Collateral Damage & Seeking Short Stories

Welcome to Thoughts. Today’s post is two-fold. First, I have a review of the latest Stuart Woods’ novel to share. Second, author Margot Kinberg is seeking assistance from authors and readers for a wonderful crime fiction project she is undertaking in memory of fellow blogger Maxine Clarke, who passed away in December 2012.

Collateral Damage by Stuart Woods

Stone Barrington is back and teamed with his friend and sometimes lover Holly Barker, assistant director of the CIA.

An explosion at the U.S. Embassy in London finds Stone and Holly on the trial of a terrorist out for revenge. The terroristic attacks move to New York and the threats escalate. The closer they get to finding the terrorist, the closer they come to being the next target.

Narrator Tony Roberts does an excellent job bringing the characters to life. His vocalization gives distinct voices to Stone, Holly, Dino, and the others. I can’t image Stone sounding any other way.

Author Stuart Woods has developed Stone Barrington into an intrigue protagonist over the years. He doubles the fun when he adds his protagonist from another series, Holly Barker, to the mix. The two protagonists make a fun couple to follow with a mix of romance, suspense, and excitement.

COLLATERAL DAMAGE begins a bit slow, but steady. There are references to a prior story, but enough background is given so new readers/listeners aren’t lost. As the story continues, the excitement and adrenaline begins to build. By the end Woods has readers holding their breath waiting to see who will be standing when the dust settles after the last explosion. 

A good addition to the Stone Barrington and Holly Barker collection.

Author Stuart Woods’ website is www.stuartwoods.com
  
Collateral Damage by Stuart Woods, A Stone Barrington Novel (#25), Read by Tony Roberts, Penguin Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1611761405, Unabridged, 6 Discs, Listening Time: 7 Hours

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
Calling on Authors, Readers…

Confessions of a Mystery Novelist...header

Margot, who blogs at Confessions of a Mystery Novelist…, is putting together a crime fiction short story anthology. She is doing this in tribute to the late Maxine Clarke, an avid reader and strong supporter of crime fiction and crime writers. 

Maxine had encouraged Margot to have your protagonist, Joel Williams, solve the murder of a publisher, editor or reviewer. In keeping with this idea, Margot plans to have the short story collection focus on the world of writing, publishing and editing.

Margot noted that “any proceeds from this collection will be donated to the Princess Alice Hospice, which was so supportive of Maxine and her family during her last days and weeks.”

Here’s what Margot is seeking from fellow authors: 

    If you’re an author, please consider contributing a story for this collection. Maxine supported us all, so let’s return the favour. Here are a few things I have in mind to help you decide whether you’d like to be a part of this:
     1. The stories will all focus on crime in the world of editing, publishing, writing and/or reviewing. Feel free to explore that theme in your own way. Stories about fiction writing, non-fiction writing, research or academic writing are all fair game.
    2. Please, no stories with excessive gore or violence against children or animals.
    3. I’m hoping that the anthology would be ready by the end of this year for e-publication. So if you’re interested I’d ask that you’d be prepared to contribute your story by the first week of August.
    4. If you already have a story that hasn’t been published elsewhere, feel free to contribute that. 
 
If you are a reader and would like to participate, Margot suggests the following: 

    Not an author but still think this project is a good idea? Thanks :-)  Please help me spread the word about it and let potential contributors know about the project. We all have connections, and I’d appreciate your using yours. You can talk to authors you know, spread the word on your blog and other social network sites and, well, you know the drill.
  
Anyone having questions about this project can contact Margot by email at margotkinberg(at)gmail(dot)com. Also be sure to check out her wonderful blog, Confessions of a Mystery Novelist..., for additional information on this project and the lovely Maxine, whose passing leaves a vast void in the crime fiction world.

On a personal note…if you don’t already follow Margot’s blog, I would highly recommend it. Her posts are both insightful and entertaining. She provides unique looks at the world of crime fiction. She presents thought-provoking posts that will have you considering new possibilities for days. 

Thanks so much for joining me today. I hope I’ve caught your interest with the latest Stone Barrington novel. In addition, I hope you’ll drop by Margot’s and participate in her enduring tribute to Maxine.

BTW, author P.J. Parrish was scheduled to visit with us today but was unable to do so. Hopefully we’ll be able to reschedule the visit for a later date.