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Will Lee #4

Grass Roots

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Will Lee has returned to his roots to kick off his campaign for the Senate. A prominent lawyer, he has come back to his hometown of Delano, Georgia, to plan his strategies, and to argue an explosively controversial case that could seriously damage his fledgling political career. For Delano is a town with a dark secret -- a smoldering hotbed of racial hatred and moral outrage, held in the thrall of a sinister group called The Elect. Its violent, evil forces will stop at nothing to keep the candidate out of office. But Will Lee isn't about to back down, even though it may cost him his career -- and his life.

496 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 1, 1989

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About the author

Stuart Woods

408 books3,220 followers
Stuart 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.

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5 stars
1,539 (39%)
4 stars
1,511 (38%)
3 stars
711 (18%)
2 stars
104 (2%)
1 star
30 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
Profile Image for Tim.
2,497 reviews329 followers
July 30, 2021
This is a couple stories written into one without an excellent result. 4 of 10 stars
Profile Image for Mike French.
430 reviews109 followers
April 20, 2013
Another Will Lee book by Stuart Woods that I loved ! If you have only read his Stone Barrington series, do yourself a favor and read this series ASAP. Start with " Chiefs" and read the rest of the series in order. You will not be disappointed!
Profile Image for ML.
1,601 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2024
Read this in real book format so no highlights 😬

This was book 4 in the Will Lee saga. It was a real page turner and the plotting was excellent.

Will Lee is really put through the wringer in this book but is better for it. There are sinister forces trying to shape events but the good guys prevailed this time.

The side stories were great too. I want more of Keane. Not sure I’ll get it though.
Profile Image for Andy.
2,079 reviews607 followers
November 12, 2020
George Guidall is an amazing narrator. Woods is a gifted storyteller, but these characters are all unlikeable selfish, self-absorbed, irresponsible jacakasses.
Profile Image for Tiffany Mercer.
462 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2014
Boring. The story doesn't pick up until the last 100 pages. Based upon politics and religion. I won't read another Will Lee book. I prefer the Stone Barringtons, but even with that series I think Stuart Woods wrote fantastic books early in his career and really lost his zeal later in life. I haven't been wowed by one of his books in a long time.
Profile Image for Kym Gamble.
378 reviews20 followers
April 8, 2022
A different kind of mystery/thriller. Will Lee, is considering a run as a Congressman. His mentor is struck down by a stroke and can not help him. In addition, he is handed a murder trial to defend. All this is going on throughout the book. Follow Will as he tries to forge ahead of his Dem opponent and the lengths people will go to retain/get power.
55 reviews
August 5, 2023
Very good mystery about the 4th in the Will Lee series. Lots of twists - turns - surprises. Good to the end.
Profile Image for Jill James.
Author 32 books96 followers
November 12, 2025
Dirty politics at its best. Loved reading about the inner workings of running a campaign.
31 reviews3 followers
April 16, 2013
Hated it. Loose morals,( cant let it out who he is dating because it may be bad for their careers, I mean reallY???!!!!) no one cares who lives or dies or why, self centered characters, several plots that you wonder what is the point, if I read farther I will surely realize where this is going, nope. I closed it when the Author praised Carter and ragged on Regan. I will not read something written by an idiot! There is only one Pres worse than Carter and we are currently enduring his stupidity.
Profile Image for Carol Aselton.
225 reviews
September 3, 2016
Politics, politics, politics, how appropriate in that we are 70 days away from a presidential election. Well written, quick tempo and about 1/2 way through, it becomes a "I can't put this book down." The story was not only believable, it was extremely in with the season -- the politics, the bribery, the supremacist group, all right on. Well done Mr. Woods. I look forward to reading another one of yours.
Profile Image for Karen.
518 reviews
December 17, 2012
This was the first Will Lee novel I've read but I don't think it will be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and it could have been pulled from our headlines today even though it was written in 1989.
Profile Image for IslandRiverScribe.
473 reviews24 followers
July 6, 2014
For Will Lee, the Congressional Christmas break was supposed to be a time to rest and recharge. It was supposed to be a time to begin planning for his run for the junior Senate seat for Georgia four years hence. It was supposed to be a time to reconnect with his family in Delano.

Well, he manages that last part just fine. It is the rest that never materializes. On the day he gets back to Delano, he is summoned straight from his plane to the courthouse. A young white male has just been arrested for the rape and murder of a prominent feminist black female. The presiding judge, realizing the political sensitivity of the situation in this late 1980’s time, has requested a special prosecutor / defense attorney combination. And Will Lee is appointed to defend.

The very next day, Will learns that his boss of eight years, the Senator for whom he is chief of staff, Ben Carr, has had a debilitating stroke. And Ben Carr wants Will to replace him in the Democratic primary scheduled for the following summer. In other words, Will is now drafted to run for the major Senate seat rather than the second seat and he is to run this year, not four years from now.

And to top it all off, Will’s fiancée, Kate Rule, has been offered a promotion to an Assistant Deputy position within the CIA. But to take the position, their relationship will have to be shoved even further under the radar than it already is, due to Ben Carr’s position on the Senate Intelligence Committee. She chooses the job over Will but does not break off their engagement. She just stops returning his calls.

But before any of this happens, there is one thing we, the readers, know that Will does not know. A paramilitary group is operating in the Atlanta area. We do not know, at first, if its ideologies are political, religious or both but we can be sure that its actions will intersect with Will’s in a major way. Stuart Woods would not have devoted the Prologue of the novel to its existence if it were to be otherwise. All we can do is follow its progress, feeling the increasing tension as we wonder just when it is going to lay Will low.

That tension, coupled with factors surrounding the murder case, coupled with the complexities and intrigues of the Senate campaign make this novel an into-the-wee-hours page-turner. The fact that this story takes place in the late 1980’s adds to the tension. DNA testing is just making its entrance as acceptable to criminal investigations. The technological advances in communications, media coverage and data research are just not quite there yet. So the reader of the 2010’s must quickly ratchet down the frustration and realign with the reality of the era in question.

However great the writing skill of the author, one thing about this novel angers me to my toenails. And that is the way Woods writes the character of Kate Rule. So from this point on, beware: SPOILER ALERT!

Since this is the first of several series written by Woods and was, in fact, written over two decades ago, the knowledgeable mystery reader knows two things: Will Lee marries Kate Rule and Will Lee becomes not only a Senator, but the President. Even if you have never read this series, but have read others in the Woods stable, Will Lee is often referenced in those novels. So, in this entry, even though Kate leaves Will, they eventually patch things up and marry. And therein lies my problem – the way it happens.

About six weeks after Kate starts her new job and with several weeks of unreturned calls, Will finally reaches Kate, but only because he wakes her up. She throws a fit, calls him a resentful child, curses him soundly and then finds herself listening to a dial tone. Will clears his calendar, flies back to Washington, and insists on a meeting. She is late and when she does get there, she reveals that almost immediately after agreeing to marry Will, she began seeing someone else. Unlike Kate, Will doesn’t hide behind excuses or answering machines; he ends the relationship and sends her away from him.

Four months later, Kate has the nerve to send Will a letter saying that she was not happy with the way their last meeting ended and that she wants to remain friends. Oh, yeah – she really said that! Well, Will sends her a one-paragraph, overly jovial, politician’s response that, in current terminology, amounts to the one word “whatever.” He goes back to the life of a Senatorial candidate and even participates in a professionally risky one-night stand, destined to backfire on him later. But, at least he, unlike Kate, isn’t cheating on anyone.

Then, three months later, after the trial and about one week before the November election, Kate shows up on Will’s doorstep, groveling, trying to explain why she bolted and saying that she has confessed their relationship to the Agency. She tells him that she’s never stopped loving him and she begs Will to take her back.

Now, Will has essentially walked through Hell’s fire to get to this point in his life. Remember, two books ago in “Run Before the Wind,” Will comes of age and nearly loses his life more than once during his two years in Ireland when he and his yacht-building partners find themselves the target of an IRA operation. Well, this time, he gets to come of a different age, and the IRA’s tactics would practically be welcome compared to what he faces in the campaign for Senator.

The night he learns of Kate’s betrayal, his campaign manager and best friend commits suicide in Will’s living room. It comes out that the campaign manager was a closet gay and Will’s political competition is quick to slanderously paint Will with the same brush. Since Will is 41 years old, has never married, hasn’t been seen in public with a woman in over four years and has been slammed sexually in a magazine article written by a reporter whose advances he politely rebuffed, Will has a huge amount of circumstantial evidence to overcome. And the religious fundamentalists attack him on the issue at every turn. Why is that such a big issue? Well, it’s the 1980’s and just about anything that is not missionary-style and heterosexual in nature is illegal in most states, that's why!

