Rating: 
Summary: Stuart Woods Comes Through Again
Review: Understand this: Stuart Woods is not Ernest Hemingway or William Faulkner, nor does he try to be. Woods writes two books every year and his readers enjoy something that not many authors can promise. He never fails to entertain. Some of his books are better than others. Chiefs, for example, is one of the better mysteries that I've ever read, while The Short Forever was just decent. One thing readers can count on from Woods is that he will deliver an interesting, exciting, entertaining thriller regardless of his subject. Blood Orchid is the third novel centered around Holly Barker. Of Woods' three recurring characters (Will Lee, Stone Barrington, and Holly Barker), Holly is probably the least compelling to most readers, though some prefer her to Stone. Despite this, she is nonetheless an interesting protagonist who draws the reader into the story and has us pulling for her to succeed. The storyline is typical Woods with few twists and turns - some of which will surprise, while some of which will be picked out by savvy readers. I've read all 25 of Stuart Woods novels, and while I generally feel that his earlier works are far superior to his later books, I find that if I open his newest book knowing what to expect and allowing myself to be entertained, I am seldom disappointed. Also recommended: Chiefs, Run Before the Wind, and White Cargo by Stuart Woods for readers who want to sample his early stuff. Anything by James Patterson or Jeffery Deaver. Keep an eye out for Dirty Work, the new Stone Barrington novel in April 2003.
Rating: 
Summary: Woods female lead Holly Barker overshadows Barrington !
Review: We had begun to tire of Woods' jet-setting playboy and sometime sleuth Stone Barrington, so this relatively new series starring Orchid Beach FL Police Chief Holly Barker has to our eye brought new life to his writing. In this third of the series featuring Holly, there are killings galore with a plot that moves along at a "murderous" pace. Indeed several attempts on our heroine's own life only add to the suspense as she unravels a tale stretching back and forth to Miami, with mob and drug connections bringing help from the FBI to the scene. That latter element is almost more a hurdle than anything -- we even wondered for a while if the agent in charge, Harry Crisp, who hindered Holly while constantly pumping her for leads, was one of the bad guys. Meanwhile, Grant Early, a federal agent working undercover in Orchid Beach, adds a little romantic interest to the story, leading to a climax or two other than the one at the end of the book! The villain was probably a little more obvious than usual ' one player seemed a little fishy almost from the start, but it's quite a while before enough facts and clues converge to spell out the whole scheme of things. In between, we turned pages and burned the chapters almost as fast as they would go to reach the satisfying conclusion. Holly is a tough but likable character; her father Ham and one of her local officers, Hurd, plus her faithful hound Daisy add some good support roles in this well written, lively mystery which we thoroughly enjoyed. Some good scenes involving small aircraft added interest as well. So ' a step up from a beach read, but a tale that moves quickly 'longside the fireplace. All in all, Woods in great form.
Rating: 
Summary: More stupidity than you can shake a stick at
Review: Well-plotted, decently written and diverting, I would say. Like the bulk of Woods' work, an easy to read. But when you have finished the text there appears a message from the author which is a pretty offensive; arrogant and condescending at very best. Read this BEFORE you buy the book, you may want to review your reading and purchasing loyalties -- vote with your wallet for an author that at least evidences respect for his sponsors.
Rating:
Summary: Blood Orchid
Review: Well-plotted, decently written and diverting, I would say. Like the bulk of Woods' work, an easy to read. But when you have finished the text there appears a message from the author which is a pretty offensive; arrogant and condescending at very best. Read this BEFORE you buy the book, you may want to review your reading and purchasing loyalties -- vote with your wallet for an author that at least evidences respect for his sponsors.
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