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Teddy Fay #2
The Money Shot
In the exhilarating new adventure from #1 New York Times-bestselling author Stuart Woods, Teddy Fay races to stop a scheme of extortion and a hostile takeover.
Ever a man of mystery and intrigue, Teddy Fay has donned a new disguise--that of Mark Weldon, a stuntman and actor starring in Centurion Studios' newest film. When the picture's leading lady begins receiving blackmail threats, Teddy is in the perfect position to investigate, and it soon becomes clear that the villains have more in their sights than just money. Money they've got. What they need is prestige, the cache of a respected studio to lend authority and legitimacy to their artistic endeavors . . . and a little bit of vengeance in the bargain.
From the seedy hidden corners of Los Angeles to the glamorous Hollywood Hills, it will take every ounce of Teddy's cunning to save an actress's career, protect the studio, and finish filming Centurion's next big hit.
Ever a man of mystery and intrigue, Teddy Fay has donned a new disguise--that of Mark Weldon, a stuntman and actor starring in Centurion Studios' newest film. When the picture's leading lady begins receiving blackmail threats, Teddy is in the perfect position to investigate, and it soon becomes clear that the villains have more in their sights than just money. Money they've got. What they need is prestige, the cache of a respected studio to lend authority and legitimacy to their artistic endeavors . . . and a little bit of vengeance in the bargain.
From the seedy hidden corners of Los Angeles to the glamorous Hollywood Hills, it will take every ounce of Teddy's cunning to save an actress's career, protect the studio, and finish filming Centurion's next big hit.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2018
3034 people are currently reading
1021 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 259 reviews
October 7, 2018
Meet Teddy Fay, ex C.I.A.
Working Hollywood with a part to play.
Ted's lookin for some scum from a movie scene,
With his eyes on murderin, blackmailin fiends.
Once Teddy's done with'em they got nuttin to say.
7 of 10 stars
Working Hollywood with a part to play.
Ted's lookin for some scum from a movie scene,
With his eyes on murderin, blackmailin fiends.
Once Teddy's done with'em they got nuttin to say.
7 of 10 stars
June 6, 2020
Ex-CIA assassin Teddy Fay is working as producer Billy Barnett at Centurion Studios and also as stuntman Mark Weldon. When leading lady Tessa Bachetti is targeted by a blackmailer, whose endgame is more than just money, she turns to Teddy for help and his name also comes up as a potential savior when a Las Vegas casino owner's business is threatened by a mobster. All of a sudden, everyone wants him dead. Good fun.
August 18, 2018
I always enjoy a good Stuart Woods book! I’ve been reading them for years & remember when Teddy Fay came on the scene. He’s evolved into quite the character & I enjoy this spin off series with him.
August 18, 2018
From the first time I met the character of Teddy Fay in another of Stuart Wood's series, I thought what an interesting character...he needs his own series. Mr. Woods must have heard my thoughts because soon after that the first book in the Teddy Fay series was released. He's a "good guy/bad guy" that is so incredibly versatile and clever in his approach to crime fighting. You will love him for his ingenuity if nothing else. These books are fast reads with intriguing plots but the reader never feels cheated. Looking forward to many more adventures with Teddy.
August 29, 2018
Stuart Woods takes a page from the James Patterson playbook and uses a co-writer, Parnell Hall to tell this Teddy Fay adventure. Classic Stuart Woods - a tight plot with distinctive villains. This book is an ideal summer read.
September 23, 2021
Teddy Fay is turning out to be one of my favorite characters ( I think I like him even more than Stone), He is one of those characters that skirts the fine line between good and bad and one of those characters you cannot help but love.
There is nothing deep and meaningful in these books they are exciting, fast and easy reads, add to that they have a great story and you have a book worth picking up.
There is nothing deep and meaningful in these books they are exciting, fast and easy reads, add to that they have a great story and you have a book worth picking up.
