Eight stars
A long-time fan of Jeffrey Archer and his novels, I gladly read this latest story in the William Warwick series. Archer has a fabulous way of crafting his stories to put the reader in the middle of the action, while also providing strong historical context. With a promotion received, William Warwick is eager to keep helping the police with the delicate handling the of the royals. It would seem that there have been whispers of a heist of some precious jewels and Warwick wants to be part of the protection. All the while, a hardened criminal seeks to target others with another fake piece of art in order to hoard millions for himself. The Met will be busy and Warwick is at the centre of it all. Archer does a fabulous job keeping the stories going and the series moving ahead.
While the Tower of London houses some of the most expensive jewels in the world, their existence is far from a secret. Every year, the Queen travels from Buckingham Palace to the Westminster to deliver her State Opening of Parliament Speech, at which time many of the most prized possessions are used as part of the ceremonial event. All eyes are not only on the fanfare, but how one might be able to get a glimpse at the jewels themselves.
Newly promoted William Warwick is working as a part of the Metropolitan Police to ensure the annual event goes off without a hitch. It is a long-standing event and security is as tight as it has ever been, but there is a rumour that someone has a plan to execute the most daring heist possible. Chief Superintendent Warwick refuses to stand down as this happens, aware of some history surrounding posts attempts. The only way a heist might work is if there is someone on the inside ready to help, offering a solid tip or a mention at just the right moment. While the Met pride themselves on their abilities, CS Warwick will rely on the most unusual assistance to plot a counter-offensive.
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.
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.
William Warwick's ongoing journey is nothing but stunning. For series fans and larger Archer fanatics, they will know that Warwick is a creation within another series, though his character does not fail to impress at any moment. Building up not only his professional resumé, but adding a strong familial component, Warwick continues to impress with his witty nature and sharp attention to detail. Surrounded by many other characters of some ilk, the story is flavoured effectively and keeps the reader on point. There have been many sub-plots developing throughout the series and Archer pays each character who is a part of the larger machine their due with some needed backstory. This novel is no exception to that and proves to be another great means to add depth.
Plot development is key, especially in a police procedural. Archer delves deep to get the intricacies correct and presents them with ease. Warwick delivers his crime fighting angle, though there are others whose attention to all that is going on cannot be missed. I am eager to see how things will keep developing and how Archer will be able to juggle many of the smaller storylines that emerge. However, I have no doubt that it will all come together, as Jeffrey Archer has a winning formula and a readership eager to devour whatever it is he puts on offer.
Kudos, Mr. Archer, for another winning novel in a series that never lacks excitement.
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