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All the while, Miles Faulkner has been plotting a second major heist, passing counterfeit artwork off and keeping the valuables for himself. While he has the cunning and wherewithal to do so, there are others who want nothing but to blame him for it. In a secondary plot that spans both sides of the Atlantic, Faulkner works to dupe many with a donation to a prestigious art gallery, hoping to leave them with egg on their face. Little does he know that there are keen observers who want nothing more than to protect the art world from his heinous ways and will stop at little to ensure all is righted, if time permits. A great addition to this Archer series, where action is plentiful and the storylines never fail to impress. William looked up at the young man who'd asked the question. 'No, I'm the assistant manager of the Midland Bank in Shoreham, Kent.' 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… This was an interesting story and while the telling is a bit choppy as we jump from case to case, I think readers will enjoy this layered novel and its many different locales. Look for this book in stores October 19th in Canada!
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...It’s 1988 and Britain is in the middle of their love affair with Diana, the People’s Princess. While many in the Royal Family prefer to keep a low profile, Diana attracts the flashbulb like none before her. This nothing new, but something is on the horizon, lowing the tabloids to feast on all the crumbs tossed their way. Many thanks to Harper 360/HarperCollins for the opportunity to read Next in Line in advance of its publication. Overall, I found ‘Traitors Gate’ a great read that was exciting and entertaining. As I finished the novel I wanted to know more about the history of the characters and intend to read the series from the start. All the usual characters play their part and I'll be looking forward to reading more in this series and anything else that this very gifted author writes.
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. 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.' At the end of the audiobook is an excellent interview with Jeffrey Archer. Please don't skip this, it's priceless. London, 1988. Royal fever sweeps the nation as Britain falls in love with the ‘people’s princess’, Princess Diana. Which 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. A weak link could spell disaster. 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?EXCERPT: An outrider from the Special Forces Group swept into Scotland Yard, closely followed by a green Jaguar and an unmarked Land Rover, while two police motorcycles brought up the rear, completing the royal convoy. Enter one of the standout characters of the novel, young (and extremely affluent, want-to-be FBI agent) James Buchanan, the grandson of the ship's owner, Fraser Buchanan - who unexpectedly dies aboard. A big thank you to Harper Collins Audio for the chance to listen to and review this audio version on Over my dead body by Jeffrey Archer and read by George Blagden who is an extremely good narrator with some excellent voices. It was a joy to listen to and cant wait until the next book is released. The Tower of London is one of the most securely protected places in the world - it has to be, as it houses the reigning Monarch’s Crown Jewels, used every year at the State opening of Parliament. 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?'
Another story thread starts, where William realises that a master thief, and his nemesis Miles Faulkner, whom he presumed dead, has altered his name and appearance (now Captain Ralph Neville) and intends to marry someone close to Beth. Realising he’s been copped, Miles makes a run for it, and the team give chase. When that concludes, the team splits up the cold cases within the unit, and each member leads an investigation. Each case brings its own twisty and fast-paced drama, although some of the antics are as odd as a bottle of chips.Full disclosure - a few chapters in, I did browse goodreads for the blurbs of the previous books, and that was enough for me to get the characters straight in my head.) This is the second book I've read - and thoroughly enjoyed - in this series (this is the fifth), and the same thing happened both times: I found them difficult to "get into" for the first several chapters. They're very well written, so it must be that I'm just not used to the style (and the number of characters to keep straight). But when the lightbulb of understanding finally turns on, from that point in both books I didn't want to put them down.
Exited as I was over having been approved for ‘a new Archer’, I must admit I’m a little disappointed now. I’m not in the habit of copying blurb texts in my review, but this time I will. 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. 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.
As usual in this twisty thriller from the Master of the pen, there's murder, revenge and betrayal I think this book could be read as a standalone, but for the fullest enjoyment I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series. There are two distinct stories here. One involves the discovery that a famous painting hanging in the Fitz is a forgery – while the original is hanging in Miles' New York apartment. The first part of the book involves the attempt to recover the original for the Museum.
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