Over My Dead Body (Jeffrey Archer) | Book Review

As I had written in my previous post, I needed a desperate break from those dark, wild crime thrillers that were quite distressing to read. So what did I revert to as a safe, tried-and-tested bet? Jeffrey Archer. There is a reason he continues to be my favorite author by a mile.

The best thing about Jeffrey Archer probably is the fast paced narration that never flickers for a moment and very believable characters that feel like “normal” people around us. Add to it the perfect settings, the indulgent mention of arts, paintings, galleries – it is the flavor of these William Warwick Series of books.

So coming to the latest in the series, Over My Dead Body, we have William promoted here has Chief Inspector. The book starts by introducing a new character James – aboard the cruise that William & Beth are enjoying their holiday on (which had been “gifted” to them by Christina in the previous book). That small little sub-plot of James’s family is extremely interesting and is enough to get you engrossed in this page turner. The character of James is such beautifully crafted – I really wish he becomes a regular in the forthcoming Warwick series. From there on, the book seamlessly takes forward the story where “Turn A Blind Eye” had left – the chase to catch the ever so elusive Miles Faulkner in the guise of Captain Ralph now. The typical cat & mouse game between the Hawk’s men and Faulkner continues to make for a splendid read. The Marlboro Man of the previous book gets to play the main lead here. What really caught my eye was the author’s imagination that comes through in the description of Faulkner’s hideout – just so thrilling. Add to it the technology that unlocks the metal door enabling him to disappear into then air – exciting stuff! Just one question, the book being set in 1988, did they have such tech then? Not that I am complaining.

This book also has 5 sub-cases that are being dealt by the Hawk’s team, each member being assigned one (Ross being given 2). It can tend to get a bit confusing, but not to a point that it disrupts the flow of the main storyline.

If I sum it up, I loved this book – just as all the other William Warwick books – or rather, all the other Jeffrey Archer books! It does help if you read it in chronology – just makes it easier to know what’s happening. But even as a stand alone read, it is fabulous. What is so special about Archer’s books? Do they have suspense? Or are they trillers? Mysteries? Not as much. But their defining quality is “excitement” – which always is present in abundance – both in the story and in it’s narration. You are exhilarated by the cat and mouse chase as it happens. This book ends with William’s team winning this chase this time round – with Faulkner in their captivity. It leaves the doors wide open for the next sequel and would be most exciting to read what happens next! If I take a guess, we might be in for William taking charge from The Hawk. Let’s see if I am right.

Other William Warwick books – Hidden In Plain Sight (Jeffrey Archer)