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Rick Barron, a sharp, capable detective on the Beverly Hills force, finds himself demoted after a run-in with a superior officer, but he soon lands a job other cops only dream about: the security detail for Centurion Pictures, one of the hottest studios in the midst of Hollywood's golden age of the late 1930s. As the protector of the studio's interests, Barron looks after the elite of filmdom's stars - among them Clete Barrow, a British leading man with a penchant for parties, and Glenna Gleason, a peach of a talent on the verge of stardom." Rick's easy charm has society columnists dubbing him "the Prince of Beverly Hills," the white knight of movie stars, until he stumbles across a murder cover-up and a blackmail scam that threaten the studio's business and may have origins with some unsavory characters. When two suspicious deaths begin to look like a double murder, and an attempt is made on someone who has become an intimate friend, Barron knows he is up against wise guys whose stakes are nothing less than do-or-die. A dicey war of nerves is on.
Stuart Woods is the author of fifty novels, including the New York Times-bestselling Stone Barrington and Holly Barker series. He is a native of Georgia and began his writing career in the advertising industry. Chiefs, his debut in 1981, won the Edgar Award. An avid sailor and pilot, Woods lives in New York City, Florida, and Maine.
However, despite his best intentions, Woods got sidetracked in Ireland. He was nearly 100 pages into a novel when he discovered the seductive pleasures of sailing. "Everything went to hell," he quips on his web site "All I did was sail." He bought a boat, learned everything he could about celestial navigation, and competed in the Observer Singlehanded Transatlantic Race (OSTAR) in 1976, finishing respectably in the middle of the fleet. (Later, he took part in the infamous Fastnet Race of 1979, a yachting competition that ended tragically when a huge storm claimed the lives of 15 sailors and 4 observers. Woods and his crew emerged unharmed.)
Returning to the U.S., Woods wrote two nonfiction books: an account of his transatlantic sailing adventures (Blue Water, Green Skipper) and a travel guide he claims to have written on a whim. But the book that jump-started his career was the opus interruptus begun in Ireland. An absorbing multigenerational mystery set in a small southern town, Chiefs was published in 1981, went on to win an Edgar Award, and was subsequently turned into a television miniseries starring Charlton Heston.
An amazingly prolific author, Woods has gone on to pen dozens of compelling thrillers, juggling stand-alone novels with installments in four successful series. (His most popular protagonists are New York cop-turned-attorney Stone Barrington, introduced in 1991's New York Dead, and plucky Florida police chief Holly Barker, who debuted in 1998's Orchid Beach.) His pleasing mix of high-octane action, likable characters, and sly, subversive humor has made him a hit with readers -- who have returned the favor by propelling his books to the top of the bestseller lists.
His first job was in advertising at BBDO in New York, and his first assignment was to write ads for CBS-TV shows. He recalls: "They consisted of a drawing of the star and one line of exactly 127 characters, including spaces, and I had to write to that length. It taught me to be concise."
He flies his own airplane, a single-engine turboprop called a Jetprop, and tours the country every year in it, including book tours.
He's a partner in a 1929 motor yacht called Belle and spends two or three weeks a year aboard her.
In 1961-62, Woods spent 10 months in Germany with the National Guard at the height of the Berlin Wall Crisis.
In October and November of 1979, he skippered a friend's yacht back across the Atlantic, with a crew of six, calling at the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands and finishing at Antigua in the Caribbean.
Stuart Woods's new novel is a sexy, action-packed thriller in the tradition of his best. As the Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote about his last novel, Capital Crimes, "Woods knows how to deliver a taut, well-told tale . . . The last two paragraphs will make any reader gulp." In The Prince of Beverly Hills, set in Hollywood's Golden Age of the 1930s, Woods introduces a new character that possesses the kind of suave confidence, take-charge manner, and clever wit-under-pressure that his fans will recognize and love at first sight.
Rick Barron, a sharp, capable detective on the Beverly Hills force, finds himself demoted after a run-in with his captain, but soon lands a job on the security detail for Centurion Pictures, one of the hottest studios. As the protector of the studio's interests, Barron looks after the cream of the crop of filmdom's stars-Clete Barrow, the British leading man with a penchant for parties; and Glenna Gleason, a peach of a talent on the verge of superstardom. Rick's easy charm has society columnists dubbing him "the Prince of Beverly Hills," the white knight of movie stars, until he uncovers a murder cover-up and a blackmail scam that threatens the studio's business and may originate with the West Coast mob. When two suspicious deaths begin to look like double- murder, and an attempt is made on Glenna Gleason's life, Barron knows he is up against wise guys whose stakes are do-or-die. A dicey war of nerves is on.
Set in the era of high style and silver-screen romance, Woods's thoroughly entertaining new crime novel shows us once again why he is a "master of the genre" (Los Angeles Times).
(Continues...)
Excerpted from The Prince of Beverly Hills by Stuart Woods Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Anonymous
Posted October 19, 2004
What better setting for a noir thriller than 1930s Hollywood ? Think Greta Garbo in a slinky long charmeuse gown. Think Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. in navy blazer and impeccable white flannels. Think of all the power plays, machinations, and secret assignations. Who better to read this tale of a tawdry mess in tinseltown than voice actor Guerin Barry? Subtle yet suspenseful is his stock in trade which makes listeners not want to miss a syllable. Beverly Hills detective Rick Barron has smarts, gumption, and a healthy dose of self-esteem. Nonetheless, he's just been demoted. As luck would have it, he's on the scene when top box office draw Clete Barrow is involved in an auto accident. Barron, usually one to think on his feet, pulls Clete away from the scene thus avoiding some nasty publicity. The head of Centurion Pictures is so grateful to Barron that he offers him the job of studio security chief (his predecessor having gone to his eternal reward in a murder/suicide). One dream of a job thinks Barron. All he has to do is keep Barrow sober enough to emote, and look after some local lovelies. Romance blossoms with one of the lovelies and soon the pair are seen about town, and the press is calling Barron 'The Prince of Beverly Hills.' But heavy, heavy is the princely crown when a couple of murders occur. (Even Bugsy Siegal is involved in the dirty deeds). Give a listen to an absorbing tale of crime that needs punishment in La La land. - Gail Cooke
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 30, 2011
This is Stuart Woods' best book yet, and Rick Barron is his most likeable character. I thought I'd read everything Woods had written, but somehow I missed this one and its sequel. After discovering "Prince" three years ago I have read it four times and listened to the audiobook on several driving trips. I never get tired of Rick and the other characters with which Woods populated this novel. He makes them seem very real and with a couple of exceptions (the bad guys), they seem like people you really wish you could know. So, despite the fact that I already have two copies in hardback, and the audiobook, I now find myself at BN buying the Nook version. It is that good.
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Posted November 22, 2009
The Prince of Beverly Hills is a thriller/mystery novel about a cop who recognized a chance to make a lot of money during the 1930s. Rick Barron a cop recently demoted in the department witnessed an accident involving a high profile actor that was drunk. Clete, the actor, was transported by Rick to the studio where he was sobered up and Rick received a high paying security job. His first task was to keep Clete as sober as possible and surprisingly Rick and Clete become extremely close friends. But as the book progresses Rick becomes entangled in a high stake blackmail game. The blackmailer (a city gangster) rapes Centurion Studio's female actors while they are drugged and he forces them to pay so that he doesn't release pictures. Rick ends up outwitting the gangster in the end, but Rick's new girlfriend was severely beaten up by the gangster so Rick takes matters into his own hands and kills the thug. During this time World War II was in progress and Rick decides to escape prosecution so he joins the Air force. Before he left to war however, he learns his close friend Clete was killed in combat while fighting for the British.
The major theme in this book is that Rick was a rather greedy cop who wanted money so he went against what he had been taught to do as a police officer. Although a rogue cop, Rick changes towards the end and when an opportunity arises for him to stay at the studio and continue to make a lot of money he decides to fight for his country in World War II. I really liked the setting of the book because it gave readers a strong sense of being alive during the 1930s and what was happening in Hollywood at the time. I also loved all the action that was involved whether it was a high speed car chase or a brutal fight with a gangster. Yet at the same time a friendship was formed between an unlikely duo that will warm reader's hearts. Although a fantastic novel I disliked the fact that there wasn't really anything that I can take away from the novel. No real theme was shown and I feel like there was no connection from the book to my own life.
After reading this I highly recommend this book. The fast pace action while enthrall all readers as well as a glance at the 1930s era. The journey that Rick Barron undergoes throughout the book makes this an interesting yet thrilling novel as we watch Rick change before our eyes.
Another book that I would recommend to readers is a book by Stuart Woods called Beverley Hills dead. This book is also about Rick Barron who returns to Centurion Studios after the war and again encounters another mystery. It is a great book that continues the life of Rick Barron as a producer after the war.
Overall a great book, 4 star.
Anonymous
Posted July 20, 2006
A great read - loved the time period the storyline took place - a good mystery and being a Hollywood setting, it was also just a 'fun' mystery as well. Hope Woods does another like it.
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Posted October 25, 2005
Stuart Woods is a great author. The Prince of Beverly Hills is the kind of book you can't put down. You always want to continue to see what's going to happen. I would recommend this book to anyone.
