Assuming he was just an old guy who makes movies was their first mistake. Framing the sons of his friends was their second. Will they get a third strike before Teddy figures out their plan and shuts it down? I'll never tell.

Stuart Woods is a very prolific writer well know for his varied series, most notably Stone Barrington. Woods has become such a well loved author because he gives his fans the books they want and deserve. His characters have no problem giving the bad guys a bruise or two or even a bullet hole for the trouble they cause. They are fast paced, full of action and tension and have enough twists that you'll never guess the reveal until the last page. A great read for everyone who loves mystery/ thrillers.

The book takes place in Macau with Teddy Fay as the main character. It is fast moving with an intricate plot. Espionage, hacked drones, and espionage hold your interest. I prefer the Stone Barrington series but this was entertaining and moved along well enough to hold your interest. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Jackpot is the first novel co-authored by Stuart Woods and Bryon Quertermous although there are some previous novels featuring Teddy that were co-authored with another writer. None of those previous stories are referenced in this novel and the story is complete within this book. In this novel, Teddy is called in by some friends in the film industry who have obtained a copy of a video showing their sons to be cheating at a Macau casino. Trouble is, the two young men were sitting in an office with their fathers at the time the video was supposedly being taped. Someone is trying to frame them, and Teddy’s friends want him to find out who and why.
Jackpot is the first novel co-authored by Stuart Woods and Bryon Quertermous although there are some previous novels featuring Teddy that were co-authored with another writer. None of those previous stories are referenced in this novel and the story is complete within this book. In this novel, Teddy is called in by some friends in the film industry who have obtained a copy of a video showing their sons to be cheating at a Macau casino. Trouble is, the two young men were sitting in an office with their fathers at the time the video was supposedly being taped. Someone is trying to frame them, and Teddy’s friends want him to find out who and why.
Jackpot is a well written, light, fast read with a satisfying conclusion. There are some physical encounters and stunts throughout the book with just enough detail to engage the reader but not so much that the reader gets inundated with blood and gore. The pacing is good with a plot that is well designed with new angles and information being incorporated in a seamless fashion that keeps the reader moving at a steady pace.

My thanks to G.P. Putnam Sons Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital read copy for review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Read this as part of an assignment. I haven't read any of Woods' other books, which would have been helpful in this case, as it is the 5th book in the Teddy Fay series. There was not much in the way of backstory, so this is best for readers of this and/or other Woods stories, especially the Stone Barrington books. As the reviewer for PW said, "fans will enjoy the ride, but this isn’t the place to start for newcomers.”
The action was nonstop, there was a host of characters, and the setting (Macau and Hong Kong) was exciting and different.
Thanks to NetGalley and Booklist for the arc!
Recommended for those who have read the series.

I love the Stone Barrington novels, but I find myself not enjoying the Teddy Fay books as much. Though the gang is incorporated into this novel, it doesn’t have the same level of fun as the more traditional Stone Barrington books. Perhaps the co-author doesn’t engage me to the same extent as Woods.

I can’t wait for my next Stone Barrington novel.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

Jackpot (G.P. Putnam's Sons 2021), next in the Teddy Fay series, takes place in Macau the international hub of gambling and golfing, known throughout the world for its complicated and extravagant lifestyle. It is a fast moving, intricately plotted story about subterfuge and international terror complete with powerful and angry madmen and weaponized drones. There is no shortage of stress and drama. The characters are varied high-octane giving the reader little time to catch our breath between death defying events.

That’s probably my only complaint. It moves so fast, I don’t feel like I get to know the characters well. I have read most of the five novels in this series and always enjoyed them. I'll definitely read the next one.

Very well developed characters and an extremely engaging story. Well thought out and very suspenseful story line that keeps the reader guessing until the final twist! This is the book to read this year! Highly recommended!