Cover Image: Over My Dead Body

Over My Dead Body

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Member Reviews

I saw this on a list of great upcoming mysteries and thrillers. The Blurb sounded good, and I have never read a Jeffery Archer book before, so I was keen to try one.

This book has a great start, it immediately jumps into the story, and I was hooked instantly; I didn't realise it at the time, but it's part of a series. I read it as a stand-alone book and didn't feel that I had missed anything by not reading the others first or in order.

Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick is leading a new cold case review of several murders, they know who did them, but no convictions were made due to their lawyer, the slimy QC Booth Watson. They focus on four cases but the main thread throughout is the recently 'deceased' Miles Faulkner. This is a fast-paced story that flowed well and was entertaining throughout. If you can call them that, my only negatives were the murder outside the art gallery – was she the intended victim? Also, what happened to the baby? Maybe this is due to continue in the next book, where we will find out more. The initial death and meeting of the character who wants to become the head of the FBI felt a little superfluous to the story but may have made more sense had I read the other books first.

I got a good feel for the characters and what they were like and didn't feel I missed anything by not reading the other books. The characters were well developed and worked well with the plot. I liked both William Warwick and his partner Ross Hogan, who was bought in from the cold after being an undercover agent. I think QC Booth Watson was the best-written character though, his slimy behaviour and crookedness came through the pages brilliantly. It was also delightful to read about William Warwick's home life, his warm, caring wife and the lovely little twins to who he enjoys reading 'PC Plod' books.

Almost everything in this book was neatly tied up at the end but for a few glaring omissions. For example, what happened to Faulkner's wife, or did I miss that? Where was the baby? She eas mentioned, but I have no idea if she lived with her dad or was still in the hospital. Does Hogan ever leave, or does he stay? I guess some of this will be tied up in future books.

This was a great page-turner with a most;y relevant plot. It was well written, as you would expect from such a famous and prolific author. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you entertained and was a fairly quick read.

The story is set in 198; some parts didn't quite add up. For example, mobile phones weren't that 'mobile' back then as they would appear to be in the story, but it's a minor issue and doesn't impact the story at all. Hogan going off the rails and facing no disciplinary action is also a little suspect (and concerning!) but does add to the story, though perhaps a little too conveniently. His actions do show how grief can affect some people, though, which was an exciting thought.

I believe that this is planned to be a series of eight books, and I intend to read the first three before the next instalment. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller or enjoys reading Harlan Coben or Peter James.

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I've enjoyed previous books in the series and was waiting for the next one. The author has a captivating way of telling a tale and his books are always leave you wanting the next one to be available now!

I've enjoyed following the characters through the books and they feel like old friends. Hoping there will be another soon.

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How good to have a chance to read a Jeffrey Archer. I am indebted to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader’s Copy.

I have always admired his ability to engage a reader with sharp and innovative short stories. I have been a fan since “A twist in the Tale”, which showed the best of short story writing. I have loved reading novellas and short stories ever since. It is an important part of literature and a distinct and difficult art form. I am grateful to Archer for generating this appreciation of this format.

This is one of his novels; part of a series which is wonderfully constructed and hopefully will allow the author to follow the career path of William Warwick in the police force to the very top.

In this book, set in the late 1980s, the fourth instalment, Warwick has risen to a the rank of Detective Chief Inspector from his lowly beginnings.
The author has a great skill in hooking his readers into the unfolding story. It is an effortless progression through a plot that is exiting and demands you to read on for ‘what happens next.’
The clever thing though is this is a compilation of cold cases which Warwick and his team have been tasked to review. Crimes where someone’s guilt is a given but proofing it in a court of law almost impossible due to a lack of evidence or willing witnesses to testify. In a sense this is a group of short stories brought together into this overarching plot.
The first story is another unsolved murder where the criminal will not go to trial. Archer demonstrates great skill in showing William and his wife Beth on a cruise to New York. These events are an echo of the frustration any detective may have to prove a case beyond reasonable doubt. Where the police still are constrained by the same rule of justice to abide and work within the law.
This holiday is cut short when a murder takes place in front of his eyes on the luxury cruise liner and the family close ranks to prevent scandal and unwarranted press invasion.
From then on the page turning begins in earnest as the relative merits of evidence gathering, law enforcement and the criminal justice system are viewed from different perspectives in contrasting cases. From elements of Non-proven verdicts in Scotland to jurisdiction in different countries Warwick tries to uphold the values of justice. The story takes us around the world where different interpretations may be implied and where someone could get away with murder.
Warwick’s methods are looked up to by a young preppy student wanting to join the FBI. Kept in focus by A boss demanding results and from within his team challenged by an ex SAS and after years of working undercover perhaps too willing to blur boundaries and take short cuts.

This produces a cocktail of crimes where criminals feel beyond the law since they all employ the same crocked lawyer. This makes for a wonderful story, holds a light up to traditional crime mysteries and shows a sense of fun within this genre. (Maybe we could get him on tax evasion?)
However, this is a serious crime thriller within a police procedural style, a clever detective with an inventive team and a criminal nemesis, both credible and evil.

I liked it very much, an engaging story, or series of cases, questioning the due process of the law.

For me it lacks real depth; polished rather than lived in. Formulated with great craft but lacking an extra gear. Entertaining but not breaking the mould.

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On an ocean liner in the middle of the Atlantic a rich company owner dies. For William Warwick this is a busman's holiday and he soon knows who the killer is but the family closes ranks. However he is still on the search for arch-criminal Miles Faulkner who, after much plastic surgery, is now planning to obtain another valuable artwork. Ably assisted by D I Hogan, newly returned from undercover, Warwick is out to get his man.
Archer remains a consummate storyteller, even if his style is a little dated. This series is great fun, not high literature and not edge of one's seat but just a good entertaining read.

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Jeffrey Archer always writes a good thriller.

I believe this is the fourth William Warwick Novel. I have really enjoyed them all.

Excellent story with plenty of surprises.

It was really good to catch up with William Warwick and all his friends and colleagues.

A really good book to curl up with on a cold November day.

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The fourth instalment of Jeffrey Archer’s Detective William Warwick series has a fast-paced multi-faceted plot, with Warwick chasing murderers in several countries, strengthening old friendships and fighting old foes.

While Warwick and his wife are aboard a ship to New York crossing the Atlantic, a member of the shipping company dynasty is murdered on board. But even once this case is solved, it seems there is no respite for Detective Warwick. He joins the newly established cold case murders unit at the London Metropolitan police force, teaming up with ex-undercover agent Ross Hogan, who has his own ideas of police work standards, to solve four cold cases. Warwick travels from London to the Spanish hinterlands and Geneva to bring criminals to justice.

The novel was fun to read, well-written and a true page-turner. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

The new characters introduced add to the depth of the plot. I particularly liked the characters of Ross Hogan and the juvenile detective aboard the ship who provides Warwick with vital information and thus helps him solve the case.

The novel was fun to read, well-written and a true page-turner. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I would recommend reading the books sequentially to best make sense of the characters and their backstories.

Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and Jeffrey Archer for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This started off really well, I loved the first part of the book on the cruise ship and the death at sea. I was disappointed after that, it seemed quite dis-jointed and too many sub plots which I felt weren’t really relevant. I read this as a stand alone book but as it was number 4 in the series I did wonder if I’d missed out by not reading the other 3. I love Jeffrey Archers writing and it’s a shame I didn’t enjoy the book more.

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Unfortunately found the book far too slow and couldn’t get into it - paused reading at 15%

Didn’t realise until now that it’s part of a series so perhaps I’d have a different opinion if I had read the others but I just prefer much more drama in the initial chapters of a book of this genre

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I normally enjoy and race through an Archer book but this one just didn't do it for me. At times I was completely lost with what was happening in the story and found it hard to follow with so many characters. Unfortunate but perhaps I needed to read the other books already in the series?

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Chief Inspector William Warwick is back, heading up a cold case murder squad. Joined by former undercover officer DI Ross Hogan, he’s also trying to track down art thief Miles Faulkner, who supposedly died in Switzerland after escaping from jail, but Warwick believes him to be alive and kicking. As they follow the clues, the pair risk losing everything in their bid for justice.

I really enjoyed Over My Dead Body. There were times when I found myself a little confused, especially when Hogan disappears on his quest, with action bombarding me for page after page, but overall an enjoyable read. Warwick is a good character, although I imagined him much older than it soon transpired he was, but he comes to life from the page. I think my favourite character is probably the slimy QC Booth Watson, who pops up at regular intervals. Described by Archer as ‘oleaginous’, he’s just great!

A fun read, as with many of Jeffery Archer’s stories.

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Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick is back in this new story. And he, and former undercover agent Ross Hogan, are after Miles Faulkner who is still very much alive and still devoted to leading a life of crime. The reader needs to be as alert as the police in this book because there are many story lines and many lines of investigation. From a cruise liner to Franco’s former house near Barcelona, from unsolved murder cases to completing the puzzle, there is a lot going on. And the pace is fast.
I enjoyed again the great story telling talent of Jeffrey Archer. The characters are great, strong, witty and colorful. I really liked the personal touch about William and the fact that he has a life, reads bedtime stories to his kids and is not the usual lone cop who spends his days and nights at work.
I felt the end came a bit quick but i don’t mind because I am now looking forward to the next Jeffrey Archer!

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I have read a number of Jeffrey Archer's books over the years but was unfamiliar with this series. You cannot but admire the skill and propensity that he has for telling a great story well., and this was no exception. It reminded me so much of Agatha Christies work, where murder and revenge are at the core.It was whimsical and realistic in equal measure.. I enjoyed the twists and turns throughout in this well crafted novel and look forward now to reading the others in this series. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good "whodunnit".

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It's my first Jeffrey Archer book and by the complex but gripping plot, I can see why he is so famous. His writing is very detailed with various plot twists to keep the reader engaged. It feels a bit slow paced at some parts but overall I liked it.

The characterization is also done remarkably well. All characters fit into the story perfectly. The main character DCI William Warwick is very real. He is not the typical perfect detective who can solve any problem without mistakes or one that always have a serious face and is only concerned with his job. Warwick's character is very human, he can do mistakes, he can show emotions like humour and happiness. He also has a life aside from his job. This gives the book a very realistic feel.

I also liked DI Ross Hogan's character. His character is very interesting and is the best example of how grief and anger influences a person's decisions.

With Warwick and his team trying to solve multiple cases and at the same time trying to catch an old enemy who got away, this thriller will surely keep the reader engaged. I am looking forward to reading more works by this author.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

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I’m not a fan of Jeffery Archer, but he has written some great novels. His latest crime thriller Over My Dead Body illustrates many glimpses of his keen ability to develop police procedural plots with complexity and pace. Overall, though, this was a book that left me frustrated and shaking my head.

Typical of me, I’m jumping into a series at book four. That said, Over My Dead Body does have the feel of a standalone book, precisely because at this point, Commander Hawksby, aka The Hawk, has established the Unsolved Murder Unit, a cold case investigation team led by Chief Inspector William Warwick. The other team members include Detective Inspector Ross Hogan, DS Paul Adaja, DS Jackie Roycroft and DC Rebecca Pankhurst. Warwick and Hogan are the real compelling characters in the team; William for his analytical style and investigative talent, and Hogan for his unique perspectives and have been an undercover agent for a long time, he has plenty to contribute as second in command.

The book starts with William and his wife Beth travelling first-class on a cruise liner to New York. Also travelling are the Buchanan family, who own the ship and the Pilgrim Line. Chairman of the Pilgrim Line is Fraser Buchanan, who dies at dinner one evening – was he poisoned or had a heart attack. The captain, doctor, and some family members seem keen to have Fraser buried at sea without an autopsy. Fortunately, William Warwick is on hand, and if the Gods hadn’t already had a bet on William to solve the murder, along comes James Buchanan, Fraser’s grandson. The latter wants to be an FBI agent because of his astute powers of observation and analysis. Would it surprise you to say they solved the murder case? Didn’t think so.

Another story starts, where William realises that a master thief, and his nemesis Miles Faulkner, whom he presumed dead, has altered his name and appearance (Captain Ralph Neville) and intends to marry someone close to Beth. Realising he’s been copped, Miles makes a run for it, and the team give chase. When that concludes, the team splits up the cold cases within the unit, and each member leads an investigation. Each case brings its own twisty and fast-paced drama, although some of the antics are as odd as a bottle of chips.

There are great moments to enjoy the storytelling craft from Jeffery Archer, but this book as a piece of work felt far too disjointed. It was almost as if the first 30% was a separate short story. Not really a book I could recommend, but many others have enjoyed this book. I want to thank Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in return for an honest review.

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Over my dead body by Jeffrey Archer.
Detective William Warwick book 4.
THE CLOCK IS TICKING IN THIS ROLLERCOASTER RIDE OF A THRILLER…
In London, the Metropolitan Police set up a new Unsolved Murders Unit—a cold case squad—to catch the criminals nobody else can. 
 In Geneva, millionaire art collector Miles Faulkner—convicted of forgery and theft—was pronounced dead two months ago. So why is his unscrupulous lawyer still representing a dead client? 
 On a luxury liner en route to New York, the battle for power at the heart of a wealthy dynasty is about to turn to murder.
 And at the heart of all three investigations are Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick, rising star of the department, and ex-undercover agent Ross Hogan, brought in from the cold. 
But can they catch the killers before it’s too late?
A very good read with good characters. William was my favourite. This is my first book by this author but it won't be the last. 5*.

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Jeffrey Archer is an experienced and skilled plotter of both long and short stories and this book, number four in the DCI William Warwick series, reads like an attempt to merge both of these lengths into a single central story interwoven with more peripheral tales (including a PC Plod children’s bedtime story which I assume is original). It also, I believe, changes voice to reflect the sub-story.
The opening section is a standalone short story in which we find Warwick and his wife on a transatlantic liner paid for, indirectly, by the lately deceased escaped criminal Miles Faulkener; although Warwick believes that the latter has faked his death and cremation. This section is essentially stand-alone (perhaps setting up for a future novel). Although set in the 1980s, this tale feels like a Christie-Poirot short and, linguistically feels like the impish 50s style of Leslie Charteris’s Saint stories.
Back on land, Warwick is put in charge of a team set up to arrest and successfully prosecute serial criminals who have been untouchable due to lack of evidence. This is a police procedural format, albeit less orthodox than usual, and has that pedestrian style. One aspect is the continuation of the central theme: tracing Faulkener. Much of the burden of the side investigations is borne by DI Horgan, a former SAS corporal then undercover police officer, who brings a cavalier style reminiscent of Bond or, it seemed to me, Simon Templar.
The patchy way I have laid out this review, reflects the patchy nature of the novel. Don’t get me wrong, it is well written, entertaining and worth reading. I just felt that Jeffrey was playing with the format more as an intellectual exercise than as a consequence of the story.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

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This is the first William Warwick mystery I read and won't surely be the last as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jeffrey Archer is a talented storyteller and this story kept me reading as it's an unputdownable page turner.
Great and complex plot, fast paced, excellent character development.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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It has been a really long time since I have read a book by Jeffery Archer and the plot was even more complex than those that I remembered. The story was well written and had many characters and was book 4 of a series featuring DCI William Warwick.

Having not read the previous books I still found that I could engage with the characters although I would have been able to understand more of the background and stories of the characters if I have read from book 1.

The story is fast paced and the characters are gritty and real. I enjoyed the book and would certainly read more in the series and from the author in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

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There is no getting away from the fact that Jeffrey Archer can tell a darned good yarn - and this book is no exception. From the very beginning the story is gripping and moves along very quickly. The plot unfolds cleverly and there is never a dull or tedious moment. His tales are never ever boring!! I would strongly recommend this book as a really good read.

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I almost gave up on this book in the first chapter as I found the dialogue between the main character, Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick, and a seventeen year old precocious boy called James Buchanan so unbelievable and irritating. Their conversations are just like those of the 21st century Sherlock TV series where Sherlock Holmes and Watson are trying to outdo the other for having noted some tiny detail about someone or their behaviour and supposedly deduced a lot of information from it. The first chapter was the worst but I found this sort of discourse in the whole book quite grating as characters try to outsmart each other with witticisms they see as being intellectual.

The story starts with Warwick suspecting that criminal, Miles Faulkner, is not dead despite having apparently recently attended his funeral. We then learn that Warwick's wife, Beth, is friend with Miles’ wife and has been asked to be maid of hour at her second marriage to Captain Neville. This was another step too far in belief for me that a Detective Chief Inspector’s wife and a criminal’s wife are best friends.

So Warwick is not convinced that Miles Faulkner is dead and he is also heading up a team of detectives who are to investigate several cold cases. Enter a multitude of characters and a plethora of ‘coincidental’ connections.

I’m sure that many who are willing to suspend belief completely, like a good yarn and can keep track of a lot of characters will love this book but it wasn’t for me.

With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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