Below the Belt: A Stone Barrington Novel

The ever-enterprising and charming Stone Barrington is at his best in this 40th thriller in the series. In his new Santa Fe home, accompanied by current love interest CIA chief Holly Barker, Stone is asked to do a favor for old friend Joe Adams, a former U.S. President. From there it is a roller-coaster ride that could come to a grinding halt for the nation if not for Stone, with his contacts, ingenuity, and wit. Stone is to obtain a reinforced briefcase filled with mysterious contents that threaten a number of people, including a billionaire seeking to influence the next presidential election, a Russian CIA mole, an entrepreneur running for president, and the sitting president's reelection bid. Clever dialog and fast action well read by actor Tony Roberts make for a "stay-in-the-car for a few minutes more" listen. Another entry in a long-running series (from 1991), it may be enjoyed on its own.