The connection is mostly through recurring characters like Stone Barrington. The latest book probably has him dealing with a problem that references a past event or a villain from a few novels back. It's a comfortable formula for longtime readers.
Library access is the move. OverDrive/Libby has the ebook and audiobook, but the holds list is dozens long. If you’re patient, you’ll get it for free. Buying it outright is instant, obviously.
Look, if you're asking this question, you probably want the structured approach. So here it is: Start with 'New York Dead'. Then proceed by publication date, which you can find on Wikipedia or any bookseller site. Ignore the non-Barrington books for now unless a summary really calls to you. It's simple, linear, and foolproof.
Consider the audiobooks! The narrator, Tony Roberts, is Stone Barrington for a lot of us. His delivery is half the charm. You could start with the latest audiobook and get the full, intended performance. The pacing and the attitude come through perfectly in audio format.
Since the plots aren't densely complex, listening is a great way to experience the banter and the atmosphere. Whether it's the latest or an old one, the audio production quality is consistently high. So if you're an audiobook person, grab the newest one on Audible and see if you enjoy riding along with Stone in his Bentley.
The best way to find out is to search 'Stone Barrington series in order' on any bookstore site. The list will be bottomless. The one at the end, currently 'Distilled Evil,' is the latest. Prepare for mild shock at the number of entries.
Compare it to early series entries, where the cast was smaller and the relationships felt more developed. Now, with so many recurring characters cycling in and out, each one gets thin slice of the pie. Holly gets a subplot, Dino gets some quips, Felicity gets a scene. It feels managed, not organic. Their returns are scheduled, not earned.