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Crime Pays: The Year of Short Stories – July
July’s instalment of The Year of Short Stories is Crime Pays. Released as one of a limited number of digital shorts released to celebrate the publication of Jeffrey Archer’s magnificent seventh short-story collection, Tell Tale.
Taken from To Cut a Long Story Short, Jeffrey Archer's fourth collection of short stories, Crime Pays is a captivating, witty and ingenious short read.
When Kenny Merchant walks into Harrods and tries to steal a pair of cufflinks, he counterintuitively plans on being caught, and the police and even more surprised when he leads them to his house full of expensive objects that have likely been stolen. But this elaborate con is just the beginning as Kenny plans an even more lucrative and audacious scheme from his prison cell . . .
- GenresShort Stories
31 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2018
83 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Archer
659 books12.5k followersJeffrey is published in 114 countries and more than 47 languages, with more than 750,000 5* reviews with international sales passing 275 million copies.
He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction (nineteen times), short stories (four times) and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries).
Jeffrey has been married for 53 years to Dame Mary Archer DBE. They have two sons, William and James, three grandsons and two granddaughters, and divide their time between homes in London, Cambridge and Mallorca.
He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction (nineteen times), short stories (four times) and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries).
Jeffrey has been married for 53 years to Dame Mary Archer DBE. They have two sons, William and James, three grandsons and two granddaughters, and divide their time between homes in London, Cambridge and Mallorca.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 1, 2018
Master storyteller Lord Jeffrey Archer has chosen to please his fans with a new venture; a short story released each month. Those familiar with Archer’s work will know that he can not only spin long and involved pieces, but also the short story that compacts adventure into a handful of pages. July’s story is an interesting piece on crime and one that will get the reader thinking throughout. Kenny Merchant is a superior thief, or so he likes to think. After planning and calculating a shoplifting arrest, he readily admits to his crimes, as well as a number of others. Voluntarily agreeing to a prison term, Merchant begins researching his next scheme. It is much more complex, involving a significant piece of legislation recently passed in British Parliament. After his release, Merchant flies out of England and leaves the authorities on opposing sides of the world scratching their heads. Years later, he is brought to justice and faces a trial on a new set of criminal charges. It is here that Merchant is able to show just how calculating he can be and what a dedicated criminal can do to ensure that crime pays high dividends. Archer has done it again with this wonderful short story, sure to impress those who enjoy a little escape from the every day. Highly recommended for Archer fans and those who enjoy shorter pieces of writing to enjoy over a cuppa!
Lord Jeffrey Archer’s work is always full of unique perspectives, be they complete novels or shorter story such as this one. I am so pleased to have come across this collection and have reviewed each story based on its own merits. Now I await each instalment on a monthly basis, I can hope to find gems amidst all the reading I undertake each year. This was definitely one of the more compelling and complex reads (due to all the information being presented, not writing style). Archer does well to present Kenny Merchant as a straightforward man with many calculating thoughts. His schemes are simple enough that he can undertake them alone, but also complicated enough that the reader ought to pay attention in order to understand each cog in the larger criminal wheel. I enjoyed the banter between Merchant and the authorities, seeking to unravel what’s taken place. The story was just long enough that I could remind myself why I enjoy Archer’s work so much, as I let my brain follow whatever he has to say and suspend any disbelief. Archer is able to impress and entertain in equal measure, something that is rare in the pieces I have come across over the last number of years. I have enjoyed all these pieces and am eager for the next turn of the calendar, when I can be assured yet another short story.
Kudos, Lord Archer, for a masterful new story collection. How you find so many effective ideas that produce high quality publications I will never know.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Lord Jeffrey Archer’s work is always full of unique perspectives, be they complete novels or shorter story such as this one. I am so pleased to have come across this collection and have reviewed each story based on its own merits. Now I await each instalment on a monthly basis, I can hope to find gems amidst all the reading I undertake each year. This was definitely one of the more compelling and complex reads (due to all the information being presented, not writing style). Archer does well to present Kenny Merchant as a straightforward man with many calculating thoughts. His schemes are simple enough that he can undertake them alone, but also complicated enough that the reader ought to pay attention in order to understand each cog in the larger criminal wheel. I enjoyed the banter between Merchant and the authorities, seeking to unravel what’s taken place. The story was just long enough that I could remind myself why I enjoy Archer’s work so much, as I let my brain follow whatever he has to say and suspend any disbelief. Archer is able to impress and entertain in equal measure, something that is rare in the pieces I have come across over the last number of years. I have enjoyed all these pieces and am eager for the next turn of the calendar, when I can be assured yet another short story.
Kudos, Lord Archer, for a masterful new story collection. How you find so many effective ideas that produce high quality publications I will never know.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
October 8, 2019
This author is a master story teller. Here he shows his skill by planting the idea that a criminal would deliberately get himself.
Quickly we learn that everything is going to plan and in the process of manipulating the law and it’s interpretation he makes money from stolen goods.
