Andrew K. (kuligowskiandrewt) -
PROLOGUE: I was given a copy of Stuart Woods' "Son of Stone" a couple of years back. A friend warned it might not be the best introduction to the world of Woods' Stone Barrington and friends, but since I had received it, I felt an obligation to read and review it. (I cheated I got an audio copy and let actor Tony Roberts read it to me.) I was not impressed, and haven't gone near a Stuart Woods novel since ... until last week.
MAIN: In Smooth Operator, Stuart Woods collaborates with Parnell Hall to tell the tale of the Speaker of the House being blackmailed as a "ransom" for his kidnapped daughter. The kidnappers don't want money they want his vote and influence. The President brings in her friend Stone Barrington to assist, but he subsequently brings in master of disguise and former CIA hitman Teddy Fay. Their hands are bound by the usual "any contact with authorities and the girl dies". In this case, the few people in on the secret KNOW this to be true, as it is obvious that there is a leak in the Oval Office. AND, it soon becomes obvious that the kidnapping isn't the only method that the villains are using to influence the upcoming congressional vote.
THIS is the Stuart Woods that I've heard so much about! Suspense, thriller, mystery and some out-and-out shocking turn of events! Mr. Woods controls the pacing of this novel like a conductor commands an orchestra speeding up, slowing down, forcing the audience to listen carefully during a quiet interlude which is suddenly interrupted by a loud crash! I dare say that this is definitely one of the best novels I have read this year, if not THE best!! (NOTE: By my definition, "best" is defined as "entertaining with some thought provoking moments and elements that will stay with me long after I finish the book".)
RATING: 5 stars, as you probably guessed from the preceding text.
POSTSCRIPT: I cheated and even though I had been given a copy of the book, I got the audio version out of the library and let Tony Roberts read one to me, as well. His narration is technically the same, but sounds so much better when the material is better. And he still sounds like the guy from those early Woody Allen movies; I don't know if he's aged but his voice sure hasn't!
DISCLOSURE: I was awarded a free copy of this book in a random draw. No requirement of a review was made, let alone any conditions on the tone / content of a review, however, it was hinted that winners who write and post honest reviews have a better chance of being selected to receive future books.
MAIN: In Smooth Operator, Stuart Woods collaborates with Parnell Hall to tell the tale of the Speaker of the House being blackmailed as a "ransom" for his kidnapped daughter. The kidnappers don't want money they want his vote and influence. The President brings in her friend Stone Barrington to assist, but he subsequently brings in master of disguise and former CIA hitman Teddy Fay. Their hands are bound by the usual "any contact with authorities and the girl dies". In this case, the few people in on the secret KNOW this to be true, as it is obvious that there is a leak in the Oval Office. AND, it soon becomes obvious that the kidnapping isn't the only method that the villains are using to influence the upcoming congressional vote.
THIS is the Stuart Woods that I've heard so much about! Suspense, thriller, mystery and some out-and-out shocking turn of events! Mr. Woods controls the pacing of this novel like a conductor commands an orchestra speeding up, slowing down, forcing the audience to listen carefully during a quiet interlude which is suddenly interrupted by a loud crash! I dare say that this is definitely one of the best novels I have read this year, if not THE best!! (NOTE: By my definition, "best" is defined as "entertaining with some thought provoking moments and elements that will stay with me long after I finish the book".)
RATING: 5 stars, as you probably guessed from the preceding text.
POSTSCRIPT: I cheated and even though I had been given a copy of the book, I got the audio version out of the library and let Tony Roberts read one to me, as well. His narration is technically the same, but sounds so much better when the material is better. And he still sounds like the guy from those early Woody Allen movies; I don't know if he's aged but his voice sure hasn't!
DISCLOSURE: I was awarded a free copy of this book in a random draw. No requirement of a review was made, let alone any conditions on the tone / content of a review, however, it was hinted that winners who write and post honest reviews have a better chance of being selected to receive future books.
