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William Warwick #5

Next in Line

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London, 1988. Royal fever sweeps the nation as Britain falls in love with the ‘people’s princess’.

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.

Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick and his Scotland Yard squad are sent in to investigate the team. Maverick ex-undercover operative Ross Hogan is charged with a very sensitive—and unique—responsibility. But it soon becomes clear the problems in Royalty Protection are just the beginning. A renegade organization has the security of the country—and the Crown—in its sights. The only question is which target is next in line…

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2022

4119 people are currently reading
8226 people want to read

About the author

Jeffrey Archer

641 books12.2k followers
Jeffrey is published in 114 countries and more than 47 languages, with more than 750,000 5* reviews with international sales passing 275 million copies.

He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction (nineteen times), short stories (four times) and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries).

Jeffrey has been married for 53 years to Dame Mary Archer DBE. They have two sons, William and James, three grandsons and two granddaughters, and divide their time between homes in London, Cambridge and Mallorca.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,008 reviews
Profile Image for Maureen .
1,683 reviews7,380 followers
July 19, 2022
London 1988, and the nation has fallen under the spell of ‘the peoples princess’ HRH Diana, Princess of Wales!

The storyline features The Royalty Protection Command, who are entrusted with the safety of the Royal family, and they’re really going to have their work cut out in ‘Next in Line’, to protect one of their royals in particular.

Following doubts about the Command team’s ability and performance, a Scotland Yard squad led by DCI William Warwick, are sent in to investigate, because anything less than the utmost dedication to duty in the protection of the Royal family, will not be tolerated.

Running parallel to this is the story of a jailed criminal with an interest in fine art, and a private collection that would make many green with envy.

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!

*Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review*
Profile Image for Sandysbookaday (taking a midwinter break).
2,547 reviews2,442 followers
October 15, 2022
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.

A close protection officer leapt out of the front seat of the Jaguar and opened the back door. The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Peter Imbert, stepped forward and bowed. 'Welcome to Scotland Yard, Your Royal Highness,' he said, and was greeted with that warm, shy smile with which the public had become so familiar.

'Thank you, Sir Peter,' she replied as they shook hands. 'It was kind of you to agree to my unusual request.'

ABOUT 'NEXT IN LINE': London, 1988. Royal fever sweeps the nation as Britain falls in love with the ‘people’s princess’.

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.

Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick and his Scotland Yard squad are sent in to investigate the team. Maverick ex-undercover operative Ross Hogan is charged with a very sensitive—and unique—responsibility. But it soon becomes clear the problems in Royalty Protection are just the beginning. A renegade organization has the security of the country—and the Crown—in its sights. The only question is which target is next in line…

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.

This 5th installment of the William Warwick series includes a terrorist threat, art fraud, theft and numerous other crimes. It also follows William's wife Beth, as she divests herself of a job she is no longer enjoying and sets herself up in business - with Christine!

Despite the slow start - Archer setting the scene! - I soon became invested in the storyline. Anyone not familiar with this author's writing may see the first half of Next in Line as not having much happening because all the action takes place quite late in the book. But believe me, it's worth the wait.

I hope we don't have to wait long for #6!

Although this is #5 in a series, I do believe that it can easily be read as a stand-alone as the author provides enough background information to make this possible.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.3

#NextinLine #NetGalley

I: @jeffrey_archer_author @harpercollinsuk @harperfiction

T: @Jeffrey_Archer @HarperCollinsUK @HarperFiction

#detectivefiction #thriller

THE AUTHOR: Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare (born 15 April 1940) is an English author and former politician.

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.

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.

For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Profile Image for Tara ~ trying to catch up ~.
199 reviews96 followers
September 25, 2024
3.75 Stars

I encountered an issue with Goodreads, resulting in the deletion of my review for a book. I originally posted my review on August 14, 2023. Upon noticing the deletion, I promptly re-posted my review. This book, part of the "Willam Warwick" series by Jeffrey Archer, was my first experience with the author, and I read it as a standalone. The plot follows DCI William Warwick's assignment to the Royal Security Protection unit, where he investigates the unit's staff, including a team member assigned to HRH Princess Diana during her troubled marriage with Prince Charles. The book also involves the deceptive activities of Warwick's adversaries, Miles Faulkner and Mr. Booth Watson, adding tension and intrigue. Jeffrey Archer's writing is exceptional, leaving readers eager for the next book. The story is filled with twists and turns, culminating in a satisfying conclusion. "The Next in Line" is written well and tastefully, and when you think you've had enough, there's another unexpected twist. I found it a real page-turner and finished it in one sitting. Fans of John Grisham, David Silva, and Ken Follett will undoubtedly enjoy this book

I want to thank Killer Crime Club (Harper Collins Canada) for gifting me with the e-ARC of Next in Line, part of Jeffrey Archer's DCI Warwick series. and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Tim.
2,465 reviews318 followers
October 4, 2022
This story screams UNFINISHED! Make a real end Mr. Archer. 3 of 10 stars
Profile Image for Matt.
4,665 reviews13.1k followers
November 8, 2022
Always eager to get my hands on anything by Jeffrey Archer, I devoured the latest book in the William Warwick series. Archer has Warwick offer more insight into the wonders of British policing in the late 1980s, climbing the ranks on his way to the ultimate promotion. Warwick has his hands full with this one, showing how versatile he can be, alongside his team, as they face some of their most daunting work to date. Archer proves that he’s got many ideas to share and I hope he’s able to finish this series before laying down his pen.

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.

With all the hype, Scotland Yard and the Met will have to ensure they are ready for the heightened security issues that await them as they guard Diana’s every move. While the Royal Protection Command is tasked with keeping the royals safe, there appear to be some issues, which could prove disastrous. Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick brings his team along to investigate the Command, trying to root out those bad apples who are more concerned with padding their pockets than jumping in front of a bullet.

While Warwick sends one of his most trusted detectives to protect Diana, there’s much to be done to keep the peace. As Diana rushes all over with her newest paramour, someone is planning something that could turn Britain, and the world, on its head. Trying to keep the peace so the general public is unaware, Warwick will have to diffuse the plot before things get out of hand.

All the while, one of Warwick’s old nemeses is working through some legal issues all his own, wrestling for control as he seeks to get the upper hand on Scotland Yard. However, there are many others who have equally conniving plans that could stymie an open and shut case, leaving many to wonder what the future holds. With a handful of other Warwicks and a few retuning faces, Archer dazzles in this latest story that advances the plot and heads towards the ultimate finale.

I have long admired the work of Jeffrey Archer, which mixes an intensity alongside something highly entertaining. This series, which has a unique angle known well to those who loved Archer’s Clifton Chronicles collection, never ceases to amaze me and keeps things speeding along with strong plot, sensational storytelling, and a cast of characters who use actual historical events as a great backdrop to deepen their own presence. I can only hope there is enough time to get this series to its ultimate ending, which I know will be worth the wait.

Archer knows storytelling and has pulled me in on many an occasion with his flights of fancy and historical perspectives. A strong narrative guides the reader throughout a great deal in short order, never stopping long enough for the reader to catch their proverbial breath. A cast of characters that improves and deepens with each passing book offers the reader something they can enjoy, complaining progress and recession throughout the novels. A set of well-honed plot lines keeps the story electric and provides some forks in the narrative progression, keeping the reader on the edge of their seats throughout. I can only hope the intensity continues as the book continues, rocketing towards the ending Archer has in mind.

Kudos, Mr. Archer, for another winner I could not stop reading. How you have such control over me!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Damo.
480 reviews70 followers
January 8, 2024
The William Warwick police procedural series enters its 5th edition and the rise of the young Metropolitan Police detective continues unabated. Warwick and his team have just completed a successful mission, Miles Faulkner is back in Belmarsh Prison where he belongs and Booth-Watson, Faulkner’s lawyer, continues to smarm his way from one meeting to the next.

Once again Archer has managed to weave together several engaging plots to provide a hectic workload for the Scotland Yard constabulary.

As has become the norm during this series, the entire team of police officers working under Superintendent Hawksby have been shifted to a new section. This time, the team is investigating the Royalty Protection Unit and so, they are all transferred undercover into the same unit. Their task is to find out whether the members of Royalty Protection have gone rogue and are falsifying records to ensure their bank balances are being illegally bolstered.

Part of this finds DI Ross Hogan, the one-time undercover policeman, assigned the job of providing close protection to HRH Princess Diana. And he’s extremely disappointed to find that the Princess is having an affair but can only stand by and ensure her safety and privacy is his number one priority.

Miles Faulkner’s still hanging around. This time he’s hanging around in Belmarsh Prison thanks to William and Ross Hogan’s work from the previous book. But it’s apparent his lawyer, Mr Booth-Watson, is starting to reveal the true extent of his treachery. Things are not going to end well for one of them, that’s for sure.

The art industry continues to play a dominant role in the story, proving to be a reliably consistent part of Warwick’s life. It also manages to draw Beth Warwick further into the limelight than she has up until now. Her prominence is a welcome expansion of the regular cast and provides a vital boost to the ongoing storylines and also draws the rather untrustworthy Christina Faulkner more deeply into the ongoing storyline.

There’s quite a bit going on in this chapter of the William Warwick series and the weaving of HRH Princess of Wales into the story was nicely done. Her protection and Warwick’s involvement in that becomes the main story and provides the fast-paced action the series has been crying out for.

The ongoing saga of Miles Faulkner and his counsel, Mr Booth-Watson appears to be going through a transition phase with the drama apparently building up for a larger showdown, presumably in the next book.

I think it’s crucial to have read the earlier books in the series to get a firm grasp on all of the characters involved, their relationships with one another and their respective backstories. Without all of this information it is extremely likely that you’ll be scratching your head wondering what exactly is going on.

I appreciated the quicker pace of Next In Line compared to a couple of the earlier books in the series. The action moved along nicely, the characters continue to develop and the cast is constantly expanding. It will be interesting to see where Archer takes things from here.
Profile Image for Shereadbookblog.
930 reviews
September 17, 2022
This is the fifth in the William Warwick series. It is the third I have read. Some are better than others and I thought this one of the better ones.

Taking place in 1988, there are a couple of plot lines with related characters, all revolving around Scotland Yard’s DCI Warwick. His wife, Beth, works for the Fitzmolean. One line finds Warwick and his team investigating possible misdeeds wtihin the Royalty Protection Command, assisted by DI Hogan, working undercover as Princess Diana’s body guard. The second is a continuation of a story involving a career criminal, his angry former wife, art thievery and a crooked lawyer; lots of opportunities for double crossing. And there is a related scheme about terrorists.

This is a fast, entertaining, engrossing read. Most of the characters have a certain charm, even some of the crooks! While there are different stories woven throughout, I never felt confused or lost.

Reading number four in the series prior to this one gives a lot of background for Next in Line, better helping to understand some of the action. However, I think it can work as standalone. I am looking forward to the next Warwick novel.
Profile Image for Natalie M.
1,392 reviews72 followers
January 6, 2023
Way better than I expected.

I have no real inclination for anything royalty related so went into this novel with lowered anticipation. However, Archer’s use of historical events as a backdrop to this instalment of the William Warwick series was masterfully written. A fast-paced, action-packed plot that incorporated far more than the blurb suggested. The characters continue to develop (albeit in a very white-privileged way).

We worth reading.
Profile Image for Valleri.
983 reviews35 followers
August 1, 2022
My thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Next in Line.

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.

Next in Line is the first book I've read in the Detective William Warwick series and I believe I would have enjoyed it more had I first read the previous four books in the series. As it was, I felt completely lost when I started reading. I was anticipating reading a book about The Royalty Protection Command and what might have been involved with protecting a princess who had a mind of her own ... and I instead found myself reading more about a jailed criminal with an interest in fine art, and who has a bizarre attorney. This book seemed to have quite a few storylines and a LOT of characters to keep up with.

As I continued reading, however, I gave myself permission to not worry about who all of the characters were and I started enjoying the book more. Hands down, my favorite character was Warwick's precocious daughter!! I also very much liked her dad, DCI Warwick, as well as DI Hogan.

As I look at all of the glowing reviews Next in Line has, I ask that you take my review with a grain of salt. I'm positive I would have liked it better if I'd gone into it knowing who all of the characters were!
Profile Image for Jennifer (Jaye) (checking back in slowly).
1,049 reviews54 followers
July 25, 2023
*Intrigue & Suspense*

**4.5 Stars**

This instalment sees DCI William Warwick and his team investigating the current team involved in Royalty Protection Command. What he finds means that he then has to step in as Temporary Superintendent

His 2nd in command Di Ross Hogan is charged with looking after none other than Princess Diana Aka ‘The People’s Princess’. Ross is not like any Di he is ex military.

After an intense training course into etiquette etc Ross is ready to take charge. Although he has a roving eye on her lady in waiting it is a no, no.

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?…

Now, with National Security at threat, William and the government need to come up with a plan. This plan will involve many players with only a fraction of time to put all the pieces together
Profile Image for Rajesh.
399 reviews9 followers
October 16, 2022
The Miles Faulkner tale is getting a little stale. Why can't Archer get some other villainous characters rather than some guy who is being made out to be the superman of criminals during Warwick's time? The same trio of Miles, Booth-Watson and Christina did not inspire much incentive to read the book at a fast pace. Made for skipping paragraphs.
Profile Image for MicheleReader.
1,061 reviews169 followers
September 27, 2022
I became a Jeffrey Archer fan after reading his seven-book series The Clifton Chronicles where the character of William Warwick was introduced. In this current series, Warwick has risen up the ranks and has become a star in the London Metropolitan Police Force. Next in Line is the fifth book showcasing Warwick's incredible crime-solving skills.

The series picks up in 1988. Warwick is Detective Chief Inspector and he and his team are called upon to investigate the elite Royalty Protection Command where the Police believe there is a credible threat on the life of one of the members of the Royal Family. Warwick's number two, Inspector Ross Hogan, becomes the lead protection officer to HRH Princess of Wales, Diana and it was interesting to read this fictionalized account of the challenge of protecting someone so famous, beloved and high spirited. In addition to this new assignment, Warwick’s nemesis, Miles Faulkner, a millionaire art collector and thief, is back and is finally incarcerated after an ingenious escape from jail. But the means in which Warwick and his team captured Faulkner crossed the legal line putting his career in possible jeopardy. And Faulker wants revenge. Back in this new installment is the cunning Booth Watson, Faulkner's attorney, who may be just as evil as his client.

Once again, Archer has delivered an entertaining book filled with an appealing cast of detectives as well as Warwick’s loving and supportive family including his wife Beth and their children. Book #5 can be read as a standalone but it would make the most sense to start from the beginning. It’s planned to be an eight-book series and I look forward to reading the next three books. If a fast-paced mystery thriller series with strong characters sounds appealing, check this one out.

Many thanks to Harper 360/HarperCollins for the opportunity to read Next in Line in advance of its publication.

Rated 4.25 stars.

Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
382 reviews
August 1, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book before publication in exchange for an honest review. This is my first Jeffrey Archer book. I get the impression that it is better to read this series from the beginning to understand the significance of some of the secondary characters, such as the escaped prisoner, Miles Faulkner. There are several plot lines throughout this book and in the end, most of them are interconnected. Because of the lead up on the front cover, I had expected the book to be more about security protection for Diana, Princess of Wales. This is only a small part of the book. The book has short chapters and it is easily readable.
What I liked: I enjoyed the primary characters, from Chief Inspector William Warwick to Inspector Ross Hogan to Warwick’s wife, Beth. I enjoyed the references to various art works. I learned from reading about Mr. Archer that he has a significant interest is art. Another enjoyable part was the antics of Faulkner’s lawyer, Booth Watson, to abscond with his client’s fortune.
What I did not like:
In chapters 2 & 3, there is an inconsistency in the plot that I am hoping gets corrected before publication. I also found a lack of excitement and suspense throughout. In fact, during the last 50 pages, when everything comes to a head, I felt that I was just plodding along trying to get the book finished.
Using Goodreads criteria for rating I would give this book 2 stars, “It was OK.” I hate to do that because I have been given the privilege of reading a book before publication. They ask for an honest review and this is it.
Profile Image for Kevin.
412 reviews5 followers
July 15, 2022
I devoured the Clifton Chronicles series and I have loved every previous William Warwick novel so I was so pleased to see the fifth book being published.

The thing with Archer is that he will never win the Booker Prize however no-one writes a story or series like he does. In this book, Warwick and his team are sent in to protect the Royal Family, namely Princess Diana.

Added to this, they are also dealing with the fallout of the previous novel with Miles Faulkner and Booth Watson (I don't want to spoil too much here for people who haven't read the previous novels).

Another fantastic novel from Archer and has left us on a cliffhanger with a new book promised next year. I, for one, can't wait.

Thanks to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, HarperCollins and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julia.
1,171 reviews37 followers
December 3, 2022
I'm getting tired of the Miles Faulkner plotlines. In the author interview in the back of the book Archer says that William Warwick has a different rank and a different type of crime in each book. But they still all have the same antagonist. I liked the parts about the Royal Protection Service, but too much of this was still about Faulkner, his wife, and his art collection.
Profile Image for The Bookish Elf.
2,671 reviews384 followers
September 24, 2024
Royalty, Intrigue, and a Detective on the Case

Picture this: It's 1988, and London is abuzz with royal fever. The "people's princess" has captured hearts across the nation, and suddenly, everyone's eyes are on the elite Royalty Protection Command. But what happens when the very team tasked with protecting the most famous family on earth comes under scrutiny? That's the tantalizing premise of Jeffrey Archer's latest William Warwick novel, "Next in Line."

Now, I'll admit, I'm a sucker for a good mystery, especially one with a royal twist. And Archer? Well, he's like that reliable old friend who always has a captivating story up his sleeve. You know the type - the one who can keep you hanging on every word at a dinner party? That's Archer in book form.

A Detective's Toughest Assignment Yet

Our protagonist, Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick, finds himself thrust into a high-stakes investigation of the Royalty Protection Command. It's like being asked to critique Gordon Ramsay's cooking—a daunting task, to say the least. But Warwick's not alone. He's got his trusty Scotland Yard squad backing him up, including the maverick ex-undercover operative Ross Hogan.

Now, Hogan's role? It's as unique as a unicorn sighting in Trafalgar Square. Archer keeps us guessing about what this "sensitive responsibility" entails, dangling it like a carrot in front of our noses. It's enough to make you want to shake the book and demand answers!

More Than Meets the Eye

But hold onto your bowler hats, folks, because this isn't just about internal police politics. Oh no, Archer's got bigger fish to fry. As Warwick and his team dig deeper, they uncover a sinister plot that threatens not just the royals, but the entire country. It's like peeling an onion, each layer revealing something more shocking than the last.

A Race Against Time

The tension ratchets up as our heroes race to uncover the truth and prevent a potential disaster. Archer's pacing is impeccable, keeping us on the edge of our seats, frantically turning pages to see what happens next. It's the literary equivalent of a heart-pounding chase through the streets of London.

Archer's Trademark Style Shines Through

If you've read any of Archer's previous works (and if you haven't, where have you been?), you'll recognize his signature style. The man has a knack for weaving intricate plots that would make a spider's web look simple in comparison. He drops clues like breadcrumbs, leading us down twisting paths, only to surprise us with unexpected turns.

And the characters? They're as colorful and varied as the crowd at Ascot on Ladies' Day. From the stoic Warwick to the enigmatic Hogan, each character feels fully realized, with their own quirks and motivations. It's like people-watching in Piccadilly Circus, but with a lot more intrigue and a lot less pigeon poop.

A Love Letter to London

Archer's London is a character in its own right. He paints a vivid picture of the city in the late '80s, from the hustle and bustle of Scotland Yard to the hallowed halls of Buckingham Palace. You can almost smell the fish and chips and hear the chimes of Big Ben as you read. It's a nostalgic trip for those who remember the era, and a vibrant historical backdrop for those who don't.

Not Without Its Flaws

Now, I'm not saying "Next in Line" by Jeffrey Archer is perfect. Like a proper English breakfast, it's hearty and satisfying, but it might not be to everyone's taste. Some readers might find the police procedural elements a bit dry, like overcooked toast. And if you're not up to speed on the previous William Warwick books, you might feel a bit lost at times, like a tourist without a map in the London Underground.

There are moments when the plot threatens to become as convoluted as the British tax system. Archer juggles multiple storylines, and occasionally, it feels like he's struggling to keep all the balls in the air. But just when you think he's about to drop one, he manages to pull off a spectacular catch that leaves you applauding.

A Royal Treat for Mystery Lovers

Despite these minor quibbles, "Next in Line" by Jeffrey Archer is a rollicking good read. It's like a proper cup of English tea—strong, satisfying, and leaves you wanting more. Archer's blend of historical detail, character development, and pulse-pounding suspense is as finely balanced as a tightrope walker at the circus.

The Verdict

So, should you add "Next in Line" by Jeffrey Archer to your reading list? If you're a fan of mysteries, royal intrigue, or just a darned good story, then absolutely! It's the perfect book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon (of which London has plenty). Just be warned—you might find yourself speaking with a British accent and craving scones by the time you're done.
Profile Image for Monnie.
1,603 reviews789 followers
September 14, 2022
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.

One of the themes of this one, as it turns out, is kind of sad because it focuses on England's Royal Family, more specifically the late Princess Diana (it's set around 1988, when she was one of the most recognized and loved women on earth). Needless to say, her life must be protected at all times; but the detail of officers charged with that responsibility are thought to be corrupt. Enter Scotland Yard Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick and his capable team - most notably Inspector Ross Hogan - who get assigned to the protection detail not only to do that job but unearth the illegal activities of the existing detail. It gets quite exciting, but I daresay the real Royal Family may not be too fond of the details (nope, can't explain - you'll just have to read it for yourself).

There's a concurrent theme as well, this one set in the art world; Warwick's wife, Beth, works in a prominent art gallery. But a prisoner they've put in jail has a duplicitous attorney, Booth Watson (who for whatever reason is always referred to by both his first and last name) more intent on stealing his client's money than defending him and an ex-wife, Christina, who doesn't care about the money but wants the artwork he's accumulated over the years. She's also friends with Beth - or so she's trying to make Beth believe. This one's not a case of determining which one is the "bad guy," but rather which one will end up outfoxing the others.

Both plots are quite complex, woven with detail and, on occasion, a bit of humor. As always, an interesting, entertaining read that makes me eager for the next installment. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for providing me with a pre-release copy to read and review. Excellent!
Profile Image for Adrian Dooley.
488 reviews153 followers
September 15, 2022
The fifth in the William Warwick series and the second one I have read, this one was hugely enjoyable.

Set in the late 80s, we have different story arcs here, one about Princess Diana, one about terrorist threats and one with Warwick again facing his old foe Miles Faulkner. Theres also another involving Warwicks wife Beth and her work at an art gallery. These all seem to somehow be brought together into one overlapping story that is complex, yet easy to follow.

The writing here with Archer is top notch as usual. Mostly very believable situations but there are one or two where you do have to suspend disbelief somewhat but they dont take away from the overall enjoyment of the series.

As I said at the start this is my second read in the series and both have been hugely enjoyable, so much so that I am off to hunt out the missing books in the series.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
Profile Image for Catherine Craig (Angelic Light).
1,136 reviews18 followers
November 3, 2022
This is another wonderful and engrossing book from Jeffrey Archer, which I loved. I whizzed through it, as it was fast paced and full of action, which kept me excited and eager to read on.

The story is set in the 1980's, which I found very interesting. William Warwick is a chief police inspector, and, along with his team, he is sent to investigate the Royal Protection Unit who are protecting the Royal Family in England. I found this really fascinating.

There was a lot of things going on in this book, and lots of different plots and stories. Reading this book is much like eating a huge meal that has lots of rich and varied ingredients, which leave a pleasant after taste and a feeling of full satisfaction.

This is a great book which I highly recommend!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Profile Image for João Fialho.
98 reviews6 followers
June 15, 2024
4*+
O melhor livro da saga "Warwick".
Jeffrey Archer continua com a sua escrita característica, cheia de humor (britânico) e funny twists (com um conhecimento único sobre aspetos legais e comerciais).
E claro, a breve (ocasional) referência ao Stefan Zweig com a obra "Beware of pity" fez as minhas delicias. Até um criminoso achou a escrita de Zweig, uma porta única para a liberdade (da mente)...

Mas, sr Archer está na hora de acabar com estas sagas de 5+ livros ...
844 reviews43 followers
August 3, 2022
This is such a nice read as our friend DCI Warwick not only continues the fight against his long time nemesis as well as becoming involved with protecting tge Royal Family. Tge reader is treated to a visit with Princess Di.

I enjoy this series and I like tge way Archer has extended it into new characters, rather than just the feud with Watson and Faulkner.

Thank you Netgalley for this new ARC in this very enjoyable series.
Profile Image for Cecilia.
751 reviews
January 9, 2023
This is the fourth book I've read by Archer and second in the Warwick series. This is by far the most bloated book of extraneous minutiae I've read in a long time. It had several side stories as most mysteries do which were predictable and inane. Basically The Princess who is currently married to the Prince of Wales (ring any bells?) falls for a middle eastern playboy who it turns out has no interest in her. Warwick and his cohort of police solve the crime, a few people die - end of story.

Note to Self -don't pick up a Archer/Warwick book under any circumstances in the future.
Profile Image for Clark.
804 reviews21 followers
February 7, 2023
I’ve read the entire series but the author is getting too repetitive by recycling the same characters with each new episode. It’s getting so monotonous that he had to go back in time and use Margaret Thatcher and Princess Diana in the story to make it interesting. I’m done!
Profile Image for Sreelekha.
44 reviews89 followers
September 27, 2022
Everytime I read a Jeffrey Archer I am thoroughly entertained. This book was no exception. The fifth book in the series sees William Warwick and team getting involved with the protection of Royal family, precisely Princess Diana.

Intertwined with this is the story of Miles Faulkner, William's arch nemesis, and his fallout with his crook of a counsel Booth Watson. You also see Christina and Beth make peace, sort of. James Buchanan makes a cameo too.

The attention to detail and the research that has gone into this book is commendable. I loved it and I wait for the next instalment to teleport to the Warwick universe.

Thank you Edelweiss for the early copy!
Profile Image for Kristin.
941 reviews77 followers
September 8, 2022
The description of the book is why I wanted to read it. However, this is not unputdownable and it is not a thriller. It is an easy read, so that I appreciated. There are so many story lines happening in this book, and the biggest one doesn’t even come up and get semi-exciting until the last 50 pages of the book! I appreciate the fact that in the real world, investigators don’t usually just work on one case at a time. However, I felt that a lot of this book provided nothing toward the plot, or if it did, it could have been cut down.
Profile Image for Claire.
1,187 reviews306 followers
February 5, 2023
A decent weekend read. I realised quite early on that it probably would have been better to start at the beginning of the series, because I definitely felt like I was missing some of the nuance of the character interactions. It’s not exactly what the blurb bills it as, and I found the different threads of the narrative a little confusing, particularly in the first half. Good but not great.
Profile Image for Nan Berrett.
27 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2022
I always enjoyed all the Jeffrey Archer books I read and then somehow I missed a number of years of his exceptional novels. When I was provided with the opportunity to review his latest, Next In Line, due out in October this year, I jumped at it and was quickly immersed in the story and it was hard to put down.
I discovered that this book was the fifth in a series featuring the same protagonist, Detective William Warwick, and I'm about to start reading the series in order as I enjoyed this one so much.
Next in Line doesn't disappoint if you're a Jeffrey Archer fan, or even if you are reading him for the first time. It has all the elements of clever plotting, multiple threads which twine into each other to provide the reader with a well crafted and layered read.
My preference, when providing a useful review, is not to repeat the back cover blurb/synopsis - there are plenty around - just to provide my thoughts on the book and whether or not I enjoyed the journey.
There were a couple of uncomfortable moments for me (but then I got over myself...) when the story wove around characters who were real people and members of the British Royal Family, with one behaving very indiscreetly!
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.
As I said, I'll be starting the series from the beginning and will then look forward to the next in line !!!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of Next In Line by Jeffrey Archer in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Val Wheeler.
324 reviews43 followers
August 31, 2022
What a fantastic book, Jeffrey Archer brings back William Warwick for his fifth instalment in the fabulous Next in Line.

In this book his team have to protect Princess Diana and it has a real royal theme to it, brilliant for the Platinum Jubilee year.

There's lots going on with all his family and colleagues and of course Miles Faulkner. His books are so good and so well written and researched, you feel they could be true. A fantastic series.

Very excited for the next book in this series. If you haven't read any or many of Archers' books, start at the beginning of the series, so you don't miss out. so many treats in store for you.

A big thank you to Harper360, HarperCollins and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, As usual Mr Archer, it's been a pleasure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,008 reviews

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