Fast and Loose
Stone Barrington is enjoying a boating excursion off the Maine coast when a chance encounter leaves him somewhat the worse for wear. Always able to find the silver lining in even the unhappiest circumstances, Stone is pleased to discover that the authors of his misfortune are, in fact, members of a prestigious family who present a unique business opportunity, and who require a man of Stone’s skills to overcome a sticky situation of their own.
The acquaintance is fortuitous indeed, for as it turns out, Stone and his new friends have an enemy in common. He’s the sort of man who prefers force to finesse, and who regards any professional defeat as a personal and intolerable insult. And when Stone’s sly cunning collides with his adversary’s hair-trigger-temper, the results are sure to be explosive...
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Stuart Woods
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.
Stone Barrington
The Stone Barrington series steps beyond the usual thriller mold, inviting readers into the shadowy intersections of high society and covert danger. At its heart is a former NYPD detective turned lawyer who doesn’t just navigate courtrooms but also the darker undercurrents of New York’s elite circles. This is a world where every elegant gala and sleek penthouse hides secrets, and Stone’s blend of sharp intellect and streetwise grit unravels mysteries that others overlook.
Stone Barrington consists of sixty-seven books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

