Loitering With Intent

Stone Barrington #16

by Stuart Woods

Dumped by his glamorous Russian girlfriend during dinner at Elaine?s, and running low on cash, Stone Barrington is having a bad week. So his luck seems to be improving when he?s hired to locate the missing son of a very wealthy man?lucky because the job pays well, and because the son is hiding in the tropical paradise of Key West.But when Stone and his sometime running buddy Dino Bacchetti arrive in the sunny Keys, it appears that someone has been lying in wait. When Stone very nearly loses his life after being blindsided at a local bar, he realizes that the young man he?s been hired to track may have good reason for not wanting to be found. Suddenly Key West is looking less like Margaritaville and more like the mean streets of New York. . . .

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 21, 2009

About the author

Stuart 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.

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series! engaging plotline with a bit of an intrigue added that will keep readers guessing..good writing (paperback!)

[Phyllis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another typical Stone Barrington novel. These are formulaic novels, that are probably 3.5 stars mostly, but I enjoy reading them because of the stress in my life right now, they are easy and distracting. I love reading about Stone because I think the author writes like Stone is living out every guy's fantasy. He tries to make him James Bond like, but Stone Barrington isn't nearly as cool. As a matter of fact, he does some really dumb things that sometimes back fire in his face but other times he gets away with them.

I just like laughing at this guy that every woman who meets him just wants to fall in bed with him and they never seem to mind that he is also sleeping with everyone else. They are just pure enjoyment for me at a time in my life when I need escapism.

[Jack Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars. I'd say five but I didn't like one writing manoeuvre. We'll get to that. Stone Barrington's up for something simple if it combines a short holiday in Key West. You know his style: sun, relaxation with Dino, watch the girls, a few Knob Creeks, and a little work overseeing the signing of a contract for the sale of a family business for a client of Woodman and Weld. It looks easy and Dino always seems to have holiday time! Supervising the detective squad, that's Lieutenant Bacchetti's actual job, seems not to be a problem in New York's 19th Precinct. But the task turns out to be far from simple. Evan Keating, the signer-to-be, is elusive and then refuses out-right. In the process Stone gets attacked and medical attention is administered by a beautiful Swede. It's enjoyable to observe Stone actually doing legal work. The pursuits, in float planes, boats, and cars, are some of the best since the movie Bullitt. The manoeuvre? At one point, as the reader is acquiring a growing realization of who the culprits might be, author Woods switches the narrative to the their story. You'll get over it; I did. Loitering .. stands out as one of his best. (De2018/Oc2025)

[ElaineY · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm slowly making my way through the Stone Barrington series - what I call 'cozies for men', Stone is always bedding some woman or other, he gets involved in an adventure - action but no gore (which suits me just fine).

This installment was just average. It took awhile before things got more interesting though I never know why Stone brings Dino along on every trip - the guy doesn't really do anything meaningful other than provide Stone with company and someone to chat with.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 2 out of 5]

As I've been working my way through my tbr shelves I discovered several titles by Stuart Woods. I only had one novel from the Will Lee series, "Grass Roots" and I decided to read that novel prior to the 3 books from the Stone Barrington series. I'm glad I read that novel first as I had a positive reaction to beginning to read "Loitering with Intent" and although it is Book 16 of 57 in the series to date, it is the 1st novel of 3 in the series (#16, #30, and #32) that I had available on my tbr shelves.

The novel is a quick read and easy to enjoy as a stand-alone. I know I'll date myself here but I'm quite okay with that as the thoughts running through my mind as I continued reading and turning pages were:

(1) The character of Stone Barrington reminded me of Thomas Magnum in the television series Magnum, P.I. (1980–1988) as portrayed by Thomas Selleck even though Barrington is an attorney and Magnum was a private investigator. Barrington seemed to have all the sex scenes that could never have been portrayed on television in Magnum's 1980's time frame. I have not watched any of the remake episodes with Jay Hernandez portraying Magnum so I can't comment in any regard. Perhaps I also thought of the comparison of Barrington and Magnum since Tom Selleck has been portraying Frank Reagan, NY Police Chief Commissioner for years and Barrington and many of his cronies and networking contacts are either currently employed by the NYPD or retirees with continued connections to law enforcement.

(2) In the 80's and 90's, I was reading each new novel by a particular romance novelist that is still publishing today. It took me way too long to stop reading her books but I finally couldn't endure one more predictable storyline. Some may think I'm being too quick in judgment but it feels like regardless of the novel selected in this series line-up that it will be another predictable storyline for the NYPD comrades.

If friends that share books provide other novels by Stuart Woods, I might try another from the Will Lee series or one of his other novels (stand-alone or another series) but I know I'll pass on Barrington. When I do my own used bookstore shopping Stuart Woods will not be on my list as there are many other authors that are new to me for desired investigation.

[Anthony · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than the last one I read. Stuart is one of the most predictable, pedestrian, writers out there. It is so bad it is good. I find myself laughing out loud during his books because the entertainment is in the ridiculous writing not the actual book. This is why it is my annual summer read. Every summer I read a Stuart Woods book because he is my Danielle Steele. This novel is not as bad as the last one. Surprisingly, he did not have an anti Bush comment or anti Republican comment. Wow! He is growing as a writer!
Stone and Dino head down to Key West. Apparently, Dino, who works for the NYPD, can take off anytime he wants and as long as he wants. So there they are and sure enough Stone beds a sex crazed Swedish chick within 24 hours after landing. And the sex is . . . . . . wait for it . . . . . . . awesome. Because sex is never bad, or awkward in this world.
If you want a book that you don't have to pay attention to, maybe in the airport, watching the kids at the park, laying out at the beach, on the bus, etc, then enjoy. Stuart has written better "beach reads" but this was ok. I always laugh when I see reviews and they mention they never buy the book. I got it from the library. I don't know how Stuart makes a living. I hope I never meet the people who actually buy his books.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've never read Stuart Woods books before so being a mystery/crime fan I thought I'd try one. I should have guessed by the title (#16)that this would be one of those cookie cutter, by the numbers books. It's basically another buddy investigator story about an ex-cop (Barrington) turned lawyer doing private investigation to locate a missing heir (yawn). Replace him with Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar or Robert Parker's Spencer and thats what you've got. They are pretty much interchangeable. I think in this genre of "buddy" investigator team franchises, the most consistently intelligent and entertaining for me is Kellerman's Alex Delaware and Milo Stugis.
This book is so much fluff that it is easily finished quickly while waiting for something with a little more substance to arrive from the library.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stone Barrington yet again finds a way to mix business with pleasure and this time it's in the Florida Keys. If you know this series then I need not tell you this is a typical Barrington mystery...light, fun, and nothing that will extend either your vocabulary or your IQ. That said, Stuart Woods characters are all just fun to read. Take this one to the beach or the pool...read it in a day, a weekend trip, or a long flight.

For those of you that have read the Barrington series, a little plug for this particular book is in order. While I like the series, I sometimes think Woods lulls you to sleep with a recurring set of characters and habits. Not so much in this edition with a variety of new faces, personalities, and habits to enjoy. It was a fun read.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook kept me company while I cut the yard, used the weed wacker, cooked meals, and watered the trees. I'm beginning to like that Stone Barrington and his sidekick Deano. The voice actor makes Deano sound like Danny DeVito and that's who I see in my mind. As for Barrington- well he sounds like Humphrey Bogart. They brought in Tommy (an Irishman) and that made listening to the story a real treat.

It's a good plot of misdirection, double cross, and mystery. All in all a very rewarding story and ending.

[Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another poorly written book by Woods. I guess I keep reading them to see if he can do better [like his earlier books:]. At least I have gotten smarted and quit buying them.

[Pierre Tassé (Enjoying Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical Stuart Woods with a few twists so pay attention. Other than that.,.light reading.

[Andrea]

DNF @13%. I don’t like how this book is portraying women or focusing so much on women and getting women, nor do I like the slight feel I’m getting about the opinion/talk about the LGBTQA community

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

October 2024 a favorite

October June 2024. Do a 3 year date.

August 2023. Fun twists in plots and characters.
Sept 2021. Still a favorite.
Sept 2019 tried one chapter on book on tape. I'm sure I read it in 2019.
May 2017 Funny that I forgot "whodunit" after a 2 year break. Lots of boating in the background.
March 15 2015 I keep reading this one - either it is instantly forgettable or I love it.
Jan 2014 re-re-re-read entire story. one of my favs.
sept 2013 re-re-read mostly the ending. forgot how it ended.
seems i like the book but it remains forgettable.
Oct 2011Weird - I just finished it, again in October 2011, as if it was new to me. Unfortunately, its been a few weeks since I read it and many books under the bridge. I continue to like this book.
actual book....2010
Stone is hired to locate the missing son of a very wealthy man. the son is hiding in the tropical paradise of Key West. complicated grandfatehr, son, grandson stuff.
Try to figure out which page you decided "whodunit" (Sofia - that is who done it not whod unit) i suggest the page thing only because i can't remember when i figurred it out but i don't think it was very early.

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

lo and behold, the local library had this 2009 book! I always enjoy the stone barrington series, though i suppose his character could be described as a male chauvinist pig since he has the ideal bachelor existence--not working too much, drinking, dating voluptuous women, flying his plane and having a great time with his now bachelor former partner, police detective dino bacchetti, this time in key west, a place i had thought we would be visiting this winter. the job of locating a potentially wealthy young man seems rather straightforward, but there are some surprises as well as twists and turns in the plot.

[Grey853 · Rating 2 out of 5]

My problem with the Stone Barrington series is that I really don't like Stone very much. Granted, this book had an interesting plot, but there's a lack of passion in the writing and in the protagonist.

To give an example, he meets a woman, has sex with her for several days, makes plans for her to come live with him in New York, and then she's killed. He just goes on with the case with little or no show of emotion either in dialogue or the narrative. It's like his characters are all expendable and two dimensional.

So, while it was a quick and easy read, it wasn't very satisfying.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going to the sunny islands during the winter just to get signatures on some documents would seem like a piece of cake. Who would expect dear old dad to be a murdering SOB?
Well, Stone and Dino get more than they bargain for. Again.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoy this younger more unpolished version of Stone...Dino too.
A Key West setting and what seemed to be the first trip for both Stone and Dino, I really enjoyed this backdrop. Throw in the Keystone Cops antics often employed in these earlier books and you have a fun Stone Barrington read.

[Chris Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Stone Barrington book. Strong characters of the old school variety. It is good to read about good guys doing good things. Easy read moves along with no fluff or bull. Will definitely read more and catch up on those I might have missed.

[Teri McHugh]

Another great Stone Barrington!!!

[Kathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

only one loose end, and I'm sure he'll be back in a future installment.

[Joanne Farley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good addition to the Barrington canon.

[Sandie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book was bad enough on it’s own but then I read the author’s note about all his specifications about appropriate contact and content which totally turned me off from reading any more of this series. The arrogance was enough to deter any loyal fans out there.....

[Ben Hobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some loose ends, but that's likely intentional.

[Jayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

book actually has 385 or so pages

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dawn's, late.
This was hard to rate because on the one hand there was not even a mention of stupid Arrington, and I actually liked the mystery in this one. But on the other hand, the editing was horrendous. It wasn't even typos, which actually weren't bad. It was content. In one part Eggers tells Stone how much a deal is worth. Later in the book, Stone mentions how much the deal was worth to Eggers and Eggers asks him how he knew! Stone says he looked at the contract! I've seen similar errors in other Stone Barrington books and it's really sloppy.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

This would make a great Hardy Boys novel.

