by Stuart Woods
Part of Stone Barrington, book 22
First published 2012
Stone Barrington faces a crossroads after suffering a devastating personal loss. The seasoned investigator questions whether to remain in New York with his partnership at Woodman & Weld or strike out in a new direction. President Will Lee provides an answer by calling Stone to Washington for a classified assignment that demands his particular expertise. The mission offers more than professional challenges. Stone will work alongside Holly Barker, his former partner with whom he shares both professional history and personal complications. The operation carries serious risks that could endanger both their lives. As Stone navigates the treacherous world of Washington politics and covert operations, he must confront not only external threats but also his own uncertainty about what comes next. The assignment forces him to rely on skills honed over years of dangerous work while rekindling a partnership that blurs the lines between duty and desire.
Genres: mystery, contemporary, thriller, action
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: New York, Washington DC
Period: 21st-century
290 pages · Hardcover · Putnam