Synopsis: 'Stone Barrington is getting some much-needed rest and relaxation in the Florida sun when trouble falls from the sky - literally. Intrigued by the suspicious circumstances surrounding this event, Stone joins forces with a sharp-witted and alluring local detective to investigate. But they run into a problem: the evidence keeps disappearing.
From the laid-back Key West shores to the bustling Manhattan streets, Stone sets out to connect the dots between the crimes that seem to follow him wherever he travel. His investigations only lead to more questions, and shocking connections between old and new acquaintances. As Stone must quickly learn, though, answers - and enemies - are often hiding in plain sight . . .' From book jacket

Review: Pretty good story with a completely dislikable character. The smuggling angle is interesting, but almost instantly apparent what's being smuggled. ( )

Stone Barrington is getting some much-needed rest and relaxation in the Florida sun when trouble falls from the sky--literally. Intrigued by the suspicious circumstances surrounding this event, Stone joins forces with a sharp-witted and alluring local detective to investigate. But they run into a problem: the evidence keeps disappearing.

From the laid-back Key West shores to the bustling Manhattan streets, Stone sets out to connect the dots between the crimes that seem to follow him wherever he travels. His investigations only lead to more questions, and shocking connections between old and new acquaintances. But as Stone must quickly learn, answers--and enemies--are often hiding in plain sight . . . ( )

Not a nifty 50 for Stuart Woods. Stone and the Bachettis are relaxing on Stone's yacht off Key West when a seaplane crashes nearby. Stone dives down and saves the pilot's life, who is then evacuated by helicopter, leaving Detective Max(ine) Crowley because the winch breaks. The contents of the plane disappear first, followed by the plane. Okay, here a spoiler: Max has sex with Stone. Shocking, right? The pilot claims amnesia. Back in NY, Stone meets an attractive woman in a bar, who turns out to be Vance Calder's niece, who is seeking a divorce, so Herbie Fisher can appear. When her husband is killed, the investigation reveals he has gobs of cash from nefarious activities, which eventually ties back to Florida. ( )

Mystery is similar to other Stone Barrington books. Women continue to throw themselves at Stone. Even as a fan of the series, this one was too much. ( )

While this was a super far read, it was absolutely ridiculous and over the top with Stone and his sexual escapades. Seriously, it is completely annoying. Stick to the crime and the investigations, the corruption and the mystery. Lighten up on the morning, noon, and night sex, the books would benefit from a bit of editing out the endless sex scenes.
#Contraband #Stuart Woods ( )