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Holly Barker #3
Blood Orchid
Blood Orchid, it's the name of Ed Shine's favorite flower --- and his latest real-estate venture.
New to Orchid Beach in Florida, the dapper developer makes the acquaintance of Holly Barker, her father, Ham, and her wily Doberman, Daisy, just as Holly is trying to get her life together after the shattering loss of someone very close to her. But before she can settle back into her routine as Chief of Police, bullets crash into the home of a friend and a floater is found bobbing in the nearby Intercoastal Waterway.
Joining forces with a handsome FBI agent, Holly tracks the clues straight back to their source, only to find a scam more lucrative and more dangerous than any this idyllic town --- and Holly --- has ever seen.
Librarian's note: the characters, settings, descriptions, etc. have been done for the six volume series: 1. Orchid Beach (1998), 2. Orchid Blues (2001), 3. Blood Orchid (2002), 4. Reckless Abandon (2004) (also known as Stone Barrington #10), 5. Iron Orchid (2005), and 6. Hothouse Orchid (2009).
New to Orchid Beach in Florida, the dapper developer makes the acquaintance of Holly Barker, her father, Ham, and her wily Doberman, Daisy, just as Holly is trying to get her life together after the shattering loss of someone very close to her. But before she can settle back into her routine as Chief of Police, bullets crash into the home of a friend and a floater is found bobbing in the nearby Intercoastal Waterway.
Joining forces with a handsome FBI agent, Holly tracks the clues straight back to their source, only to find a scam more lucrative and more dangerous than any this idyllic town --- and Holly --- has ever seen.
Librarian's note: the characters, settings, descriptions, etc. have been done for the six volume series: 1. Orchid Beach (1998), 2. Orchid Blues (2001), 3. Blood Orchid (2002), 4. Reckless Abandon (2004) (also known as Stone Barrington #10), 5. Iron Orchid (2005), and 6. Hothouse Orchid (2009).
357 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2002
606 people are currently reading
2412 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 298 reviews
March 1, 2018
Good series! fun storyline with good dialogue and also nice police work & action plus very suspenseful also...huge fan of S.Woods writings/books! (paperbacks!)
July 23, 2010
Woods female lead Holly Barker overshadows Barrington !
We had begun to tire of Woods' jet-setting playboy and sometime sleuth Stone Barrington, so this relatively new series starring Orchid Beach FL Police Chief Holly Barker has to our eye brought new life to his writing. In this third of the series featuring Holly, there are killings galore with a plot that moves along at a "murderous" pace. Indeed several attempts on our heroine's own life only add to the suspense as she unravels a tale stretching back and forth to Miami, with mob and drug connections bringing help from the FBI to the scene. That latter element is almost more a hurdle than anything -- we even wondered for a while if the agent in charge, Harry Crisp, who hindered Holly while constantly pumping her for leads, was one of the bad guys. Meanwhile, Grant Early, a federal agent working undercover in Orchid Beach, adds a little romantic interest to the story, leading to a climax or two other than the one at the end of the book!
The villain was probably a little more obvious than usual -- one player seemed a little fishy almost from the start, but it's quite a while before enough facts and clues converge to spell out the whole scheme of things. In between, we turned pages and burned the chapters almost as fast as they would go to reach the satisfying conclusion.
Holly is a tough but likable character; her father Ham and one of her local officers, Hurd, plus her faithful hound Daisy add some good support roles in this well written, lively mystery which we thoroughly enjoyed. Some good scenes involving small aircraft added interest as well. So -- a step up from a beach read, but a tale that moves quickly 'longside the fireplace. All in all, Woods in great form.
We had begun to tire of Woods' jet-setting playboy and sometime sleuth Stone Barrington, so this relatively new series starring Orchid Beach FL Police Chief Holly Barker has to our eye brought new life to his writing. In this third of the series featuring Holly, there are killings galore with a plot that moves along at a "murderous" pace. Indeed several attempts on our heroine's own life only add to the suspense as she unravels a tale stretching back and forth to Miami, with mob and drug connections bringing help from the FBI to the scene. That latter element is almost more a hurdle than anything -- we even wondered for a while if the agent in charge, Harry Crisp, who hindered Holly while constantly pumping her for leads, was one of the bad guys. Meanwhile, Grant Early, a federal agent working undercover in Orchid Beach, adds a little romantic interest to the story, leading to a climax or two other than the one at the end of the book!
