Stuart Woods' Deep Water (A Stone Barrington Novel Book 67)

In the latest action-packed adventure in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, Stone Barrington must avenge attacks on two of his dear friends.

When Stone Barrington meets one of his clients, Trenton Sidney, for a sunset drink on Trenton’s new yacht, the last thing he expects is to be a victim of a shipwreck. As one of the four survivors of the incident but with little memory of the sinking, Stone finds himself diving straight back into work. His first task? To reach out to the beneficiaries in Trenton’s will.

But when new evidence that points to foul play comes to light, Stone must probe the tragedy in more ways than one in order to uncover the identity of the perpetrator . . . before they find another lethal way to get themselves out of deep water.

Brett Battles is a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling and Barry Award-winning author of forty novels, including the Jonathan Quinn series and its Excoms spinoff, the Project Eden series, and the time bending Rewinder series. He’s also the coauthor, with Robert Gregory Browne, of the Alexandra Poe series. He is one of the founding members of Killer Year, and is a member of Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. He lives and writes in Ventura County, California. More info available at www.brettbattles.com.

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"Another thriller making waves (pun intended) . . . at a briskly compelling pace. This is part of a big series, now on its 67th installment. It doesn’t seem to slow down!" —The Phrasemaker

"A high-speed, thrilling jaunt to the end filled with numerous plot twists . . . Stuart Woods' Deep Water has several directions it takes that lead to a pistol packing slam bang ending guaranteed to thrill fans of Stone Barrington." —Midwest Book Review

"Longtime fans of Stone Barrington are in for a treat. Here, Brett Battles proves once again that the beloved series remains in exceptionally capable hands, delivering a fast-paced mystery packed with intrigue, danger, and all the charm readers have come to expect from Stuart Woods’ iconic hero . . . Battles captures the voice and wit that made Stone Barrington such an enduring character in the first place. The transition from Woods to Battles has truly felt seamless, allowing the series to evolve while remaining faithful to everything longtime fans love." —The Real Book Spy

Stuart Woods Deep Water, penned by Brett Battles, continues the immensely popular Stone Barrington series, seamlessly carrying the torch of the late Stuart Woods. In this thrilling installment, the charming, wealthy, and well-connected Manhattan attorney Stone Barrington finds himself plunged into a dangerous conspiracy that threatens his life, his friends, and his luxurious way of living. The novel opens with what should have been a relaxing evening of leisure. Stone is invited by his billionaire client and close friend, Trenton Sidney, to celebrate the maiden voyage of Sidney’s spectacular new yacht, the Amanda Jae. The two men share a sunset drink, soaking in the high-society lifestyle. However, the idyllic scene shatters rapidly. Stone unexpectedly falls into a drugged stupor, and when he regains consciousness, it is only to face absolute chaos. The massive, state-of-the-art yacht is rapidly sinking in a catastrophic shipwreck.

Against all odds, Stone miraculously survives the maritime disaster, escaping the sinking vessel along with only three members of the crew. Tragically, Trenton Sidney does not make it out alive. As Stone recovers from the physical and mental toll of the near-death experience, it becomes painfully clear that the sinking of the Amanda Jae was not a tragic accident. The drugged drinks and the precise nature of the vessel’s destruction point directly to deliberate sabotage and cold-blooded foul play. Rather than retreating to safety, Stone immediately shifts into his dual roles as a sharp attorney and a relentless investigator, diving straight back into work to uncover exactly who orchestrated the assassination of his client and why they wanted him dead.

The investigation leads Stone directly into the complex and highly lucrative web of Trenton Sidney’s estate. Because Stone is managing his late client's legal affairs, his first major task is to reach out to the beneficiaries of Trenton’s will. It is here that a massive motive for murder comes to light. Shortly before his death, Trenton had discovered the existence of a long-unknown daughter. Overjoyed by the revelation, the billionaire had promptly altered his will to ensure she would inherit a vast portion of his fortune. This sudden change in the estate’s distribution understandably enraged other potential heirs who stood to lose millions. Stone realizes that Trenton’s newly discovered daughter might not only be the key to solving the murder but could also be the killer's next target. He must race against time to track her down, secure her inheritance, and protect her.

While Stone is entirely consumed by the deadly family drama surrounding the Sidney estate, the novel introduces a parallel storyline of international espionage that drastically raises the stakes. Stone receives shocking news from across the Atlantic: Dame Felicity Devonshire, the formidable head of MI6, a trusted ally, and Stone’s occasional lover, has been assassinated. Reports indicate that she was killed instantly in a horrific car bombing. Stone is deeply shaken by the loss, but the grief is short-lived. Moments after he processes the news, Felicity herself appears at his doorstep, very much alive.

Felicity reveals that the car bomb was a highly classified deception. She faked her own death in order to evade a powerful enemy and secretly flush out a dangerous traitor within the intelligence community. Now a ghost in the eyes of the world, she desperately needs a secure place to hide and operate from, naturally turning to Stone for sanctuary. Stone happily opens his heavily fortified Manhattan townhouse to her, but by doing so, he unwittingly draws the attention of international assassins. Now, Stone is fighting a war on two fronts: protecting Trenton Sidney’s heir from greedy murderers and shielding the head of British intelligence from a global conspiracy.

Amidst the gunfire and legal maneuvering, Stone’s personal life undergoes its own significant transitions. His current romantic relationship with Tamlyn Thompson, a brilliant tech officer, begins to naturally dissolve as her demanding career with Strategic Services consumes all her time. True to form, Stone does not remain unattached for long. He crosses paths with Josie Hale, a captivating actor-turned-director. Their mutual attraction is instant, providing a glamorous and passionate counterbalance to the violent threats looming over Stone's daily life, and adding the signature blend of romance and luxury that fans expect.

As the twin plots accelerate toward a boiling point, Stone relies on his sharp intellect, his vast array of powerful connections, and his former NYPD instincts to outmaneuver his adversaries. He methodically lays traps for those trying to steal the Sidney estate, drawing the perpetrators out of the deep water they have been hiding in. Simultaneously, he assists Felicity in turning the tables on her would-be assassins, leading to a series of thrilling, high-stakes confrontations. The narrative culminates in a fast-paced, slam-bang conclusion where justice is violently and efficiently served. Through it all, Stone Barrington remains the unflappable hero, securing his legacy in an adventure that honors the enduring spirit of Stuart Woods' iconic creation.