The campaign manager’s secret may have put Will under the bus, but Kate drove over him with the rear wheels. Not one word of sympathy did she utter over the death of his best friend. And for six months, not one word acknowledging a past relationship comes from her mouth. All Will had to do to stop the attacks was admit to the press who his lover was, but he wouldn’t. He never compromised her position with the CIA even though she effectively hung him out to dry.

Yes, Will takes her back. To him, her confession of betrayal and her reasons for it were both sincere and believable. To him, her profession of love was equally so. And to me, her groveling was emotionally dramatic, a bit nauseating, but dramatic.

Every human is flawed. Therefore, every character in a novel is flawed. Will is by no means perfect, but he is honorable and self-aware. Kate, however, has cheated and betrayed and lied. She has been selfish and deliberately cruel. It will be with great suspicion that I view her words and actions in the remaining books of the series.
Profile Image for Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader).
1,473 reviews47 followers
July 21, 2020
This is the 1st novel that I have read by Stuart Woods although it is the 4th novel in the series featuring lead character Will Lee. It was particularly interesting to read this political tale in the 2020 election year when as per a Google search, "All 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives, 35 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate, and the office of President of the United States will be contested." Will Lee, is Chief of Staff for Senator Ben Carr from Georgia. Will has his own political aspirations rather than taking over the family law practice but has continued to help his father in the practice when time has permitted. However, unforeseen events after Will goes home for the Christmas break turns his world upside down and inside out.

As with many novels of intrigue that could be "ripped" from the headlines I become eager to learn the copyright date. The copyright date of "Grass Roots" is 1989 but it could easily be a 2020 new release. The politics of this novel will be reviewed in different ways dependent on political beliefs and/or affiliation. I found the novel to be page-turning drama with diverse candidates for political office and a realistic portrayal in the differences in campaign financing and hidden agendas of campaign supporters, the "use" of religion and sexual orientation to judge a candidate's moral character to hold office, and the orchestrations and manipulations that can occur by anyone close to a candidate.

As in daily headlines, things are not always as they seem and not always as they are revealed in newsprint, radio, television to online newscasts, or on social media. From Washington, D.C. to Delano, Georgia there is exposure to many topics of controversial opinions - abortion, homosexuality, campaign financing, racism, and religion to name a few. I found it to be engrossing reading as a stand-alone but will look forward to reading the preceding books in the series and then continuing forward.
Profile Image for Sandy Schmidt.
1,417 reviews11 followers
June 15, 2025
Prologue: Perkerson has just trained 4 people to shoot when his boss, Archon, wanders in, observes, approves, and names them the Elect, alerting them they will meet again "On The Day!" Present: Will Lee, Senator's Benjamin Carr's Chief of Staff, seems to have a bright and secure future. A possible Senate seat, Senator's Benjamin Carr's Chief of Staff, a woman he intends to marry, and then ... with the approval of his boss, Lee is given time to return to Georgia to defend a white man accused of strangling a colored woman. He and the defending attorney were sworn by Judge Boggs to stick with the case until it was resolved, no matter what. Then things began to fall apart. His boss, Senator Carr, had a stroke and Lee felt bound to return to D.C. and quit the case. The Judge would not excuse him and promised he'd never have another job if he did not finish this case. Then his girl cut off their relationship because she was promoted in the CIA and there was to be no fraternizing outside the bureau. Even worse, the man he was defending, whom he really thought was innocent turns out to be associated with the people introduced in the Prologue and totally guilty. Lots of action, suspense, and information about political campaigning and infighting as Senator Carr asks Lee to run for his seat. I couldn't put it down!
Profile Image for J. Michael Smith.
296 reviews4 followers
January 9, 2022
Once in a while I like to put my mind in neutral and just go escape for the ride. In this case, I let Stuart Woods help me disappear into his political thriller. Grass Roots was written 32 years ago about a Georgia lawyer running for a senate seat in that state. The novel itself has become an historical time piece: it is assumed that a Democrat will win election in Georgia, it is pre-9/11, it is at the very beginning of DNA testing in criminal cases, and it comes from a time when those who lost close elections bowed out afterward, even if they were sleaze-bags.

The story strains credibility, but I gave all that a pass because I just wanted to live in its narrative, full of political suspense, courtroom drama, assassination of candidates, hot sex scenes, fragile romances, and gunfights.

