along.) If you haven't read this author maybe give it a try!
May 9, 2019
3.5 rounded up to a 4 because it's better than the last few in the Stone Barrington series.
The Thomas family seeks revenge on Stone and his current lover Jamie Fox. The story begins at Stone's house in England but he moves around to his homes in Maine, Key West, New York City and a short time on his yacht and, of course, killers follow him everywhere.
I liked the return of ex-CIA agent Ed Rawls who spices the story up and reminds me of Teddy Fay. I always like it when Stone and Dino outwit the bad guys. I appreciate Stone sticking with one woman for this book. Stuart Woods puts out at least 4 or more books in this series every year now and mostly the stories are stale but I liked this one better than the last few.
The Thomas family seeks revenge on Stone and his current lover Jamie Fox. The story begins at Stone's house in England but he moves around to his homes in Maine, Key West, New York City and a short time on his yacht and, of course, killers follow him everywhere.
I liked the return of ex-CIA agent Ed Rawls who spices the story up and reminds me of Teddy Fay. I always like it when Stone and Dino outwit the bad guys. I appreciate Stone sticking with one woman for this book. Stuart Woods puts out at least 4 or more books in this series every year now and mostly the stories are stale but I liked this one better than the last few.
April 7, 2024
The last book I read by Woods, Shoot First, was a colossal waste of time; happily, this one is better. And I’m not interested enough in his writing to read the books in order, and this novel clearly followed the previous book but not having read the previous one didn’t really diminish anything. The prior story is summed up, and then finished in this one. Still a forgettable mystery but less convoluted and a tad more realistic than the last of his I read. This is about a trio of rich bad guys who want to see main character Stone Barrington, as well as a few others, dead, and they’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen. Interesting enough for a few days reading.
October 31, 2020
Again, not the worst in the series, but at most it is rather topical, mostly vacations and romance and such. The characters are a tad more likable in this one, as they don't act as high and mighty as in others. I also did not notice any major errors, such as in the first book of this series I read.
Bob is probably the most likable character for me, even though he does have a violent streak, but given his background, and the fact he is not wantonly violent, I can somewhat over look it.
Overall, a quick, light thriller with lots of politics thrown in too.
Bob is probably the most likable character for me, even though he does have a violent streak, but given his background, and the fact he is not wantonly violent, I can somewhat over look it.
Overall, a quick, light thriller with lots of politics thrown in too.
April 8, 2019
The story is a slight continuation from previous books though can be read alone without problems. The only ill-conceived part of the story was the flying from England to New York to Florida to Maine sailing and returning to New York in a matter of days. Rather exhausting for the characters. That wasn't the main story so I'll forgive it. The plot and storytelling were extremely well thought out and executed. Looking forward to the Grand Stone Barrington story #50!
April 13, 2019
This is a continuation from "Delicate Touch" as it relates to the despicable Thomas family. The Thomas family is on a mission to eradicate Stone and a number of his friends. There is plenty of dangerous encounters and near misses with some interesting politics thrown in.
This is a quick and easy read and if you are a Stone Barrington fan, you will enjoy this book.
This is a quick and easy read and if you are a Stone Barrington fan, you will enjoy this book.
November 11, 2019
Was a little disappointed with the ending of Delicate Touch but was glad to see that Wild Card began where Delicate Touch left off. Read this book right after and was glad to see an ending that was satisfying.
May 13, 2019
This book was better than its prequel since it was less far fetched and the bad guys were finally disposed. Maybe it’s time for me to take a break from Stone & Dino.
May 23, 2019
Stuart Woods satisfies again! Great story featuring Stone and lots of explosions! Don’t miss this nail biter!
March 31, 2019
Wild Card reads as part two to A Delicate Touch as the story involving the Thomas family is concluded. This was a fairly typical Stone Barrington book with him having stirred something up in the past (in A Delicate Touch) and people out to get him. To stay safe he and some friends do a little traveling but he didn't buy any new houses, was involved with the same woman as from the previous book, and for the most part I thought this was one of the better books of the last dozen or so. With this being book #49 you should know going into it what you are going to get in a Stone Barrington book and this one doesn't disappoint but also does it better than most have lately.
November 28, 2023
One of the better books in this series.
March 29, 2019
I liked this one better than the last several books. There was an intriguing plot that continued from the last book and Stone finds himself in hiding again. He and Jamie lay low in England and then pick up some additional passengers and do a loop around several states to fend off unwanted advances by their enemies. Bob Cantor is still in hiding as well and finds a new love interest that shows a softer side to him. I liked how this book flowed well and didn't do anything too crazy. It had the right amount of mystery and didn't upset me with Stone spreading himself too thin among the female population.
March 31, 2019
Picking up where “A Delicate Touch” left off, Stone Barrington and reporter Jamie Cox are still in Rance Damien’s crosshairs as he works with Henry Thomas and Hank Thomas to tie up the loose ends, ensuring that no one learns of their efforts to manipulate money and voting results; they’ve brokered a deal to sell H. Thomas and Son. But keeping themselves clear of scandal means eliminating everyone who knows about the files Stone found in the old safe . . . .
All the expected characters are in place, the twisty plot keeps them on the run in order to stay one step ahead of disaster. Tension builds as the story unfolds, keeping the reader involved in the telling of the tale. Fans of the series should be pleased with this addition.
Recommended.
All the expected characters are in place, the twisty plot keeps them on the run in order to stay one step ahead of disaster. Tension builds as the story unfolds, keeping the reader involved in the telling of the tale. Fans of the series should be pleased with this addition.
Recommended.
April 1, 2019
Love Stone Barrington novels; he never ages, has an endless supply of money, homes all across the world and friends in very high places....yet, he seems approachable and very nice. In his latest escapade, he is being 'chased' by persons wanting him dead and his friends as well. Stone travels from one country to another via his plane and/ or yacht; entertaining his high profile guests while ducking bullets from sniper fire. Does he survive to drink another Knobs Creek or will he finally succumb to the enemy?
April 19, 2019
Given how I rated the last couple of Stone Barrington novels, this is a 2.5 or a skimpy 3 star read. Somewhat entertaining because of the introduction of the new campaign trail.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews