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Stone Barrington #58
Class Act
Stone Barrington takes down old and new enemies in the latest thriller from perennial fan favorite Stuart Woods.
After a rocky jaunt in Maine, Stone Barrington is settling back in New York City when an old client reaches out for help with a delicate matter. A feud they thought was put to rest long ago has reemerged with a vengeance, and reputations—and money—are now on the line.
As Stone sets out to unravel a tangled web of crime and secrets, his mission becomes even more complicated when he makes an irresistible new acquaintance. In both the underbelly and upper echelons of New York, everyone has something to hide—and if Stone has learned anything, it’s that history has a way of repeating itself…
After a rocky jaunt in Maine, Stone Barrington is settling back in New York City when an old client reaches out for help with a delicate matter. A feud they thought was put to rest long ago has reemerged with a vengeance, and reputations—and money—are now on the line.
As Stone sets out to unravel a tangled web of crime and secrets, his mission becomes even more complicated when he makes an irresistible new acquaintance. In both the underbelly and upper echelons of New York, everyone has something to hide—and if Stone has learned anything, it’s that history has a way of repeating itself…
336 pages, Hardcover
First published August 3, 2021
814 people are currently reading
973 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 307 reviews
September 3, 2021
It is what you expect from Stone Barrington. Fine dining, top-shelf booze, private jet travels (NY, UK, FL), spontaneous sex, and some mystery.
In addition to sleeping with MI-6 director, and POTUS (Yes, a female president who finds an excuse to be in NYC from time to time so she can have dinner and sleeps with Stone), Stone Barrington also sleeps with a female assassin who has him on her hit list. With money and charm, Stone convinced her to double-cross the man who tries to kill him.
It's a quick read/listen that with fast playback speed I can finish this nonsense story in under five hours.
In addition to sleeping with MI-6 director, and POTUS (Yes, a female president who finds an excuse to be in NYC from time to time so she can have dinner and sleeps with Stone), Stone Barrington also sleeps with a female assassin who has him on her hit list. With money and charm, Stone convinced her to double-cross the man who tries to kill him.
It's a quick read/listen that with fast playback speed I can finish this nonsense story in under five hours.
August 20, 2021
At least there are plots here, although too many with less emphasis on Stone's sexual conquests. Perhaps because he has to look out for his own life. The end is convoluted. 4 of 10 stars
May 14, 2021
I used to be a big Stone Barrington fan but the last several books by Stuart Woods are beginning to be repetitive and without much of a plot...not to mention the sex. Please Mr. Woods, bring the old professional Stone Barrington back. Class Act is not a class act.
July 28, 2021
Ugh, this was ghastly--a Stone Barrington I did not recognize and never want to meet again. I'll remember the light, fun, intelligent books about getting the bad guys caught and stopped, but always in line with the Code Duello, with honor.
In addition, the writing was so poor I was shocked:
"Tara seemed to like the master suite. 'I like the master suite,' she said."
Seriously?
In his home in England, well-staffed in previous books, we find the boring morning with it's improbable find:
"The following morning, after sex, breakfast, showering and dressing, he came across a sealed envelope addressed to him."
"came across" --again, seriously?
And typos--don't remember typos in the previous 57 books.
Ugh.
In addition, the writing was so poor I was shocked:
"Tara seemed to like the master suite. 'I like the master suite,' she said."
Seriously?
In his home in England, well-staffed in previous books, we find the boring morning with it's improbable find:
"The following morning, after sex, breakfast, showering and dressing, he came across a sealed envelope addressed to him."
"came across" --again, seriously?
And typos--don't remember typos in the previous 57 books.
Ugh.
February 10, 2022
Very disappointed. If Woods has handed off to others to write for him, he should select writers who have read his previous books. Barrington hiring out murders, Bacchetti accomplice to murder! ??Nonsensical departure from the main characters. Very poor substitute for a Barrington storyline. Time to wrap it up.
August 7, 2021
A total mess. The whole story line moves on incredible coincidences. Stone's IQ appears to have dropped several points and his morals are pretty much gone.
The title comes from Stone telling one of the characters he was a class act. That guy murders 3 people in this book. Maybe more, it's hard to keep track. Stone flies his current girlfriend to England, but doesn't want her to know where they are. Seriously, she never heard of Google or Google Maps? All she had to do was open Google Maps and it would show her where she was. And Woods, or his ghostwriter, is fixated on sex.
A mobster's girlfriend screams out Stone's name while having sex with the mobster, so the mobster hires her to kill Stone! What?!
He paid a professional killer to kill another professional killer that was hired to kill him, but killer #2 kills #1, so Stone hires #2 to kill the person who hired her to kill him. Did I get that right? Confusing and stupid.
The title comes from Stone telling one of the characters he was a class act. That guy murders 3 people in this book. Maybe more, it's hard to keep track. Stone flies his current girlfriend to England, but doesn't want her to know where they are. Seriously, she never heard of Google or Google Maps? All she had to do was open Google Maps and it would show her where she was. And Woods, or his ghostwriter, is fixated on sex.
A mobster's girlfriend screams out Stone's name while having sex with the mobster, so the mobster hires her to kill Stone! What?!
He paid a professional killer to kill another professional killer that was hired to kill him, but killer #2 kills #1, so Stone hires #2 to kill the person who hired her to kill him. Did I get that right? Confusing and stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
April 14, 2025This book for some reason kinda of gave me a very old time period vibe.
August 22, 2021
Once again woman go to bed w him at first glance. But this time there is reference that he is hung like a horse. Even worse is that stone barrington and the other “good guys” hire hitmen to kill their enemies. Omg how low can you go. Getting too far out for me. At least I didn’t have to read pages and pages of technical information about an airplane. Come on Stuart, make stone barrington at least a little believable.
August 7, 2021
Not sure why I keep reading this series.
November 15, 2021
Before I decided to write a review of this book, I went back to see what people were saying about Stuart Woods and the Stone Barrington series. As I guessed, none of the reviews would lead you to read the series now. I fall into the category of folks who began the series way, way back with New York Dead, the first Stone Barrington book, which was actually quite good. I'll bet I actually bought the first 20 to 25 of the series, in hard cover; then as the series got more and more absurd, I waited to buy the hardcover books from the Barnes and Noble discount shelf; then the series got worse and I waited for my copy to become available at the library. So if nothing else, I no longer waste my money or further enrich Mr. Woods. (I know, he gets paid for library books, but at least I feel a bit cleaner not actually handing over whatever the overpriced publishers price is nowadays.) Rather than talk about the plot, you know the plot, as described by many others, I'll spend my time trying to praise Mr. Woods for at least some talent, though long ago his muse has abandoned him. Palindrome, Choke, Deep Lies, and especially Chiefs are all quality books that entertain. Before you even consider Stone Barrington, try one of his earlier books.
The sheer stupidity of the latter Barrington books, including this one are to stunning to give measure to here. You will simply have to read it for yourself to grasp the inane highjinx described therein. I can't imagine anyone reading Class Act or any other Barrington book unless they got "hooked" many years ago and a lot of wasted talent as well.
Finally, and I am hoping for a comment here from others, do you not find that Mr. Woods may be the most unselfaware, arrogant, pompous, ass, of a public persona on the planet. His dire instructions about the absurdity of daring to contact, or giving him a suggestion, or the preposterous idea that someone might wish to make a movie, rile me each time I see the back of one of his books. I think he must be an unfulfilled sex addict who secretly wishes he was some kind of upper class elite and when he found out his shit stinks, he could not cope, so he invented a lifestyle that he would like to live rather than the hell hole he must occupy. He is a sad little man.
But, read his earlier works, they were at least good for something, these latter day efforts are also good for something; you can rip out the pages and line our bird cage, you can wrap up the fish you caught in the pond, you can always use them as a convenient door stop or paperweight, bit too read, do so at your own risk and that of your sheetrock. Zero Stars!
The sheer stupidity of the latter Barrington books, including this one are to stunning to give measure to here. You will simply have to read it for yourself to grasp the inane highjinx described therein. I can't imagine anyone reading Class Act or any other Barrington book unless they got "hooked" many years ago and a lot of wasted talent as well.
Finally, and I am hoping for a comment here from others, do you not find that Mr. Woods may be the most unselfaware, arrogant, pompous, ass, of a public persona on the planet. His dire instructions about the absurdity of daring to contact, or giving him a suggestion, or the preposterous idea that someone might wish to make a movie, rile me each time I see the back of one of his books. I think he must be an unfulfilled sex addict who secretly wishes he was some kind of upper class elite and when he found out his shit stinks, he could not cope, so he invented a lifestyle that he would like to live rather than the hell hole he must occupy. He is a sad little man.
But, read his earlier works, they were at least good for something, these latter day efforts are also good for something; you can rip out the pages and line our bird cage, you can wrap up the fish you caught in the pond, you can always use them as a convenient door stop or paperweight, bit too read, do so at your own risk and that of your sheetrock. Zero Stars!
October 8, 2021
How bad can these books get? Here's my suggestion for the next, and last, Stone Barrington story:
CODE RED
Stone Barrington was sitting in his office considering his options for the weekend. He wasn’t seeing anyone at the moment, which was not a state he enjoyed.
His phone rang. It was the secure phone used by only two people. Stone hoped it wasn’t Lance Cabot, head of the CIA. When Lance called, he usually wanted Stone to do something that Stone didn’t want to do. But Lance had given Stone a CIA appointment as his special advisor, so Stone was obligated to do Lance’s bidding. Reluctantly, Stone answered the phone.