[Genie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being dumped by his girlfriend during dinner at Elaine's, attorney Stone Barrington jumps at the opportunity to take on an assignment in Key West. It seems a simple task; obtain the signature of Evan Keating on a document needed by his father, Warren, so the family business can be sold. Of course Stone invites his friend, NYPD Captain Dino Bachetti, to tag along.
They arrive at the Conch Republic and almost immediately run into Evan. The problem is, Evan doesn’t want to be found. As Stone confronts the elusive man, someone sneaks up behind him and hits him on the head knocking him out cold. With the aid of a beautiful Swedish doctor, Stone comes to. Obviously, things are not going to be as easy as he had hoped. Now the problem is, he must not only find Evan again but must find out why there was such a drastic reaction to the request of a signature. When he finally meets up with Evan again, Stone learns that if Evan signs the document, he will receive only a tiny percentage of what the company is worth. He also discovers that Evan’s father has had his paternal grandfather committed to an institution in order to get him out of the way of the sale. As Stone tries to sort out the complicated situation, hit on Evan’s life fails although an innocent bystander is killed. Although his father was responsible for setting the initial events in motion, the plan backfires putting both father and son in danger. Its up to Stone and Dino to protect Evan while bringing the killers out in the open.
This is is great read; one of Stuart Woods’ best!

[Michael Shore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Woods is now on my list of never buy only borrow. Light detective mysteries that get more difficult to care about. Borrowed this one from library. Will finish this one, probably give it a 2 or 3 and maybe move on from his books.

Well it's now been read, and it was a 2. LIght detective reading and though i do like the two main characters, for some reason I don't like the author. Woods must have a deal with Elaine's in NYC because he drops the name of her restaurant in so many chapters of all his books, sometimes it seems just to see if he can get it in somehow. It becomes tiresome and the book itself was predictable from the 2/3 mark whom the main culprit was. If he had written 5 to 7 of these Barrington books maybe they would hold up better, but the writing has gotten stale.

Finally, Woods devotes two pages at the back of each book imploring you not to "snail mail" him, but to email him. Also do not send him ideas, or stories, and dont do this or that because he is too busy and please do as he says. This is the last Stuart Woods book i will read. On to more and better authors.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bill Eggers, head of the law firm for which Stone Barrington is of counsel, is hired by a wealthy man to locate his son and get him to sign some papers that will make him even wealthier. Stone accepts this assignment as he is In need of money, and since the son appears to be hiding in Key West, why not? Accompanied by Dino Bacchetti, his former partner in the NYPD and now chief of detectives in a NYC precinct, Stone quickly locates the son but before he can finish the job, he is blind-sided and knocked out (an emergency room doctor happens to be nearby and treats him - and she becomes his love interest in this book - can’t have a Stone Barrington book without sex!). When the son is attacked but not killed, and more dead bodies start showing up, Stone and Dino must work with the local police to find out who is behind everything and what to they want. This is one of the better Stone Barrington novels that I have listened to on an audiobook (these are great books for this method of “reading” and the narrator is excellent), very entertaining and fast-paced with many twists you might not see coming.

[Sandy Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill Eggers presents his client, Walter Keating, with the request to find his son Evan. The Keatings have a family business which Walter wants to sell. He claims his brother died, his grandfather is non compos mentis, and his son has no interest in the business. He needs signatures from all living to sign off on the sale. So Stones heads to Florida with his friend/cohort Dino Bacchetti (now divorced) and, amazingly the police chief points out Evan in the cafe where they meet. Stone is conked on the head when he goes to speak with Evan and things get interesting. Stone becomes involved with his doctor. Evan expresses thought that his father killed his brother and questioned if his grandfather was really demented? Then the question arises: Is it Evan or his friend Charlie Boggs.? Was Charlie killed or Evan? Who's Gigi Jones, Evan's girlfriend? Multiple murders and murder attempts. A wedding. A funeral. Some mysteries are solved, some are raised. A can't-put-down novel.