I like Stuart Woods’ Holly Barker series. I love his Stone Barrington series (with the possible exception of Two Dollar Bill). But his writing is never breezier, more instant wish-fulfillment than it is when he writes of his character Rick Barton. In The Prince of Beverly Hills, Rick’s first outing, our hero moves up from beat cop to studio security head to motion picture tycoon to war hero and gets the glamor-girl movie star in no time flat– the girl, the gold watch, everything. In this second installment of his story, post WWII Rick helps fight the dragon of cold-war commie hunters, the menacing red scare of the 1940s, when his friend, former New York playwright Sidney Brooks, is subpoenaed by the House Un-American Activities Committee.
That story is almost overridden by the filming of a gritty Western Sid has written and Rick is filming in not-yet-discovered Jackson Hole, WY. It’s a fun ride and while the Oscars pore in, Sid’s life is restored, and Rick’s partner literally buys the ranch. Even in Woods’ world, it’s mystery lite.
Hello Bill,
Just came by to say thanks for your input on my writing! Although I’m not quite sure you mean by punctuating titles – if you mean the title of the post, I just copy out the headlne that was in the newspaper.
You seem to have a clear blog as well, I wish I had more time to read! If I do read, it has to be books for my university course!