"Upon returning from a dangerous coastal adventure, Stone Barrington is looking forward to some normalcy with the leading lady in his life. But when a grisly crime arrives on his doorstep, along with some suspicious new clients eager for his help, Stone realizes peace and quiet are no longer an option. As it turns out, the mastermind behind the malfeasance rocking New York City and the nation's capital wields a heavy hand of influence. And when Stone is unable to recruit those closest to the case to his side, he is left with few leads and a handful of dead-ends. But with the help of important people in high places--and the expertise of alluring new friends--Stone is more than ready to rise to the occasion"-- - (Baker & Taylor)

Looking forward to relaxing with his girlfriend after returning from a dangerous coastal adventure, Stone Barrington finds his plans thwarted by the arrival of a grisly crime on his doorstep, along with some suspicious new clients eager for his help. Simultaneous. - (Baker & Taylor)

Stone Barrington must track down an enemy intent on disturbing law and order in the latest action-packed thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author.

Upon returning from a dangerous coastal adventure, Stone Barrington is looking forward to some normalcy with the leading lady in his life. But when a grisly crime arrives on his doorstep, along with some suspicious new clients eager for his help, Stone realizes peace and quiet are no longer an option.

As it turns out, the mastermind behind the malfeasance rocking New York City and the nation's capital wields a heavy hand of influence. And when Stone is unable to recruit those closest to the case to his side, he is left with few leads and a handful of dead-ends. But with the help of important people in high places--and the expertise of alluring new friends--Stone is more than ready to rise to the occasion. - (Penguin Putnam)

Stuart Woods is the author of more than eighty-five novels, including the #1 New York Times-bestselling Stone Barrington series. He is a native of Georgia and began his writing career in the advertising industry. Chiefs, his debut in 1981, won the Edgar Award. An avid sailor and pilot, Woods lives in Florida, Maine, and Connecticut. - (Penguin Putnam)

Publishers Weekly Reviews

At the start of bestseller Woods's fun 55th novel featuring debonair New York attorney Stone Barrington (after Choppy Water), Stone returns to the Washington, D.C., hotel where he's staying for the inauguration of his longtime paramour, Holly Barker, as president—only to find the body of Patricia Clark, the incoming secretary of commerce's wife, lying on the floor of his suite. The chief suspect is the victim's husband, Dan Clark, with whom she was going through a contested divorce. Holly soon dismisses Dan from her cabinet. Stone and his New York City police commissioner pal, Dino Bachetti, help investigate the Clark case and subsequent related murders. An obvious villain doesn't lessen the tension of the cat-and-mouse game that ensues. Meanwhile, Stone and Holly contrive to meet discreetly for sex as often as possible. Fortunately for Stone, more than one attractive, willing woman is available when Holly isn't around. Better yet, nobody gets jealous. Woods's alternate universe—in which the first female U.S. president is succeeded by the second female U.S. president—provides perfect escapist fare. Agent: Anne Sibbald, Janklow & Nesbit. (Oct.)