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Will Lee #7
Mounting Fears
President Will Lee is having a rough week. His vice president just died during surgery. Confirmation hearings for the new vice president are under way, but the squeaky-clean governor whom Will has nominated may have a few previously unnoticed skeletons in his closet. And rogue CIA agent Teddy Fay is plotting his revenge on CIA director Kate Rule Lee--the president's wife.
Plus there are some loose nukes in Pakistan that might just trigger World War III if Will's diplomatic efforts fall short. It's up to President Lee--with some help from Holly Barker, Lance Cabot, and a few other Stuart Woods series regulars--to save the world, and the upcoming election.
Plus there are some loose nukes in Pakistan that might just trigger World War III if Will's diplomatic efforts fall short. It's up to President Lee--with some help from Holly Barker, Lance Cabot, and a few other Stuart Woods series regulars--to save the world, and the upcoming election.
384 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2008
445 people are currently reading
1290 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Woods
410 books3,233 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 238 reviews
August 3, 2012
As the book jacket says: “President Will Lee is having a rough week.” It also appears he’s having a rough year or maybe even a rough administration. Although the prez seems like a really nice guy; honest, trustworthy and a man of his word, almost everyone around him seems to be lying, double dealing or covering something up. Luckily for the country, Lee is smart enough to keep all the balls in the air and keep the scandals from bringing down his administration. Although this is the first of Woods’ books, that I’ve read, that has given a close-up portrait of Lee, about half way through the book some of the usual suspects do show up: Katharine, his wife and head of the CIA; CIA agent Holly Barker and her boss Lance Cabot and of course the inimitable and mysterious Teddy Fay. With its enviable amount of sex and reoccurring characters this would make a good TV series. It’s entertaining and about as deep as a dime.
February 22, 2011
This is a really stupid book! I'm done reading Stuart Woods. The last several ones I've read have been awful. The only ones I've really liked have been THE CHIEF and a few of the books about the woman sheriff in Florida. The rest are crap!
October 16, 2024
Teddy Fay is back like a bad penny. Causing havoc where ever he goes. This time in Panama.
This is primarily a Will Lee book. He’s running for reelection and has a new running mate that’s very problematic. He’s a womanizer and Will by the end handles him like a champ 🤣🤣🤣
The book ends with a few loose ends that I’m sure will get tied up eventually. Luckily, I don’t have to wait and can start the next one immediately…
This is primarily a Will Lee book. He’s running for reelection and has a new running mate that’s very problematic. He’s a womanizer and Will by the end handles him like a champ 🤣🤣🤣
The book ends with a few loose ends that I’m sure will get tied up eventually. Luckily, I don’t have to wait and can start the next one immediately…
August 5, 2018
It was OK. An easy read, lots of action and political intrigue, but an abrupt and unsatisfying ending. Seems like Stuart just got tired of writing this book and did a one page wrap to finish it so he could go for his dinner.
January 11, 2010
The usually highly readable thriller from Mr. Woods.
President Will Lee is not having a good month. The Democratic Convention is going on and his renomination is secure of course. But his VP bows out because of cancer. In picking out a new running mate, it becomes a replacement as the VP succumbs to the cancer.
Then there's the incident in Pakistan where a Taliban/Al Qaeda group captures a missile base with atomic warheads. In the attack to retake the base, one missile is launched, exploding high in the air. Another warhead is spirited away by the terrorists.
Then as the election nears, rumors leak out that the new VP is having an affair. He and his wife were supposed to be getting a quiet divorce. That's suddenly off. A third woman enters the picture, pissing off the first mistress.
All of this had been denied by the VP during his vetting.
On top of all that, an old enemy, thought dead several times, resurfaces and everyone scrambles to keep it from the President. Teddy Fay, ex-CIA, now hired assassin wants to help the President out when a black minister enters thr Presidential race.
President Will Lee is not having a good month. The Democratic Convention is going on and his renomination is secure of course. But his VP bows out because of cancer. In picking out a new running mate, it becomes a replacement as the VP succumbs to the cancer.
