The book starts with Stone winning against an old nemesis in court. He and Herbie are celebrating their win. Stone doesn't know that this has provoked a new wave of revenge plots against him. When it is suggested that Stone go some place to relax after things get a bit complicated at home, he finds himself in Santa Fe. He is the guest of Will and Kate Lee and is expecting someone else for the weekend. Stone has to adapt to an unexpected change of plans. Not to worry though, his dance card fills up again with Monica. She is on the tail of what she believes are thefts of expensive artwork that is covered up by a fire. She has lost her job because her boss got her fired. It appears that she was too close to figuring out what was going on. Her ex boss and she run into each other and it doesn't exactly go well. She explains to Stone her theory and he listens with an open mind. Things heat up with her investigation and Stone really begins to think she really is onto something. When things take them to L.A., he takes Monica with him so she can continue her pursuit of the truth. Dino and Viv join Stone in L.A. and they seek Teddy's assistance in bringing a conclusion to their current predictament. Stone is deeply interested in finding his mother's paintings that seem to be at the center of what is going on. I don't want to give away what happens, but I will say that the book was entertaining.

It was nice to see the whole crew in this one and it felt like Stuart Woods actually wrote this one. I want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the advanced copy to review.

Three men steal an Andrew Wyeth painting from Gordon Zurn’s vacation estate home. Where is the painting, and why has it been stolen? I am hooked right away and read on to get answers. It turns out that the opening incident is just a warm up for the great mystery that follows. For much of the novel the story involving art alternates with the story of Stone’s current life (including interesting characters such as his city police commissioner friend, Dino, and his current lover, Monica). This novel is number 65 in the Stone Barrington series but can easily be read as a standalone.

Stone is a great character, and the plot is interesting and well-paced. I get to the point where I can't put to the book aside. I have to finish it. I am inspired to continue reading Stone Barrington novels. It is great to know there are so many books written by Stuart Woods for me to read, and I am glad Brett Battles is continuing the series. Thank you, PENQUIN GROUP Putnam and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy.

These books are still great strat this around 9 today and finished it by 5 still love them . They hav3 not mised a beat since Woods died

Always action-packed, fast-paced and full of adventure, Stuart Woods’ books - even when written by Brett Battles - are entertaining and fun to read. Not a dull moment in the streets, between the sheets, or jetting across the country!

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This is another great book in this long running series with a great core group
of characters. It is also the first book written by Brett Battles, who takes over
from the original, wonderful story teller, Stuart Woods.
Stone Barrington is (again) being targeted by some low life thugs who
wish to take advantage of,Stone and his circle of long time friends,
professional colleagues, and of course a newcomer who is involved
professionally and becomes a new love interest. There is still the
red-hot and long standing relationship with the President of the
United States, but it’s always been kept very, very quiet.
Everyone in the family, circle and the crooks, find themselves
in danger until those charged with investigating the sudden
interest in a couple<f the very expensive paintings done by
Stone’s mom.
The writing style is very reminiscent of Stuart Woods, and the
reader transition was seamless. The structure and progress
are easy to follow and the storyline is captivating.
I thoroughly recommend this book, and long time
fans will be delighted.
My thanks to Penguin Random House via NetGalley
for,the,download of,this book for,review,purposes.

Entertaining with many of the Woods touches but just a little too pat.
Stone is off on a chase to find out who is stealing paintings him famous mother had done.
Among those stolen were his personal favorites. Dino is on the scene to help him along, as
per the usual scenario and a new flame as well, who happens to be an insurance investigator, whose specialty
is art forgeries and stolen art.
The characters are the same as usual and the very quick repartee amongst them is the usual sharp and
pointed as in past novels but just missed the mark a few times, in my opinion.
A little of the magic was off.
Not that I will not be watching for the next one - because I surely will.
Stone is nowhere near the end of the line fo rme.

Stone Barrington needs some downtime in Santa Fe where he momentarily crosses paths with old friends: the Lees, Teddy Fay, Ed Eagle and Holly Barker. Unbeknown to him, the last case he won in New York has given another person reason to seek serious revenge against Stone. An elaborate plan involves stealing paintings done by Stone's mother, Matilda Stone, and then destroying them as Stone watches. Insurance fraud and an art theft ring are central to the twists and turns of another addition to this series. Brett Battles hasn't missed a beat as he continues putting Stone in hazardous situations. Battles provides opportunities for the character to jet to his luxurious homes, have dinners with Dino and find lovely ladies to squire around town...all while solving his dilemma. Another enjoyable adventure - I will be recommending.

Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam, Brett Battles and NetGalley for this ARC.

Brett Battles has brought Stone Barrington and his crew back to life. Though I was hopeful that the adventures would be revitalized, it hasn’t happened in this book. This absolutely cannot be read as a stand-alone. The author pulls in characters and settings from multiple past novels. Once again, Stone is confronted by a villainous enemy who longs to make him suffer. That’s the biggest weakness, his plot of revenge is silly. In fact, it hardly seemed worth the death and destruction it caused. I also find the cavalier treatment of killing bad guys a little over the top.

Of course, diehards will enjoy this visit with old friends. I was hoping for a greater injection of new life. Thank you Netgalley for a visit to Stone’s old gang.

Brett Battles has officially taken over the reins of the Stone Barrington series from the late Stuart Woods. The two co-authored a few books before this, but Smolder is Battles first time taking on the series alone. One thing I noticed almost right away was that, as someone who has read almost every book in the series, I could not tell that Smolder was written by someone other than Mr. Woods. The dialogue, in particular, is done in the same truncated style that Woods’ used.

This time around, Barrington and company (the usual suspects – Dino, Viv, Herb, Teddy, the Lee’s, and any good-looking, available woman), start out by traveling to Santa Fe, before ending up in Los Angeles. Stone has been targeted by a man who lost in court to Woodman & Weld a few times, and holds Stone personally responsible for the trouble, and money, this has cost him. He decides to take his revenge in a way that he believes will not trace back to him, and will be as harmful to Stone as possible; by finding and destroying as much of Matilda Stone’s artwork as possible.

The story moves quickly, and while descriptive details are slim, the story is engaging in the way readers of the series have become accustomed to. Stone and his friends are always caught up in some sort of nefarious plot, Stone finds a new woman to roll around with (who may or may not return, albeit briefly, in a future storyline), his friendship with Dino is a highlight, and things turn out alright in the end. Overall, Smolder is a good addition to this long-running series, and will satisfy its readers.

Thank you to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book follows the life of Stone and his friends as they follow along to some of his various homes. He meets a new woman and his mother art is involved. This book focuses more on Stone and the main characters while mentioning offhandedly the rest of the characters that usually show up in these books. A fun, great read!