It's the first Will Lee novel I read, and when I'm ready for an escape from reality, I'll likely listen to another.
Profile Image for Craig Beam.
542 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2024
Will Lee has returned to his roots to kick off his campaign for Senate. A prominent lawyer, he has come back to his hometown of Delano, Georgia, to plan his strategies, and to argue an explosively controversial case that could seriously damage his fledgling political career. For Delano is a town with a dark secret—-a smoldering hotbed of racial hatred and moral outrage, held in the thrall of a sinister group called The Elect. Its violent, evil forces will stop at nothing to keep his candidate out of office. But Will Lee isn’t about to back down, even though it may cost him his career—-and his life.
32 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2021
Although I always disagree with the liberal political stances in Stuart Woods books, thats generally minimal and I otherwise enjoy his books. And by pure coincidence, I read this as Georgia was going thru the US senatorial runoff election of 2021. Made it seem almost real and I even agreed with some of the political stances as well. Although the book is kind of dated in its attitudes, its an exciting read even though you know how it will end. It's also not as trite as many of the later Woods books. Only 4 stars because the subplot not directly involving Will Lee took up too many chapters.
1 review
March 27, 2024
Grass Roots

Grass Roots is another good book by Stuart Woods. I have enjoyed the saga of Will Lee. I usually listen to my books on Audible, but the narrator of Grass Roots was very hard to understand. I ended up downloading Kindle version so I could see the words as I listened. The story was enjoyable and I recommend the reader start with Will Lee book 1. All four books are good reads.
Profile Image for Drew.
671 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2019
I've enjoyed all the books I've read/listened to by Stuart Woods, but I like some characters/series better than others. I really like the Will Lee series, including this book. It's well written, exciting, and adds some important events to the arc of Will Lee's story. The characters are very believable, the dialogue is crisp and authentic, and the plot is great.
1,493 reviews4 followers
August 8, 2021
Listened to the audiobook and the narration was perfect. Not sure if I could have read this one on my own…SW has a tendency to go on and on and on with the details especially when it comes to flying personal aircraft…and the perfect voice kept me coming back for the real story. And a good story it was. I’m thoroughly enjoying the early story of Will Lee.
Profile Image for Mysteryfan.
1,905 reviews23 followers
November 2, 2022
Reading one of the earlier books in a series I've enjoyed, I'm struck by how pro forma the current books are. This one does some deep character dives, the plot is nuanced, and the characters out of the ordinary. Here the character is running for office and runs into some unusual obstacles along the way. An interesting read.
348 reviews4 followers
June 5, 2023
I have moved from Stone Barrington to Will Lee. It’s a good move, as these plots are deeper, and the main character is much more substantive and identifiable. So far, I have read these in order, so I am keeping up with Will Lee as he evolves. I know Stuart Woods moved primarily to Barrington, and I’ve read several for fun easy reads, but I’m glad his earlier books such as this were well done.
255 reviews
August 6, 2023
I loved this book! my copy had 600 pages so must have been published at a different time. This book was copyrighted in 1989 and many of the campaign challenges that Woods writes about are the same ones we face today. How campaigns are financed,White Supremacy,Mega Churches using their pulpits to televise campaign speeches.
Profile Image for John Sklar.
360 reviews3 followers
March 16, 2018
Kept me on the edge until the last few pages. In fairness I knew this was not the last in the series so I knew Will would make it out alive. Stuart Woods is quite an author, several times this book took turns I just wasn't ready for. I loved reading it.
Profile Image for Vicki Burbank.
240 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2018
Loved it! Multiple storylines that eventually all weave together. I was a bit worried about all the "politics" which I usually shy away from but even that was interesting. For sure an author I would read again!
Profile Image for Nicole Diamond.
1,168 reviews14 followers
June 8, 2018
If it has one star I liked it a lot
If it has two stars I liked it a lot and would recommend it
If it has three stars I really really liked it a lot If it has four stars I insist you read it
If it has five stars it was life changing
Profile Image for Bonnie.
2,367 reviews8 followers
February 25, 2019
I really liked this book. Some time ago I read and liked "Chiefs" so figured I might like this one too. The main character campaigns for the Senate seat formerly held by his mentor. There is a mysterious organization somewhat like the Ku Klux Klan. It's definitely a page turner.
Profile Image for Keith.
293 reviews
June 3, 2020
Let's just say I will never read another one of his books. It's a shame because the initial plot was interesting but then it seemed like Mr Woods went how much more can I have happen to my main character. I was waiting on a natural disaster by the end.
39 reviews
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June 20, 2020
Mr Woods' name could be a synonym for thriller. Lee kept digging himself into holes and out again even at the end when all was literally turned upside down he made it out in an unexpected/expected way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews

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