Audio Book Review: A SAFE HOUSE by Stuart Woods

A SAFE HOUSE by Stuart Woods (Penguin, March 2022)Audiobook  ISBN #0593554078 ISBN13: 9780593554074 

Synopsis on the Goodreads website . . . . .

In this latest adrenaline-charged thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Stuart Woods, Stone Barrington takes on a vengeful rival.

Stone Barrington is looking forward to some quiet time in New York City, until he is asked to transport precious, top-secret cargo across the Atlantic. Taking on the challenge, Stone flies off unaware of what—or who—he is bringing with him. 

But his plans to lie low are quickly spoiled when a dangerous dispatcher tracks down Stone and his tantalizing mystery guest, intent on payback—and silencing anyone who poses a threat. From the English countryside to the balmy beaches of Key West, Stone is on an international mission to hide and protect those closest to him.

My One-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .

     

     I feel bad about saying this in the same year that prolific author Stuart Woods passed away, but this is absolutely the last Stone Barrington novel that I will bother with, and probably the last book by Stuart Woods. 

     I read a Stone Barrington novel some years ago, and wasn't that impressed. Then, I later read his first novel, CHIEFS, which won several awards and was incredible. I recommend it. So, I tried a second Barrington novel, liked it a little more than the first time, but still not adding any to my want-to-read list. Then, I picked up this audio book.

     This was a terrible experience. Had I been reading the novel I don't believe I would have finished it, probably putting it aside after fifty pages. However, we listened to the audiobook during a long road trip between Indianapolis and Pennsylvania. Even a decent attempt at narration by Tony Roberts (who must have quietly cringed at some of the dialogue) couldn't save it. At least it helped pass the time, and I punished myself further by finishing it. 

     The new characters are either ridiculous caricatures or just plain stupid (always asking obvious questions). Very episodic, making readers wonder when something will actually conclude which it doesn't until the final chapter, and rather abruptly as if Woods was just tired of writing it and wanted to wrap it up. 

     Stone Barrington is not a likable character, which didn't help. He's not that decisive or deliberate in this story, just kind of experiencing it. Too much devoted to food alcohol and sex with a nymphomaniac supporting character (and focus of the plot). Dialogue heavy. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh.