Former small town police chief turned CIA Special Agent Holly Barker tracks a dangerously clever killer in this explosive thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Stuart Woods. When his plane exploded off the coast of Maine, authorities thought they had seen the last of Teddy Fay—the ex-CIA tech wizard who kills his political targets for sport. But now they’ve found irrefutable evidence that he is alive and up to his old tricks. Now working for the CIA, ex-chief-of-police Holly Barker joins the elite task force tracking Fay in New York City. As he begins to pick off America’s enemies one by one, Holly unexpectedly finds herself face-to-face with the killer, kick-starting a high-speed chase through the canyons of midtown Manhattan, the Metropolitan Opera house, Central Park, and the United Nations Plaza, all to prevent another assassination before Fay disappears again—maybe this time for good.
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"Although these books by Woods clearly have a male fantasy version of a female police officer, I have enjoyed them. Iron Orchid was better than the last two-more focus on Holly's experience becoming a CIA operative and security issues in general, and less on sex. "
— Andrea (5 out of 5 stars)
" I was disappointed do discover that this enjoyable tale was ruined, for me, by the narrator. I guess I should have known, seeing as most of the Orchid series was narrated by females, and I declined to download them. George Guidell and Tony Roberts, the usual Stuart Woods story narrators, have spoiled me. Carrington MacDuffie, I am sure, is a perfectly fine woman, but is not a voice and narration style I prefer. After collecting over seventy-five Stuart Woods entertaining tales. I guess I will survive this disappointment, as Iron Orchid is still an action-packed story full of the characters we have come to love, and a few of the usual suspects. "
— Ron Eagle, 5/11/2020" It took me awhile to get into this book. It had been awhile since I had read any of the 'Holly Baker' series. I really enjoyed this book. I like the way Stuart Woods left this book open at the end. Like he was going to continue this story line in some way. "
— Nancy, 2/18/2014" Fast moving account of Holly Barker's first case with the CIA. Teddy, the ex-CIA agent, is on the loose killing Middle Eastern diplomats. Easy to read but much of the storyline and dialogue is unbelievable, and pretty silly. "
— Amy, 2/17/2014" This was my first Holly Barker book and I did like her character and the setting for this book, but the ending disappointed me. I kept thinking there would be more. This is not my favorite Stuart Woods' book. "
— Sara, 2/16/2014" his female protagonist is just the female version of Mr Barrington. "
— Choopie, 2/16/2014" Excellent; Continuing character: Holly Barker; Holly joins the CIA, goes through training, and then is part of a team tracking an ex-CIA agent who is killing American enemies in New York "
— Joe, 1/28/2014" I love a good "girl kicks ass" book, movie, whatev.. "
— Ms., 1/20/2014" Duplicated entry because book is in multiple series. "
— Jake, 1/20/2014" I like all his books. This was great! "
— Ann, 1/10/2014" I really enjoyed reading this book. It was super interesting with short chapters that keep you reading just a bit more... a bit more... Highly recommended. "
— Phil, 1/8/2014" Another one read in one day. Hard to put down. Love page turners. "
— Jackie, 1/3/2014" Another fun read by Mr. Woods. Of course almost everybody (good guys and bad guys) get laid and there are many action scenes. This is almost an easy reader for the action / adventure readers. "
— Ralph, 12/30/2013" I finished this book up on CD this week to and from school. It was ok for what it was--a spy mystery set in DC and NYC. I would have preferred a different ending, but it was entertaining and kept me distracted during the drive. "
— Rebecca, 12/9/2013" Our leading character, Holly Barker is chasing the ex-CIA agent/ murderer who targets enemies of our government that said government can't do in because of diplomatic restraints. Teddy Fey is very smart and elusive. the author has missed him in a few books and that keeps up the interest. "
— Betty410, 12/3/2013" Holly is after a master of disguise, again. "
— Vicky, 11/28/2013" I liked Teddy but the rest not so much...I really am done now. "
— Natalie, 11/27/2013" This was the first book I've read by Stuart Woods. I really liked it and plan to read more in the series. I would recommend it - this particular one was cat and mouse man hunt between FBI and CIA. "
— Sandy, 7/16/2013" I love the way he writes, he is a good story teller. "
— Amy, 3/3/2013" I agree - amusing, but nothing special "
— Kristin, 1/19/2013" Quick read, not much to challenge your brain but a fairly good detective/espionage book to clear your head between more serious reads. "
— lynn, 1/11/2013" Read Stuart Woods for mystery and laughs. He never lets you down. "
— Deejay, 11/14/2012" Unimaginative and boring "
— Jandblock, 7/4/2012" Another easy read in the Holly Barker series. Moves along fast. This isn't the type of book I usually read, but I enjoyed it. "
— Carolyn, 3/23/2012" This one had a few familiar faces and the return of Holly's Dad. Always the mystery and humor we expect from them. Another score for Stuart Woods "
— Renee, 2/11/2012" I really enjoy the Holly Barker series. Grabs my attention and keeps it every time. "
— Jaime, 12/16/2011" Holly and Daisy ride again, and this time they're not in Orchid Beach anymore! "
— Joene, 10/7/2011" This was a fun book to listen to on CD. Pretty standard fare for a cat and mouse with a few nice twists. "
— Seestars, 10/3/2011" Now working for the CIA, and with Stone Barrington as a sometimes boy friend, Holly Barker is after Teddy-Fae, a self styled patriot who's knocking off crooked politicians. "
— Randy, 9/4/2011" Duplicated entry because book is in multiple series. "
— Jake, 5/6/2011" As always to good to put down. Very intriguing. "
— Lisa, 1/24/2011" I enjoyed it. I was entertaining to listen to while driving. Easy to pick up the story from drive to drive. "
— Betty, 1/7/2011" Suspense with a different twist. "
— Joan, 11/30/2010" Quick read, not much to challenge your brain but a fairly good detective/espionage book to clear your head between more serious reads. "
— lynn, 4/5/2010" One of Woods' better novels with a great twist at the end. "
— Rob, 2/9/2010" Great action... FBI, CIA,and a murderer on the loose. This is a Holly Barker novel with Stone Barrington on the side. I loved it. "
— Cindy, 1/12/2010" Holly Barker has just stolen 2million dollars and has hidden it away in the islands. She has left her home and job in Orchid Beach and goes to Virginia to join the CIA. An ex CIA agent is killing people randomly and it is up to her new CIA unit to find him and stop him. <br/>Easy read. "
— Margarette, 9/16/2009" Much prefer Holly as CIA, now her character has bite. "
— Martha, 8/28/2009" Excellent; Continuing character: Holly Barker; Holly joins the CIA, goes through training, and then is part of a team tracking an ex-CIA agent who is killing American enemies in New York <br/> "
— Joe, 8/25/2009Stuart Woods (1938-2022) wrote more than ninety novels, including the #1 New York Times bestselling Stone Barrington series. He is a native of Georgia and began his writing career in the advertising industry. Chiefs, his debut in 1981, won the Edgar Award.
Carrington MacDuffie is a voice actor and recording artist who has narrated over two hundred audiobooks, received numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards, and has been a frequent finalist for the Audie Award, including for her original audiobook, Many Things Invisible. Alongside her narration work, she has released a new album of original songs, Only an Angel.