Unintended Consequences

February 18, 2013
At the start of Edgar-winner Woods’s slick 26th Stone Barrington novel (after Collateral Damage), the New York City attorney awakens in a hospital bed in the American embassy in Paris with no memory of the previous four days and no idea why he’s in Paris. Once released, Barrington accepts a dinner invitation from wealthy businessman Marcel duBois, who soon sells him a newly produced luxury automobile at the bargain price of $225,000. Further talks with duBois, including security arrangements for the tycoon and discussions of how he might be of use to new CIA director Lance Cabot, result in a trip to New York for both Barrington and duBois. A mysterious Russian named Majorov keeps popping up, and various attempts are made on the lives of Barrington and duBois, though most are quickly countered. Barrington, smooth as silk whether making a multimillion dollar deal, bedding attractive women, or acting heroically, makes everything look much too easy. Agent: Anne Sibbald, Janklow & Nesbit.

Tony Roberts, narrator of the last 16 or so of the 26 Stone Barrington novels to date, is clearly having fun with the latest in this popular series. Barrington, a super-rich, handsome, funny, well-dressed lawyer, wakes up in Paris in a private room at the American Embassy with no idea how he got there. His last memory is of being at a party in New York City four days earlier. International intrigue packed with an assortment of fast cars, fast planes, and fast women ensues. Roberts's voice is perfect for Barrington--rich, deep, and filled with humor, intelligence, and charm. Roberts is equally adroit in his portrayals of the other characters, employing just the right accents and voices to make them easily recognizable. A.C.P. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine