I don't remember reading anything by Stuart Woods before (a friend gave me the book). There was a lot I liked about Santa Fe Dead. Lots of jet setting around California and New Mexico and several tense moments. Stuart Woods is a master storyteller with lots of twists and turns in the story. Although this wasn't the first book in the series, I didn't find it necessary to read the others first.
Ed Eagle finds the tables turned when he testifies as a witness for the prosecution in the trial of his ex-wife, Barbara Eagle, who has been a very, very bad girl.
The trial ends in a way Ed had not anticipated, and Barbara is still in a position to make his life and that of others, a living hell.
With private detectives, hit men, double crosses and billion-dollar-bank accounts involved, Ed calls in every favor and follows every lead, no matter where they take him. From the posh resorts of desert California and the lush wine country of Napa, to the New Mexico high country and the seedy hotels of Tijuana, Ed Eagle won’t rest until he’s discovered the truth about what Barbara is up to - and settled the score.
One thing that did discourage me from reading more of Stuart Woods books is his arrogant notes to the reader at the end of the book. In summary he seems to view his readers with disdain and doesn't want to be bothered with e-mails that don't follow his rules and he adds if you find an error in his book let the Penguin Group know. If you complain about a previous book then he "may yell at you." He goes on to say that you should read his biography and interview first as the question you may be asking him in an e-mail might be answered there and save you both trouble and pain. I can't think of any other author who thinks getting an e-mail from a reader is trouble and pain!
You can read all his messages to the reader here