December 28, 2018
All the Stuart Woods series are a real "guilty pleasure" read for me...no message, just a quick, great story with characters that you want to follow...This a Teddy Fay segment of the world of Stone Barrington...Fay an uber-capable ex-CIA operative, now a producer with Centurion Studios confronts 2 distinctly different shady hostile takeovers, one in Hollywood & one in Las Vegas, with wonderful ease...The usual FUN stuff!!!
October 6, 2018
Audio book read by Tony Roberts
I love Teddy Fay!
ex-CIA agent, movie producer, now stunt man but excellent at disguises and killing bad guys.
Teddy arranges two sets of villains to meet and take each other out, but not before Teddy is threatened by hit man Slythe, has his house burned down and is shot during a scene in the movie Teddy is acting in.
All in all, a satisfying, quick read.
I love Teddy Fay!
ex-CIA agent, movie producer, now stunt man but excellent at disguises and killing bad guys.
Teddy arranges two sets of villains to meet and take each other out, but not before Teddy is threatened by hit man Slythe, has his house burned down and is shot during a scene in the movie Teddy is acting in.
All in all, a satisfying, quick read.
August 15, 2018
3 1/2.
February 21, 2024
This was a good enjoyable book it was different then the first one in the series but still good I like the action and the story kept me thinking although at times I felt like the author over explains simple things that have nothing to do with the story at one point he goes on about how teddy has to install a lock and how he has to buy the stuff and how to install it and how he does not need all the tools he had to buy and none of that had anything to do with the story and just made it feel long for no reason but other then that I really enjoyed it and will be reading the next one in the series
September 6, 2018
I never can go wrong reading Stuart Woods! This one is mostly about Teddy Fay, but still an exciting read. Stone Barrington only made one appearance in this book, but. The book is still worth the time to read. One thing I know about Stuart Woods is once I pick it up, I will not put it down until I am finished
December 14, 2018
Not as good as the other Fay tales but still a fun read. Teddy is balancing too many things at the same time. Producer / actor - stunt man / hiding from most everyone in plain sight. Things catch up to him and he is almost forced to lose all his identities as people try to kill him again and again.
December 7, 2019
Lighthearted, fun and fast paced I enjoyed this novel even thought it is the literary equivalent of junk food.
The words 'action packed' and 'unbelievable' come to mind.
If you are OK with unidimensional characters and an almost cartoonish plot, this one is for you. "The Money Shot" is a quick, mildly entertaining read that is mostly forgettable. The actual rating is 2.5 stars rounded up.
The words 'action packed' and 'unbelievable' come to mind.
If you are OK with unidimensional characters and an almost cartoonish plot, this one is for you. "The Money Shot" is a quick, mildly entertaining read that is mostly forgettable. The actual rating is 2.5 stars rounded up.
September 3, 2018
SUBJECTIVE READER REVIEW WITH PLOT SPOILERS FOLLOWS:
First of all, it's so nice to take a break from the aging Stone Barrington that when you make Teddy Fay the protagonist, and his mission is to look over the young flock of Barringtons and Bachettis, it's actually kind of a relief. Now Woods makes it interesting with the inclusion of the Mafia casino owner and all, none of whom can seem to outwit Teddy Fay. The real snatch to this book is that Peter Barrington's wife Tessa is trailing some baggage. Not horrible shit, but worthy of blackmail if one is especially worried about one's public image.
Tessa Tweed had a boyfriend Nigel Hightower back in her college days in England, and Nigel was mischievous enough to secretly film a hot sexual episode during their dalliance. The cad kept a copy of the DVD, mentioned this fact to the wrong ears and suddenly the mob's interested in him because they see paydirt. So the cad Nigel sells it to a couple of unscrupulous Hollywood studio owner wannabees, and they use it for leverage in the most interesting way. Backed by mob money, the duo make a run at a hostile takeover of Centurion Studios, and they need Tessa's 7.5% of Centurion stock to be voted their way and wham, they own the place. But Teddy ain't gonna let that happen, not while he's still alive.
So what's the big deal, right? Tessa's now become a budding A-list starring actress, and the sex tape would cast the wrong aspersions besides being embarrassed to hell and back. But trust me, Teddy knows how to take a lickin' and keep on tickin'! Again, a nice departure from 'how will Stone spend another hundred million' instalment. Read it and enjoy it--maybe a cross-country flight?
First of all, it's so nice to take a break from the aging Stone Barrington that when you make Teddy Fay the protagonist, and his mission is to look over the young flock of Barringtons and Bachettis, it's actually kind of a relief. Now Woods makes it interesting with the inclusion of the Mafia casino owner and all, none of whom can seem to outwit Teddy Fay. The real snatch to this book is that Peter Barrington's wife Tessa is trailing some baggage. Not horrible shit, but worthy of blackmail if one is especially worried about one's public image.
Tessa Tweed had a boyfriend Nigel Hightower back in her college days in England, and Nigel was mischievous enough to secretly film a hot sexual episode during their dalliance. The cad kept a copy of the DVD, mentioned this fact to the wrong ears and suddenly the mob's interested in him because they see paydirt. So the cad Nigel sells it to a couple of unscrupulous Hollywood studio owner wannabees, and they use it for leverage in the most interesting way. Backed by mob money, the duo make a run at a hostile takeover of Centurion Studios, and they need Tessa's 7.5% of Centurion stock to be voted their way and wham, they own the place. But Teddy ain't gonna let that happen, not while he's still alive.
So what's the big deal, right? Tessa's now become a budding A-list starring actress, and the sex tape would cast the wrong aspersions besides being embarrassed to hell and back. But trust me, Teddy knows how to take a lickin' and keep on tickin'! Again, a nice departure from 'how will Stone spend another hundred million' instalment. Read it and enjoy it--maybe a cross-country flight?
September 2, 2018
3.5 stars. Former CIA operative Teddy Fay assumes a new identity as stuntman Mark Weldon and is working on set of a new movie by Centurion which is owned by Stone Barrington's son Peter. Tessa, wife of Peter's partner Ben, is being blackmailed with an old sex tape so she goes to Teddy for help. In addition to this storyline, Teddy is recognized in his disguise and reported to a casino owner in Las Vegas who is being bothered by the mob. When the casino owner asks Teddy to help him, the mob comes after Teddy.
I just noticed that this Teddy Fay series is being co-authored by Parnell Hall with Stuart Woods. Shades of James Patterson. The chapters are also quite short, in the Patterson style.
I find Teddy Fay infinitely more interesting than Stone Barrington these days. This book was a fun, entertaining read full of action.
I just noticed that this Teddy Fay series is being co-authored by Parnell Hall with Stuart Woods. Shades of James Patterson. The chapters are also quite short, in the Patterson style.
I find Teddy Fay infinitely more interesting than Stone Barrington these days. This book was a fun, entertaining read full of action.
August 23, 2018
(2). These Stuart Woods books have become like my breakfast (usually my favorite meal of the day). I choose between my granola, yogurt, muesli or some other traditional thing. Here we get Stone Barrington, Holly Barker, once in a while Ed Eagle, and lately, Teddy Fay. They are all relatively simple, over the top, and totally comforting, entertaining and do a great job of getting you through the day. Teddy is a great character, and this story has a fun double plot going on with the most creative solution I have read in a while. Woods puts out a new book every 3 months, and I look forward to them all. Very dependable fun.
August 29, 2018
Teddy Fay returns, this time posing as stuntman Mike Weldon working on Peter Barrington’s new movie for Centurion Studios. When the leading lady is threatened, Teddy investigates and learning that there is much more at stake than a cash payment. But who is behind the extortion scheme? And just what lies at the heart of their threats?
Delightfully clever, filled with unexpected twists and turns, the narrative spins out its story at breakneck speed. And if it’s all somewhat over the top, who cares? It’s still great fun, and a satisfying, quick read as well.
Highly recommended.
Delightfully clever, filled with unexpected twists and turns, the narrative spins out its story at breakneck speed. And if it’s all somewhat over the top, who cares? It’s still great fun, and a satisfying, quick read as well.
Highly recommended.
March 25, 2019
I really like Stuart Woods' writing and his quick wit! I absolutely adored Holly Barker so was excited to see a new character come aboard with Teddy Fay and Woods doesn't disappoint with the Teddy Fay series either!
I love that these stories aren't long and drawn out and was able to finish this in a day! I like that it's fast-paced and gets right to the point, and the fact that Teddy Fay seems invincible!
Overall, excellent story!
I love that these stories aren't long and drawn out and was able to finish this in a day! I like that it's fast-paced and gets right to the point, and the fact that Teddy Fay seems invincible!
Overall, excellent story!
September 29, 2018
Quick read. Good.
September 27, 2021
These are rather fun "shoot em up" books as a change from anything more serious.
June 6, 2024
Entertaining and so funny.Teddy,movie directors and bad actors and stuntman..
October 14, 2019
My 3 year old bought this for me as a gift because he liked the helicopter.
I read it out of love and respect for his gift.
It was awful.
I read it out of love and respect for his gift.
It was awful.
March 31, 2020
I’m reading the Teddy Fay books from newest to oldest. It’s not how I usually tackle a series, but reading book two after book three did nothing to hurt my enjoyment. It was a fun quick read.
September 23, 2018
I gave this book 3 stars only because it was an entertaining 3 hour read, lol.
August 24, 2023
August 2023. I would go 2 1/2 stars.
dec 2021. I. like this story more than only 1 *. Contrived it a good word for this story.
Dec 2020 Apparently I didn't bother to look at my Goodreads rating of 2 stars so today I've reduced it to ONE STAR. There was something consistently unfamiliar with the "bad guys" in this story ( of which there were many...). I stand by my 2018 review. You can't win them all!!!!!!!
December 2018. In this story Stone Barrington has no whimsy to his personality. Teddy Fay has minimal cleverness and none of his security and safety gimmicks. The arson attempt would have been foiled by many perimeter electronic safeguards. The "real" Teddy would not have slept in a room without multiple modes of departure. Fortunately, the ending was fine.
dec 2021. I. like this story more than only 1 *. Contrived it a good word for this story.
Dec 2020 Apparently I didn't bother to look at my Goodreads rating of 2 stars so today I've reduced it to ONE STAR. There was something consistently unfamiliar with the "bad guys" in this story ( of which there were many...). I stand by my 2018 review. You can't win them all!!!!!!!
December 2018. In this story Stone Barrington has no whimsy to his personality. Teddy Fay has minimal cleverness and none of his security and safety gimmicks. The arson attempt would have been foiled by many perimeter electronic safeguards. The "real" Teddy would not have slept in a room without multiple modes of departure. Fortunately, the ending was fine.
December 25, 2024
Another one of Stuart Woods shallow plots. This volume features Teddy Fay, the man of all trades who is now acting as a stunt man on a feature film at Centurion Studios when a blackmail plot arises involving the actress starring In the film. The book is very predictable. The clues are really light. The book was co-authored by Parnell Hall, and I really enjoyed the two previous books by these writer a lot more. Woods has his usual not not to send him ideas for future books. Maybe it’s time he reversed that policy and listened to some readers of his novels.
July 26, 2022
I am a real fan of Teddy Fay. This guy gets the job done.
August 27, 2018
#2 in the Teddy Fay series. This 2018 series entry by author Woods and co-author Parnell Hall continues this spin-off series of Woods long running Stone Barrington series. As in all of Woods series, this is a fun soap opera featuring the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Here the venue switches to Hollywood with a fascinating look at filmmaking and a nefarious scheme to take over the studio. An interesting turn is that there are two sets of villains, a situation not initially apparent to our protagonist. A page-turner.
Teddy is working as a stunt man on an action film for Centurion Studios in Hollywood when the female lead, Tessa Bachetti, comes to him with a problem. Someone is threatening to release a compromising video taken without Tessa's knowledge during her student days at Oxford. Exposure could ruin her career, unless she agrees to vote her shares in Centurion stock in favor of the blackmailers, hidden by shell companies, who are seeking a hostile takeover of the studio at the next shareholders meeting. Teddy sets out to identify and take out those behind the scheme, who then burn down his house and otherwise try to eliminate him.
Teddy is working as a stunt man on an action film for Centurion Studios in Hollywood when the female lead, Tessa Bachetti, comes to him with a problem. Someone is threatening to release a compromising video taken without Tessa's knowledge during her student days at Oxford. Exposure could ruin her career, unless she agrees to vote her shares in Centurion stock in favor of the blackmailers, hidden by shell companies, who are seeking a hostile takeover of the studio at the next shareholders meeting. Teddy sets out to identify and take out those behind the scheme, who then burn down his house and otherwise try to eliminate him.
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December 1, 2019The Money Shot
(Teddy Fay #2)
by Stuart Woods, Parnell Hall (Goodreads Author)
3.85 · Rating details · 2,045 ratings · 185 reviews
In the exhilarating new adventure from #1 New York Times-bestselling author Stuart Woods, Teddy Fay races to stop a scheme of extortion and a hostile takeover.
Ever a man of mystery and intrigue, Teddy Fay has donned a new disguise--that of Mark Weldon, a stuntman and actor starring in Centurion Studios' newest film. When the picture's leading lady begins receiving blackmail threats, Teddy is in the perfect position to investigate, and it soon becomes clear that the villains have more in their sights than just money. Money they've got. What they need is prestige, the cache of a respected studio to lend authority and legitimacy to their artistic endeavors . . . and a little bit of vengeance in the bargain.
From the seedy hidden corners of Los Angeles to the glamorous Hollywood Hills, it will take every ounce of Teddy's cunning to save an actress's career, protect the studio, and finish filming Centurion's next big hit. (less)
(Teddy Fay #2)
by Stuart Woods, Parnell Hall (Goodreads Author)
3.85 · Rating details · 2,045 ratings · 185 reviews
In the exhilarating new adventure from #1 New York Times-bestselling author Stuart Woods, Teddy Fay races to stop a scheme of extortion and a hostile takeover.
Ever a man of mystery and intrigue, Teddy Fay has donned a new disguise--that of Mark Weldon, a stuntman and actor starring in Centurion Studios' newest film. When the picture's leading lady begins receiving blackmail threats, Teddy is in the perfect position to investigate, and it soon becomes clear that the villains have more in their sights than just money. Money they've got. What they need is prestige, the cache of a respected studio to lend authority and legitimacy to their artistic endeavors . . . and a little bit of vengeance in the bargain.
From the seedy hidden corners of Los Angeles to the glamorous Hollywood Hills, it will take every ounce of Teddy's cunning to save an actress's career, protect the studio, and finish filming Centurion's next big hit. (less)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2020
This was a Christmas gift and my introduction to Stuart Woods. It's right up my alley as I enjoy crime fiction and a story full of action and intrigue.
Teddy Fay is a former CIA operative who poses as a movie producer, and a stuntman/actor on the movie set also, among other IDs. He investigates after the lead actress, and studio chief's wife, is the target of a blackmail scheme, which coincides with a casino battle between a mobster and an old Fay associate in Las Vegas. Eventually the two situations get intertwined.
This isn't a literary masterpiece by any means, but it is a fun read. I went through it in about five days with it being a page-turner (the short chapters help in getting through it). I thought it was a little too much to believe that Fay could keep all of his IDs hidden from each other, but it's fun to see him actually do it. This is pure escapism and very entertaining if you're into the action genre. I will definitely be checking out more of Stuart Woods' work in the future.
Teddy Fay is a former CIA operative who poses as a movie producer, and a stuntman/actor on the movie set also, among other IDs. He investigates after the lead actress, and studio chief's wife, is the target of a blackmail scheme, which coincides with a casino battle between a mobster and an old Fay associate in Las Vegas. Eventually the two situations get intertwined.
This isn't a literary masterpiece by any means, but it is a fun read. I went through it in about five days with it being a page-turner (the short chapters help in getting through it). I thought it was a little too much to believe that Fay could keep all of his IDs hidden from each other, but it's fun to see him actually do it. This is pure escapism and very entertaining if you're into the action genre. I will definitely be checking out more of Stuart Woods' work in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews