by Stuart Woods
Part of Stone Barrington, book 23
First published 2012
Stone Barrington accepts what appears to be straightforward work: a hedge fund billionaire wants him to counsel his rebellious son. Stone knows the secrets of Manhattan's wealthy elite well enough to handle one spoiled heir. He teams up with Herbie Fisher to investigate the young man's activities. But the case grows complicated when an old matter resurfaces. Stone discovers that some people will commit extreme acts to hide their wrongdoing and orchestrate new schemes. The investigation takes him through Manhattan's exclusive law firms, luxury penthouses, and shadowy nightclubs. Each location reveals another layer of deception. What begins as family counseling becomes a deadly game of concealment and murder. Stone realizes he has stumbled into something far more dangerous than a rich kid's bad behavior. The trail leads to a violent conclusion that surprises everyone involved.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, action
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, investigation, secrets
Setting: Manhattan
Period: Contemporary
307 pages · Hardcover · G.P. Putnam's Sons
Content warnings: murder