Customer Reviews

Two-Dollar Bill (Stone Barrington Novels)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

This book should be called 38 dinners at Elaine's instead of `2 Dollar Bill.' It seems like Stone, Dino, and a slew of other characters are spending every other page entering the restaurant. I feel a little bad trashing this book. The author photo of Stewart Woods shows the face of a man who appears humble and defenseless. But it was so bad, that even a defenseless chap like Woods deserves no sympathy. I am trying to remember earlier Barrington books. I know that I have not enjoyed the last couple of titles in the series. They are getting so outlandish and inconceivable that its like spending some time in the mind of a five year old playing with action figures rather than being led on a taught story under the capable hands of a true suspense writer.

`Two Dollar Bill' is probably the worst Barrington novel yet. It is very shoddily pieced together. There is no other way to put it than that Woods has lost his grasp as to what it is to be a genre writer. To start with the ins and outs of the plot are sheer lunacy. The amorphous character that is the namesake for the title is such a mass of conflicting personalities that it is difficult to accredit him with being little more than a device. `Two Dollar Bill' is used at the whim of the author to fit any need at any time in order to further along the story. Its as if he were an idea at the back of Woods mind that never seems to have been fleshed out.

Barrington himself has turned into a comic stereotype of his old self and his antics along with his friend's correlates with the old Keystone Cops movies of the silent era. A bunch of bumbling buffoons that belies the very notion of whether or not to take them seriously with out liberal uses of salt.

I would entirely pass this book by. Try one of Harlan Coben's earlier books that dose not employ the character of Myron Bolitar. Open up a Denis Lehane book or a Jim Harrison suspense novel. Any of these authors have easily distanced themselves from the dregs of Woods imagination. Save yourself the suffering of having to plow through one page of poorly written prose after another.

Sorry to say it, but it's dejavu all over again. Same plot with minor variations. Stone Barington and Dino trade bon mots with Elaine over whiskey/dinner/dessert. Barrington has an attempt made on his/Arrington's/Dino's life. Stone meets and beds a beautiful woman. And finally, Stone saves the day/Arrington/Dino/New York City.I would give this tenth Stone Barrington novel more stars if I could get worked up over the main character. I thought you were supposed to care for the character and worry about him. Unfortunately, Mr Woods must be a bit tired, or preoccupied, because all of his characters, including Stone Barrington, are two-dimensional with no more substance than tissue paper. Mr. Woods, maybe it's time to retire Stone Barrington and move on...

Stone Barrington, the ex-cop, lawyer, and ladies man is back. This time, he's placed on retainer by a flamboyantly wealthy Texan named Billy Bob Barnstormer. When Billy Bob's date winds up dead in Stone's guestroom, Stone and his cop friend Dino investigate the murder. It turns out that Billy Bob is not what, or who, he seems. The feds, the CIA, and the NYPD are all soon after the elusive con man, and things turn dangerous for Stone when Billy Bob decides to turn the tables on him.

Stuart Woods has a formula that has worked for many Stone Barrington novels, and he doesn't diverge from it now. Stone is still the suave James Bond-like protagonist who bravely goes after the bad guys while barely breaking into a sweat. He is still pursued by incredibly beautiful and wealthy women, this time by the U.S. Attorney for the state of New York as well as by his ex-flame Arrington Carter. As usual there are plenty of dinners at Elaine's, bedroom romps, unrealistic and often outrageous scenarios, and chase scenes. There is still a predictable outcome, although there are a few turns along the way.

This is a quick read with short chapters, comic dialog, and lots of action. It is a fairly entertaining, although simplistic, story. The reason why I gave it only 3 stars is because it's almost become a stereotype of a Stone Barrington novel. If you enjoyed others in the series and want more of the same but in a more concentrated dose, you'll like this one. If you want something with some substance or with a bit of finesse, you will be disappointed.

Eileen Rieback

I have all of Wood's books, look forward to his latest. This was a total disappointment. With all the violence,

there is always - meet you for dinner at Elaine's. Too cute for me this time, it did not hold me at all. Stone has become a dinner magnet - everyone asks - dinner tonight?? I'll just wait until Woods gets back to writing about real characters as he did when he stared out.

This is another Stone Barrington novel. If you like this series, then you'll probably like this novel. But you can do much better. The characters are wooden, the dialogue stilted and Stone's exploits are outlandish. Woods has adopted James Patterson's style of short chapters but unlike Patterson he doesn't pull it off. I just read Lifeguard by Patterson. While it is not great literature it delivers exactly what it promises and is a highly entertaining read. Sadly, the same cannot be said for this novel by Woods. Stuart, it's time to pack it up.

While this book was a quick, easy read, I found the many of the events far-fetched and rather unbelieveable. Weak character and plot development. Disappointing.

A favorite fictional character of mine is Stone Barrington, the main character in Stewart Woods' latest Barrington novel, Two Dollar Bill. I enjoyed this one quite a bit...

Barrington is caught off guard when the legal firm he works with presents him with a new client who specifically requested his services. The client's name is Billy Bob Barnstormer, and he's a flamboyant character who seems to be flush with money (and doesn't have a specific reason to need legal representation). He ends up at Barrington's house as an overnight guest, and ends up leaving a dead prostitute in Stone's guest room. After a number of inquiries from various parties and a little research, Stone finds out that Billy Bob is just one of a number of aliases, and he's wanted by the local authorities, the FBI, *and* the CIA. And every one of those agencies wants Barrington to work with them to get their hands on Billy Bob first. Barrington has his own problems, because Billy Bob wants him dead for some reason. And the *real* Billy Bob is an ex-CIA agent who is trained to kill...

I really enjoyed this read. Nothing real heavy or complex... just an interesting story with some twists along the way. It took quite awhile to find out the "why" of how come Billy Bob had it in for Barrington, but it made sense once you got there. Seeing the cons unfold along the way were also entertaining. If you're a Stuart Woods/Stone Barrington fan, this makes a nice installment in the series...

I agree with others who were disappointed with this one. A little too out there. His books are quick and entertaining to read almost regardless, but some earlier books are much better. (My personal favourite is Imperfect Strangers)

The new novel by Mr. Woods is fine and enjoyable. It does, however, excell in bashing christians and Republicans especially our former Attorney General and

current President. The bashing is relentless. The story is good and fast paced. If you are of a left leaning ideology or are upset over the last two elections this book will be enjoyable. If you are Right leaning, buck up. Don't bother with the book if you are thin skinned.

To Stuart Woods, author of TWO-DOLLAR BILL, I have this to say: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thanks for yet another riveting read starring a familiar and favorite character, Stone Barrington. I have a high level of expectation for these books, and once again you've managed to meet and exceed that expectation in spades.

Stone Barrington is a lawyer with an attitude. While other lawyers may be bogged down with their revised tax codes, durable powers of attorney and corporate restructuring, good old Stone never takes a case that leaves us less than enthralled, even when he has no idea that that's what he's doing. If I worked for Stone, I can only say my days as a legal secretary would have been infinitely more enjoyable if perhaps also more dangerous.

This time Stone finds himself with a larger-than-life client, Billy Bob Barnstormer, a Texan with more money than sense and a propensity for tipping with stolen two-dollar bills. While Billy Bob might not have been Stone's first choice for a client, being cash-poor provides Stone with the motivation to accept this questionable but highly recommended client who immediately secures Stone's services with a $50,000 retainer.

As usual, Stone is called upon to go above and beyond the call of duty. Within hours of meeting his new client, bullets are flying and Stone finds himself once again in danger. Grudgingly Stone puts Billy Bob up for the night and wakes up to a real Texas-style breakfast of steak and eggs and a gutful of indigestion caused by the food and other things.

While Stone's houseguest does his best to be considerate, even going so far as to show his appreciation with a gift of black alligator luggage worth something in the area of $50,000, even a good guest becomes a pain when he leaves a dead hooker in the guest bedroom.

Barrington fans will be delighted to see all the old regulars present in TWO-DOLLAR BILL, giving it the familiar feel of a family reunion. We get the chance to catch up with old pals such as Bill Eggers, managing partner of the esteemed Woodman & Weld; Dino Bacchetti, Lieutenant with the New York City Police Department; Elaine, proprietor of Stone's favorite restaurant; Lance Cabot, member of the CIA; and last, but certainly not least, Arrington Calder, old flame and recurring love interest.

A new face in the mix is the newly appointed Tiffany Baldwin, U.S. Attorney for New York. As can be anticipated with any new female in Stone's orbit, it doesn't take long for Tiff and Stone to become as close as two people can. Having that particular closeness videotaped and broadcast on the Internet, however, was a little snafu no one anticipated.

TWO-DOLLAR BILL is filled with all the requisite twists and turns that any avid reader has come to expect in a Stuart Woods novel. Woods has once again proven his mastery of suspense and the written word with his 28th book. For those not acquainted with Stone Barrington, it's time to make his introduction. To old fans, you won't be disappointed. To all, it would be well worth your while to check out Mr. Woods's other recurring characters, Holly Barker and Will Lee, as well as any of his stand-alone novels. To this reader, Stuart Woods is king. Long live the king!

--- Reviewed by Amie Taylor