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Stone Barrington #27
Doing Hard Time
The riveting new Stone Barrington novel from New York Times–bestselling author Stuart Woods.
When Stone Barrington embarks on a trip to Bel-Air to check in on some business and personal concerns, he expects a relaxing break from the fast pace and mean streets of New York. But trouble never takes a vacation, and it has a way of finding Stone. A case that had seemingly been resolved has returned in full force—with lethal results. And this deadly situation makes for strange bedfellows when Stone finds himself teamed with the least likely ally . . . a gentleman of unique abilities, who can fly below the radar and above the law.
From the high-stakes poker tables of Las Vegas to California’s lush beachside resorts, the trail of disguise, subterfuge, and murder leads to a shocking conclusion.
When Stone Barrington embarks on a trip to Bel-Air to check in on some business and personal concerns, he expects a relaxing break from the fast pace and mean streets of New York. But trouble never takes a vacation, and it has a way of finding Stone. A case that had seemingly been resolved has returned in full force—with lethal results. And this deadly situation makes for strange bedfellows when Stone finds himself teamed with the least likely ally . . . a gentleman of unique abilities, who can fly below the radar and above the law.
From the high-stakes poker tables of Las Vegas to California’s lush beachside resorts, the trail of disguise, subterfuge, and murder leads to a shocking conclusion.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 8, 2013
735 people are currently reading
2278 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Woods
397 books3,182 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 427 reviews
December 4, 2013
This satisfies my need for a periodic dose of Woods’ special kind of elegant thriller yarn. His hero, Stone Barrington, is a wealthy New York lawyer who always takes time to enjoy all the good things in life money can buy. With the powerful buddies he has in law enforcement and government circles, heaven help any terrorist or serial killer who interferes with his playtime or threatens his family.
His son, Peter, and his girlfriend have just graduated from a fancy college and are driving to L.A. to start a job making movies. Stone Barrington comes to L.A. to help Peter get established with the film industry and to acquire a home. Unfortunately, his property investments have angered a Russian mafia czar who blithely sends some heavies after his son on the road. An ex-CIA agent in hiding ends up interfering with this first foray and assumes a secret protective role. Stone susses this Good Samaritan out and joins forces with him when gangster ups the ante in California. The body count rises, but this doesn’t slow down the enjoyment of the high life very much. For example, we are privy to the ins and outs of Peter acquiring a classic Jaguar and a personal jet and slipping in flying lessons while making a movie. And nothing stops Stone from making a sexual conquest of an aristocratic lady, all in good taste of course.
Wood’s series, here in its 27th installment, makes a great circle out of life, not too dissimilar from Ian Fleming. Foiling the bad guys makes living the good life seem well deserved, while fulfilling the dream makes it defense all the more righteous and satisfying.
His son, Peter, and his girlfriend have just graduated from a fancy college and are driving to L.A. to start a job making movies. Stone Barrington comes to L.A. to help Peter get established with the film industry and to acquire a home. Unfortunately, his property investments have angered a Russian mafia czar who blithely sends some heavies after his son on the road. An ex-CIA agent in hiding ends up interfering with this first foray and assumes a secret protective role. Stone susses this Good Samaritan out and joins forces with him when gangster ups the ante in California. The body count rises, but this doesn’t slow down the enjoyment of the high life very much. For example, we are privy to the ins and outs of Peter acquiring a classic Jaguar and a personal jet and slipping in flying lessons while making a movie. And nothing stops Stone from making a sexual conquest of an aristocratic lady, all in good taste of course.
Wood’s series, here in its 27th installment, makes a great circle out of life, not too dissimilar from Ian Fleming. Foiling the bad guys makes living the good life seem well deserved, while fulfilling the dream makes it defense all the more righteous and satisfying.
July 15, 2017
So tired of Stone Barrington's perfect son and his perfect life. Ugh. It's not enough that he's good looking, he has to be rich, smart, successful, and have a beautiful, smart, successful, talented girlfriend. And of course his best friend is smart, funny, successful, and now has a beautiful, smart, soon-to-be-successful actress girlfriend. I mean, really? There's fantasy and then there's just perfect to the point of unbelievability.
The story itself was okay but nothing great. Liked that Teddy Fay was brought back into the series. Not enough of Dino in this one; I love his humor and missed it.
Other Barrington books have been much better. Hoping for a return to that in the next installment.
The story itself was okay but nothing great. Liked that Teddy Fay was brought back into the series. Not enough of Dino in this one; I love his humor and missed it.
Other Barrington books have been much better. Hoping for a return to that in the next installment.
February 9, 2014
A BIG FAT ZERO ACTUALLY!
Mmmm hey I have a suggestion, why doesn't Woods just call all his future books 'Convenient Coincidences' that way they'd be a lot easier to swallow; I am sorry to say that Woods stopped being an interesting author about 20 books ago and the only reason I continue to read the turgid rubbish that he has the temerity to publish is that they are very easy and quick to read.
This one is just AWFUL and UNBELIEVABLE beyond what he normally tries to get us to swallow; there is no story here, just a series of very convenient coincidences (see what I did there). Characters find life so easy: you want a career in Hollywood? No problem. Oh you want a million dollar plane? No problem. Ah I just met you but lets jump in to bed, we'll not regret it...they might not but I did. Just one long contrivance after another, this is writing at its worst with NO merit whatsoever.
AVOID LIKE A DOSE OF THE.....
Mmmm hey I have a suggestion, why doesn't Woods just call all his future books 'Convenient Coincidences' that way they'd be a lot easier to swallow; I am sorry to say that Woods stopped being an interesting author about 20 books ago and the only reason I continue to read the turgid rubbish that he has the temerity to publish is that they are very easy and quick to read.
This one is just AWFUL and UNBELIEVABLE beyond what he normally tries to get us to swallow; there is no story here, just a series of very convenient coincidences (see what I did there). Characters find life so easy: you want a career in Hollywood? No problem. Oh you want a million dollar plane? No problem. Ah I just met you but lets jump in to bed, we'll not regret it...they might not but I did. Just one long contrivance after another, this is writing at its worst with NO merit whatsoever.
AVOID LIKE A DOSE OF THE.....
June 13, 2014
The formula for a Stone Barrington novel: Stone has a drink. Stone dines at an expensive restaurant. Stone meets a woman. Stone and the woman have sex. Stone flies somewhere on a private jet. Stone stays in a 5 star hotel. Stone and the woman have sex again. Stone spends an outrageous sum of money for something he wants. Repeat above randomly for 200 pages. Someone tries to kill Stone. Stone fights back. The bad guy dies. The End.
All Woods has to do is plug the names into the above template and hit print. That’s the only way he could crank out two other books in this series in 2013 and four – yes, 4 – in 2014. And who knows, maybe at the rate he writes (I use the term loosely) even a fifth and possibly sixth before the year is out.
The only variation in the formula in Doing Hard Time is that Stone’s son Peter is the one spending outrageous amounts of money. Oh, yes! And Teddy Fay, the man all of Woods's main characters have been trying to catch for the past umpteen years is now on Stone's side.
This book continues Woods’s recent ‘Hail, hail, the gang’s all here’ blueprint. But this time, along with Ed Eagle, Holly Barker is left out in the cold, too.
At least his dialog is improving. He’s still the master of stuffy, overly formal dialog, but it’s nowhere near as bad here as it has been.
Still, I’ll keep reading the series. Even a healthy eater enjoys a Twinkie once in a while.
All Woods has to do is plug the names into the above template and hit print. That’s the only way he could crank out two other books in this series in 2013 and four – yes, 4 – in 2014. And who knows, maybe at the rate he writes (I use the term loosely) even a fifth and possibly sixth before the year is out.
The only variation in the formula in Doing Hard Time is that Stone’s son Peter is the one spending outrageous amounts of money. Oh, yes! And Teddy Fay, the man all of Woods's main characters have been trying to catch for the past umpteen years is now on Stone's side.
This book continues Woods’s recent ‘Hail, hail, the gang’s all here’ blueprint. But this time, along with Ed Eagle, Holly Barker is left out in the cold, too.
At least his dialog is improving. He’s still the master of stuffy, overly formal dialog, but it’s nowhere near as bad here as it has been.
Still, I’ll keep reading the series. Even a healthy eater enjoys a Twinkie once in a while.
October 18, 2013
I've been a Stuart Woods fan for a long time, and I really believe he's lost the flair for the hard, rocking edge of action thrillers in his last ten books or so. Having said that, 'Doing Hard Time' begins much as the last dozen or so have, but with a distinctive twist. This time Woods brings a long time ne'er do well, Teddy Fay, and makes him into a protagonist, which worked out wonderfully. Not only has Teddy seemingly changed sides, but has taken to wanting to protect the life of Stone's son Peter. I'm often wont to disparage the tendency of aging writers to cast off their reputations in lieu of padding their 401k accounts, but some thought went into this storyline, and I'm giving Woods four stars for the first time in years. His debut novel, 'Chiefs,' will always be the greatest debut novel of any writer, bar none. Interestingly, Woods doesn't let his characters age, as Charlene Joiner--who famously seduced the young Will Lee in Chiefs 32 years ago--is still at it as a hot mature Hollywood maven in 'Doing Hard Time.' I'd highly recommend this book to forlorn Woods' fans who have forsaken him lately, as it's a great read--at least the last half of it--and is perfect for a cross-country flight. My hat's off to Stuart Woods for making a comeback with 'Doing Hard Time.' He's still got the panache to make it right.
September 26, 2017
Teddy Fay (aka Billy Burnet, aka Billy Barnet) makes this story interesting by providing his own kind of justice. Very well delivered plot makes for a great story. Kind of tired of Stone Barrington falling into bed with whatever new female character is introduced, enjoyed the story regardless -- 7 out of 10.
January 25, 2014
Doing Hard Time is exactly how I felt trying to slog through this elitist tripe. Even Teddy Faye can't save me. I need Goodreads to go ahead and tase me if I ever add a Stone Barrington novel again. The End.
August 24, 2017
I am sorry to say that Woods stopped being an interesting author about 5-10 books ago and the only reason I continue to read the rubbish that he has the temerity to publish is that they are very easy and quick to read.
This one is just AWFUL and UNBELIEVABLE beyond what he normally tries to get us to swallow; there is no story here, just a series of very convenient coincidences. Characters find life so easy: you want a career in Hollywood? No problem. Oh you want a million dollar plane? No problem. Ah I just met you but lets jump in to bed, we'll not regret it...they might not but I did. Just one long contrivance after another, this is writing at its worst with NO merit whatsoever. Kinda harsh here, but this book just doesn't hold any plot with merit at all. Don't necessarily recommend.
This one is just AWFUL and UNBELIEVABLE beyond what he normally tries to get us to swallow; there is no story here, just a series of very convenient coincidences. Characters find life so easy: you want a career in Hollywood? No problem. Oh you want a million dollar plane? No problem. Ah I just met you but lets jump in to bed, we'll not regret it...they might not but I did. Just one long contrivance after another, this is writing at its worst with NO merit whatsoever. Kinda harsh here, but this book just doesn't hold any plot with merit at all. Don't necessarily recommend.
March 24, 2016
Predictably execrable and moronic. I can't comment on the plot as there doesn't seem to be one. This hamstrung tale of bourgeois cretins meandering through their trite and meaningless lives is absurd enough that a Marxist could use it for propaganda, and even more ludicrous when one realizes that people actually take this stuff seriously.
On the one hand, I was paid to read this. On the other, money can't replace the brain cells I lost.
On the one hand, I was paid to read this. On the other, money can't replace the brain cells I lost.
September 30, 2023
This one was decent. Kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t wait to see how it ended and I wasn’t disappointed!! Not all Stone books are awesome. But this one was.
July 20, 2020
so do we wanna talk about how male detective fiction authors consistently fail to write a female character with a legitimate personality or even just a female character that doesn’t function solely as a plot device? or are we not ready to have that conversation?
no way would this book pass the bechdel test.
no way would this book pass the bechdel test.
November 25, 2024
This was better. Especially since the bulk of the book is Teddy Fay.
July 24, 2023
Another good addition to the Stone Barrington series.
November 11, 2013
If you aren't a Stone Barrington fan you will find this book formulaic and shallow. If you follow the series you will enjoy it like all of the others. For me it is a guilty pleasure. I sit down over two sittings and blow through it; waiting for the next one to come out. In "Hard Time" we see much less of the lawyer turned tycoon than we do in previous books. The protagonist in this book is Billy Barnett who is a former CIA operative and a fugitive from the agency. He has changed his identity and his jawline and is trying to lay low. By "coincidence" he encounters two Russian hit men trying to kill Stone's son Peter and his friends as they make their way across country to L.A. Peter happens to be a Yale film school graduate, a successful movie maker, and filthy rich. His girlfriend and best friend are equally as talented (okay, don't hate the reviewer). They make their way to the Arrington, which is a posh hotel that Peter owns a significant portion of. They set up shop to make their movie. Most of the book has Billy Barnett disposing of the mobsters attempting to kill Peter, and giving him pilot lesson in between killings. Okay, it's not great literature but the Stone Barrington series is a great escape. Enjoy.
November 9, 2013
#27 in the Stone Barrington series. Since 2008, Woods has been publishing 3 novels per year. The latest 9, and 11 of the latest 12, have belonged to this series. The frequency, action, and short chapters, add to the series soap opera feel. With continuing plots and a recurring cast of characters, there is a familiar feel to all of them that makes them feel like dessert. They are welcome and enjoyable, even though not nourishing or filling. This is another quick read for series fans.
Stone Barrington series - When Stone Barrington embarks on a trip to Bel-Air to check in on some business and personal concerns, he expects a relaxing break from the fast pace and mean streets of New York. But trouble never takes a vacation, and it has a way of finding Stone. A case that had seemingly been resolved has returned in full force—with lethal results. And this deadly situation makes for strange bedfellows when Stone finds himself teamed with the least likely ally . . . a gentleman of unique abilities, who can fly below the radar and above the law.
Stone Barrington series - When Stone Barrington embarks on a trip to Bel-Air to check in on some business and personal concerns, he expects a relaxing break from the fast pace and mean streets of New York. But trouble never takes a vacation, and it has a way of finding Stone. A case that had seemingly been resolved has returned in full force—with lethal results. And this deadly situation makes for strange bedfellows when Stone finds himself teamed with the least likely ally . . . a gentleman of unique abilities, who can fly below the radar and above the law.
March 26, 2018
Almost-forgotten Teddy Fay reappears in this book, and in an odd twist of fate, runs into Stone's son Peter and his two friends, Ben and Hattie, in the middle of nowhere, where he happens to discover that a Russian mobster is after them. Bouncing from California to Las Vegas, 'Billy Barnett' gets on the Russian's radar and finds himself protecting Peter and his friends. Stone and Mike Freeman suspect that Billy is really Teddy, but since Billy and Peter are both on the Russian's radar, and Billy has been one step ahead of the Russian, Stone and Mike decide it's in everyone's best interests to work with him to stop the Russian. I enjoyed the pace of this story, and Teddy/Billy is always a fascinating character who just tries to stay below the radar. My favorite part is when Mike has a very enlightening talk with him, and ends with an open offer to Teddy/Billy that will be interesting to watch.
May 10, 2017
Doing Hard Time was not so much about Stone Barrington, Dino and Stone’s son Peter as it was about Teddy Fey, the former head of the CIA who was now in hiding.
A Russian mob boss wants to kill Stone and Peter because mob boss believed Stone cheated him out of the majority shares in The Arrington Hotel, named after Stone’s former lover and Peter’s mother. Teddy Fey, who now goes by the name of Billy Barnett, killed the four assassins who tried to murder Peter. This pisses off Russian mob boss who then goes after Teddy.
Doing Hard Time was a fun read! This is the third or fourth book in the series I’ve read where it appears that author Woods is trying to phase out Stone and Dino because of the minimum read time he’d given them. I’ve listened to several Barrington books read by Tony Roberts and remain adamant that he is not the voice of the characters
A Russian mob boss wants to kill Stone and Peter because mob boss believed Stone cheated him out of the majority shares in The Arrington Hotel, named after Stone’s former lover and Peter’s mother. Teddy Fey, who now goes by the name of Billy Barnett, killed the four assassins who tried to murder Peter. This pisses off Russian mob boss who then goes after Teddy.
Doing Hard Time was a fun read! This is the third or fourth book in the series I’ve read where it appears that author Woods is trying to phase out Stone and Dino because of the minimum read time he’d given them. I’ve listened to several Barrington books read by Tony Roberts and remain adamant that he is not the voice of the characters
October 15, 2013
Fast, fun, predictable, "kids" a little too-good-to-be-true, little character development, too many coincidences...in other words, a typical Stuart Woods book. I do look forward to his new books for a fast, fun read and I know I'm not getting great literature. I am getting a few hours of enjoyment and escape, and that's enough for me. I'm just impressed that he's one of the few best-selling authors who actually takes the time to write his own books. That moves him way up the list for me!
September 25, 2015
Stuart Woods's Stone Barrington novels always make a good airplane or beach book. He's a lawyer – New York jet set private eye kind of guy. This is the 27th book, and frankly, they have become very formulaic and the brand is getting a bit long in the tooth. As I said, they are okay, but I can't see a whole lot more than that for them.
Bill Brown,
Bill Brown,
September 17, 2016
After graduating from college, Peter Barrington and his friends head out to Hollywood to produce a movie. Along the way the Russian mob attempts to kill them in order to force a sale of owned by Stone Barrington in the Arlington Hotel in Los Angles. On the run himself, Teddy Fae kills the Russian assassins and becomes a target of the Russian mob. Eventually he and Stone connect to save Peter.
October 6, 2013
I recieved this book "Doing Hard Time" as a winner in a goodreads giveaway.. I thoroughly enjoyed it. (A sort of James Bond 007 type of thriller.) The only complaint I had is the lack of strong women characters, they are relegated to eye candy in the book. This kept me from giving it 5 stars..
May 16, 2019
I was unfamiliar with this author, but the book was recommended as something I would enjoy even if I hadn’t read more of the Stone Barrington series. At first, I really was intrigued. Teddy was a fascinating character, and I wanted to learn more about his background. But during the last 1/4 of the book when it should have been the most enthralling, the characters seemed to be written in a hurried, haphazard way that at times even contradicted earlier actions they had taken. Everybody just had endless money, so here, have an airplane, and hey, here’s $40,000 cash from our account in the Caymans, so buy whatever new car you like. There was certainly no changes, developments, or growth in relationships between any of the characters. All that being said, the book did help pass the time on a very long drive. :)
January 20, 2018
Doing hard time appears to be a book in a series for some character called Stone Barrington (who owns a hotel called the Arrington?! Really??) but the book really focused on a Jack Reacher knock off called Ted/Bill and a whole heap of other names.
Ted/Bill runs into Stone’s son as he’s road tripping to California to get into the movie business. The son has been followed by some Russian henchmen and luckily this mysterious fellow is around to understand Russian and what’s actually going on here.
The prose isn’t going to blow you away it’s very formulaic, but it’s a decent enough book, it just feels like it’s from the 50’s with its style.
Ted/Bill runs into Stone’s son as he’s road tripping to California to get into the movie business. The son has been followed by some Russian henchmen and luckily this mysterious fellow is around to understand Russian and what’s actually going on here.
The prose isn’t going to blow you away it’s very formulaic, but it’s a decent enough book, it just feels like it’s from the 50’s with its style.
July 25, 2018
I read one of these Stone Barrington books earlier this year and found it to be eminently readable but entirely over the top in many respects. This book, where Stone and his son Peter are the target of a Russian mobster, is similar in that regard.
I would like to read book one of this series and see if it has more edge to it. A few moments of suspense here, but also a lot of expensive meals, expensive cars and airplane shopping. Despite this and the occasional silliness (Stone's late wife was named Arrington? Arrington Barrington? Seriously?) the book is a quick read and the writing is actually pretty good. Characters are likable and interact somewhat realistically. The plot, while far fetched, works as good beach reading and moves quickly. If you are looking for suspense along the lines of the Burkes or Michael Connelly, don't look here, but this is readable pulp fiction.
I would like to read book one of this series and see if it has more edge to it. A few moments of suspense here, but also a lot of expensive meals, expensive cars and airplane shopping. Despite this and the occasional silliness (Stone's late wife was named Arrington? Arrington Barrington? Seriously?) the book is a quick read and the writing is actually pretty good. Characters are likable and interact somewhat realistically. The plot, while far fetched, works as good beach reading and moves quickly. If you are looking for suspense along the lines of the Burkes or Michael Connelly, don't look here, but this is readable pulp fiction.
November 9, 2022
In this installment, Stuart Woods brought back some past characters, including one of my favorites, ex-CIA agent Teddy Fay (alias Billy Burnett). Teddy becomes a big part of Barrington’s life. The story also includes Russian thug Yuri Majorov from the last book. He is still trying to get control of the Arlington Hotel and becomes a real threat to Barrington, his son and his friends. Thankfully, Teddy Fay intercedes and does what he does best! This was a good addition to this series, plenty of excitement! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
May 6, 2023
Don't bother
April 21, 2025
Loved the characters in this book! Really fun fast paced adventure.
August 29, 2016
Oh boy, where do I even start?
Yet another typical Woods book. Well, no - that isn't fair. Woods traded in one ego-stroking hobby for another in this book. Instead of boasting about his, I mean, Stone Barrington's sexual prowess, we got to hear all about how each of the main characters is well-versed in flying and shooting. If they couldn't pilot an airplane or shoot a gun at the start of the book, they were natural talents who had impressed the person teaching them and were flying and or shooting with ease by the end.
This instalment saw the return of Teddy Faye, who used to work for the CIA. Faye was first introduced in a Holly Barker novel but now generally lives in the Stone Barrington universe since Barker and Faye have a "truce" (because the CIA is known for calling truces with ex-agents who take national secrets, use them to live life as a fugitive, and leave bodies in their wake wherever they go). Since Faye was an agent in charge of coming up with agents' fake IDs, background lives, and disguises when they were working under an assumed identity, he has been able to allude authorities for years. How he's been able to keep up with technology all this time is amazing, as is the fact that neither the FBI nor the CIA has been able to touch his offshore accounts to cut off his only finances. But let's suspend that disbelief and get to the actual plot, shall we?
Teddy ends up working at a tiny gas station in a tiny town in New Mexico for a couple of weeks. In the biggest conincidence ever, wouldn't you know that Peter Barrington (Stone's son), Peter's best friend, and Peter's girlfriend all end up getting a flat tire near that exact gas station. Imagine the odds!
From here, ridiculousness reigns, but getting into too much detail would spoil everything for the next (perhaps unsuspecting) reader or the reader who may actually read Woods' books for the enjoyment and not for the laughs. Let's just say, though, that I literally laughed out loud during not one, but TWO, death scenes and during one alleged "seduction" scene. I also snicked when a new character was introduced because only Woods would be oblivious to the inanity of a character named Emma Tweed, a fashion designer, who hails from London.
One thing is sure, though - Woods' writing shows absolutely no growth. If at all possible, his writing has declined as the series has progressed. His plots are thin, his characters have become charicatures, and the dialogue is stilted and completely implausible. One wonders is Woods has ever heard people in the wild speak to each other or if he's a hermit who merely imagines what conversation much be like.
Yet another typical Woods book. Well, no - that isn't fair. Woods traded in one ego-stroking hobby for another in this book. Instead of boasting about his, I mean, Stone Barrington's sexual prowess, we got to hear all about how each of the main characters is well-versed in flying and shooting. If they couldn't pilot an airplane or shoot a gun at the start of the book, they were natural talents who had impressed the person teaching them and were flying and or shooting with ease by the end.
This instalment saw the return of Teddy Faye, who used to work for the CIA. Faye was first introduced in a Holly Barker novel but now generally lives in the Stone Barrington universe since Barker and Faye have a "truce" (because the CIA is known for calling truces with ex-agents who take national secrets, use them to live life as a fugitive, and leave bodies in their wake wherever they go). Since Faye was an agent in charge of coming up with agents' fake IDs, background lives, and disguises when they were working under an assumed identity, he has been able to allude authorities for years. How he's been able to keep up with technology all this time is amazing, as is the fact that neither the FBI nor the CIA has been able to touch his offshore accounts to cut off his only finances. But let's suspend that disbelief and get to the actual plot, shall we?
Teddy ends up working at a tiny gas station in a tiny town in New Mexico for a couple of weeks. In the biggest conincidence ever, wouldn't you know that Peter Barrington (Stone's son), Peter's best friend, and Peter's girlfriend all end up getting a flat tire near that exact gas station. Imagine the odds!
From here, ridiculousness reigns, but getting into too much detail would spoil everything for the next (perhaps unsuspecting) reader or the reader who may actually read Woods' books for the enjoyment and not for the laughs. Let's just say, though, that I literally laughed out loud during not one, but TWO, death scenes and during one alleged "seduction" scene. I also snicked when a new character was introduced because only Woods would be oblivious to the inanity of a character named Emma Tweed, a fashion designer, who hails from London.
One thing is sure, though - Woods' writing shows absolutely no growth. If at all possible, his writing has declined as the series has progressed. His plots are thin, his characters have become charicatures, and the dialogue is stilted and completely implausible. One wonders is Woods has ever heard people in the wild speak to each other or if he's a hermit who merely imagines what conversation much be like.
November 4, 2013
There's a great line in one of Ian Fleming's James Bond books that goes something like this: Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence and the third time is enemy action. So after reading the last two Stone Barrington novels and deeming them barely worthy of 3 stars, I should have known better than to have high hopes for Doing Hard Time.
But alas, I didn't follow my own advice and learned the hard way that the third time is not the charm. Ah, perhaps I should say it was easy; since there's nothing much here to hold much interest here - never mind keeping me on the edge of my chair - I finished the whole thing in the equivalent of a day's spare time. Not once did I worry, get excited or feel fearful - in fact, I don't recall feeling much emotion at all (except perhaps for wondering, "Is this ever going to get interesting?")
After graduating from the Yale School of Drama, Stone Barrington's son, Peter and a couple of friends drive to California to work on their first film (an opportunity that came about, apparently, by being partially bankrolled by dear old filthy rich dad). They're tailed by two thugs thought to be Russian assassins, but as luck would have it, the plot is foiled by ex-CIA agent Teddy Fay, who's been a fugitive for years and is working as a gas station attendant as part of his most recent disguise.
After learning that the young folks may be in danger, Stone heads for Los Angeles and, ultimately, forms an alliance with Teddy (who started out in the Barrington series as a villain but now seems to have morphed into a rather cuddly character - at least if you overlook his talent for murder). The whole plot moves along in a matter-of-fact manner with no real surprises and ho-hum writing that is boring, repetitive and borders on lazy.
I did learn one thing from reading it, though; there's more than a little truth to that line from the Bond book. Another Stone Barrington? Fuhgettaboutit.
But alas, I didn't follow my own advice and learned the hard way that the third time is not the charm. Ah, perhaps I should say it was easy; since there's nothing much here to hold much interest here - never mind keeping me on the edge of my chair - I finished the whole thing in the equivalent of a day's spare time. Not once did I worry, get excited or feel fearful - in fact, I don't recall feeling much emotion at all (except perhaps for wondering, "Is this ever going to get interesting?")
After graduating from the Yale School of Drama, Stone Barrington's son, Peter and a couple of friends drive to California to work on their first film (an opportunity that came about, apparently, by being partially bankrolled by dear old filthy rich dad). They're tailed by two thugs thought to be Russian assassins, but as luck would have it, the plot is foiled by ex-CIA agent Teddy Fay, who's been a fugitive for years and is working as a gas station attendant as part of his most recent disguise.
After learning that the young folks may be in danger, Stone heads for Los Angeles and, ultimately, forms an alliance with Teddy (who started out in the Barrington series as a villain but now seems to have morphed into a rather cuddly character - at least if you overlook his talent for murder). The whole plot moves along in a matter-of-fact manner with no real surprises and ho-hum writing that is boring, repetitive and borders on lazy.
I did learn one thing from reading it, though; there's more than a little truth to that line from the Bond book. Another Stone Barrington? Fuhgettaboutit.
January 3, 2014
This book sort of brought together a lot of different characters from previous books from this series. Peter, Hattie, and Ben drive straight into their first job at Centurion Studios with everything they could need to succeed. Stone and Dino take a back seat to the action in this one. They pop in now and then, but most of the story centers around their children and Teddy Fey! Teddy Fey, also known as Billy, turns good guy to protect Peter Barrington from the Russian Mob (who thinks killing Peter will force Stone to sell his stock in The Arrington). It was filled with familiar places and characters. There are no extraneous details, profanity, or sex scenes in this one; which made it a quick, easy, pleasurable read.
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