This is the first novel I've read by Stuart Woods and now I see I should have read "Dead in the Water" first, but nonetheless, it was a good read. The story takes retired detective now lawyer, Stone Barrington, to Hollywood to help search for his former girlfriend Arrington who has married the famous actor, Vance Calder. Stone is surprised after he arrives to find that Calder isn't as worried about Arrington as he had first appearred to be. He is given first class treatment, a fancy car, nice hotel, even a part in Vance's new movie,and is then shuffled out of town in a hurry which only makes Stone determined to find out what is really going on with Arrington, especially since Calder has told Stone that Arrington is pregnant and there is a chance that Stone could be the father. The reader is led on a chase with important Hollywood types who want to see him dead. He narrowly escapes death after being tossed overboard into the Pacific ocean with an anchor tied to his waist. Stone figures out that Arrington is being held against her will and won't stop until he has found her. That may mean an end to Vance Calder's career if the public find out about the scandal he's gotten himself into. It's up to Stone to uncover the truth about who has taken Arrington and why without letting Vance's name come out. The story has a very exciting ending which I won't reveal and all in all it was a good story. The only objection I have is that Stone was sure quick to jump into bed with any pretty woman that looked his way. Isn't he concerned about diseases? Well, I know it's just a story, but I could have done without all the sex.

A sequel to the outstanding Dead in the Water, this book is much more enjoyable when you know the background -- the story of Stone's unhappy romance with the oddly-named but delectable Arrington. If you've followed Stuart Woods' career, you'd know that his very first book was a sailing memoir (Blue Water, Green Skipper); it's a joy to see this author return to his boating roots in this and the preceding book. (You won't believe the scene in which Stone is thrown overboard with an anchor tied to him.) Even if you don't care beans for boats, cancel your appointments -- Dead in the Water and Swimming to Catalina aren't to be put down!!! (The title, incidentally, is a quote from Raymond Chandler: "Oh sure, I do something you don't like and I'll be swimming to Catalina with a streetcar on my back." What a combination -- an adventure/mystery writer at the top of his form, putting his appealing character on the same streets once prowled by Philip Marlowe. Stuart, THANK YOU! MORE!

Former NYPD police officer Stone Barrington plans to rest up after returning home from his "vacation" (see DEAD IN THE WATER). However when his buddy Vance Calder, a movie superstar, calls and pleads for his help, Stone heads to California. Vance's wife, Arrington Carrington (Stone's former girl friend) has been kidnapped and it is up to the former law enforcement official to find her.

However, Stone finds himself the recipient of the VIP treatment, making him conclude that someone does not want him to investigate the disappearance of his former squeeze. Soon, Stone is told to go back to the Big Apple as Arrington has been found. Still, he cannot leave without finding out the truth about the recent shenanigans. This turns into a mistake as the New Yorker becomes the target of some questionable characters.

SWIMMING TO CATALINA is not for everyone. If someone wants a jocular, irrelevant novel in which nothing is sacred, this is the book to peruse. Stone is a typical cynical New Yorker with a slightly self-deprecating sense of humor. He is also the last of the free love characters. The story line is fast-paced and filled with plenty of action. Simply put, Stuart Woods has written another three thumbs up winner.

Harriet Klausner

Having an avowed addiction to the "bestseller wall" at the local audio book store, I haven't missed much of Stuart Woods' work. But I could have missed this one. I hate it when fiction writers begin to take themselves so seriously that they use their work to spout their own political and social beliefs, as if we the reader could care. It's o.k. to have some characters believing one way, and some another, that's just good characterization. But in this "Clintonesque Manifesto", all the bad guys are Republicans, or religious, or both, as if those traits alone are villainous. Don't get me wrong. I have no problem if all the bad guys are characterized as Republicans from the "right wing fringe", that's one thing. But if ABSOLUTELY ALL REPULICANS OR CONSERVATIVES, are characterized as right wing extremists who coddle hate groups, kill pro choicers, hate all ethnicities other than white Anglo-Saxon, and are card carrying members of Hillary Clinton's fantasy "Right Wing Conspiracy", then the book becomes less enjoyable, (unless of course you ARE Hillary Clinton), not to mention, more manipulative than a campaign speech.
Continuing his exaggerated characterisations,Woods portrays all of the good guys, the smart guys, the likable guys, including the novel's hero, our old friend, Stone Barrington, as Democrats who hate the death penalty, love abortion, find all people of faith to exhibit hypocrisy and religiosity, (like the bad hair TV evangelists who really are that way) and then purport themselves to be "Moderates". Astonishingly, Woods portrays Stone Barrington as saying that he doesn't know what "family values" are, and pens one of that character's own family to believe that private Christian schools were created by racist Christians who didn't want their children to have to go to school with black children. Preposterous, manipulative garbage.
The plot is weak and thin, having be done scores of times in bad TV movies and weekly dramas. The characters are nothing but engineered stereotypes conjured from a mist of bad research, self delusion and misrepresentation. Woods should go back and read his own prior works featuring Stone Barrington. He might realize he took a good character and superimposed him over a ridiculous one, in a haplessly contrived and much overdone storyline. Now that we know your politics Mr. Woods, go back to writing.....don't give up your day job by running for office through drivel like this.

I ordered 4 used books from private sellers at the same time and the book from A1Books, Grass Roots by Stuart Woods, took 2 weeks longer to receive than the other 3 books.

This is a book for Stuart Woods' lovers as well as someone looking for a book about todays politics. Most of the characters were real with just enough exageration to keep them interesting. Woods books all read quick so they are great summertime books, pick them up on the beach, read them at the pool or even half drunk. It is very hard to write a book that a person half in the bag would like reading. Yea, I like to read sometimes when I have had a few, it really brings the characters to life, try it. Its a fun book. Read it!

Stuart Woods writes fast paced fiction and I really like his detective turned lawyer Stone Barrington. However, more than once during my quick read of 'Dead in the Wa;ter," Woods lost me. There are more plot twists and turns in this than a bad day at Wimbeldon. Ultimately, I liked the book, but I think he could have simplied the plot some...ex-wives, insurance investigators, a blood-thirsty Prime Minister, a dowdy old attorney, a bar-keep with his own secrets, a downed plane, reporters...well, you get the picture.

I hope Woods will trim down his character list for the next Barrington mystery, which, by the way, begins where 'Dead in the Water" ends.

A good summer read

Stuart Woods' novel Dead in the Water is a suspenseful tale of murder, romance, and deception. Woods has crafted a story that captures the reader's attention from the opening paragraph until the closing lines. Never is there a dull moment in this thriller. The reader follows the adventures of Stone Barrington, an ex-cop turned lawyer who is intriguing yet refreshingly real. Stone's tropical vacation is interrupted when he meets murder suspect Elizabeth Manning. Through his own good will, he decides to defend this mysterious beauty who stands to lose her life if found guilty. The case has a new twist at every corner, and somehow it never manages to get dull. The story rises to higher levels of suspense as Stone and his client become romantically and passionately involved. The characters develop nicely throughout the novel. As the story line progresses, the reader develops a seemingly intimate relationship with the novel's protagonists and exhibits genuine concern for their well-being. Woods should be commended for this stellar literary accomplishment. By constantly introducing new elements into the complexity of the plot, Woods manages to keep the reader guessing. In fact, the novel's outcome is not clear until the final pages; therefore, no reader can willingly put it down without finishing. The story's conclusion is slightly far-fetched but enjoyable and ironic nonetheless. Woods' endeavor is a page-turner extraordinaire and a treat for anyone lucky enough to pick it up. Dead in the Water receives four out of five stars. Highly recommended.

This is the first book I have read by Mr. Woods. The plot combined with Mr. Woods writing style made for exciting reading. I found it extremely hard to put down. I often found myself feeling sorry for Allison and Stone as well as thinking "She Did It", only to find myself a few pages later thinking "She Didn't Do It". Later in the book I found myself thinking, "Insurance Scam". I won't spoil the book by telling you what happens or if she did or didn't do it. What I will tell you is that this is definatly a must read book with a fantastic ending. Being the first book I have ever read by Mr. Stuart I was plesantly surprised to find that there was nothing about this book I didn't like. Easy, smooth flowing reading. I will definatly be reading more of Stuart Woods writing. Even though this book is not listed as a legal thriller, I would rank it right up with authors suchs as John Grishim and Brad Meltzer's"Dead Even". Let me take a minute and reiterate that this is a great book and a must read for any avid reader.

Stone Barrington is back, and this time he is on the loose in New York City.

Assigned by his law firm to aide a client in the dumping of her unfaithful husband, Stone thinks this case to be "dirty work", but when a dead body turns up he realizes there is more to this case than meets the eye.

As Stone begins looking for answers he runs into Carpenter, the beautiful British agent he met while in London. Carpenter is in New York for her own investigation, on a case she is not willing to discuss, but the deeper Stone probes the more he gets the feeling her case is related to his.

Teaming with his ex-partner Dino, Stone hits the streets of Manhattan in search of a very dangerous woman with the answers to a bizarre and complicated crime.

'Dirty Work' is a fun, enjoyable novel...one that will keep readers guessing. The Stone Barrington bestsellers are mysteries filled with surprises, sexy vixens, rogue heroes and intriguing plot lines, and this is one of the better entries in the series.

Stuart Woods can always be depended upon to create an original, fast-paced thriller, and 'Dirty Work' is a great way to spend a few hours in an easy chair.

Expect to see this on all the lists.

Nick Gonnella

"Dirty Work" is the ninth Stone Barrington novel by Stuart Woods. Bill Eggers of Woodman and Weld, the law firm of which Stone is of counsel, asks Stone to arrange for someone to photograph Larry Fortescue, husband of Woodman and Weld client, Elena Marks, having an illicit tryst. Stone hires Herbie Fisher. While Herbie is photographing the encounter, he falls through the skylight onto Fortescue. When Herbie comes to, Fortescue is dead. It becomes apparent that Herbie did not kill Fortescue. Meanwhile, Carpenter, the beautiful British agent from "The Short Forever", comes to New York. She is looking for Marie-Therese duBois, a dangerous killer who has a grudge against certain members of British intelligence. It just so happens that the woman cheating with Fortescue was duBois, also known as La Biche who actually murdered Fortescue. Carpenter, Stone, and Dino Bachetti begin to search for La Biche before she can kill again. Stone always gets the girl in his books, and Carpenter is his love interest in "Dirty Work". This novel is one of the best Stuart Woods books in a long time. It is action packed and the suspense keeps the reader turning pages. This novel is highly recommended!

What a read. Fast paced, strongly developing plot with a twist here and there, and characters that are at once believeable, Dirty Work is a book worth your time to read.

Stone Barrington is retained by Woodman & Weld to catch a wayward husband while he's seeding new pastures. However, the person he puts on the case ends up falling on the target of the investigation, killing him. One thing leads to another and we find that the person the husband was with in an internationally wanted intelligence agent nicknamed La Biche. This agent has sworn an oath to kill members of a British intelligence team of which the wayward husband was a member (talk about loving your work).

Enough. I don't want to ruin it for you. If you've read any of Woods other books you know you're in for a treat. I am relatively new to this author, but have found him to be a master storyteller. If you're new to Stuart Woods then I predict you'll be back after you finish this one.

Woods has done better, no doubt, but it is still a fun, quick and engaging read, best suited for reading by the beach, pool or while otherwise engaged. I listened to the book on tape and found the narrator very good. Stone's ex-partner and his father-in-law the mob boss, are colorful but not believable, but neiter is Stone. Does he really have to have sex with every single female character in the book, including Dear Abby and the bad guys sister? What's with the Carrington/Barrington bit - kind of goofy. But anyone that picks up a Woods novel isn't looking for Shakespear are they? Its quick, fun and Stone, Carrington and the rest are generally likable characters. Not a tape for the kiddies!

I really loved this book it was a real page turner for me. This is my first book I've read by Stuart Woods and in the last month I've read every book that has this charcter in it. It kept me reading long into the night, and always on the edge of my sit. If you love supense this is a great book. I must warn the sexual appetite of the character is high, but that didn't bother me. Stuart Woods has got a fan for life.

Stuart Woods' book Dirt is very well written and keeps you into the action all the way to the end of the book. Stone Barrington is the man. What else can I say, I loved this book and as a result, I purchased Worst Fears Realized and Dead in the Water. I really recommend this book to those looking for a good read.

I have been following the Stone Barrington series, reading them all in sequential order, one right after the other. I do have to say that this book is not like the others thus far. I did not read this book with the passion to finish it because it was great. Instead, I wanted to keep reading it just so I could finish it and move on. It seemed to drag too much on Stone's personal life, which ended up not even having a real significance in the end of the novel. Take away all of this "mush" and the book still had the Stuart Woods mystery, suspense, and thrill. If reading the series, definitely read it, because you will miss out on a lot, but it is not one of my favorite Woods' novels.

I've always been a fan of Stuart Woods, all the way back to when I first read White Cargo. Worst Fears Realized takes the story of Stone Barrington, Woods' one-time cop turned lawyer, and moves it further.

A lot of people say that Woods writes far-fetched fiction, but for him, it works. Sure, Barrington always ends up on top, always finds unbelievable sums of money, and always escapes would-be death. That's fine with me. In these times, it's nice to read about a reality where all things turn out nice in the end.

What drives this book, more than any other Barrington novel, is the banter between Stone and Dino. The characterization is strong, and the reader feels like the third muskateer. Great stuff.

Also, the plot is strong, dealing with a serial murderer who is coming after, in the end, Stone himself. Every element drives another, offering an entertaining read that you just won't be able to put down.

In the end, Worst Fears Realized keeps you interested, keeps you entertained, and will stay in your memory for quite some time.

John Misak, Author of Soft Case and Time Stand Still

I really enjoyed this Stone Barrington novel by Stuart Woods because it really hits close to home for Stone. People around him start getting murdered, and he never knows who is going to be next. The plot works excellently and moves at a very quick pace. I thought that the book also had a good ending even though I was able to guess what was going to happen. The only thing I didn't like was the new character, Dolce, but that is just my own personal taste. This is definitely a great book (and series) to read if you like something light to pass by the time.

Stone Barrington, that very rich hunk of an ex-cop turned lawyer is in Venice and finally getting married to Mafioso kingpin Eduardo Bianchi's daughter, Dolce. As part one of the marriage rites, the civil ceremony ends, but before the religious service takes place, Stone receives news that his old girlfriend, Arrington is in big trouble and needs his help. It seems her Hollywood leading man husband, Vance Calder has been shot and killed in an apparent robbery at their Beverly Hills home while Arrington was taking a bath. Everything points to her as the murderer and she's about to be arrested. Who does she call...Stone, of course. He drops everything, leaving Dolce at the proverbial altar and flies immediately to Los Angeles to save his poor ex-damsel in distress.....Stuart Wood's latest is a mindless, lightweight mystery, full of cliches and caricatures of the Hollywood rich and famous. All the women are wealthy, beautiful, always walking around naked and continually throwing themselves at the ever desireable Stone and he never misses a chance to bed each and every one of them. With all the sex and bed jumping and descriptions of the expensive and decadent life styles, there's hardly time to develope the actual story line. The plot has all the depth, realism and predictability of a soap opera, the writing is uninspired and the characters are one dimensional cartoons. A good book to read for a couple of hours if you're snowed in or stuck at the airport, L.A. Dead is a book that doesn't take a lot of deep thinking.

This is my first Stuart Woods and the last. Let's see... an ex-cop, turned lawyer marrying a mafia princess while still in love with a globe-trotting journalist who's already married to the most famous actor in Hollywood. Sure, I can identify with these people. Despite my hesitations, I gave it the benefit of the doubt.

After about fifty pages, I was wishing someone had killed me. Did Mr. Woods used to write scripts for Soap Opera's? Here is an actual line from the book: 'With nothing left to do, Stone reflected.' What? Why would you even write that? I suppose you have to pad the word count for the publisher.

There are no interesting characters that aren't stereotypes to the hilt. The dialog makes All My Children look like the West Wing.

Its no wonder that talented new writers can't break into the market, .... I was suckered into it because I was desperate for something to read on the plane and the gift shop didn't have a lot to offer.

Oh Well, I know I seem harsh, but there should be some kind repercussion for churning out this kind of stuff. Almost everyone else here seems to think he's god's gift to mysteries. Go back to the classics from Chandler, MacDonald, or some new 'classics' from McBain or Ellroy.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or action book. This book has a strong plot with twists and turns that kept me reading. If you have read other Stuart Woods books, it has the same main characters, cop-turned-lawyer Stone Barrington, his side-kick friend and cop Dino Bachetti, Dino's wife Mary Ann, and Arrington, Stone's old flame. The story starts with Stone nearly marrying Mary Ann's sister, Dolce Bianchi. Then he gets a call from Arrington's doctor that she is in the hospital after her husband, Vance Calder, a famous movie star was shot dead in his home. Stone runs to Arrington's aid in L.A. and ends up at her defense, she is the main suspect in the murder. During all this, Stone decides Dolce isn't the woman for him and she gives him troubles through the entire book, desperate to be married to Stone.