“Hi, it’s Holly.” Thank goodness! Stone had known Holly for years, and they had been lovers for much of that time. Although they did not hold each other to monogamy, an agreement for which Stone was endlessly thankful, he was in love with Holly. Unfortunately, she had committed to a series of increasingly important roles in the government, which kept her in Washington, and now Holly was President of the United States. Stone had supported each of her decisions to seek a higher office despite the challenges to their relationship. It was when Stone finally proposed to Holly that she told him she wanted to run for president. She had asked if he would be First Gentleman, but they both knew Stone was not cut out for that role, or living in Washington, DC. Now, as President, Holly engaged in a series of charades to keep the press from catching her entering Stone’s house and not leaving til the wee hours, or days later. He missed her, and he missed the ease of arranging time with her.
“Holly, I am always delighted to hear from you.” Stone hoped he didn’t sound lonely.
“I have some business in New York next week. Are you free this weekend?”
“I am always delighted to see you, and I can be yours all weekend. When will you arrive?”
“I can be at your place tonight about 7. If you want to invite Dino and Viv, I always enjoy their company.”
They hung up and Stone proceeded with arrangements.
At 7:00. Holly arrived, looking gorgeous as always, but a little … off. They had barely a moment alone before Dino and Viv arrived. Dino Bacchetti was the NYC Police Commissioner; Viv was the head of security for Strategic Services, the world’s second largest security firm. The four shared deep friendship.
Stone was just about to get drinks when in walked Joan, Stone’s secretary; and Fred and Helene, who kept the house and cars running; and Lance Cabot; and Bill Eggers, the managing partner at Woodman & Weld, where Stone was a partner; and Mike Freeman, the head of Strategic Services; and Dr. Carle from the Carle Clinic; and Bob the dog.
Stone was speechless, momentarily. “What is this? It’s not my birthday.”
Dino spoke first. “Stone, you are my closest friend, and you know I love you like a brother. We, all of us, agree it’s time for some changes, big changes. This is an intervention.”
Joan spoke next. “Stone, you are like a son to me, and like a mother, I love and support you, no matter what. I’ve never liked the parade of women into your quarters but, aside from snarky comments now and then, I tried to stay out of your business. I can’t stay out of it any longer.” Fred and Helene looked from Joan to Stone, and nodded their agreement. Bill Eggers and Mike Freeman were nodding too.
Finally Holly spoke. “Stone, I love you and, if not for my work in Washington, I would have married you the day you proposed. I know how much you love women, and sex, and it seemed fair to give you the freedom to enjoy the women you met. But it seems that you haven’t always made good choices.”
This was true. Recently he had dated an assassin for hire, but she was beautiful. Stone nodded and looked at the floor. Bob the dog looked up at him. Even Bob had a pained expression.
Holly continued. “I suppose all of us might have kept on looking the other way, except for what I learned during my regular physical last week. I have syphilis, and gonorrhea, and chlamydia, and herpes. Before you ask, except for my visits with you, I have been celibate for years.”
Stone was mortified. He never thought he might endanger the woman he loved most.
Viv’s eyes held daggers. She was always irritated by Stone’s philandering. Had Stone never noticed? He couldn’t miss it now.
Mike Freeman cleared his throat. “Viv, did you want to say something?”
“Yes. Clearly we need to start contact tracing. We must contact every woman with whom you’ve had sexual contact in the last year. Due to the number of sexual contacts, it is irrelevant how you became infected. What is more important is how many women you may have infected. We will notify every woman and advise them to seek testing and treatment. Joan has compiled a list of names and contact information. Mike has agreed to use every resource available to Strategic Services to locate every woman on the list.”
Joan stepped forward with a sheaf of papers. She kept excellent records about everything. She saw all, and she knew all. “I’ve got 76 names. Please check the list to see if I am mistaken about anyone, to see if there is anyone here you did NOT have sex with.”
Dr. Carle stepped forward with his medical bag. He barely looked at Stone. He knew Stone had had a sexual relationship with his daughter. He handed Stone a pamphlet about safe sex practices, a box of condoms, and two bottles of pills. He gave Stone instructions for taking the pills and invited Stone to another room for a mega-injection of antibiotics.
As Stone left, Holly shot him in the head.
CODE RED
Stone Barrington was sitting in his office considering his options for the weekend. He wasn’t seeing anyone at the moment, which was not a state he enjoyed.
His phone rang. It was the secure phone used by only two people. Stone hoped it wasn’t Lance Cabot, head of the CIA. When Lance called, he usually wanted Stone to do something that Stone didn’t want to do. But Lance had given Stone a CIA appointment as his special advisor, so Stone was obligated to do Lance’s bidding. Reluctantly, Stone answered the phone.
“Hi, it’s Holly.” Thank goodness! Stone had known Holly for years, and they had been lovers for much of that time. Although they did not hold each other to monogamy, an agreement for which Stone was endlessly thankful, he was in love with Holly. Unfortunately, she had committed to a series of increasingly important roles in the government, which kept her in Washington, and now Holly was President of the United States. Stone had supported each of her decisions to seek a higher office despite the challenges to their relationship. It was when Stone finally proposed to Holly that she told him she wanted to run for president. She had asked if he would be First Gentleman, but they both knew Stone was not cut out for that role, or living in Washington, DC. Now, as President, Holly engaged in a series of charades to keep the press from catching her entering Stone’s house and not leaving til the wee hours, or days later. He missed her, and he missed the ease of arranging time with her.
“Holly, I am always delighted to hear from you.” Stone hoped he didn’t sound lonely.
“I have some business in New York next week. Are you free this weekend?”
“I am always delighted to see you, and I can be yours all weekend. When will you arrive?”
“I can be at your place tonight about 7. If you want to invite Dino and Viv, I always enjoy their company.”
They hung up and Stone proceeded with arrangements.
At 7:00. Holly arrived, looking gorgeous as always, but a little … off. They had barely a moment alone before Dino and Viv arrived. Dino Bacchetti was the NYC Police Commissioner; Viv was the head of security for Strategic Services, the world’s second largest security firm. The four shared deep friendship.
Stone was just about to get drinks when in walked Joan, Stone’s secretary; and Fred and Helene, who kept the house and cars running; and Lance Cabot; and Bill Eggers, the managing partner at Woodman & Weld, where Stone was a partner; and Mike Freeman, the head of Strategic Services; and Dr. Carle from the Carle Clinic; and Bob the dog.
Stone was speechless, momentarily. “What is this? It’s not my birthday.”
Dino spoke first. “Stone, you are my closest friend, and you know I love you like a brother. We, all of us, agree it’s time for some changes, big changes. This is an intervention.”
Joan spoke next. “Stone, you are like a son to me, and like a mother, I love and support you, no matter what. I’ve never liked the parade of women into your quarters but, aside from snarky comments now and then, I tried to stay out of your business. I can’t stay out of it any longer.” Fred and Helene looked from Joan to Stone, and nodded their agreement. Bill Eggers and Mike Freeman were nodding too.
Finally Holly spoke. “Stone, I love you and, if not for my work in Washington, I would have married you the day you proposed. I know how much you love women, and sex, and it seemed fair to give you the freedom to enjoy the women you met. But it seems that you haven’t always made good choices.”
This was true. Recently he had dated an assassin for hire, but she was beautiful. Stone nodded and looked at the floor. Bob the dog looked up at him. Even Bob had a pained expression.
Holly continued. “I suppose all of us might have kept on looking the other way, except for what I learned during my regular physical last week. I have syphilis, and gonorrhea, and chlamydia, and herpes. Before you ask, except for my visits with you, I have been celibate for years.”
Stone was mortified. He never thought he might endanger the woman he loved most.
Viv’s eyes held daggers. She was always irritated by Stone’s philandering. Had Stone never noticed? He couldn’t miss it now.
Mike Freeman cleared his throat. “Viv, did you want to say something?”
“Yes. Clearly we need to start contact tracing. We must contact every woman with whom you’ve had sexual contact in the last year. Due to the number of sexual contacts, it is irrelevant how you became infected. What is more important is how many women you may have infected. We will notify every woman and advise them to seek testing and treatment. Joan has compiled a list of names and contact information. Mike has agreed to use every resource available to Strategic Services to locate every woman on the list.”
Joan stepped forward with a sheaf of papers. She kept excellent records about everything. She saw all, and she knew all. “I’ve got 76 names. Please check the list to see if I am mistaken about anyone, to see if there is anyone here you did NOT have sex with.”
Dr. Carle stepped forward with his medical bag. He barely looked at Stone. He knew Stone had had a sexual relationship with his daughter. He handed Stone a pamphlet about safe sex practices, a box of condoms, and two bottles of pills. He gave Stone instructions for taking the pills and invited Stone to another room for a mega-injection of antibiotics.
As Stone left, Holly shot him in the head.
August 9, 2021
So predictable
Haven’t read Barrington books in a long while since they were so predictable. Tried this one to see if anything in Woods books changed. So simplistic and boring. What a waste of $14.95
Haven’t read Barrington books in a long while since they were so predictable. Tried this one to see if anything in Woods books changed. So simplistic and boring. What a waste of $14.95
August 16, 2021
Stuart Woods can always be trusted to deliver a fast-paced thriller featuring his reliable cast of characters.
In CLASS ACT, book #58 featuring Stone Barrington, the fabulously wealthy attorney finds himself and his friends embroiled in a complicated case involving an old client who pops back into his life. As the novel opens, Stone is summoned to a private hospital where Jack Coulter is recovering from an attack made at the hands of retired police detective Michael O’Brien, who left the force under mysterious circumstances.
It turns out that “Jack Coulter” is an assumed name, taken by ex-con John Fratelli, who went to see Stone a long time ago, the day he was released from Sing Sing. When asked why he never applied for parole in the 23 years he spent locked up, he said he was protecting another prisoner from any kind of violent attack. Upon the man’s death, he left Fratelli “a reward for his fealty.” The two had stayed in touch, and Stone was invited to Fratelli’s wedding to Hillary Coulter, a wealthy woman from a rich family. The gift that Fratelli received was invested wisely and had grown into quite a fortune.
One individual who had Coulter in the crosshairs was mob bookie Manny Fiore, who is now in Florida. At first Stone does not become too involved, but soon he meets a hit man’s daughter, Hilda Ross, a jazz singer who is also a mob assassin assigned to take down Manny after she has an affair with him. Stone is a ladies’ man and of course is attracted to her. His closest friend, the police commissioner Dino Bacchetti, warns him about Hilda’s avocation, but Stone is much too interested in her to listen to him.
This makes Hilda’s mob boyfriend, Sal Trafficante, jealous, and he sets out to destroy Stone, who flees from New York City, where his main house and office are, to his other residence in England. Stone’s wealth has given him the opportunity to own several houses around the world. He also has more than one car and a luxury airplane with a private pilot, even though he usually sits next to her so he can fly it himself. As the plot unfolds, Hilda must return to Florida where she claims her father has fallen ill.
Stone later finds out from Dino that O’Brien is a gambler who is good at losing and having his mother, a restaurant heiress, bail him out. Dino has information on his behavior just before and after his retirement from the NYPD. He sends copies of the files to Stone’s office where his speed-reading secretary can provide him with a quick summary of what they contain.
The rising suspense keeps readers riveted, as does the body count. Through it all, Stone remains mostly calm. But fans of Stuart Woods should be prepared for more sex than he usually portrays and a taste of salty language.
Reviewed by Barbara Lipkien Gershenbaum
In CLASS ACT, book #58 featuring Stone Barrington, the fabulously wealthy attorney finds himself and his friends embroiled in a complicated case involving an old client who pops back into his life. As the novel opens, Stone is summoned to a private hospital where Jack Coulter is recovering from an attack made at the hands of retired police detective Michael O’Brien, who left the force under mysterious circumstances.
It turns out that “Jack Coulter” is an assumed name, taken by ex-con John Fratelli, who went to see Stone a long time ago, the day he was released from Sing Sing. When asked why he never applied for parole in the 23 years he spent locked up, he said he was protecting another prisoner from any kind of violent attack. Upon the man’s death, he left Fratelli “a reward for his fealty.” The two had stayed in touch, and Stone was invited to Fratelli’s wedding to Hillary Coulter, a wealthy woman from a rich family. The gift that Fratelli received was invested wisely and had grown into quite a fortune.
One individual who had Coulter in the crosshairs was mob bookie Manny Fiore, who is now in Florida. At first Stone does not become too involved, but soon he meets a hit man’s daughter, Hilda Ross, a jazz singer who is also a mob assassin assigned to take down Manny after she has an affair with him. Stone is a ladies’ man and of course is attracted to her. His closest friend, the police commissioner Dino Bacchetti, warns him about Hilda’s avocation, but Stone is much too interested in her to listen to him.
This makes Hilda’s mob boyfriend, Sal Trafficante, jealous, and he sets out to destroy Stone, who flees from New York City, where his main house and office are, to his other residence in England. Stone’s wealth has given him the opportunity to own several houses around the world. He also has more than one car and a luxury airplane with a private pilot, even though he usually sits next to her so he can fly it himself. As the plot unfolds, Hilda must return to Florida where she claims her father has fallen ill.
Stone later finds out from Dino that O’Brien is a gambler who is good at losing and having his mother, a restaurant heiress, bail him out. Dino has information on his behavior just before and after his retirement from the NYPD. He sends copies of the files to Stone’s office where his speed-reading secretary can provide him with a quick summary of what they contain.
The rising suspense keeps readers riveted, as does the body count. Through it all, Stone remains mostly calm. But fans of Stuart Woods should be prepared for more sex than he usually portrays and a taste of salty language.
Reviewed by Barbara Lipkien Gershenbaum
July 18, 2022
A good Stone Barrington book. Full of intrigue and surprise. This has been one of my favorite Stone books to date. Stone is being hunted and will do all he can to escape the grasp of an assassin. Little does he know there is more than one.
September 30, 2021
More entertaining than many of the later books in this series, which is not much of a compliment. The tale is a repetition of Woods’ common themes and entirely ludicrous. I don’t know who the target audience is, but Stone is again depicted as an unabashed womanizer and the “hot” scenes are clichéd and adolescent to say the least.
The premise that gobs of money will make you happy (and get you laid) is still the central theme. It would also appear to be the only credible reason that Woods continues to write such drivel. I wonder if the author has a touch of dementia? Or perhaps I do, as I did read this book, lol.
The premise that gobs of money will make you happy (and get you laid) is still the central theme. It would also appear to be the only credible reason that Woods continues to write such drivel. I wonder if the author has a touch of dementia? Or perhaps I do, as I did read this book, lol.
August 10, 2021
Awful. Only thing good was a fast read. Can’t understand why I would read such junk other than total diversion.
August 11, 2021
Stone Barrington, the billionaire playboy, attorney at law, advisor to CIA, a man of many talents has all of a sudden a threat placed over his head. It all started when he gets cozy with a Bar Singer - a Mafia assassin on the side! Her jealous boyfriend is intent on eliminating Stone and clearing his path.
Meanwhile, an old client of his faces an extortion threat from a bent ex-cop. Please read my detailed review from the link below:
https://www.aniblogshere.com/books-re...
Do Visit, Read, Like, Comment or Share!
Thank you!!
#stuartwoods #classact #stonebarrington #books #bookreviewblogger #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviews
Meanwhile, an old client of his faces an extortion threat from a bent ex-cop. Please read my detailed review from the link below:
https://www.aniblogshere.com/books-re...
Do Visit, Read, Like, Comment or Share!
Thank you!!
#stuartwoods #classact #stonebarrington #books #bookreviewblogger #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviews
August 11, 2021
As is typical in these books, Stone has a number of sexual dalliances. However, unknown to him, one of the ladies, Hilda is a trained mob killer. There are a few dangerous situations involving a retired cop as well as a couple of certified mobsters. This results in the usual scary encounters in which Stone always manages to survive.
While Stone will go to great lengths to preserve his safety, I did not like the fact that he was willing to break the law in order to remove some "bad guys". As a former cop and as a lawyer, I don't think this gives the right message.
While Stone will go to great lengths to preserve his safety, I did not like the fact that he was willing to break the law in order to remove some "bad guys". As a former cop and as a lawyer, I don't think this gives the right message.
December 1, 2021
"Class Act" is the 58th entry in Stuart Woods' version of the "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous"...As I've said before, its a good thing our characters have lots of sex, otherwise they'd be 400+ pounds, easily, from all the fine dining and drink...Woods has come a long way since the excellent "Chiefs," to today's, almost parody, of the genre...Still, its a guilty pleasure...In this one, Stone runs afoul of mobsters and dirty cops, as he seeks to protect an old client, a mobster himself, his fortune and his new life...Meh!
August 8, 2021
SUBJECTIVE READER REVIEW WITH PLOT SPOILERS FOLLOWS:
Stuart Woods broke out of his brain candy format for a novel I came damn near giving 5 stars to, if you can believe that! It had become almost predictable that Stone would run away from his problem by heading to Dark Harbor in Islesboro and when that didn't work head to Windward Hall in Hampshire, England hoping to hide long enough for the problem to go away, always accompanied by a most accommodating, hot, younger woman. Well, since the threat was indirect at best, he sorta hung around New York and observed things go his way, but not without getting his hands dirty. Or maybe it was his manhood that got dirty. Regardless, Stone lost his sense of survival over the lust for a woman; imagine that!
A former client, John Fratelli, served his 23 years in Sing Sing, established an admirable life afterward and has stayed in touch with Stone over the years. Incredible; the good guy in 'Class Act' is the former criminal, and the bad guy is the NYPD Detective Mickey O'Brien who put him away. Bad guy because Mickey's a hopeless gambler who sucks money from any orifice and views Fratelli's remade life as an available cash balance. But he picks on the wrong guy.
Not only is Mickey O'Brien a retired NYPD dick, but he's also too good a friend of the East Coast Mafia Don's consigliere, Salvatore Trafficante. So Sal's got a semi-reputable enforcer should things go wrong. But the enforcer's not your typical retired dick, and makes the mistake of invading a dinner party thrown by Fratelli, now Coulter, at which Stone is a guest, robbing all of the guests of their jewelry and valuables. The final straw was attacking Coulter in broad daylight, ruining his face bad enough to require plastic surgery. Then the it becomes mafia against the prison cons.
Coulter managed to recover seven mil of the take on an old heist, then invested some of it traditionally, some of it to the mob's South Florida loan shark; for the loan of a million Coulter gets fifty thousand a week. All goes well until the loan shark, Manny Fiore, informs Coulter he ain't paying the money back nor getting his fifty large vig a week. The Mafia Don wants nothing to do with Coulter, so he has Manny offed and replaced, paying back the indebtedness. Manny's girlfriend is a nightclub singer Hilda Ross, who's also a hitwoman for the mafia. When she kills Manny it's time to leave Florida, so she lands in New York City.
Stone & Dino go check out her show, and Stone and Hilda are smitten, having sex as often as humanly possible, both addicted to the rush of it all. Unfortunately, she's also Sal Trafficante's mistress, and Sal gets really jealous of Stone Barrington, so it's time to fly to England. Stone magically finds a new woman, Tara Wilkes, to accompany him there, but surprises the hell out of everyone when he leverages Dame Felicity Devonshire to key him into Sal Trafficante's whereabouts in London. Trafficante following Stone to England finally pisses him off, so he actually threatens Sal's life and gets rid of him.
When it becomes clear that Hilda Ross has the contract to kill Stone, Coulter steps in to send in his own hitwoman to Stone's Key West hide, where Hilda's staying. When Gigi's body is found in pieces in the Everglades, Coulter starts calling in markers from Sing Sing. Stone finds Hilda in his Turtle Bay house collecting her things, knowing she's supposed to kill him, but they declare a truce long enough to screw each other's brains out. Soon thereafter, Trafficante and Hilda's bodies are found in a fancy hotel tub in a New York City hotel.
I think you can see how rare it is for Stone to embroil himself in extra-judicial matters, but his faith in John Fratelli, aka Jack Coulter, is almost unshakable, and he manages to get Dino to at least turn a blind eye as Coulter cleans house. A rare 'tough guy' novel for Stone Barrington; watch out, next thing ya know he'll be registering Republican! Get the book, read it in two sittings like I did and enjoy it!
Stuart Woods broke out of his brain candy format for a novel I came damn near giving 5 stars to, if you can believe that! It had become almost predictable that Stone would run away from his problem by heading to Dark Harbor in Islesboro and when that didn't work head to Windward Hall in Hampshire, England hoping to hide long enough for the problem to go away, always accompanied by a most accommodating, hot, younger woman. Well, since the threat was indirect at best, he sorta hung around New York and observed things go his way, but not without getting his hands dirty. Or maybe it was his manhood that got dirty. Regardless, Stone lost his sense of survival over the lust for a woman; imagine that!
A former client, John Fratelli, served his 23 years in Sing Sing, established an admirable life afterward and has stayed in touch with Stone over the years. Incredible; the good guy in 'Class Act' is the former criminal, and the bad guy is the NYPD Detective Mickey O'Brien who put him away. Bad guy because Mickey's a hopeless gambler who sucks money from any orifice and views Fratelli's remade life as an available cash balance. But he picks on the wrong guy.
Not only is Mickey O'Brien a retired NYPD dick, but he's also too good a friend of the East Coast Mafia Don's consigliere, Salvatore Trafficante. So Sal's got a semi-reputable enforcer should things go wrong. But the enforcer's not your typical retired dick, and makes the mistake of invading a dinner party thrown by Fratelli, now Coulter, at which Stone is a guest, robbing all of the guests of their jewelry and valuables. The final straw was attacking Coulter in broad daylight, ruining his face bad enough to require plastic surgery. Then the it becomes mafia against the prison cons.
Coulter managed to recover seven mil of the take on an old heist, then invested some of it traditionally, some of it to the mob's South Florida loan shark; for the loan of a million Coulter gets fifty thousand a week. All goes well until the loan shark, Manny Fiore, informs Coulter he ain't paying the money back nor getting his fifty large vig a week. The Mafia Don wants nothing to do with Coulter, so he has Manny offed and replaced, paying back the indebtedness. Manny's girlfriend is a nightclub singer Hilda Ross, who's also a hitwoman for the mafia. When she kills Manny it's time to leave Florida, so she lands in New York City.
Stone & Dino go check out her show, and Stone and Hilda are smitten, having sex as often as humanly possible, both addicted to the rush of it all. Unfortunately, she's also Sal Trafficante's mistress, and Sal gets really jealous of Stone Barrington, so it's time to fly to England. Stone magically finds a new woman, Tara Wilkes, to accompany him there, but surprises the hell out of everyone when he leverages Dame Felicity Devonshire to key him into Sal Trafficante's whereabouts in London. Trafficante following Stone to England finally pisses him off, so he actually threatens Sal's life and gets rid of him.
When it becomes clear that Hilda Ross has the contract to kill Stone, Coulter steps in to send in his own hitwoman to Stone's Key West hide, where Hilda's staying. When Gigi's body is found in pieces in the Everglades, Coulter starts calling in markers from Sing Sing. Stone finds Hilda in his Turtle Bay house collecting her things, knowing she's supposed to kill him, but they declare a truce long enough to screw each other's brains out. Soon thereafter, Trafficante and Hilda's bodies are found in a fancy hotel tub in a New York City hotel.
I think you can see how rare it is for Stone to embroil himself in extra-judicial matters, but his faith in John Fratelli, aka Jack Coulter, is almost unshakable, and he manages to get Dino to at least turn a blind eye as Coulter cleans house. A rare 'tough guy' novel for Stone Barrington; watch out, next thing ya know he'll be registering Republican! Get the book, read it in two sittings like I did and enjoy it!
March 27, 2022
3.8 -
If you are a Stone Barrington fan, then this edition does not disappoint. What a great, relaxing 'in between' read. I truly enjoyed it and it fell perfectly between two time and attention absorbing tomes. A fun little dip into the life of Stoneness is like partaking in spa time for novels.
Stone just may live the most envious life. A handsome, humble, impeccably tailored, well bred and educated million (or billionaire) that has the most perfect of everything. Friends to party with and who have your back. An honorable and earned career. Beautiful women who all kiss and tell to the point that you will blush in 50 shades of red; but by using your imagination, not crudeness. And if all this is not enough, reading all about his elaborate (staffed) homes in New York, London, Maine, California and Key West is better than reading a copy of Architectural Digest . Add in all of his private cars, drivers, body guards and aircraft to bounce around in.......Oh me, oh my.....just....... wow!
If you are a Stone Barrington fan, then this edition does not disappoint. What a great, relaxing 'in between' read. I truly enjoyed it and it fell perfectly between two time and attention absorbing tomes. A fun little dip into the life of Stoneness is like partaking in spa time for novels.
Stone just may live the most envious life. A handsome, humble, impeccably tailored, well bred and educated million (or billionaire) that has the most perfect of everything. Friends to party with and who have your back. An honorable and earned career. Beautiful women who all kiss and tell to the point that you will blush in 50 shades of red; but by using your imagination, not crudeness. And if all this is not enough, reading all about his elaborate (staffed) homes in New York, London, Maine, California and Key West is better than reading a copy of Architectural Digest . Add in all of his private cars, drivers, body guards and aircraft to bounce around in.......Oh me, oh my.....just....... wow!
December 27, 2022
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Another will written murder mystery family and friends relationships adventure thriller novel by Stuart Woods (A Stone Barrington Series book 58). Stone is contacted by an old friend which leads to lots of action, violence, and murder that Stone, Dino, and friends are involved in. A double murder ends the threat to Stone by the two of them. The friend makes contact announcing that all is cleaned up ☝. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚. Stuart Woods is one of my favorite authors. 2022 😮☺
Another will written murder mystery family and friends relationships adventure thriller novel by Stuart Woods (A Stone Barrington Series book 58). Stone is contacted by an old friend which leads to lots of action, violence, and murder that Stone, Dino, and friends are involved in. A double murder ends the threat to Stone by the two of them. The friend makes contact announcing that all is cleaned up ☝. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚. Stuart Woods is one of my favorite authors. 2022 😮☺
September 15, 2021
Stone is in the middle of mob conflicts and assassins... a better plot than some of the recent adventures. He almost steps over the line, however, and that's unusual for him. Seems like he's throwing his money around more than usual. His taste in women seems to be deteriorating as well. How has he avoided STDs and COVID?
Nevertheless, I await Foul Play.
Nevertheless, I await Foul Play.
October 21, 2021
I thought this was a parody of the 1970s crime stories. And to think this was his 58th book - just awful trash.
March 19, 2022
Loaded with action and lots of classy guys...very fast and very good read👍👍👍👍👍
June 22, 2023
Just the break I needed from some heavier reading. Expensive cars, travel, fancy restaurants, women, and assorted murders. The basic Stone Barrington formula.
August 21, 2021
Stone is a horn dog, I hope he uses a condom!!!
November 27, 2021
3 and 1/2 stars for this Stone Barrington book 📚
August 15, 2021
This book felt rather short after finishing the new Stephen King and those joe Ledger books.
As I've said in the past, if you've read over 50 Stone Barrington books, then you already know if you'll like this or not. This one had nothing to do with politics, crazy Russians or anything like that, so I was happier with it than normal.
Usually, everyone Stone meets is trying to kill him or screw his brains out. In this book, he meets someone who wants both.
The plot is VERY overly-complicated for no real reason. That might turn some people off. But, my own personal opinion was I enjoyed the book. I'm glad I took the time to listen to it on my Sunday. I like to put a Stuart Woods book on, take a long walk downtown, come home and do the house work, and this book was perfect for that.
Take that for what it's worth. Oh, and if you're reading this for some reason and you DON'T normally read Stone Barrington books, you could read this one and not need any outside information, really. You'd just miss out on the one joke by Dino about the amount of time it takes for Stone to end up in bed with any strange woman he bumps into.
As I've said in the past, if you've read over 50 Stone Barrington books, then you already know if you'll like this or not. This one had nothing to do with politics, crazy Russians or anything like that, so I was happier with it than normal.
Usually, everyone Stone meets is trying to kill him or screw his brains out. In this book, he meets someone who wants both.
The plot is VERY overly-complicated for no real reason. That might turn some people off. But, my own personal opinion was I enjoyed the book. I'm glad I took the time to listen to it on my Sunday. I like to put a Stuart Woods book on, take a long walk downtown, come home and do the house work, and this book was perfect for that.
Take that for what it's worth. Oh, and if you're reading this for some reason and you DON'T normally read Stone Barrington books, you could read this one and not need any outside information, really. You'd just miss out on the one joke by Dino about the amount of time it takes for Stone to end up in bed with any strange woman he bumps into.
September 11, 2021
9 out of 10 stars. This book is different from most of the Stone Barrington books. Mr. Woods finally brought something back in this book he used to put in his books, but he had left out for a while. I have read all of his books, and for a while the last few years he had left out introducing a character from Delano, Georgia which I felt was always a signature move by the author. The reason I gave a 9 was the character Tara just abruptly fell by the wayside. Also the plots in this book seemed unusual for Mr. Woods' books to me.
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