MACMILLAN Mightier than the Sword

Jeffrey, cliffhangers are acceptable in television serials where one knows that the issue will be resolved on Monday, but not in novels, where one does not know when the author will produce the next volume. This book basically ends in mid-issue, and I'm sure if you could have figured out how to do it, you would have ended it in mid-sentence. Well, one sees that the next book in the series will come out later in February, so that will be all in the carping about the cliffhanger. "Mightier than the Sword" is a rollicking potboiler of a novel, with wicked, wicked characters and good, good characters, and a bomb, and a bank takeover, and an enigmatic banker from the Middle East, and all of your favorite characters from this particular series. I really do look forward to everything that Mr Archer writes, and I will very much look forward to the next one! Thank you!

I liked the book, I just don't think it's as good as the other books in the Clifton Chronicles series. I've been intrigued by the characters from the very start and can never wait for the next instalment. However, I felt that as you neared the end of the book you pretty much knew exactly what the cliffhanger was going to be. I also wasn't too enamoured by the book within the book - Uncle Joe - and thought there was too much text from that. That being said, in true Archer style, I couldn't put the book down. The characters are like old friends - we know them that well, and It's great to see Sebastian growing into a shrewd, likeable, businessman. His story was the most gripping in my opinion.If you've read the other books in the series, you don't want to miss this one - and roll on the next one.

Sadly for all that I enjoyed the book, in my opinion it lacked that certain " something " usually found in JA's books........it's all there, the twists and turns, double cross, the sweet revenge......but it just lacks a little " something "It's still a really good story, but I always reread the other books in the saga and sadly this episode just lacks that little extra pinch of salt or twist of the pepper pot.......it's still worth reading and maybe the second time round well who knows, but i just feel it's 4 1/2 stars rather than 5........

Another great yarn from Jeffrey Archer but I have to agree with a previous review writer who said that some of the story line was preposterous. Harry's trip to Russia to get 'the book' being one. It was obviously a bad move to travel to Russia and back in one day. He should have bought the book, stayed a couple of days to read and memorise it - visited the Hermitage and gone home. No bother! It would however reduced the suspense I suppose! Still can't wait for the next installment though - get writing Mr Archer.

The fifth instalment in The Clifton Chronicles follows a very familiar pattern for those who have read the previous 4 volumes. I find the political and business insight that Archer brings to these stories really interesting, you cannot help thinking just how cut throat politics is as I am sure much is drawn from personal experience of the author.The story was a well structured tale, with some philanthropy thrown in for good measure! Personally I found the twists and turns a little more predictable this time and not up to the usual standards we have come to expect. I will still be early in the queue for the 6th volume.I am left concerned the plot is close to becoming exhausted, I think the next instalment will be vital to answer this question.