Best Kept Secret … a review

This is the third book of Jeffery Archer’s Clifton Chronicles series, and mind you, as of now, this is as far as the series has been written. The story of Harry Clifton, Giles, and Emma Barrington continues as there is a vote in the House of Lords to decide who will inherit the Barrington estate. And while this bit is kind of predictable, it is still written up in a very interesting way. ntense courtroom scenes and everything. While the rest of the plot has moved on to include Harry and Emma’s son Sebastian, the older generations still play very important parts, and the novel becomes an interesting medley of stories old and new, of both generations.

Harry is in America promoting his novels and Emma is out solving mysteries that plague her own family. Giles Barrington is defending his seat in the House of Commons and if you can guess, you’ll know soon enough who’s out to thwart his efforts. But thanks to Sebastian Clifton, Giles is successful.

In 1957, Sebastian wins a scholarship to Cambridge, much like his Aunt Grace did all those years ago. But, you and innocent as he is, he is lured into a trap to smuggle a statue into Britain. Going to Cambridge becomes a really distant possibility as he ends up on a ship for South America and to be honest, till the end of the book, he hasn’t actually ended up in Cambridge yet. The ending is quite exciting, what with the Government’s interference to nab the smugglers and Sebastian’s parents pitching in to make it happen.

Does Sebastian go to Cambridge? Is his life in danger? Gosh, have to wait longer to find out!

The Sins of the Father … a review

This is the second book of Jeffery Archer’s Clifton Chronicles trilogy. The story of Harry Clifton, Giles, and Emma Barrington continues as Britain is at war with Germany and Harry, as one, well acquainted with his character from the previous book, would expect, decides to sign up. But fortune is not on his side, as his ship is sunk in the Atlantic by a German U-boat, drowning almost the entire crew. Harry and an American, Bradshaw are subsequently rescued by an American ship. Bradshaw doesn’t survive and Harry, seizing this great opportunity to start afresh, steps into America as Tom Bradshaw.

But on landing in America, he quickly learns the mistake he has made, when he discovers what is awaiting Bradshaw in New York. Now he’s in a fix and the story continues in full steam. Emma, even though informed of Harry’s ‘death’, manages to know enough to believe otherwise and pursues the father of her child across seas, in the midst of war. What a girl!

Giles is now trying to go into politics to become an elected Member of Parliament and when the plot pans out, his friendship with Harry is going to be tested to a great limit. As the previous book, smaller characters like Maisie Clifton, Old Jack, Sir Walter, and Lord Harvey never fail to bring in drama and intensity! Great read, even better than Book 1.

Only Time Will Tell … a review

In between travelling, dealing with tonsilitis, and hours of lying in the pale winter sun; I asked Mum, my go-to person for books, for a fast paced solid read. And, as always, she did not disappoint as she handed me the first book of the Clifton Chronicles trilogy. The story of Harry Clifton, son of Maisie Clifton, takes off in a superb fashion as Harry wins a prestigious scholarship to study in a posh school and his Mum works hard to make ends meet. As with Jeffrey Archer’s some other books, Harry has been told that his father was killed in the First World War.

However, that certainly is not the case… as Harry is soon to find out in a very bizzare (trust me, really bizarre) fashion. But the pace of the novel is good. From his life at the boarding school and friendships that last to crossroads of life where he may either join the army or go to Uni, Harry’s life is fraught with love and deceit, both in equal measure.

The book draws to a close with his final decision (which I won’t tell you) and ends at such an excruciating stage that I was thanking stars that Mum had the entire set of books in hand! And I’m now hooked on to the second book, tracing Harry, his best friend Giles, and his love Emma, through troubled times and across troubled lands. Embark on this series, you won’t be disappointed!