Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
London, 1988. Royal fever sweeps the nation as Britain falls in love with the ‘people’s princess’ HRH Diana, Princess of Wales. This means for Scotland Yard, the focus is on the elite Royalty Protection Command and its commanding officer. Entrusted with protecting the most famous family on earth, they quite simply have to be the best. Anything less than the utmost dedication to duty in the protection of the Royal family, will not be tolerated. While William follows the trail of the missing masterpiece, he comes up against suave art collector Miles Faulkner and his brilliant lawyer, Booth Watson QC, who are willing to bend the law to breaking point to stay one step ahead of William. Meanwhile, Miles Faulkner’s wife, Christina, befriends William, but whose side is she really on?
But the plot was good, I liked the layers, and the twists and turns, the characters and how they interacted with each other and I was especially pleased when the book ended satisfactorily, with all questions answered. But this year, everything is about to change. Because a master criminal has set his sights on pulling off the most outrageous theft in history―and with a man on the inside, the odds are in his favor. He was a Member of Parliament and deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, and became a life peer in 1992. His political career, having suffered several controversies, ended after a conviction for perverting the course of justice and his subsequent imprisonment. He is married to Mary Archer, a scientist specialising in solar power. Outside politics, he is a novelist, playwright and short story writer.It goes without saying that Jeffrey Archer is a master storyteller, who fills his novels with fascinating characters, and, (in this case), insights into what goes on behind the scenes at events such as the State Opening of Parliament. A complex but clever storyline involving the world’s major heist, some interesting (though not particularly likeable characters) and plenty of twists and turns. Another winner for Archer. The thing with Archer novels are that the plots are always so well planned out. This one is no different and makes a very entertaining read.
MY THOUGHTS: Archer has crafted yet another cunning plot, with three interwoven threads; one involving a threat to HRH the Princess of Wales. Miles Faulkner and his dodgy legal representative Booth-Watson make a reappearance, as does Faulkner's estranged wife Christine. James, who we met in Over My Dead Body, also reappears, and I believe he will also be featuring in Book #6.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This sounds all wonderful and intruiging and Archer is still someone who knows how to captivate the reader, but I thought the whole book a little unbalanced. I don’t want to give away spoilers, but certain parts of the story seemed not to have anything to do with other parts. The timing looked a bit off because I expected certain parts of the story to be in other places, and there were sometimes too many repetitions of facts and figures and storylines. In that case,' continued the young man, not looking convinced, 'you'll be able to tell me what the exchange rate was between the dollar and the pound when the currency market opened this morning.' After promptly gaining the position of detective constable, William is sent to the Arts and Antiquities squad at Scotland Yard. In addition to investigating various art crimes and frauds in London, the team primarily focuses on apprehending Miles Faulkner, the master criminal behind the thefts and forgery of some of the most valuable art in England. All past attempts to arrest Faulkner have failed spectacularly, as the fraudster is always a step ahead of police forces. Estate agent, car salesman, and funeral director. All of which we were fairly confident wouldn't be followed by never ending questions.'
One dollar and fifty-four cents to the pound,' said the young man before he could reply. 'So, forgive me for asking, sir, why aren't you willing to admit you're a detective?' The two storylines are clever with many twists and turns, making for a fascinating and gripping read. Archer is adept at pulling many threads together to produce a satisfying conclusion, and it goes without saying that the research involved is exceptional. A terrific read! But this year, everything is about to change. Because a master criminal has set his sights on pulling off the most outrageous theft in history―and with a man on the inside, the odds are in his favor. Unless the team can stop him before it’s too late...William and his wife are having a rare holiday on a luxury liner at someone else’s expense when he comes across a rich family whose grandson is very much like a young William with a curious mind. When the unthinkable happens William finds himself investigating a tragedy… DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Next in Line for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions. Maybe a timing issue for me, but this one didn't "ding as many dongs" as the other three books in the series for me. William tried to remember how much he'd received when he changed a hundred pounds into dollars just before he'd joined the ship the previous evening. But he hesitated for too long. I have long enjoyed the world of Jeffrey Archer, no matter what he has to offer. Strong storytelling, matched with a formidable presentation, leaves the reader to bask in a solid delivery. A narrative that withstands all that is tossed in its direction, Archer is able to craft what he wants and keep the reader pushing onwards towards a heightened final reveal. Short chapters help move things along, though it is the core story’s momentum that is the true mover and shaker herein.
Impenetrable. Well protected. Secure. Home to the most valuable jewels on earth. But once a year, when the Queen attends the State Opening of Parliament, the Metropolitan Police must execute the most secret operation in their armory as they transport the Crown Jewels across London. While on the cruise ship, a suspicious death takes place prompting some detective work to be done by William. He also happens to make the acquaintance of a young American, an aspiring policeman himself, whose family happens to own the cruise ship company they’re sailing with. There’s a definite feeling that we’re going to hear more about this young man in future books in the series. This is where it lost me - William is asked to investigate. Of course, all roads (or seas) lead to this being a murder and ultimately to his nemesis Faulkner and ever-present extremely annoying Booth-Watson. You know what you're getting with such an established writer. The writing (editing?) is occasionally a bit sloppy, but who cares when the story is full of thrills and fun? Recommended escapism or palate-cleansing. So suspend your disbelief, enjoy the ride. It's an easy read, it's fast paced and there's even a bit of Tower of London history thrown in to keep you interested.Jeffrey is also an amateur auctioneer, conducting up to 20 charity auctions a year. He has been married to Dame Mary Archer, Chair of the Science Museum Group, for 55 year, and they have two sons, two granddaughters and three grandsons. He splits his time between London, Cambridge and Mallorca - where he writes the first draft of each new novel. Thank you, Sir Peter,' she replied as they shook hands. 'It was kind of you to agree to my unusual request.' My wife and I gave that question some considerable thought before we settled on a banker. I grew up in Shoreham, a small town in England, in the sixties, and the local bank manager was a friend of my father's. So I thought I'd get away with it for a couple of weeks.' London 1988, and the nation has fallen under the spell of ‘the peoples princess’ HRH Diana, Princess of Wales! My thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Next in Line.
Related:
Great Deal 
New Comment