Below is the complete list of Stuart Woods’ Stone Barrington books in order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Publication Order of Stone Barrington Books
- New York Dead (1991)
New York Dead was published in 1991 and is listed as book #1 in the Stone Barrington series. - Dirt (1996)
Published in 1996, Dirt is listed as book #2 in the Stone Barrington series. - Dead in the Water (1997)
Dead in the Water is a 1997 release and appears as book #3 in the Stone Barrington series. - Swimming to Catalina (1998)
In the Stone Barrington series, Swimming to Catalina is book #4 and was published in 1998. - Worst Fears Realized (1999)
Worst Fears Realized was first published in 1999; within the Stone Barrington series, it is listed as book #5. - L.A. Dead (2000)
L.A. Dead was published in 2000 and is listed as book #6 in the Stone Barrington series. - Cold Paradise (2001)
Published in 2001, Cold Paradise is listed as book #7 in the Stone Barrington series. - The Short Forever (2002)
The Short Forever is a 2002 release and appears as book #8 in the Stone Barrington series. - Dirty Work (2003)
In the Stone Barrington series, Dirty Work is book #9 and was published in 2003. - Reckless Abandon (2004)
Reckless Abandon was first published in 2004; within the Stone Barrington series, it is listed as book #10. - Two Dollar Bill (2004)
Two Dollar Bill was published in 2004 and is listed as book #11 in the Stone Barrington series. - Dark Harbor (2006)
Published in 2006, Dark Harbor is listed as book #12 in the Stone Barrington series. - Fresh Disasters (2007)
Fresh Disasters is a 2007 release and appears as book #13 in the Stone Barrington series. - Shoot Him If He Runs (2007)
In the Stone Barrington series, Shoot Him If He Runs is book #14 and was published in 2007. - Hot Mahogany (2008)
Hot Mahogany was first published in 2008; within the Stone Barrington series, it is listed as book #15. - Loitering with Intent (2009)
Loitering with Intent was published in 2009 and is listed as book #16 in the Stone Barrington series. - Kisser (2009)
Published in 2009, Kisser is listed as book #17 in the Stone Barrington series. - Lucid Intervals (2010)
Lucid Intervals is a 2010 release and appears as book #18 in the Stone Barrington series. - Strategic Moves (2010)
In the Stone Barrington series, Strategic Moves is book #19 and was published in 2010. - Bel-Air Dead (2011)
Bel-Air Dead was first published in 2011; within the Stone Barrington series, it is listed as book #20. - Son of Stone (2011)
Son of Stone was published in 2011 and is listed as book #21 in the Stone Barrington series. - D.C. Dead (2011)
Published in 2011, D.C. Dead is listed as book #22 in the Stone Barrington series. - Unnatural Acts (2012)
Unnatural Acts is a 2012 release and appears as book #23 in the Stone Barrington series. - Severe Clear (2012)
In the Stone Barrington series, Severe Clear is book #24 and was published in 2012. - Collateral Damage (2012)
Collateral Damage was first published in 2012; within the Stone Barrington series, it is listed as book #25. - Unintended Consequences (2013)
Unintended Consequences was published in 2013 and is listed as book #26 in the Stone Barrington series. - Doing Hard Time (2013)
Published in 2013, Doing Hard Time is listed as book #27 in the Stone Barrington series. - Standup Guy (2014)
Standup Guy is a 2014 release and appears as book #28 in the Stone Barrington series. - Carnal Curiosity (2014)
In the Stone Barrington series, Carnal Curiosity is book #29 and was published in 2014. - Cut and Thrust (2014)
Cut and Thrust was first published in 2014; within the Stone Barrington series, it is listed as book #30. - Paris Match (2014)
Paris Match was published in 2014 and is listed as book #31 in the Stone Barrington series. - Insatiable Appetites (2015)
Published in 2015, Insatiable Appetites is listed as book #32 in the Stone Barrington series. - Hot Pursuit (2015)
Hot Pursuit is a 2015 release and appears as book #33 in the Stone Barrington series. - Naked Greed (2015)
In the Stone Barrington series, Naked Greed is book #34 and was published in 2015. - Foreign Affairs (2015)
Foreign Affairs was first published in 2015; within the Stone Barrington series, it is listed as book #35. - Scandalous Behavior (2016)
Scandalous Behavior was published in 2016 and is listed as book #36 in the Stone Barrington series. - Family Jewels (2016)
Published in 2016, Family Jewels is listed as book #37 in the Stone Barrington series. - Dishonorable Intentions (2016)
Dishonorable Intentions is a 2016 release and appears as book #38 in the Stone Barrington series. - Sex, Lies & Serious Money (2016)
In the Stone Barrington series, Sex, Lies & Serious Money is book #39 and was published in 2016. - Below the Belt (2017)
Below the Belt was first published in 2017; within the Stone Barrington series, it is listed as book #40. - Fast and Loose (2017)
Fast and Loose was published in 2017 and is listed as book #41 in the Stone Barrington series. - Indecent Exposure (2017)
Published in 2017, Indecent Exposure is listed as book #42 in the Stone Barrington series. - Quick & Dirty (2017)
Quick & Dirty is a 2017 release and appears as book #43 in the Stone Barrington series. - Unbound (2018)
In the Stone Barrington series, Unbound is book #44 and was published in 2018. - Shoot First (2018)
Shoot First was first published in 2018; within the Stone Barrington series, it is listed as book #45. - Turbulence (2018)
Turbulence was published in 2018 and is listed as book #46 in the Stone Barrington series. - Desperate Measures (2018)
Published in 2018, Desperate Measures is listed as book #47 in the Stone Barrington series. - A Delicate Touch (2018)
A Delicate Touch is a 2018 release and appears as book #48 in the Stone Barrington series. - Wild Card (2019)
In the Stone Barrington series, Wild Card is book #49 and was published in 2019. - Contraband (2019)
Contraband was first published in 2019; within the Stone Barrington series, it is listed as book #50. - Stealth (2019)
Stealth was published in 2019 and is listed as book #51 in the Stone Barrington series. - Treason (2020)
Published in 2020, Treason is listed as book #52 in the Stone Barrington series. - Hit List (2020)
Hit List is a 2020 release and appears as book #53 in the Stone Barrington series. - Choppy Water (2020)
In the Stone Barrington series, Choppy Water is book #54 and was published in 2020. - Shakeup (2020)
Shakeup was first published in 2020; within the Stone Barrington series, it is listed as book #55. - Hush-Hush (2020)
Hush-Hush was published in 2020 and is listed as book #56 in the Stone Barrington series. - Double Jeopardy (2021)
Published in 2021, Double Jeopardy is listed as book #57 in the Stone Barrington series. - Class Act (2021)
Class Act is a 2021 release and appears as book #58 in the Stone Barrington series. - Foul Play (2021)
In the Stone Barrington series, Foul Play is book #59 and was published in 2021. - Criminal Mischief (2021)
Criminal Mischief was first published in 2021; within the Stone Barrington series, it is listed as book #60. - A Safe House (2022)
A Safe House was published in 2022 and is listed as book #61 in the Stone Barrington series. - Black Dog (2022)
Published in 2022, Black Dog is listed as book #62 in the Stone Barrington series. - Distant Thunder (2022)
Distant Thunder is a 2022 release and appears as book #63 in the Stone Barrington series. - Near Miss (2023)
(With: Brett Battles)
In the Stone Barrington series, Near Miss is book #64 and was published in 2023. - Smolder (2024)
(With: Brett Battles)
Smolder was first published in 2024; within the Stone Barrington series, it is listed as book #65. - Finders Keepers (2025)
(With: Brett Battles)
Finders Keepers was published in 2025 and is listed as book #66 in the Stone Barrington series. - Deep Water (2026)
Published in 2026, Deep Water is listed as book #67 in the Stone Barrington series. - Hostile Intent (2026)
Hostile Intent is a 2026 release and appears as book #68 in the Stone Barrington series.
About Stone Barrington
The Stone Barrington series is a long-running thriller franchise created by Stuart Woods, centered on a sophisticated New York attorney whose life frequently intersects with dangerous criminal investigations. Combining legal drama, political intrigue, and international espionage, the series follows Barrington as he navigates high-profile cases while maintaining connections across law enforcement, government, and elite social circles.
The character of Stone Barrington first appears in New York Dead (1991), the novel that launched the series. At the beginning of the story, Barrington is still working as a detective with the New York Police Department. After being forced out of the police force following a controversial shooting incident, he transitions into a career as a lawyer. This shift from detective to attorney becomes a defining feature of the series, allowing Barrington to operate in both legal and investigative worlds.
Reading the Stone Barrington books in publication order allows readers to follow the gradual development of Barrington’s career and the expanding circle of characters around him. Early novels focus on criminal investigations that often involve wealthy clients, political figures, or powerful business interests. As the series progresses, the stakes become increasingly global, with Barrington drawn into international conspiracies and high-level government affairs.
One of the recurring elements of the series is Barrington’s close relationship with key allies in law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Among the most notable is Dino Bacchetti, a longtime friend and police officer who frequently assists Barrington when investigations intersect with criminal cases. Their partnership adds both humor and tension to the stories as they approach problems from different professional perspectives.
Barrington’s legal career also places him in contact with influential clients whose problems quickly escalate into dangerous situations. Many of the novels begin with a seemingly straightforward legal matter that evolves into a complex web of crime, politics, or international intrigue. These shifting circumstances allow the series to move fluidly between courtroom drama and action-driven suspense.
Another distinctive aspect of the Stone Barrington novels is their glamorous setting. Barrington often moves through circles of wealth and power, traveling between major cities such as New York, Washington, and London while interacting with prominent figures in politics, business, and entertainment. The lifestyle elements—including fine dining, private travel, and luxury residences—contrast sharply with the darker criminal activities that frequently drive the plot.
Over time, the series introduces a wide range of recurring characters who contribute to the broader narrative world. Some are allies who assist Barrington in investigations, while others represent political or criminal forces that challenge him. These relationships develop across multiple books, creating continuity that becomes clearer when the novels are read sequentially.
Stuart Woods became known for his brisk storytelling style, favoring short chapters, quick pacing, and tightly focused plotlines. This approach helped the Stone Barrington series maintain momentum across dozens of installments, each delivering a mix of mystery, danger, and sophisticated intrigue.
Across the span of the series, Stone Barrington evolves from a former detective rebuilding his career into a highly connected attorney capable of influencing major investigations and political events. Following the books in publication order highlights how his professional life expands alongside the growing complexity of the cases he encounters, while the surrounding network of allies and adversaries continues to shape the direction of each new story.