Shoot First
Stone Barrington is enjoying a round of golf in Key West when the game is violently interrupted--and it seems as if the target of the disturbance may have been one of his playing companions, the brilliant businesswoman behind a software startup on the cutting edge of technology. Soon, it becomes clear that this incident is only the first thrust in a deadly scheme to push the beautiful young woman out of the way and put her company's valuable secrets up for grabs.
From the sun-soaked Florida shores to an idyllic English country retreat, Stone embarks on a quest to protect his lovely new companion while searching for the mastermind behind the plot against her. But he may find that her enemy is far more resourceful--and dangerous--than he could have anticipated.
Readers also enjoyed
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.

