With the ink barely dry on FOREIGN AFFAIRS, Stuart Woods has penned a new volume in his Stone Barrington series, SCANDALOUS BEHAVIOR. The non-stop action in Stone’s trip to Rome with a dalliance in Paris, coupled with intrigue from Italian mobsters, has left him exhausted. Before flying home to New York, he accepts an invitation from Dame Felicity Devonshire to vacation at her country estate. 

Before Stone has time to unpack and settle in, the MI6 British Intelligence Director guides him into the lavish home and quickly out the door. A short walk ends at dockside where she throttles a motorboat into action. Half a mile downstream, they tie up at a dock with the name Windward Hall. Stone wonders if they are trespassing, but Felicity leads him to the entrance of a large country estate without guile.

Stone is mesmerized by the exterior of the Georgian mansion, set among stately oak trees that enhance its symmetric architecture. He discovers yet another beauty when he is introduced to Susan Blackburn, the well-known English designer who directs the home’s total renovation. Later, Dame Felicity reveals that Stone will meet the owner, Sir Charles Bourne, that evening. The man is gravely ill and will be open to a buyer. The sight of an airfield on the property has Stone thirsting to buy. With a bit of financial and friend finagling, he is quickly the new owner.

"It amazes me how prolific Stuart Woods has become with his Stone Barrington books. Each features a new problem, with new twists but loyal old friends who enter the current melees. Though wealthy and in the company of influential persons, Stone never casts aside true friendship."

However, Stone’s restful repose in the quiet English countryside becomes filled with drama and excitement, through no fault of his own. Susan’s work on the mansion is in line with Stone’s taste, and their friendship revs up with intensity in rapid fashion. The first time they drive back from London and enter his front gate, a surprising scene awaits. A large tent, flanked by two police cars and an ambulance, sits alongside the long driveway inside the front gate. Stone is informed that a neighbor, Sir Richard Curtis, has been found dead in a meadow near the house. The man was murdered with a knife and nearly decapitated. Inspector Holmes (not Sherlock) states that four former British Marine officers reside in the district: Sir Charles Bourne, the dead man, Major Bugg, and Wilfred Burns, a hermit living in a cottage at Windward. Stone is intrigued by the mysterious resumes of these local gentry but finds a personal problem needing attention.

Stone’s son, Peter, along with his business partner, Ben, have produced a documentary film for immediate release about a shady religious cult, the Chosen Few, led by Don Beverly Calhoun, or Dr. Don. A pre-release showing drew protests and angry threats against the producers. Stone is concerned for Peter’s safety and offers him a mini-vacation at Windward. Soon after their arrival, the boys see possibilities for filming a new documentary there, possibly using the Curtis estate as well, if the property is put up for sale. But threats from Dr. Don continue, making all of them subject to terrorist tactics.

Woods adds sufficient backstory from FOREIGN AFFAIRS to make readers comfortable with the changing scene of characters. Some close identities travel to England --- some as merely friends, others as allies in the growing war against Peter and Ben. Stone’s penchant for involvement, along with his willingness to help those he holds dear, makes for a price on his head as well. 

It amazes me how prolific Stuart Woods has become with his Stone Barrington books. Each features a new problem, with new twists but loyal old friends who enter the current melees. Though wealthy and in the company of influential persons, Stone never casts aside true friendship. His character flaws are minor compared to intense endeavors he tries when friends and family are in trouble. He also has the ability to include fast new acquaintances into his friendship stable.

SCANDALOUS BEHAVIOR and the previous installment, FOREIGN AFFAIRS, will make for good reading on a spring break trip. Be certain to bring along both.