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Holly Barker #1
Orchid Beach
Stuart Woods wrote one of the most serious and accomplished crime novels of my generation, Chiefs, a southern novel spanning 40 years and the lives of three police chiefs who must try to solve a brutal racial murder. It is elegant, elegiac, and powerful. It also inspired a miniseries almost as good as the book itself.
If Woods's work since then has been less daring and innovative, he has become a reliable purveyor of glossy beach books that are as much fun as movie popcorn.
And Orchid Beach, the new one, is no exception.
Former Army Sergeant Holly Barker is a witness in an Army sexual-harrassment case in which the old-boys network triumphs as usual. Holly knows that her military career is virtually over. The old boys will see to it that she's never again promoted. She decides to take her dad's friend up on his offer of making her deputy chief of police in Orchid Beach, Florida.
My phrase "a reliable purveyor of glossy beach books" might sound slightly patronizing, but I don't mean it to be at all. This one is put together with as much art and skill as far more "serious" crime novels.
Woods is so smooth, so slick, he gives us a 40-page nonstop run that gets the novel going in high gear. Yes, Holly reaches Orchid Beach, but there finds that the chief who hired her is in a coma. Somebody shot him in the head the night before. She goes to talk to the chief's best friend and finds him murdered. What kind of town is Orchid Beach? What has she gotten herself into? Are any of these seemingly innocent people to be believed?
Woods plays all hiscards.There's romance, danger (a couple of big-budget Bruce Willis-like action scenes), and a lot of tartly observed characters who live in gated communities away from the riffraff.
There's even a dog, a winsome Doberman named Daisy, with whom Holly identifies innordinately (they're both tough bitches, as she notes).
Raymond Chandler once wrote to Erle Stanley Gardner that the virtue of fast writing (such as Gardner practiced and Chandler loathed) was that the relentlessness of the storytelling sweeps you along so irresistibly that you never stop to question whether this or that plot point makes sense. All of Woods's recent books have that "irresistible" quality you just can't stop reading them. But I doubt they're written quickly. Woods is a polished writer in every sense, and a lot of the sentences shine. And the back stories of the major characters are worked out in loving and fascinating detail.
If you want state-of-the-art crime entertainment, then you want Stuart Woods. He delivers the goods every time out.
Ed Gorman, barnesandnoble.com
448 pages, ebook
First published November 4, 1998
About the author
Stuart Woods
413 books3,255 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 585 reviews
November 13, 2007
This is the first book in the Holly Barker series which has potential, but I'm not convinced of it yet. What really put me off was the overwhelming theme of sex-gone-bad. When the book starts, the military police officer Holly has just lost a sexual harassment case against her boss, a General, I believe. It even got to the point where he had apparently tried to rape her. But now she's moving on...until in her new role as Deputy Sheriff (or something like that), she stumbles upon a big mystery...several of them, actually. One of them involves a woman getting killed (which would be sufficient, in my opinion, to demonstrate that the bad guys are in fact really bad "bad guys". But nope, the author has to also mention that the woman was raped and I'll stop there (though the book doesn't). Very unnecessary, but I kept reading. Later, Holly herself, despite knowing that the bad guys have a penchant for rape and murder, actually drives out to a very secluded spot where of course, someone tries to rape her! Argh! Once again, not necessary for letting me know the guy is an evil man. I'd already figured that part out, thank you very much. Other online reviews basically say the same thing.
One really good part is that Holly adopts a Doberman from a murder victim (who trained the dog). This female dog's file reads across the top "Excellent Working B----" which is of course, proper terminology. Holly thinks its an apt description for herself as well and a friendship is born.
I'm willing to give Stuart Woods' Holly Barker series another go, but if even one woman gets raped, I'm stopping, 'cause this is not the kind of trend I need in my mysteries.
One really good part is that Holly adopts a Doberman from a murder victim (who trained the dog). This female dog's file reads across the top "Excellent Working B----" which is of course, proper terminology. Holly thinks its an apt description for herself as well and a friendship is born.
I'm willing to give Stuart Woods' Holly Barker series another go, but if even one woman gets raped, I'm stopping, 'cause this is not the kind of trend I need in my mysteries.
March 17, 2015
Orchid Beach starts out with Holly Barker, a 38 year old female Army MP Major, charging the Provost Marshal with attempted rape. There is a quick overview of the case, and just as quickly, the Colonel is acquitted. Immediately following this story is a meeting with Holly Barker, her father, Hamilton Barker and a Vietnam army buddy of Ham's, Chet Marley. At first glance, I thought this was going to be a book about the Army and a continuous stream of attempted rape cases or rape itself. When it was detoured to Holly resigning from the Army and accepting a job offer from Chet Marley in Orchid Beach Florida, it confused me at first. What was the purpose of the court martial and attempted rape story if it wasn't going to continue. I moved on.
Holly arrives at Orchid Beach several weeks later, parks her trailer, which is now her new home and begins to look forward to her new career as the deputy chief of Orchid Beach. Little does she know that the Chief, Chet Marley has been shot in the head. I was not surprised to see Holly take charge the following morning when she hears her Chief and boss has been shot. I instantly liked Holly Barker. She became a no-nonsense, take charge, orderly and competent lead character. As she discovers another body, that of Hank, Chet's comrade-in-arms and friend dead in his home, the mystery expands. Hank was disabled veteran and dog trainer, shot in the head with Chief Marley's very own police issued shot gun. Holly finds Daisy, Hank's dog and realizes this isn't just your ordinary dog. When she takes Daisy home with her, Daisy instantly becomes another one of my favorites.
I was relieved to see that this wasn't your typical 'damaged' cop(s) type novel. It truly focused on the mystery of the crimes and did not elaborate on police officers that were alcoholics, angry about their divorces, never seeing their kids, or corrupt. It was strictly centered on solving the crimes - Holly Barker had it all under control, with the help of Chief Marley's assistant, Jane Grey, a Defense Attorney she falls for, an FBI agent, Daisy the wonder dog and her father, Ham Barker.
I really enjoyed this book. It had some twists and turns in a few chapters but was not overwhelmingly crowded with them. I loved the location and it's description. I liked the type of villains incorporated into the story and the ending was fast paced. I would have liked to have read more about Daisy but that is a personal preference, being that I am a service dog handler and trainer.
I would recommend this book as a crime mystery with limited suspense and a lot of dog hair.
Holly arrives at Orchid Beach several weeks later, parks her trailer, which is now her new home and begins to look forward to her new career as the deputy chief of Orchid Beach. Little does she know that the Chief, Chet Marley has been shot in the head. I was not surprised to see Holly take charge the following morning when she hears her Chief and boss has been shot. I instantly liked Holly Barker. She became a no-nonsense, take charge, orderly and competent lead character. As she discovers another body, that of Hank, Chet's comrade-in-arms and friend dead in his home, the mystery expands. Hank was disabled veteran and dog trainer, shot in the head with Chief Marley's very own police issued shot gun. Holly finds Daisy, Hank's dog and realizes this isn't just your ordinary dog. When she takes Daisy home with her, Daisy instantly becomes another one of my favorites.
I was relieved to see that this wasn't your typical 'damaged' cop(s) type novel. It truly focused on the mystery of the crimes and did not elaborate on police officers that were alcoholics, angry about their divorces, never seeing their kids, or corrupt. It was strictly centered on solving the crimes - Holly Barker had it all under control, with the help of Chief Marley's assistant, Jane Grey, a Defense Attorney she falls for, an FBI agent, Daisy the wonder dog and her father, Ham Barker.
I really enjoyed this book. It had some twists and turns in a few chapters but was not overwhelmingly crowded with them. I loved the location and it's description. I liked the type of villains incorporated into the story and the ending was fast paced. I would have liked to have read more about Daisy but that is a personal preference, being that I am a service dog handler and trainer.
I would recommend this book as a crime mystery with limited suspense and a lot of dog hair.
