Contraband

Contraband – Stuart Woods
Another Stuart Woods book, third this year? Think I read his schedule, his publisher, called for four titles in a year, and at roughly — my guess — 50-60,000 words, each? Go with 150K of his own words and the last novel in that series, so far, is done “in conjunction with” set-up.
The books themselves, the actual product, the book, the tangible asset, it’s a quality binding, holds up to multiple readings, although, despite a long shelf full of these, I doubt I would ever reread one. The serial nature is one that works as advertised, and I enjoy the novels.
Part of it sheer quality craftsmanship. It’s like a cabinet made by an old-school woodworker, nothing fancy, no unnecessary scrolls, no flourished flounces, no stylish and inventive wordplay, but the nuts and bolts of the story itself are solid. Rock solid. Bereft of flash, and maybe that’s why I like it so much. Prose without the highly stylized text and arcane, almost hieroglyphic meanings layered in. Yeah, none of that. Mostly complete sentences, too. No run-ons.
Reading the first chapter, I kept thinking I read that before, and I wonder if it was tagged in to the last digital library one I read, an example of, “The first chapter of the new book, due out in August, see participating dealer for details…”
Gets up, starts strong, and there’s a hint, I was discussing a plot point, and there’s hint that the author could be wrapping up the series. Only been about 50 books thus far, and like I suggested, Hardy Boys for adults, as there are adult beverages, damn near rockstar sex, and fast planes, fast boats, the lifestyles of the rich and politically connected. Kind of cool.
This book has some pacing that I haven’t noticed before, and seems slightly more loping and laconic, while still moving at a brisk pace. In meditative moment, I figure part of the secret is voice.
One word: tightly plotted.
See? I can’t write short enough.
Contraband (A Stone Barrington Novel Book 50)
Contraband – Stuart Woods