Archer is back at it again. I have read and loved Clifton Chronicles. And choosing to pick a fictional character, William Warwick, from Harry Clifton’s books is a treat for Archer’s fan. Like he says, this is not a detective novel but a novel about a detective’s life.
William Warwick goes against the wishes of his father, Sir Julian Warwick, and becomes a detective instead of a lawyer. After graduating from university, William begins a career that will define his life: from his early months on the beat under the watchful eye of his first mentor, Constable Fred Yates, to his first high-stakes case as a fledgeling detective in Scotland Yard’s arts and antiquities squad. Investigating the theft of a priceless Rembrandt painting from the Fitzmolean Museum, fraud signatures and many others.
First few chapters were a drag and didn’t hold me. Once William starts working on the cases, you get hooked. It’s good detective work. William’s love interest Beth also brings a twist to the story. For some reason, I was expecting a big blow up when Beth’s secret comes out, but it was a cliché through and through. The story ends at an unexpected note, leaving for scope for the next book in series.
For a Jeffery Archer fan, Nothing Ventured was a bit disappointing and
predictable. William’s character is lovable and easy going. Sir Julian Warwick is impressive as well. But there was nothing I haven’t read before. After reading a lot of detective thrillers, including the ones about art, this book didn’t seem impressive. The language is easy, there are a few British slangs one needs to know. This was one good and light read that won’t keep you on edge but keep you reading for the fun of it. I am hoping the
series will get better as William ages and gets a little wise.
