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Stone Barrington #59
Foul Play
Stone Barrington must halt a nefarious plot in the newest novel from #1 New York Times-bestselling Stuart Woods.
Stone Barrington must halt a nefarious plot in the newest novel from #1 New York Times-bestselling Stuart Woods.
Stone Barrington must halt a nefarious plot in the newest novel from #1 New York Times-bestselling Stuart Woods.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2021
574 people are currently reading
960 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 292 reviews
December 3, 2021
An okay comfort read for Barrington addicts.
I hope Holly, Madam President decides not to run for re-election. It's pretty ridiculous that she's in NYC in Stone's bed again. As always, a lot of private jet travelling, and dining. Stone's new client, Shep Troutman whom he rescued near his house is constantly being targeted by the bad guys.
I hope Holly, Madam President decides not to run for re-election. It's pretty ridiculous that she's in NYC in Stone's bed again. As always, a lot of private jet travelling, and dining. Stone's new client, Shep Troutman whom he rescued near his house is constantly being targeted by the bad guys.
August 13, 2021
Gotta be honest: I've read a big bunch of books in the Stone Barrington series (this is the 59th, so make that a BIG bunch). But a couple of years ago, I simply got a little tired of reading about the high-powered attorney and ex-cop and his bed-hopping ways - a guy who at the wink of a pinky can drop $10 million on a house or in a politician's war chest (one of those beds - and chairs, and shower stalls - he occasionally shares is with the first female President of the United States, for gosh sake). But then, I had a chance to get a pre-release copy of the newest one from the publisher via NetGalley - thank you very much - and from the minute I opened it, I felt as if I'd reconnected with an old friend. The only downside was that by the time of day I started it, I just couldn't keep my eyes open late enough to finish in one sitting.
Make no mistake - Stone and his well-heeled friends, including the aforementioned Prez and the New York City Police Commissioner, haven't changed in the slightest; if anything, the money flows more freely (although in fairness, much of it comes from a wealthy-beyond-belief client). And the bed hopping, if I counted correctly, is limited to only two also wealthy-beyond-belief ladies this time out. The adventure begins as Stone is on his way to his office in his posh New York City mansion to meet a new client; seeing a man being mobbed by a couple of no-gooders, Stone jumps in to save the day - and learns the man he protected is his new client. And of course, said client is wealthy beyond belief.
It seems the client recently came into an enormous inheritance from his late father - and as he stays at a luxurious apartment in the Carlyle Hotel, Stone offers advice on negotiating a deal to purchase it. But then, the client is attacked once again, and, as they say, the plot thickens. Suddenly, both the client and Stone find themselves in danger, and Stone must call in all his friends to help (most are characters familiar to me from previous books, and I was happy to "see" them again). Getting to the bottom of things takes Stone and the gang all over the country, culminating in, shall I say, a rather exciting and financially rewarding end. Spread throughout is the standard "ho-hum" attitude toward every situation, whether it's between the sheets or facing a near-death experience (just after the bullet misses passing through your brain by inches, for instance, you turn to your guests to ask which kind of wine they prefer with dinner).
All in good fun - and the best one I've read for a while. That means this reader is back in the saddle and itching to trot - so bring on the next!
Make no mistake - Stone and his well-heeled friends, including the aforementioned Prez and the New York City Police Commissioner, haven't changed in the slightest; if anything, the money flows more freely (although in fairness, much of it comes from a wealthy-beyond-belief client). And the bed hopping, if I counted correctly, is limited to only two also wealthy-beyond-belief ladies this time out. The adventure begins as Stone is on his way to his office in his posh New York City mansion to meet a new client; seeing a man being mobbed by a couple of no-gooders, Stone jumps in to save the day - and learns the man he protected is his new client. And of course, said client is wealthy beyond belief.
It seems the client recently came into an enormous inheritance from his late father - and as he stays at a luxurious apartment in the Carlyle Hotel, Stone offers advice on negotiating a deal to purchase it. But then, the client is attacked once again, and, as they say, the plot thickens. Suddenly, both the client and Stone find themselves in danger, and Stone must call in all his friends to help (most are characters familiar to me from previous books, and I was happy to "see" them again). Getting to the bottom of things takes Stone and the gang all over the country, culminating in, shall I say, a rather exciting and financially rewarding end. Spread throughout is the standard "ho-hum" attitude toward every situation, whether it's between the sheets or facing a near-death experience (just after the bullet misses passing through your brain by inches, for instance, you turn to your guests to ask which kind of wine they prefer with dinner).