Happy to bank the proceeds against the risk of a short stretch in prison he uses his time wisely to plan his next caper.
Frustrated by the outrageousness of a thief profiting from crime a policeman vows to catch him next time.
When a complaint is made against this clever crook the police officer feels he has finally got his man.
The case going to court demonstrates the difference between legislation debated in parliament and the loop holes that may arise to the enactment of the law.
A clever piece. I wonder if it rises from the frustrations of sitting in either House. However, it may have struck Mr Archer while he passed his time at Her Majesty’s Pleasure that some crime is profitable.
Quickly we learn that everything is going to plan and in the process of manipulating the law and it’s interpretation he makes money from stolen goods.
Happy to bank the proceeds against the risk of a short stretch in prison he uses his time wisely to plan his next caper.
Frustrated by the outrageousness of a thief profiting from crime a policeman vows to catch him next time.
When a complaint is made against this clever crook the police officer feels he has finally got his man.
The case going to court demonstrates the difference between legislation debated in parliament and the loop holes that may arise to the enactment of the law.
A clever piece. I wonder if it rises from the frustrations of sitting in either House. However, it may have struck Mr Archer while he passed his time at Her Majesty’s Pleasure that some crime is profitable.
July 20, 2018
Writing a law and suspense story that captivates you, and at such small length; is amazing. The curiosity from page 1 makes it almost impossible to leave it until last page.
I recall reading it as part of 'To Cut a Long Story Short'. And that was one remarkable collection.
I wonder, with all these amazing twisted plots these brilliant writers present, does someone try to pull it off for real?
I recall reading it as part of 'To Cut a Long Story Short'. And that was one remarkable collection.
I wonder, with all these amazing twisted plots these brilliant writers present, does someone try to pull it off for real?
September 26, 2018
No, no, no! Did not like it. I've read quite a few of these short stories from Jeffery, but this one did not end well. The 2 stars are for the superb delivery and build-up. Reading this is just like watching a trailer of the first episode of a TV series. It's really gripping, one of the most out of all, and it went very well until it ended.
Want to read
July 30, 2018💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (7/30/2018)!💝
May 30, 2019
This one made me giggle. If only it was that easy! Still, don't think I could do it, I'm too honest for my own good.
October 5, 2018
A good read
A good and quick read.
Very interesting too.
Recommended for all short story lovers.
Would be reading more short stories of Jeffrey Archer.
A good and quick read.
Very interesting too.
Recommended for all short story lovers.
Would be reading more short stories of Jeffrey Archer.
February 16, 2021
Another very short book, just a short story really, as is hinted by the “Year of Short Stories” label on the cover image. I downloaded this book when the whole series was offered free as ebooks from Amazon, but now that I look back they are nowhere to be found. I can only assume that this is because they are now combined into one or more (paid) anthologies rather than being available as individual titles.
As with all the books I have read in this series, it is packed with detail and has the same tightly written, observational style. In this case we, as readers, watch as a clever criminal pushes the limits of the law in order to turn small crimes into big money. His meticulous plan involves all sorts of dodges, including admitting to minor crimes to escape bigger ones, and trading on people’s expectations. By the end of the story, he has made millions through the gullibility of others, and escaped with just a thousand pound fine.
Although published in 2018 as part of an anthology, the story is obviously set around 1998 when the data protection act came into force, and before Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1999. As a historical document it is interesting, but as a celebration of bare-faced criminal activity, it leaves a bit of a bad taste in the mouth. The story is also lacking in any kind of emotion from any of the participants. Just as in “Clean Sweep Ignatius”, which I read a few weeks ago, the criminal protagonist goes about his business with a kind of deadly calm, as if nobody else matters.
On the whole, while I can appreciate the detail in the planning of this story, I can’t say that I actually enjoyed it. A “heist” story with no drama and no setbacks is fundamentally not a satisfying story.
As with all the books I have read in this series, it is packed with detail and has the same tightly written, observational style. In this case we, as readers, watch as a clever criminal pushes the limits of the law in order to turn small crimes into big money. His meticulous plan involves all sorts of dodges, including admitting to minor crimes to escape bigger ones, and trading on people’s expectations. By the end of the story, he has made millions through the gullibility of others, and escaped with just a thousand pound fine.
Although published in 2018 as part of an anthology, the story is obviously set around 1998 when the data protection act came into force, and before Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1999. As a historical document it is interesting, but as a celebration of bare-faced criminal activity, it leaves a bit of a bad taste in the mouth. The story is also lacking in any kind of emotion from any of the participants. Just as in “Clean Sweep Ignatius”, which I read a few weeks ago, the criminal protagonist goes about his business with a kind of deadly calm, as if nobody else matters.
On the whole, while I can appreciate the detail in the planning of this story, I can’t say that I actually enjoyed it. A “heist” story with no drama and no setbacks is fundamentally not a satisfying story.
March 24, 2020
I don't do book reviews.....
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way
April 24, 2019
Letter of Law
Great writing by Archer. A quick read (finished on my way back from work).
Story of a Mr.Merchant who through studying laws runs a scam. Book is quite compelling for such a small read. Not because of the story or writing, but purely because of the information it throws. Not something you will read in a Archer novel but quite entertaining and gripping.
Great writing by Archer. A quick read (finished on my way back from work).
Story of a Mr.Merchant who through studying laws runs a scam. Book is quite compelling for such a small read. Not because of the story or writing, but purely because of the information it throws. Not something you will read in a Archer novel but quite entertaining and gripping.
June 14, 2019
Loopholes in laws do help criminals
A short story of major twists and turns in the story line of a perfect criminal who covers all his crime using the loopholes of Data Protection Act...Rather interesting
A short story of major twists and turns in the story line of a perfect criminal who covers all his crime using the loopholes of Data Protection Act...Rather interesting
July 9, 2018
Just a great story. I feel it could have been a book itself.
August 10, 2018
Thorough
I enjoyed reading this story very much. I've always been one to advocate persuing the spirit and not the letter - be it in law or in religion.
I enjoyed reading this story very much. I've always been one to advocate persuing the spirit and not the letter - be it in law or in religion.
October 8, 2018
Short story
Good readable story by a superb storyteller. Only wish it was longer but Jeffrey hasn’t lost that skill in telling a super yarn.
Good readable story by a superb storyteller. Only wish it was longer but Jeffrey hasn’t lost that skill in telling a super yarn.
October 9, 2018
Didn't follow it completely but it was witty!!
February 5, 2019
Excellent as usual from Jeffery Archer
July 25, 2019
A freebie short story. Usually enjoy this author. This story less so.
February 8, 2020
Fantastic
Another excellent story from Jeffrey Archer. Look forward to reading more. Keep them comming. Absolutely brilliant storylines I cannot wait for more.
Another excellent story from Jeffrey Archer. Look forward to reading more. Keep them comming. Absolutely brilliant storylines I cannot wait for more.
May 6, 2020
Another delightful read!
He's done it again! A very cleverly put together novel using the passing of bills in parliament. Very neat and an enjoyable read.
He's done it again! A very cleverly put together novel using the passing of bills in parliament. Very neat and an enjoyable read.
May 21, 2020
A captivating and crisp short read. Keeps you engrossed at all times. For sure, he is a master storyteller.
Read
February 22, 2022I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It leaves the reader wanting more.
August 7, 2022
Nice doc for the case
December 9, 2023
What a cool criminal! Kenny took advantage of loopholes in the law and minted money. A very smart player and truly worked his ass off for it.
March 7, 2024
I liked the concept, but felt the crime to be too complicated. White collar crime may be profitable but it's also boring.
July 23, 2018
A really good short story. Sharp, clever and it obviously calls on Mr Archer's time in prison in the UK. This gives the story and the court room sections a realism and authenticity which builds into the story's climax.
The characters were believable, as was the plot. Intriguingly intelligent, the hero uses the complexity of the law and legal loopholes in order to become successful in his monetary manipulations.
An excellent read, indeed!
The characters were believable, as was the plot. Intriguingly intelligent, the hero uses the complexity of the law and legal loopholes in order to become successful in his monetary manipulations.
An excellent read, indeed!
February 12, 2019
Short an sweet swindling crime story.
The book starts with a British citizen plans and shoplifts at Harrods and gets himself arrested. As he has predicted he is sentenced to two years in prison.
He uses his time in prison to learn in detail about the laws that he can exploit and swindle money without attracting too much penalty for himself. He is released in a year's time for good behaviour.
Read the book to see how he goes about hoodwinking the law and making a fortune for himself.
The book starts with a British citizen plans and shoplifts at Harrods and gets himself arrested. As he has predicted he is sentenced to two years in prison.
He uses his time in prison to learn in detail about the laws that he can exploit and swindle money without attracting too much penalty for himself. He is released in a year's time for good behaviour.
Read the book to see how he goes about hoodwinking the law and making a fortune for himself.
October 13, 2019
Typical Archer great plot with believable characters
A great read
A great read
October 2, 2018
I'm not normally one for crime fiction, although I find Jeffrey Archer's short stories very satisfying. It is nice to be able to absorb a whole story quite quickly and in one sitting. The main character was very interesting and what he was doing kept me reading.
June 12, 2024
Capturing story
Crime Pays is a very different and unique story that only a master storyteller can tell. Jeffrey has soaked a lot of real life before turning to become a storyteller...and it shows in such creations by him.
Crime Pays is a very different and unique story that only a master storyteller can tell. Jeffrey has soaked a lot of real life before turning to become a storyteller...and it shows in such creations by him.
November 30, 2018
Crisp and fast as usual
Nice story. Read Archer for the fun of it but nothing if you expect Forsyth type of detailing. Both appeal to different people
Nice story. Read Archer for the fun of it but nothing if you expect Forsyth type of detailing. Both appeal to different people
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews