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Stone Barrington #28
Standup Guy
Stone Barrington’s latest client does not seem the type to leave mayhem in his wake. A polite, well-deported gentleman, he comes to Stone seeking legal expertise on an unusual—and potentially lucrative—dilemma. Stone points him in the right direction and sends him on his way, but it’s soon clear he hasn’t seen the end of the matter.
We soon find out that several people are keenly interested in this gentleman’s activities and how they may relate to a long-ago crime . . . and some of them will stop at nothing to find the information they desire. On a hunt that leads from Florida’s tropical beaches to the posh vacation homes of the Northeast, Stone finds himself walking a tightrope between ambitious authorities and seedy lowlifes who all have the same prize in their sights.
In this cutthroat contest of wills, it’s winner-take-all . . . and Stone will need every bit of his cunning and resourcefulness to be the last man standing.
Librarian's note: the characters, settings, etc. for the first 30 books in the series are complete: #1, New York Dead, 1991; #2, Dirt, 1996; #3, Dead in the Water, 1997; #4, Swimming to Catalina, 1998; #5, Worst Fears Realized, 1999; #6, L.A. Dead, 2000; #7, Cold Paradise, 2001; #8, The Short Forever, 2002; #9, Dirty Work, 2003; #10, Reckless Abandon, 2004; #11, Two Dollar Bill, 2004; #12. Dark Harbor, 2006; #13, Fresh Disasters, 2007; #14, Shoot Him if He Runs, 2007; #15, Hot Mahogany, 2008; #16, Loitering with Intent, 2009; #17, Kisser, 2009; #18, Lucid Intervals, 2010; #19, Strategic Moves, 2010; #20, Bel-Air Dead, 2011; #21, Son of Stone, 2011; #22, D.C. Dead, 2011; #23, Unnatural Acts, 2012; #24, Severe Clear, 2012; #25, Collateral Damage, 2012; #26, Unintended Consequences, 2013; #27, Doing Hard Time, 2013; #28, Standup Guy, 2014; #29, Carnal Curiosity, 2014, and #30, Cut & Thrust, 2014.
We soon find out that several people are keenly interested in this gentleman’s activities and how they may relate to a long-ago crime . . . and some of them will stop at nothing to find the information they desire. On a hunt that leads from Florida’s tropical beaches to the posh vacation homes of the Northeast, Stone finds himself walking a tightrope between ambitious authorities and seedy lowlifes who all have the same prize in their sights.
In this cutthroat contest of wills, it’s winner-take-all . . . and Stone will need every bit of his cunning and resourcefulness to be the last man standing.
Librarian's note: the characters, settings, etc. for the first 30 books in the series are complete: #1, New York Dead, 1991; #2, Dirt, 1996; #3, Dead in the Water, 1997; #4, Swimming to Catalina, 1998; #5, Worst Fears Realized, 1999; #6, L.A. Dead, 2000; #7, Cold Paradise, 2001; #8, The Short Forever, 2002; #9, Dirty Work, 2003; #10, Reckless Abandon, 2004; #11, Two Dollar Bill, 2004; #12. Dark Harbor, 2006; #13, Fresh Disasters, 2007; #14, Shoot Him if He Runs, 2007; #15, Hot Mahogany, 2008; #16, Loitering with Intent, 2009; #17, Kisser, 2009; #18, Lucid Intervals, 2010; #19, Strategic Moves, 2010; #20, Bel-Air Dead, 2011; #21, Son of Stone, 2011; #22, D.C. Dead, 2011; #23, Unnatural Acts, 2012; #24, Severe Clear, 2012; #25, Collateral Damage, 2012; #26, Unintended Consequences, 2013; #27, Doing Hard Time, 2013; #28, Standup Guy, 2014; #29, Carnal Curiosity, 2014, and #30, Cut & Thrust, 2014.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2014
1041 people are currently reading
1771 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Woods
408 books3,225 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 402 reviews
March 1, 2014
Audiobook Review
1 1/2 Stars
Every time I see a new Stuart Woods book, I SWEAR I'm not going to read it, then I do. Then I hate myself because I wasted the time. Standup Guy is a perfect example. There is a perfectly good plot. There is a perfectly good story, and perfectly good characters. They are crucified by Wood's insistence on Stone Barrington et al doing nothing but eating, drinking and screwing, interrupted by a little murder and mayhem, and spending egregious amounts of money.
This is it. The end. No more Stuart Woods. I don't believe in book burning but may make an exception in Woods' case.
1 1/2 Stars
Every time I see a new Stuart Woods book, I SWEAR I'm not going to read it, then I do. Then I hate myself because I wasted the time. Standup Guy is a perfect example. There is a perfectly good plot. There is a perfectly good story, and perfectly good characters. They are crucified by Wood's insistence on Stone Barrington et al doing nothing but eating, drinking and screwing, interrupted by a little murder and mayhem, and spending egregious amounts of money.
This is it. The end. No more Stuart Woods. I don't believe in book burning but may make an exception in Woods' case.
February 19, 2014
It's been awhile since I have read Woods. Now I remember why I stopped buying his books. How many times and how many different ways can you say he hung up, she hung up, they hung up, he hung up the phone..and on and on. And somehow all the characters have become Stone Barrington. They all talk exactly as he does so there is no variation in the dialogue and thus no variation in the characters. What a disappointment. I gave it a two because I breezed thru it and it had a plot...although he telegraphed it the whole way.
February 6, 2014
Stuart Woods is one of my favorite authors. I'm reminded of a remark made by a friend back when we all were reading everything we could find written by Stephen King: "One of his grocery lists would probably be a best seller." I felt that way about King, and I feel that way about Woods (and a couple of others). Stone Barrington and Dino don't have Elaine's any more (I wonder: why did Woods took Elaine's away??) but they still manage to get into plenty of excitement and trouble. We have a new character, the "standup guy" for whom the book is named. He spent 25 years in prison, but wow, things start happening when he gets out. I won't give away the plot, but I read it in less than 2 days and just finished it in the car before going into the office because I had to see it to the end IMMEDIATELY, even though it is 26 degrees outside. I was not disappointed. If you are new to the Stone Barrington series (and why are you new to the series??) you need not read the others to catch up. This is a great stand alone novel...I loved it.
January 26, 2014
I was tempted to give this 5 stars because of the scam run on Stone [and he fell for it!] BUT I was also tempted to give it 0 stars because of the new character introduced. Then again it can be read so quickly I compromised and gave it 3 stars [overrating really!].
Wood's characters are so unbelievable! You have a man released from prison after spending most his adult life in there. Now he does come into big bucks courtesy of his cell mate. I believe most ex cons would be spending that money big time on women, drink, drugs, gambling and song. Instead this guy takes off to Palm Springs to the country club and golf. There are some that would take this route but they are the 'white collar criminals'. Before you know it, he's marrying an attractive widow lady that has 70 million!!!! [and by the way she asks him!!!] I want to be a character in one of this books since they always seem to have the golden touch as to coming into money. For instance he mentioned his son whom he said made a movie for nothing and it grossed over 60 million! There are a lot of Hollywood filmmakers that would love that to happen. Only in a Stuart Woods book!!!
I find the old fashioned fairy tales are a lot more believable than his books!
Wood's characters are so unbelievable! You have a man released from prison after spending most his adult life in there. Now he does come into big bucks courtesy of his cell mate. I believe most ex cons would be spending that money big time on women, drink, drugs, gambling and song. Instead this guy takes off to Palm Springs to the country club and golf. There are some that would take this route but they are the 'white collar criminals'. Before you know it, he's marrying an attractive widow lady that has 70 million!!!! [and by the way she asks him!!!] I want to be a character in one of this books since they always seem to have the golden touch as to coming into money. For instance he mentioned his son whom he said made a movie for nothing and it grossed over 60 million! There are a lot of Hollywood filmmakers that would love that to happen. Only in a Stuart Woods book!!!
I find the old fashioned fairy tales are a lot more believable than his books!
January 16, 2014
Stone must be slipping - it takes him over 100 pages to bring home a new lady friend! At least Holly Barker is now in New York to tide him over. A bit predictable in some parts, but a quick, comfortable read with a familiar cast of characters.
November 5, 2025
4 stars. Another good entry in the life and times of Stone Barrington, a guy we've grown to know and, some of the time, enjoy: rich, eats well, travels far, and he's always in some kind of difficulty! The Urban Dictionary says 'a standup guy' is a Mafia term for a good solid man, a business man, not one to bullshit, one who can be trusted, etc. Is author Woods referring to Johnny Fratelli who has just been released from prison on the completion of his full 25 year term? Or is it to Stone? Because of Johnny's friendship with a leading mobster in prison, he has come into real money and needs Stone's legal advice on, hypothetically, how such funds can be sheltered! The mobster's family and other unethicals are in pursuit. As usual Stone encounters beautiful women but, again, we can't be sure which of them are on his side. All the regular players are along for the ride, the President and the First Lady, Dino, Bill Eggers, Joan - Stone's faithful assistant, Holly Barker, Herbie, or should I now be calling him Herbert?, and Teddy Fay briefly. I know these books are formulaic, but I've enjoyed too many to stop now. This is one of the better ones. (May2018/Oc2025)
March 13, 2014
I want to be Stone Barrington when I grow up. I want his money. I want his high-life. I want his love-life. I want everything he has. But, unfortunately for Stone--he doesn't have a loving wife, wonderful children, and amazing grandchildren. He has money--but I am rich.
July 29, 2023
Far out this is the worst book yet. Stone Barrington was
absolutely stupid in this book even I saw it coming.
absolutely stupid in this book even I saw it coming.
December 29, 2022
Stone Barrington is quite possibly the dumbest character ever invented. He succeeds or triumphs almost entirely in spite of himself. It's an absolute wonder he's not riddled with venereal disease. In this book (#28 mind you), the now insanely-rich man-whore is banging a new gal, Hank. Yes, Hank. Because Stone has already banged a female of every other given name Stuart Woods has ever heard of. (*SPOILER ALERT*) And even after a THOUSAND or so warning signs, our favorite man-whore-at-law gives Hank--whom he barely knows outside of the biblical sense--a key and the alarm code to his own personal fortress, made impenetrable by his pals at the CIA and Secret Service (unless, of course, his dick has led him to give you the key and alarm code). That's sure to end well. Oh! And did I mention the two giant trash bags full of $5M in small bills just lying around the house?!?! Of all the people he knows and services at his disposal, Stone thinks just leaving them on his couch for the long holiday weekend is a good plan. He is LITERALLY on the board of the SECOND LARGEST SECURITY FIRM IN THE WORLD. Couldn't ol' Mike Freeman or someone--ANYONE--have come up with a more secure place to store $5M in small bills besides your FUCKING COUCH?!? I haven't even finished this one, but I'm sure ol' Stone will come away no worse for wear since there are another 25 or so books in the series. But, damn is he dumb.
May 18, 2015
Standup Guy is a very entertaining and quick read. Stuart Woods never disappoints in taking the reader into the elitist, well-connected world of Stone Barrington, a wealthy attorney extraordinaire. Woods guides the reader through several intertwining events with Stone and cop pal Dino. Familiar characters from the past resurface while several new characters are introduced. Stone is still randy, bedding any and as many beautiful females as the opportunity presents itself. However, in his latest conquest Stone shows an unusual lack of judgment and misplaced trust, which I find a bit at odds for a man of his intelligence and education. While some criminal predicaments are brought to a conclusion a few new ones show promise of continuing in a future book, and I look forward to that.
All in all, a great read with a well thought-out plot. I always enjoy spending time with Stone and Dino and will be looking forward to the next book.
All in all, a great read with a well thought-out plot. I always enjoy spending time with Stone and Dino and will be looking forward to the next book.
April 16, 2020
Interesting story. Lots of twists and turns. The Stone character seems like a James Bond wannabe in that he sleeps with almost every single woman he meets. Some humor, some intrigue. Short choppy sentences and chapters. Quick, fun read.
April 1, 2014
While I enjoyed this entertaining story, I didn't care for some of the plot involving Stone's stupidity around money and a woman. 7 of 10 stars
January 24, 2014
The last two Stone Barrington books I read were just shy of god-awful (had trouble giving them 3 stars), but since others in the series have been outstanding I held my breath when I started this one. By the time I'd reached the 25% mark, I'd decided (make that hoped) author Woods was back in high gear. As I write this, the majority of reviews I've read at Amazon.com have agreed; of the 79 I found, 59 gave it either 5 stars or 4 (as I did), so I figured I wasn't too far off the mark.
This one begins as lawyer Barrington is approached by a rather mysterious man who is seeking legal and financial advice about a rather substantial sum of money - hypothetically, since a long-ago robbery may have been involved). Barrington complies, the man pays a handsome fee and goes on his merry but clandestine way. But soon, several of Barrington's colleagues become very curious about the man and the robbery; the statute of limitations on the crime has long since run out, leading Barrington to question why the sudden renewed interest.
Interwoven into the plot are Barrington's interacting with good friends in high places who have political ambitions, juggling a few women who from time to time enjoy sharing his bed and the hospitality that goes with being wealthy, and following that mysterious man as he puts Barrington's advice into action.
Unfortunately, my delight at the beginning of this book began to fade away about halfway through; the dialogue started to get a bit trite, meaningless and repetitive - and at one point, the same story was retold to different characters at least three times. What's that about, I wondered, except possibly to use up more space? By the last quarter, disappointment had set in. Overall, this one is an improvement over the previous two, IMHO (earning it a grudging 4 stars only because 3-1/2 isn't possible), but it's still not even close to the standards of old.
This one begins as lawyer Barrington is approached by a rather mysterious man who is seeking legal and financial advice about a rather substantial sum of money - hypothetically, since a long-ago robbery may have been involved). Barrington complies, the man pays a handsome fee and goes on his merry but clandestine way. But soon, several of Barrington's colleagues become very curious about the man and the robbery; the statute of limitations on the crime has long since run out, leading Barrington to question why the sudden renewed interest.
Interwoven into the plot are Barrington's interacting with good friends in high places who have political ambitions, juggling a few women who from time to time enjoy sharing his bed and the hospitality that goes with being wealthy, and following that mysterious man as he puts Barrington's advice into action.
Unfortunately, my delight at the beginning of this book began to fade away about halfway through; the dialogue started to get a bit trite, meaningless and repetitive - and at one point, the same story was retold to different characters at least three times. What's that about, I wondered, except possibly to use up more space? By the last quarter, disappointment had set in. Overall, this one is an improvement over the previous two, IMHO (earning it a grudging 4 stars only because 3-1/2 isn't possible), but it's still not even close to the standards of old.
June 21, 2025
If you enjoy great characters, plenty of action and unexpected twists and turns, then this book and the others in the Stone Barrington series are well worth reading.
The plot is clever, with a central theme of a missing 7 million dollars from a heist so long ago it is now up for grabs. And once you have it, finding a safe place to stash it and not draw too much attention results in some complex and sometimes entertaining manoeuvres.
The central character, Stone Barrington, former cop and now lawyer to the rich and famous, is fast thinking but calm and steady as the action unfolds following his short, but significant professional encounter with the lucky recipient of this stash of stolen money.
Barrington is a man who is clearly attractive to the women in comes into contact with and he certainly has an active love life, thankfully discreetly dealt with by the author, but it is a trait that gets him into hot water and even puts him in danger.
There are a number of contenders for the ownership of the money and it is clear that some are ruthless and not afraid of killing off rivals. This leads to plenty of action as the book progresses and there are some surprising revelations about one or two of Barrington’s circle of friends.
This is a page turner which keeps you on the hook until the last page and a very satisfactory conclusion. I can highly recommend and I will be reading many more of the books in the series.
The plot is clever, with a central theme of a missing 7 million dollars from a heist so long ago it is now up for grabs. And once you have it, finding a safe place to stash it and not draw too much attention results in some complex and sometimes entertaining manoeuvres.
The central character, Stone Barrington, former cop and now lawyer to the rich and famous, is fast thinking but calm and steady as the action unfolds following his short, but significant professional encounter with the lucky recipient of this stash of stolen money.
Barrington is a man who is clearly attractive to the women in comes into contact with and he certainly has an active love life, thankfully discreetly dealt with by the author, but it is a trait that gets him into hot water and even puts him in danger.
There are a number of contenders for the ownership of the money and it is clear that some are ruthless and not afraid of killing off rivals. This leads to plenty of action as the book progresses and there are some surprising revelations about one or two of Barrington’s circle of friends.
This is a page turner which keeps you on the hook until the last page and a very satisfactory conclusion. I can highly recommend and I will be reading many more of the books in the series.
June 10, 2014
Stuart Woods knows how to write a compelling series that readers enjoy, which is why I've read every book in this series. He toned down the sex scenes, which I appreciated very much. The vulgarity and profanity are not necessary and is most offensive, which lowers my rating.
Stone Barrington continues to repeat the same patterns with women and doesn't learn anything from his experiences. He trusts them explicibly if they sleep with him, which most do.
Stone Barrington continues to repeat the same patterns with women and doesn't learn anything from his experiences. He trusts them explicibly if they sleep with him, which most do.
August 27, 2018
This is they type of book that made Stuart Woods popular with the "easy read" crowd. It's an interesting story without much depth... the reason Woods may be popular.
November 27, 2024
Meh. Knew Hank would be a problem. Stone is the most unsophisticated elitist on the planet. A sucker really is born every minute 😵💫😵💫😵💫😬
April 18, 2025
April 2025. I’m keeping the review at four stars. I like the John Fratelli character, but I continue to find the $5 million in cash to be dopey, Ludacris, and idiotic.
.
July
2024 addictive story and characters. They grow
on me.
August 2023. Some likable new characters. Good news for Teddy.
12-1-2021 Funny that I can think a premise of a story is dopey and still like the story. Even I can't explain it.
9-6-2020 Mid 2020 Covid 19 Pandemic, my previous comments on this story being"dopey" not longer is my opinion. The story was terrific escape and a wonderful diversion from reality. Seriously!!!! Can't visit the sick. Can't attend funerals. Bar Mitzvahs postponed. Weddings postponed, School on hold social for all. Childhoods interrupted. My old age interrupted. Life interrupted. Getting a smog test on the Corolloa interrupted and DMV not helpful. (DMV - well - show the police, if stopped, that you've PAID for the current registration tags but can't get it done until Covid 19 under control.
3-1-2018 book on tape.... still a dopey premise and a dopey trust factor later in the story. I agree with myself 5 years ago. It is beyond irresponsible (and out of character for all involved)!!!!!!!
5-7-2016 OK - 4 stars it is - and yes, it is still a dopey premise.
4-25-2015 got another cold so I re-read this book in a day. still like it and decided, dopey or not, it went up to 4 stars, again.
11-30-2014 What i felt 10 months I felt again this reading. dopey is a good word. However, I do enjoy ending up liking "bad" guys like Teddy and John.
2013 brand new Stone Barrington.All are getting older.
I reduced from my basic **** down to 3 stars since the idea of anyone, anyone, leaving $5 mil in your house is nonsensical and all the hints given made it even more improbable. Dopey actually. I would be so disappointed in my special ed students if they ever left $5 mil in cash in a house. It is beyond farfetched. BUT, do read the story. The Will and Kate stuff is damn good. Read on folks!!!!!
.
July
2024 addictive story and characters. They grow
on me.
August 2023. Some likable new characters. Good news for Teddy.
12-1-2021 Funny that I can think a premise of a story is dopey and still like the story. Even I can't explain it.
9-6-2020 Mid 2020 Covid 19 Pandemic, my previous comments on this story being"dopey" not longer is my opinion. The story was terrific escape and a wonderful diversion from reality. Seriously!!!! Can't visit the sick. Can't attend funerals. Bar Mitzvahs postponed. Weddings postponed, School on hold social for all. Childhoods interrupted. My old age interrupted. Life interrupted. Getting a smog test on the Corolloa interrupted and DMV not helpful. (DMV - well - show the police, if stopped, that you've PAID for the current registration tags but can't get it done until Covid 19 under control.
3-1-2018 book on tape.... still a dopey premise and a dopey trust factor later in the story. I agree with myself 5 years ago. It is beyond irresponsible (and out of character for all involved)!!!!!!!
5-7-2016 OK - 4 stars it is - and yes, it is still a dopey premise.
4-25-2015 got another cold so I re-read this book in a day. still like it and decided, dopey or not, it went up to 4 stars, again.
11-30-2014 What i felt 10 months I felt again this reading. dopey is a good word. However, I do enjoy ending up liking "bad" guys like Teddy and John.
2013 brand new Stone Barrington.All are getting older.
I reduced from my basic **** down to 3 stars since the idea of anyone, anyone, leaving $5 mil in your house is nonsensical and all the hints given made it even more improbable. Dopey actually. I would be so disappointed in my special ed students if they ever left $5 mil in cash in a house. It is beyond farfetched. BUT, do read the story. The Will and Kate stuff is damn good. Read on folks!!!!!
November 22, 2013
It never takes long for a new ‘Stone Barrington’ novel to arrive on store shelves. Apparently, Stuart Woods still owns an imagination that simply won’t quit; he comes up with stories so fast that it almost seems as if Dumbledore and his magic wand are camped out in Woods’ basement.
This is yet another edge-of-your-seat adventure featuring Barrington, his police pals and his many girlfriends that now - after all this time - seem like friends and family. So, sit back and enjoy!
In this installment, Stone’s newest client is a very gentlemanly, polite man who is hiring Stone to resolve a very interesting problem. Stone does the work to a ‘T,’ as always, and sends his client on his way. But, this is not going to be an easy departure. Surprisingly, Stone hasn’t seen the end of this client or the client’s problem.
A variety of people known to Stone have become extremely interested in this man and his problems, and sure enough this one man will connect all of them to a very old crime. Being that some of these people happen to be categorized as ‘bad guys,’ they are not about to give up their mission just because the statute of limitations on this particular crime has run out.
As usual with Barrington novels, the reader is taken on a mysterious ride that’s a whole lot of fun. This plot leads to the sunny, sandy beaches of the Sunshine State, before turning back to the magnificent homes of the very wealthy ones located in the Northeast. But you can be sure that our hero, working with all the friends he’s made over the years, will come out on top.
Woods is well known for combining thrilling action, fast cars, secrets galore, and a last minute conclusion that keeps his slew of faithful readers very happy. This new offering is no different!
This is yet another edge-of-your-seat adventure featuring Barrington, his police pals and his many girlfriends that now - after all this time - seem like friends and family. So, sit back and enjoy!
In this installment, Stone’s newest client is a very gentlemanly, polite man who is hiring Stone to resolve a very interesting problem. Stone does the work to a ‘T,’ as always, and sends his client on his way. But, this is not going to be an easy departure. Surprisingly, Stone hasn’t seen the end of this client or the client’s problem.
A variety of people known to Stone have become extremely interested in this man and his problems, and sure enough this one man will connect all of them to a very old crime. Being that some of these people happen to be categorized as ‘bad guys,’ they are not about to give up their mission just because the statute of limitations on this particular crime has run out.
As usual with Barrington novels, the reader is taken on a mysterious ride that’s a whole lot of fun. This plot leads to the sunny, sandy beaches of the Sunshine State, before turning back to the magnificent homes of the very wealthy ones located in the Northeast. But you can be sure that our hero, working with all the friends he’s made over the years, will come out on top.
Woods is well known for combining thrilling action, fast cars, secrets galore, and a last minute conclusion that keeps his slew of faithful readers very happy. This new offering is no different!
January 19, 2016
This is Stuart Woods 28th book featuring former NYPD detective, lawyer, and ladies man, Stone Barrington. This one starts off fairly decently with Stone meeting a new client, John Fratelli. Fratelli wants investment advice in dealing with a large sum of money without going back to prison. Stone asks him to set up the scene with a hypothetical sequence of events hinting that he may have access to two million dollars and change. The money in question has been willed to Fratelli by his former cellmate, a bank robber. The crime has passed the statute of limitations, but the money is real. Stone gives the man his theoretical advice and sends him on his way.
It soon becomes clear that Stone hasn 19t seen the end of the case. Several people are very interested in Fratelli 19s activities and how they may relate to a long-ago crime, and of course, some of them will stop at nothing to find the information (and money) they want. There is an additional subplot where Stone becomes involved with President Will Lee and his wife, CIA Director Kate Rule Lee, who is considering her own run for the White House. This is a good vehicle to tie together some loose ends from earlier books. Then, of course, there's all the women that Stone is involved in.
I used to really enjoy the Stone Barrington novels but then they just became ridiculous. I'm vowing to get caught up on the series by the end of the year though. I'm not ready to let this one go yet but I'm not sure why. He's expected to put out his 35th novel this October so I have a few left.
It soon becomes clear that Stone hasn 19t seen the end of the case. Several people are very interested in Fratelli 19s activities and how they may relate to a long-ago crime, and of course, some of them will stop at nothing to find the information (and money) they want. There is an additional subplot where Stone becomes involved with President Will Lee and his wife, CIA Director Kate Rule Lee, who is considering her own run for the White House. This is a good vehicle to tie together some loose ends from earlier books. Then, of course, there's all the women that Stone is involved in.
I used to really enjoy the Stone Barrington novels but then they just became ridiculous. I'm vowing to get caught up on the series by the end of the year though. I'm not ready to let this one go yet but I'm not sure why. He's expected to put out his 35th novel this October so I have a few left.
January 20, 2014
Stone Barrington is considered a "stand up guy" for an ex-felon who "inherited" a couple million dollars from his now deceased, ex-cell mate. The statutes of limitations have passed on the missing money, and the cellmate did tell him where to find it. "Hypothetically speaking,..." Stone gave the guy enough information on how to lose himself, keep the money, and find a new life.
After being paid, Stone and, by extension, his "hypothetical" client begin gaining the attention of many who want that missing money. Both have to do some fancy footwork. But, at the end of the day (or the story) it does work out.
Lessons learned: (1) If you are a random woman willing to sleep with Stone, you most likely will be killed off in a horrific manner. (2) Stone is damn lucky not to have some sort of STD from the number of women he sleeps with, and he isn't particularly discriminate in this either. (3) Why does Joan keep working for him? He should be paying her a really, really good wage for the crap she does for him. (4) I'm really bothered Stone is losing more principles here and doing more work for shadier than ever people. (5) Even though a lot of this "novel behavior" bothers me, I seem to keep reading the Stone Barrington novels. So it goes...
After being paid, Stone and, by extension, his "hypothetical" client begin gaining the attention of many who want that missing money. Both have to do some fancy footwork. But, at the end of the day (or the story) it does work out.
Lessons learned: (1) If you are a random woman willing to sleep with Stone, you most likely will be killed off in a horrific manner. (2) Stone is damn lucky not to have some sort of STD from the number of women he sleeps with, and he isn't particularly discriminate in this either. (3) Why does Joan keep working for him? He should be paying her a really, really good wage for the crap she does for him. (4) I'm really bothered Stone is losing more principles here and doing more work for shadier than ever people. (5) Even though a lot of this "novel behavior" bothers me, I seem to keep reading the Stone Barrington novels. So it goes...
