I've read all of the Stone Barrington series and this one kept my interest as the pages turned! Always good to have familiar characters to follow along with!

CIA, law-enforcement, lawyers, verbal-humor, situational-humor, series, Maine, NYC, ex-cop, friendship, friction, snarky, murder, murder-investigation, spies, suspense, innuendo, intrigue*****

Another silly Stone Barrington read! These are always a good antidote to TV news mongering and an excuse for laughing out loud while doing mundane tasks. This time he's making fun of the CIA while entertaining a few good women. And then there's the body of the CIA operative who may or may not be dead.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons via NetGalley. Thank you!

The author Stuart Woods died shortly after the release of this The author Stuart Woods died shortly after the release of this novel in his Stone Barrington series. Thankfully, there are a few others in line for release, and I am glad because this entry was so good.

While vacationing in Maine a CIA agent is killed, identified and due to a storm the body is kept in the protagonist’s garage until it can be picked up. Things are not as they seem and evidence mounts that the deceased agent is still alive.

Like all Stone Barrington novels the plot moves around from there. This one, however, at times became a tour d’ force causing me to laugh out loud or heartily chuckle.

One can usually skip one or two of these when reading the series, but this is one I glad I read. Particularly for fans of the author, and the protagonist, Distant Thunder is a worthwhile entry in this series.

I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the publisher who invited me to leave an honest review which I have done so here.

Review of Uncorrected eBook File

One-time New York police detective-turned lawyer Stone Barrington entertains Holly Barker, the President of the United States, at his home in Dark, Harbor, Maine. The nor’easter that blew through Dark Harbor, Maine interrupted her travel. But it’s the discovery of a body aboard the Islesboro ferry that has everyone speculating; the unidentified man didn’t die in the storm, he succumbed thanks to two bullets to the head.

The murdered man, identified as John Collins, brings Lance Cabot, head of the CIA, into the picture. It isn’t long before Stone is in the middle of an assassination attempt, courtesy of Russian agents.

Why did the Russians want John Collins dead? And why does Stone Barrington wind up in their sights?

=========

Here, in this, the sixty-third Stone Barrington tale, all the usual characters are in place. As readers might expect, there’s murder, mystery, humor, a lot of bed-hopping, a fair amount of traveling, some intrigue, and a familiar format that welcomes returning readers like a warm embrace.

The unfolding story moves quickly, holds a few surprises, and keeps the pages turning. Fans of the series will enjoy having the opportunity to visit again.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley
#DistantThunder #NetGalley

I enjoy reading Stuart Woods and have for many years. That said, I didn’t enjoy this new book “Distant Thunder” as it was boring, too much sexual exploration and repeat storyline from previous books of his.

Its been a while since I have read a Stone Barrington novel and decided I needed an easy summer thriller! While it was an easy, quick read, I thought the plot line was lacking and was not impressed in Stone's and the author's attitude towards women. It just isn't the series for me, but I did enjoy the spy thriller-ness of it all!

When I think of mystery, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the thrills. This is a perfect book to snuggle up with on any day.

I just read that Stuart Woods has passed away so I'm glad I'm able to read this novel. Hope he has a ghost writer for I would hate to see his name no longer on library shelves.

This book felt rushed and perhaps not authored by Stuart Woods. The dialogue was odd and the story fluff. I miss the really books and writing of Stuart Woods - Rest in Peace sir.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance read.

Reading Distant Thunder by Stuart Woods is like relaxing in a pair of sweats. The reader is comfortable knowing all the characters from previous novels and just wants to see the situations Stone Barrington gets into, the women he beds, etc. In other words, we are voyeurs to his lifestyle and extremely envious.
The novel begins with an unknown corpse found on a ferry and, in due time, his widow becomes Stone’s new conquest. It continues with subplots involving the CIA, the Russians, hidden offshore bank accounts, flying off to other of Stone’s homes to avoid being killed- all of which is written with clever dialogue.
The book is highly recommended for readers of this genre and I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of the book and I look forward to the next installment in this series.

I can always depend on Stuart Woods to deliver a fast paced, entertaining mystery. This Stone Barrington installment is another easy adventure, traveling from Maine to NY and Florida.

ARC was provided by Penguin Group Putnam via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Expected Pub Date: Oct 11 2022

Good book! Wow! Action packed! I definitely enjoyed reading this one! This book had suspense, intrigue, murder, action packed, mystery, and a few crazy twists! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my kindle! I highly recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Always consistently a fast page turner! And in this one, those evil Russians are at it again! This story seemed more straight forward than most of his but still entertaining!

Stuart Woods' Stone Barrington series never surprises any of his regular readers. But first and foremost they are always readable and enjoyable. They aren't amazingly suspenseful or mysterious, but just fun and light reading for a Saturday afternoon. Stone is always the same - sardonic, mostly good hearted, and always finds a good meal and willing woman. Never offensive, I love his trip descriptions of fabulous homes, wonderful restaurants and different countries.

Another goid but typical Barrington story. Stone is trying to figure out who got killed on a ferry, departing his home. Just when he thought he had it figured out...
Lots of usual Barrington conflicts both murderous in intent and sexual as well.
Throw in his on again/off again conflicts with Lance Stone, head of the CIA, and his always at his side NYPD Commissioner of Police, Dino Bacchetti and you have another interesting and fast moving Barrington tale.

I can't say that Distant Thunder is one of the best Stone Barrington novels that Stuart Woods has written but it is nonetheless entertaining and an easy read. The book brings together, as most recent Barrington books have, the full line-up of characters, including Holly Barker, Ed Rawls, Lance Cabot, Dino Bacchetti, and more. It is set in New York, England, Maine, and Florida, as are so many books in this series. While I enjoyed the story and the characters, there is little here that is new or particularly compelling. Having said that, I look forward, as always, to the next book in this escapist series.

As always, it’s fun to travel with Stone Barrington and his friends. It amazes me to see how new, exciting characters keep falling into their laps. Yes, this was another travelogue, from Maine to NY to England and Florida, so it moves quickly and I always enjoy my trips.

Thanks Netgalley for this ARC.

Distant Thunder was a fun and easy read.=ad. I have read all of the Stone Barrington series from the beginning. Stone Barrington is at his house in Dark Harbor, Maine with his girlfriend, Holly Barker, President of the United States. There is a bad storm which has kept them there. He is notified by his friend, Ed Rawls that there has been a murdered man found on the ferry shot twice. The man is John Collins, CIA. Holly calls Lance Cabot, head of CIA and asks him if he knew John Collins and is he suppose to be in Maine and that he has been killed. Lance says to put the body in Stone's garage. A helicopter comes to pick up the body. Joan Robertson tells Stone she thinks Lance knows more than he is saying.

A Vanessa Morgan comes to see Stone saying that she is John Collin's widow, She wanted to hear directly from Stone what he knows about John's death. She was told by a member of the CIA and given an envelope with information on how to claim John's insurance and pension. Stone's card was also in the envelope. The next day after having dinner with his friends, the Bacchettis, he was surprised to see John Collins widow paying for her dinner a the same restaurant, He invites her to his home for a night cap. Her business is seeing people's home for her magazine Indoors and Out. They discuss her situation, Stone's driver drives her home.

The next day two men from the F.B.I. come and ask questions about John Collins. Stone informs them that he has been murdered which they did not know. At this point the reader feels that it is some of Whose on First with the back and forth about who is John Collins. Through out the book there is much talk about John's background and Lance Cabot's evasiveness.

Stone,s boss, Bill Eggers calls Stone about the ad in the paper about John Collins death. He informs Stone that he and John had both attend NYU.

When discussing John Collins with Lance they decide that he was probably killed by the Russians, The man who they think is behind everything is Valery Majorov who is back in the United States.

Vanessa meets Stone at Patroon for dinner with Dino and Viv Bacchettis for dinner. Stone tells them that he received the ME's report on John saying that he was drunk. Vanessa was surprised as she said he never drank.
After dinner Vanessa comes back to Stone's house for a night cap which turns into an evening of pleasure

Because Lance thinks that the Russians might also be angry at Stone he suggests that he get away for awhile. Stone decides to go to England where he has a house and asks Vanessa if she would like to go. Also Lance decides to come. They stay there as well as go to London, When they go back to the states Stone meets Dino at P.J. Clarks. While waiting for Dino at the bar a beautiful woman sits down next to him. She introduces herself and sits with him and Dino. She excuses herself and goes to the ladies room. Dino tells Stone that the woman is a Russian is going to try to kill Stone. When she gets back to the table Dino arrests her but she escapes.

Vanessa meets him for dinner and tells him that John is alive. but they want to continue with his being dead. After meeting John he suggests that he go to Maine at his house there. He does until the Russians try to kill him and he leaves and goes into hiding.

Lance suggests again that Stone again go away. He decides to go to his home in Palm Beach. Dino and Vivian will be going as well as Vanessa.. When picking Vanessa up they see her luggage but she is not there. They go to her apartment and find a bloody body in the bathroom which they think is Vanessa. After dealing with the police Stone, Dino and Viv decide to still go to Palm Springs,

At this point the reader is bouncing back and forth with all that is going on It is a little slap stick with Lance Cabot in and out of the action The ending starts with Dino, Viv. Stone on board his boat. Stone discovers Vanessa's bag that must have been put in with their luggage. He has Viv open it and they find under some clothes they find money, a gun with a silencer and a bomb. Also a tracker. Lance arrives at the boat and he drugs Stone. When he wakes up he believes that he has seen Vanessa. Dino and Viv think he is hallucinating but to their surprise they see that she is alive. Stone believes that the dead body in her apartment was the Russian named Anna. Lance suggests that for their safety that they should be moving instead of remaining anchored. As they head back to Palm Beach they notice a trawler following them. The ending is slapstick with the Russians and Dino and Stone fighting each other with Stone using the bomb that blows up the trawler. When they get back to New York and debark Vanessa has already left. When Stone gets back to his house Lance gives him a letter from Vanessa telling him goodbye and that she will cease to exist. The ending mentions a date and Washington, CT. Is this a clue for the next book in the series?

Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for this ARC.

Stone Barrington #63

With 63 of these completed, is Stone getting predictable? In this one, he sure is in some trouble.

I have been the biggest fan of the adventures of this character. Unfortunately, it’s getting to the point where the character has become a caricature of who he was.

Stone helps rich women. Boyfriend/husband comes for him. He beds the same three women and always lands with his feet on the ground.

It was a nice read as a day in the life of Stone Barrington, but a mystery it was not.

NetGalley/ October 11th, 2022 G.P. Putnam

As a longtime reader of Stone Barrington novels, I realize that slipping into a new story is kind of like slipping on a favorite pair of shoes. You know what to expect, they’re comfortable, and they get you where you want to go. Distant Thunder was comfortable, entertaining, follows a familiar format, and took me to on a pleasant journey.