Member Reviews
I'm new to the Warwick series of books, but the character development is so good that I wasn't aware it was part of a series until a third of the way through. So at first I was puzzled about references to now-dead royalty, past politicians and the AA Guide to London (I remember these!), then it all made sense as part of a series. Traitor's Gate is #6 in the series.
Jeffrey Archer has had more or less the same formula to writing books for decades, but it's a formula that works. Fast paced, the master criminal trying to pull off an audacious crime to steal the crown jewels, will Chief Superintendent William Warwick thwart him? In amongst the main plot, there are good sub-stories, e.g. the fate of Christina for good or for bad.
So fast paced, a page turner, but also a book that is simple enough to put down and pick up where you left off a few days later without having to recap.
It's inspired me to go and read more Jeffrey Archer books, as I haven't read any of his books for 20+ years. In particular the Warwick series, starting from the beginning.
This is the first book that I have read in the series and the last. I struggled with the plot and it failed to grip me like many other reviewers. I was glad to move on to something else after this. It is the first Jeffrey Archer I have read for a long time and it reminded me why. Thanks to Net Galley for an ARC.
It might help to have read the previous books in the series, but if you haven't, just sit back and enjoy the ride.
A fast paced, action thriller, with great characters.
Yet another wonderful story from Jeffrey Archer.
Jeffrey Archer - is there a more masterful storyteller? I don’t believe so! I heard of his stories growing up and knew how good his books were before I read my first one.
Characters were interesting but not particularly likeable for the most part but fascinating.
Fast-paced storyline with some historic nuggets thrown in, I couldn’t stop turning the pages!
I didn’t realise that this book is part of a series, which is already several books in. Unfortunately this meant that I struggled to figure out the many characters, how they relate to each other, and the whole back story. The writing is excellent, as I would expect fro this author. However I decided to leave this book for now, and to give myself a chance to read the earlier books in the series, then revisit this one.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book.
The last Archer I read was Kane and Abel. I have to say the style seems remarkably similar from then to now despite an interval of 40 years. However I suppose when you're as popular as Mr Archer why change a winning formula?
So I've not come across William Warwick as a character and frankly he's so smug that I'd like to bring him down a peg or two. I'm not sure I'd go to the insanely inordinate lengths that Miles Faulkner does but putting laxatives in his tea wouldn't have made for a particularly exciting novel.
The plot of Traitors Gate is quite barmy though. Not only does Faulkner want to pull off the most daring robbery in history but he wants to bring down his nemeses, Warwick and Hogan, in the process.
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".
So suspend your disbelief, enjoy the ride. It's an easy read, it's fast paced and there's even a bit of Tower of London history thrown in to keep you interested.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the advance review copy.
Another great tale in the William Warwick series. Jeffrey Archer rarely puts a word wrong and there's a lot going on in this book with Miles Faulkner up to his usual tricks with a great cast of characters - villains and heroes. I also love the social history, having lived through the period in which the book is set the odd mention of things like Enron really helps sets the scene for the nostalgic older reader.
An enthralling take of revenge.
Action-packed and dramatic.
A part of history past and present that just draws the reader in.
Once again, the author has delivered a brilliant story and great characters .Loved it
I haven’t read a book written by Jeffrey Archer for well over 30 years, so when the opportunity to read and review Traitors Gate arose, I couldn’t say no. I tend to read romance stories these days and I must admit I not only enjoyed reading a different genre but I absolutely loved this narrative and the way in which Mr. Archer penned it.
It may have taken me a little time to become hooked with the storyline, however once I was, I didn’t want to put the book down. There is more than one deception occurring within this narrative and the way in which each of the subplots are woven together is penned brilliantly. I love how something simple like a competition entry is linked to the main plot of this story. I found Traitors Gate to be cleverly written with every scene timely placed throughout the narrative. Add that I am a reader from the UK, I absolutely loved the pomp and history that us Brits are renowned for.
I certainly won’t be leaving it a few decades before reading this author’s words again. I plan to read more of the Detective William Warwick Series at the very least.
I highly recommend Traitors Gate to you to read.
4.5 stars.
The first few chapters felt there was a lot of characters straight off to remember who was who, but as the story continued I really enjoyed tge suspense of the next steps. Found it a pleasure to read enjoyed Archers books for years and this didn't disappoint.
Thank you
I love this series of books and this one is an absolute corker! It’s full of fun, fizz and suspense, with characters who felt like old friends. Jeffrey Archer’s ability to tell a story is second to none. Roll on the next one.
Continuing the saga of Superintendent William Warwick, as Head of the Royal Protection Squad one of his task is to accompany the Lord Chamberlain when he collects the Crown and Sword from the Tower of London to take to the Houses of Parliament for the State Opening of Parliament.
But will it run as smoothly this time as usual, not if his arch nemesis Miles Faulkner has anything to do with it, determined to take Warwick done, Faulkner comes up with a cunning plan.
A brilliant read from start to finish.
Thank you for this ARC. Jeffrey Archer is a great story teller. The latest instalment of William Warwick and his latest case is a superb read. One of my favourite authors, would thoroughly recommend to anyone.
Another tale in the Warwick series
You always get a good story from Jeffrey Archer - but personally I think this particular yarn has been done
Time to say goodbye to Warwick
Thankyou NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review
Not as enjoyable as some of his other books, but perhaps my tastes have matured. Well researched and I like the parallels between the different thefts across time.
An easy read and well researched but not my favourite.
Thanks to Jeffrey and NetGalley for allowing me to read Traitors Gate.
This is the 6th book in the William Warwick series and is set in 1996.
Master criminal Miles Faulkner is determined to bring down Cmdr Hawskby, Supt. Warwick and DI Hogan in retaliation for his conviction and incarceration. He hatches a plot to steal jewels from the Tower of London.
Marketing photographs of his property in the USA revealed that he was still in possession of a valuable artwork which he had previously claimed to have donated to the Fitzmolean Museum when Beth Warwick was the curator of pictures. When FBI Agent Buchanan discovers this, he tells Beth, leading to a farcical recovery operation.
Mile’s spendthrift ex-wife, Christina, continues to be a thorn in his side yet her connection with Beth Warwick is useful to him.
Christina is only loyal to herself, always on the lookout for a payday and very experienced in double dealing.
This was an easy read which relied on a lot of historical details and a lot of sleight of hand.
The most recent installment of the William Warwick series. Another well written novel by Jeffrey Archer, but I did find it hard to keep my interest in parts, and a little predictable. Nevertheless, a good beach/holiday read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Having never read a book by Jeffrey Archer before but always wanting to, this book gave me the perfect excuse to become a fan. I love reading heist and detective stories so this really appealed to me. It was an exciting, fast paced read.
This story centres around William Warwick, a Chief Superintendent at Scotland Yard, who is trying to stop the Crown Jewles bring stolen, and his nemesis Miles Faulkner who is trying to steal the Crown Jewels during the State Opening of Parliment.
I liked all the twists and turns in the story and the interaction between the characters. The story was complex but gave enough clues to work it out. There was one clue in particular that was very cleverly thought out, a very nice addition.
I will definitely be reading the other books in this series.
*Thank you NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
A fast-paced thriller with plenty of twists and several interwoven stories. While Superintendent William Warwick and Inspector Ross Hogan's children learn about Captain Blood trying to steal the Crown Jewels, a similar crime is being plotted by their nemesis, Miles Faulkner. If he succeeds with his dastardly plan, the two policemen will be disgraced. Great fun to read.
Jeffrey Archer never lets you down
Another nail biter with William Warwick at the helm
Love the characters
An easy read just at the right pace
Can't wait for the next installment
Thank you netgalley, Jeffrey Archer and Harper Collins