Below is the complete list of Stuart Woods’ Stone Barrington books in order of publication. This is the recommended reading sequence for the series.
Stone Barrington Books in Publication Order
- New York Dead (1991)
View Book - Dirt (1996)
View Book - Dead in the Water (1997)
View Book - Swimming to Catalina (1998)
View Book - Worst Fears Realized (1999)
View Book - L.A. Dead (2000)
View Book - Cold Paradise (2001)
View Book - The Short Forever (2002)
View Book - Dirty Work (2003)
View Book - Reckless Abandon (2004)
View Book - Two Dollar Bill (2004)
View Book - Dark Harbor (2006)
View Book - Fresh Disasters (2007)
View Book - Shoot Him If He Runs (2007)
View Book - Hot Mahogany (2008)
View Book - Loitering with Intent (2009)
View Book - Kisser (2009)
View Book - Lucid Intervals (2010)
View Book - Strategic Moves (2010)
View Book - Bel-Air Dead (2011)
View Book - Son of Stone (2011)
View Book - D.C. Dead (2011)
View Book - Unnatural Acts (2012)
View Book - Severe Clear (2012)
View Book - Collateral Damage (2012)
View Book - Unintended Consequences (2013)
View Book - Doing Hard Time (2013)
View Book - Standup Guy (2014)
View Book - Carnal Curiosity (2014)
View Book - Cut and Thrust (2014)
View Book - Paris Match (2014)
View Book - Insatiable Appetites (2015)
View Book - Hot Pursuit (2015)
View Book - Naked Greed (2015)
View Book - Foreign Affairs (2015)
View Book - Scandalous Behavior (2016)
View Book - Family Jewels (2016)
View Book - Dishonorable Intentions (2016)
View Book - Sex, Lies & Serious Money (2016)
View Book - Below the Belt (2017)
View Book - Fast and Loose (2017)
View Book - Indecent Exposure (2017)
View Book - Quick & Dirty (2017)
View Book - Unbound (2018)
View Book - Shoot First (2018)
View Book - Turbulence (2018)
View Book - Desperate Measures (2018)
View Book - A Delicate Touch (2018)
View Book - Wild Card (2019)
View Book - Contraband (2019)
View Book - Stealth (2019)
View Book - Treason (2020)
View Book - Hit List (2020)
View Book - Choppy Water (2020)
View Book - Shakeup (2020)
View Book - Hush-Hush (2020)
View Book - Double Jeopardy (2021)
View Book - Class Act (2021)
View Book - Foul Play (2021)
View Book - Criminal Mischief (2021)
View Book - A Safe House (2022)
View Book - Black Dog (2022)
View Book - Distant Thunder (2022)
View Book - Near Miss (2023)
(With: Brett Battles)
View Book - Smolder (2024)
(With: Brett Battles)
View Book - Finders Keepers (2025)
(With: Brett Battles)
View Book - Deep Water (2026)
View Book - Hostile Intent (2026)
View Book
About Stone Barrington
The Stone Barrington series is a long-running thriller franchise created by Stuart Woods, centered on a sophisticated New York attorney whose life frequently intersects with dangerous criminal investigations. Combining legal drama, political intrigue, and international espionage, the series follows Barrington as he navigates high-profile cases while maintaining connections across law enforcement, government, and elite social circles.
The character of Stone Barrington first appears in New York Dead (1991), the novel that launched the series. At the beginning of the story, Barrington is still working as a detective with the New York Police Department. After being forced out of the police force following a controversial shooting incident, he transitions into a career as a lawyer. This shift from detective to attorney becomes a defining feature of the series, allowing Barrington to operate in both legal and investigative worlds.
Reading the Stone Barrington books in publication order allows readers to follow the gradual development of Barrington’s career and the expanding circle of characters around him. Early novels focus on criminal investigations that often involve wealthy clients, political figures, or powerful business interests. As the series progresses, the stakes become increasingly global, with Barrington drawn into international conspiracies and high-level government affairs.
One of the recurring elements of the series is Barrington’s close relationship with key allies in law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Among the most notable is Dino Bacchetti, a longtime friend and police officer who frequently assists Barrington when investigations intersect with criminal cases. Their partnership adds both humor and tension to the stories as they approach problems from different professional perspectives.
Barrington’s legal career also places him in contact with influential clients whose problems quickly escalate into dangerous situations. Many of the novels begin with a seemingly straightforward legal matter that evolves into a complex web of crime, politics, or international intrigue. These shifting circumstances allow the series to move fluidly between courtroom drama and action-driven suspense.
Another distinctive aspect of the Stone Barrington novels is their glamorous setting. Barrington often moves through circles of wealth and power, traveling between major cities such as New York, Washington, and London while interacting with prominent figures in politics, business, and entertainment. The lifestyle elements—including fine dining, private travel, and luxury residences—contrast sharply with the darker criminal activities that frequently drive the plot.
Over time, the series introduces a wide range of recurring characters who contribute to the broader narrative world. Some are allies who assist Barrington in investigations, while others represent political or criminal forces that challenge him. These relationships develop across multiple books, creating continuity that becomes clearer when the novels are read sequentially.
Stuart Woods became known for his brisk storytelling style, favoring short chapters, quick pacing, and tightly focused plotlines. This approach helped the Stone Barrington series maintain momentum across dozens of installments, each delivering a mix of mystery, danger, and sophisticated intrigue.
Across the span of the series, Stone Barrington evolves from a former detective rebuilding his career into a highly connected attorney capable of influencing major investigations and political events. Following the books in publication order highlights how his professional life expands alongside the growing complexity of the cases he encounters, while the surrounding network of allies and adversaries continues to shape the direction of each new story.