Customer Reviews

New York Dead

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

In this Stuart Woods' book, we find Stone Barrington in his first outing. He is a Lt. Detective on limited duty due to a bullet he took to his knee and has decided after an evening out to walk home in order to get some exercise to it when, in a case of being in either the right place at the right time, or wrong place at the wrong time, he witnesses a woman falling from a building. It turns out to be a rather famous TV personality who was scheduled to take her place as a co-anchor on a prestigious network the next night. When he arrives at her apartment he hears someone leaving it rapidly, but when he gives chase his knee gives out and he loses the person he was chasing. However, what is set up to be a relatively open-and-shut homicide case is quickly muddied by the arrival of a freelance journalist who got footage of her at the scene showing that she was still alive when put in the ambulance, by her diary that shows that she was severely depressed at times, and then by her disappearance - no body, no crime. Barrington's obsession with finding out the truth in this case, as opposed to just finding someone to stick with the crime, quickly puts him at odds with the rest of the department (with whom he never fit in all that well to begin with) and he soon finds himself railroaded out on a medical disability retirement. However, he has a background in law and decides to take the bar exam and set himself up that way. The twists just keep on coming as taxi drivers start getting murdered around the city, and Barrington begins to get notes purportedly from the missing star.

I started to read these books out of order when I picked up "Reckless Abandon" and then "Two Dollar Bill," then I decided to hold off until I put my hands on all of them and start at the beginning; I'm glad I have, because I can now look forward to a long line of these most excellent thrillers. Woods knows how to put together a great mystery and keep it exciting!

This was the first book by Stuart Woods that I have read. I couldn't put it down! Now, I have gone and purchased all of the books published in the Stone Barrington series. I hope the rest of the books are as hooking! This book kept me turning pages without even noticing the time. I really like a book that keeps me guessing as to "who done it" and trying to piece the clues together. This book does just that. It is the first in the Stone Barrington series and I would definitly recommend it to anyone who likes a mystery! I hope you enjoy!

The reason that I read this book first is that it is the first in the Stone Barrington series and I have an obsession with being chronological about novel characters. However, I wasn't at all disappointed with the writing! This book has all the necessary components of a contemporary detective novel! A wacky partner, seduction, news crowds, and an unexpected ending! I managad to read this very quickly, and that doesn't always happen. Also, I learned everything I need to know about police safety. Get shot, go through hell. One thing I am skeptical about: how can anyone survive a twelve story fall? I know it's possible, but only about one in a hundred thousand. Anyway, excellent way to pass the time, and Stuart Woods is on my positive list!

Rating System:
1 star = abysmal; some books deserve to be forgotten
2 star = poor; a total waste of time
3 star = good; worth the effort
4 star = very good; what writing should be
5 star = fantastic; must own it and share it with others

STORY: When off-duty detective Stone Barrington is a witness to body landing at his feet from a several story apartment complex, he is thrust into a mystery of money, jealousy and police politics.

MY FEEDBACK:
1) Woods has a very easy to read style of writing. You can zip through his book in no time

2) Warning: Adult content. Explicit sex, profanity and alternate lifestyles within these pages. Some reader may find this offensive.

3) Biggest complaint I had was how immature I felt the author handled the sex. It was almost like a dirty old man sharing his personal fantasies vs. an author deftly crafting a steamy scene.

4) Stone is a strong, fun character to follow and he is cliché in all the ways that readers like and keep coming back for more.

OVERALL: I think the average person will find this a good read, even though I personally didn't care for the ending much. Its not that I felt the author jipped me or tied things up too nicely, I personally didn't care for the central content of why things happened. I've been told that this is his only book done this way and if I liked his writing then try his other Barrington books. I will do this.

New York Dead is my first Wood's book, but it won't be my last. I have to agree with some other reviewers....New York Dead is a silky smooth read. The plot unrolls itself without interruption from the first page to the last. The characters, both weird and normal (is there such a thing) are entertaining to say the least. Isn't it the search of entertainment that keeps us avid readers coming back for more??? Stuart Woods delivers.
Can anyone survive the fall from a twelve story building? Well they do in New York Dead. That's not the only surprise in the book.
Get the book and read it you won't regret it.

This book takes Stone Barrington from detective to lawyer. It was so interesting. This is a great charactor. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great mystery. Easy to get into and not a boring page. Stuart Woods is one of my favorite authors as I have now read five of his books and plan on reading them all. Don't miss this one.

I love all of Stuart Woods books and I picked them up by accident. I just love Stone Barrington and wish he were a real person, just so I could meet him. I loved New York Dead and he had me stumped on how the ending would come out. I just love Stuart Woods and hope he comes out with some new books with Stone really soon.

This book, by Stuart Woods, grabs your attention from page one and never lets go untill you've completed the book. I've never been a person who has just loved to read, but I have found a new hobby now that I discovered what an excellent author that Woods is. Not only do you feel like you know the characters very well, but Woods also makes you feel the pressure points and exitement of the story.

i'm becomming a bigger and bigger fan of Stuart Wood's books..this is the second stone barrington novel I've read..

he keeps things jumping at a pretty quick pace but I never felt lost while reading this book. Plenty of colorful characters abound as well, most of which are flawed..some more than others. But I find that more interesting than the formulaic black and white of good vs. bad.

Stone has crises of conscience in this book. Torn between what's right and what could make his life better. This goes both with his personal life as well as his work.

The book reminds me a little of James Patterson's earlier work, before he became too formulaic.

Definetly a great read and I look forward to reading the rest in the series!

This is the second of the Stone Barrington series I've read. (Worst Fears Realized was the first.) I simply couldn't put it down. With action from beginning to end as well as plot twists that hit you from all different angles, this book if oneo f the best I've read. One thing to note; it is not for the faint of heart. Woods has a knack for the descriptive that makes his work not only addictive, but very realistic. You'll feel like you are right there in the book.