The villain was probably a little more obvious than usual -- one player seemed a little fishy almost from the start, but it's quite a while before enough facts and clues converge to spell out the whole scheme of things. In between, we turned pages and burned the chapters almost as fast as they would go to reach the satisfying conclusion.
Holly is a tough but likable character; her father Ham and one of her local officers, Hurd, plus her faithful hound Daisy add some good support roles in this well written, lively mystery which we thoroughly enjoyed. Some good scenes involving small aircraft added interest as well. So -- a step up from a beach read, but a tale that moves quickly 'longside the fireplace. All in all, Woods in great form.
October 3, 2025
4 Stars. Better than the 2nd in the series. A fun read. I enjoyed the confusion and conflict the characters felt throughout - especially between Orchid Beach Chief of Police Holly Barker, undercover FBI agent Grant Early working on a mysterious case in O.B., and his boss in Miami, Harry Crisp. It sometimes results in mistakes based on a lack of cooperation. Exasperating. The novel is about two cases. Are they related? One local? One national? To her growing aggravation, our favourite chief can't seem to pin down what the FBI is looking into. To make matters worse, a charming, elderly real estate developer from New York named Ed Shine has purchased from government surplus the half-completed Palmetto Gardens, you'll recall it featured in the first entry. He renamed it Blood Orchid Estates, and hired Holly's Deputy Chief Hurd Wallace to become Head of Security. At the worst time for her. Her case? A body is found bobbing in the Intercoastal Waterway on the edge of town, and a young woman is being hounded by the likely murderer. Holly needs Hurd's help badly but he's out golfing on Ed's dollar! At least she has Daisy, her wonderful Doberman. (Oc2023/Oc2025)
July 10, 2020
I believe Stuart Woods truly has a gift. He writes books prolifically, seemingly effortlessly, that are what I call delicious dessert reading. They allow one a glimpse into a fantasy world of excitement, fresh, new, charming friends of only the best sort and all in life that wealth might offer. But these are more like feature films than books. One really must suspend judgement to enjoy these books, which are essentially without substance but very smoothly crafted, just like great, delicious desserts. Stuart Woods himself no doubt inhabits the exciting world of delightful diversions that is available to those of great wealth. The fact that his books have dwelt more and more on the diversions of the wealthy as his career has advanced lends credence, I think, to my theory. He seems to know the world of the uber rich inside out, but perhaps that’s just his gift showing up.
October 24, 2013
Hollly Barker is featured as Florida police chief. She becomes involved in murder, mystery, and mayhem involving the mob which stretches from one end of Florida to the other. Inadvertently, a windfall of money was gained unlawfully.
January 14, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! I loved how everything kept me on my toes the entire book. There were twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. I can't wait to see what Holly has coming in the next book of the series.
December 31, 2018
The mystery was quite simple and it was clear what was happening very early in the book, but this wouldn’t have bothered me if the investigation and Holly’s professionalism had been better.
Very early in the book Holly is caught without a gun when she is close to an apparent assassination attempt, yet the next time she is threatened by an armed assailant she still hasn’t a gun with her. She is supposed to be the sheriff! I think this set the tone for the book with Holly being fairly incompetent most of the time. Given her background why was she so easily fooled?
I also found the romance quite annoying, especially as Grant knew who was responsible right from the start and didn’t warn Holly. Even worse it appears they are now a couple.
Very early in the book Holly is caught without a gun when she is close to an apparent assassination attempt, yet the next time she is threatened by an armed assailant she still hasn’t a gun with her. She is supposed to be the sheriff! I think this set the tone for the book with Holly being fairly incompetent most of the time. Given her background why was she so easily fooled?
I also found the romance quite annoying, especially as Grant knew who was responsible right from the start and didn’t warn Holly. Even worse it appears they are now a couple.
January 8, 2012
The bad guy here was too obvious from the beginning. I can't understand how Woods could write this such that the main character is a believable police chief and yet had no thought there could be something going on with this guy.
November 10, 2022
Another Holly Barker novel. I am interested in the fact that I am rating these offshoots of the Stone Barrington books higher than the Barrington books. This time Holly is involved in an attempted murder and finds out there were two murders in another city and all three were in the process of purchasing land in Holly's territory. As she dives deeper and deeper into the murders she doesn't realize her life is at risk.
March 9, 2017
Third book into Holly Barker series and it keeps getting better. Audio book is wonderful, I love both readers.
January 11, 2021
This is the 3rd book in a row that I'm reading and also listening to in Audio (practically non-stop actually) and while it was still pretty compelling, there's a recurrent pattern to the stories and consequently a sort of repetitiveness of the way the investigation is handled. We know that Holly always comes across a rather huge case, where FBI involvement is required. The further along the relation between Holly Barker and Harry Crisp, head of the Miami office of the FBI, the more it erodes, and becomes totally inefficient, and even dangerous to the people involved.
I absolutely liked the tension that was built as Holly discovers her phone & home is being monitored. And I pretty much knew who it was, from the start - and yes - I was disappointed that Holly didn't make the connection.
I still enjoy this series and will take break and pick it up in a few weeks or months.
I absolutely liked the tension that was built as Holly discovers her phone & home is being monitored. And I pretty much knew who it was, from the start - and yes - I was disappointed that Holly didn't make the connection.
I still enjoy this series and will take break and pick it up in a few weeks or months.
September 24, 2020
Blood Orchid
Stuart Woods needs a good editor. The narrative is full of enough inconsistencies to drive a truck through it, including:
• How did Police Chief Holly Barker’s trained Doberman pinscher, Daisy, not confront the intruder when he came to plant bugs in Holly’s house?
• After a year of mourning the death of her fiancé, how did Holly develop a torrid love affair so quickly with neighboring FBI agent, Grant Early?
• How did Holly know that Carlos Alvarez, a locksmith from many miles away, was the one culprit who planted the bugs and shot at real estate developers?
• When did Holly learn to fly an airplane? And how was she allowed to fly a larger plane than she had never flown before in an attempt to rescue her star witness. Yet the flight instructor flew the plane home. (Woods’ uses his experience as a private pilot to good advantage.)
• Why was the flight school name Blood Orchid when it had nothing to do with the real estate development?
• Why did not Holly record the license plate number of Trini Rodriguez when she was parked directly behind him?
• Why did Holly continue to spill investigation secrets in her home when she knew the listening devices were active? Why did she share investigation details with Ed Shine?
• How did real estate developer, Ed Shine, get permits to build on his property so quickly?
Woods’ attempt at witty repartee falls flat. The FBI, including boyfriend Grant, are portrayed as inept buffoons. As Police Chief, Holly misses obvious clues and hardly has a suspicious bone in her body. There is an exciting finale, but most readers will have surmised who the bad guy is from the very beginning.
Stuart Woods needs a good editor. The narrative is full of enough inconsistencies to drive a truck through it, including:
• How did Police Chief Holly Barker’s trained Doberman pinscher, Daisy, not confront the intruder when he came to plant bugs in Holly’s house?
• After a year of mourning the death of her fiancé, how did Holly develop a torrid love affair so quickly with neighboring FBI agent, Grant Early?
• How did Holly know that Carlos Alvarez, a locksmith from many miles away, was the one culprit who planted the bugs and shot at real estate developers?
• When did Holly learn to fly an airplane? And how was she allowed to fly a larger plane than she had never flown before in an attempt to rescue her star witness. Yet the flight instructor flew the plane home. (Woods’ uses his experience as a private pilot to good advantage.)
• Why was the flight school name Blood Orchid when it had nothing to do with the real estate development?
• Why did not Holly record the license plate number of Trini Rodriguez when she was parked directly behind him?
• Why did Holly continue to spill investigation secrets in her home when she knew the listening devices were active? Why did she share investigation details with Ed Shine?
• How did real estate developer, Ed Shine, get permits to build on his property so quickly?
Woods’ attempt at witty repartee falls flat. The FBI, including boyfriend Grant, are portrayed as inept buffoons. As Police Chief, Holly misses obvious clues and hardly has a suspicious bone in her body. There is an exciting finale, but most readers will have surmised who the bad guy is from the very beginning.
November 23, 2020
This was my first encounter with Stuart Woods, and I'm really not sure whether I want to try another one or not. He's clearly popular, so maybe trying another series would help?
The bad guy is obvious from the beginning, and Holly is almost willfully oblivious to this and to many clues and suspicious happenings along the way. She seriously explains all developments in the case to this new acquaintance at multiple points because, clearly, an acquaintance of a police chief could never be a bad guy... She seems to get caught unawares time after time, has an intense affair that seems to be there just to add interest to the story line, and finally, sadly, Holly is another example of male authors, no matter their talent, not quite being able to write a believable and engaging female lead. There are a million Hollys out there in crime novels, and I only tolerate them if the rest of the book has it going on, which this one decidedly did not.
The bad guy is obvious from the beginning, and Holly is almost willfully oblivious to this and to many clues and suspicious happenings along the way. She seriously explains all developments in the case to this new acquaintance at multiple points because, clearly, an acquaintance of a police chief could never be a bad guy... She seems to get caught unawares time after time, has an intense affair that seems to be there just to add interest to the story line, and finally, sadly, Holly is another example of male authors, no matter their talent, not quite being able to write a believable and engaging female lead. There are a million Hollys out there in crime novels, and I only tolerate them if the rest of the book has it going on, which this one decidedly did not.
February 26, 2014
What a delight to return to Orchid Beach and have Holly Barker in charge with her dog Daisy. Interesting that the mob returned to her beach front and tried to do the same thing the last guys did. Great fast read and I just love the author... Excited to finish the Holly series as she eventually lands in several Stone titles where I love her new job working for the President's wife... Kate
June 29, 2008
Another quick, fun Holly Barker mystery. Again the Police Chief of Orchid Beach gets mixed up with some nasty people and doesn't get all the support she should from the local FBI agent in charge. I think I liked the previous book in the series, Orchid Blues, because it featured more of Holly's dad, Ham. As much as I like having a woman "tough cop" protagonist, I feel that the author hasn't quite figured women out.
June 14, 2022
Holly finds her phone bugged. As she tries to track down who is doing it she finds the perpetrator murdered and thrown in the river. The intrigue deepens as she realizes there is a lot more to this than a local hood bugging her phone. Dead bodies begin to pile up and the FBI seems to know a lot more than they are telling her. Several attempts are made on her life and several others are murdered. Lots of twists and turns with a surprise ending. A really fun read.
April 16, 2009
Third in the Holly Barker series. Holly investigates murders and attempted murders of real estate developers. Plot seems repetitive, but I like characters.
"Woods has a knack for getting a story off to a great start and then blowing it all to hell with either the incredulous or the pedestrian." - ? don't know who said this but they are so right!
"Woods has a knack for getting a story off to a great start and then blowing it all to hell with either the incredulous or the pedestrian." - ? don't know who said this but they are so right!
September 5, 2019
A great Holly Barker adventure set in Orchid Beach. With help from family and friends Holly is able to solve several murders and figure out mysterious happenings at a local community that has recently reopened. Entertaining from start to finish.
July 13, 2011
Another good read had a very interesting plot! Another Holly Barker series you do not have to read them all together though so grab one
November 12, 2017
Not bad, easy reading...dome action, some going over past events- but all in all, entertaining
March 29, 2019
A great adventure with a lot of twists and turns. I just want to find money the way Woods' characters do.
April 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this! It was my first time reading a mystery and I like the way the author writes. The chapters are very short and the writing is concise. It feels easy to read but it’s also easy to put down intermittently because of the chapter length! I did guess some of the end from the beginning - not as many twists as I thought but it was nice still
December 26, 2017
Read this book during a snow blizzard. Very nice book - time well spent!
January 18, 2024
Here's the thing, I knew who the bad guy was pretty much as soon as he was introduced. I'm sure that's not unique to me. It doesn't matter that I knew, the journey to the reveal was so fun. I'm a long time Stuart Woods reader. I've been on the Stone Barrington series for the first 9 books then saw that #10 was #4 for Holly Barker so I started her series immediately so I didn't read her out of order. I have blown through this series with a book every couple of days. Is this great literature? Nope! But it's damn entertaining and I give 5 stars when I can't wait to read the next book and would read or listen to a book again. I would absolutely listen to this series again. I hate to say it but I like the Holly Barker series more than the Stone Barrington series. I'm really looking forward to this next book that is a series advancer for both of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2011
Synopsis: Blood Orchid is the third adventure of Chief of Police Holly Barker. This time out, Holly is trying to get her life back together after the shattering loss of her fiancé Jackson. With the help of her wily Doberman, Daisy, and her father, Ham as well as Ham's girlfriend Ginny who's a pilot, she throws herself back into the job with a vengeance. At a local restaurant, Holly and Ham meet a gentleman new to the area, rich and dapper developer Ed Shine, who has found an evocative name for both his favorite flower and his latest real-estate venture: the "Blood Orchid."
But before Holly can settle into her routine again, bullets crash into the home of a friend and a floater is found bobbing in the Intercoastal Waterway. Holly connects these events to the death-by-sniper-fire of two Miami businessmen and a man evading questions at a Federal agency-but she can't imagine how these violent occurrences could be related to her own quiet, unspoiled town of Orchid Beach. Joining forces with a handsome FBI agent, she tracks the clues straight to their source, only to find a scam more lucrative and more dangerous than any this idyllic town-or Holly-has ever seen.
**Review** As the book opens, two out of three Miami bidders for are shot and killed. Ed Shine, narrowly escapes the same fate. It seems the Miami mob has no intention of allowing anyone access to this property. Meanwhile, Barker, discovers that her beach house is being bugged. Along with Ginny, Dad's girlfriend, the two women make an emergency landing on the beach and scare the perp away, but his body is soon found floating in the Indian River.
Several attempts on Holly's life add to the suspense of the book. FBI agent Harry Crisp continues to hinder Holly's investigation while constantly pumping her for leads, was one of the bad guys. Meanwhile, Grant Early, a federal agent working undercover in Orchid Beach, adds a little romantic interest to the story.
Holly is a likable character and her father Ham, officer Hurd, plus her faithful hound Daisy add some good supporting roles to this 3rd novel in the series.
But before Holly can settle into her routine again, bullets crash into the home of a friend and a floater is found bobbing in the Intercoastal Waterway. Holly connects these events to the death-by-sniper-fire of two Miami businessmen and a man evading questions at a Federal agency-but she can't imagine how these violent occurrences could be related to her own quiet, unspoiled town of Orchid Beach. Joining forces with a handsome FBI agent, she tracks the clues straight to their source, only to find a scam more lucrative and more dangerous than any this idyllic town-or Holly-has ever seen.
**Review** As the book opens, two out of three Miami bidders for are shot and killed. Ed Shine, narrowly escapes the same fate. It seems the Miami mob has no intention of allowing anyone access to this property. Meanwhile, Barker, discovers that her beach house is being bugged. Along with Ginny, Dad's girlfriend, the two women make an emergency landing on the beach and scare the perp away, but his body is soon found floating in the Indian River.
Several attempts on Holly's life add to the suspense of the book. FBI agent Harry Crisp continues to hinder Holly's investigation while constantly pumping her for leads, was one of the bad guys. Meanwhile, Grant Early, a federal agent working undercover in Orchid Beach, adds a little romantic interest to the story.
Holly is a likable character and her father Ham, officer Hurd, plus her faithful hound Daisy add some good supporting roles to this 3rd novel in the series.
May 16, 2025
May 2025. Still a fun read, especially the final pages. Of course, Daisy is the headliner of the show!!
February 2024.
. Written in 2002. There is a wide gap in the energy of Woods’ enthusiasm for his characters east to see why I originally got hooked on the characters the plot ann victim d the pacing.
March 2023 wood’s definitely has had Holly on a serious professional growth.
July. 2020. Still staying home without library access across the street. Just re-read this, again....
Still like it..
Feb 2020 . while in Portland Oregon at Powells I bought and had shopped home 5 Stuart Woods stories. This was the first one for me to read (well- re-read). I was between books and needed a Woods fix. I could actually visualize Hurd being uncomfortable at a golf club.
April 2018 Although I'm quite familiar with he story, I still like the Holly Barker stories.
I have no clue why I mentioned Teddy Fay as being a part of this story.
6-30-2015 again
re-re-re read 1-12-2015
7-29-2013 possibly a "THIRD re-read of it. I like the Holly stories and I actually did remember the plot... Nice to know I ocassionally can remember the stories i've read, even if it is in two days and I go back to back with another book plus an on-going book on tape in the far.
i read this one before now. somehow, i'm losing goodreads entires. don't know why. I liked this one a few years ago, still do. Part of the teddy fay stuff. (NOTE from April 2-18: I'm going nuts! Teddy wasn't in this story!)
February 2024.
. Written in 2002. There is a wide gap in the energy of Woods’ enthusiasm for his characters east to see why I originally got hooked on the characters the plot ann victim d the pacing.
March 2023 wood’s definitely has had Holly on a serious professional growth.
July. 2020. Still staying home without library access across the street. Just re-read this, again....
Still like it..
Feb 2020 . while in Portland Oregon at Powells I bought and had shopped home 5 Stuart Woods stories. This was the first one for me to read (well- re-read). I was between books and needed a Woods fix. I could actually visualize Hurd being uncomfortable at a golf club.
April 2018 Although I'm quite familiar with he story, I still like the Holly Barker stories.
I have no clue why I mentioned Teddy Fay as being a part of this story.
6-30-2015 again
re-re-re read 1-12-2015
7-29-2013 possibly a "THIRD re-read of it. I like the Holly stories and I actually did remember the plot... Nice to know I ocassionally can remember the stories i've read, even if it is in two days and I go back to back with another book plus an on-going book on tape in the far.
i read this one before now. somehow, i'm losing goodreads entires. don't know why. I liked this one a few years ago, still do. Part of the teddy fay stuff. (NOTE from April 2-18: I'm going nuts! Teddy wasn't in this story!)
February 21, 2017
This one was tough for me to rate. I certainly enjoyed it and wanted to give 4s and 5s just because I really like the idea of this character - actually, I generally really like the protagonist Holly Barker. The book, too, is an enjoyable, fast read; I think I read cover-to-cover in two day's worth of commutes. For me, however, there just seemed to be something missing; the book was a quick read but there was not too much to chew on. I also was turned off a few times by Holly's adult-mini-tantrums over various events, largely her interactions with the FBI. I also figured out fairly early on who the bad guy was, which detracted from the suspense.
Overall, a enjoyable, fast read that was worth the time and energy to read it. I am adding the next book in the series to my TBR list as I would like to see where the series and this character go.
Overall, a enjoyable, fast read that was worth the time and energy to read it. I am adding the next book in the series to my TBR list as I would like to see where the series and this character go.
April 6, 2023
Holly Barker, book number 3
Holly is once again, trying to get a life back together when she meets a newcomer to the town is the dapper Mr Ed shine.
In this book there are break-ins, murders. phone tapping and again, fast, paced action.
Holly this time teams up with an FBI agent and could there be romance in the air?
Holly manages to track down the clues back to the source but could it be the whole thing a scam? Not everyone she meets is who they say they are.
This was another fun, action packed adventure that was better than book number two, but not as good as the first. The twists and turns in this one was very satisfying, even if I did work out some of the clues very early on in the book.
Holly is once again, trying to get a life back together when she meets a newcomer to the town is the dapper Mr Ed shine.
In this book there are break-ins, murders. phone tapping and again, fast, paced action.
Holly this time teams up with an FBI agent and could there be romance in the air?
Holly manages to track down the clues back to the source but could it be the whole thing a scam? Not everyone she meets is who they say they are.
This was another fun, action packed adventure that was better than book number two, but not as good as the first. The twists and turns in this one was very satisfying, even if I did work out some of the clues very early on in the book.
September 11, 2021
I think this is the best Holly Barker book (I feel that the plot has a strong sustainable momentum), but it also empathasises why in future narrative why I didn't buy Holly as President of the United States (that suitcase deal is way too shady to me, also the suitcase was at a shady tree:-). I know that Barker becoming prez was wish-fulfillment for Stuart Woods, but I find her more believable as a devious spy than country administrator. At any rate, I like the potency of the villains in this book, along with their backstory, I feel it led to a decent amount of suspense. I had a good time with it, and as with all of Woods's novels, it's a quick read.
October 6, 2021
4 down, and 2 to go. I liked the Holly Barker character in the Stone Barrington #10 (Reckless Abandon), so I decided to take a break from SB and read the Holly Barker series. Stuart Woods tells a great story, and has intriguing characters, and I really have enjoyed the first three in this series, but this one was a little harder to get excited about. I felt as if I knew who the villain was early on in the book (although I will admit there were some twists and turns at the end); and if I could figure it out, surely Chief Barker could. This was a real easy read, and I finished in one day. Fun and entertaining read, if that is what you are looking for.
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