Next in Line by Jeffrey Archer

Intricate plots, interesting details and dry humour make Jeffrey Archer's novels enjoyable reads. They are somehow exciting and soothing at the same time. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the others in this series, however, because there were just too many machinations and twists and turns in one of the plot lines, which made it difficult to follow.

Chief Inspector William Warwick and his team are detailed to try and root out endemic corruption in the Royal Protection squad. Apparently, the Prince of Wales is being taken advantage of, and doesn't realise what's happening. This seemed a bit unbelievable to me, but he does have a lot to do! One of the team has to protect Princess Diana, which turns out to be a more difficult kettle of fish...

As if this isn't enough to keep him occupied, Warwick still has to contend with a nefarious criminal art collector Miles Faulkner, and his corrupt lawyer, who has his eye on Miles's money. Miles seems to be incredibly busy with his evil schemes, considering that he is supposed to be safely tucked away in prison. His wife, Christina, also has plans of her own, and keeps Warwick's wife Beth on her toes, with her dealings in art, as well as trying to keep one step ahead of Miles's ideas.

Warwick's friend, fellow policeman Ross, becomes involved trying to defeat a terrorist plot against Princess Diana. This is extremely detailed, and must have involved some meticulous research, although the terrorists seem pretty stupid half the time, which is possible, of course. Apart from that, the whole thing seemed quite realistic!

I did have a minor issue with the research. Mobile phones play a huge part in the story, and it was set in the early days of their use, I thought. However, maybe the technology was more advanced than I remember.

I always like Archer's books, and I am looking forward to the next one.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.