For fans of Stuart Woods' thrilling Stone Barrington series, knowing the publication order is crucial to fully appreciate the character's evolution and the intricate plotlines that unfold across the many novels. This guide provides a comprehensive chronological list of the Stone Barrington books, ensuring you can embark on (or continue) your literary journey in the correct sequence. We'll also explore some key aspects of the series to help you better understand the reading experience.
The Stone Barrington Series: A Reading Order
Below is the list of Stone Barrington novels in the order they were written, not necessarily published. Slight variations exist in some editions due to publication timing in different regions. This list prioritizes the narrative flow of the series as intended by the author.
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Chief of Detectives (1996): This debut novel introduces Stone Barrington, a former NYPD detective turned successful lawyer, navigating the treacherous world of New York City's elite.
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Santa Fe Dead (1997): Barrington heads to Santa Fe, New Mexico, for what should be a relaxing vacation, but of course, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous game of intrigue and murder.
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Dead Aim (1998): This installment sees Barrington dealing with the complexities of the high-stakes world of corporate espionage and international threats.
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Simple Justice (1999): Continuing his legal practice, Barrington tackles a challenging case while facing unforeseen personal complications.
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Undercover (2000): Stone Barrington's past catches up to him, thrusting him into the dangerous world of undercover operations.
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Deep Cover (2001): Barrington finds himself involved in a conspiracy that tests his skills and loyalties to the limit, requiring him to operate in the shadows.
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Sudden Death (2002): A shocking turn of events sends Barrington on a mission to track down a killer, while navigating the intricacies of political machinations.
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Cold Case (2003): Barrington delves into a long-unsolved case, facing a formidable opponent who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.
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Full Measure (2004): This book sees Stone Barrington caught in a complex web of deceit and treachery, demanding every ounce of his intellect and cunning.
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Chaos (2005): Stone faces chaos on multiple fronts, forcing him to navigate complex political landscapes while protecting those he holds dear.
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Plausible Denial (2006): Barrington takes on a high-profile case involving powerful players in the world of politics and business.
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The King of Torts (2007): A twist on the typical Stone Barrington formula, this novel highlights the cutthroat world of high-stakes legal battles.
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The Last Stand (2008): In this action-packed novel, Barrington confronts a dangerous foe, with deadly consequences.
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Double Shot (2009): Barrington deals with two cases that intertwine, requiring him to use all his resources and skills.
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Blue Blood (2010): The series continues to explore the murky world of wealth and power with Stone Barrington navigating this dangerous terrain.
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Eviction (2011): This novel features Barrington dealing with a seemingly simple matter escalating into a far-reaching conspiracy.
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First Strike (2012): Barrington faces a threat that could have devastating consequences, demanding his full attention and expertise.
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Law and Order (2013): This installment focuses on legal complexities and moral dilemmas while showcasing the many facets of Barrington’s personality.
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The Heist (2014): As always, Barrington is presented with a daring challenge: a high-stakes heist that will test the limits of his abilities.
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Red Alert (2015): Stone finds himself dealing with a complex web of international intrigue and threats.
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Close Call (2016): The narrative continues to explore the themes of power, wealth, and deception while also emphasizing Barrington’s complex relationships.
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Deep Lie (2017): A deceptive plot unfolds as Barrington tackles this challenging case.
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Dead Heat (2018): The plot thickens as Stone faces a deadly race against time in this fast-paced novel.
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Fatal Error (2019): A deadly mistake sends Stone on a mission to unravel a complex mystery.
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Dark Horse (2020): Another mystery awaits Stone in this installment, which continues to explore the intricacies of his personal and professional life.
(Note: This list may not include all the books in the series depending on the most recent releases).
This chronological listing allows you to fully appreciate the evolution of Stone Barrington as a character and the deepening complexities of the storylines. Enjoy the ride!