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Teddy Fay #1
Smooth Operator
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stone Barrington series comes the first novel in an extraordinary series starring an old fan Teddy Fay.
When President Kate Lee calls Stone Barrington to Washington on an urgent matter, it’s soon clear that a potentially disastrous situation requires the kind of help more delicate than even he can provide...and he knows just the right man for the job.
Teddy ex-CIA, master of disguise, and a gentleman not known for abiding by legal niceties in the pursuit of his own brand of justice.
When President Kate Lee calls Stone Barrington to Washington on an urgent matter, it’s soon clear that a potentially disastrous situation requires the kind of help more delicate than even he can provide...and he knows just the right man for the job.
Teddy ex-CIA, master of disguise, and a gentleman not known for abiding by legal niceties in the pursuit of his own brand of justice.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 2, 2016
1847 people are currently reading
1880 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Woods
352Ìýbooks3,161ÌýfollowersStuart Woods was an American novelist best known for Chiefs and his long-running Stone Barrington series. A Georgia native, he initially pursued a career in advertising before relocating to England and Ireland, where he developed a passion for sailing. His love for the sport led him to write his first published work, Blue Water, Green Skipper, about his experiences in a transatlantic yacht race.
His debut novel, Chiefs, was inspired by a family story about his grandfather, a police chief. The book, a gripping crime saga spanning several decades, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and was later adapted into a television miniseries. It launched Woods' career as a novelist, leading to a prolific output of thrillers.
Woods' most famous creation, Stone Barrington, is a former NYPD detective turned high-profile lawyer who navigates elite circles while solving crimes. The series became a bestseller and remained a staple of his career, often featuring crossover characters from his other books, such as CIA operative Holly Barker and defense lawyer Ed Eagle.
Beyond writing, Woods was an experienced pilot and yachtsman. He maintained homes in Florida, Maine, and New Mexico, where he lived with his wife and their Labrador, Fred. His literary career spanned decades, with dozens of bestsellers to his name.
His debut novel, Chiefs, was inspired by a family story about his grandfather, a police chief. The book, a gripping crime saga spanning several decades, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and was later adapted into a television miniseries. It launched Woods' career as a novelist, leading to a prolific output of thrillers.
Woods' most famous creation, Stone Barrington, is a former NYPD detective turned high-profile lawyer who navigates elite circles while solving crimes. The series became a bestseller and remained a staple of his career, often featuring crossover characters from his other books, such as CIA operative Holly Barker and defense lawyer Ed Eagle.
Beyond writing, Woods was an experienced pilot and yachtsman. He maintained homes in Florida, Maine, and New Mexico, where he lived with his wife and their Labrador, Fred. His literary career spanned decades, with dozens of bestsellers to his name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 471 reviews
March 30, 2024
This is the Teddy Fay series. The first book in the series. Because I messed up so badly, by reading this series out of order, I am back again with this one. For anyone following me, I read the 6th book first � Obsession. And in that review, I mentioned I would go ahead and read the first book. So, here I am. Doing what I promised to do.
The question is, was the experience worth it?
Well, this book answered the back story on Teddy Fay. And for anyone interested in following any series, in which this person is the star of the series, this is always important to know who that person truly is. Always read the first book first.
And, in Woods/Parnell Hall typical fashion, the story moved at a quick, fast pace with short chapters and action-packed suspense.
But it didn’t take long for me to be stopped in my tracks when the reason that Teddy Fay was brought on scene was the same reason in the book, Obsession. A kidnapping. What? You couldn’t come up with something more creative?
Now granted this was the first book. And this was a different co-author than the one who wrote Obsession. So now having read both, who was at fault here? I would say that Mr. Battles the author for Book 6 wasn’t paying attention.
Now, in all fairness, if I hadn’t read this book out-of-order, would this have been an issue for me? Let’s pack this thought away for a moment and move on.
The difference I am feeling about this book is the political intrigue. And this is where this first novel shines and sparkles.
Published in 2016 when civility was once the central language of Washington DC and bipartisanship was a goal, the question for readers might be about the central theme of a kidnapping plot.
Why did it happen to an important government figure’s family member? Did the kidnappers believe it would spark government officials to be reminded that this was what was needed to make government work effectively, especially on behalf of veterans? And why this veteran’s aid bill specifically? And, who was behind this kidnapping? Will this be easy for readers to figure out?
So many questions. So many twists.
And even if readers are getting a glimpse of who might be doing this � is the why they are doing it, really all that obvious? Just know this�
Nothing is as it seems.
And that is what makes this page-turner so compelling.
Teddy Fay. Quite the smooth operator, indeed.
The question is, was the experience worth it?
Well, this book answered the back story on Teddy Fay. And for anyone interested in following any series, in which this person is the star of the series, this is always important to know who that person truly is. Always read the first book first.
And, in Woods/Parnell Hall typical fashion, the story moved at a quick, fast pace with short chapters and action-packed suspense.
But it didn’t take long for me to be stopped in my tracks when the reason that Teddy Fay was brought on scene was the same reason in the book, Obsession. A kidnapping. What? You couldn’t come up with something more creative?
Now granted this was the first book. And this was a different co-author than the one who wrote Obsession. So now having read both, who was at fault here? I would say that Mr. Battles the author for Book 6 wasn’t paying attention.
Now, in all fairness, if I hadn’t read this book out-of-order, would this have been an issue for me? Let’s pack this thought away for a moment and move on.
The difference I am feeling about this book is the political intrigue. And this is where this first novel shines and sparkles.
Published in 2016 when civility was once the central language of Washington DC and bipartisanship was a goal, the question for readers might be about the central theme of a kidnapping plot.
Why did it happen to an important government figure’s family member? Did the kidnappers believe it would spark government officials to be reminded that this was what was needed to make government work effectively, especially on behalf of veterans? And why this veteran’s aid bill specifically? And, who was behind this kidnapping? Will this be easy for readers to figure out?
So many questions. So many twists.
And even if readers are getting a glimpse of who might be doing this � is the why they are doing it, really all that obvious? Just know this�
Nothing is as it seems.
And that is what makes this page-turner so compelling.
Teddy Fay. Quite the smooth operator, indeed.
August 13, 2016
Being a bit tired of the repetitive Stone Barrington books, I was pleased to read something new -- a story focused on former CIA assassin, Teddy Fay. Stone is asked by President Kathy Lee to help rescue the kidnapped daughter of the Republican Speaker of the House, without resorting to normal FBI or CIA personnel. Knowing he needs help, Stone asks producer Billy Barnett (Fay) to help. Then anther Republican Congressman is killed by a sniper and Teddy figures out that there is a more complicated agenda. An interesting mixture of American thugs, mysterious Middle East men, and governmental moles make for good drama. Teddy Fay's former exploits in the Barrington series make him a good character for his own series, especially his relationships in the top ranks of national intelligence agencies. Good thrill ride, at least for me.
August 25, 2016
Yea! Teddy Fay. Teddy don't take no mess. A good guy, gone bad, gone good and in the margins. You don't want to make Teddy's day. 8 of 10 Stars
August 19, 2016
Wow this book was so good. It was a fun read! I can't wait for the next one.
August 8, 2016
Stellar teaming makes for rare excitement in Smooth Operator. First outstanding team was that of Stuart Woods and Parnell Hall. While most are familiar with the work Woods does his co-author Hall is best known in the mystery community and as President of the Private Eye Writers of America. Together they’ve crafted a topnotch thriller.
Second outstanding team is that of fictional Stone Barrington and Teddy Fay, a former CIA agent who is quite adept at disguises and overlooking laws when it comes to achieving his goals. Those two as is found in Smooth Operator are up to any challenge.
We first find Stone cruising on his yacht on the Hudson River - he deserves it after all he’s been through! However his peace and quiet are interrupted when he receives an urgent request to attend a state dinner in Washington, D.C. Somewhere during the first course he’s called away to meet with President Kate Lee, a Democrat, and Congressman Charles Blaine, a Republican and Speaker of the House.
Blaine’s daughter has been kidnapped and will be killed unless Blaine changes his vote on an important bill and convinces his allies in the House to go along with him. Stone immediately recognizes that this an extremely sensitive problem and calls in Teddy Fay for some assistance. Now, there are countless folks who would like to see Fay dead but he’s willing to go out in the open to help Stone. Not a good choice? Before he knows it Fay is awash in phony leads, bodies, and those who would seek vengeance on him and his family.
Non-stop action and surprises aplenty.
October 27, 2020
Smooth Operator may be one of Stuart Woods best. The usual characters are great and the bad guys are interesting and very bad. I would recommend this new series to anyone who enjoys will written mysteries. Enjoy reading 2019
March 29, 2024
Smooth Operator is book one in the new series by Stuart Wood, and Parnell Hall called Teddy Fay. Stone Barrington was fishing with a friend when President Kate Lee called him to attend Washington urgently. However, when Stone Barrington found out about the situation, he knew the best man for the job, ex-CIA agent Teddy Fay. The readers of Smooth Operator will go on a roller coaster ride with Teddy Fay and Stone Barrington to discover what happens.
Smooth Operator was the first book I read by Stuart Wood and Parnell Hall. I engaged with the story and the characters from the first page. I like the story's fast pace, which ensures I keep engaged with the characters of this book. I love Stuart Wood and Parnell Hall's portrayal of their characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Smooth Operator is well-written and researched by Stuart Wood and Parnell Hall. I like Stuart Wood and Parnell Hall's description of Smooth Operator's settings, which complemented the book's plot.
The readers of Smooth Operator will understand political corporations and their consequences for everyone involved. They will also learn about being a movie director.
I recommend this book.
Smooth Operator was the first book I read by Stuart Wood and Parnell Hall. I engaged with the story and the characters from the first page. I like the story's fast pace, which ensures I keep engaged with the characters of this book. I love Stuart Wood and Parnell Hall's portrayal of their characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Smooth Operator is well-written and researched by Stuart Wood and Parnell Hall. I like Stuart Wood and Parnell Hall's description of Smooth Operator's settings, which complemented the book's plot.
The readers of Smooth Operator will understand political corporations and their consequences for everyone involved. They will also learn about being a movie director.
I recommend this book.
November 23, 2016
OK, so Woods has taken on a writing partner to start a new series. The style is consistent with earlier Barrington novels, but a tad less terse. The players are familiar and in character. There is one obligatory sophomoric sex scene, but blessedly brief. The plot unrolls through a lot of action against unknown parties whose motivation is murky. Much of the action borders on the unbelievable, as is to be expected in this kind of thriller, but with one exception it does not interfere with the reader's pleasure. It all ties up neatly at the end.
June 27, 2021
I had been reading the Stone Barrington books until I decided to put them aside, when I saw that Woods had another series out. I decided to give the book a read without know much about it. I was a little put out when I realised Stone was the book, but I decided to push on and read the book. I am extremely happy that I did. Stone is not in the book much and Teddy is an amazing character. Ex CIA, master of disguise and extremely witty when the mood strikes him.
The story itself was rather good, even if it was a little transparent at times. There is plenty of action and intrigue and a body count you could not jump over. It was a really quick read and given how much liked Teddy I will read the next one,
The story itself was rather good, even if it was a little transparent at times. There is plenty of action and intrigue and a body count you could not jump over. It was a really quick read and given how much liked Teddy I will read the next one,
September 15, 2016
I received a copy of this novel from net galley for a honest review so here goes..
Let me be very honest I am a huge Stuart Woods fan! I have been reading his stuff for what feels like forever and when I saw that this novel I was so pumped! I was on the hold list at my local library for Dishonorable Intentions so I waited to get that one before I started this one just in case a cross over or that one ended in a cliff hanger. That being said I was pumped that this novel focused on Teddy Fahy aka Bill Barnett who I loved from his appearance in these amazing novels. I loved that Stuart Woods gives his readers tidbits about past lead characters in this novel that was packed with the whole gang and did not disappoint at all.
Sorry so here is what this novel is about I get sidetracked cause this author is one of my all time favorites if you can not tell. So this novel starts off with Stone on a boat about to put lotion on his female companions back when the coast guard approaches with Dino at the helm informing Stone that he is needed by Katherine Lee the president at a state dinner. In route he shot at and the excite begins the president informs him of a delicate situation that involves the speaker of the house's daughter being kidnapped and that it needs to be handled quietly so he calls Teddy Fahy aka Billy Brarnett to handle the case. From the minute Billy agrees to help Stone mayhem breaks loose. I will not ruin the book for you by giving a play by play of what happen but I will tell you this never mess with Teddy or his family. This new novel series has so much going it for it with Stone, Katherine Rule, Holly Barker that all his fans will be excited to read this amazing series. I personally can not wait to see what he does with Teddy aka Billy Barnett next.
Let me be very honest I am a huge Stuart Woods fan! I have been reading his stuff for what feels like forever and when I saw that this novel I was so pumped! I was on the hold list at my local library for Dishonorable Intentions so I waited to get that one before I started this one just in case a cross over or that one ended in a cliff hanger. That being said I was pumped that this novel focused on Teddy Fahy aka Bill Barnett who I loved from his appearance in these amazing novels. I loved that Stuart Woods gives his readers tidbits about past lead characters in this novel that was packed with the whole gang and did not disappoint at all.
Sorry so here is what this novel is about I get sidetracked cause this author is one of my all time favorites if you can not tell. So this novel starts off with Stone on a boat about to put lotion on his female companions back when the coast guard approaches with Dino at the helm informing Stone that he is needed by Katherine Lee the president at a state dinner. In route he shot at and the excite begins the president informs him of a delicate situation that involves the speaker of the house's daughter being kidnapped and that it needs to be handled quietly so he calls Teddy Fahy aka Billy Brarnett to handle the case. From the minute Billy agrees to help Stone mayhem breaks loose. I will not ruin the book for you by giving a play by play of what happen but I will tell you this never mess with Teddy or his family. This new novel series has so much going it for it with Stone, Katherine Rule, Holly Barker that all his fans will be excited to read this amazing series. I personally can not wait to see what he does with Teddy aka Billy Barnett next.
July 27, 2016
4.5 stars. Former CIA operative Teddy Fay is now Billy Barnett who works at Centurion Studios with Stone Barrington's son Peter. He was once of the best agents the CIA ever had and he is still the best at what he does. The Speaker of the House's daughter has been kidnapped and will be killed unless a bill passes Congress. The police cannot be involved and very few people other than the President can find out about this kidnapping. Teddy Fay must come out of retirement to find the girl and he will have to leave quite a few bodies in his wake.
Although Stone Barrington is an auxiliary character in this book, most of the action deals with Teddy Fay and his interaction with many of the other characters in Stuart Woods' books. I thought this book was far superior to the last half dozen of the Stone Barrington novels. There was actually some meat in this story. Teddy Fay is lethal!
Although Stone Barrington is an auxiliary character in this book, most of the action deals with Teddy Fay and his interaction with many of the other characters in Stuart Woods' books. I thought this book was far superior to the last half dozen of the Stone Barrington novels. There was actually some meat in this story. Teddy Fay is lethal!
June 14, 2019
This was my first Teddy Fay book but not my first book by Stuart Woods. I think Woods nailed this. Much better read than, for example a lot of his Stone Barrington books where the concentration seems to always be more on Stone's female conquests. Teddy Fay, if you've time, give this book a go, I know I'll be reading the second one in the series.
December 2, 2016
The way Stuart Woods co-mingles many of his "main" characters makes for intriguing story lines but often confusing as to how they all fit together. I did think this story had a great plot and the ending definitely gives the story a "star" boost! 6 out of 10.
December 10, 2016
Teddy Fey is back! Stone Barrington needs help on case he has in D.C. Very entertaining and enjoyable! Stuart Woods as his best.
