Synopsis: 'During an intense storm in Dark Harbor, Maine, a perplexing murder lands a dead man on Stone Barrington's doorstep. As secrets swirl around this mystery man's identity, Stone quickly sets our to unravel a web of cunning misdirections and lies.
Soon enough, he is embroiled in an elaborate game of cat and mouse between the CIA and nefarious foreign forces, including a bewitching new companion who comes under his protection. But when Stone's actions draw the attention of an old enemy, one who will stop at nothing to vent the truth from getting out, Stone realizes he may have finally met his match.' From the cover
Review: Stone has sex, people shoot at him, folks die, more sex....typical story line. ( )

Giving this 3 stars because I felt that some of this was a little ridiculous. OF course it was typical Stone Barrington - flying all over the place to his various properties, bedding multiple women, and escaping close calls on his life.
In this one, while vacationing in the middle of a storm, a dead body shows up on his property. Thought to be John Collins, one of Lance's men - it is later found not to be. However, in the meantime, Stone is involved with Vanessa, John's "widow". So Stone tries to find out who is after John, and also after Stone.
Explosive ending, literally. ( )

Distant Thunder was a fun and easy read and I enjoyed it...not fine literature, just fun reading. The characters are all that we've come to expect from a Stone Barrington novel: Lance Cabot, CIA Director mooching rooms and alcohol and his Brit counterpart in a menage-a-trois. Oh, and there's a body...sorta. Witty repartee between Stone and Dino sometimes gets in the way of a good read. I think this may be the last Barrington---RIP Stuart Woods. ( )

CIA, law-enforcement, lawyers, verbal-humor, situational-humor, series, Maine, NYC, ex-cop, friendship, friction, snarky, murder, murder-investigation, spies, suspense, innuendo, intrigue*****

Another silly Stone Barrington read! These are always a good antidote to TV news mongering and an excuse for laughing out loud while doing mundane tasks. This time he's making fun of the CIA while entertaining a few good women. And then there's the body of the CIA operative who may or may not be dead.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons via NetGalley. Thank you! ( )

Review of Uncorrected eBook File

One-time New York police detective-turned lawyer Stone Barrington entertains Holly Barker, the President of the United States, at his home in Dark, Harbor, Maine. The nor’easter that blew through Dark Harbor, Maine interrupted her travel. But it’s the discovery of a body aboard the Islesboro ferry that has everyone speculating; the unidentified man didn’t die in the storm, he succumbed thanks to two bullets to the head.

The murdered man, identified as John Collins, brings Lance Cabot, head of the CIA, into the picture. It isn’t long before Stone is in the middle of an assassination attempt, courtesy of Russian agents.

Why did the Russians want John Collins dead? And why does Stone Barrington wind up in their sights?

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Here, in this, the sixty-third Stone Barrington tale, all the usual characters are in place. As readers might expect, there’s murder, mystery, humor, a lot of bed-hopping, a fair amount of traveling, some intrigue, and a familiar format that welcomes returning readers like a warm embrace.

The unfolding story moves quickly, holds a few surprises, and keeps the pages turning. Fans of the series will enjoy having the opportunity to visit again.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley
#DistantThunder #NetGalley ( )