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Stone Barrington #64
Near Miss
Stone Barrington faces down a deadly foe in the latest thrilling adventure in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
Following a string of adventures, Stone Barrington is enjoying some downtime in New York City when a chance encounter introduces him to a charming new companion. Too bad she also comes with the baggage of a persistent ex-boyfriend intent on retribution.
As Stone skillfully dodges each disturbance, it soon becomes clear that there is potentially an even more treacherous game being played behind the scenes. And when long-standing grudges resurface, Stone is brought back into the orbit of some familiar enemies. He must use all of his tricks--as well as those of a few old friends--to evade trouble before it's too late. But this time, danger just might catch him.
Following a string of adventures, Stone Barrington is enjoying some downtime in New York City when a chance encounter introduces him to a charming new companion. Too bad she also comes with the baggage of a persistent ex-boyfriend intent on retribution.
As Stone skillfully dodges each disturbance, it soon becomes clear that there is potentially an even more treacherous game being played behind the scenes. And when long-standing grudges resurface, Stone is brought back into the orbit of some familiar enemies. He must use all of his tricks--as well as those of a few old friends--to evade trouble before it's too late. But this time, danger just might catch him.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 6, 2023
850 people are currently reading
800 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 283 reviews
August 10, 2023
Yay, the series is in good hands! 🙌
This is a mystery comedy of the riches with a fun OTT storyline. Listening to this on audio with the wonderful Tony Roberts's narration, I didn't feel any hiccups, the transition is smooth and I'm happy to say it is what I'd expect to get from reading/listening to Stone Barrington books from the late Stuart Woods. The new author for the series, Brett Battles did a terrific job. 3.5⭐
This is a mystery comedy of the riches with a fun OTT storyline. Listening to this on audio with the wonderful Tony Roberts's narration, I didn't feel any hiccups, the transition is smooth and I'm happy to say it is what I'd expect to get from reading/listening to Stone Barrington books from the late Stuart Woods. The new author for the series, Brett Battles did a terrific job. 3.5⭐
June 16, 2023
Brett Battles makes a huge and positive difference for the late Mr. Woods. 9 of 10 stars
March 7, 2023
Near Miss is the 64th book in the Stone Barrington series. I have rad this series from the beginning and enjoy it every time a new book comes out. Stone Barrington is he main character along with others that are in this series. The supporting characters add to the story.
Stone and Dino Bacchetti, police commissioner of New York, are meeting for dinner at Clarke's. Stone and Dino are sitting at the bar waiting for their table. Next to Stone is a woman with her date. He is not very nice towards her. Coming back from the ladies room her date has left leaving her to fend for herself. They start a conversation and Stone tells her that his mother was also named Matilda who was a painter. After dinner he invites her to his house for an after dinner drink.
The next day Trench Molder arrives at his office and speaks to Stone and tells him to stay away from his girlfriend. Stone tells him that Matillda does not want to see him anymore and asks him to leave. When she calls him to thank him for rescuing her he invites her to his house for dinner. In the meantime, Trench goes to his gym and speaks to Huff, a trainer and tells him that he wants to rough up Stone and put him in the hospital.
The next day when leaving a meeting, Stone sees a man watching him. When having lunch with Dino at their club he tells him about seeing this man. After seeing him when they leave the club Dino tells him he should be carrying a gun just incase. They mention Herbie Fisher is throwing a soiree and that they are both going. He has invited Matilda to join him. At the party Trench arrives with another woman. Both Stone and Matilda ignore him which makes him angry. They go out on the balcony. While there Trench sees Stone's car and calls Huff and tells him where the car is. When they leave the party and getting into his car he feels something hit him on the head and when he awakes he finds himself in the hospital. He has been hit over the head with a blackjack. He finds out that Huff is dead shot by Fred. Upon hearing that Huff is dead, Trench goes back to the gym and gets another trainer by the name Bozo to this time kill Stone.
Matilda decides to stay at Stone' s house to help him get better. This is where Stone and Matilda start their affair. Dino helps Matilda get a gun license and Stone helps her buy a gun for her protection. Lance Cabot, director of the Central Intelligence Agency calls Stone and tells him he has heard that the man was a hit man.
Carly Riggs is a young lawyer who works for Woodman & Weld who Stone took under his wing, told Stone that she took her bar exam and aced it. She told him that she is working for Herbie. Stone invites her to join him and Dino for dinner at P.J. Clarke's and Bill Eggers will be also there. She accepted. At dinner he finds out thata Carly is going to friends to sleep on their couches and invites her to live in one of his apartments in the house next to his. She accepts. At dinner Bill tells her that she had answered all questions perfectly and offers her an office of her own which she accepts.
Fred tells Stone that he sees someone tailing them. It is Bozo. He calls Trench and tells him that Stone is home. He tells Trench he has an idea but it will cast lots of money. Trench goes to see his uncle and asks for money. He calls Bozo back and tells him he has the money. Bozo goes to his man and orders a bomb.
Stone, Matilda and Carly go to Patroon to meet Dino for dinner. On their way to dinner Fred tells them that they are being followed again. They call Mike Freedman who will send some men to watch Bozo. They go into Patroon's for dinner. Bozo along with Trench put their scheme into place. They have two people distract Fred and one puts the bomb under the Bentley. Fred takes the woman into the bar. She delays him. In the meantime the men who are watching Bozo, Fred calls Stone and tell him that a bomb has been put under their car. They remove the bomb and puts it in the trunk. Fred comes out and takes the bomb and goes for a walk and puts it in Bozo's trunk. When they leave the restaurant Bozo and Trench follow them and eventually find an area that they can blow up the car. Trench pushes the button and their car blows up killing both of them.
Alexei Gromyko, the Greek II is told that his nephew is dead by a bomb. He is his sister's only child. Tells Bean Counter who works for him to find out who set the bomb. Lance calls Stone and tells him did he know who Trench is. He is the nephew of Alexei Gromyko is the half brother of Serge Gromyko who Stone had killed. Alexei is half Greek and half Russian, This brings the Russian mob into the picture. Because of he bombing Matilda decides to go to LA to visit her sister.
Stone decides to go to his house in Maine and Dino, Viv and Carly go too. This is where the story takes off on an adventure that is too much to put on paper. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to an exciting climax.
Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for this ARC.
Stone and Dino Bacchetti, police commissioner of New York, are meeting for dinner at Clarke's. Stone and Dino are sitting at the bar waiting for their table. Next to Stone is a woman with her date. He is not very nice towards her. Coming back from the ladies room her date has left leaving her to fend for herself. They start a conversation and Stone tells her that his mother was also named Matilda who was a painter. After dinner he invites her to his house for an after dinner drink.
The next day Trench Molder arrives at his office and speaks to Stone and tells him to stay away from his girlfriend. Stone tells him that Matillda does not want to see him anymore and asks him to leave. When she calls him to thank him for rescuing her he invites her to his house for dinner. In the meantime, Trench goes to his gym and speaks to Huff, a trainer and tells him that he wants to rough up Stone and put him in the hospital.
The next day when leaving a meeting, Stone sees a man watching him. When having lunch with Dino at their club he tells him about seeing this man. After seeing him when they leave the club Dino tells him he should be carrying a gun just incase. They mention Herbie Fisher is throwing a soiree and that they are both going. He has invited Matilda to join him. At the party Trench arrives with another woman. Both Stone and Matilda ignore him which makes him angry. They go out on the balcony. While there Trench sees Stone's car and calls Huff and tells him where the car is. When they leave the party and getting into his car he feels something hit him on the head and when he awakes he finds himself in the hospital. He has been hit over the head with a blackjack. He finds out that Huff is dead shot by Fred. Upon hearing that Huff is dead, Trench goes back to the gym and gets another trainer by the name Bozo to this time kill Stone.
Matilda decides to stay at Stone' s house to help him get better. This is where Stone and Matilda start their affair. Dino helps Matilda get a gun license and Stone helps her buy a gun for her protection. Lance Cabot, director of the Central Intelligence Agency calls Stone and tells him he has heard that the man was a hit man.
Carly Riggs is a young lawyer who works for Woodman & Weld who Stone took under his wing, told Stone that she took her bar exam and aced it. She told him that she is working for Herbie. Stone invites her to join him and Dino for dinner at P.J. Clarke's and Bill Eggers will be also there. She accepted. At dinner he finds out thata Carly is going to friends to sleep on their couches and invites her to live in one of his apartments in the house next to his. She accepts. At dinner Bill tells her that she had answered all questions perfectly and offers her an office of her own which she accepts.
Fred tells Stone that he sees someone tailing them. It is Bozo. He calls Trench and tells him that Stone is home. He tells Trench he has an idea but it will cast lots of money. Trench goes to see his uncle and asks for money. He calls Bozo back and tells him he has the money. Bozo goes to his man and orders a bomb.
Stone, Matilda and Carly go to Patroon to meet Dino for dinner. On their way to dinner Fred tells them that they are being followed again. They call Mike Freedman who will send some men to watch Bozo. They go into Patroon's for dinner. Bozo along with Trench put their scheme into place. They have two people distract Fred and one puts the bomb under the Bentley. Fred takes the woman into the bar. She delays him. In the meantime the men who are watching Bozo, Fred calls Stone and tell him that a bomb has been put under their car. They remove the bomb and puts it in the trunk. Fred comes out and takes the bomb and goes for a walk and puts it in Bozo's trunk. When they leave the restaurant Bozo and Trench follow them and eventually find an area that they can blow up the car. Trench pushes the button and their car blows up killing both of them.
Alexei Gromyko, the Greek II is told that his nephew is dead by a bomb. He is his sister's only child. Tells Bean Counter who works for him to find out who set the bomb. Lance calls Stone and tells him did he know who Trench is. He is the nephew of Alexei Gromyko is the half brother of Serge Gromyko who Stone had killed. Alexei is half Greek and half Russian, This brings the Russian mob into the picture. Because of he bombing Matilda decides to go to LA to visit her sister.
Stone decides to go to his house in Maine and Dino, Viv and Carly go too. This is where the story takes off on an adventure that is too much to put on paper. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to an exciting climax.
Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for this ARC.
April 2, 2023
What can I say? Here we have a romp through the world of the rich and famous for the 64th time. Even with the loss of long-time author Stuart Woods last year, "takeover" author Brett Battles has continued Woods' tradition of turning banter into an art form interspersed with snippets of a plot that threatens to mess up the life of main character, New York attorney Stone Barrington. Like its predecessors, this one is mostly predictable but still fun and, dare I say, even exciting here and there. And as always, this dependably good series offers a much-appreciated break from the blood-and-guts, mess-with-my-head fare that dominates my reading list.
As often happens, this one begins with the ever-ready Stone and U.S. President Holly Barker "entertaining" one another, after which Stone joins his good friend and police commissioner Dino Bachetti for dinner, which happens with even more regularity than Stone's bedroom capers. There, they meet (and come to the rescue of) Mathilda Martin, a beauty whose date dumps her. That move, let's say, doesn't endear Stone to the guy, who clearly wants to even the score with both Stone and Mathilda. He almost does exactly that, but then Stone takes the concept of hard-headed to a whole new level.
Before long, readers meet a prodigy named Carly Riggs, who's been hired as a new lawyer at Stone's hot-shot firm, Woodman & Weld and plays a major role here. Not only does she have close to a photographic memory, she aced - meaning answered every single question correctly - the Bar Exam. And of course, she's gorgeous (and hot-to-trot for Stone's body, despite its being at least 96 years old by now).
The action turns more complex when a Russian mob honcho decides his score with Stone is uneven as well - and sets out to put the odds back in his favor. But the ever-vigil Stone and his security team get wind of the plot, "forcing" Stone to call in his old pal Teddy Fay (who now has a new I.D. and job as a film producer with Stone's son out in California). Actually, this one seems a little grittier than past stories, with Stone becoming far more down and dirty - and perhaps closer to getting bumped off - than I've seen in the past. Of course, it all works out in the end, when Stone gets back to bed (maybe with breakfast for two) and dinner as usual - and, as always, brought a few smiles to my face. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
As often happens, this one begins with the ever-ready Stone and U.S. President Holly Barker "entertaining" one another, after which Stone joins his good friend and police commissioner Dino Bachetti for dinner, which happens with even more regularity than Stone's bedroom capers. There, they meet (and come to the rescue of) Mathilda Martin, a beauty whose date dumps her. That move, let's say, doesn't endear Stone to the guy, who clearly wants to even the score with both Stone and Mathilda. He almost does exactly that, but then Stone takes the concept of hard-headed to a whole new level.
Before long, readers meet a prodigy named Carly Riggs, who's been hired as a new lawyer at Stone's hot-shot firm, Woodman & Weld and plays a major role here. Not only does she have close to a photographic memory, she aced - meaning answered every single question correctly - the Bar Exam. And of course, she's gorgeous (and hot-to-trot for Stone's body, despite its being at least 96 years old by now).
The action turns more complex when a Russian mob honcho decides his score with Stone is uneven as well - and sets out to put the odds back in his favor. But the ever-vigil Stone and his security team get wind of the plot, "forcing" Stone to call in his old pal Teddy Fay (who now has a new I.D. and job as a film producer with Stone's son out in California). Actually, this one seems a little grittier than past stories, with Stone becoming far more down and dirty - and perhaps closer to getting bumped off - than I've seen in the past. Of course, it all works out in the end, when Stone gets back to bed (maybe with breakfast for two) and dinner as usual - and, as always, brought a few smiles to my face. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
July 3, 2023
New record: Barrington jumps in bed with a woman on page 4! And, again, the Russians? Probably my last Stone Barrington book; they are all the same now.
July 6, 2023
Yet another book in my continuing quest to read about rich people behaving badly. In this case, Russian mafiosos try to kill Stone Barrington, his latest girlfriend, and anyone else who is around him. Having Stone Barrington as a main character works out nicely because he is obscenely wealthy, a f@ck boy, and a carnivore (lol). In this 64th outing, I continue to wonder why I keep reading the series when it is clearly a male fantasy for straight white males in their late 70s who need a little blue pill to get it up. 🍆 at this point, I can’t even say it’s a guilty pleasure, because it is not a pleasure to read this series , but I do. I’ll probably read book 65 when Woods cranks it out in 3 months!
* after reading another review of this book on Goodreads, I found out that Stuart Woods, the author, passed away about a year ago. The series is continuing with another writer. My advice to the new writer is to calm down with the foul-mouthed sex scenes. It wasn’t that Stuart Woods didn’t write frequently about sex, he just didn’t use crass language, especially from the women. Woods created fictional sexual partners for Stone Barrington, who were both willing and respectful of their partner. This new author makes all the women seem like deviant whores. Sorry for the language, but that’s how shocked I was at the change in the tone.
* after reading another review of this book on Goodreads, I found out that Stuart Woods, the author, passed away about a year ago. The series is continuing with another writer. My advice to the new writer is to calm down with the foul-mouthed sex scenes. It wasn’t that Stuart Woods didn’t write frequently about sex, he just didn’t use crass language, especially from the women. Woods created fictional sexual partners for Stone Barrington, who were both willing and respectful of their partner. This new author makes all the women seem like deviant whores. Sorry for the language, but that’s how shocked I was at the change in the tone.
June 6, 2023
You just cannot go wrong with spending time every now and then with Stone Barrington and his crew!
I believe I’ve read most of this series and it’s always such a nice break—-possibly an odd thought as the body count
steadily rises and Stone, or Dino, or Madam President are threatened and yes, often shot at, but they always manage to prevail all while enjoying amazing meals, great liquor and California wines; all while dressed in Bloomies finest attire. Even the bad guys are well to do and living well- they just always seem to have their sights set on upending
The Barrington Empire, and in this book, we have a new character of affection for Stone - a drop dead gorgeous young woman with a perfect memory who scored 100% on her Bar Exam, making her, in Stone’s mind, too perfect for the family business. Turns out she’s a great addition to the family story and I certainly hope she appears in the next installment of the Stone Barrington series! I will be recommending this book to everyone I know!
My thanks to Penguin Group and Net Galley for providing this copy for review purposes.
I believe I’ve read most of this series and it’s always such a nice break—-possibly an odd thought as the body count
steadily rises and Stone, or Dino, or Madam President are threatened and yes, often shot at, but they always manage to prevail all while enjoying amazing meals, great liquor and California wines; all while dressed in Bloomies finest attire. Even the bad guys are well to do and living well- they just always seem to have their sights set on upending
The Barrington Empire, and in this book, we have a new character of affection for Stone - a drop dead gorgeous young woman with a perfect memory who scored 100% on her Bar Exam, making her, in Stone’s mind, too perfect for the family business. Turns out she’s a great addition to the family story and I certainly hope she appears in the next installment of the Stone Barrington series! I will be recommending this book to everyone I know!
My thanks to Penguin Group and Net Galley for providing this copy for review purposes.
May 15, 2023
I’m torn on this one. While the story was similar to previous in this series there was a noticeable change in writing style. Enough that it wasn’t a bad book but I was expecting better. I’ll still try more in this series if someone else continues it because I’ve read them all and am invested in the characters. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for review
September 14, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This is an kindle e-book from the local library. Number 64 in the series.
I was surprised to learn that Stuart Woods passed away in 2022.
Stone Barrington once again gets involved with the Russia Mafia. This is another classic Stone Barrington novel with lots of loving, action, misdirection, and violence leading to the conclusion. I would recommend this series and authors to readers of fun 🌙 mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀👒😡🏡
Book 65 is coming out in June of 2024 by Brett Battles. I am looking forward to it.
This is an kindle e-book from the local library. Number 64 in the series.
I was surprised to learn that Stuart Woods passed away in 2022.
Stone Barrington once again gets involved with the Russia Mafia. This is another classic Stone Barrington novel with lots of loving, action, misdirection, and violence leading to the conclusion. I would recommend this series and authors to readers of fun 🌙 mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀👒😡🏡
Book 65 is coming out in June of 2024 by Brett Battles. I am looking forward to it.
June 22, 2023
Now Woods cycles through about 4 plots, 4 locations and 4 teams of good guys/ bad guys. His co-author must have convinced him that names of antagonists like “Trench Molder” add something to their ridiculous stories. Boy, I’d be angry if I paid money for these, or spent more than an hour and a half reading them.
July 6, 2023
Having mentioned many times before in reviews, I lost interest in this series many books ago; however, because it was co-authored by Brett Battles I decided to give it a try in hopes for a more mature Stone and some character growth. Sadly another horrible read and much of the same-ole-same-ole .In true Stone fashion he’s in bed with Holly by page 4 and moved on to Matilda by page 21 and of course eventually Carly made it there too. Nothing new in this book; as in previous novels there was more sex, money, the Russians, Dino, and anther boring, predictable plot. Until the last few chapters I was going to go with a 2 star rating but the last chapters were beyond ridiculous, ludicrous and nonsense that was unbelievable.
June 27, 2023
Well, here we are...Woods' 64th formulaic romp through the "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," without Robin Leach...Stone finds girl...Girl's ex, some made crime lord, is angered and attacks...Stone uses his resources and responds...Totally works for me as a guilty pleasure!!!
June 10, 2023
The premise of this novel is absurd. This lawyer is complicit in several murders. Actually an accomplice in murder for hire supposedly in self defense. This author simply "phoned this one in".
July 21, 2023
Why do I still read these??
June 5, 2024
Start Woods passed away in 2022 at the age of 84. This 64th (yes 64th) instalment of the Stone Barrington series was written by Brett Battles who has taken over the series. Likely this isn’t Battles’ fault and he’s writing the character in the style of how Woods had written him.
If you’ve ever gone to a party, and you know none of the people there, and they make no effort to speak to you… I would imagine that’s what it feels like like reading this book. It also didn’t take me very long to get tired of the main character’s womanizing and bragging about his sexual prowess. It’s so old-school but it’s set in modern day. I expect the characters to be sportingFedora‘s and using snubnose 38’s, and derringers. If the other had cut out all of the talk about restaurant reservations, the book might’ve been 10% shorter. So all in all the writing was pretty good, but I’d like to punch the main character in the face.
If you’ve ever gone to a party, and you know none of the people there, and they make no effort to speak to you… I would imagine that’s what it feels like like reading this book. It also didn’t take me very long to get tired of the main character’s womanizing and bragging about his sexual prowess. It’s so old-school but it’s set in modern day. I expect the characters to be sportingFedora‘s and using snubnose 38’s, and derringers. If the other had cut out all of the talk about restaurant reservations, the book might’ve been 10% shorter. So all in all the writing was pretty good, but I’d like to punch the main character in the face.
June 15, 2023
While this is an easy beach read it was not captivating at all. Tired plot with the usual Stone activities. The character Carly was very unbelievable and boring. Not one I would recommend other than a light read for a trip or beach day.
June 22, 2023
Stone Barrington is caught in the crosshairs of an old enemy.
But this time he brings out all the help he can get.
The Russian Mafia is on his tail and Stone will need all the cunning he can manage as well as that of friends that might not always play by the rules to get the job done.
He also has a new protege, Carly at the law firm where he works. She has a photographic memory and has aced the law exam, the first to ever do that.
Carly is clever and a good shot too. Stone is going to need all the help he can get to get out of this misadventure alive.
The addition of co-author Brett Battles gives the story a bit more of a military viewpoint which was excellent.
But this time he brings out all the help he can get.
The Russian Mafia is on his tail and Stone will need all the cunning he can manage as well as that of friends that might not always play by the rules to get the job done.
He also has a new protege, Carly at the law firm where he works. She has a photographic memory and has aced the law exam, the first to ever do that.
Carly is clever and a good shot too. Stone is going to need all the help he can get to get out of this misadventure alive.
The addition of co-author Brett Battles gives the story a bit more of a military viewpoint which was excellent.
June 25, 2023
Great story and it felt like a spy thriller. I will miss Mr Woods, but think Mr Battles will do a great job with the future Stone Barrington series.
June 14, 2023
Oh Stone Barrington you are getting harder and harder to love. This story has been told before and frankly it was boring.
July 6, 2023
Don’t bother reading this book it is a waste of your time.
August 4, 2023
3.5 * As always, Stone Barrington is the womanizing protagonist and his own biggest fan. This particular book in the series seems a bit more blood-thirsty than others I have read or listened to. Many more gratuitous murders than usual. The redeeming features in all of the Stone Barrington books are the wry, intellectual humor, Barrington's savoir faire, and how incredibly well-spoken he is.
Tony Roberts, the narrator of the Stone Barrington series, is marvelous at voice characterizations, especially Dino Bacchetti, the NYC Police Commissioner.
Tony Roberts, the narrator of the Stone Barrington series, is marvelous at voice characterizations, especially Dino Bacchetti, the NYC Police Commissioner.
July 9, 2023
Brett Battles does a great job continuing the Stone Barrington series after Stuart Woods death.
My with and I agree that we wouldn't have known this was written by someone else if we didn't already know of Woods's death.
My with and I agree that we wouldn't have known this was written by someone else if we didn't already know of Woods's death.
July 22, 2023
I'm not a fan of Stone Barrington and miss Holly Barker when she was a cop with her Doberman Pinscher. I lost count of how many Russians bungled their hits and ended up dead. RIP Stuart Woods
November 11, 2023
Usual fare, but I am yet to read any book which moves faster! This was possibly completed after Stuart passed away, unfortunately....
March 28, 2024
Not a great read. I didn’t think this was one of the better Stone Barrington character storylines. Too much of the same M.O. of past ones.
March 25, 2024
Good read, good plot. Not really sure why the bad guys were after Stone, but he and Dino, etc. rose to the occasion, and Stone survived. That's a good thing.
February 17, 2025
Feb 2025. Turns out i still miss the style as portrayed in Bel Air dead.
Sept 2024. A terrific Stone story for tho of us who enjoy the usual “good guys”.
December 2023. 64 stone barrington. Written with Brett Battles. Liked the story but I need to take my time getting accustomed to Brett’s style.
Sept 2024. A terrific Stone story for tho of us who enjoy the usual “good guys”.
December 2023. 64 stone barrington. Written with Brett Battles. Liked the story but I need to take my time getting accustomed to Brett’s style.
September 23, 2023
I read them as fast as he churns them out! So sad that Stuart Woods died last year. Brett Battles is doing a great job filling the gap. Another good one with more of the Russians! Lots of Dino, a little bit of Teddy, and a strong role for Carly. Always a fast read and entertaining.
August 11, 2023
Another unimaginative effort by Stuart Woods – along with the usual lectures about gun ownership, paying your taxes, and taking out insurance.
I can’t think of a more depressing life than that of Stone Barrington’s as he stumbles into old age. He goes to work in his basement, dines at the same two restaurants, eats the same food, imbibes the same drink day after day, and enjoys the company of a handful of friends who are as morally bankrupt as he. All of his so-called beautiful homes are really nothing more than Air B&Bs that he lends to hoodlums on the run or bosomy women who are extracting a payment for their services.
It’s sad really when you think of it because the early days of Stone were exciting and suspenseful. His adventures were simply adventurous, and he always came out on top because of his smarts and his resourcefulness. Now he is a doddering old man who’s only goal is to get as many women as possible into bed.
And of course, the misogyny is rife in these latest works because the women are universally vapid, with their only pleasure being derived by taking Stone’s credit card to go shopping at “Bloomies”. And that includes the POTUS who, when not ordering missile strikes on some poor unsuspecting country, dreams about Stone and how much sex they will have when she uses taxpayer money to take a shopping trip to New York city.
As usual in these latest stories, Stone gives us the usual diatribe on owning guns, such as the trouble you get into when you actually fire one. However, all of Stone’s buddies are gun-toting New Yorkers who can pull out their gun and kill someone in the street and the NY Chief of Police lets them go – literally - within five minutes. And, of course, any one of Stone’s new friends can get the Chief of Police to issue them a license within a few days of their acquaintance - and with no background check. Apparently bedding Stone qualifies you to own a gun (come to think about it, I may need one if I had to succumb to Stone’s pawing attentions).
However, there is some great comedy in these stories. One of the best comedy segments in this instalment is when the newly elected mob boss receives a bonus payment from the members who instruct him in no uncertain terms that he has to pay taxes on this “under the table” cash. What ? And then at the next meeting of the “family”, this new mob boss preaches that everyone now has to start filing income tax returns and pay the IRS what they owe? Again…..what?
My only conclusion is that Stuart Woods must have fallen afoul of the IRS with all the money he is raking in with these sophomoric offerings, and his get-out-of- jail card was to lecture his readers on the after-life rewards inherent in paying your taxes. I can’t think of any other reason why he goes on and on in every story.
Lastly, Stone has taken a dark turn the last few years. He has become a man who hires goons to “off” his enemies and conspires with the Chief of Police to see how that can get away with murdering someone. This is not the Stone who entertained us for so many years. And so now, with Stuart Woods death, Stone needs to retire to one of his mansions and stop boring us.
I can’t think of a more depressing life than that of Stone Barrington’s as he stumbles into old age. He goes to work in his basement, dines at the same two restaurants, eats the same food, imbibes the same drink day after day, and enjoys the company of a handful of friends who are as morally bankrupt as he. All of his so-called beautiful homes are really nothing more than Air B&Bs that he lends to hoodlums on the run or bosomy women who are extracting a payment for their services.
It’s sad really when you think of it because the early days of Stone were exciting and suspenseful. His adventures were simply adventurous, and he always came out on top because of his smarts and his resourcefulness. Now he is a doddering old man who’s only goal is to get as many women as possible into bed.
And of course, the misogyny is rife in these latest works because the women are universally vapid, with their only pleasure being derived by taking Stone’s credit card to go shopping at “Bloomies”. And that includes the POTUS who, when not ordering missile strikes on some poor unsuspecting country, dreams about Stone and how much sex they will have when she uses taxpayer money to take a shopping trip to New York city.
As usual in these latest stories, Stone gives us the usual diatribe on owning guns, such as the trouble you get into when you actually fire one. However, all of Stone’s buddies are gun-toting New Yorkers who can pull out their gun and kill someone in the street and the NY Chief of Police lets them go – literally - within five minutes. And, of course, any one of Stone’s new friends can get the Chief of Police to issue them a license within a few days of their acquaintance - and with no background check. Apparently bedding Stone qualifies you to own a gun (come to think about it, I may need one if I had to succumb to Stone’s pawing attentions).
However, there is some great comedy in these stories. One of the best comedy segments in this instalment is when the newly elected mob boss receives a bonus payment from the members who instruct him in no uncertain terms that he has to pay taxes on this “under the table” cash. What ? And then at the next meeting of the “family”, this new mob boss preaches that everyone now has to start filing income tax returns and pay the IRS what they owe? Again…..what?
My only conclusion is that Stuart Woods must have fallen afoul of the IRS with all the money he is raking in with these sophomoric offerings, and his get-out-of- jail card was to lecture his readers on the after-life rewards inherent in paying your taxes. I can’t think of any other reason why he goes on and on in every story.
Lastly, Stone has taken a dark turn the last few years. He has become a man who hires goons to “off” his enemies and conspires with the Chief of Police to see how that can get away with murdering someone. This is not the Stone who entertained us for so many years. And so now, with Stuart Woods death, Stone needs to retire to one of his mansions and stop boring us.
August 3, 2023
I am not really sure how to begin this review. First, what to say to fans of Brett Battles' books.
It is important for all who read this review to know that Brett Battles has been one of my favorite authors for more than a decade. I have read every single book that Brett has written and "each one has been a real gem". I have reviewed most, if not all, of his books, and each review has been filled with high praise and high ratings. I cannot, in good conscience, give that kind of review to this book.
It is likely that longtime readers of the Stone Barrington novels will be upset with what I say in this review. Prior to reading "Near Miss", I had never read even one of Stuart Woods' books.
This book was quite a disappointment. I am certain that I will not waste my time checking out the 63 novels in the series that preceded this one.
I began to listen to the audio version of this book. That was a mistake. The voice of the narrator, Tony Roberts, was off-putting to say the least. I found his narration style irritating. I will not listen to another book by this narrator. Not being able to take it any longer, I eventually ceased to listen and obtained the hard bound copy to finish the book. I felt I owed Brett that much...to finish the book and review it.
I did not enjoy this book at all nor the style in which it was written. It seemed to me to basically be a story of the sexual adventures of an old man who can't seem to get enough. The sexual banter in the book seemed to be the main plot, with a little mystery, adventure and mob violence thrown in as an afterthought. What was the plot anyway? It seems to have escaped me for the moment.
I regret having to share these opinions but I believe that fans of Brett Battles should know what they are getting into if they choose to read this book. I am undecided if I will or will not read "Obsession", the next book in a different series...Teddy Fay...co-written by Brett Battles. It will be Brett's second effort. We shall see.
If you ever read this review, Brett, on a personal note, it seems likely that the Stuart Woods legacy that you have inherited will bring more financial rewards to you, but please keep in mind that your long-time fans are still waiting for the next Jonathan Quinn, Night Man and Excoms books. We hope you will send us a few crumbs soon. Thank you and good wishes as you move forward.
It is important for all who read this review to know that Brett Battles has been one of my favorite authors for more than a decade. I have read every single book that Brett has written and "each one has been a real gem". I have reviewed most, if not all, of his books, and each review has been filled with high praise and high ratings. I cannot, in good conscience, give that kind of review to this book.
It is likely that longtime readers of the Stone Barrington novels will be upset with what I say in this review. Prior to reading "Near Miss", I had never read even one of Stuart Woods' books.
This book was quite a disappointment. I am certain that I will not waste my time checking out the 63 novels in the series that preceded this one.
I began to listen to the audio version of this book. That was a mistake. The voice of the narrator, Tony Roberts, was off-putting to say the least. I found his narration style irritating. I will not listen to another book by this narrator. Not being able to take it any longer, I eventually ceased to listen and obtained the hard bound copy to finish the book. I felt I owed Brett that much...to finish the book and review it.
I did not enjoy this book at all nor the style in which it was written. It seemed to me to basically be a story of the sexual adventures of an old man who can't seem to get enough. The sexual banter in the book seemed to be the main plot, with a little mystery, adventure and mob violence thrown in as an afterthought. What was the plot anyway? It seems to have escaped me for the moment.
I regret having to share these opinions but I believe that fans of Brett Battles should know what they are getting into if they choose to read this book. I am undecided if I will or will not read "Obsession", the next book in a different series...Teddy Fay...co-written by Brett Battles. It will be Brett's second effort. We shall see.
If you ever read this review, Brett, on a personal note, it seems likely that the Stuart Woods legacy that you have inherited will bring more financial rewards to you, but please keep in mind that your long-time fans are still waiting for the next Jonathan Quinn, Night Man and Excoms books. We hope you will send us a few crumbs soon. Thank you and good wishes as you move forward.
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