All in good fun - and the best one I've read for a while. That means this reader is back in the saddle and itching to trot - so bring on the next!
January 7, 2022
Surprisingly decent effort with #59. 7 of 10 stars
October 21, 2021
The best Stone Barrington book in years: one with an almost believable plot. Stone is stuck in traffic due to inclement weather and runs for his townhouse to meet a new client when he stops to rescue a man being beaten on the street. Of course, the victim is his new client, Shepherd Troutman, who has recently sold his family business for $250 million. He wants Stone to help him get established, and immediately is referred to Stone's broker and gets a good price on the apartment he is renting at the Carlyle. After a further beating in Central Park, and a prostitute being killed in his new apartment, the truth comes out about the nature of the buyer (a Delaware company owned by the Russian mob), who believe they are owed the patents for the company's machinery. Shep is whisked away, and hidden while Stone and Dino (with some help from Strategic Services) intercede. Things go sideways, and there is a deadly plane crash. And Stone only sleeps with one new woman (oops, a spoiler.) He and Holly also dance a tango.
November 9, 2021
Much improved over the past few Stone Barrington novels; this one has a bad Russian invading Stone's new client in NY, Martha's Vineyard, LA and elsewhere.
October 30, 2021
(2). My name is Don and I am an addict. I read a Stuart Woods book every 90 days. No, I really don’t want to quit. Yesterday’s drill was similar to most. I picked up the book after lunch, and before we went out for dinner, I was done. And that included a little time to check e mail and even the golf tournament. This story is vintage what I will characterize as “Luxury Stone.” He only sleeps with two women (a low number in this series) and the plot revolves around a client more than Stone. He and Dino have many meals together and there is lots of private travel. The whole thing is joyfully preposterous. Total fluff comfort reading. Typical stuff.
September 27, 2021
Like many others, I have read every Stone Barrington book by Stuart Woods (as well as all of his other series) and the past few were not as great as they have been in the past. But this one... Finally the Stuart Woods that I love to read!!
The book starts with Stone on his way home in a cab, when traffic stops. He gets out of the cab and turns for home when he sees a man getting beat up. He helps ward off the attacker and takes the man back to his house. It turns out the man was on his way to see Stone.
From there you get the fast paced Stone Barrington novel that everyone loves! Yes, there are still women, yes, Dino is there. But that is what I expect when reading a Stuart Woods novel. The plot was amlittle different this time and I enjoyed it! 4⭐
Thank you to Netgalley, G.P. Putnam Sons, and Stuart Woods for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The book starts with Stone on his way home in a cab, when traffic stops. He gets out of the cab and turns for home when he sees a man getting beat up. He helps ward off the attacker and takes the man back to his house. It turns out the man was on his way to see Stone.
From there you get the fast paced Stone Barrington novel that everyone loves! Yes, there are still women, yes, Dino is there. But that is what I expect when reading a Stuart Woods novel. The plot was amlittle different this time and I enjoyed it! 4⭐
Thank you to Netgalley, G.P. Putnam Sons, and Stuart Woods for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 20, 2022
I don't normally like to speak ill of the dead...but this book by Stuart Woods (who died in July) is just terrible. The dialogue is insipid (a 10 year-old could have written it) and parts of the plot (a clandestine love affair with the female President of the US-really??) are just plain stupid and predictable. I can't believe that an editor and the publisher allowed this to be printed.
Stay away from this book.
Stay away from this book.
January 20, 2022
Although, at this point, I'm really tired of hearing about Stone's sex life... We don't need those kind of images.
October 19, 2021
Stone Barrington is hurrying back home, on foot, as his Bentley was stuck in traffic. At his doorstep, he sees a man being assaulted by another large man. He intervenes, the assailant escapes. Then Stone discovers that the wounded man lying on the street is the new client he was rushing to meet. Shepherd Troutman has recently come across a bounty of 250 million USD from the sale of his family business. He wanted to meet Stone to avail his services as a Consultant in investing his newfound fortune.
Stone takes him on as a client, but then realizes that Shep’s company has been sold to a front organization for the Russian mob and they are still after the patents of Shep’s machines. They will go to any level to get their hands on them – be it robbery, theft or even murder! Stone has to pull out all stops to foil their designs, even call upon his connections at the CIA. But would that be enough to stop the avaricious Russians?
Please read my detailed review from the link below
https://www.aniblogshere.com/book-rev...
Do Read 📖, Like 👍🏼, Comment 💭, or Share 🚩
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#stuartwoods #foulplay #bookworm #bookreview #stonebarrington #bookrecommendations #bookreviewer #bookreviewblog #bookreviewersofinstagram #booklover #bookfreak #bookreviewing #bookreviews #bookreviewblogger #bookblogger #mystery #thriller #suspense
Stone takes him on as a client, but then realizes that Shep’s company has been sold to a front organization for the Russian mob and they are still after the patents of Shep’s machines. They will go to any level to get their hands on them – be it robbery, theft or even murder! Stone has to pull out all stops to foil their designs, even call upon his connections at the CIA. But would that be enough to stop the avaricious Russians?
Please read my detailed review from the link below
https://www.aniblogshere.com/book-rev...
Do Read 📖, Like 👍🏼, Comment 💭, or Share 🚩
🙏🏼🙏🏼
#stuartwoods #foulplay #bookworm #bookreview #stonebarrington #bookrecommendations #bookreviewer #bookreviewblog #bookreviewersofinstagram #booklover #bookfreak #bookreviewing #bookreviews #bookreviewblogger #bookblogger #mystery #thriller #suspense
November 13, 2021
A very weak 2 stars. The more Woods writes the worse these books and stories become. I will admit that this storyline did seem a bit more realistic than the past 7 or 8. It it started out pretty good but sure didn’t take long for it to fall apart and could the ending have been anymore cornier? Of course Stone had Holly and Brooke to fill the dull moments. As another reviewer stated; Stone and Dino came off many times as the Two Stooges. So typical.
November 3, 2021
Another so-so episode of Stone Barrington's "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," by Stuart Woods...Definitely read as a guilty pleasure for me, NOT read for intellectual growth...Stone crosses the Russian Mob again as he represents a family who's sold the family business to them...The usual fun dialogue, sex and high living as the rich get richer...As I said, a guilty pleasure!
May 31, 2022
Same format as in his other books but this one had more punch to it and left you waiting to see what was going to happen. Good 4.5 book.
December 30, 2021
Honestly, who among you is giving this book and or this author a rating above a 1 star. As in at least the last 30 iterations of this series, all of them should rate no higher than 1 star, and if Goodreads would allow zero stars, then that is a more accurate rating. Why then do I continue to read this crap? Call me crazy, call me stupid, call me interested in just how pitiful a once good writer can sink in search of the almighty dollar. Stuart Woods is a mean, nasty, non-talent ass-clown.
BTW, in all Stone Barrington books, you cannot possibly reveal any spoilers. All of the books are horrible, especially the last 30 or so. No need to worry, Stone meets a girl, usually from Delano Georgia, he beds the girl, they get shot at, people buy multi-million dollar homes and cars all within 48 hours of seeing the properties, they fly all across the country and planet, they get shot at more, have a lot of unlikely sex, because Stuart Woods is a mean, little, nasty pervert, then the story ends with a lot of dead people. Wow, wonder in Random House will send me a check, I just wrote book 60 in the Stone Barrington series.
BTW, in all Stone Barrington books, you cannot possibly reveal any spoilers. All of the books are horrible, especially the last 30 or so. No need to worry, Stone meets a girl, usually from Delano Georgia, he beds the girl, they get shot at, people buy multi-million dollar homes and cars all within 48 hours of seeing the properties, they fly all across the country and planet, they get shot at more, have a lot of unlikely sex, because Stuart Woods is a mean, little, nasty pervert, then the story ends with a lot of dead people. Wow, wonder in Random House will send me a check, I just wrote book 60 in the Stone Barrington series.
January 20, 2022
The story started out pretty strong and then fell apart. The whole Russian bad-guys thing is getting old. Brooke and Holly being available and Stone having no issue switching between the two of them is really questionable. There were times that he and Dino came off as the Two Stooges and not in the funny ha ha way. One moment they are supposed to be playing it safe, the next they are traveling from place to place like they are invisible. I would have liked a little more of the plot and less of Stone bed-hopping.
October 16, 2021
Like an old friend, Stone Barrington comes into my life every so often with one of the fanciful tales of intrigue and humor. I love this series. Its like popcorn, can't get enough and feel better after eating it.
Stone's exploits are just complicated enough to keep me interested and just funny enough to keep me laughing.
Imagine a perfect life filled with perfect friends, lovers and yes, even perfect bad guys. That's this series and the ending justifies another book. I can't wait. Thanks Stuart Woods for giving me hours of entertainment.
Stone's exploits are just complicated enough to keep me interested and just funny enough to keep me laughing.
Imagine a perfect life filled with perfect friends, lovers and yes, even perfect bad guys. That's this series and the ending justifies another book. I can't wait. Thanks Stuart Woods for giving me hours of entertainment.
November 3, 2021
9.5 out of 10 stars. It finally dawned on me: I enjoy books with conversations between characters makes the books more interesting. This is why I constantly enjoy Stuart Woods' books, also Robert B Parker books.
October 11, 2021
Excellent book.
October 21, 2021
The usual inexplicably amusing carryings-on.
January 1, 2022
The worst ever. Stuart has lost it completely. No plot. Completely unbelievable. Time to retire.
January 3, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Another will written murder mystery romantic family and friends relationships adventure thriller novel by Stuart Woods (A Stone Barrington Series book 59). Stone rescues a man 🚹 who is being beaten by a large man 🚹. They become friends with Stone becoming his lawyer helping with investments and security. They have a good time together but it all ends when he dies in a plane ✈ crash. I would highly recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚. 2023 😮👒😡😕
Stuart Woods is one of my favorite authors
Another will written murder mystery romantic family and friends relationships adventure thriller novel by Stuart Woods (A Stone Barrington Series book 59). Stone rescues a man 🚹 who is being beaten by a large man 🚹. They become friends with Stone becoming his lawyer helping with investments and security. They have a good time together but it all ends when he dies in a plane ✈ crash. I would highly recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚. 2023 😮👒😡😕
Stuart Woods is one of my favorite authors
February 18, 2024
Book #59 in the Stone Barrington. The only way for a series to survive to #59 is to have a very loyal fan base. And how do you get such a base? You have to have some very good stories full of very good characters. Stone's playboy actions never interfere with his abilities to fall into hot water and escape smelling of roses. If you're looking for some seriously good thrillers, you've got a long way to catch up!
August 1, 2022
My 2nd Woods book. I don’t remember thinking much of the first one but I enjoyed this second one like a guilty pleasure. It was unabashedly hokey and yet it kept my interest. I listed to it on tape in one day. I read Woods’s obituary in the paper this morning and it triggered me to download and listen to this book. Good fun and I’ll be back for more when in the mood again.
November 25, 2021
I would’ve gave this book a rating of a two but I gave it a three because I still am reading this series. This series has just been way too much. I really did love the beginning of this series and especially the Will Lee and the Holly Barker series. I feel the prolonging of stone Barrington really downgraded the Will Lee and Holly Barker characters. Those books at the beginning were a little closer to reality and serious and now these books are way over the top and ridiculous.
March 20, 2022
Same old juvenile, dribble as past installments… Nothing more to say about this silly, predictable novel.
November 20, 2021
The places he goes, the food he eats, the automobiles and planes he owns or owned, the houses he owns, the women he beds--it's becoming a bit stale.
November 10, 2021
I too, have read all 59 Barrington Books as well as all the off-shoots. The last few it seems like Stuart Woods is getting tired and just calling it it. This one started out really good..same old Stone but at least more believable... getting stuck in traffic, etc. But once again..BAM only Stone can save the final day ( and even get a few of his 'Stone-bunnies into bed along the way. This has become a bit far-fetched, even for the lifestyles of the uber rich and famous. Time for this reader to step away for a bit. Maybe I'll pick up again later if he ever marries Holly ( but I think Holly is wiser than that).
