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Stone Barrington #15
Hot Mahogany
Stone Barrington is hired to protect a former intelligence agent with amnesia—and secrets worth killing for—in this heart-stopping thriller in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
Barton Cabot’s intelligence career is even more top secret than that of his brother, CIA senior exec Lance Cabot. But following a random act of violence, Barton is suffering from amnesia—a dangerous thing in a man whose memory is chock full of state secrets. So Lance hires Stone Barrington to watch his brother’s back.
Stone soon discovers that his charge is a spy with a rather unusual hobby: building and restoring old and almost priceless American furniture. The genteel world of antiques and coin dealers seems a far cry from Stone’s usual underworld. But Barton is a man with a past, and one event in particular is coming back to haunt his present in ways Barton and Stone never expected...
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.
Barton Cabot’s intelligence career is even more top secret than that of his brother, CIA senior exec Lance Cabot. But following a random act of violence, Barton is suffering from amnesia—a dangerous thing in a man whose memory is chock full of state secrets. So Lance hires Stone Barrington to watch his brother’s back.
Stone soon discovers that his charge is a spy with a rather unusual hobby: building and restoring old and almost priceless American furniture. The genteel world of antiques and coin dealers seems a far cry from Stone’s usual underworld. But Barton is a man with a past, and one event in particular is coming back to haunt his present in ways Barton and Stone never expected...
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.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published August 20, 2008
515 people are currently reading
1748 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Woods
408 books3,221 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 412 reviews
January 5, 2009
His books are like frozen pepperoni pizza and a bottle of Yellowtail wine. You know they aren't good for you but yet you need to indulge yourself every once in a while. This particular book wasn't that bad however. The writing was much less gimmack-y and the story flowed better. Plus Stone didn't sleep with everyone and their great aunt.
August 24, 2017
Good series! entertaining,family drama pertaining to Lance and his brother Barton..interesting plot twist & turns with additional supporting characters ...well written (paperback!)
October 1, 2008
WHY, I ask you, why do I keep reading this drivel? Granted, in the right hands, perhaps, a book about counterfeit antique furniture might be interesting, but ... gah. I'm starting to think that "Stuart Woods" is the name of a trained monkey somewhere, cranking out this crap.
June 27, 2022
It looks like a friend of Stone Barrington's comes into a restaurant, but it's the friend's older brother. Apparently, he got mugged and lost his memory. Stone helps him out, and gets on the hunt for a piece of antique furniture.
It's okay. Stone mostly sleeps around and eats at fancy restaurants.
It's okay. Stone mostly sleeps around and eats at fancy restaurants.
June 22, 2018
The plot seems a bit convoluted, but I believe this to be quite a fine example of Woods’ earlier Stone Barrington novels. Not quite as run-of-the-mill as some of the later ones. In this stage of Barrington’s life he is depicted as an unabashed womanizer!
May 31, 2015
I need to start a support group for folks who can't stop reading cheesy, messy book series. I deeply regret my commitment to read the entire Stone Barrington series. It has become an obsession and a HUGE waste of time that I could spend reading worthy writers. The non-plot surrounding the theft of an antique secretary desk is idiotic, amateurish and boring. The whole book comes across as a device by the author to see how many bimbos Stone can have sex with at his country house. When Stone passes one of his sex partners to a guy he barely knew like she was a party favor, it is pathetic. Another thing, when does Dino ever work his job as a NYPD cop? Whenever he is summoned by Stone for wingman duties, (mostly illegal activities) he is always available. I could go on indefinitely about the editing issues in this book but, it would be a further waste of my time.
April 9, 2024
Audiobook:
An interesting tale of antique furniture, intrigue, and the romantic exploits of that dashing scoundrel Stone Barrington, Esq. I would like to say this was a winner but it was only meh... it filled the time while planting trees, moving wheel barrels full of compost and cleaning the barn. Interesting twists and a shady history of the former Army colonel turned furniture dealer/ furniture reproduction expert craftsman... the mysterious Barton. It's a long tale that, like I said, will help fill the time and beat the boredom of working tasks.
An interesting tale of antique furniture, intrigue, and the romantic exploits of that dashing scoundrel Stone Barrington, Esq. I would like to say this was a winner but it was only meh... it filled the time while planting trees, moving wheel barrels full of compost and cleaning the barn. Interesting twists and a shady history of the former Army colonel turned furniture dealer/ furniture reproduction expert craftsman... the mysterious Barton. It's a long tale that, like I said, will help fill the time and beat the boredom of working tasks.
October 16, 2024
Random character added. Lance’s brother Barton.
Uh huh ok. It didn’t really work and the fact that he was lost to Lance for years and Stone was able to find his address in Connecticut in like 5 minutes?!? Like WTF. Plot holes 🕳️ you can drive a truck 🛻 through.. ya know a typical SW book 📚 🫠🤣
Antiques and the history of mahogany. 🤪
Side note: I HATE Bill Eggers I keep hoping he’s murdered in one of these books 🔪🔪🔪ugh he’s the most annoying character.
Stone’s body count in this one is 3. No murders.
Weird anticlimactic end, meh.
Uh huh ok. It didn’t really work and the fact that he was lost to Lance for years and Stone was able to find his address in Connecticut in like 5 minutes?!? Like WTF. Plot holes 🕳️ you can drive a truck 🛻 through.. ya know a typical SW book 📚 🫠🤣
Antiques and the history of mahogany. 🤪
Side note: I HATE Bill Eggers I keep hoping he’s murdered in one of these books 🔪🔪🔪ugh he’s the most annoying character.
Stone’s body count in this one is 3. No murders.
Weird anticlimactic end, meh.
February 5, 2013
Stuart Woods is a prolific writer with broad range. This novel involves antique furniture, a difficult subject to make exciting even for Woods until the second half at last. It saves and moves up the rating to 6 of 10 stars.
September 7, 2023
September 2023. Welcome to Barton Cabot I the story.
Oct 2020. I either read for the first time or forgot I read the acknowledgement at the end of the story. The amazing secretary desk/bookcase was real in antiques history. Interesting touch. A whole different world of spending "surplus" dollars on furniture!!!!
April 2018 still a favorite. I'm going through my Woods "re-read" phase. Just like comfort food.
6-15-2015 book on tape.. I like my notes of exactly 5 yard ago. copyright 2008. I've not read a Stone Barrington mystery for quite a while. nice to re-visit the characters. About 1800 american furniture valued in the millions. terrific story. highly recommended.
June 15, 2010
book on tape. forgot i'd read it 2 years ago. Lance of CIA fame hires Stone to watch Barton's back. barton is lance's brotehr. barton is slick and the twists and turns are fun to read.
October 14, 2011 again - book on tape. Seems to be a favorite of mine. once again, the show of big big bucks spending is prevalent with the juxtaposition of Stone's swing from empty bank accounts up to $1 mill is the bank ----
10-12-2013 re-re-re read. still like it.
Oct 2020. I either read for the first time or forgot I read the acknowledgement at the end of the story. The amazing secretary desk/bookcase was real in antiques history. Interesting touch. A whole different world of spending "surplus" dollars on furniture!!!!
April 2018 still a favorite. I'm going through my Woods "re-read" phase. Just like comfort food.
6-15-2015 book on tape.. I like my notes of exactly 5 yard ago. copyright 2008. I've not read a Stone Barrington mystery for quite a while. nice to re-visit the characters. About 1800 american furniture valued in the millions. terrific story. highly recommended.
June 15, 2010
book on tape. forgot i'd read it 2 years ago. Lance of CIA fame hires Stone to watch Barton's back. barton is lance's brotehr. barton is slick and the twists and turns are fun to read.
October 14, 2011 again - book on tape. Seems to be a favorite of mine. once again, the show of big big bucks spending is prevalent with the juxtaposition of Stone's swing from empty bank accounts up to $1 mill is the bank ----
10-12-2013 re-re-re read. still like it.
Read
August 8, 2011Woods has been a prolific writer for about 30 years, selling tons of books because of his ability to get his readers involved in his various intriguing plots. Further, he links many of his books by the use of reoccurring interesting characters with whom the readers become familiar and comfortable. But in his more recent novels, one wonders if their purpose for existence is no longer to appeal to his readership, but rather to generate income for his yachts (2), his airplane (jet), and his ex-wives (2?).
This is a tale about Lance Cabot’s long-lost brother Barton suddenly turning up in New York with amnesia. However, Lance must rush off to rescue CIA agents (or, as an alternative, kill them) in Afghanistan. Stone Barrington is left Barton-sitting and, in short order, Barton reveals his innermost confidences to Stone. Then they look for a desk. Along the way, Stone has time for plenty of gratuitous sex with a bevy of beauties.
The typical quality and character development of Wood’s earlier works was just not there. Still, there was enough entertainment value to keep me turning the pages.
This is a tale about Lance Cabot’s long-lost brother Barton suddenly turning up in New York with amnesia. However, Lance must rush off to rescue CIA agents (or, as an alternative, kill them) in Afghanistan. Stone Barrington is left Barton-sitting and, in short order, Barton reveals his innermost confidences to Stone. Then they look for a desk. Along the way, Stone has time for plenty of gratuitous sex with a bevy of beauties.
The typical quality and character development of Wood’s earlier works was just not there. Still, there was enough entertainment value to keep me turning the pages.
June 14, 2023
For anyone that was not totally convinced that Stone has not morals this is the book for you.
That being said I do enjoy these books as they are quick easy reads that I don't need to think about
That being said I do enjoy these books as they are quick easy reads that I don't need to think about
March 26, 2020
Not my favorite so I mAy take a break! Stone meets a new friend a women! And a brother of Lance his CAI friend. Sorta boring honestly!
April 17, 2021
Moves along quickly.
Stone Barringtons lifestyle is simply out of this world.
Quite amusing.
Stone Barringtons lifestyle is simply out of this world.
Quite amusing.
February 4, 2011
Hot Mahogeny by Stuart Woods
One of the joys of reading Stuart Woods is the reoccurring characters. This novel is focused on the renowned Stone Barrington and his fascinating and complicated life.
Holly Barker the small town sheriff is back in a cameo role in her new CIA persona as is Lance Cabot who is now a deputy director at the CIA. Dino and Elaine, stalwart friends and side kicks are also in the book. There is reference to Will Lee who was the main stay of several of Wood’s books. You have the feel of history or camaraderie and feel as if you are running into old friends.
Stone Barrington is a likeable character regardless of the fact that he has remarkable success in bedding an enormous assortment of gorgeous and somewhat amoral women.
No jealousy is implied as I am cognizant that he is a character in a book but even so most guys would have a modicum of envy for Stone’s successes.
This is not a book to teach or moralize. It isn’t a missive of monumental impact. As you read it is like someone you know and you are just catching up. Perhaps an apt description is it is a perfect beach book, not demanding, it doesn’t tax your faculties but it is eminently enjoyable.
I recommend it.
One of the joys of reading Stuart Woods is the reoccurring characters. This novel is focused on the renowned Stone Barrington and his fascinating and complicated life.
Holly Barker the small town sheriff is back in a cameo role in her new CIA persona as is Lance Cabot who is now a deputy director at the CIA. Dino and Elaine, stalwart friends and side kicks are also in the book. There is reference to Will Lee who was the main stay of several of Wood’s books. You have the feel of history or camaraderie and feel as if you are running into old friends.
Stone Barrington is a likeable character regardless of the fact that he has remarkable success in bedding an enormous assortment of gorgeous and somewhat amoral women.
No jealousy is implied as I am cognizant that he is a character in a book but even so most guys would have a modicum of envy for Stone’s successes.
This is not a book to teach or moralize. It isn’t a missive of monumental impact. As you read it is like someone you know and you are just catching up. Perhaps an apt description is it is a perfect beach book, not demanding, it doesn’t tax your faculties but it is eminently enjoyable.
I recommend it.
September 15, 2009
We listened to this audio version (unabridged) on a long drive. The reader did a very nice job and gave individuality to the voices. The storyline was interesting. Stone Barrington is an ex-cop and a lawyer who assists the brother of a friend in finding his valuable antique mahogany secretary that has been stolen. Several other subplots are included in the story. I had a hard time liking the lead male character. He is truly a man with little respect for women, sleeping with various females and literally stating he was "giving one" as a "gift" to a friend because his relationship with her endangered his health and income! The female characters were no better...not much substance to their personalities with a heavy emphasis on just plain sex. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy sexual patter in a book but let's not make it the main "action". I believe it was the talents of the reader (can't remember his name) that kept us interested and not so much the story. It did keep us alert on our long drive so I would describe it as cheap (got the book at a thrift store) entertainment.
May 26, 2023
One of the best of this series I've read so far. No far-fetched super spy business. Stone has gotten away from some peripheral characters (like Arrington) and made some "new friends". Even Lance and Holly only have cameo roles in this one.
Some of the dialogue between Stone and Dino reminded me of Abbott and Costello routines. I did get a little confused with the furniture details in places, and where our characters physically were -- NYC? Washington, CT? at who's home? All in all, a pleasant 2-days escape.
Some of the dialogue between Stone and Dino reminded me of Abbott and Costello routines. I did get a little confused with the furniture details in places, and where our characters physically were -- NYC? Washington, CT? at who's home? All in all, a pleasant 2-days escape.
February 6, 2009
As usual, Stuart Woods has written another great novel. I found this book more intriguing than some of his others due to the subject of the storyline. I have never been one interested in antique furniture, but the research Woods did on it for the book, is incredible! Woods' storylines are the same in alot way in his books, though in this one, we get to see more of Barrington's personality. The story line about Eliza's wedding was great. Stone handled it perfectly. Another great book.
March 31, 2017
This is a normal Stone Barrington novel. A little bit of sex and mystery but most of it is straight forward. Easy reading, no character development really just run of the mill daily activity with some parties and get together thrown in.
Would I recommend this book...as a fast read and one in which you didn't need to maintain a constant reference to who is who and what is going on....easy reading. Sometimes, that is exactly what we need.
Would I recommend this book...as a fast read and one in which you didn't need to maintain a constant reference to who is who and what is going on....easy reading. Sometimes, that is exactly what we need.
January 21, 2019
One of the better books in this series. It had more of a plot than the Stone Barrington novels usually have. It was more of a unique plot too. Woods also gave more depth to his characters this time, and had Stone doing more sleuthing and less falling into bed with someone. Not offended by sex scenes, its just that they are mostly gratuitous. If it doesn't advance the plot, it bores me. Good job on a better story line.
May 13, 2023
Fun, easy read
September 16, 2019
This particular installment was definitely not my favorite. I simply didn't care for the overall storyline - antique furniture? - so while it wasn't the strongest in the series for me, I still enjoyed the character development and am looking forward to reading the next book.
March 18, 2023
Stone Barrington enters the world of high priced antiques in this one. Barton Cabot, older brother of Lance Cabot, Director of Operations for the CIA, is a purveyor of fine antiques and reproducer of others that can't be identified as not original.
September 12, 2023
This one is typical….sort of. Typical in that Stone sleeps with everyone. Gets dumped. But this story is different from the rest in the series. No one is trying to kill anyone. It’s all about furniture. It’s a good read. I wouldn’t say it’s boring. But I wouldn’t say it’s action-packed either.
December 28, 2016
I enjoyed this episode. Although Stone made me very upset with his high handedness of Carla. That man can not keep it in his pants to save his life.
August 7, 2022
Very slow beginning, weak dialog, pointless sex
January 12, 2023
Typical for Stuart Woods, good plot that is direct and to the point. No wasted words. Find his books to be entertaining and refreshing.
March 8, 2023
Fun series. Love the cast of characters. Looking forward to the next one.
July 27, 2023
A real thing. Its giving bsd's Fitzgerald.
October 6, 2013
Hot Mahogany is the first Stone Harrington mystery that I’ve read. Harrington is a lawyer who consults with another firm on big cases where they don’t necessarily want their name involved. He’s a troubleshooter who reminds me of John Putnam Thatcher in the Emma Lathen novels. Thatcher’s position as a top investment banker gave him license to become involved in mysteries around all sorts of industries just as Harrington’s position as an attorney “without portfolio” gives him an opportunity to investigate and solve crises in many different situations. As a result, Harrington’s adventures could potentially be refreshed all the time as both Harrington and the reader discover new things about the way people attempt dishonest acts with different types of expertise.
Hot Mahogany goes a very different direction than one originally suspects it will go. It starts as an amnesia story and quickly evolves into either an intelligence dilemma or a missing “mcguffin” tale. In fact, it is a little of all of the above. It won’t be the last Stone Harrington novel I read because I have a feeling that I will learn as much about other hobbies, interests, and markets as I did about the early American antiques business in this one.
Of course, there is one aspect of these novels (presuming that others are like Hot Mahogany) that rather surprised me. Stone Harrington gets more action than a male surrogate at a sex clinic. I guess that wouldn’t normally bother me, but he has a rather chauvinistic way of dumping women and even passing them off to others that just seemed too cavalier to me. Don’t get me wrong. Stone’s spicy dalliances are not really any different than James Bond’s; they are dynamic male fantasies—only one rather explicit compared to Ian Fleming’s spicy scenes.
The style is strong. Although Stuart Woods builds his prose with short, succinct chapters, they don’t jump around so much that the story thread is lost. They are simply easy to read and flow smoothly from one short incident to another. While I have a difficult time relating to many of the characters because they are from a different social class than I have experienced and I actually have dislike for some of the characters, I like the set-up for the stories. The attorney angle makes sense and having all of his support team (informal, of course) makes for a lot of flexibility and potential excitement within the investigations.
Stone Harrington travels in heady circles of power. He knows the right people and they aren’t afraid to even perform illegal actions in order to help Harrington with his investigations and schemes. It’s pretty unsettling to imagine that a powerful lawyer can pull as many strings as he does. I hope it isn’t true.
Hot Mahogany goes a very different direction than one originally suspects it will go. It starts as an amnesia story and quickly evolves into either an intelligence dilemma or a missing “mcguffin” tale. In fact, it is a little of all of the above. It won’t be the last Stone Harrington novel I read because I have a feeling that I will learn as much about other hobbies, interests, and markets as I did about the early American antiques business in this one.
Of course, there is one aspect of these novels (presuming that others are like Hot Mahogany) that rather surprised me. Stone Harrington gets more action than a male surrogate at a sex clinic. I guess that wouldn’t normally bother me, but he has a rather chauvinistic way of dumping women and even passing them off to others that just seemed too cavalier to me. Don’t get me wrong. Stone’s spicy dalliances are not really any different than James Bond’s; they are dynamic male fantasies—only one rather explicit compared to Ian Fleming’s spicy scenes.
The style is strong. Although Stuart Woods builds his prose with short, succinct chapters, they don’t jump around so much that the story thread is lost. They are simply easy to read and flow smoothly from one short incident to another. While I have a difficult time relating to many of the characters because they are from a different social class than I have experienced and I actually have dislike for some of the characters, I like the set-up for the stories. The attorney angle makes sense and having all of his support team (informal, of course) makes for a lot of flexibility and potential excitement within the investigations.
Stone Harrington travels in heady circles of power. He knows the right people and they aren’t afraid to even perform illegal actions in order to help Harrington with his investigations and schemes. It’s pretty unsettling to imagine that a powerful lawyer can pull as many strings as he does. I hope it isn’t true.
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