October 2, 2025
4 Stars. So close to a five. Exciting and I enjoyed getting to know Holly Barker. She's in her late 30s. As we open, she's a Major in the Army in command of military police at an important base. Regrettably, she had been sexually harassed and assaulted by a superior but the court marshal failed to find the Colonel guilty. Holly suspected the door to career advancement was closed. She had to leave. That adage of another door opening applies here. Her father Hamilton, also high in the Army, tells her that he knows the Chief of Police in Orchid Beach, Florida. When they meet, Chet Marley offers her the job of Deputy. At that point the story begins. The evening before Holly reports for work, the Chief is shot and hospitalized. Not expected to survive. She finds herself Acting Chief over 24 officers by the end of day one! And in charge of the investigation. The Chief had confided in her that he thought one of his people was working for the other side. But no name. So, who can she trust? Did the shooting have anything to do with a huge but very secretive new development in the city? Along the way, Holly acquires Daisy, a very smart and adorable Doberman. I loved them both. (May2023/Oc2025)
December 4, 2008
Stuart Woods has been knocking out suspense fiction for awhile now; I believe Orchid Beach made number 19 in the fiction category for him. If you’re looking for another mystery author to add to your list, don’t miss this one.
Woods has a clever way with setting, and the small island community in Florida called Orchid Beach is very tangible. As characters visit different parts of the town, the reader is given a good look at the location and its recognizable features.
The plot swerves delightfully, from a pair of almost immediate murders to a red herring or three. Everyone isn’t a suspect, but you’ll wonder until the very end who you can trust.
The main character is a 37-year-old retired Army major who has relocated to Orchid Beach to become the deputy police chief – and Holly is perfectly capable of handling her new duties. Her adopted, beer-retrieving sidekick, a Doberman Pinscher named Daisy, is a tough customer too.
Woods clearly does his homework and the way he explains things to his reader through his characters’ conversations and observations is excellent. One doesn’t feel insulted or talked down to. I was willing to overlook some of the more far-fetched parts — like the dog’s heroics — in trade for a great plot and brisk pace.
But there was one area that I felt let down: The characters are flat. There’s not enough warmth in the people. Holly is savvy and sharp; likeable, maybe, but not terribly lovable. Her relationship with her father seems both distant and close at the same time and left me feeling unconvinced that they could be completely comfortable with each other.
However, the book carries everything else off so well, one might be willing to overlook that in favor of a page-turner like Orchid Beach. It’s certainly worth the investment of an afternoon’s read.
Woods has a clever way with setting, and the small island community in Florida called Orchid Beach is very tangible. As characters visit different parts of the town, the reader is given a good look at the location and its recognizable features.
The plot swerves delightfully, from a pair of almost immediate murders to a red herring or three. Everyone isn’t a suspect, but you’ll wonder until the very end who you can trust.
The main character is a 37-year-old retired Army major who has relocated to Orchid Beach to become the deputy police chief – and Holly is perfectly capable of handling her new duties. Her adopted, beer-retrieving sidekick, a Doberman Pinscher named Daisy, is a tough customer too.
Woods clearly does his homework and the way he explains things to his reader through his characters’ conversations and observations is excellent. One doesn’t feel insulted or talked down to. I was willing to overlook some of the more far-fetched parts — like the dog’s heroics — in trade for a great plot and brisk pace.
But there was one area that I felt let down: The characters are flat. There’s not enough warmth in the people. Holly is savvy and sharp; likeable, maybe, but not terribly lovable. Her relationship with her father seems both distant and close at the same time and left me feeling unconvinced that they could be completely comfortable with each other.
However, the book carries everything else off so well, one might be willing to overlook that in favor of a page-turner like Orchid Beach. It’s certainly worth the investment of an afternoon’s read.
March 22, 2012
I like the main character, Holly Barker. It's nice to see him write a female lead character. Woods does an okay job building up her character, but I dislike how quickly things move for her with respect to some aspects of her personal life. It's missing a bit of development. Of course, these aren't romance novels, but if you're going to throw it in, do it right.
I also really like that her dad's a part of the books. I think it'll add some fun people dynamics to it. Parents ALWAYS complicate things.
Otherwise, the story packs the same kind of punch that all of his other series books do. I look forward to reaching the intersection of this series with the Stone Barrington books.
I also really like that her dad's a part of the books. I think it'll add some fun people dynamics to it. Parents ALWAYS complicate things.
Otherwise, the story packs the same kind of punch that all of his other series books do. I look forward to reaching the intersection of this series with the Stone Barrington books.
June 6, 2008
Because I have read a later books with this character in it (Holly Barker) it was nice to go back and read from the beginning to see what she's all about and where she came from. I have two more Holly Barker books to read before catching up to the ones I've already read. My first Holly Barker book was one where she appeared in one of the Stone Barrington character books. I'm looking forward to reading the other two Barker books now - funny how the author did that (to introduce her and hook all those Stone Barrington fans) :)!
April 10, 2017
This was a fun book to read. Stuart Woods came up with a good story line and lots of entertaining and complex plot lines. I thought he use of military/police and the introduction of Holly into his Stone Barrington series has made the web that much more interesting. I did not know the Holly Series existed but it has been around for a while.
It would do you good to read Holly #1 as you start the Barrington series. I have enjoyed both. I am anxious to see where Holly actually gets involved with Stone from the Holly perspective.
It would do you good to read Holly #1 as you start the Barrington series. I have enjoyed both. I am anxious to see where Holly actually gets involved with Stone from the Holly perspective.
March 12, 2017
Entertaining book. Need to get the next one.
June 24, 2022
It was ok. I started to DNF it because it dragged a little but I found myself wanting to know what happened so I went back to it and it ended as I thought it would. It was an ok book, not Woods's best but a good book. I don't think I will read the rest of the series.
April 25, 2024
Well, now I understand what is the meaning to read a book in one seating. I started the book at 18:30 and finished it at 02:25. I am a slow reader, but the booked sucked me in from the first sentence.
I was browsing through a bookshelf that I usually don't look for books, but this time Orchid Beach did captivate me. It is my first Stuart Woods book, but it indeed isn't my last, and as I saw he has a lot of books.
Holly is a solid female character, mainly working in a very patriarchal type of work, she is very opinionated and will put men at their place if she has to. I will give a trigger warning for violence and rape, but if you picked to read a murder mystery, you know the chances of that.
Daisy the Doberman is a very smart one, she is faithful, and I can't wait will Holly and Daisy have in the next books.
The only thing that I didn't like is the fast love interest, for me, it was fast, and that is the reason I give this book a 4.5-stars.
I liked the collaboration between Orchid Beach PD and the FBI, you don't see it so much in books, and it was an interesting one. In this book you two generations of military, the generation of Holly's father and Holly's generation.
This book was published in 1998 and I really like it.
I was browsing through a bookshelf that I usually don't look for books, but this time Orchid Beach did captivate me. It is my first Stuart Woods book, but it indeed isn't my last, and as I saw he has a lot of books.
Holly is a solid female character, mainly working in a very patriarchal type of work, she is very opinionated and will put men at their place if she has to. I will give a trigger warning for violence and rape, but if you picked to read a murder mystery, you know the chances of that.
Daisy the Doberman is a very smart one, she is faithful, and I can't wait will Holly and Daisy have in the next books.
The only thing that I didn't like is the fast love interest, for me, it was fast, and that is the reason I give this book a 4.5-stars.
I liked the collaboration between Orchid Beach PD and the FBI, you don't see it so much in books, and it was an interesting one. In this book you two generations of military, the generation of Holly's father and Holly's generation.
This book was published in 1998 and I really like it.
October 11, 2018
The book starts well and it looked like ‘Holly’ was going to be an interesting character, but it didn’t take long before she began to worry me.
Fortunately this improved and I found Holly and ‘Daisy’ made quite a proficient partnership, although I could have done without the love interest.
By the end of the book I had forgotten the earlier worries and was happy to give four stars.
Fortunately this improved and I found Holly and ‘Daisy’ made quite a proficient partnership, although I could have done without the love interest.
By the end of the book I had forgotten the earlier worries and was happy to give four stars.
February 19, 2023
Airplane read
A friend recommended this author, I probably just
picked the wrong series. I'm not saying this book was bad its just not good. Very light and fast reading, a couple of murders, a little romance, a lovable dog and not to many characters. Last but not least the ending wasn't really a surprise. Hope my friend doesn't read this.
A friend recommended this author, I probably just
picked the wrong series. I'm not saying this book was bad its just not good. Very light and fast reading, a couple of murders, a little romance, a lovable dog and not to many characters. Last but not least the ending wasn't really a surprise. Hope my friend doesn't read this.
August 13, 2023
None of the characters had personalities until halfway through the book, and even then it was barely a personality. I know it’s fiction but a lot of the logistics didn’t add up. I didn’t agree with a lot of the decisions Holly made as police.
March 22, 2017
I liked it alot first book i read from this person
August 7, 2023
I always enjoy books with a female heroine. Holly steps right up to her new job as Deputy Chief. She is very capable, knows how to handle men and women. She has to solve a murder as soon as she starts and figure out who the mole is in her police department. She gets help from her boyfriend Jackson and her well trained dog Daisy. This novel is well written, a bit slow to start but definitely super exciting at the end.
February 7, 2023
First book in a series, will look for others. Major Holly Barker turned in her boss for sexual harassment, along with another young officer. Court Martial went in favour of the full Colonel, who was a West Pointer, and god forbid the old boys school should vote a West Pointer guilty. Holly resigned and retired. She was a military brat, she had come up the hard way, the right way, and had a wonderful dad, MSGT Ham Barker who wore the green beret of Special Forces, and he was there to support her. Her dad took her to meet his friend from Nam, a Chet Marley who was in Law Enforcement in Florida. Chet was Chief of a twenty four man force in Orchid Beach Florida, he had a mole in his force, there were some problems and as Holly was in Military Police he offered her the position as Deputy Chief, and Holly accepts. However, when she arrives in Florida, Chet has been shot, she is sworn in immediately, and the problems start from there. Not overly welcomed by the staff, she finds out that Chets best pal, also a Vietnam Veteran was also killed. Something stinks in this town and the also this police force. Holly gets a boyfriend, who has connections with the Feds and they come to help Holly get to the bottom of the problem. Is it drugs, is it weapons, it includes international trafficking of some kind? Hollys dad retires, and comes down to help. Along with boyfriend, the Feds, and dad and her new dog Daisy left by Chets friend, they get the job done. Enjoyed it, fast read.
August 23, 2022
It's been a number of years since I read this series so I decided to go back and see how Holly Barker started out. She's a major in the Army's Military Police but when she loses a sexual harassment suit she's filed against her boss, she knows her career is over. She accepts a job as Deputy Police Chief in Orchid Beach Florida under her dad's old pal Chet Marley,.
When she arrives in Orchid Beach she discovers that he has been shot and is in critical condition. Holly heads out to meet Chet's close friend, wheelchair bound Hank Doherty, and finds him killed in a similar manner. She also meets one of the most amazing dogs, a Doberman Pinscher named Daisy. Holly is also met with resistance by some members of the town police and has to fight them as well as find out who shot Chet and Hank
The plot progresses quickly and the book is a fast read with likable characters. If you already read Stuart Woods novels, you'll be familiar with the style. I've grown weary of his Stone Barrington series and this was a nice change if you're not looking for anything too detail oriented.
When she arrives in Orchid Beach she discovers that he has been shot and is in critical condition. Holly heads out to meet Chet's close friend, wheelchair bound Hank Doherty, and finds him killed in a similar manner. She also meets one of the most amazing dogs, a Doberman Pinscher named Daisy. Holly is also met with resistance by some members of the town police and has to fight them as well as find out who shot Chet and Hank
The plot progresses quickly and the book is a fast read with likable characters. If you already read Stuart Woods novels, you'll be familiar with the style. I've grown weary of his Stone Barrington series and this was a nice change if you're not looking for anything too detail oriented.
November 30, 2017
When I first started this novel, I really was worried that I was not going to like it. The cover really didn't give me much of an impression and I had chose it just because it fit a challenge that I was working on.
Well I was pleasantly surprised with Holly Barker, I love her take no prisoners attitude. I liked that she was both soft and likable, but can lead a group of powerful people. People seem to underestimate her and it always seems to give her the advantage!! And the dog! Though dobermans are not my favourite type of dog (and I'm a cat person), I loved her, and I loved the extra dynamic she gave the story.
I can't wait to see where this series goes.
Great Read!
Well I was pleasantly surprised with Holly Barker, I love her take no prisoners attitude. I liked that she was both soft and likable, but can lead a group of powerful people. People seem to underestimate her and it always seems to give her the advantage!! And the dog! Though dobermans are not my favourite type of dog (and I'm a cat person), I loved her, and I loved the extra dynamic she gave the story.
I can't wait to see where this series goes.
Great Read!
February 21, 2023
Holly Barker and her dad, Hamilton lives changed when they both moved to Orchid Beach. Holly was hired by Chet Marley to be the deputy chief of police in Orchid Beach. When Holly arrived five weeks later to start her new job; she arrives only to discover that Chet Marley, the chief of police, was murdered. What a way to start your new job. Holly's dad arrives a few weeks later to Orchid Beach as a total surprise and announces he has retired from the military. This story involves murders, politics, a few corrupt police persons and a love story. I found this book to be an easy, fun and tip-top cozy mystery.
January 16, 2011
Orchid Beach is the first book in Stuart Woods' "Holly Barker police/murder series. I've been a fan of Stuart Woods way back to the first book I read of his, Chiefs, Under the Lake and White Cargo, in the 1980's. I really like Woods' writing style and the characters in his books. I think I developed my love of high energy and edgy police/crime mysteries from reading Stuart Woods, Ed McBain and Robert B. Parker.
So, I highly recommend you check out Stuart Woods' numerous series and novels at: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/w/s...
So, I highly recommend you check out Stuart Woods' numerous series and novels at: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/w/s...
May 15, 2020
When I first picked up the book I wasn't sure what to think, but the more I read on the more interesting it got. I ended up enjoying it. Good start to a series.
It was refreshing to read about a female lead character that was tough, smart & has her shit together.
Good character development, good storyline (which I can see happening), characters fit well together & good locale. This was my first read by Mr. Woods & I will continue with the series.
It was refreshing to read about a female lead character that was tough, smart & has her shit together.
Good character development, good storyline (which I can see happening), characters fit well together & good locale. This was my first read by Mr. Woods & I will continue with the series.
July 6, 2025
The style almost stopped me
early in the opening
but once the story took hold
who paid attention
to style
It's a page turner
made more interesting
because I've been along that road
through connected barrier islands
although I never quite found
that fabled compound
early in the opening
but once the story took hold
who paid attention
to style
It's a page turner
made more interesting
because I've been along that road
through connected barrier islands
although I never quite found
that fabled compound
April 7, 2018
Holly Barker has extensive military background training not reflected in her repeatedly dimwitted actions as the Chief of Police. Romance transition is lacking; story line good; plot flimsy at best; fast pace enjoyable. Loved Daisy the dog!
March 10, 2022
I am familiar with Holly Barker from the Stone Barrington series and she has always been my least favorite character…so what a pleasant surprise to find I really enjoyed her in Orchard Beach. I was looking for early Stuart Woods books, I’m so glad I didn’t pass this one over.
March 8, 2023
Read this one for book club. A lot of the plot was not believable, and the characters all felt like stereotypes with little depth. But it did keep my interest enough to keep reading to find out what was going on, but even that was some of a letdown and not very realistic.
April 27, 2023
This was a real snooze fest. Stereotypical characters doing predictable things. There's no mystery and nothing to keep you engaged except a smart, beer retrieving dog. At least I read this while at work so I kinda feel like I got paid to read it
February 23, 2024
The plot was just so well-done! Riveting and engaging and mysterious. I really enjoyed this one!
February 6, 2023
Another excellent read from Stuart Woods! I could not put this book down.
February 25, 2023
I enjoyed the story and found it an easy read. It kept me interested and wanted to keep reading to find out how it was going to end.
March 28, 2023
Nothing special, but a solid and entertaining series starter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 585 reviews