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Posted April 12, 2005
Breaking his formulaic mold of Stone Barrington, Woods did an excellent job on 'Prince' in several ways. He did his research. He overlapped real and fictional characters in a way that this 'film noir' type novel keeps you guessing who he is trying to get you to picture. You may not like his novels, but if you do, you are missing a real jewel if you fail to give this a read. He really captures Hollywood circa 1940 in a truly masterful and entertaining way.
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Posted January 18, 2005
If you like books with silly story lines (cop turned movie producer - give me a break), one dimensional, undeveloped characters, and lacking any substance whatsoever then this is the book for you! What a complete waste of time. I read another Woods' book a few years ago and only read this one because it was a gift. The one I read then sucked and this one did too. This will be my last Stuart Woods book!
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Posted November 13, 2004
Sorry Stuart Woods, but you should stick with Stone Barington and not try to be James Ellroy (a la L.A. Confidential)
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Posted December 8, 2004
I have always been a Stuart Woods fan and have enjoyed all the Stone Barrington novels. In these books, Woods never disapoints, with a successful formula of a likable (but flawed) character. In 'The Prince of Beverly Hills' he moves into a period piece that takes the reader back to a time that most of us only know from books or movies. It is thoroughly well researched, while being historically placed just prior to World War II. 'Prince' offers an interesting perspective on Cops, The Mob, and Hollywood in the late 30's, early 40's. This may actually be the first 'Beverly Hills Cop' story! I found 'Prince' quite entertaining and informative, and feel that it is one of Woods'best. Some may suggest that writing about this 'period' of California history belongs to James Elroy, but I think they would be wrong!
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Posted January 9, 2005
Though I was disappointed and reluctant to pick up the Prince of Beverly Hills when I discovered it was not another Stone Barrington novel, I decided to give it a try anyway. A few pages into the story and I was caught up in the atmosphere and time period (the 1930's) and was instantly won over by Rick Barron, the former detective turned protector of a major Hollywood studio. Once again, Stuart Woods has delivered!
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Posted October 28, 2004
I can't believe some fans of Stuart Woods didn't like this book. It is different than his usual present day settings and didn't have the familiar characters, but worth the read. I am never disappointed in Woods' writing and have recommended this book to many. Can't wait for his next book.
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Posted October 21, 2004
I have read all that Stuart Woods has to offer and boy was I let down big time on this one!!!! I kept reading thinking this has to get better but I have been more stunned that his name is actually on the book then the boredom I am feeling while reading it. Must be a very bad ghost writer. If this is your first Woods book do no dispair it is the worst.
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Posted October 19, 2004
I seemed to have missed the boat on this one - it is one of the most boring books I have ever read. I am a great fan of Stuart Woods and have read all of his books, but this one falls quite short of his work. I am almost finished and still haven't figured out the story line. Oh please go back to Stone Barrington.......leave the 1930's in the 1930's.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.After years working as a Beverly Hills detective, Rick Barron is busted down to police officer because he got his captain¿s daughter pregnant. One night he witnesses a traffic accident and recognizes that famous movie star Clete Barrow caused it. He quickly removes the license plates and registration from the vehicle so that no one knows that Clete caused the accident while under the influence of alcohol. On Clete¿s instructions, Rick calls Eddie Harris, a Centurion Studios Executive, who knows the right people to make the mess go away..................................... Eddie is so impressed with Rick¿s handling of the fiasco he offers him a job as head of security. Rick eagerly accepts the position. His first assignment is to baby sit Clete until the film is finished. In the course of his new job, he crosses paths with Rick Stampano who has connections with Bugsy Siegel and Lucky Luciano. Stampano has a habit of beating up and almost killing studio girls; Rick tries to intercede and makes a deadly enemy. In an act of revenge, Stampano beats up Rick¿s fiancée; an incident that must not go unpunished............................. Stuart Woods has written a fantastic stand alone tale that captures the ambience of Hollywood just prior to World War II through tidbits and real notables like Hedda Hopper referring to Rick as THE PRINCE OF BEVERLY HILLS because of his fancy garbs. The antagonist is a nasty person whom today would be considered a stalker for his preying on starlets, but the law cannot touch him since none of the victims want the adverse publicity. This is a rich, complex thriller about Hollywood, home to extortion, blackmail, and murder...................................... Harriet Klausner
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Overview
Rick Barron, a sharp, capable detective on the Beverly Hills force, finds himself demoted after a run-in with a superior officer, but he soon lands a job other cops only dream about: the security detail for Centurion Pictures, one of the hottest studios in the midst of Hollywood's golden age of the late 1930s. As the protector of the studio's interests, Barron looks after the elite of filmdom's stars - among them Clete Barrow, a British leading man with a penchant for parties, and Glenna Gleason, a peach of a ...