The “Will Lee” series by Stuart Woods is a collection of political thrillers that chronicle the life and career of the central character, Will Lee. Beginning with “Chiefs,” readers are introduced to a young Will Lee serving as a police chief in a small Georgia town. As the series progresses, Lee’s journey takes him from local law enforcement to the demanding political landscape of Washington.
Stuart Woods meticulously details the challenges and intricacies of politics, law, and personal relationships, creating a gripping narrative throughout the series. Each book delves into the complexities of Lee’s professional and personal life, giving readers an in-depth look at the world of political power and its implications. For readers new to the series or those wanting a more in-depth exploration, this article provides a detailed overview of the world of Will Lee, highlighting Stuart Woods’ skill in crafting engaging and insightful political thrillers.
Will Lee Books in Order
Stuart Woods Will Lee Series
- Chiefs (1981)
- Run Before the Wind (1983)
- Deep Lie (1986)
- Grass Roots (1989)
- The Run (2000)
- Capital Crimes (2003)
- Mounting Fears (2009)
Similar Authors
- “The Pelican Brief” by John Grisham – A legal thriller involving the highest levels of government, offering a mix of politics and law, akin to the themes explored in Stuart Woods’ series.
- “Term Limits” by Vince Flynn – A political thriller focusing on the impact of power and corruption within the United States government, aligning with the political drama present in the Will Lee novels.
See also: Walter Mosley Books in Order.
Most Recommended Books
- Chiefs (Will Lee Series, #1) (4.29 Goodreads score)
- Grass Roots (Will Lee Series, #4) (4.07 Goodreads score)
- Deep Lie (Will Lee Series, #3) (4.05 Goodreads score)
- Run Before the Wind (Will Lee Series, #2) (4.03 Goodreads score)
- Capital Crimes (Will Lee Series, #6) (4.01 Goodreads score)
Awards
Stuart Woods received the Edgar Award for Best First Novel by an American Author in 1982.
In 2010, his book “Imperfect Strangers” won the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière – International Category. His novel “Chiefs” also received an Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best First Novel from the Mystery Writers of America.
Upcoming Releases
Book Summaries
Chiefs
In the small town of Delano, Georgia in 1920, the body of a young teenager is discovered. Will Henry Lee, a former cotton farmer turned police chief, takes on the investigation. As the story unfolds, we follow the lives of three police chiefs and the secrets they uncover in their pursuit of justice.
Run Before the Wind
"Run Before the Wind" is a thrilling story about a young American drifter named Will who dreams of shipbuilding and sailing. However, his dreams are disrupted when he becomes entangled in a dangerous game of terror and revenge. Set in a picturesque landscape with hidden secrets, Will must flee from a violent past that is not his own. With no safe haven, he must navigate the treacherous Irish sea to escape his pursuers.
Deep Lie
In "Deep Lie", CIA analyst Kate Rule uncovers a disturbing pattern: a top-secret submarine base in the Baltic, controlled by a cunning Russian spy-master, and a meticulously planned invasion lurking in the shadows. Despite being dismissed by her superiors, Kate believes her theory is plausible and must stop the impending attack. The stakes are high as an enemy operative has infiltrated her personal life, putting everything at risk. With the potential for catastrophic consequences, Kate must act swiftly to prevent disaster.
Grass Roots
Grass Roots is a political thriller about Will Lee, a successful lawyer who returns to his hometown of Delano, Georgia to launch his campaign for the Senate. However, he soon finds himself caught up in a controversial case that could jeopardize his political future. Delano is a town plagued by racial hatred and controlled by a dangerous white-supremacist group called The Elect. As Will fights to expose the dark secrets of his hometown, he realizes that he is not only running for the Senate, but also for his own survival.
The Run
"The Run" is a political thriller that follows the story of Will Lee, a respected senator from Georgia. Will's dreams of a national campaign are unexpectedly accelerated when a cruel twist of fate thrusts him onto the national stage before he's ready. As he embarks on his journey to the White House, Will and his intelligent and beautiful wife, Kate, find themselves facing unforeseen dangers. With enemies from the past determined to stop him at any cost, Will must not only fight for the presidency but also for his own survival.
Capital Crimes
"Capital Crimes" is a thrilling murder mystery that follows Will and his wife Kate as they try to catch a cunning and dangerous killer. When a conservative politician is found dead in his lakeside cabin, the authorities are stumped. As two more deaths occur, seemingly unrelated, Will and Kate suspect they may be connected. With the help of the FBI, they embark on a dangerous mission to track down the killer before he strikes again. From the suburbs of D.C. to the halls of power and even a remote island in Maine, the couple must be cautious and patient as they set a trap for the killer. Will they be able to catch him before it's too late?
Mounting Fears
In "Mounting Fears" President Will Lee is facing a difficult week. His vice president has unexpectedly passed away, and now he must navigate confirmation hearings for a new vice president. However, the governor he has chosen may have some hidden secrets. Meanwhile, a rogue CIA agent named Teddy Fay is seeking revenge on the president's wife. To make matters worse, there are nuclear weapons in Pakistan that could potentially lead to World War III. President Lee, along with the help of familiar characters from Stuart Woods' series, must save the world and ensure the success of the upcoming election.
