From "New York Dead," to "Dirt," "Dead in the Water" and "Swimming to Catalina," Woods has thrilled fans with his Stone Barrington character. Now, Stone is back, and that can mean only one thing trouble isn't very far behind. Barrington, once an NYPD officer and now a lawyer and private investigator for a prestigious law firm is looking over his shoulder and for good reason.
"Worst Fears Realized" is Woods' 19th novel and fifth Barrington thriller. Woods, born in Manchester, Georgia in 1938 first worked in various advertising agencies from New York City to Ireland. He and his wife Chris Connor (also a writer of nonfiction and fiction) currently reside on the Treasure Coast of Florida, on an island off the coast of Maine, and in Litchfield County, Connecticut.
In 1981 his first novel "Chiefs" established him as a bestselling novelist. "Chiefs" won the Edgar Award. "Imperfect Strangers" won France's Prix de Literature Policiere award.
Considering Woods' grand reputation as a writer of suspense, I am at a loss to explain why in my nine and one-half years as a reviewer I have never reviewed one of his works. After reading "Worst Fears Realized," I am now a dyed-in-the-wool fan. Who wouldn't appreciate a novel with in-depth characterizations, excellent narrative and description, and a plot that turns brown eyes blue?
Stone Barrington is a many faceted character. He is a man with a penchant for fast cars and even faster women. He is intelligent and tough, but kind and gentle with the fairer sex. And he's a man that can carry a torch for a long lost love like no other. He, of course, enjoys his reputation as a lady killer, but the term takes on a strange new meaning when dead bodies start popping up around him.
It takes only a short time for Stone and his one time NYPD partner, Lieutenant Dino Bacchetti to figure out the serial killer, who is bent on destroying those close to both Stone and Dino, is someone they arrested and put away many years ago.
Woods spins your mind with his elaborate plot that includes players like Martin
Brougham, a deputy District Attorney with ambitions. Tom Deacon, who runs the DA's investigative staff is one to watch. His shifty eyes tell you he hates Stone, but he isn't the only one. It's not an exclusive club. On the other hand, there is Susan Bean who works for Martin, and on a date with Stone, reveals her dislike of the Deputy DA's tactics, particularly in the Dante trial Susan is 32 years old and will never see 33.
Herbert, you may call him Herbie, Mitteldorfer, mild-mannered accountant, and wife killer, is a good suspect as bodies began to mount up. The description of the killer given by an eye witness fits Mitteldorfer. The method of killing, slitting throats, fits. Only problem is that Herbie is still in Sing Sing. As far as Stone and Dino can find out, Herbie had no children by the wife he murdered. So, it couldn't be Herbie and couldn't be a son of his, could it?
As the violence escalates, Stone's paranoia reaches a fever pitch. The killer is always one step ahead of him. All this action does not impede Stone's libido as he does manage time to find himself entangled in the arms of a gorgeous Sicilian, a Mafioso's daughter who is probably as dangerous as the maniac out to destroy Stone.
Dino won't give up on the possibility of Herbie's involvement in the killings after Dino's wife is attacked and would have been killed had she not been armed. She shot the "perp" in the ear. He escaped, but not before his intended victim got a good long look at him.
Dino asks Stone, "You remember much about this guy?" Stone replies that he remembers Mitteldorfer as not very big; tightly wound, and a borderline psycho. The two men try to remember what this man would have against the two of them. Then, they remember that the two of them arrested Mitteldorfer some thirteen years ago. He was convicted of murder and received a life sentence. Another problem arises. Thirteen years ago New York didn't have the death penalty or a life sentence without the possibility of parole. With good behavior, Herbert Mitteldorfer would be about ripe for parole.
"Dino's face fell, 'Oh, Jesus,' he said.
Stone muttered something.
"What did you say?"
"I said, 'worst fears realized.'"
Lest you think I've disclosed the finale of this electrifying tale, I haven't. Woods' ending confirms his reputation as a master of suspense, leaving you with something unexpected, something beyond the ordinary, and something completely entertaining.
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(Jones is a published writer and literary critic)
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