March 30, 2018
I bought this at a brick and mortar bookstore in the bargain section. I bought the oldest of several on the shelf in case I wanted to get involved in reading the series. But the oldest was the 28th Stone Barrington book, and like many authors, Woods seems to have become enamored of his series character.
Barrington at this point in the series is friends with the President, a successful attorney, incredibly wealthy, and a real lady killer. The plot involves an inmate who has done his time and knows where to find the proceeds from a large heist. He contacts Barrington for legal advice. This character ends up becoming the most likable of the assorted group we meet along the way.
The plot is fairly interesting, and the quality of the writing itself is good. A quick easy read. I wonder if book one in the series is edgier, and therefore better, than this one. If so, maybe this series will be worth following.
Barrington at this point in the series is friends with the President, a successful attorney, incredibly wealthy, and a real lady killer. The plot involves an inmate who has done his time and knows where to find the proceeds from a large heist. He contacts Barrington for legal advice. This character ends up becoming the most likable of the assorted group we meet along the way.
The plot is fairly interesting, and the quality of the writing itself is good. A quick easy read. I wonder if book one in the series is edgier, and therefore better, than this one. If so, maybe this series will be worth following.
April 5, 2014
I keep telling myself not to bother with these books, but then I cave and read one. Must be the shiny covers that sway me.
What's most annoying is exactly what one other reviewer said. You've got a perfectly good story and characters, but then you also have Stone Barrington. Stone is an insensitive manwhore. I don't usually bandy that word around because I'm not into shaming for promiscuous behavior especially in escapist fiction. However, this guy is just way too casual for my tastes. It's not just about the screwing but about what happens when someone he's screwed ends up dead. It's like there's always more pussy in the sea. Don't be sad, go to dinner.
What a jerk.
Now that the character is also a millionaire, the behavior is even worse. The next time I pick up a Stone Barrington novel someone should send me this review.
What's most annoying is exactly what one other reviewer said. You've got a perfectly good story and characters, but then you also have Stone Barrington. Stone is an insensitive manwhore. I don't usually bandy that word around because I'm not into shaming for promiscuous behavior especially in escapist fiction. However, this guy is just way too casual for my tastes. It's not just about the screwing but about what happens when someone he's screwed ends up dead. It's like there's always more pussy in the sea. Don't be sad, go to dinner.
What a jerk.
Now that the character is also a millionaire, the behavior is even worse. The next time I pick up a Stone Barrington novel someone should send me this review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2025
This one took forever for me to get through. And it wasn't even that bad. It just wasn't a book I wanted to pick up and spend very much time with, so I read a little bit here and there. I'm not entirely sure why I keep reading these books, except that maybe now that I'm on book 28 I just feel invested. Because to be perfectly honest, the dialogue is atrocious, the plots are outlandish, and the sheer number of intimate partners Stone has is disgusting. I used to pick these up because they were always quick reads for me, but they don't even fit that bill for me anymore. I don't know...
December 27, 2024
Stone Barrington's newest client has come into some ill-gotten gains and wants to know how best to keep it. Stone provides legal advice, which the new client readily accepts. Meanwhile, others become aware of the emergence of these ill-gotten gains and go to great lengths to possess them. Naturally, Stone once again finds himself in the middle of the chaos. Good, but not great, story.
January 10, 2014
Stuart Woods is on a roll. Woods always a standup writer introduces Stone Barrington to new characters of interest and provides a twist or two. Expect the newly pardoned Teddy Fay to reappear in the near future.
February 17, 2014
Stone and Stuart Woods need to retire
June 30, 2023
A quick read, decent story, a pleasant way to spend a day.
October 11, 2023
Eh…it was okay. Just okay. Stone thinking with the wrong head got him in trouble like always. I still love him and the series. Hopefully the next one is a bit more entertaining.
October 25, 2023
I would like to know what Stone Barrington takes daily for supplements.
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