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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.
I would not have laughed aloud if I didn't suspect the author wrote this part with sincere intentions. Which disturbs me greatly. 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. 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. In London, the Metropolitan Police have set up a new Unsolved Murders Unit to catch the criminals nobody else can. Four victims. Four cases. All killers poised to strike again. In Geneva, millionaire art collector Miles Faulkner, convicted of forgery and theft was pronounced dead two months ago. So why is his unscrupulous lawyer still representing a dead client? And who is the mysterious man his widow is planning to marry?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
After graduating from university, William begins a career that will define his life: from his early months on the beat under the watchful eye of his first mentor, Constable Fred Yates, to his first high-stakes case as a fledgling detective in Scotland Yard’s arts and antiquities squad. Investigating the theft of a priceless Rembrandt painting from the Fitzmolean Museum, he meets Beth Rainsford, a research assistant at the gallery who he falls hopelessly in love with, even as Beth guards a secret of her own that she’s terrified will come to light. 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...
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.' In Geneva, millionaire art collector Miles Faulkner—convicted of forgery and theft—was pronounced dead two months ago. So why is his unscrupulous lawyer still representing a dead client? 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. Thank you, Sir Peter,' she replied as they shook hands. 'It was kind of you to agree to my unusual request.' London 1988, and the nation has fallen under the spell of ‘the peoples princess’ HRH Diana, Princess of Wales!Princess Diana has a soft spot for a so called playboy who Ross gets the measure of and cannot hide his distaste for him, he vocalises his concerns and nothing is done as a suspicion is not evidence. When Ross’s fears are realised not even he could have predicted the scale of what is taking place, will he be powerless to do anything?… As William becomes increasingly involved in researching the numerous murders Faulkner is orchestrating, his friendship with Faulkner’s wife, Christina, provides a vital breakthrough. Christina is prepared to return a precious Rembrandt that was stolen from Faulkner’s personal collection in exchange for police assistance. Can Christina be relied upon, or will Faulkner escape justice and resume his evil plans? In addition, what transpires when William falls madly in love with Beth, an employee at the museum from where the Rembrandt was stolen, whose family secrets might put a horrible gulf between her and William? He has a way to introduce A Twist in the Tale ( no pun intended), but have always found his books fast paced having-meticulously planned plots, that hardly seems unreal.
At the end of the audiobook is an excellent interview with Jeffrey Archer. Please don't skip this, it's priceless. 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! 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. 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.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. 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. 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… 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.'
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. Before William takes up his duties with the newly formed group, he and his wife Beth have embarked on a luxury cruise to New York. The cruise comes courtesy of Miles Faulkner, or to be more precise, his ex-wife. After escaping from prison Faulkner had staged his own death in a bid to shake the tail that William and his colleagues had placed on him. It was a ploy that’s doomed to failure. 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. DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK Audio via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of Over My Dead Body for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions. 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.For entrée, there's a double (triple?) cross over an important Rubens painting. Then for the main course it's a good old-fashioned heist caper! One revenge for the other, but who will outsmart who? 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. I kept asking myself if a criminal mastermind would really expend so much time, effort and money on bringing down a few people rather than jetting off to the sun to enjoy his freedom? But again, there'd be no book without Faulkner sitting on a chair, stroking a white cat mumbling "mwah ha hah". 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.
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