Unnatural Acts: A Stone Barrington Novel

The closing of Manhattan’s real-life Elaine’s restaurant kicks off bestseller Woods’s 23rd Stone Barrington novel (after D.C. Dead), in which the usual cast overcome whatever obstacles fate places in their way with an appealing and inspiring insouciance. Barrington, partner in the prestigious law firm Woodman & Weld, plays a mostly subsidiary, advisory role, while once inept and bumbling Herbie Fisher continues his transition to rainmaking senior associate in the same firm. Fisher has numerous new tasks, including dealing with the sociopathic son of a wealthy investor and helping transform a fledgling software company into a major player. Meanwhile, Barrington’s best friend, NYPD Lt. Dino Bacchetti, can’t bring himself to arrest or turn in former assistant FBI director Shelley Bach, who’s both a serial killer and a fantastic lover. Woods’s well-tested formula ensures that the action purrs along fueled by good food, good liquor, good sex, and plenty of wealth. Agent: Anne Sibbald, Janklow & Nesbit. (Apr.)