Then there's the incident in Pakistan where a Taliban/Al Qaeda group captures a missile base with atomic warheads. In the attack to retake the base, one missile is launched, exploding high in the air. Another warhead is spirited away by the terrorists.
Then as the election nears, rumors leak out that the new VP is having an affair. He and his wife were supposed to be getting a quiet divorce. That's suddenly off. A third woman enters the picture, pissing off the first mistress.
All of this had been denied by the VP during his vetting.
On top of all that, an old enemy, thought dead several times, resurfaces and everyone scrambles to keep it from the President. Teddy Fay, ex-CIA, now hired assassin wants to help the President out when a black minister enters thr Presidential race.
April 3, 2022
Every 50 pages that went by I thought I’d have more of a clue as to what the plot was and then it was the end of the book….
May 19, 2017
Oh, the joys of reading a Stuart Woods book. I can honestly say that the more I read of him, the less I like his books. The only reason I read this particular book was because it was a New York Times Bestseller. I really didn't care for any of the characters, the plot was slow if non-existent and I really didn't care for it. I think Stuart Woods try to copycat James Patterson with his short chapters and mystery thrown in but even the mystery wasn't there. I'm really not looking forward to reading another one of his books.
April 4, 2018
I liked the story but the sex scenes were a little much.
Read
July 29, 2024From Quran: "I shall weigh him down with mounting trouble."
From Sirah: pg72: “The people of mecca began to panic. The greatest poet of Mecca, as a pagan, admitted defeat after hearing a single recitation of Quran. When the news reached abu Jahl, he sought to rectify the situation. He said to al-Walid, “Your people have heard that you have praised the Quran, and they will not be satisfied with you until you disassociate with Muhammad and speak out against the Quran.”
Unlike Abu-Talib (one of prophet’s uncles who never believed) who was embodiment of integrity and leader, standing his ground and sticking to his princlples, al-Walid was a more typical politician, acquiescing to external pressure. He replied, “Tell me what to say.”
Abu Jahl said, “Call him a madman.” Al Mughirah responded, “But everyone knows he is not a madman, and he does not exhibit any symptoms of a crazy person.” Abu Jahl said, “Okay, so call him a fortuneteller.” Al Mughirah again responded, “But he is not a fortuneteller; he does not have their vernacular nor their style.” Abu Jahl then said, “Call him a magician.” Once again, al Mughirah said, “But he is not a magician. He does not have their invocations or tricks.” Abu Jahl finally said, “Call him a poet.” Al mughirah responded, “By God, I’m the best I am the best poet amongst you; none of you can compete with me, and I am saying that this is not poetry.”
Abu Jahl persisted, demanding, “You must say something, and we will not be satisfied with you until you do.” Al-Mughirah then asked to be left alone for a few days to think of a solution.
He grew increasingly exasperated while thinking of a solution until he came up with an idea. However, before he even got the chance to voice it, Allah sent down the verses of Quran (Chapter the Cloaked One)
“… And leave me to the one I created all by Myself, and granted him abundant wealth and children always by his side, and made life easy for him. Yet he is hungry for more. But no. He has truly been stubborn with Our revelations. I will make his fate unbearable, for he contemplated and determined. May he be condemned! How evil was his determination! Then he re-contemplated, then frowned, then scowled. Then turned his back and acted arrogantly, saying, “This is nothing but magic from the ancients. This is no more than the word of a man. Soon I will burn him in Hell! And what will make you realize what hell is? It does not let anyone live or die, scorching the skin.”
It’s only befitting for Allah to send down some of the most powerful of verses in the entire Quran in response to al-Walid who inevitably died a pagan despite both his children eventually accepted Islam.”
From Sirah: pg72: “The people of mecca began to panic. The greatest poet of Mecca, as a pagan, admitted defeat after hearing a single recitation of Quran. When the news reached abu Jahl, he sought to rectify the situation. He said to al-Walid, “Your people have heard that you have praised the Quran, and they will not be satisfied with you until you disassociate with Muhammad and speak out against the Quran.”
Unlike Abu-Talib (one of prophet’s uncles who never believed) who was embodiment of integrity and leader, standing his ground and sticking to his princlples, al-Walid was a more typical politician, acquiescing to external pressure. He replied, “Tell me what to say.”
Abu Jahl said, “Call him a madman.” Al Mughirah responded, “But everyone knows he is not a madman, and he does not exhibit any symptoms of a crazy person.” Abu Jahl said, “Okay, so call him a fortuneteller.” Al Mughirah again responded, “But he is not a fortuneteller; he does not have their vernacular nor their style.” Abu Jahl then said, “Call him a magician.” Once again, al Mughirah said, “But he is not a magician. He does not have their invocations or tricks.” Abu Jahl finally said, “Call him a poet.” Al mughirah responded, “By God, I’m the best I am the best poet amongst you; none of you can compete with me, and I am saying that this is not poetry.”
Abu Jahl persisted, demanding, “You must say something, and we will not be satisfied with you until you do.” Al-Mughirah then asked to be left alone for a few days to think of a solution.
He grew increasingly exasperated while thinking of a solution until he came up with an idea. However, before he even got the chance to voice it, Allah sent down the verses of Quran (Chapter the Cloaked One)
“… And leave me to the one I created all by Myself, and granted him abundant wealth and children always by his side, and made life easy for him. Yet he is hungry for more. But no. He has truly been stubborn with Our revelations. I will make his fate unbearable, for he contemplated and determined. May he be condemned! How evil was his determination! Then he re-contemplated, then frowned, then scowled. Then turned his back and acted arrogantly, saying, “This is nothing but magic from the ancients. This is no more than the word of a man. Soon I will burn him in Hell! And what will make you realize what hell is? It does not let anyone live or die, scorching the skin.”
It’s only befitting for Allah to send down some of the most powerful of verses in the entire Quran in response to al-Walid who inevitably died a pagan despite both his children eventually accepted Islam.”
June 23, 2017
I stopped reading this author’s work years ago, then the library had this available so I thought, an easy read.
What is it about this guy? The story was wrapped up and ended in a few pages, like he had a contract for a specific number of pages and no more.
The over description of things like the airplane, the trim setting, priming the engine, etc. seems impressive but is very inconsistent. Why aren’t other things described in such detail?
The play on words with the title, what a dweeb. Sure, it is hard to argue with the author’s popularity but it is also hard to explain the popularity of many other things in life – some people just want familiar, easy, and to their taste so they eat at the popular burger place. No nutrition, nothing special, just familiar
What is it about this guy? The story was wrapped up and ended in a few pages, like he had a contract for a specific number of pages and no more.
The over description of things like the airplane, the trim setting, priming the engine, etc. seems impressive but is very inconsistent. Why aren’t other things described in such detail?
The play on words with the title, what a dweeb. Sure, it is hard to argue with the author’s popularity but it is also hard to explain the popularity of many other things in life – some people just want familiar, easy, and to their taste so they eat at the popular burger place. No nutrition, nothing special, just familiar
February 9, 2018
I'm really enjoying this series especially because I am reading each book that follows the one before. I still find it interesting how the character Will Lee wheels and deals as I've heard politicians do, but does it in a smooth manipulative way that doesn't cross a fine line. Each book of the series shows him maintaining his values and doing it while being human, i.e., glad news against opponents comes out to hurt their chances of winning but he "doesn't want his team to bring it out." Today's political races are so filled with criticism against one another that I find the candidates less worthy of being voted to the greatest positions that they can achieve, that being "positions that respresent the people."
August 19, 2018
Audio book read by Carrington MacDuffie
President Will Lee is having several issues to deal with in this book. His VP has died from cancer and the man he has chosen has to be approved, but the man's personal issues with 3 women could become scandalous. Will Lee deals efficiently with these 3 issues.
The president is also on the campaign trail to be elected for a second term. He comes up against the Republican candidate and a new independent candidate, a black preacher.
Teddy Fay is down in Panama when he hears about the black preacher and decides he's going to kill him to help Will Lee. But his plan is stopped by a young CIA agent on to him, Todd Bacon. Teddy manages to escape again.
In the meantime, Kate Rule Lee is dealing with a terrorist situation in Pakistan.
President Will Lee is having several issues to deal with in this book. His VP has died from cancer and the man he has chosen has to be approved, but the man's personal issues with 3 women could become scandalous. Will Lee deals efficiently with these 3 issues.
The president is also on the campaign trail to be elected for a second term. He comes up against the Republican candidate and a new independent candidate, a black preacher.
Teddy Fay is down in Panama when he hears about the black preacher and decides he's going to kill him to help Will Lee. But his plan is stopped by a young CIA agent on to him, Todd Bacon. Teddy manages to escape again.
In the meantime, Kate Rule Lee is dealing with a terrorist situation in Pakistan.
March 30, 2021
I really can't explain why I like these books. There is so little to them that I read through them like a speed reader. However, it is almost like I can't put them down once I start, so that is a compliment to them. Woods does really create a shared world between so many of his characters that though this book follows Will Lee, it also has a number of cameos from other characters as well. The story itself is a bit outlandish when you actually sit down and think about it from a reality point of view, but I let a lot of that slide when reading a book, or watching a movie for that matter. It takes skill to write a story as crazy as this is, but make it sound feasible. I have a number of other Stuart Woods book to read, and I look forward to reading them as well.
July 26, 2019
I listened to this audio for my Mystery Book Club. I have read several of this author's books in the past and this was not so good and was very disappointed. I loved this author's earlier books like "New York Dead" and "Chiefs." But I feel like he is in a rut at this point in time.
This book read like a soap opera at times and the storyline and characters were not fleshed out. The character that played the president was good and the assassin character (whoever he was) was pretty interesting. But as far as the rest of the story I was waiting for something to happen and connect.
Not a good one for this author. :(
This book read like a soap opera at times and the storyline and characters were not fleshed out. The character that played the president was good and the assassin character (whoever he was) was pretty interesting. But as far as the rest of the story I was waiting for something to happen and connect.
Not a good one for this author. :(
March 20, 2022
My least favorite in this series and I’m not sure if it was the narration (I listened to the audiobook) or the story. SW lost his narrator about half way through this series and his replacements really did more harm than good in my opinion. In the previous book, Will Lee lost his southern tone and that was significant to his character, in this book he brought back the missing southern roots to Will’s character and the narration included that…unfortunately the choice for narrator was a big miss. She did a horrible job capturing the various voices and mispronounced a few words/names that I found an interesting miss in the editing.
October 25, 2025
The 2 star rating is because I enjoyed most of the writing. In fact, I wish Woods had actually wrote a novel instead of a short story he added double spacing and short chapters to in order to sell it as a novel. Maybe I should say it is the first few chapters of a wannabe novel because there doesn’t seem to be a plot.
This is the 1st Woods novel I’ve read so maybe this is his writing style but what is it with the detailed sex scenes that add nothing to the “plot”?
And are any of his female characters not leggy drop dead blondes?
I’m going to try another book because I liked the writing but it doesn’t seem as if much effort was put into this novel. Maybe Woods had a deadline to meet.
This is the 1st Woods novel I’ve read so maybe this is his writing style but what is it with the detailed sex scenes that add nothing to the “plot”?
And are any of his female characters not leggy drop dead blondes?
I’m going to try another book because I liked the writing but it doesn’t seem as if much effort was put into this novel. Maybe Woods had a deadline to meet.
January 23, 2018
This book is my first entry into the Will Lee series. The fact that I had not read any of the other books in the series made no difference. This book read like a stand-alone story.
I'm not truly sure how I would classify this book. It had trappings of a political thriller, except it wasn't particularly thrilling, even with investigative reporters and a missing nuke. There was enough drama to make a weekly television show. A lot happened without feeling rushed or contrived. I was totally captivated by the twists and turns.
I'm not truly sure how I would classify this book. It had trappings of a political thriller, except it wasn't particularly thrilling, even with investigative reporters and a missing nuke. There was enough drama to make a weekly television show. A lot happened without feeling rushed or contrived. I was totally captivated by the twists and turns.
March 2, 2020
As I've said in previous reviews, the books in the Will Lee series are always a mixture of action and politics, and I enjoy the action more than the politics. This story was more politics than action. Even so, it was entertaining.
I have a minor complaint: it's hard to know what order to read Stuart Woods' books in. I read the Will Lee series pretty much in order, and major characters drift in and out with big stories that must be in other books.
I have a minor complaint: it's hard to know what order to read Stuart Woods' books in. I read the Will Lee series pretty much in order, and major characters drift in and out with big stories that must be in other books.
July 11, 2020
I would have rated it a four but I did not like the ending. The ending was very weak as if there was a rush to get the ending complete for publication. Will is the strongest character in the book. The whole wire taping thing seemed very unrealistic. I've read several Stuart Woods books and this one bar is the weakest one yet. This is the 1st Will Lee series i've read, I will read another-can only hope it's better.
March 24, 2018
Another exciting page turner but alas, written in 2009 this series seems to be at its end. This is a great book with a lot of complicated things going on. There is not resolution to all the plot lines but some of them continue in other Wood's series.
I love these books partly because I seem to get totally immersed in his characters. I just can't put them down.
I love these books partly because I seem to get totally immersed in his characters. I just can't put them down.
August 11, 2018
Mounting Fears
OMG...eye opening novel of what Polititians are able to do.Stuff Woods has fabulous advanced brain and proved it in this book😀i hate politics and only read this book because I love the Author. Now I am even more impressed with him. I never want to miss any book he writes. So far I am nearly at that point. Thank you Stuart for a wonderful day. Judyjane
OMG...eye opening novel of what Polititians are able to do.Stuff Woods has fabulous advanced brain and proved it in this book😀i hate politics and only read this book because I love the Author. Now I am even more impressed with him. I never want to miss any book he writes. So far I am nearly at that point. Thank you Stuart for a wonderful day. Judyjane
December 22, 2018
This is the first of the series that I have read and I should say that I like the author's no-nonsense writing style, coupled with a fast paced storyline. It did feel like the book ended abruptly while it had the plot and twists of a good page turner. Initial portions of the book were a bit dragging though.
January 21, 2019
Another outstanding Will Lee story! What is not going on - Nuclear site taken over by terrorists/ stolen nuclear warhead / return of a crazy killer form the past / death of the Vice President and much much more. Other than all the pretty much an ordinary story. Captivating from start to finish. Loved it!
June 1, 2017
I love the way Stuart Woods brings previous characters into his current books. I would have given this one 4 stars but I felt the end was rushed and tied up too neatly. He did however let us know that one of the main bad guys in many of his books is not dead as previously insinuated.
September 16, 2017
As far as I know this is the last in this series (to date). Left some things hanging - is Will reelected? Is Teddy still alive? I have no idea if another book is scheduled ???
Kept my interest throughout the book. Paralleled some of the same issues with Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Kept my interest throughout the book. Paralleled some of the same issues with Pakistan and Afghanistan.
November 20, 2017
Loose nukes, Teddy Fay and a new VP with a shady background plague Will Lee as he readies himself for a second term. It was nice reading about a President who had a take charge kind of attitude (I am posting this in 2017, by the way) and knew how to construct a sentence...
December 27, 2017
President Wil Lee is trying to get affairs together before the election. Dirty politics is everywhere along with divorces and affairs. What about Teddy Fey? Is he dead or still alive after all these years.
This really was a good read.
This really was a good read.
July 14, 2018
This was the first Will Lee book I’d read, which was ok that it was #7 in the series. Fascinating and a bit scary is the control folks in politics can have over others’ lives.... and provably so true!
July 17, 2018
I have liked this series but this book is slow paced and the ending is very abrupt with more questions than answers. Several questions from capital crimes were answered. The first book in the series is definitely the best one.
September 26, 2018
Will Lee was a cop the last time I read one of this series. I have to say that he makes a wonderful President. If only our real President had integrity like Will in the book. I don't like political crap, but this book has some interesting parts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews