A Right Royal Page-Turner
Oh, to be a fly on the wall at Buckingham Palace! Or better yet, a detective inspector with Scotland Yard’s finest. In Jeffrey Archer’s latest William Warwick novel, “Next in Line,” we get to be just that. It’s 1988, and as Britain falls head over heels for the “people’s princess,” our intrepid hero William finds himself thrust into the glittering, treacherous world of royal protection.
Now, I’ve got to tell you, I’m not usually one for tales of toffs and tiaras. But Archer? The man could make watching paint dry a nail-biting experience. And with “Next in Line,” he’s outdone himself. It’s a cracking good yarn that’ll have you up past your bedtime, sneaking “just one more chapter” until you realize the sun’s coming up and you’ve got work in an hour. Oops.
The Royal Treatment: Archer’s Masterstroke
Let’s get one thing straight: Jeffrey Archer knows how to spin a tale. He’s like that uncle at family gatherings who always has the best stories – you know the one. And in “Next in Line,” he’s in top form. The plot? It’s tighter than the security at the Tower of London. The characters? As colorful as the Queen’s wardrobe. And the pacing? Well, let’s just say it moves faster than Prince Harry leaving the UK.
Archer’s stroke of genius here is setting the story against the backdrop of the Royal Family. It’s like he’s taken all the juicy bits of a tabloid expose and woven them into a proper, edge-of-your-seat thriller. And let me tell you, it works. It works so well you’ll find yourself wondering if Archer’s got a secret hotline to the palace. (He doesn’t. Probably.)
William Warwick: The Detective We Didn’t Know We Needed
Now, for those of you who’ve been living under a rock (or, you know, just haven’t picked up an Archer novel lately), William Warwick is our protagonist. He’s been with us since “Nothing Ventured,” the first book in this series, and he’s grown on us like a particularly charming fungus. In “Next in Line,” he’s tasked with investigating the Royalty Protection Command. Talk about a poisoned chalice, eh?
William’s your classic good cop—smart, principled, with a nose for trouble that’d put a bloodhound to shame. But what makes him really shine in this outing is how out of his depth he is. Watching him navigate the treacherous waters of royal politics is like watching a puppy try to herd cats. It’s endearing, it’s frustrating, and it’s utterly captivating.
The Supporting Cast: A Right Royal Ensemble
But William’s not alone in this royal circus. Oh no. Archer’s populated his tale with a cast of characters so vivid you’ll half expect them to leap off the page and offer you a cuppa. There’s Ross Hogan, the maverick ex-undercover op who’s about as subtle as a brick through a window. The Princess of Wales herself makes an appearance, and Archer captures her essence so well you can almost hear that shy Di giggle.
And then there’s the villains. Oh boy, the villains. I won’t spoil it for you, but let’s just say Archer knows how to craft a baddie that’ll have you checking under your bed at night. They’re not just evil for evil’s sake – they’ve got depth, they’ve got motivations, and they’ve got plans that’ll make your hair stand on end.
The Plot: More Twists Than a Carnival Ride
Right, so here’s where it gets juicy. The plot of “Next in Line” is like one of those Russian nesting dolls. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Archer pulls back another layer and you’re back to square one. It starts simple enough – William’s investigating the Royalty Protection Command. But before you can say “God Save the Queen,” we’re knee-deep in a conspiracy that goes all the way to the top.
There’s corruption, there’s betrayal, there’s enough red herrings to stock a fishmonger’s. And through it all, Archer keeps the tension ratcheted up to eleven. You’ll find yourself holding your breath without realizing it, only to let it out in a whoosh when the next twist hits.
The Royal Angle: A Stroke of Genius
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or, should I say, the crown in the tower? Setting this story against the backdrop of the Royal Family is a masterstroke. It adds a layer of glamour, of intrigue, of stakes so high they’d give you vertigo. Archer clearly knows his stuff when it comes to royal protocol and the inner workings of the monarchy. Or if he doesn’t, he’s done a bang-up job of faking it.
But it’s not just window dressing. The royal angle feeds directly into the plot, raising questions about loyalty, duty, and what it really means to serve one’s country. Heavy stuff, but Archer handles it with a deft touch that never feels preachy or overwrought.
Archer’s Style: Smooth as a Well-Aged Whisky
Now, let’s chat about Archer’s writing style for a mo. If you’ve read any of his previous works (and if you haven’t, where have you been?), you’ll know what to expect. It’s clean, it’s crisp, it’s as smooth as a well-aged whisky. Archer doesn’t waste words—every sentence pulls its weight, driving the story forward with the relentless momentum of a runaway train.
But don’t mistake efficiency for dryness. Oh no. Archer’s got a wit sharper than a serpent’s tooth, and he’s not afraid to use it. The dialogue crackles with energy, the descriptions paint vivid pictures without bogging you down in detail. And every now and then, he’ll hit you with a turn of phrase so perfect it’ll make you want to put the book down and applaud.
The William Warwick Series: A Journey Worth Taking
“Next in Line” is the fifth book in the William Warwick series, following “Nothing Ventured,” “Hidden in Plain Sight,” “Turn a Blind Eye,” and “Over My Dead Body.” And let me tell you, it’s a journey worth taking. Each book builds on the last, deepening the characters, raising the stakes, and pulling you further into William’s world.
But here’s the beauty of it – you don’t need to have read the previous books to enjoy “Next in Line.” Sure, you’ll get more out of it if you have, but Archer’s skilled enough to make this a satisfying standalone read. That said, once you’ve finished “Next in Line,” you’ll be itching to go back and read the rest. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The Verdict: A Right Royal Triumph
So, what’s the verdict? Is “Next in Line” worth your hard-earned cash and precious reading time? In a word: absolutely. It’s Archer at the top of his game, delivering a thriller that’s as addictive as it is satisfying. It’s the literary equivalent of a royal wedding – all pomp and circumstance on the surface, but with plenty of juicy drama underneath.
Whether you’re a die-hard Archer fan or a newcomer to his work, “Next in Line” has something for everyone. It’s got mystery, it’s got intrigue, it’s got more British-ness than a tea shop in the Tower of London. And most importantly, it’s got heart. You’ll come for the royal intrigue, but you’ll stay for William Warwick and his band of merry men (and women).
Looking Ahead: The Future of William Warwick
Now, I don’t have a crystal ball (more’s the pity), but I’d bet my last quid that we haven’t seen the last of William Warwick. Archer’s already announced the next two books in the series – “Traitors Gate” and “An Eye for an Eye.” If they’re half as good as “Next in Line,” we’re in for a treat.
So, do yourself a favor. Pick up “Next in Line,” settle into your favorite armchair, and prepare to lose a few hours (or days) to Archer’s world. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself speaking in a British accent and craving cucumber sandwiches. Cheerio!
If You Loved “Next in Line,” You Might Also Enjoy:
- “The Cuckoo’s Calling” by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling)
- “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman
- “The Word is Murder” by Anthony Horowitz
- “Magpie Murders” by Anthony Horowitz
- “The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie” by Alan Bradley
About the Author
Jeffrey Archer, whose novels and short stories include the Clifton Chronicles, the William Warwick novels and Kane and Abel, has topped the bestseller lists around the world, with sales of over 275 million copies. He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction, short stories and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries). A member of the House of Lords for over a quarter of a century, the author is married to Dame Mary Archer, and they have two sons, two granddaughters and two grandsons.