Stuart Woods is a prolific American author and a name that resonates with readers who crave crime novels, mysteries, and adventures. With a remarkable career spanning several decades, Woods has an impressive literary legacy behind him. His unique ability to craft compelling characters and intricate plots has attracted a dedicated fan base worldwide.
Woods was born in 1938 in Manchester, Georgia, Woods. He grew up with a passion for storytelling, while his early years were marked by a love for literature. After completing his education, he embarked on a career in advertising. This eventually transitioned into the field of writing. In 1981, he published his debut novel, “Chiefs,” showcasing his talent for crafting compelling crime fiction.
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Genres in which Stuart Woods writes
Stuart Woods is a versatile author known for his proficiency in various genres. His extensive work spans crime fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, and historical fiction. Woods is renowned for creating captivating detective series like Stone Barrington and Holly Barker. He offers readers thrilling mysteries set in urban landscapes or coastal towns.
His standalone novels often show historical settings or delve into financial intrigue. Whether it’s a high-stakes legal thriller, a historical epic, or a modern-day crime mystery, Stuart Woods has excelled in all of them.
Top 10 Stuart Woods Books with Synopsis
- Chiefs (1981): This novel introduces readers to the fictional town of Delano, Georgia, and its three police chiefs across generations. The story unravels a dark mystery that spans decades, showcasing Woods’ exceptional storytelling skills.
- White Cargo (1988): This is a thrilling historical fiction novel set in the late 18th century. It follows the difficult journey of four women bound for the American colonies as indentured servants. The book is a tale of survival and resilience in adversity.
- New York Dead (1991): This novel is the debut of Stone Barrington, one of Woods’ iconic characters, as a detective. Barrington navigates the high-stakes world of New York City’s elite while solving a murder case.
- L.A. Dead (2000): Stone Barrington finds himself entangled in a web of Hollywood glamour and danger as he investigates a murder involving a famous movie director. The glitz and glamour of Los Angeles provide an exciting backdrop.
- Orchid Beach (1998): Another series debut, this time it features Holly Barker, a strong-willed police chief. She takes on a corrupt sheriff in a small Florida town, setting the stage for a thrilling series.
- Dead in the Water (1997): Stone Barrington is back in action, this time on a Caribbean cruise that turns deadly. His quick thinking and resourcefulness are tested as he solves a murder mystery at sea.
- The Run (2000): A fast-paced thriller featuring Will Lee, the dynamic protagonist of a separate Woods series. A former Marine, Lee runs for president while dealing with a complex political conspiracy.
- Two-Dollar Bill (2005): Stone Barrington returns to unravel a web of financial intrigue involving a rare two-dollar bill. Woods combines financial intrigue with a murder mystery, creating a page-turner.
- Santa Fe Dead (2008): Ed Eagle, another memorable character created by Woods, is a top-notch attorney facing danger and deceit in the elite society of Santa Fe. The book explores themes of betrayal and revenge.
- Insatiable Appetites (2015): Stone Barrington is embroiled in a high-stakes corporate battle that takes him from New York to London. The novel is a thrilling blend of legal drama and crime fiction.
How to read Stuart Woods’s Books in order
While Stuart Woods has penned multiple standalone novels, many of his books feature recurring characters like Stone Barrington, Holly Barker, and Will Lee. To fully enjoy his body of work, here’s our correct reading order:
1 New York Dead (1991)
2 Dirt (1996)
3 Dead in the Water (1997)
4 Swimming to Catalina (1998)
5 Worst Fears Realized (1999)
6 L.A. Dead (2000)
7 Cold Paradise (2001)
8 The Short Forever (2002)
9 Dirty Work (2003)
10 Reckless Abandon (2004)
11 Two-Dollar Bill (2005)
12 Dark Harbor (2006)
13 Fresh Disasters (2007)
14 Shoot Him If He Runs (2007)
15 Hot Mahogany (2008)
16 Loitering With Intent (2009)
17 Kisser (2009)
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Post 2010
18 Lucid Intervals (2010)
19 Strategic Moves (2011)
20 Bel-Air Dead (2011)
21 Son of Stone (2011)
22 D.C. Dead (2011)
23 Unnatural Acts (2012)
24 Severe Clear (2012)
25 Collateral Damage (2013)
26 Unintended Consequences (2013)
27 Doing Hard Time (2013)
28 Standup Guy (2014)
29 Carnal Curiosity (2014)
30 Cut and Thrust (2014)
31 Paris Match (2014)
32 Insatiable Appetites (2015)
33 Hot Pursuit (2015)
34 Naked Greed (2015)
35 Foreign Affairs (2015)
36 Scandalous Behavior (2016)
37 Family Jewels (2016)
38 Dishonorable Intentions (2016)
39 Sex, Lies & Serious Money (2016)
40 Below the Belt (2017)
41 Fast & Loose (2017)
42 Indecent Exposure (2017)
43 Quick & Dirty (2017)
44 Unbound (2018)
45 Shoot First (2018)
46 Turbulence (2018)
47 Desperate Measures (2018)
48 A Delicate Touch (2018)
49 Wild Card (2019)
50 Contraband (2019)
51 Stealth (2019)
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Post 2020
52 Treason (2020)
53 Hit List (2020)
54 Choppy Water (2020)
55 Shakeup (2020)
56 Hush-Hush (2020)
57 Double Jeopardy (2021)
58 Class Act (2021)
59 Foul Play (2021)
60 Criminal Mischief (2021)
61 A Safe House (2022)
62 Black Dog (2022)
63 Distant Thunder (2022)
64 Near Miss (2022) (with Brett Battles)
65 Smolder (2024) (with Brett Battles)
Summing Up
Stuart Woods’ books promise a thrilling ride through crime, suspense, and mystery. Whether you prefer following the adventures of his iconic characters or delving into his standalone works, his stories will surely captivate and entertain. Reading the books in order offers some semblance to the storyline. However, there is no problem reading them separately. Happy reading!
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