November 19, 2024
November 2024. A fun read!
2023 Teddy Fay saves the day. Don’t miss it he final pages.
February 2023. Still love the clever ending!
November 2022. LP. Great ending!! B
June 2020 Socket gave me this book on 6-10-2020.
June 2020 Socfket gave me new book for b day. still a fav.
Dec 2018. Read while post surgery. couldn't have been a better choice for someone on pain meds. There was one line on page 132 that I liked a lot: To set the set, Paul set the scene, Paul said, "You're crazy. You're out of your mind." Teddy replied: " Nonesense. Three psych evaluations cleared me. to return to work." PRICELESS!!!!!!!! Teddy's chutzpah is so charming!. As someone now over 70, I appreciate the disguise Teddy chose as an elderly gent who totally became underestimated by the bad guy.
Feb 2018 What I said1 1/2 years ago, Agree with today!!!
Aug 2016 - This was a 12 hour read - too fast, actually.
Not my favorite Woods but Teddy Fay is my favorite socio-path.
It seems, from some reviews, one either loves Woods stories or one doesn't.
I'm in the love category but I see the changes in the last few years of less than stellar
writing and content usually more sexual than in the beginning. This time Stone was
downright chaste (sort of) and wasn't a central figure.
I'll keep reading Woods stories as long as he and his friends keep popping them out. Thanks!
2023 Teddy Fay saves the day. Don’t miss it he final pages.
February 2023. Still love the clever ending!
November 2022. LP. Great ending!! B
June 2020 Socket gave me this book on 6-10-2020.
June 2020 Socfket gave me new book for b day. still a fav.
Dec 2018. Read while post surgery. couldn't have been a better choice for someone on pain meds. There was one line on page 132 that I liked a lot: To set the set, Paul set the scene, Paul said, "You're crazy. You're out of your mind." Teddy replied: " Nonesense. Three psych evaluations cleared me. to return to work." PRICELESS!!!!!!!! Teddy's chutzpah is so charming!. As someone now over 70, I appreciate the disguise Teddy chose as an elderly gent who totally became underestimated by the bad guy.
Feb 2018 What I said1 1/2 years ago, Agree with today!!!
Aug 2016 - This was a 12 hour read - too fast, actually.
Not my favorite Woods but Teddy Fay is my favorite socio-path.
It seems, from some reviews, one either loves Woods stories or one doesn't.
I'm in the love category but I see the changes in the last few years of less than stellar
writing and content usually more sexual than in the beginning. This time Stone was
downright chaste (sort of) and wasn't a central figure.
I'll keep reading Woods stories as long as he and his friends keep popping them out. Thanks!
August 17, 2016
(1 1/2) More literary comfort food from Stuart Woods. Teddy Fay has been a terrific side character for Stone Barrington and company for many years. He certainly makes a better leading man than Woods's expansion of Ed Eagle. This story is convoluted as it can be, with more wiggles than a hula hoop contest. The chapters are vintage Robert B. Parker Spenser style, frequently 3-5 pages each. It is a voyage that will take 2-4 hours max. Enjoy the ride!
September 12, 2016
I have enjoyed Teddy Faye/Billy Barnett's appearance in Woods Stone Barrington books, so I was excited to read this one. But my eagerness faded. This is a political thriller, and a rather incredulous one at that. Anyone who has read a previous Will and Kate Lee book and knows Woods political leanings will know how it ends.
Read
February 1, 2017Fast, exciting, and exquisitely timed political thriller with a protagonist perfectly suited for his amorphous task, whatever that may be. Teddy Fay is a man for all political seasons and needs. He answers to his own set of higher values. This book is a lot of fun as long as you enjoy your thrills with a bit of a dark side. Once you start this book you won't be able to stop.
-Suzanne R.
-Suzanne R.
August 1, 2017
I've always liked the character of Teddy Fay and this was a slam dunk. Called back into covert action by Stone Barrington on one of those "need to know only" gigs, he's methodical and logical and, with a little help from some well placed people gets the job done... and then some. Thoroughly enjoyed it; straight and to the point, only took a few days to get through.
March 24, 2019
Plot and results were too predictable with stereotypical private eyes. Two stars rather than one as still wanted to know what happened.
October 4, 2020
I've read another Stuart Woods this year and by mistake I came across this novel in a second hand bookshop. I really liked the hardcover (in Romania, we don't have this kind of beautiful books or if we have them, they don't look as good) and decided to get the book without reading the blurb. In the end, I had a good experience with one of Stuart's Woods book and the purchase was like a dollar (I know good bookshops).
Though I found the plot a bit too much and I'm not really interested by American politics, I was hooked by the pace of the book. Stuart Woods knows how to make reader turn the page even though he is not a great prose stylist, nor the vocabulary used is something special. I'm rating this four stars because it's delivering what it promised: it's fast-paced, unpretentious page-turner.
Though I found the plot a bit too much and I'm not really interested by American politics, I was hooked by the pace of the book. Stuart Woods knows how to make reader turn the page even though he is not a great prose stylist, nor the vocabulary used is something special. I'm rating this four stars because it's delivering what it promised: it's fast-paced, unpretentious page-turner.
July 31, 2020
Oh yeah, really formulaic, but Stuart Woods has been entertaining me with his many different series for years since his 1st hit "Chiefs." in 1981..."Smooth Operator" is the 1st of the Teddy Fay series, the CIA specialist, that targeted corrupt politicians in many earlier novels...He has been pardoned and is now a Hollywood producer that comes to the aid of his new friends in government...In "Smooth Operator," Teddy comes to DC to help solve the kidnapping of the Speaker of the House's daughter...The usual!
December 8, 2022
The speaker of the house's daughter is kidnapped..... the craziness begins.
August 7, 2016
Galloping Galoshes! Why haven't I gotten back to Stuart Woods' books sooner? They always entertain and take you on a suspenseful run through the underworld. Over time I drifted away from my tried and true favorite authors to sample debut authors and different genres.
Thanks to "Read It First" and Penguin Random House I was offered a chance to read Smooth Operator prior to publication. It felt like I had run into an old friend at the supermarket! The kind of friend where it may have been years since you saw each other but you just pick up conversation like it was yesterday.
Smooth Operator begins a new series featuring Stone Barrington's friend, Teddy Faye. Much like Clancy's Jack Ryan or Ian Fleming's James Bond, Teddy Faye is a master at lethal force and one man wrecking ball. A former CIA agent, Faye "could disguise himself as anyone" and appear as a distinguished head of state or a bumbling investigator like Colombo. Before leaving the CIA, he eliminated any trace of his existence. "For all intents and purposes, Teddy Faye had ceased to exist." And he preferred it that way.
When the college-aged daughter of the Speaker of the House is kidnapped, Faye's status as a phantom agent makes him the perfect person to unravel this unfathomable mystery. As he threads his way through the waste waters of the criminal world to save the girl, the mystery deepens, the US Congress is threatened and bullets fly.
What can you say about a good cheesy story that has you flipping pages? There are weaknesses. If you haven't read previous Stuart Woods books you might not understand the much beloved friendships between fan favorite characters appearing here to help introduce Teddy Faye to the world of "secret agent man". Personally I am willing to suspend judgement on the somewhat thin plot lines and the tendency for the story to bog down in places. Can't wait for the next book! Just met the guy. Have to give him a chance to get up to speed.
Thanks to "Read It First" and Penguin Random House I was offered a chance to read Smooth Operator prior to publication. It felt like I had run into an old friend at the supermarket! The kind of friend where it may have been years since you saw each other but you just pick up conversation like it was yesterday.
Smooth Operator begins a new series featuring Stone Barrington's friend, Teddy Faye. Much like Clancy's Jack Ryan or Ian Fleming's James Bond, Teddy Faye is a master at lethal force and one man wrecking ball. A former CIA agent, Faye "could disguise himself as anyone" and appear as a distinguished head of state or a bumbling investigator like Colombo. Before leaving the CIA, he eliminated any trace of his existence. "For all intents and purposes, Teddy Faye had ceased to exist." And he preferred it that way.
When the college-aged daughter of the Speaker of the House is kidnapped, Faye's status as a phantom agent makes him the perfect person to unravel this unfathomable mystery. As he threads his way through the waste waters of the criminal world to save the girl, the mystery deepens, the US Congress is threatened and bullets fly.
What can you say about a good cheesy story that has you flipping pages? There are weaknesses. If you haven't read previous Stuart Woods books you might not understand the much beloved friendships between fan favorite characters appearing here to help introduce Teddy Faye to the world of "secret agent man". Personally I am willing to suspend judgement on the somewhat thin plot lines and the tendency for the story to bog down in places. Can't wait for the next book! Just met the guy. Have to give him a chance to get up to speed.
August 15, 2016
Smooth Operator by Stuart Woods
Teddy Fay series Book # 1
4.5â˜�'²õ
From The Book:
When President Kate Lee calls Stone Barrington to Washington on an urgent matter, it’s soon clear that a potentially disastrous situation requires the kind of help more delicate than even he can provide... and he knows just the right man for the job. Teddy Fay: ex-CIA, master of disguise, and a gentleman not known for abiding by legal niceties in the pursuit of his own brand of justice.
My Thoughts:
Teddy Fay is one of the most fascinating characters that Stuart Woods has ever imagined. He has appeared at some point in all of the Stone Barrington, Holly Barker, Will Lee and Ed Eagle books and brought a touch of adventure, excitement and intrigue to what was already a good story. Teddy rides the fence between being a good guy and a bad guy...dispensing, when called upon...his own brand of justice. I thought from the very first time I met him in a Stone Barrington book that this character should have his very own series. If Teddy's book #1 is any indication Mr. Woods has an automatic hit on his hands. I just hope that he will continue along the lines that he has written in Smooth Operator and doesn't feel that it is necessary to turn this amazingly wonderful character into a sex crazed manic as he has some of his others. I will have to say that he has toned down the hormones in his other characters in the last couple of books. Great beginning Mr. Woods and thank you.
Teddy Fay series Book # 1
4.5â˜�'²õ
From The Book:
When President Kate Lee calls Stone Barrington to Washington on an urgent matter, it’s soon clear that a potentially disastrous situation requires the kind of help more delicate than even he can provide... and he knows just the right man for the job. Teddy Fay: ex-CIA, master of disguise, and a gentleman not known for abiding by legal niceties in the pursuit of his own brand of justice.
My Thoughts:
Teddy Fay is one of the most fascinating characters that Stuart Woods has ever imagined. He has appeared at some point in all of the Stone Barrington, Holly Barker, Will Lee and Ed Eagle books and brought a touch of adventure, excitement and intrigue to what was already a good story. Teddy rides the fence between being a good guy and a bad guy...dispensing, when called upon...his own brand of justice. I thought from the very first time I met him in a Stone Barrington book that this character should have his very own series. If Teddy's book #1 is any indication Mr. Woods has an automatic hit on his hands. I just hope that he will continue along the lines that he has written in Smooth Operator and doesn't feel that it is necessary to turn this amazingly wonderful character into a sex crazed manic as he has some of his others. I will have to say that he has toned down the hormones in his other characters in the last couple of books. Great beginning Mr. Woods and thank you.
July 21, 2016
Kidnapping, Murder, Mayhem, Terrorist, Political Intrigue
are all wrapped together to build this story.
Stone Barrington is called to the White House by the
President of the United States. He is requested to aide in
a covert activity of finding the kidnapped daughter of the
Speaker of the House. The Speaker has been instructed to
vote for a bill in return for his daughter return. The Speaker
was instructed to not go to any authorities or his daughter
would die.
Stone know just the man to find the daughter quietly
without a trace. He places a call to Teddy Fay, an ex-CIA
agent now living under the name Bill Barnes.
Teddy is a ruthless man, a master of disguise and able to
get into computer servers, trace phone calls and phone
conversations with the right equipment. He knows where
to go access what he needs. He has no qualms taking any
action needed to right a situation.
The story is uniquely different with an engaging, utterly
unpredictable plot with thrills, chills plus twists and turns
that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Characters are well developed, vivid, very realistic and very
interesting. The tension was thick with plenty of suspense,
drama, vivid description and captivating writing.
Looking forward to the next Teddy Fay book.
Thank you to Penguin First To Read for this eBook.
My opinion is my own
are all wrapped together to build this story.
Stone Barrington is called to the White House by the
President of the United States. He is requested to aide in
a covert activity of finding the kidnapped daughter of the
Speaker of the House. The Speaker has been instructed to
vote for a bill in return for his daughter return. The Speaker
was instructed to not go to any authorities or his daughter
would die.
Stone know just the man to find the daughter quietly
without a trace. He places a call to Teddy Fay, an ex-CIA
agent now living under the name Bill Barnes.
Teddy is a ruthless man, a master of disguise and able to
get into computer servers, trace phone calls and phone
conversations with the right equipment. He knows where
to go access what he needs. He has no qualms taking any
action needed to right a situation.
The story is uniquely different with an engaging, utterly
unpredictable plot with thrills, chills plus twists and turns
that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Characters are well developed, vivid, very realistic and very
interesting. The tension was thick with plenty of suspense,
drama, vivid description and captivating writing.
Looking forward to the next Teddy Fay book.
Thank you to Penguin First To Read for this eBook.
My opinion is my own
August 12, 2016
More of his left wing nonsense
Don't know why I read them
Don't know why I read them
September 15, 2018
This is about a 3.75. I love the Teddy Faye character, but I didn’t love the story. The ending was good though.
September 25, 2020
AUTHOR Woods, Stuart & Hall, Parnell
TITLE Smooth Operator
DATE READ 09/22/20
RATING 3.5/C+
FIRST SENTENCE
GENRE/ PUB DATE/PUBLISHER / # OF Crime Fiction/2016/Library audio/6 CD's
SERIES/STAND-ALONE #1 Teddy Fay
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2020 Reading Goal 165/120;
GROUP READ
TIME/PLACE 2015/Washington DC
CHARACTERS Teddy Fay/former CIA; Stone Barrington/attorney
COMMENTS It has been an intentionally long time since I read a book by Stuart Woods. I loved his early books and still remember how great Chiefs was, however, the Stone Barrington books really went down hill for me and stopped reading. When I read Parnell Hall co-wrote some books, I thought why not give it a chance. I was disappointed to find Stone Barrington appearing, but fortunately in low dosage so he was tolerable but still unlikeable. Teddy Fay is a former CIA, very under the radar working most of the time for Barrington's son out CA in the film industry, when not on a special secret assignment. When Barrington gets called by the president for assistance in a very covert venture � he knows just the person to do the job � Teddy Fay. Tony Roberts, the narrator, is good at giving the right tone to this book
TITLE Smooth Operator
DATE READ 09/22/20
RATING 3.5/C+
FIRST SENTENCE
GENRE/ PUB DATE/PUBLISHER / # OF Crime Fiction/2016/Library audio/6 CD's
SERIES/STAND-ALONE #1 Teddy Fay
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2020 Reading Goal 165/120;
GROUP READ
TIME/PLACE 2015/Washington DC
CHARACTERS Teddy Fay/former CIA; Stone Barrington/attorney
COMMENTS It has been an intentionally long time since I read a book by Stuart Woods. I loved his early books and still remember how great Chiefs was, however, the Stone Barrington books really went down hill for me and stopped reading. When I read Parnell Hall co-wrote some books, I thought why not give it a chance. I was disappointed to find Stone Barrington appearing, but fortunately in low dosage so he was tolerable but still unlikeable. Teddy Fay is a former CIA, very under the radar working most of the time for Barrington's son out CA in the film industry, when not on a special secret assignment. When Barrington gets called by the president for assistance in a very covert venture � he knows just the person to do the job � Teddy Fay. Tony Roberts, the narrator, is good at giving the right tone to this book
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