Paris Match

Edgar-winner Woods’s intriguing 31st Stone Barrington novel (after Cut and Thrust) takes the New York City attorney to Paris for the opening of his new hotel, l’Arrington. Stone leaves behind his love, Ann Keaton, to manage the campaign of the first-ever pregnant presidential candidate, their mutual friend, Kate Lee, the wife of exiting President Will Lee. In the City of Light, Stone finds himself the prey of a former enemy, making his sojourn there as terrifying an experience as it is a pleasurable wining-and-dining one. And Stone being Stone, he’s not without women for long. There’s Mirabelle Chance, a couture designer, and Stone’s on-and-off lady friend, Holly Barker, offering her very special personal touch as well as her procedural CIA support. As always, Woods’s knack for natural, nimble dialogue moves the plot along as Stone fights for his business interests, his reputation, and even his life. Agent: Anne Sibbald, Janklow & Nesbit. (Oct.)