I read this fourth book in the Holly Barker series via the audio CD format, which was performed by Carrington Macduffy. In previous installments in this series, both men and women were employed to portray the gender-specific voices of the characters. Going with a woman-only narration is a lot easier to listen to; it didn’t undermine the story. Sometimes narrators try too hard to depict the opposite gender, and it’s distracting. Using one narrator, this narrator in particular, works really well with the characters and the series.So my first question as I listened to the book was “Where was I when all this unfolded?” Some revelations early on in the book came from nowhere. After some research (outside of this book), I figured out that a good portion of the storyline came from books by the author in other series. OK, I love a character from one series visiting the character in another series as much as the next person. But I think if storylines are going to merge between the two series, a little warning should be offered. I haven’t read any of the Stone Barrington series (because the first in the series isn’t on CD at my library, it has slowed me down in getting around to that series). I’m disappointed to learn that some of the characters had already been unveiled in the other series.At any rate, it seems like the people in charge of the different phases of locating the elusive fugitive, Teddy Fay, sure make a lot of mistakes. I’m hardly the expert in “Fugitive Tracking 101,” but it seems like a joke that veteran CIA and FBI agents would need to consult novice agent, Holly Barker. The stealthy Teddy Fay has outsmarted everyone else in both agencies, and Holly’s “beginner’s luck” and her boss employing a fresh pair of eyes really seems outlandish. It’s further absurd to consider Holly is put in charge of a meeting to explain (to veteran agents) their assignment.As for the writing, a lot of the characters don’t speak in a conversational tone; some of them talk like an instruction manual.The overall interesting storyline and the narrator Carrington Macduffy earn this book 2 stars, but trainee agent Holly Barker running circles around veteran CIA operatives coupled with the disappointment of having to research characters outside of this book keep it at two stars. (But following Teddy during target practice was insightful.) The end of this book leaves more to be resolved, but it doesn’t come across as an exciting cliffhanger. It’s a disappointment. There’s one more left in the Holly Barker series, so I hope it’s not as frustrating as this one.
Synopsis: Holly has resigned as Chief of Police, and joined the CIA under Lance Cabot. Holly also has a secret she intends to hide from them as well. She has a secret cache of several million in a numbered account taken from one of her last cases in Orchid Beach.Just weeks into her training at "The Farm" her class is hustled to New York City to track down Teddy Fay, good guy/bad guy villain from the earlier "Capital Crimes" novel. Fay is a rogue CIA agent, and has intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the company. He can make himself appear as anyone he wants, and has unlimited access to the CIA's database. Now Fay is bumping off middle Eastern terrorists in a personal vendetta against "undesirables" that his former employer cannot take on themselves. His exploits escalate to President Will Lee's attention as well as his wife, who is the head of the CIA.Lance Cabot is back as well as Stone Barrinton and pal Dino who make brief cameos, mostly we guess to assure us how red-blooded Holly is as she once again beds Stone. Easily the most entertaining facet of the book is the exploits of the Teddy Fay, who actually takes Holly to the opera without her knowing it! For some reason, you actually find yourself cheering for Teddy, who later slips away unnoticed by anyone. It's not a bad novel, but it could have been alot better. The story almost seemed rushed at times, and in all honesty, Holly, or Stone could have captured Teddy with a little bit more imagination.
What do You think about Iron Orchid (2006)?
Stuart Woods is always a good read. This one was mostly about Holly, even though you get to know Teddy Faye better. I think I read the book after this first. I'd like to go back and re-read because I would know both of these characters better.This book is about a CIA operative, Teddy Faye, who went bad by taking matters into his own hands and becoming an assassin himself. Holly, a new CIA operative, is put on the case to find him. The CIA is not mad at Teddy Faye for killing these "loose ends", but is embarrassed because they can not catch one of their own. This book was intriguing until the end.
—Jessica
Ug, ug, ug. This series had the small town charm and some likable characters. But now Barker's in the CIA. She and her cohorts train for about 5 minutes before they're flung onto a big case to catch a guy who is basically killing the people that the CIA aren't allowed to. That's the basic message they're going for. Woods is trying to make him a sympathetic by having the CIA agree that the people he's killing need to be killed. Are you kidding me? Evidently this guy was in another of Woods series, but this is the series I've started with, so I haven't read anything else. Blah.
—Jenn
Holly displays action without a lot of sex which made for better reading. Surprised at how Holly handled the trainer at camp, excessively more force than necessary. Glad to see the law enforcement agencies getting along somewhat. Liked the Teddy Fay character, his disguises, his planning, hard to hate him. Enjoyed all the characters from the previous books playing a part in the story. Disappointed again that dog Daisy really did not have much to do but walk. Think Teddy will show up again in the series. Amazed that Holly did not succeed completely this time.
—Kshydog
