Dirt

Stone Barrington #2

by Stuart Woods

The second novel in the thrilling Stone Barrington Series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Stuart Woods. "Blackmail, murder, suspense, love—what else could you want in a book?" says Cosmopolitan.

Feared and loathed for her poison pen and ice queen persona, Amanda Dart has made her share of enemies. Then the tables are turned. An anonymous gossipmonger is faxing Amanda's personal and private peccadilloes to anyone who can read. Desperate to save her reputation, she enlists the help of New York lawyer and private investigator Stone Barrington to learn the identity of the faxer. Everyone in the world of tabloid journalism becomes a suspect!

But the faxes don't stop. In fact, they get worse. Stone winds up with more leads than one man can handle, and then Amanda takes matters dangerously into her own hands and turns the world of gossip on its head. As the circle of suspects shrinks, Stone discovers that even the most respected members of the social scene will stop at nothing—even homicide—to clear their sullied names.

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.

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

448 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 28, 1996

About the author

Stuart Woods was an American novelist best known for Chiefs and his long-running Stone Barrington series. A Georgia native, he initially pursued a career in advertising before relocating to England and Ireland, where he developed a passion for sailing. His love for the sport led him to write his first published work, Blue Water, Green Skipper, about his experiences in a transatlantic yacht race.
His debut novel, Chiefs, was inspired by a family story about his grandfather, a police chief. The book, a gripping crime saga spanning several decades, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and was later adapted into a television miniseries. It launched Woods' career as a novelist, leading to a prolific output of thrillers.
Woods' most famous creation, Stone Barrington, is a former NYPD detective turned high-profile lawyer who navigates elite circles while solving crimes. The series became a bestseller and remained a staple of his career, often featuring crossover characters from his other books, such as CIA operative Holly Barker and defense lawyer Ed Eagle.
Beyond writing, Woods was an experienced pilot and yachtsman. He maintained homes in Florida, Maine, and New Mexico, where he lived with his wife and their Labrador, Fred. His literary career spanned decades, with dozens of bestsellers to his name.

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone Barrington #2 is a reason I began to enjoy this character until the 40th & 50th renditions. More story and plots than sexual conquests was much better than the latest mostly oversexed tales. 8 of 10 stars

[Tracy P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Dirt' is my first venture into the world of Stone Barrington and it definitely will not be my last. Glad to have finally started and already have several more lined up. Narrator Tony Roberts shines as he flawlessly translates the tenor of the storyline into each (autonomous) character voice.

[Jack Heath · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars. Stone has moved on since New York Dead, the first in this great series. In the intervening 5 years, he has been practicing law as Counsel to Woodman and Weld where he takes criminal cases off cleaner hands when a long-time client bumps into an unsavoury matter. He also seems to have had a lengthy relationship with a beautiful judge! As Dirt begins, he's getting dumped by Judge Sara O'Neal. That can't be a new experience for Stone! He's not far removed from being a police detective and that's why gossip columnist Amanda Dart consults him. Someone has been dishing to her the embarrassing medicine she usually dispenses to others. Faxes have been arriving at news outlets about a special 50th birthday party she had with a married man from Atlanta. Complete with pictures! She needs Stone to put a stop to it. At the same time, also in New York, her publisher Richard Hickock is frolicking with a young actress, and Amanda's west coast competitor, Alan Peebles, is swimming with a gay shark. The gossip columns light up, and it all lands on Stone's desk. A touch below #1 but I am sure #3 will be an up-tick. (Au2020/Oc2025)

[Amanda McGill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seriously?! This is a bestselling series?!

I'll point out the good first because there is so little of it. Stone Barrington is a forced to retire ex-cop, who also has a law degree. This allows him to pick up cases that he really wants to pursue. This case is about D-list celebrities that are getting their dirty laundry aired by a mysterious source. The mystery was good and I enjoyed as it unravelled once we found out who is the source.

Despite the mystery being good, it was really hard to get into the mystery because Stone decided to sleep with every single woman he comes in contact with. Really?! I think there were 3 or 4 women in this novel. And of course they were all amazingly beautiful, great in bed women. The scenes were also laughably bad.

I also didn't like how we were suppose to care for/feel sorry for these "I think I'm so great" people who were getting exposed. Most of them were in the gossip industry, so you would expect them to not be as critical and freak out as much as they did.

I'm done with the Barrington series. I can't believe there are 40+ books of this!

[Diane Wallace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok series! entertaining. S.W. should have done a much better job with this storyline,he's too much of a great writer to be wasting the series mostly with 70% on Stone having sex,sex,sex instead of the regular action and detective work (paperback!)

[Eli - Bookworm & Vine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one more than book one. Looks like I’m hooked on Stone Barrington now.

[Beth Brekke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I waited a long time to find book #2 in this series and after reading it, I wonder if I really liked book #1 as much as I thought I did (so long ago I wasn't rating and reviewing here). I didn't care much about most of the characters in the story but I won't have to worry about that as the series goes on because most of them were killed off in this edition. Not caring created not really following and finding it all a little dull, confusing and poorly ended. I kept interpreting the over-abundance of sex scenes as Stuart Woods' personal fantasies as there was little relating them to real life. There were more typos than you should expect in a professionally published book, including changing the name of one woman who was introduced as Lucille and 2 pages later, magically becomes Louise. I hope this is the weak link in the series. My first book of 2021 sets the bar rather low - hopefully the next 20 will be better.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dirt by Stuart Woods is the second book in the Stone Barrington series. When gossip columnist Amanda Dart becomes the victim of an anonymous gossipmonger, she hires lawyer and investigator Stone Barrington to find out their identity. Not the usual murder mystery, it was interesting to read of the world of gossip journalism. An engrossing and captivating account with everything coming together at the end.

[Scott A. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took a while but I found my Parker, Spenser, Stone and Randall replacement. I mowed through them and Barrington and Woods might just be as fun.

This one was an excellent mystery, the characters were great and there’s like 50 more of them. Here we go.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Barrington series so I'm going back to where Stone Barrington begins.

[Arnis · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://poseidons99.wordpress.com/201...

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Blackmail, murder, suspense, love—what else could you want in a book?"

[Soo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes:

New narrator & he did a great job. I think I have a good handle on how the series will roll and I'm not sure if I'm in the right mood for it. The different characters all seem to have the same kind of mentality of "Do whatever you want. Just don't get caught." that I have a hard time believing. There's a lot of sex scenes and it's rather obvious that someone must have a love of oral sex.

While the first book was more clumsy in throwing in details, it was more entertaining. This one was better written but it was too predictable to be as fun.

[Eileen Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this two months ago and I can't remember a thing about it. I haven't read a Woods book, however, that varies in format much - opulent settings, private planes, yachts, bullet-proof cars, friends in high places, beautiful blondes - same old, same old.

[Rev Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to see most of the criminals get the justice they deserve.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A trashy, pulpy read, redeemed (somewhat) by its quick pace and its easy style. Stone Barrington (!) is a retired cop with a law degree (!!) who lives in a palatial brownstone in Manhattan (!!!) and sleeps with every woman he meets. It's Mickey Spillane but with an eye for modern brands and labels; Woods drops the names of every high-priced bistro, tailored outfit and bottle of wine that our protagonists enjoy.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A return to the beginnings of the Stone Barrington series...The titles in the series are much like the Dick Francis titles, in that they sound so similar, you can't remember if you read them...Thankfully, Goodreads is a big help reminding me I missed this one...In "Dirt," Barington come to the aid of a "poison pen" gossip columnist whose secrets seem to be leaking out to the public...Stone meets Arrington and the fun of the "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," begins!

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story of tabloid magazines and womanizing lawyer/detective Stone Barrington. Normally, journalist stories are not my thing, but this is a detective story set in the sleazy world of sensational journalism. Amanda Dart is the queen of gossip columnists, but mysteriously, the name of her magazine is never mentioned in the book.

Likes:
* Cut throat world of gossip columnists

* "You and I must never, ever marry." Arrington Carter to Stone Barrington
* Arrington sleeping over platonically twice and tempting Stone
* Dino trying to put the moves on Arrington
* Tech expert for the good guys, Bob Cantor
* Bob Cantor rents the apartment Dryer vacates
* Dino & Mary Ann Bacchetti dressing and speaking ("interrogation English") to impress condo board
* Dino's father-in-law is a mob boss, Enrico Bianchi
* Not sure who other hit was on...


Dislikes:
* American Infiltrator
* Stone sleeping around
* Everyone sleeping around
* Stone's ex-partner and buddy, commanding officer of detectives, Lt Dino Bacchetti

* Dino cheating on a mafia princess...that cannot be worth it
* Richard Hickock is a piece of work ~ shady businessman, cheating husband & unsavory friend
* Stone's parents were communists
* Stone getting assaulted over and over
* Stone walking into a trap multiple times
* Arnie Millman is murdered while unofficially helping Stone investigate
* Infiltrator editor, Allan Peebles
* Vigilante and mob justice
* Richard Hickock is old friends with Enrico Bianchi
* Amanda Dart can truly be...not nice


With-reservations:
language, violence, murder, sexual innuendos and situations, infidelity, promiscuity, gay sex scene, mob hit

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed several Stone Barrington novels and this adds another to the list.

In this story, Stone is asked to investigate and find whomever is writing scandalous stories about Amanda Dart, the well-known gossip columnist. It is ironic that even though she is VERY discreet, someone knows an awful lot about her and her dalliances. The tables have been turned and Amanda is feeling the heat that she is usually putting other people's feet to. Then she discovers that other gossip writers are having similar problems. What happens when families, friends, and co-workers find out these tidbits could be not only embarrassing but damaging.

While Stone is investigating he also becomes a victim to the gossipers, is beaten up, and is robbed. It seems that the people in this business have secrets of their own and will go to any lengths to keep those secrets, secret.

An interesting storyline with some surprising twists along the way.

[Jen B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars, really...

Picked this book up from the shelves at the book swap at work. Within the first few chapters I was reading about some woman giving a guy head and getting caught on camera. Not exactly workplace-appropriate reading, eh?

Well, all of Woods' female characters are very aggressive sexually. Promiscuous, even. The lead character's name is Stone Barrington... which made me think of porn stars and Paddington Bear. Not a great combo.

The chapters are short, which makes for quick and easy reading. Light little "whodunit" story, with very little character depth or development. Not awful, not great. Just okay. Not intriguing enough to make me want to read more of Mr. Barrington.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this straight after completing the first in the series, New York Dead. I gave that one four stars. 'Dirt' is even better and merits full marks. The plot is just as good but the ending better. The thing I like the most about the two books is Woods' very smooth writing style which is easy to read with hardly ever a wasted word. Characters are easy to picture in the mind and generally very believable, nothing far-fetched. I really look forward to reading the rest of the series, over time, particularly when I have just finished a hard-going book by some other author and I just need some pure, easy going enjoyment.

[Joanne Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five years have past since we last saw Stone Barrington. He has settled into his new role as a lawyer after being retired from the police force.
When Alison Dart walks into his office it is his investigation skills that she is after. The gossip columnist has had the tables turned on her when her personal life is exposed to all and sundry and she wants Stone to find out who is behind the leak.
This book has a solid mystery which I really enjoyed, I could do with a little less of the bed hoping but it is not enough to turn me off this series.

[MikeR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone's client, gossip columnist Amanda Dart, loves dishing the dirt on New York celebs until she starts to be on the receiving end from a publication called ``DIRT''. As the faxes unravel Amanda Dart's secrets, Stone Barrington finds himself caught up in a fascinating mix of intrigue and charm. But Amanda is not alone, Richard Hickock, Amanda’s publisher, and Alan Peebles, Amanda’s rival, emerge as key players in the scandal. Eager to find out who was behind the unauthorized messages, he embarks on an adventurous journey, flirting with Amanda, diving into the world of journalism alongside Arrington Carter, and even getting into some tricky situations with a suspect's sister. Amid all this excitement, Stone stumbles upon some wiretaps that invade his privacy, sparking a daring surveillance mission that would lead to surprising outcomes.

While some might view the characters as stereotypes, that’s precisely what makes Stone Barrington’s novels enjoyable. “Dirt” offers a captivating mix of intrigue, humor, and insightful social critiques. The story, with all its ups and downs, provides a fascinating insight into a life that is both admired and mysterious to most.

[ML · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had written off Stone Barrington after book one’s meh plot but decided to give him another chance.

This book was definitely better. What I like most is there are no good guys in this one. Just different levels of amoral behavior.
Amanda was a real piece of work! Yikes!

Everyone gets what’s coming to them and for that this book gets 5 stars ⭐️

[Amber Booth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ll give this 2 stars because the storyline is fairly interesting. The rest of it is, simply, terrible. None of the characters are likable, not even Stone. He’s probably the most likable character, but that’s not saying much.
The women are all (save one) caricatures of what I assume is the author’s wet dream-tall, fit, big boobs, long legs, nymphomania...
Stone sleeps with at least 3 of them, including the sister of some suspects. Stone shows up in the middle of a snow storm, introduces himself to the sister, and, within minutes, they’re having sex. Super realistic. The sex scenes are laughable-horribly written and full of cliches.
The one “unattractive” female is described as 5’5”, and 150 pounds. Apparently, this makes her so heavy, she can barely walk up a trail to a picnic site and she huffs and puffs after her amazingly fit friend. The friend, by the way, has legs so long “they are too long for most regular pantyhose”. She’s also 50, but because she’s taken such good care of herself, she doesn’t ever need to wear a bra. I’m wondering if the author has ever met, or even talked to, an actual living, breathing woman.
This is an old series, so I doubt many readers are flocking to read it, but if you’re considering it, rethink your plans.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

May 2025. I was on a four year break on purpose.


Aug 2021. Hold off reading again until 2025.

Dec 2018 ditto all my comments in the past.

May 2017 Woods definitely cleaned up Dino's father in law from this second Stone story up to the current current stories. Eduardo is in the middle of organized crime in this story and seems only a whisper in later books. There is only one daughter in this story - Mary Ann. Arrington is present in this story - so she's around from the beginning.

3-7-2015 back to the book. the characters have all evolved, including Stone's secretary. This is a must read Stone B.

7-12-2013 book on tape this time. a note: Dino's father in law sounds, on the recording like "The Godfather" and in later books and readings he reads/sounds like Eli Broad and acts like Eli Broad, a philanthropist (sic).

first read june 1, 2011

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

a nook book I purchased I was just surprised to find that this was the second in the Stone Barrington series. It also surprises me that I enjoy reading these as much as I do, since Stone is depicted as a man who likes to hop into bed with almost any attractive woman--three in this novel. There ARE some interesting twists and turns, with a fair smount of violence--Stone ends up being hospitalized twice following altercations. I don't recall Elaine's making an appearance. Still entertaining!

[pawsreadrepeat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series just as the pandemic began and had been anxiously awaiting the reopening of my local library so I could read it.

I enjoyed the story and the characters. I also like the writing style. I gave three stars because I felt like the ending was a bit flat. Toward the end, we learn some of the characters go way back. Given that I thought the culprits would have been connected in some way by the past. Thus were out for revenge, instead it was just greed.

Despite this, I look forward to reading more of the series.

[Kristina Deluise · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok, while the mystery is good. and the whole sleuth stuff is good.

i believe this has to be the 90s as they have cell phones

but really does stone have to SLEEP with every female he comes in contact with?

hasn't he heard of aids? ugh

i am really missing the group comradery of j.d robbs eve dallas books, or catherine coulter's fbi series,

i'm going to keep reading because it's a long series, but if stone keeps sleeping with everyone, it's going to get old really fast.........................

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character in the series is Stone Barrington, an ex-NYPD detective who is now practicing law. He and his ex-partner, Dino, continue to meet for dinners regularly at Elaine's. The murdered victim in this book is Amanda Dart. She is a high-profile journalist, who specialized in scandalous stories. Stone and Dino investigate the murder together. The author knows how to keep his readers interested with an entertaining, fast read.