October 10, 2021
Getting the newest Stone Barrington novel is like opening your only gift on Christmas morning, you are filled with excitement and curiosity and once you finish you're slightly disappointed that you'll be forced to wait a long while until you have the opportunity to do it again. Tales of Stone's adventures are my guilty pleasure and I enjoy them unabashedly, they are a true pleasure to read and this one is exceptionally well crafted. As always we see the bond between Dino and Stone, best friends and partners for most of their adult lives, the banter is real; we all have a friend like Dino who is as close as a sibling. Stone meets a new client with quite a problem, a streak of bad luck without peer, while juggling the affections of a friend of Viv's and the President. We also get a peek at the depth of the relationship between Holly and Stone, and maybe some hint of the future. Throw in a Russian mobster, a half a billion dollar business deal, gunshots, bombs and a murder so foul; which strangely leads to a most unexpected turn of events, culminating in the beginning of a new...(oops! I almost slipped). My point is that if you haven't begun reading this yet you are only doing a disservice to yourself, and if you haven't be with Stone from the start, you have my profound sympathy, you are missing out on a truly wonderful journey.
November 2, 2021
Perhaps it’s just me getting older and less liberal, but the more recent books in the Stone Barrington series seem more formulaic and full of over-the-top excesses of his rich characters. Wanton sex with most any attractive woman, to include the female President, and hopping from bed to bed with no consequences. The same is true of descriptions of meals, alcoholic drinks, houses, cars and airplanes. Maybe it’s the bad taste in my mouth from the four years of outrageous behavior and lack of ethics of our former president but his last few novels have not been fun to read but more of a chore. I’m not sure I’ll continue with his books after finishing this one.
December 25, 2022
What a pile of crap. I will only change my rating from one star to two if there is more character development in previous Stone Barrington novels. Now, where to begin?
I'll start with the characters since I just mentioned them. The characters are about as flat and thin as a page out of a Bible. They are completely unrelatable and I cannot sympathize with any character mentioned in the story. There are 335,798,037 people in the United States according to worldmeters.info. There are 335,798,000 people that are poorer than the main character, his clients, and his friends. The main character has vast and luxury properties in England, New York, LA, and a half dozen other places. They speak of property and flinging around millions of dollars as if they were buying a latte at Starbucks. Their dialog is as clipped and annoying. Nobody talks that way in the real world. Not all the time anyway. Basically, the conversations all have to do with sex, food, money, and the task at hand.
Here are a few excerpts, chosen at random, verbatim:
Stone called Brooke.
"Hello?"
"It's Stone. Do you still want to contact Shep?"
"I do."
"Give me your reason again."
"I'd like to fix him up with a girlfriend of mine."
"And what is her name?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"Because Shep is in a high-security situation, and anyone he communicates with has to be investigated first."
"Investigated for what?"
"I can't be specific. Let's just say for nefarious activities."
"Give me an example of a nefarious activity."
"Any activity conducted for nefarious reasons."
"And what does 'nefarious' mean?"
"What it sounds like."
"That's not good enough."
"Then look it up," Stone said. "You have a dictionary on your phone, don't you?"
"Hang on a minute." She came back a moment later. "None of my friends are nefarious."
"We're not talking about your friends as a group, but this one friend that you want to meet Shep."
"She is not nefarious."
"Good. What is her name?"
"I'm not sure I should tell you."
"Then I'm not sure this conversation shouldn't end right now."
"Oh, all right, it's Phyllis. But she's called Phil, by her friends."
"Surname?"
"You don't need to know that."
"Then I wish you a good day." Stone hung up.
After a count of about eight, Brooke called back. "It's Phyllis Grant."
"Name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and date of birth."
"Why all that?"
"Because that is the information necessary to run a security check. Cough up or hang up."
Brooke coughed up.
"How is it that you know her Social Security number?"
"Because I figured you might ask me for it,' she replied, "and I was right."
"Do you have a street address in Woods Hole, Massachusetts?"
"It's not big enough for street names. Nobody does that."
"Is she married?"
"Formerly."
"To whom?"
"Jeffrey Clark, an investment banker."
"Which bank?"
"Goldman Sachs."
...expect 300 plus pages of the same drivel. It's almost like he waited until the end of his deadline to start writing and then got his 10-year-old grandson to help him write the dialog.
He gave the coat check lady his coat and looked around for Brooke Alley. He sat down at the bar to wait and ordered a Knob Creek on the rocks. After a few minutes the headwaiter approached.
"Good evening, Mr. Barrington."
"Good evening, Gianni."
"Are you meeting someone?"
"Yes. Her name is Brooke Alley."
"Ah."
"Ah?"
"She tends to run late."
"I noticed. How late?"
"About a half hour," he replied.
Stone ordered another drink. At the stroke of eight, Brooke appeared, not looking flustered.
Stone helped her off with her coat and gave it to the coat-check girl. "Did one of us get the time wrong?" he asked Brooke.
"Is that a sly way of asking why I'm late?"
"Not sly enough, apparently."
"A woman needs a little leeway," she said, and they were led to a good table and seated with a view of the whole restaurant.
Brooke asked for a martini. Stone ordered it and nothing else.
"Aren't you drinking?" she asked.
"I've already had two."
"Oh, all right, I'm sorry I'm late."
"Thank you."
"I had hoped the decolletage might soothe your impatience."
"The decolletage is not soothing, but stimulating."
"I'm not sure how I could have improved on it."
"Nudity, perhaps."
"That's good. You're more yourself, now."
"A couple of drinks will do that for me."
Brooke laughed, "I thought the dress would get me off the hook."
"If there is a hook involved, I will deal with it later."
She laughed again.
He liked it when she laughed; her breasts moved.
"Okay, time to gaze into my eyes," she said.
"They're lovely eyes," he said, adjusting his field of vision upward.
"What color are they?"
"Grey," he ventured.
"Some would say hazel."
"I won't quibble."
Her martini came, and she took a gulp. "Gotta catch up," she explained.
"No rush." A menu was brought; everything was high Italian.
"I'll have the seafood risotto," she said.
Stone held up two fingers to the waiter.
"Can't you speak?" she asked.
"Just barely. And a bottle of Batard-Montrachet," he said to the sommelier.
"Do you look at the prices, or just the names?" Brooke asked.
"Just the names."
"Because that wine has a breathtaking price next to it."
"It's a breathtaking wine," he replied.
Really? This is supposed to be good dialog? Good plot development?
How could anyone relate to these characters, let alone feel connected or sympathize with them? Who TF cares about these people? The only one I could relate to was the hacker at the end of the story who has to tell Barrington how to spell "avocado". (my imitation of the dialog) "Is the printer plugged in?" "Dumbass," he muttered.
The story could have been told in about half of the 335 pages (hardcover edition). Literally, the only good thing about this book was that it was such an easy read I finished it in about four hours. And that is four hours I will never get back. Before you ask, the reason I suffered through this is that I want to write a book and an author friend of mine says it's occasionally a good idea to read a shit book so you know what NOT to do. Mission accomplished.
I'll start with the characters since I just mentioned them. The characters are about as flat and thin as a page out of a Bible. They are completely unrelatable and I cannot sympathize with any character mentioned in the story. There are 335,798,037 people in the United States according to worldmeters.info. There are 335,798,000 people that are poorer than the main character, his clients, and his friends. The main character has vast and luxury properties in England, New York, LA, and a half dozen other places. They speak of property and flinging around millions of dollars as if they were buying a latte at Starbucks. Their dialog is as clipped and annoying. Nobody talks that way in the real world. Not all the time anyway. Basically, the conversations all have to do with sex, food, money, and the task at hand.
Here are a few excerpts, chosen at random, verbatim:
Stone called Brooke.
"Hello?"
"It's Stone. Do you still want to contact Shep?"
"I do."
"Give me your reason again."
"I'd like to fix him up with a girlfriend of mine."
"And what is her name?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"Because Shep is in a high-security situation, and anyone he communicates with has to be investigated first."
"Investigated for what?"
"I can't be specific. Let's just say for nefarious activities."
"Give me an example of a nefarious activity."
"Any activity conducted for nefarious reasons."
"And what does 'nefarious' mean?"
"What it sounds like."
"That's not good enough."
"Then look it up," Stone said. "You have a dictionary on your phone, don't you?"
"Hang on a minute." She came back a moment later. "None of my friends are nefarious."
"We're not talking about your friends as a group, but this one friend that you want to meet Shep."
"She is not nefarious."
"Good. What is her name?"
"I'm not sure I should tell you."
"Then I'm not sure this conversation shouldn't end right now."
"Oh, all right, it's Phyllis. But she's called Phil, by her friends."
"Surname?"
"You don't need to know that."
"Then I wish you a good day." Stone hung up.
After a count of about eight, Brooke called back. "It's Phyllis Grant."
"Name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and date of birth."
"Why all that?"
"Because that is the information necessary to run a security check. Cough up or hang up."
Brooke coughed up.
"How is it that you know her Social Security number?"
"Because I figured you might ask me for it,' she replied, "and I was right."
"Do you have a street address in Woods Hole, Massachusetts?"
"It's not big enough for street names. Nobody does that."
"Is she married?"
"Formerly."
"To whom?"
"Jeffrey Clark, an investment banker."
"Which bank?"
"Goldman Sachs."
...expect 300 plus pages of the same drivel. It's almost like he waited until the end of his deadline to start writing and then got his 10-year-old grandson to help him write the dialog.
He gave the coat check lady his coat and looked around for Brooke Alley. He sat down at the bar to wait and ordered a Knob Creek on the rocks. After a few minutes the headwaiter approached.
"Good evening, Mr. Barrington."
"Good evening, Gianni."
"Are you meeting someone?"
"Yes. Her name is Brooke Alley."
"Ah."
"Ah?"
"She tends to run late."
"I noticed. How late?"
"About a half hour," he replied.
Stone ordered another drink. At the stroke of eight, Brooke appeared, not looking flustered.
Stone helped her off with her coat and gave it to the coat-check girl. "Did one of us get the time wrong?" he asked Brooke.
"Is that a sly way of asking why I'm late?"
"Not sly enough, apparently."
"A woman needs a little leeway," she said, and they were led to a good table and seated with a view of the whole restaurant.
Brooke asked for a martini. Stone ordered it and nothing else.
"Aren't you drinking?" she asked.
"I've already had two."
"Oh, all right, I'm sorry I'm late."
"Thank you."
"I had hoped the decolletage might soothe your impatience."
"The decolletage is not soothing, but stimulating."
"I'm not sure how I could have improved on it."
"Nudity, perhaps."
"That's good. You're more yourself, now."
"A couple of drinks will do that for me."
Brooke laughed, "I thought the dress would get me off the hook."
"If there is a hook involved, I will deal with it later."
She laughed again.
He liked it when she laughed; her breasts moved.
"Okay, time to gaze into my eyes," she said.
"They're lovely eyes," he said, adjusting his field of vision upward.
"What color are they?"
"Grey," he ventured.
"Some would say hazel."
"I won't quibble."
Her martini came, and she took a gulp. "Gotta catch up," she explained.
"No rush." A menu was brought; everything was high Italian.
"I'll have the seafood risotto," she said.
Stone held up two fingers to the waiter.
"Can't you speak?" she asked.
"Just barely. And a bottle of Batard-Montrachet," he said to the sommelier.
"Do you look at the prices, or just the names?" Brooke asked.
"Just the names."
"Because that wine has a breathtaking price next to it."
"It's a breathtaking wine," he replied.
Really? This is supposed to be good dialog? Good plot development?
How could anyone relate to these characters, let alone feel connected or sympathize with them? Who TF cares about these people? The only one I could relate to was the hacker at the end of the story who has to tell Barrington how to spell "avocado". (my imitation of the dialog) "Is the printer plugged in?" "Dumbass," he muttered.
The story could have been told in about half of the 335 pages (hardcover edition). Literally, the only good thing about this book was that it was such an easy read I finished it in about four hours. And that is four hours I will never get back. Before you ask, the reason I suffered through this is that I want to write a book and an author friend of mine says it's occasionally a good idea to read a shit book so you know what NOT to do. Mission accomplished.
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