The Short Forever

Stone Barrington #8

by Stuart Woods

Stone Barrington, Stuart Woods's suave, urbane series hero, is approached by an enigmatic new client, John Bartholomew, who hires him for what looks like an easy assignment: find his young niece, who's living somewhere in London with a shady character liable to involve her in his illegal activities, and persuade her to return to New York with Barrington. Handing him a ticket on the Concorde and an unlimited expense account, Bartholomew sets Stone on a chase in which identifying who's the predator and who's the prey turns out to be the key to solving a puzzling mystery involving two American spies and a great deal of money.

As usual, Stone wraps it up without getting his tuxedo nearly as wrinkled as the sheets on his bed, which he shares with a bevy of beautiful women including two old girlfriends and one new one. Woods is a lively, engaging, and reliable writer whose bestselling thrillers feature plenty of eye candy, brand names, and plots that don't tax the brain but do make the most of his narrative gifts. Look elsewhere for high art, but this is high entertainment. --Jane Adams

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

350 pages, ebook

First published April 15, 2002

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

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who gave this book a bad review might want to re-think why they read Stuart Woods' novels. They are not classic literature. They are escapist fiction. You need to check your disbelief at the door. I haven't read a Stone Barrington novel in a while and I don't understand why I don't read them more often. I was caught up in Stone's world. I couldn't put the book down. It was a fun 300 pages. I'd love to go to Elaine's and meet up with Stone and Dino for their next adventure. Stuart Woods' ability to make me want to do that is why he is a successful writer: he makes you want to be in the story. If you want something more, go read Tolstoy.

[Jack Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars. I've only been to England twice - that's one more than Stone Barrington. Amazing. Paris, London, Rome, the world is calling you Stone! This entry accents the confusion which sometimes permeates Stone's mind in his adventures, "What is exactly going on here?," by adding a large dollop of cloak and dagger. Spy vs. spy. It is a grey and conflicting world for both Stone and his readers. Bill Eggers of Woodman and Weld tells him of a strange client he would like Stone to meet, John Bartholomew. He needs help extracting his early-twenties niece Erica from the grip of a man named Lance Cabot. The two are together in London. He believes Cabot makes his living by smuggling cocaine and wants Erica brought back to the US. We soon learn that it's just a cover story. It starts to unravel shortly after Stone's plane lands at Heathrow. By the way, he flew the Concorde and gives a good description. Now gone. There's no difficulty finding his quarry but the personable Cabot doesn't seem to be a drug courier. Government secrets? Ah. With guest appearances by Sarah Buckminster, Arrington Calder, and a lovely but distant Carpenter. A fun romp. (Jul2022/Oc2025)

[Dosha (Bluestocking7) Beard · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story had a pleasant surprise at the end, otherwise, eh. I'm going to put Stone Barrington on the back burner for awhile and read books with less predictable themes. Even Dino, my favorite character in this series, let me down in this book. He shows up, but he doesn't really DO anything. He's just there. Oh well, sooner or later I'll need some mindless reads, and this series will come in handy again.

[Joanne Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot quite remember why I stopped reading Stone Barrington books, what I do know is I am glad I start reading them again. They are fantastic check your troubles at the door books. There is no great thinking required. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the story, you can rest assured you will be entertained.

[Kent Woodger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone always has lots of money in Woods' Stone Barrington novels. This mystery/crime edition was fast, light reading (two days) and fairly entertaining as long as credibility is suspended. Not up to four star level.

[Laura Ruetz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of the Stone Barrington novels, having discovered them in the last few years. Stone is a down to earth lawyer, who certainly leads an interesting life. Favorite characters like Dino, his ex cop partner, are back in this story, which just adds to the wonderfully mix of interesting and engaging characters, as well as new ones.

This one was a mystery wrapped up in the mystery, and the levels of intrigue made it a fun, thrilling read. Very solid and fun book. The characters are well written, developed and the plot will keep you guessing, without falling into the trap of being so convoluted that you get confused. You'll pick this up and not want to put it down until you are done.

[Gary Gallucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone Barrington is dispatched to England by a client of the law firm that employs him. The little information he is given is proven to be untrue. The story takes odd turns, during which Stone has difficulty distinguishing the good guys from the bad guys. He questions why he's in England and what he's really supposed to be doing...and on behalf of whom. So, before he can do anything else, Stone sets off on his own to find out what's really going on here. A lot of complexities and mysteries.

[Tgordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been on a Stone binge. This one takes place in England!! Great plot, espionage is always fun!

[Kathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a 14-year veteran of the NYPD, Stone Barrington isn't very smart or savvy, is he?

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hired by an odd client, (John Bartholomew/Stan Hedger), Stone arrives in London, on a mission he thinks he understands, but doesn't. Soon he finds himself not only out of his territory, but out of his depth as well.
I also felt out of my depth reading this novel of many twists and turns. Stone investigates Lance Cabot at the request of his client, but along the way he's kidnapped and interrogated, but let go, he becomes a suspect of two murders and becomes involved in a shady deal with Lance to help the British intelligence.
He almost gets a chance to renew his relationship with Arrington, but circumstances prevent that.
He almost loses $250,000. but unexpectedly makes it back plus $750,000.
Stone is back in New York, ready for his next adventure.
October 31, 2018 second reading, at the very beginning Callie breaks up with Stone and marries Thad Shames from previous book. Stone also meets Carpenter, a British intelligence agent who we later learn is Felicity Devonshire, director of MI6. Stone is also re-united with Sarah Buckminster, who, while on a sailing cruise, knocks her fiance into the river, drowning him. Stone dives in after him but is unsuccessful in saving him. Sarah admits to doing it on purpose in not so many words. The one thing I can't figure out is Lance Cabot. Is he an undercover CIA agent or has he really left the agency so he can trade arms, drugs and military devices? At some point in the book, Dino arrives in London to help Stone. He provides much needed laughs in this book of twists and turns.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in Woods’ Stone Barrington series. Stone is of counsel to the law firm of Woodman and Weld. When a partner at the firm asks him to take on an assignment for one of the firm’s clients, Stone finds himself in London for the first time since his college years. His assignment is to separate a young woman from her current relationship and return her to New York. But Stone soon finds himself in uncharted waters. It turns out that the person who has hired him, John Bartholomew, isn’t his real name and his occupation is way above his pay grade. As always, Stone gets invited to a formal dinner, or at least a dinner where he must dress formally, where he discovers that his client is more than he has been told, and of course, runs into at least two of the women with whom he has had more than just a casual relationship. This book also introduces Carpenter, from the British secret service (who appears in later books) along with her associates, Mason and Carpenter. A fast moving story with plenty of twists and turns, it continues a run (at least for this reviewer) of enjoyable reads (or “listens" as that is how I “read" these books). I have become a big Stone Barrington fan (although many will not like the detail to which Woods goes in describing Stone’s relationships with the fair sex) as the stories are great company on long drives.

[ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 15 Stuart Woods’s book read in a span of 6 weeks 🫣😬😬

Stone Barrington has grown on me. He’s so naive yet so sophisticated on certain things. It’s quite the conundrum. He sees the best in the women he “dates” when they are truly evil. Sarah takes up most of his time here. She’s SO awful, a calculated sociopath. She killed someone close to her with absolutely zero feeling about it. Stone sure can pick up, eh? Arrington, Dolce, and now Sarah. All cold blooded killers of men closest to them. Stone should take note. 📝

This book was a complex plot yet also not. Everyone was lying AND you never knew who was good or bad. Honestly by the end, you figured EVERYONE was bad. Set in England, it was fun to have Stone out of NYC. Dino made his way over and like a bad penny, Arrington made an appearance. She always thinks the worst of Stone. I wish Stone would cut her loose for good. BUT that won’t happen when the kid Peter is Stone’s son( my opinion) I’m sure we will find out the truth eventually. A new character gets introduced Lance Cabot. He’s intriguing. He’s like a younger better Stone. The plot doesn’t get resolved really and more will occur in future books I’m guessing.. meh…

Off to read Blood Orchid.. ugh Holly Barker and Ham. My least favorite characters in the Stuart Wood universe 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

[Terence M [on a brief semi-hiatus] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio Book - 7 Hours 22 Minutes - 3 out of 5 stars
The Short Forever - Stone Barrington #8 - by Stuart Woods
Narration by Robert Lawrence 2002.

I have all the Stone Barrington audiobooks up to #40 and realised I hadn't read any for a while so I tackled the next on my unread list, "The Short Forever". As I started listening, I remembered what had slowed down my consumption of Stone Barrington - the boring, monotonic narration by Robert Lawrence. His staccato reading style was way too fast and effectively reduced the book to a quick but less than satisfactory overnight read/listen. There is a later recording narrated by Tony Roberts which is 9 Hours 50 Minutes recorded in 2016, compared to 7 Hours 22 Minutes recorded in 2002, both editions claiming to be unabridged. No wonder mine was so cheap!

Oh, and this novel has the usual OK Stone Barrington action and excitement with just a touch of sexual intrigue. I enjoyed it and have already added #9 and #10 to my current reading list.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie calls it off; Stone goes to London. Stone is retained by John Bartholomew to travel to London and return his missing niece Erica Burroughs. The all expense paid cush project gets bogged down quickly when Stone finds himself in the middle of US, Brit and other intelligence operatives. By chance he stumbles into a former lover Sarah at her engagement party at the Lord of Wight estate. Sarah's fiance dies in a bizarre boating accident and Sarah inherits $750M. His pursuit of Erica results in his meeting and befriending Lance Cabot, a murky operative. While collecting intel on the situation, three men die and Stone is braced by the police. While Sarah is sucking the life out of him, Stone has a chance encounter with Arrington Calder at the ambassador's residence. His participation with Lance in an illegal weapons sale introduces him to the beguiling Carpenter. Stone ends up recovering his investment cash and Cabot pays him as agreed.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I waited patiently for the next Stone Barrington book to arrive! This one was read in one day because of the easy writing style of Mr. Woods. Stone takes an unusual case from a man that sends Stone to England to retrieve the gentleman's niece. Stone soon discovers that the girl he is sent to find is not the gentleman's niece and that begins a journey into governmental spies and smuggling and illegal trading activities, along with the occasional murders.

The best part is that Stone is briefly reunited with Arrington. I have a feeling Arrington is going to be around for a long time, and I hope she is. I love Stone and Arrington together. Now more Stone please

[Judy Moe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoy Stuart Woods Stone Barrington series. I would typically not rate one his books a 5 but this was a quick, captivating and intriguing read. Stone was portrayed as a bit more vulnerable than what I have read in the past. What I found most interesting were the acknowledgments at the end. His editor did not ask for any changes to the book. It was published as presented. Because I had already been taken by the story, I found this information telling. How often, if ever, does an editor not want to rewrite parts of a book.

[Greg Pinholster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book. I think there was enough mystery to keep it interesting.

[Montessahall Montessahall · Rating 1 out of 5]

This insipid story recycles the same basic plot and literary devices from prior books in the Stone Barrington series. A dreadful mash up of; stolen identities of dead people and using similar character names from previous books in the series. Also deceitful, lying, beautiful women who prey on rich, stupid sex led men for their money. Eat,drink,sex, repeat...

[Michael Redd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usual romp with Stone and the gang...on to the next adventure!

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was in fact mood for light and easy, this fit the bill

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real good book.. of course any book that Stuart Woods wrote that has Stone Barrington as his main man is going to be good!

[Kathleensakal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audio book

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Stone Barrington lived in the real world, he’d be 300 pounds, headed to an AA meeting after fielding a call about another paternity suit while waiting anxiously for the results of yet another STD test…but fortunately he lives in Stuart Woods’ world where the vintage bourbon goes down smooth at 9 am, the gourmet food is always cooked to perfection, and beautiful woman instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano.

[Amy Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stone is off to London! How many British women will throw themselves at them? Will his crazy ex-wife show up? What near-death experience will he have---almost drowning in the Thames? Falling off the Tower of London? Conked in the head with a croquet mallet? Guess I'll have to read it and find out.

[Peter Charleston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice trip to England and enjoyable reading.

[William · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading eight books in this series, I'm definitely getting the feeling of "been there; done that". I plan to continue the series in the hope that it changes, but I can't see myself reading over 60 books if they are all going to seem the same.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy, quick read, but story line wasn't that good.

[Ann]

Typical Barrington story.

[Jerry B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stone is back, but hard to follow meandering plot...

Prolific Stuart Woods is back with his 8th Stone Barrington novel, of his 24 fictional works to date. If he had accidentally called Stone "James Bond" it would have been just as believable, as Barrington sleuths in espionage and intrigue during the day, and drinks and bed hops during the night. Traveling to London via the Concorde on an unlimited expense account, much of this book seems devoted to the lifestyles of the rich (even if not famous). Two of Stone's old girlfriends dominate much of the proceedings, even Arrington Calder herself -- the running gag being that she and Stone will never marry (they came close once before) 'cause she won't go through life as Arrington Barrington!

There was quite a degree of suspense in the 300+ pages, although to me it was as much caused by "what's going on here" than the story per se. Even when it ended, ..., we weren't sure what they did or why it mattered, despite a couple of murders, almost unconnected, along the way. In fact, it was like leaving a movie you thought was pretty entertaining but you never did figure out the fundamental plot. Even Stone didn't know for whom he was working half the time. We'd no doubt fail the quiz at the end on who did what to whom. Moreover, an appearance by Stone's old police partner Dino (still on active duty, but apparently able to travel at will to bail this guy out time after time) did little to advance the story line and thus seemed somehow irrelevant.

Thinking it might be time to let Stone "die off", we note from the author's web site two more Barrington books are in the works, as well as another featuring his newer female lead, Holly Barker. Woods claims he's writing two books per year for the foreseeable future; while still fans, we would like to see a little more substance, a little less sex, and a more cohesive plot. Woods has all the skills to pull that off and more. We're just not sure they are on display that well in the Short Forever.

[JayeL]

This book takes places a few months after Cold Paradise ends.

Stone travels to London at the request of a mysterious client referred by Woodman and Weld. There were a lot of parts of this story that I liked. It was, however, confusing and the original point of Stone's trip gets lost as the story evolves. I could have done without the spycraft, though Dame Felicity shows up, which is her introduction to the series. Lance Cabot is introduced in this book as a shady business consultant as well. Having read some of the later books, I would have never guessed that he would start out this way in the series. Stone, mostly, kept his pants on. Arrington makes a brief appearance, but, again, acts like a spoiled brat. She doesn't give Stone a chance to explain, but just assumes he is acting like a jerk. Stone needs to give up on her.

Sarah Buckminster also reappears and two new women, Monica Burrows and 'Carpenter', also show interest in Stone.

A cabbie also mentions The Knowledge, which is part of the Richard Jury series