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Severe Clear Audiobook
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(3.02) - 1,156 listener ratings
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Plot Summary
Severe Clear audiobook is the 24th book in the Stone Barrington series by Stuart Woods. Stone Barrington is an urbane lawyer with a finger in every pie and there are other regulars from the series in this book, including Barrington’s former partner, Lt. Dino Bacchetti, the CIA’s Holly Barker, Felicity Devonshire from MI-6 and Michael Freeman from Strategic Services.
The book begins at L.A.’s grand opening of The Arrington hotel, named after Barrington’s ex-wife. It’s a plush hotel with all the luxuries that money can buy and the President of the United States as well as the President of Mexico will be staying there to pursue talks about immigration issues and trade agreements. However, there is a plan in the background led by an operative named Algernon who is working hand in hand with a Pakistani nuclear scientist who has gone rogue. Together, they plan to bomb the Arrington while the presidents are staying there, killing 2-3 million people in addition to the heads of state. So it’s up to Barrington and his crew to stop this from happening. They must figure out who is working with Algernon to prevent this massive loss of life.
Severe Clear is witty and fast-paced, immersing readers in a luxurious way of life that is simultaneously enticing and sinister. There are also various James Bond-type sexual encounters heightened by the threat lurking in the background.
Stuart Woods is a 75-year-old divorced writer who describes himself as a "born-again bachelor." He was a part of the National Air Guard for a couple of years before leaving for a career in advertising. He lived in London for a while before deciding to move to Ireland to pursue his dream of writing. There, he became interested in sailing and it was via a book on sailing that he was first published. Now, Woods has published 50 books altogether, including 29 New York Times bestsellers. Stone Barrington, cop turned lawyer, is the character he has written about most.
Download Severe Clear from The Audio Bookstore for a fast-paced novel of intrigue and high stakes. Stuart Woods will charm you once again with his character-driven writing and his exceptional flair for drama.
"I thought this was a great read. I would have given it 5 stars, except for the ending. You knew it was going to end well, but it was rushed, too much luck involved. A few new characters introduced to Stone's circle of friends and many new ones were also involved in the story. The story was a page turner with many twists and turns. Overall, a good read."
— Mark (4 out of 5 stars)
Publisher Summary
Stone Barrington is called to Bel-Air to oversee an exclusive event that will gather the top echelons of the beau monde: Hollywood starlets, socialites, politicos, billionaires from overseas. It’s a task in which Stone has a personal stake, and one that is made all the more pleasurable—though somewhat more complicated—with the arrivals of two beautiful women with whom he’s intimately acquainted.
But the grand occasion has also attracted a dangerous criminal group with sinister plans. The hunt to find them leads Stone into a complex web of deceit and misdirection, in a world where the intrigues of government intelligence collide with the clandestine machinations of the upper crust. As he draws nearer to his quarry, he realizes that the stakes are higher than anybody could ever imagine . . . and that the enemies he’s seeking might just be hiding in plain sight.
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Quotes
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“Woods’ fiftieth book pits the indefatigable Stone Barrington against a nest of terrorists who are insanely determined to turn the opening of a luxurious Bel-Air hotel into a bloodbath. Intense and then more intense.”
— Barnes&Noble.com, editorial review -
“Bestseller Woods’ fiftieth novel, the twenty-fourth entry in his Stone Barrington, boasts an all-star lineup, from series fixtures such as Lieutenant Dino Bacchetti and lawyer Herbie Fisher to Woods’ other series leads, notably US president Will Lee and Holly Barker of the CIA.…The glittering assembly of guests, including Lee and the Mexican president, makes the affair a prime terrorist target. Hints of a clever plan for a horrific attack reach members of various security agencies, who scramble to prevent it. Meanwhile, Stone and his guests try to enjoy the opulent setting with their usual accompaniments of good food, good drink, and good sex. Woods expertly mixes familiar ingredients to produce an intoxicating cocktail that goes down easily.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“While Stuart Woods has proven time and time again that he’s a master of suspense who keeps his readers frantically turning the pages, he has even managed to top himself with Severe Clear.”
— BookReporter.com -
“Woods returns to form in his twenty-fourth Stone Barrington mystery, also his fiftieth novel…Excising much of the flab and needless repetition of his recent entries in the series, Woods juggles his large cast expertly, avoiding in his well-drawn main villain the clichés usually associated with terrorists. Inspired by the hectic pace, Tony Roberts offers an even livelier reading than usual, reducing the archness that occasionally creeps into his performances. Verdict: Severe Clear should delight fans of the series as well as thriller fans generally.”
— Library Journal (audio review) -
“There’s a lot of plot and background to set up, and Roberts handles it clearly.”
— AudioFile
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
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A USA Today bestseller
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A Publishers Weekly bestseller
Severe Clear Listener Reviews
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Ron Eagle, 2/12/2021
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carla hopkins, 10/9/2019
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" Although I normally thoroughly enjoy books by this author and this series, I was totally disappointed in this book. Felt like it dragged on forever only for the lack of ideas and thoughts the author had. Maybe it's time he put this series to rest. "
— Paula, 2/14/2014 -
" Not quite the typical Stone Barrington novel - interesting. "
— Sharon, 2/6/2014 -
" Disappointed sometimes I wonder why I keep reading these books "
— Denise, 1/31/2014 -
" I had vowed not to read any more Stuart Woods after he killed off his latest love interest, but in this book he got it right. More into killing off terrorists than good people, though there is plenty of damage along the way. "
— Ruth, 1/29/2014 -
" Love this series. Love the character--Stone Barrington. He is someone it would be fun to know and be friends with. He is smart, clever, has a great sense of humor, is very wealthy, and since this is fiction, he always has the right solution to a problem. All the peripheral characters are interesting to follow too. I look forward to the next episode. "
— Linda, 1/28/2014 -
" Fast enjoyable read. Nicely weaves all the usual characters - The opening of the Arrington Hotel. "
— Gail, 1/10/2014 -
" Typical Stone Barrington. If you are not looking for a deep read and you like Stone, then this will be an ok read "
— Kevin, 1/5/2014 -
" Another good Stone Barrington mystery--a very quick and enjoyable read! "
— Sarahb., 12/30/2013 -
" First of the 23 books that no women were killed. "
— Gordon, 12/14/2013 -
" It was ok. I've read all the stone barrington series n this is the one I like the least. :( "
— Jacqueline, 12/6/2013 -
" Usually I can tell you what the ending will be like in the stone series but I was unsure this time around. Almost thought the whole line of characters were done for!!!!! "
— Melanie, 12/4/2013 -
" Stuart Woods is a great story-writer. Stone, Dino, Holly and the rest are old friends by now, it's always a pleasure to read about their further adventures. "
— Denise, 11/20/2013 -
" This was one of Stuart Woods better efforts. More suspenseful than his typical book. Also had less Stone Barrington than we normally see. "
— Bob, 11/7/2013 -
" I finished this book in two days. At the end I wished for more. "
— Del, 10/21/2013 -
" I didn't finish Stuart Woods' last book because of all the reviews that said it was basically a Herbie Fisher story - and from what I read, that's exactly what it was. I just couldn't get into it, so I skipped it. This book, however, wasn't bad. An easy read...always enjoy Stone Barrington stories! "
— Pam, 10/12/2013 -
" This was the most exciting book of the Stone Barrington series to this point. Excellent book. "
— John, 5/20/2013 -
" If you've read one Stone Barrington you've more or less read them all. Still they are always fun. Mind candy bubblegum, but fun. "
— David, 5/2/2013 -
" It might only deserve one star but I love spending time with Stone Barrington no matter the rating! "
— Cherin, 4/4/2013 -
" Another great Stuart Woods book. I especially like the fact he doesn't need to add profanity in his writing to make a point like some of the movie producer/directors seem to think is required vocabulary. "
— Carole, 3/29/2013 -
" Very good suspense and story line. I just enjoy Stuart Woods. What can I say? "
— Alex, 3/25/2013 -
" It seems like I've read this book many times, They all seem the same for some reason. "
— Al, 12/14/2012 -
" Enjoyed the fast pace and multiple plots of this book. Stone Barrington and his friends live a charmed life! "
— Jennifer, 10/14/2012 -
" I read all the Stuart Woods books and this is back to his better storylines! "
— Chris, 10/11/2012 -
" I have read all of the Barrington novels and love the characters in the series. I found this book particularly good. Certainly a fast read that I could not put down. Lots of intrigue to hold your interest. "
— Sally, 9/29/2012 -
" Good News - Woods is back. And Stone Barrington brings all his friends with him. Fast read. "
— Hapzydeco, 9/26/2012
About Stuart Woods
Stuart 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.
About Tony Roberts
Tony Roberts is an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator. He has had roles in numerous films, many by Woody Allen, as well as his starring roles on Broadway in Arsenic and Old Lace; Promises, Promises; and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife.