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Stone Barrington #62
Black Dog
In this exhilarating new thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Stuart Woods, Stone Barrington is back and better than ever.
Stone Barrington thought he had seen it all, but his skill is put to the test like never before in this exciting adventure.
Stone Barrington thought he had seen it all, but his skill is put to the test like never before in this exciting adventure.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 2, 2022
848 people are currently reading
928 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 358 reviews
August 9, 2022
Did I just read a Stuart Woods book?😲
Wow!!
I said in my review for book #60, that I need a break from the new Stuart Woods book. BUT I guess I logged on to Overdrive at the right moment (must be fate✨) when they just uploaded all the new releases and I saw "Borrow" button not "Place Hold". I couldn't believe my eyes that I was so lucky so I had to grab it fast before it was gone. I'm so happy that I did because Black Dog actually has a good story, well thought villain, and very little sex. OMG... can you believe that?! 😂
I will not give any plot summary because this one is so freaking good and full of surprises! If you've been following this series, you will enjoy this one. The table has turned!🤭💕
I'm not sure if previous books mentioned Stone's age (I don't recall) but you'll find out in this one.🤐
Update: I learned about Stuart Woods's death from GR friend (Thank you Bill). Woods passed away July 22, 2022. RIP Mr. Woods and thank you for giving us so much enjoyment from your novels over the years. 🌟❤
Wow!!
I said in my review for book #60, that I need a break from the new Stuart Woods book. BUT I guess I logged on to Overdrive at the right moment (must be fate✨) when they just uploaded all the new releases and I saw "Borrow" button not "Place Hold". I couldn't believe my eyes that I was so lucky so I had to grab it fast before it was gone. I'm so happy that I did because Black Dog actually has a good story, well thought villain, and very little sex. OMG... can you believe that?! 😂
I will not give any plot summary because this one is so freaking good and full of surprises! If you've been following this series, you will enjoy this one. The table has turned!🤭💕
I'm not sure if previous books mentioned Stone's age (I don't recall) but you'll find out in this one.🤐
Update: I learned about Stuart Woods's death from GR friend (Thank you Bill). Woods passed away July 22, 2022. RIP Mr. Woods and thank you for giving us so much enjoyment from your novels over the years. 🌟❤
July 23, 2022
Stuart Woods brings danger and suspense to book sixty-two in the Stone Barrington series. Stone’s secretary, Joan Robertson, introduces him to Annetta Charles who wants to make a new will. This socialite has a staggering inheritance and wants Stone to take care of it and she will consider giving him all of her legal business. Annetta has some unusual ties and an enemy that is threatening her.
By this time in the series, Stone’s character is well developed. The great thing about this novel is that Joan plays a large role in the story. Readers gain a greater understanding of how she responds to danger and how her outlook changes as events occur. There are always several new characters as well as some visits from characters from previous books giving the series even more continuity. Reconnecting with these old friends was effortless. The person thought to be the antagonist is very unlikeable and irritating, but smart. However, is he the villain or a red herring?
This riveting mystery keeps readers flying through the pages from start to finish. I found myself wondering which truths and lies would be revealed next. The dialogue feels natural and flows well. It pulls readers into the inner world of the characters. It’s well-plotted with characters that feel real and who respond to situations realistically. Unpredictable moments in the story keep readers on their toes. I enjoyed the subtle humor that was interspersed within the novel.
I only had two quibbles. The first relates to the house search, and what is found and not found. I can’t say more without spoilers. The second relates to the ending. I wanted a tad more closure through perhaps a short epilogue. Despite this, Woods continues to deliver exciting and well-written crime thrillers. He is a great storyteller, and this installment weaves murder, death, greed, jealousy, friendship, and family into a tale that pulls one in and keeps readers hooked to the end.
Overall, this was tense and exciting novel with danger, action, and the possibility of romance. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next in the series. If you enjoy crime and murder mysteries, then I recommend that you check out this series. If you enjoy quality drama that’s packed with suspense, this was it. While the series is best read in order, the crimes within this one are self-contained. However, readers would be missing a lot background and character development.
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Stuart Woods provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for August 2, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
By this time in the series, Stone’s character is well developed. The great thing about this novel is that Joan plays a large role in the story. Readers gain a greater understanding of how she responds to danger and how her outlook changes as events occur. There are always several new characters as well as some visits from characters from previous books giving the series even more continuity. Reconnecting with these old friends was effortless. The person thought to be the antagonist is very unlikeable and irritating, but smart. However, is he the villain or a red herring?
This riveting mystery keeps readers flying through the pages from start to finish. I found myself wondering which truths and lies would be revealed next. The dialogue feels natural and flows well. It pulls readers into the inner world of the characters. It’s well-plotted with characters that feel real and who respond to situations realistically. Unpredictable moments in the story keep readers on their toes. I enjoyed the subtle humor that was interspersed within the novel.
I only had two quibbles. The first relates to the house search, and what is found and not found. I can’t say more without spoilers. The second relates to the ending. I wanted a tad more closure through perhaps a short epilogue. Despite this, Woods continues to deliver exciting and well-written crime thrillers. He is a great storyteller, and this installment weaves murder, death, greed, jealousy, friendship, and family into a tale that pulls one in and keeps readers hooked to the end.
Overall, this was tense and exciting novel with danger, action, and the possibility of romance. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next in the series. If you enjoy crime and murder mysteries, then I recommend that you check out this series. If you enjoy quality drama that’s packed with suspense, this was it. While the series is best read in order, the crimes within this one are self-contained. However, readers would be missing a lot background and character development.
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Stuart Woods provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for August 2, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
August 7, 2022
This rare occasion of Woods focus on the story instead of juvenile sexual conquests. 8 of 10 stars
December 16, 2022
One of the better Stone Barrington books of late: too bad that author Stuart Woods passed away in late July, days before this was published. Stone's longtime assistant Joan introduces her uber wealthy aunt Annetta, who wants to modify her will to provide for his stepson Eddie Jr., but limit his inheritance to a generous monthly stipend, but leave Stone as trustee for anything more and furthermore, places a condition that he avoid her to even be entitled to this amount. This puts her and Stone into Eddie Jr.'s crosshairs as he is a spoiled brat. The good news is that Woods mostly substitutes plot for Stone's sex life in this one. Eddie Jr. is furious when he finds out he is no longer the sole heir of the money earned by his father and decides to take matters into his own hands. As things get dicey, Dino, the police, and Security Solutions get involved, but Joan is a force with which to be reckoned.
June 25, 2022
My thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons, and to NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Black Dog.
When Stone Barrington is introduced to a glamorous socialite who has a staggering inheritance, he realizes his days are about to be anything but quiet. The primary storyline tells of the difficulties in getting rid of an unwanted stalker, which doesn't sound hilarious, but it was! This person was referred to as a black dog, rather than a black sheep, hence the title of the book.
There's nothing like jumping into a series at #62 but it grabbed me from the first time I chuckled aloud, and the laughs kept coming! I so enjoyed the repartee between all of the characters! Hands down, Joan, with her quick wit, was my favorite character.
Black Dog was definitely an enjoyable, escapist read!
#BlackDog #NetGalley
When Stone Barrington is introduced to a glamorous socialite who has a staggering inheritance, he realizes his days are about to be anything but quiet. The primary storyline tells of the difficulties in getting rid of an unwanted stalker, which doesn't sound hilarious, but it was! This person was referred to as a black dog, rather than a black sheep, hence the title of the book.
There's nothing like jumping into a series at #62 but it grabbed me from the first time I chuckled aloud, and the laughs kept coming! I so enjoyed the repartee between all of the characters! Hands down, Joan, with her quick wit, was my favorite character.
Black Dog was definitely an enjoyable, escapist read!
#BlackDog #NetGalley
July 31, 2022
Prolific author Stuart Woods passed away July 22, 2022, I'm sorry to say - just a few days before this book was released. But I'm comforted by knowing he wrote more than 90 novels in his 84 years and that I've read most of those in his popular Stone Barrington series (of which this is the 62nd). I'm sure I speak for other readers when I say he'll be missed.
As far as the Barrington books go, while I've grumbled about the somewhat boring content of some (at one point, I referred to him in my reviews as Stone Yawnington), the last few have been quite enjoyable. And I must say this one is notable to me because of the humor - yes, I out-loud chuckled my way through it, polishing it off in the equivalent of maybe half a day just because I wanted to.
This time out, Stone's uber-efficient secretary, Joan Robertson, plays a leading role. For openers, she brings her mother's youngest sister, Annetta Charles, into Stone's prestigious law firm as his client. An extremely wealthy recent widow, she wants to make a new will - and the firm gets the potential to earn a goodly amount of "rain," as Stone puts it (methinks he's become quite woke since the last book). It also puts Stone in contact with Annetta's stepson, a young man she dubs "Black Dog" because he's "too awful" to be a black sheep. To say he's an obnoxious pest would be a kindness; unfortunately, it just may be he's dangerous to boot.
As the story progresses, Stone (and Joan) try their best to keep him at bay and themselves alive, but most of the time the best they can do is play clean-up. No one is safe - not Stone, nor Joan, nor even Stone's friend and police commissioner Dino Bacchetti. But despite everybody's suspicions, the jerk somehow manages to elude detection and certainly arrest - even when murder is involved. Throughout it all, Stone and Dino don't miss a beat - and neither do they miss many of their nightly dinners at some of New York's finest restaurants. Stone's well-known penchant for bedding beautiful women seems turned down a notch, but that's probably more from lack of opportunity than desire.
I can't say the rather abrupt ending was satisfying to me, but for Stone, all's well that ends well as usual. All in all, it's another fun romp that loyal readers should love. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for providing me with a pre-release copy.
As far as the Barrington books go, while I've grumbled about the somewhat boring content of some (at one point, I referred to him in my reviews as Stone Yawnington), the last few have been quite enjoyable. And I must say this one is notable to me because of the humor - yes, I out-loud chuckled my way through it, polishing it off in the equivalent of maybe half a day just because I wanted to.
This time out, Stone's uber-efficient secretary, Joan Robertson, plays a leading role. For openers, she brings her mother's youngest sister, Annetta Charles, into Stone's prestigious law firm as his client. An extremely wealthy recent widow, she wants to make a new will - and the firm gets the potential to earn a goodly amount of "rain," as Stone puts it (methinks he's become quite woke since the last book). It also puts Stone in contact with Annetta's stepson, a young man she dubs "Black Dog" because he's "too awful" to be a black sheep. To say he's an obnoxious pest would be a kindness; unfortunately, it just may be he's dangerous to boot.
As the story progresses, Stone (and Joan) try their best to keep him at bay and themselves alive, but most of the time the best they can do is play clean-up. No one is safe - not Stone, nor Joan, nor even Stone's friend and police commissioner Dino Bacchetti. But despite everybody's suspicions, the jerk somehow manages to elude detection and certainly arrest - even when murder is involved. Throughout it all, Stone and Dino don't miss a beat - and neither do they miss many of their nightly dinners at some of New York's finest restaurants. Stone's well-known penchant for bedding beautiful women seems turned down a notch, but that's probably more from lack of opportunity than desire.
I can't say the rather abrupt ending was satisfying to me, but for Stone, all's well that ends well as usual. All in all, it's another fun romp that loyal readers should love. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for providing me with a pre-release copy.
August 5, 2022
Very Disappointed
I’ve read every Stone Barrington book this book was lackluster, at best. Every Stone Book over the last several years has a different voice, but this ghost writer was the absolute worse!
I’ve read every Stone Barrington book this book was lackluster, at best. Every Stone Book over the last several years has a different voice, but this ghost writer was the absolute worse!
August 4, 2022
Cheesy but entertaining. Stone is introduced to Joan's aunt who is a super wealthy woman who wants a new will drawn up. She has a pain in the butt stepson Eddie, that seems to be everywhere. Auntie turns up dead and the adventure continues .
Not as many bed romps as usual - only one this time although Stone does meet a few other women -one of which has a name "Sandy Beech"- really super cheesy! He spends the book either dodging Eddie or searching for him.
The end was just abrupt and a bit unsatisfying.
Not as many bed romps as usual - only one this time although Stone does meet a few other women -one of which has a name "Sandy Beech"- really super cheesy! He spends the book either dodging Eddie or searching for him.
The end was just abrupt and a bit unsatisfying.
July 27, 2022
Over the top fun!
I hadn't read any Stone Barrington novels for a time and forgot what fun they are. Oh, sure, there's mystery, shoot 'em ups and all that, but I come for the fun. And it's got plenty of that along with plot twists, red herrings, and a cast of friends and associates that you needn't have read any others to appreciate. The publisher's blurb is interesting but kind of boring. NOT like the book! Read it in one morning avoiding dishes and laundry.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons via NetGalley. Thank you!
I hadn't read any Stone Barrington novels for a time and forgot what fun they are. Oh, sure, there's mystery, shoot 'em ups and all that, but I come for the fun. And it's got plenty of that along with plot twists, red herrings, and a cast of friends and associates that you needn't have read any others to appreciate. The publisher's blurb is interesting but kind of boring. NOT like the book! Read it in one morning avoiding dishes and laundry.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons via NetGalley. Thank you!
May 25, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Another will written murder mystery family and friends relationships adventure thriller novel by Stuart Woods A Stone Barrington Series book 62. Stone Barrington becomes the attorney for a female relative of Joan's and writes her a new will. The next day she is found dead in her home. Joan inherits her money 💰 and real estate. Making Joan very rich and the fun begins. I would highly recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀😯👒
Another will written murder mystery family and friends relationships adventure thriller novel by Stuart Woods A Stone Barrington Series book 62. Stone Barrington becomes the attorney for a female relative of Joan's and writes her a new will. The next day she is found dead in her home. Joan inherits her money 💰 and real estate. Making Joan very rich and the fun begins. I would highly recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀😯👒
July 17, 2022
Another entertaining read with Stone Barrington tackling a case involving his own secretary, Joan.
Lots of action to keep you engaged.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Lots of action to keep you engaged.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 24, 2022
A suspense mystery - good story - you know who is doing the murders but you don't know how many will be killed before he is caught or how he will be caught , interesting character -Read as a "stand alone" and no problem with knowing the characters.
September 13, 2022
Love love love his books. They are just quick easy reads full of excitement and entertainment with some suspense.
August 5, 2022
What a fun read! The most enjoyable Stone Barrington in a long time. It has humor, suspense, murder and a little sex. Very little sex compared to the typical Stone book. I almost gave up on this series a while back, but I’m glad didn’t.
January 26, 2025
January 2025….. For me, the bloom is off this story. It doesn’t age well. Glad to see that in 2024 I wrote “not a satisfying ending. “. My final farewell to this story.
2024 remains the Joan Extravaganza
October 2023 This could be “The Joan Extravaganza”.
June 2023 just learned Stuart Woods died on July 22, 2022. I’m one of the Woods addicts but it got more difficult to enjoy of lower of standards. Didn’t stop me from reading less than stellar stories. Joan plays a central role in this story. Once again we are exposed to Wood’s attitude towards sex and unbelievable personal wealth.
Farewell Stuart and Stone!!!
January 2023 … better than most of the recent Stone stories. Surprising premise. I was disappointed in the abrupt ending. Not satisfying ending.
2024 remains the Joan Extravaganza
October 2023 This could be “The Joan Extravaganza”.
June 2023 just learned Stuart Woods died on July 22, 2022. I’m one of the Woods addicts but it got more difficult to enjoy of lower of standards. Didn’t stop me from reading less than stellar stories. Joan plays a central role in this story. Once again we are exposed to Wood’s attitude towards sex and unbelievable personal wealth.
Farewell Stuart and Stone!!!
January 2023 … better than most of the recent Stone stories. Surprising premise. I was disappointed in the abrupt ending. Not satisfying ending.
August 7, 2022
A vastly improved Stone Barrington series entry. Joan’s aunt becomes Stone’s client. Her stepson, trust fund supported Eddie, adds humor and drama as he demonstrates his brains and his total self-centered lifestyle. Joan becomes the central figure in this story, a nice touch. There are murders for Stone and Dino to pursue. And some snappy shootouts throughout. And only one female visitor to Stone’s upstairs. A quick read. There is little need to quibble about some questionable details. Just enjoy the action during the couple hours of entertainment. Rest In Peace Stuart Woods. You brought an up-note to the end of this long-running series.
August 20, 2022
This book renewed my faith in Woods’ writing ability as it returned to the central traits that made Stone a fun read—allowing him to be a great attorney and friend rather than a poor take of an Ian Fleming character. No mention of the three letter agency that often consumes Woods recent storylines or writings that appeal to middle school boys’ locker rooms. This was a fun novel which also gave a central role to one of Woods’’ least utilized characters, Stone’s secretary/assistant. A quick read that was most of what can be desired in a novel.
October 21, 2022
The Stuart Woods Stone Barrington series is such a guilty pleasure...I like to keep up with the "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous"...It's a good thing the characters have lots of sex or they'd all be 300 pounds with all the fine dining they partake of...In this one, Stone's longtime assistant Joan inherits mega-millions uber wealthy aunt and the aunt's son attempts to wreak revenge for that slight...Lots of fun, but I understand Woods, passed away after this one was published...Anyone up for being a "Legacy Author?"
September 14, 2024
This storyline gave more space to Joan Robertson, Stone's long-time secretary. In this plot, Joan is the heir (via an aunt) to a large estate ($$$$) and a very large home. Of course, there is a step-son to the aunt who thinks much of this fortune should b his and chaos ensues (as per usual).
Interesting twists and turns along the way. A fast-paced page-turner as I have come to expect where Stone Barrington is involved.
Interesting twists and turns along the way. A fast-paced page-turner as I have come to expect where Stone Barrington is involved.
August 5, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. It is the second last book of this author as he passed away last month. His last book is called Distant Thunder and will be released this October. I have enjoyed reading this authors books and look forward to reading his last book.
October 14, 2022
Quick listen on audiobook - I really enjoyed this Stone Barrington story and loved that Stone's assistant, Joan, was in the middle of everything in this one! Funny how spoiled "adults" who were born with a silver spoon in their mouth are so entitled - but hang on, the ending will blow you away! 7 out of 10.
August 3, 2022
I love this series! This one was fast paced & highly entertaining! I was sad to hear the passing of Stuart Woods and will seriously miss his books. Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for review
July 24, 2024
Nothing special here! Just Stone Barrington #62 at work who was senior partner
at Woodman & Weld a law firm, who now is working from his home office and has to deal with a wayward young man named Eddie Jr.!🥸
at Woodman & Weld a law firm, who now is working from his home office and has to deal with a wayward young man named Eddie Jr.!🥸
September 13, 2022
My Rating: 3.5 Eddie Juniors
A pretty good thriller from Stuart Woods (RIP).
Decent narration of the audio book.
A pretty good thriller from Stuart Woods (RIP).
Decent narration of the audio book.
February 16, 2023
I needed this after reading two very good, but very sad and serious books.
I was torn between 3 and 4 stars. To me, it was 3 star quality but 4 star enjoyment.
I was torn between 3 and 4 stars. To me, it was 3 star quality but 4 star enjoyment.
March 19, 2024
shitty airport read
August 9, 2022
This was a good simple summer fun Stone Barrington.
August 9, 2022
I'm treasuring the last 2 Stone books, I'm going to miss him. RIP Stuart.
September 15, 2022
4.5🌟 What a wild ride this was! One of his best in recent times.
August 6, 2022
Not a good read!
I’ve read and enjoyed all of the Stone Barrington books. Black Dog was disappointing, the plot was thin and the ending was just a set up for a sequel.
I’ve read and enjoyed all of the Stone Barrington books. Black Dog was disappointing, the plot was thin and the ending was just a set up for a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews