Next in Line

Another very good William Warwick book It had Art tandem even Lady Di in it Thanks to Netgalley for the boom

Jeffrey Archer’s latest novel, Next in Line, is like reading about old friends we have known for years - DCI Warwick, Miles Faulkner and Booth Watson to name a few. The reader quickly becomes immersed in the world art, museums and thievery. Of course, there are several twists and turns in this novel and a sub plot involving Princess Diana and the Royalty Protection Command. It is interesting to see how the author weaves all of this together in a coherent manner.

The book is well written and insures that the reader will look forward to the next installment in this series where one can hope that the devious attorney, Booth Watson, will get his comeuppance!

I thank NetGalley and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read and review an advance reader copy of this novel.

If you enjoy unexpected plot twists, which regardless of their familiarity are nonetheless captivating, and predictable characters who somehow still surprise you, then you love Jeffrey Archers' William Warwick series.

This book, NEXT IN LINE, is one of, if not the very best book written by Archer in this series. Chief Inspector Warwick is challenged to see to it that British royalty receives the protection it requires, while at the same time not allowing those protected to feel stifled in how they live their exciting lives. At the same time, the series continues to tutor and thrill its' readers interested in fine art, and the very best food, wine, and architecture.

Great stuff, cannot wait for the next installment of this amusing, informative and exciting series!

My favorite if this series yet. I enjoy how the characters have developed over the series. You really get to care about them. I like the multiple plots running simultaneously. I am ready to read the next installment

Somehow I missed one of the William Warwick books, but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment of this one. Jeffrey Archer is one of the best story tellers of all present day writers. So many stories going on- and yet each one is fascinating and ultimately intertwined. Does not disappoint!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this!

Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley, HarperCollins and Killer Crime Club.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

A fascinating read that will take you on a wild journey. Focus on royalty and the security of the royal family in the late eighties.

Detective Warwick is assigned this most dangerous task as the stakes will be deadly and trust becomes an issue.

This story is set in the late 80’s in London. Scotland Yards Elite Protection squad is the focus. They are charged with protecting the royal family. There are people who are taking advantage of their jobs to profit. This book features art theft, and terrorist threats that are targeting some important people. This book is part of a series but could be read as a stand alone. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Next in Line
by Jeffrey Archer
Pub Date: Sept. 27, 2022
William Warrick #5
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
I was so excited to read this next installment in the series. Very well written!
Jeffrey Archer is one of the best storytellers of all present-day writers. So many stories going on- and yet each one is fascinating and ultimately intertwined. Does not disappoint!
I am recommending this one and preordering it for our library. Great book!
5 stars

Jeffrey Archer has sent his Scotland Yard squad to investigate the Royal Protection Operations.
Chief Inspector William Warwick in the lead.
Including DI Ross Hogan, a detective, undercover officer, to protect HRH Princess of Wales, Diana.
The story has complicated themes, relationships between Royal Protection, Scotland Yard,
And of course, the world of art and cunning criminals that do anything to make billions.
Mr. Faulkner has died yet is still alive. His lawyer Booth Watson, QC, assumes that Miles Faulkner is dead, and
Takes all his art and sends it to England from Barcelona.
Personal life of Warrick’s is a nice distraction from all the impossible politics that are taking
Place in the outside world. The twins are delightful and nightly readings give more insight
To a normality of the life of detectives.
The book is by no means unputdownable. I had to take a few breathing breaks to digest
All the complicated procedures that the story’s characters managed to stir up.
The trust is challenged amongst all the cunning and deceptive actions of the powers that be.
Criminals or law personnel, it does not matter which one, who is there to trust?
This was enjoyable reading, although quite mind boggling at times. Hence the breaks.
Thank you Harper Collins Canada and NetGalley for the opportunity to have this book to read in advance.

This is a great series, and it just keeps getting better. This was great. It continues from where the last one ends, and continues with Miles back in jail and his attorney, assuming Miles will be in jail a long time, is slowly emptying Miles bank accounts and boxes of all his money. He already moved his artwork and now is selling it to someone that will pay for it without it going on auction. Doing so, would have alerted the police and Miles. Then Miles gets info that will stop a bomber and you'll just have to read this exciting book to find out what happens. Lots to do with Princess Diana also! A must read! Highly recommended !

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an e ARC of this book.
As always, this book was a delight. Continues the plotline with this one being particularly interesting.

The Warwick chronicles continue and there is a LOT going on in this book!!! From guarding Princess Diana (there are actually fictional situations that seem to be based on some facts!) to recovering stolen art work, dealing with terrorists and to once again dealing with master criminal Miles Faulkner. Archer packs a lot of action into a tightly written story that once again ends with a bang - now what's going to happen? Can't wait until next year's installment!

This is one of my favorite series and the newest installment did not disappoint. I thoroughly William Warwick and his family, including his lawyer father. The story picks up story threads from previous novels. The reader is certainly wanting to know what happens to Miles Faulkner and Booth Watson. The story commences as the police are assigned to protect Princess Di..so we are in the 1980's.The police are also investigating a corrupt officer at the palace along with his cronies. Archer keeps the pace fast and the story lines intertwined. By the end, Beth has founded a new business, Miles has arranged his own fate, and Watson is in a quandary with time running out. Of course, William Warwick is still the fair-haired police officer leading the investigations. Along, the way, the reader finds themselves in the world of art, theft and justice. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.

Another great William Warwick novel. As always, I was glued to the pages and couldn't put the book down. I can't wait for the next episode.

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.

It's like old home week in Next in Line as Jeffrey Archer continues the William Warwick series. Add in Princess Di and a kidnapping to all of the skullduggery between Miles Faulkner and Booth Watson and you have a story of greed, deceit, and terror.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

I liked this one, but it was slightly different from Jeffrey Archer’s typical style by adding an historical piece about Princess Diana. Some of the main characters are involved in her protection detail which added a new twist to the series.

Next in Line by Jeffrey Archer is the 5th in the William Warwick series. I have to confess, I love these books. The first four are fun to read, fast-paced with characters I care about. I love how the stories continue to from one novel to the next. And Next in Line is no different. Well, mostly. The same characters and same fast-paced writing are there. The problem for me is that this one William & Co investigating the head of the Royal Protection Services. While learning about the how the RPS functions (and doesn't function) is interesting, having Ross become the lead protection officer for Princess Diana pulled me right out of the storyline. My suspension of reality vanished when a real person became part of the story. Also, knowing what happened to HRH makes the ending of the book feel a bit sensational.

The story is written with Archer's typical banter and the interaction between William, Beth, Miles and Christina Faulkner and Booth Watson continue to entertain. I missed more of Sir Julian and Grace, though. Archer gave us more international intrigue around Diana and less William-focused action. I know that as William advances up the police chain, his cases will become bigger, but I hope that Archer writes #6 and it harkens back to the initial ones.

Thank you to #HarperCollins, #NetGalley and #JeffreyArcher for an #ARC of #NextInLine.

If you like Jeffrey Archer you'll certainly enjoy this book. It's full of suspense and the ending will hut you like a ton of bricks. Great book to end the Willuam Warwick series!

This book doesn’t disappoint! The action and intrigue start building on page one! As we learn more and more about all of the characters we get drawn more into the story. In addition the royal family is part of the storyline.

Many of the characters and criminal activity carry over from “Over My Dead Body”, but could be read as a standalone. The fifth in this series has Chief Inspector William Warwick back for a new assignment in Royalty Protection Command. Warwick and his team will be undercover looking for corruption in the unit responsible for protecting Her Royal Highness. Meanwhile Inspector Ross Hogan has his work cut out for him as he’s assigned to protect the free spirited Princess.
Booth Watson QC, the corrupt lawyer representing Miles Faulkner (in jail as he awaits trial) is up to his old tricks playing both sides. Christina Faulkner is now divorced from Miles, but they continue to dispute terms of the valuable art collection ownership. Booth is playing both sides of the feuding divorced couple, but ultimately consumed with increasing his own bank account.
There’s a deeper peak into family dynamics at the Warwick home with a new addition. William’s wife, Beth, is quite the knowledgeable art lover working at the Fitzmolean museum. Circumstances change and Beth’s friendship with Christina is tested almost beyond repair. There could be ill fated partnerships. The betrayals in this twisted plot will have you taking notes to sort out who’s double crossing who!
The action in this had my head spinning, there is one ruse after another. There’s a suicide bomber, a Libyan terrorist, national security risks, jail breaks, cons conning cons, and many double crosses between the criminals, daring rescues on land and sea, thefts, kidnapping and murder. There was even a chapter about a Cricket match, which I tried but failed to understand. The use of some real royalty names in the case was a unexpected surprise. There are some new romantic interests simmering, too.
While I have not read all in the series, this is hands down, my favorite yet.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the advance digital copy of “Next In Line,” by Jeffrey Archer, and to HarperCollinsPublishers. These are my honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily.

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.

I don't know how many books Jeffrey Archer has written but I have enjoyed the ones that I've read - and this one is no exception. In typical Archer fashion, the mystery brings together many unexpected elements- the world or art and museums, the Royal Family (well, Princess DI), Scotland Yard, Libyan terrorists- and the author weaves them together in an exciting story.
As always, Archer uses complicated themes and unexpected twists (that I couldn't guess), to complete this action packed story. with a lot of cunning, deceit, and double crossing.
I did have to make a list of characters - especially the Scotland Yard personnel and their positions. The characters nevertheless were personified as authentic people with everyday issues and joys.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC to read. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book was great! Really enjoyed the continuation of the story arc. One suggestion, there seemed to be a lack of character development. People who have not read the rest of the series would be lost for the first few chapters.

This transported me back in time, I was one of those who fell in love with the fairytale romance we all thought it was. I loved the immersion and writing in this novel. I loved losing myself in the story and the memories it evoked.

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.

Thank you (Net Galley and Harper Collins Canada) for the opportunity to read an ARC of Next in Line by Jeffrey Archer.

This was a great read. The story was well developed and the characters were also well written and I found myself cheering them on.

The story is based on protecting the HRH both personal detail and the Royal Family detail, mixed with art dealings, crooked lawyers and millionaires. William Warwick and his team develop throughout the novel, both in their personal lives and professional lives. Lots of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and guessing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down. 4.5/5 stars.

#killercrimeclub #netgalleyreads #netgalleyreview #harpercollinscanada

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!

DCI William Warwick is given a new assignment - the Royal Security Protection unit with his first assignment being to investigate the current staff of that elite unit. One of his team is assigned to HRH Princess Diana, whose marriage to Prince Charles is already in trouble creating a significant challenge to all involved. Of course, Warwick’s very unlikeable foes - Miles Faulkner, art collector and financial thief, and his attorney Mr. Booth Watson - continue their deceitful activities in the art world and in the courtroom to the consternation of both William and his father, Sir Julian. There is plenty of tension given the rivalries as well as more unscrupulous characters operating from the Royal Prison. The multiple storylines are loaded with twists and turns leading to a satisfying conclusion. This is the fifth book in Archer’s William Warwick series (which was announced as a five book series but apparently a sixth will arrive in 2023). As I have said many times before, Jeffrey Archer will never win a Booker Award or Nobel Prize for Literature, but he is one of the best storytellers around - throughout his last two series, he has woven real life characters into his story lines which makes for fun reading. My thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the ARC of this book which will be available on September 27.

Terrific. Importantly, I haven’t read the first four books in the Warwick series and I thought this one works wonderfully as a stand-alone. I had read the Clifton Chronicles in order and expected to do the same with this series, but sometimes life gets in the way. I will look forward to reading the next book as Next in Line left me wanting more.

Next in Line is full of twists and turns that keep the pages turning.

William Warwick is sent to investigate the current Command's for Royal Protection team.

Its never that simple though.

First of all there is Diana who DI Hogan is assigned to and that is never an easy assignment

Then Miles Faulkner , a lifetime but very clever , criminal story continues

There is a terrorist aspect.

Jeffrey Archer masterfully ties them all together and this results in a tale with twists and turns that rushes forward at a fast pace.

I cant wait to see what William Warwick has in store for him in Book 5. I will be among the first in line to see.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360, Harper Collins for a entertaining read.

The latest installment in the William Warwick series is full of the fun twists and turns that we expect from Jeffrey Archer.

In this book, William and his team are taking on the Royal protection officers. DI Ross Hogan even gets a gig protecting Princess Diana. Of course our main nemesis Miles Faulkner is still up to no good, as is his lawyer Booth Watson.

Overall, fun and entertaining! You must read the series in order.

Next in Line is the fifth installment in the William Warwick series by Jeffrey Archer. If you love detective and family sagas with well developed characters, this Jeffrey Archer series is very satisfying.

This story begins with a new assignment involving an investigation into corruption in the elite Royalty Protection Command. The series also continues to follow criminal activity in the art world. This was a fast, entertaining read, and I can’t wait to see what William Warwick is up to next!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

royalty, action-adventure, crime-fiction, Great-Britain, heist, historical-fiction, historical-figures, historical-research, murder, murder-investigation, procedural, thriller, law-enforcement, twisty, international-crime-and-mystery, corruption, 1980s, lawyers, deceit, double-cross*****

Another excellent tangle of a story! Set in several locations in 1988, the protagonists are all working for The Yard. The senior officer is DCI Warwick who is under a superintendent known as The Hawk. The plot revolves around criminal activity in the art world, bent coppers in the Royal Protection team guarding Princess Diana, and more. Impressively meticulous due diligence, devious plot twists, diabolical red herrings, fascinating characters, and great storytelling! Late nite read!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Harper 360/HarperCollins via NetGalley. Thank you!

I was able to get an advanced reader copy of Next in Line by Jeffrey Archer. I actually haven't read Jeffrey Archer, but this book sounded really intriguing.

It's set in 1988 and centre's around the royals and their elite protection detail. In particular, one of our MC's is assigned to the detail of the "people's princess".

Next in Line had multiple story lines that didn't necessarily tie together, except by the relationship of the characters. I had thought that in the end they might all tie together, but they really didn't. That was ok because each of the storylines was quite interesting. With a couple of them being really thrilling. This is number 5 in a series. You definitely could read as a stand alone, but I wonder if some of the other storylines are carryovers from the other books, so perhaps tie into the other books. Maybe I'll have to go back and read 1-4 now!

My experience reading historical fiction is that while there is a lot of research and care that goes into getting the historical facts correct, it is also fiction. There are elements that are the authors own imagining. I have no idea how accurate the characterization and parts of the story that centre around Princess Diana are. I don't know enough about her life to say. But, for those who really idolized her this book may be difficult to read.

I wasn't disappointed with this book, I enjoyed the pace of it and the authors writing style. I'd definitely recommend for fans of Jeffrey Archer and for those who enjoy police procedurals.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I must confess, I haven't read a Jeffrey Archer book in YEARS. I totally devoured the Cain and Abel series, but he hasn't been on my radar since. So when I saw this was available, I requested it and got it. And I am really glad I did! This is the fifth in the William Warwick series, so I did feel as though I was a latecomer to the party, but the explanations were enough to get me up to speed on the crew and how everyone fit together.

There are two stories going on at once and it took a minute to figure out which was which. The first, a continuation from an earlier book, has to do with a convicted financier and his upcoming trial after escaping and being recaptured. This is fascinating, if only for all the truly repugnant people involved!

The other, main, story is about the Elite Protection Command, who is charged with protection of the Royal Family. One member of the squad has been appointed as the personal protection officer for Diana, Princess of Wales. This assignment is not easy and gets worse, fast, as Diana is known to have a very active private life and must be protected at all times, in part from herself.

This is the 5th book in the William Warwick series. I have read the whole series and also the Clifton Chronicles. Archer is very adept at storyteller so I have enjoyed all these books. Miles Faulkner has been imprisoned for art fraud. Princess Di is also in the book and The Royalty Protection Command is guarding her. There are many twists and turns make this an interesting read. I am now looking forward to the next book in the series. I would like to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins for a copy for an honest review.

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.

Rated 4.25 stars.

I so love these characters. Especially Miles and Christina Faulkner.. Love the insight into the art world. Fun bringing Princess Diana into this story. Glad to hear there will be another book next year. Can't wait!

I've loved all of Jeffrey Archer's books, but hadn't read the Warwick series until now. I'd bought them all for my father, who recently passed away, he enjoyed the series so I figured I'd give this a try.

I see why he enjoyed the books so much. The characters engage well together, I didn't feel at all lost even though I hadn't read the other books, and there's a bit of history mixed into the fiction (Princess Diana). Mystery, friendship and espionage are main topics of this book, so any reader who enjoys these will love this book!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Next in Line by Jeffrey Archer is another totally engrossing novel featuring Inspector William Warwick. Most of the novel regards the Met’s responsibility to guard the royal family, one in particular: Princess Diana. It also roots out corruption in the palace protection detail and includes more on the escapades of master criminal, Miles Faulkner, and his errant ex-wife and lawyer. The man is powerful, even when he is in prison, as he is now. His ex-wife, Christina is a friend of Warwick’s wife, Beth, although one they all know cannot be trusted. This is an amazingly plotted book as it is chock full of intrigue, plots, and lies. Never confusing them and getting everything right is due to Archer’s diligence and talent.

William Warwick is a dedicated police officer as well as a dedicated father to his two children. I love this character. This book could almost be labeled a farce except that it isn’t. There are some very tense moments as the police join forces with the military, including the English version of a Seal team. There are many humorous moments as William navigates the politics of being a police officer, as well as the politics of being a son and husband. Inspector Ross Hogan, who has promoted to be Princess Diana’s guard, provides some interesting, as well as, harrowing moments. He is an excellent character, the father of William and Beth’s third daughter, Jo-Jo. There is no way to describe all that goes on in this book, other than to say, “You must read it for yourself!”

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Next in Line by Harper Collins, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #Netgalley #HarperCollins #JeffreyArcher #NextInLine

It’s 1988, Princess Diana, London crime. Archer is so good. Archer deftly nails the era and the mood. A conspiracy style suspense and crime. What could be better. Great novel.

Excellent new book from Jeffrey Archer! Next in Line is filled with twists, turns and multiple storylines running smoothly together throughout the novel. True to his usual style, his writing and characters are complex while sharing insider British information with the reader. The book moves along easily while engaging the reader with the various characters including London itself a starring role.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper360 for the opportunity to read this great ARC.

I always look forward to Jeffrey Archer's books and I'm never disappointed. This book is part of a series where the main character is William Warwick. It's been fascinating seeing William grow and change through the series and it's always interesting to see familiar characters again.

Archer is an excellent writer who invites you into the world he's created and presents a story with great characters, intriguing plots, and a hope that when it ends, there will be a continuation in future books.
Very enjoyable

Published by ‎ HarperCollins on September 27, 2022

One wonders how many novels Jeffrey Archer can milk from the career of William Warwick and his relentless battle against the nefarious criminal Miles Faulkner, as well as Faulkner’s unethical lawyer, Booth Watson. At least one more, apparently, as Next in Line leaves a plot thread dangling.

Princess Diana, the world’s favorite royal after the Queen grew to old to do anything interesting, is taking a break from Prince Charles. She’s yachting (and presumably canoodling) with a rich fellow when terrorists controlled by Gaddafi capture the yacht and take her captive. That’s a crime that differs from William Warwick’s usual fare. Perhaps Archer thought it was time to add some excitement to William’s drab life.

Now if Diana had actually been kidnapped, the world might have noticed, so this book might need to be viewed as an alternate history. In a brief statement at the end, Archer apologizes for making small changes in history while applauding himself for his meticulous research.

In any event, the kidnapping is a late addition to the plot. Most of the novel follows the usual path of a William Warwick story. William’s pretentious father is again prosecuting Faulkner, this time for the prison escape that occurred in Over My Dead Body. Watson tries to enrich himself by defrauding Faulkner and his client’s ex-wife Christina, who is once again playing tug-of-war with her ex-husband over his art collection. Unless it’s Christina’s art collection now — it’s difficult to keep track.

Inspector Ross Hogan takes a job as Diana’s personal protection officer, while William is assigned to an undercover job with Royal Protection (the British equivalent of America’s Secret Service, albeit charged with protecting royals rather than politicians). Warwick is investigating fraudulent claims for expense reimbursements submitted by the cops, which seems small potatoes compared to the money spent by British citizens to fund the royals. It is a big deal to William, however, who is absolute in his view that the police should never break the law — unless, of course, he’s kidnapping Faulkner in Spain and hauling him back to England without bothering to pursue an extradition. Like most people who make a show of their rectitude, William’s principles are flexible when it comes to William.

The story is a bit dull, if only because it seems like something series readers have encountered before — four times before when it comes to crimes involving Faulkner’s art collection. While the plot enlivens when the terrorists make their appearance, the terrorists are nearly as stupid as Bond villains. They discuss their plans within earshot of witnesses, not pausing to consider that the witnesses might have been planted by the police because they speak the terrorists’ language. They spare the life of a cop for no obvious reason other than Archer’s desire to avoid disappointing his readers by killing off a character they might care about.

Lengthy bits of the novel focus on two British obsessions: cricket and the correct protocol to follow when encountering a member of the royal family. British readers might find these bits of interest. I’ve read several novels that describe cricket matches and still can’t figure out how the match is scored, although I do like the customary break for tea in the middle of the game. Alan Lazard recently pretended to pour tea (or maybe a psychedelic drink) after scoring a touchdown for the Packers, but I can’t see impatient and uncivilized Americans tolerating a real tea break in any sport. On the other hand, some Americans do take an interest in royals, at least when they’re misbehaving. Archer portrays Diana as a misbehaving wife, although the world was willing to forgive Diana anything for enduring a marriage to the current king.

Maybe fans of royal scandals are a good audience for this book. I wouldn’t recommend the novel as a standalone because it is premised on so many events developed in the earlier novels. Readers who read the first four might as well read this one, but the last novel remains the best in the series, probably because it overcame the privileged stuffiness of the central characters.

RECOMMENDED

Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Next in Line.

It took me a while to get into this book, because it was the first I had read of the Warwick series. Diseregading the fact that i was not aware of the characters backrounds, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved that it featured the late Princess Diana and that the author had met her back in his early days.

I would reccommend this book, but first make sure to read the rest of William Warwick books.

Thank you, once again Harper Collins and NetGalley.

It is 1988 , the whole world loves and watches Princess Diana like true worshippers and there are multiple plots afoot requiring the services of Scotland Yard.
I love British police procedurals , they always have such decorum and a certain rhythm that I cannot explain.
This particular book has romance, danger, drama, a crook, a terrorist, a rich crooks wife and a corrupt lawyer.
Also a normal family, a sense of humor and a bunch of money.
A fast, easy to follow and very enjoyable book. I recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me this ARC

Jeffrey Archer is a masterful storyteller whose characters straddle the line between good and evil. His villains are devious but engaging and his protagonists put themselves in harms way to save society. Fans of The William Warwick series will be 'next in line' for his latest book.

Thanks to #NetGalley, I had the good fortune to read an advance copy of #NextinLine in exchange for an honest review and it didn't disappoint. Archer's powerful prose and trademark chase scenes will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final chapter. It's Faulkner vs Warwick again and readers will have to read to find out who are the pawns in their chess match.

What I love about Archer's books is that while penning charismatic characters, he reflects that there's good and evil in all of us. Even law protecting citizens may skirt the line in order to achieve desired outcomes while criminals may put themselves in danger to save others.

I'm sad to see this chapter come to a close. Looking forward to the story continuing in 2023. Until then, it's time to revisit old haunts and how the rivalry commenced.

Jeffrey Archer does it again with a mystery novel focusing on the Royal Protection unit with its dedicated officers. Incredibly written!

As always an excellent book by an excellent author. This book is one I would definitely recommend. I am giving this book. 5 stars

I would like to thank Killer Crime Club Harper Collins Canada and NetGalley for the DAC of Next in Line the book 5 in the DCI Warrick series by Jeffrey Archer.

This book is perfect for fans of John Grisham, David Silva and Ken Follett. As usual, brilliantly written, leaving one longing for the next book! Cannot recommend more highly..There is plenty of tension given the rivalries as well as more unscrupulous characters operating from the Royal Prison. The multiple storylines are loaded with twists and turns leading to a satisfying conclusion. This one is so well written and given the subject matter, very tastefully done. And just when you think you can't take anymore, another twist in the book that you never saw coming. I devoured the novel in one sitting definitely a page burner.

DCI William Warwick is given a new assignment - the Royal Security Protection unit with his first assignment being to investigate the current staff of that elite unit. One of his team is assigned to HRH Princess Diana, whose marriage to Prince Charles is already in trouble creating a significant challenge to all involved. Of course, Warwick’s very unlikeable foes - Miles Faulkner, art collector and financial thief, and his attorney Mr. Booth Watson - continue their deceitful activities in the art world and in the courtroom to the consternation of both William and his father, Sir Julian.

I enjoyed this police procedural - and the character Detective Chief Inspector Warwick and will be reading the preceding stories featuring him. There are two threads in the book. I did not enjoy the one featuring Lady Diana too much - but enjoyed the shenanigans of the prisoner who had escaped prison. I have always enjoyed Archer’s books and this one was not an exception

This book was a little different than what I expected. It is a wonderful blend of fiction with a feel of reality. Using real life characters in part of it really makes a person wonder if there is some hidden truth in this story. There was a lot of detail in this book. After reading I was curious about the author and did some research on him. Jeffrey Archer is an interesting person and it explains why he did such a fantastic job on his detail.
Miles is a very intriguing character. Was all of his money made from being a crook? The way he is able to work the system makes a person wonder how often something like this happens in true life. It is very hard to distinguish this book from a true story.