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William Warwick #3
Turn a Blind Eye
Turn a Blind Eye is the third installment in the gripping story of Detective Inspector William Warwick, by the master storyteller and #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Clifton Chronicles.
Newly promoted to Detective Inspector, William Warwick is tasked with a dangerous new line of work, to go undercover and expose crime of another kind: corruption at the heart of the Metropolitan Police Force. Along with detectives Rebecca Pankhurst and Nicky Bailey, his team is focused on following Detective Jerry Summers, a young officer whose lifestyle exceeds his income. But the investigation risks being compromised when Nicky falls for Summers.
Meanwhile, notorious drug baron Ahmed Rashidi goes on trial, defended by Booth Watson QC, while William's father Sir Julian and sister Grace lead the prosecution case. And William's wife Beth, now a new mother to twins, makes a surprising new friend in Christina Faulkner--the ex-wife of William's former rival, criminal financier Miles - who has not only turned over a new leaf, but also has a new-found source of income when Faulkner dies suddenly of a heart attack and she stands to be sole inheritor of his estate.
As the undercover officers start to draw the threads together, William realizes that the corruption may go deeper still, and more of his colleagues than he first thought might be willing to turn a blind eye.
Newly promoted to Detective Inspector, William Warwick is tasked with a dangerous new line of work, to go undercover and expose crime of another kind: corruption at the heart of the Metropolitan Police Force. Along with detectives Rebecca Pankhurst and Nicky Bailey, his team is focused on following Detective Jerry Summers, a young officer whose lifestyle exceeds his income. But the investigation risks being compromised when Nicky falls for Summers.
Meanwhile, notorious drug baron Ahmed Rashidi goes on trial, defended by Booth Watson QC, while William's father Sir Julian and sister Grace lead the prosecution case. And William's wife Beth, now a new mother to twins, makes a surprising new friend in Christina Faulkner--the ex-wife of William's former rival, criminal financier Miles - who has not only turned over a new leaf, but also has a new-found source of income when Faulkner dies suddenly of a heart attack and she stands to be sole inheritor of his estate.
As the undercover officers start to draw the threads together, William realizes that the corruption may go deeper still, and more of his colleagues than he first thought might be willing to turn a blind eye.
342 pages, Hardcover
First published March 30, 2021
2951 people are currently reading
7405 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Archer
659 books12.4k 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 968 reviews
May 12, 2021
Nice to see Mr. Archer get back on track with this story. He even manages to make courtroom dialogue interesting. 8 of 10 stars
March 26, 2021
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Jeffrey Archer, and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
The newest novel in Jeffrey Archer’s latest series is always reason for some excitement, at least for those who have a penchant for the author’s attention to detail. DI William Warwick has been through a great deal of late and feels that his actions might merit demotion or worse. However, his superiors at the Met have other ideas, using him to coax out those who have gone rogue. It will be a secret mission that could cost Warwick everything if he is caught, but ensure another promotion if he is successful. Archer at his best in this piece, which keeps his many fans on the edge of their seats.
As the case of Assem Rashidi, notorious drug lord, is set to go to trial, William Warwick is promoted for his work on the arrest. DI Warwick is not sure if he ought to be happy about this, or expect to be punished because of all the corners that were cut in the sting operation. Still, he’s happy to be a part of the action and will follow whatever plan is put before him.
DI Warwick is given a daunting task to help discover whether others within the Metropolitan Police have been acting in a corrupt manner. It will not only be difficult, but highly dangerous, as no one likes a leaker. Amassing his team, DI Warwick begins targeting a young detective who is surely living beyond his means, which is likely related to receiving kickbacks.
The Rashidi trial comes before the courts with DI Warwick as one of its key witnesses. Two others in the Warwick family are heading the Crown’s case—Sir Julian, the ever-present father, and Grace, his sister—prepared to put away this seedy character as soon as possible. The case will be difficult, with a strong defence headed by Booth Watson QC, but the Warwicks are determined, if nothing else. The case hinges on identification and Rashidi will do anything he can to lead everyone off his trail.
Meanwhile, Beth Warwick has been tending to her new twins while William is away working. She knows the life of a detective’s wife is anything but glamourous, but finds ways of keeping herself busy. Oddly enough, this includes spending some time wit ha new friend, Christina Faulkner, who happens to have been recently divorced from William’s greatest foe, Miles. When a series of events thrust Christina into a massive fortune, it becomes apparent that corruption inside the Met is much deeper than first expected.
Juggling the trial and some of his own sleuthing, DI Warwick gets to the heart of the matter, in hopes of rooting out those who would try to bring the Met to its knees. It will be a challenge, but there’s nothing that DI William Warwick holds closer to his heart than ensuring no one is turning a blind eye to justice. Well, perhaps family is a little more important, but that’s for another story!
Anyone familiar with Jeffrey Archer and his writing will know that there are numerous subtleties found within each story. Be they linking pieces that keep a series connected or off the cuff remarks that come back to mean something later, Archer keeps his readers on their toes throughout. This book is no exception, creating a series about William Warwick, a character who was mentioned throughout the Clifton Chronicles as being the main protagonist of Harry’s popular series. Now, the reader can see all the buzz that the novels created directly, as Archer takes on the role of Harry Clifton to breathe life into the idea.
William Warwick is a fabulous protagonist and grows effectively throughout the series. He has been promoted and works on showing his leadership throughout this piece. However, he cannot stop looking behind him, as there are those who would love to see him fall flat on his face. Added to that, Warwick a new father to twins, which forces him to divide his time between work and home life, never easy at the best of times. The reader sees some solid development throughout, perfect as things heat up ahead of the fourth novel.
Archer is never one to create flat characters, even those who are in a supporting role. The cast of this novel offer great depth and excitement throughout, as the story shifts to numerous plot developments and settings throughout. There are those who complement Warwick well, as well as individuals who flavour the narrative such that the impediments are clear. Never a shortage of action fills the pages of this book, with Archer providing wondering entertainment in the form of his minor characters.
The story itself was strong and began soon after the previous novel ended. This is always hard to do, as Archer must bridge the excitement that ended the last piece with a new sense of pizzazz immediately. There is no issue with the flow of the story or pulling the reader into the centre. I found myself lost in the story with a great deal of ease, leaving me to want even more with each chapter. The narrative pushed along well and kept me begging for more, with short chapters that teased as much as they propelled the story forward. Archer has a style I have come to love and I cannot get enough, so I am happy to know that the next piece is hot on the heels of this one, due out in November. What a treat that will be, as DI William Warwick has much to do in the coming years.
Kudos, Lord Archer, for another winner. You never seem to slump in my opinion, which makes seeing your books all the more exciting for me.
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/...
The newest novel in Jeffrey Archer’s latest series is always reason for some excitement, at least for those who have a penchant for the author’s attention to detail. DI William Warwick has been through a great deal of late and feels that his actions might merit demotion or worse. However, his superiors at the Met have other ideas, using him to coax out those who have gone rogue. It will be a secret mission that could cost Warwick everything if he is caught, but ensure another promotion if he is successful. Archer at his best in this piece, which keeps his many fans on the edge of their seats.
As the case of Assem Rashidi, notorious drug lord, is set to go to trial, William Warwick is promoted for his work on the arrest. DI Warwick is not sure if he ought to be happy about this, or expect to be punished because of all the corners that were cut in the sting operation. Still, he’s happy to be a part of the action and will follow whatever plan is put before him.
DI Warwick is given a daunting task to help discover whether others within the Metropolitan Police have been acting in a corrupt manner. It will not only be difficult, but highly dangerous, as no one likes a leaker. Amassing his team, DI Warwick begins targeting a young detective who is surely living beyond his means, which is likely related to receiving kickbacks.
The Rashidi trial comes before the courts with DI Warwick as one of its key witnesses. Two others in the Warwick family are heading the Crown’s case—Sir Julian, the ever-present father, and Grace, his sister—prepared to put away this seedy character as soon as possible. The case will be difficult, with a strong defence headed by Booth Watson QC, but the Warwicks are determined, if nothing else. The case hinges on identification and Rashidi will do anything he can to lead everyone off his trail.
Meanwhile, Beth Warwick has been tending to her new twins while William is away working. She knows the life of a detective’s wife is anything but glamourous, but finds ways of keeping herself busy. Oddly enough, this includes spending some time wit ha new friend, Christina Faulkner, who happens to have been recently divorced from William’s greatest foe, Miles. When a series of events thrust Christina into a massive fortune, it becomes apparent that corruption inside the Met is much deeper than first expected.
Juggling the trial and some of his own sleuthing, DI Warwick gets to the heart of the matter, in hopes of rooting out those who would try to bring the Met to its knees. It will be a challenge, but there’s nothing that DI William Warwick holds closer to his heart than ensuring no one is turning a blind eye to justice. Well, perhaps family is a little more important, but that’s for another story!
Anyone familiar with Jeffrey Archer and his writing will know that there are numerous subtleties found within each story. Be they linking pieces that keep a series connected or off the cuff remarks that come back to mean something later, Archer keeps his readers on their toes throughout. This book is no exception, creating a series about William Warwick, a character who was mentioned throughout the Clifton Chronicles as being the main protagonist of Harry’s popular series. Now, the reader can see all the buzz that the novels created directly, as Archer takes on the role of Harry Clifton to breathe life into the idea.
William Warwick is a fabulous protagonist and grows effectively throughout the series. He has been promoted and works on showing his leadership throughout this piece. However, he cannot stop looking behind him, as there are those who would love to see him fall flat on his face. Added to that, Warwick a new father to twins, which forces him to divide his time between work and home life, never easy at the best of times. The reader sees some solid development throughout, perfect as things heat up ahead of the fourth novel.
Archer is never one to create flat characters, even those who are in a supporting role. The cast of this novel offer great depth and excitement throughout, as the story shifts to numerous plot developments and settings throughout. There are those who complement Warwick well, as well as individuals who flavour the narrative such that the impediments are clear. Never a shortage of action fills the pages of this book, with Archer providing wondering entertainment in the form of his minor characters.
The story itself was strong and began soon after the previous novel ended. This is always hard to do, as Archer must bridge the excitement that ended the last piece with a new sense of pizzazz immediately. There is no issue with the flow of the story or pulling the reader into the centre. I found myself lost in the story with a great deal of ease, leaving me to want even more with each chapter. The narrative pushed along well and kept me begging for more, with short chapters that teased as much as they propelled the story forward. Archer has a style I have come to love and I cannot get enough, so I am happy to know that the next piece is hot on the heels of this one, due out in November. What a treat that will be, as DI William Warwick has much to do in the coming years.
Kudos, Lord Archer, for another winner. You never seem to slump in my opinion, which makes seeing your books all the more exciting for me.
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/...
November 1, 2023
The 3rd book in the William Warwick series and it’s another open-ended finish that requires you to have, firstly, read the earlier books to get the necessary background and then, be prepared to read the next book in the hope of reaching some closure in a couple of ongoing stories. Am I fan of this type of set-up? Not particularly and, to be honest, the formula has been the same for three books in a row so it’s already starting to get a bit old.
Be that as it may, there’s no doubting that Warwick’s meteoric rise up the ranks of the London Metropolitan Police Force continues at full steam. He’s now been moved to the Internal Affairs Unit, a much maligned section of any police force, and he’s to work undercover to determine whether certain police officers are corrupt. It’s a full on job but, as has happened in the past, he’s not working alone. The team that was so successful in his recent operation is making the move with him.
Their target is a police sergeant whose lifestyle clearly exceeds his pay packet. But he’s also built a reputation for one of the highest arrest records in the force. The undercover operation places DC Nicky Bailey into the man’s proximity and, not surprisingly, the pair begin to date. The problem is, Nicky falls for the man she’s supposed to be surveilling which turns the operation into a far more complicated one.
The ongoing saga of Miles Faulkner continues to play out. Faulkner’s on the run having escaped from prison at the end of the previous book. Add drugs mastermind Assem Rashidi to the ongoing antagonist mix and the criminal masterminds with William Warwick on the top of their hit lists are starting to stack up.
As in the earlier two books, we’re treated to a blow by blow account of a court case in which William’s father Sir Julian locks horns with the ever-bent defense counsel Booth Watson QC. Although the case was extensively covered, it was short on interesting exchanges and long on predictable outcomes. I found the entire Rashidi trial tedious in the extreme. Similarly, the twists, when they come, are quite predictable. The only surprise is that the investigating officers (including Warwick) are slow in picking up on them.
The undercover operation and the teamwork used to carry it out was where the book picked up in terms of pace and interest for me. It’s all about the careful planning and execution that makes or breaks a case and that was a particular strength in the telling of this particular operation.
It appears, in this series, for it to be de rigueur for a primary investigation to be carried out while the ongoing criminal activity is carried out by Miles Faulkner and his cronies. Thank goodness I started reading these books when the 6th was being published so I can read them all one after the other as if they’re a single story. I couldn’t imagine having to pick things up a year or so after the last book and then find myself hanging in limbo for the next.
Be that as it may, there’s no doubting that Warwick’s meteoric rise up the ranks of the London Metropolitan Police Force continues at full steam. He’s now been moved to the Internal Affairs Unit, a much maligned section of any police force, and he’s to work undercover to determine whether certain police officers are corrupt. It’s a full on job but, as has happened in the past, he’s not working alone. The team that was so successful in his recent operation is making the move with him.
Their target is a police sergeant whose lifestyle clearly exceeds his pay packet. But he’s also built a reputation for one of the highest arrest records in the force. The undercover operation places DC Nicky Bailey into the man’s proximity and, not surprisingly, the pair begin to date. The problem is, Nicky falls for the man she’s supposed to be surveilling which turns the operation into a far more complicated one.
The ongoing saga of Miles Faulkner continues to play out. Faulkner’s on the run having escaped from prison at the end of the previous book. Add drugs mastermind Assem Rashidi to the ongoing antagonist mix and the criminal masterminds with William Warwick on the top of their hit lists are starting to stack up.
As in the earlier two books, we’re treated to a blow by blow account of a court case in which William’s father Sir Julian locks horns with the ever-bent defense counsel Booth Watson QC. Although the case was extensively covered, it was short on interesting exchanges and long on predictable outcomes. I found the entire Rashidi trial tedious in the extreme. Similarly, the twists, when they come, are quite predictable. The only surprise is that the investigating officers (including Warwick) are slow in picking up on them.
The undercover operation and the teamwork used to carry it out was where the book picked up in terms of pace and interest for me. It’s all about the careful planning and execution that makes or breaks a case and that was a particular strength in the telling of this particular operation.
It appears, in this series, for it to be de rigueur for a primary investigation to be carried out while the ongoing criminal activity is carried out by Miles Faulkner and his cronies. Thank goodness I started reading these books when the 6th was being published so I can read them all one after the other as if they’re a single story. I couldn’t imagine having to pick things up a year or so after the last book and then find myself hanging in limbo for the next.
April 10, 2021
If you are the type of reader who looks for a well-written, absorbing series to get hooked on, you probably are familiar with Jeffrey Archer, whose seven-book The Clifton Chronicles saga is one of the best. His relatively new series is about Detective William Warwick. Turn a Blind Eye is its third installment. You could read it as a standalone but it would be much better to go back and read the first two books as this is a series worth reading from page one.
It is 1987 and William Warwick has been promoted to Detective Inspector. His new responsibility entails heading a team to uncover internal corruption within the Metropolitan Police Force. They focus on a young officer with an exemplary arrest record who has raised suspicion by living way above his means. He appears to be keeping many of the luxury stolen items he finds in his theft cases. In addition, the book highlights the trial of the drug baron arrested in Book #2. It no longer appears to be an open and shut case. Warwick, who is now married and a new father to twins, learns that even those on the right side of the law are willing to turn a blind eye every now and then.
Archer is an expert on weaving strong plots and developing interesting characters. The details of the stakeouts, the courtroom scenes and more are so well done that there’s never a dull moment. There’s a lot to like about this series and this book in particular.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read Turn a Blind Eye in advance of its publication.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
It is 1987 and William Warwick has been promoted to Detective Inspector. His new responsibility entails heading a team to uncover internal corruption within the Metropolitan Police Force. They focus on a young officer with an exemplary arrest record who has raised suspicion by living way above his means. He appears to be keeping many of the luxury stolen items he finds in his theft cases. In addition, the book highlights the trial of the drug baron arrested in Book #2. It no longer appears to be an open and shut case. Warwick, who is now married and a new father to twins, learns that even those on the right side of the law are willing to turn a blind eye every now and then.
Archer is an expert on weaving strong plots and developing interesting characters. The details of the stakeouts, the courtroom scenes and more are so well done that there’s never a dull moment. There’s a lot to like about this series and this book in particular.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read Turn a Blind Eye in advance of its publication.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
June 5, 2021
This is the third book in the William Warwick series by author Jeffrey Archer.
William Warwick is now a Detective Inspector and he has been instructed to go undercover and expose crime of another kind, corruption at the heart of the Metropolitan Police Force. In his team he has detectives Rebecca Pankhurst and Nicky Bailey and they are zoning in on Detective Jerry Summers, a young officer whose lifestyle exceeds his income. There are unforeseen problems and investigation risks being compromised when Nicky falls for Summers.
Drug baron Ahmed Rashidi goes on trial and is defended by Booth Watson QC, while William’s father Sir Julian and sister Grace lead the prosecution case. William’s wife Beth has made a surprising new friend in Christina Faulkner who is the ex-wife of William’s former rival, criminal financier Miles Faulkner. Christina is due to inherit Miles estate following his sudden death.
As the investigations proceed William realises that the corruption may go deeper still, and more of his colleagues than he first thought might be willing to turn a blind eye.
Another well written cosy crime novel in the William Warwick series making it a very entertaining light read. Very good characters, well written and a good mix of emotions.
William Warwick is now a Detective Inspector and he has been instructed to go undercover and expose crime of another kind, corruption at the heart of the Metropolitan Police Force. In his team he has detectives Rebecca Pankhurst and Nicky Bailey and they are zoning in on Detective Jerry Summers, a young officer whose lifestyle exceeds his income. There are unforeseen problems and investigation risks being compromised when Nicky falls for Summers.
Drug baron Ahmed Rashidi goes on trial and is defended by Booth Watson QC, while William’s father Sir Julian and sister Grace lead the prosecution case. William’s wife Beth has made a surprising new friend in Christina Faulkner who is the ex-wife of William’s former rival, criminal financier Miles Faulkner. Christina is due to inherit Miles estate following his sudden death.
As the investigations proceed William realises that the corruption may go deeper still, and more of his colleagues than he first thought might be willing to turn a blind eye.
Another well written cosy crime novel in the William Warwick series making it a very entertaining light read. Very good characters, well written and a good mix of emotions.
April 9, 2021
Average
Jeffrey Archer might have written this for a stage play. Two major court room scenes, an artwork auction sums up the book. For those who would have read the previous works of Archer, you could very well predict what comes up in the next page.
I don't understand how an accomplished author like Archer doesn't get tired of dishing the same stuff again and again.
Not recommended at all.
Jeffrey Archer might have written this for a stage play. Two major court room scenes, an artwork auction sums up the book. For those who would have read the previous works of Archer, you could very well predict what comes up in the next page.
I don't understand how an accomplished author like Archer doesn't get tired of dishing the same stuff again and again.
Not recommended at all.
October 26, 2022
Excellent story with twists and turns from resourceful villains that try to outsmart the justice system!
William Warwick inspector detective in this installment under the command of the Hawk forms a team to investigate corruption in the police but also has to deal with Rashidi and his upcoming trial!
Intriguing although not fast paced keeps the reader's interest!
Old and new characters are entangled in a well vowed plot and close to reality since even though some things might infuriate you because you're on the side of the good guys sometimes the bad one's are the winning team!
William Warwick inspector detective in this installment under the command of the Hawk forms a team to investigate corruption in the police but also has to deal with Rashidi and his upcoming trial!
Intriguing although not fast paced keeps the reader's interest!
Old and new characters are entangled in a well vowed plot and close to reality since even though some things might infuriate you because you're on the side of the good guys sometimes the bad one's are the winning team!
April 16, 2021
Such a disappointing book. The story line is thin and stretched taut to the point of breaking. The Miles Faulkner saga has gone from incredulous to ridiculous. Rashidi tale ended in a pathetic manner the protagonist and his team must be really incompetent to have weak cases in court time after time. Not looking forward to book 4.
April 6, 2021
A big thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read this book. Am always excited to read the latest Jeffrey Archer book.
This is the third instalment of William Warwick. He first appeared as a fictional character written by the main character from from Archer's Clifton Chronicles before very cleverly becoming a series of books in their own right and suddenly a new series was born.
William Warwick has recently been promoted to Detective Inspector and now finds himself in charge of a team trying to catch corrupt coppers, in particularly Jerry Summers who seems to spend a lot more than he earns with quite a lavish lifestyle. However one of the undercover team gets a little too involved with Jerry.
We are also in the middle of Assem Rashidi's trial for drug dealing with William's Dad, Sir Julian and his sister Grace acting for the prosecution, against no other than Booth Watson, and Warwick is also testifying too. Miles Faulkner also returns to the storyline, along with Lamont.
I really love the way Archer brings in all the previous characters in to the storyline and keeps all the different threads open and rolling along with lots of twists and turns along the way. Another book which is impossible to put down and I cant wait for the next one. If you want to enjoy this book at its best, start at the beginning of the series, or for even more fun, start with the Clifton Chronicle and then read these!
I'm giving this a 4.5 rounded up to 5 as the Clifton Chronicle series were my favs, but this series is not far off and a thoroughly enjoyable read and keeps you guessing all the way through.
This is the third instalment of William Warwick. He first appeared as a fictional character written by the main character from from Archer's Clifton Chronicles before very cleverly becoming a series of books in their own right and suddenly a new series was born.
William Warwick has recently been promoted to Detective Inspector and now finds himself in charge of a team trying to catch corrupt coppers, in particularly Jerry Summers who seems to spend a lot more than he earns with quite a lavish lifestyle. However one of the undercover team gets a little too involved with Jerry.
We are also in the middle of Assem Rashidi's trial for drug dealing with William's Dad, Sir Julian and his sister Grace acting for the prosecution, against no other than Booth Watson, and Warwick is also testifying too. Miles Faulkner also returns to the storyline, along with Lamont.
I really love the way Archer brings in all the previous characters in to the storyline and keeps all the different threads open and rolling along with lots of twists and turns along the way. Another book which is impossible to put down and I cant wait for the next one. If you want to enjoy this book at its best, start at the beginning of the series, or for even more fun, start with the Clifton Chronicle and then read these!
I'm giving this a 4.5 rounded up to 5 as the Clifton Chronicle series were my favs, but this series is not far off and a thoroughly enjoyable read and keeps you guessing all the way through.
November 24, 2024
Another highly enjoyable book in the William Warwick series. Jeffrey Archer did not disappoint! Looking forward to more books in the series!
July 21, 2024
I'm surprised to see this instalment rating a little higher than others in this fun series, as I thought it was comparatively ... well tedious is a strong word, but there you go. However, it advanced the storyline a little, so it was still a worthwhile (and quick) read.
With the plot almost entirely restricted to 2 court cases - one providing a conclusion to the big drugs case from the previous book, and the other resulting from Warwick's new case - it felt repetitive and lacking anything really new to add to the story. What was new though, was William Warwick's new role (new book; new focus) in internal investigations. But still with the same commander and same team, which strikes me as rather implausible considering the timeframe in which this story is unfolding, but anyway. It gave multiple characters the opportunity to utter variations of the book's title quite frequently.
Miles Faulkner was still up to no good in the background, setting up some context for future exploits in later instalments.
So book 1 was art/fraud, book 2 was drugs, book 3 was internal affairs. What could be coming up next? Will I bother to stick around and find out? Yeah, why not. It's nothing if not a reliable series.
With the plot almost entirely restricted to 2 court cases - one providing a conclusion to the big drugs case from the previous book, and the other resulting from Warwick's new case - it felt repetitive and lacking anything really new to add to the story. What was new though, was William Warwick's new role (new book; new focus) in internal investigations. But still with the same commander and same team, which strikes me as rather implausible considering the timeframe in which this story is unfolding, but anyway. It gave multiple characters the opportunity to utter variations of the book's title quite frequently.
Miles Faulkner was still up to no good in the background, setting up some context for future exploits in later instalments.
So book 1 was art/fraud, book 2 was drugs, book 3 was internal affairs. What could be coming up next? Will I bother to stick around and find out? Yeah, why not. It's nothing if not a reliable series.
December 16, 2021
3 stars
This is the third in a series.
I was impressed with the first novel. Then a little less so with the second as Archer fails to ground a reader in what came before or in the timeframe of the book (1980s London, we learned in the first book), and his persistent shadow play of variously weaker or flawed women against a backdrop of powerful men.
In the third, the plot becomes a mix of soap opera and James Bond tropes, with the same concerns from the second book. The same bad guy hangs around book after book in weird incarnations, with little cliffhangers to get you ready to do battle with him the next time.
The protagonist detective has a laughably meteoric career rise as he conquers crime one department at a time in a hopscotch tour through Scotland Yard. The little ladies of the story have cute careers and cuter babies, the pseudo-tough female cop is pitiably flawed/unlucky but head-patted and kept around as long as she’s sufficiently loyal.
But I’m an enormous sucker for a series. Once I’ve been bit by a new one, I’ll hang on through quite a lot until finally I throw it off. I’m still on board with this one.
This is the third in a series.
I was impressed with the first novel. Then a little less so with the second as Archer fails to ground a reader in what came before or in the timeframe of the book (1980s London, we learned in the first book), and his persistent shadow play of variously weaker or flawed women against a backdrop of powerful men.
In the third, the plot becomes a mix of soap opera and James Bond tropes, with the same concerns from the second book. The same bad guy hangs around book after book in weird incarnations, with little cliffhangers to get you ready to do battle with him the next time.
The protagonist detective has a laughably meteoric career rise as he conquers crime one department at a time in a hopscotch tour through Scotland Yard. The little ladies of the story have cute careers and cuter babies, the pseudo-tough female cop is pitiably flawed/unlucky but head-patted and kept around as long as she’s sufficiently loyal.
But I’m an enormous sucker for a series. Once I’ve been bit by a new one, I’ll hang on through quite a lot until finally I throw it off. I’m still on board with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
*Corruption*
*4.5 Stars*
This instalment sees DI
William Warwick going undercover. This time he will be looking into corruption within the met police. One of the prime suspects is a promising DS who is living beyond his pay grade. Sadly the one person set to uncover what he is upto and get close to him falls for him. How will that impact the investigation?
There is so much going on with a disgraced ex senior police officer getting in league with the crooks who try to appear as if they are on the level.
Plus there is someone in the wings in plain sight who is not who he appears to be.
This series is not overly fast paced like some thrillers but the writing and the storyline filled with likeable and conniving characters kept me engaged. A great series, I feel it’s best to read them in order to get more of the feel of characters especially William.
*4.5 Stars*
This instalment sees DI
William Warwick going undercover. This time he will be looking into corruption within the met police. One of the prime suspects is a promising DS who is living beyond his pay grade. Sadly the one person set to uncover what he is upto and get close to him falls for him. How will that impact the investigation?
There is so much going on with a disgraced ex senior police officer getting in league with the crooks who try to appear as if they are on the level.
Plus there is someone in the wings in plain sight who is not who he appears to be.
This series is not overly fast paced like some thrillers but the writing and the storyline filled with likeable and conniving characters kept me engaged. A great series, I feel it’s best to read them in order to get more of the feel of characters especially William.
April 16, 2021
This is the third book in the William Warwick Series written by Jeffery Archer which chronicles Warwick's rise at Scotland Yard and battles with some old adversaries as well as new ones. He is now assigned to investigate corruption in the ranks of his fellow officers. A fast read with plenty of courtroom interplay with a familiar adversary. One of my favorite author series and I look forward to Archer’s next installment.
April 18, 2021
This is the 19th book that I've read by this author. I truly enjoy the way Jeffrey Archer writes his stories. He is usually always a solid 4 stars for me. Some of his short story collections have been 3 stars, but I will read what ever he writes.
This book is #3 in the Detective William Warwick series. I love the characters. I feel like I have watched them grow up... because I have from other books by this author. I love the banter. I love the intricate plots. The author can juggle several balls at once without a hitch.
This had some drawn out scenes set in the courtroom. I liked that and I'm always amazed at how different the court system is in England because some of that wouldn't fly on Law & Order.
The beginning felt a little slow to start and it took a bit of time to settle into. However, once it got rolling, it was a treat. Maybe this one wasn't quite 4 stars for me, but I certainly don't mind rounding up for the characters and my overall enjoyment of the story line. So 4 stars.
This book is #3 in the Detective William Warwick series. I love the characters. I feel like I have watched them grow up... because I have from other books by this author. I love the banter. I love the intricate plots. The author can juggle several balls at once without a hitch.
This had some drawn out scenes set in the courtroom. I liked that and I'm always amazed at how different the court system is in England because some of that wouldn't fly on Law & Order.
The beginning felt a little slow to start and it took a bit of time to settle into. However, once it got rolling, it was a treat. Maybe this one wasn't quite 4 stars for me, but I certainly don't mind rounding up for the characters and my overall enjoyment of the story line. So 4 stars.
April 25, 2021
✨DI William Warwick no. 3 is back sooner than expected and it is another joyous ride for Jeffrey Archer fans!
Miles Faulkner returns to torment Warwick again and this time, notorious drug Baron Assem Rashidi is on trial for his crimes too. Sir Julian Warwick is the Crown's Prosecutor and that dastardly cunning QC, Mr. Booth Watson for Assem. Much of this novel is made up of this trial and see-sawing nature and full of Mr. Archer's trademark quips and surprises...💥
Please read📖 my detailed review from the link below
https://www.aniblogshere.com/turn-a-b...
Like👍🏼, Comment💭 or Share 🚩 🙏🏼
#jeffreyarcher #turnablindeye #williamwarwick #diwilliamwarwick #bookfan #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookworm #booklover #booklove #booklovers #bookbuzz #books #bookreview #bookblog #bookblogging #blogbook #book #booksarelife #booksaremagic #booksbooksbooks #bookaddicts #booksarelove #lovereading #lovereadingbooks
Miles Faulkner returns to torment Warwick again and this time, notorious drug Baron Assem Rashidi is on trial for his crimes too. Sir Julian Warwick is the Crown's Prosecutor and that dastardly cunning QC, Mr. Booth Watson for Assem. Much of this novel is made up of this trial and see-sawing nature and full of Mr. Archer's trademark quips and surprises...💥
Please read📖 my detailed review from the link below
https://www.aniblogshere.com/turn-a-b...
Like👍🏼, Comment💭 or Share 🚩 🙏🏼
#jeffreyarcher #turnablindeye #williamwarwick #diwilliamwarwick #bookfan #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookworm #booklover #booklove #booklovers #bookbuzz #books #bookreview #bookblog #bookblogging #blogbook #book #booksarelife #booksaremagic #booksbooksbooks #bookaddicts #booksarelove #lovereading #lovereadingbooks
April 10, 2025
This book is definitely a good read and a solid addition to the Wawick series. Archer has the ability to snatch your attention and hold it until completion, regardless if it's a short story or a traditional novel. I really enjoyed the undercover aspect of this one, and there are twists, galore! Jeffrey Archer presents us with another strong plot that melds perfectly with the previous storyline while also introducing some new and interesting characters, so there is never a dull moment. It's a great setup for the 4th book, and I can't wait to continue the adventure. Will we ever see Miles Faulkner getting his just desserts?!? There is only one way to find out!
April 30, 2021
This series has turned into a soap opera.
August 7, 2021
As someone who has read all of his books, this is the worst ever, the plot is highly predictable and filled with cliches, seriously wonder what is the point of writing this book anyway.
March 16, 2024
Another great story from Mr Archer. This is the third in this series and to understand what's going on you really have to read the books in order as they do follow on. Not a taxing read but, a clever one.
July 3, 2023
This felt like a transitional book, but that’s not to say it’s bad by any means. The previous two novels had this kind of punch only Jeffrey Archer can pack whereas this one felt mellow. I still thouroughly enjoyed this installment of the William Warwick novels and can’t wait for the next one: it’s time for some murder! Dun dun duuuuuuun!!
March 13, 2022
Another cliff hanger. Will have to start reading the next book soon.
Master at his craft as always.
Master at his craft as always.
February 5, 2021
I really enjoy this series. I think Archer has created a great central character, William Warwick, and a cast of interesting people who surround him. Once again William and his father are matching wits with the brilliant and corrupt lawyer, Booth-Watkins. Another reoccurring character is the villain, Miles Faulkner. There are twists and clever detective work by the crew, led by Commander Hawksby.
So, I certainly enjoyed this book, but I must warn readers that this is not a stand alone novel. You have to read the series from the first book to prevent getting lost among the continued themes. The book even ends with the start of the next in the series. While I will certainly continue to read these books, I do caution readers that they will appreciate this and the future books by starting from BOOK I.
Thank you Netgalley for another lovely romp with William Warwick.
So, I certainly enjoyed this book, but I must warn readers that this is not a stand alone novel. You have to read the series from the first book to prevent getting lost among the continued themes. The book even ends with the start of the next in the series. While I will certainly continue to read these books, I do caution readers that they will appreciate this and the future books by starting from BOOK I.
Thank you Netgalley for another lovely romp with William Warwick.
Read
August 2, 2022Newly promoted Detective Inspector William Warwick is assigned to work undercover to expose corruption in the Police Department. He and his team, Rebecca Pankhurst and Nicky Bailey, focus on Jerry Summers, an officer whose life style appears to be above his income. Nicky is relatively new to police work and while to get close enough to him to get information, ignores warnings about his relationship with women and falls for him.
Additional plots involve a drug baron and a financier who dies suddenly, making his ex-wife, a recent friend of Warwick’s wife, quite wealthy through a somewhat unusual method of raising money.
Much of the story takes place in a courtroom.
TURN A BLIND EYE is the third book in the William Warwick series. It can be read without having read the previous two. It’s a decent, quick read with some predictable twists.
Additional plots involve a drug baron and a financier who dies suddenly, making his ex-wife, a recent friend of Warwick’s wife, quite wealthy through a somewhat unusual method of raising money.
Much of the story takes place in a courtroom.
TURN A BLIND EYE is the third book in the William Warwick series. It can be read without having read the previous two. It’s a decent, quick read with some predictable twists.
August 2, 2024
Well, I probably should have read books #1 and #2 first, but that's me all over. I haven't read any Jeffrey Archer for years, and I must say he writes well and creates good and amusing characters. The courtroom scenes/dramas are excellent. So far, so good. But. I didn't take to Warwick's wife Beth at all. Then I remembered why I stopped reading this author, and his attitude to women is, in my opinion, not the best for creating female characters. The portrayal of the young policewoman is really poor, and I was left wondering how on earth she would have retained any kind of job after her stupidity. Her dialogue in court was so out of character as to be laughable.
So you may think I didn't enjoy this book - but I did, despite the plot being very convoluted, it was quite fun.
Three and a half stars. Would I read it again? No.
So you may think I didn't enjoy this book - but I did, despite the plot being very convoluted, it was quite fun.
Three and a half stars. Would I read it again? No.
August 11, 2021
You know how you sometimes open a bag of chips because you think you’re hungry, and then it turns out that they’re stale, or soggy, or something, but you keep eating them, mindlessly, because you can’t be bothered to find something else? That’s what reading this series is like: stale, endlessly tedious, and not at all intellectually nourishing. Bah. Archer is well beyond phoning it in; I wouldn’t be surprised if this series isn’t even written by him (or by a human).
Read
February 29, 2024The series is a is a good read. The two villains are really good, l mean bad.
May 8, 2023
http://looneybooks79.blog/2023/05/08/...
Eng:
Turn a blind Eye is the third novel in the William Warwick series by Archer. The fun thing about these books is that they continue the stories told in the first two books, with Warwick’s main enemies keeping at it to make Warwick’s life a living hell, or at least trying to. But at the same time we get to see Warwick and his team in new situations, this time they have to go undercover to prove that a few rotten eggs are amongst the London Metropolitan Police. One of these police agents, Jerry Summers, is being scrutinised in particular.
And the one returning factor in these novels is the court of justice and the trials. And of course the lawyers, Warwick’s father, Sir Julian and his sister Grace, against Mr. Booth Watson!
This is another great story from a storyteller who can easily be put between writers such as Robert Ludlum, Ian Fleming, John le Carré or Daniel Silva!
Dutch:
‘Een oogje dicht’ is reeds het derde boek in de William Warwick-reeks van Jeffrey Archer en gaat gewoon verder in het verhaal waar het in het vorige boek ‘In het volle zicht’ stopte.
Warwick is gepromoveerd tot inspecteur en krijgt van zijn chef, Hawksby (aka The Hawk), de opdracht om undercover te gaan om de corruptie bij de London Met (Londense politie) aan te kaarten. Hij en zijn team richten hun pijlen op Jerry Summers, een jonge agent die er nogal een luxueus leventje op nahoudt.
Intussen start de rechtszaak tegen drugsbaron Assem Rashidi. Williams vader én zus staan lijnrecht tegenover Rashidis advocaat, Mr. Booth Watson, die al eerder een groot tegenstander van Warwick verdedigde, Miles Faulkner. Die laatste is intussen overleden en begraven, dus dat is een zorg minder voor de politie van London.
Algauw blijkt dat Booth Watson en Rashidi heel wat kaarten achter de hand hebben tijdens de rechtszaak waardoor de kansen van Rashidi om weg te komen met zijn criminele activiteiten groter worden. William moet jongleren tussen zijn undercover project en het proberen bewijzen vinden voor Rashidis misdaden. En intussen blijkt dat meerdere collega’s wel bereid zijn een oogje dicht te knijpen als het op bepaalde misdaden gaat.
Intussen kregen de boeken rond William Warwick in de Nederlandse vertaling een upgrade en een nieuw design (ook de twee eerder verschenen boeken kregen een gelijkaardige look) en werd de oorspronkelijke titel van het derde boek (Door de Vingers) veranderd (naar de huidige titel: Een oogje dicht)! Voor mijn collectie is het jammer dat het design wat veranderd is maar ik geef toe dat ik het wel een heel verfrissende look vind.
De verhalen rond William Warwick zijn naast spannend ook enorm heel aangenaam en vlot te lezen en al vanaf boek 1 ben ik een fan van de reeks. Er gebeurt zoveel in de boeken, met verschillende verhaallijnen die elkaar kruisen, en er is de rode draad doorheen de reeks vanaf boek één rond de figuur Miles Faulkner (en diens vrouw Christina en natuurlijk de kunstcollectie van beide) die blijft verdergaan en die telkens opnieuw zorgt voor de nodige kopzorgen voor William en zijn team. Intussen heeft William er nog een aartsvijand bij gemaakt in de vorm van drugsbaron Rashidi. En iets doet me vermoeden dat Warwick nog wel een aantal vijanden bij zal maken in de komende delen van de reeks. Wat de reeks ook heel aangenaam maakt om te lezen is de figuur van Mr. Booth Watson, de advocaat van de duivel (letterlijk in sommige gevallen)! Hij zorgt niet alleen voor de nodige commotie in het verhaal (en de rechtbank) maar ook voor een komische noot in deze verhalen. Als een sluwe vos in het kippenhok slaat Booth meedogenloos om zich heen en laat geen pluim heel van zijn tegenstanders.
Archer hoort tussen het rijtje schrijvers waaronder Le Carré, Ludlum, Silva en Fleming ook toe behoren. Het is een plezier om de boeken rond William Warwick op te pikken en te verdwalen in het Londen van de jaren tachtig.
Eng:
Turn a blind Eye is the third novel in the William Warwick series by Archer. The fun thing about these books is that they continue the stories told in the first two books, with Warwick’s main enemies keeping at it to make Warwick’s life a living hell, or at least trying to. But at the same time we get to see Warwick and his team in new situations, this time they have to go undercover to prove that a few rotten eggs are amongst the London Metropolitan Police. One of these police agents, Jerry Summers, is being scrutinised in particular.
And the one returning factor in these novels is the court of justice and the trials. And of course the lawyers, Warwick’s father, Sir Julian and his sister Grace, against Mr. Booth Watson!
This is another great story from a storyteller who can easily be put between writers such as Robert Ludlum, Ian Fleming, John le Carré or Daniel Silva!
Dutch:
‘Een oogje dicht’ is reeds het derde boek in de William Warwick-reeks van Jeffrey Archer en gaat gewoon verder in het verhaal waar het in het vorige boek ‘In het volle zicht’ stopte.
Warwick is gepromoveerd tot inspecteur en krijgt van zijn chef, Hawksby (aka The Hawk), de opdracht om undercover te gaan om de corruptie bij de London Met (Londense politie) aan te kaarten. Hij en zijn team richten hun pijlen op Jerry Summers, een jonge agent die er nogal een luxueus leventje op nahoudt.
Intussen start de rechtszaak tegen drugsbaron Assem Rashidi. Williams vader én zus staan lijnrecht tegenover Rashidis advocaat, Mr. Booth Watson, die al eerder een groot tegenstander van Warwick verdedigde, Miles Faulkner. Die laatste is intussen overleden en begraven, dus dat is een zorg minder voor de politie van London.
Algauw blijkt dat Booth Watson en Rashidi heel wat kaarten achter de hand hebben tijdens de rechtszaak waardoor de kansen van Rashidi om weg te komen met zijn criminele activiteiten groter worden. William moet jongleren tussen zijn undercover project en het proberen bewijzen vinden voor Rashidis misdaden. En intussen blijkt dat meerdere collega’s wel bereid zijn een oogje dicht te knijpen als het op bepaalde misdaden gaat.
Intussen kregen de boeken rond William Warwick in de Nederlandse vertaling een upgrade en een nieuw design (ook de twee eerder verschenen boeken kregen een gelijkaardige look) en werd de oorspronkelijke titel van het derde boek (Door de Vingers) veranderd (naar de huidige titel: Een oogje dicht)! Voor mijn collectie is het jammer dat het design wat veranderd is maar ik geef toe dat ik het wel een heel verfrissende look vind.
De verhalen rond William Warwick zijn naast spannend ook enorm heel aangenaam en vlot te lezen en al vanaf boek 1 ben ik een fan van de reeks. Er gebeurt zoveel in de boeken, met verschillende verhaallijnen die elkaar kruisen, en er is de rode draad doorheen de reeks vanaf boek één rond de figuur Miles Faulkner (en diens vrouw Christina en natuurlijk de kunstcollectie van beide) die blijft verdergaan en die telkens opnieuw zorgt voor de nodige kopzorgen voor William en zijn team. Intussen heeft William er nog een aartsvijand bij gemaakt in de vorm van drugsbaron Rashidi. En iets doet me vermoeden dat Warwick nog wel een aantal vijanden bij zal maken in de komende delen van de reeks. Wat de reeks ook heel aangenaam maakt om te lezen is de figuur van Mr. Booth Watson, de advocaat van de duivel (letterlijk in sommige gevallen)! Hij zorgt niet alleen voor de nodige commotie in het verhaal (en de rechtbank) maar ook voor een komische noot in deze verhalen. Als een sluwe vos in het kippenhok slaat Booth meedogenloos om zich heen en laat geen pluim heel van zijn tegenstanders.
Archer hoort tussen het rijtje schrijvers waaronder Le Carré, Ludlum, Silva en Fleming ook toe behoren. Het is een plezier om de boeken rond William Warwick op te pikken en te verdwalen in het Londen van de jaren tachtig.
January 9, 2024
Hoewel zijn vader liever had gezien dat William Warwick in diens advocatenpraktijk aan de slag ging, koos hij voor een carrière bij de Metropolitan Police. In Wie niet waagt (2022), het eerste deel van de door Jeffrey Archer geschreven en in principe uit acht delen bestaande serie rond diens personage, begon hij zijn loopbaan als agent. In 2023 verscheen het door Joost van der Meer en William Oostendorp vertaalde Een oogje dicht, het derde boek in de reeks en waarin de advocatenzoon inmiddels is gepromoveerd tot inspecteur.
Inspecteur William Warwick is een van de getuigen in de rechtszaak tegen de door hem gearresteerde drugscrimineel Assem Rashidi. Tegelijkertijd wordt hij – undercover – ingezet in een nieuw opgezette eenheid die corruptie bij de politie gaat onderzoeken. Hierbij gaat hun speciale aandacht uit naar rechercheur Jerry Summers, die een nogal luxueus leventje leidt. Warwick en zijn collega's komen erachter dat het corruptieschandaal verder gaat dan ze aanvankelijk dachten. Gaat het hen lukken om de verdachte politiemensen te ontmaskeren?
Ondanks de cliffhanger aan het eind van het vorige deel van de 'Warwick'-reeks heeft Archer ervoor gekozen daar in Een oogje dicht niet rechtstreeks op door te gaan. Toch gaat de auteur wel degelijk verder met het verhaal, want het eerste hoofdstuk in dit boek kan bij wijze van spreken beschouwd worden als het eerstvolgende van In het volle zicht. Er wordt dan ook regelmatig gerefereerd aan voorgaande gebeurtenissen en omstandigheden, dus de serie op volgorde lezen is zonder meer een pre, temeer omdat de personages nagenoeg dezelfde zijn en een aantal daarvan zich verder ontwikkelt. Een gedeelte van de plot is eveneens een vervolg op wat is geweest, maar het leeuwendeel draait nu om de corruptie bij de politie, een thema dat van alle tijden is.
Behalve het onderzoek naar het corruptieschandaal, waarbij zich een aantal interessante wendingen voordoet, bevat het verhaal een paar rechtszaken die de rivaliteit tussen de advocaten Sir Julian Warwick en Booth Watson goed weergeven. Het slinkse karakter en de nogal bedenkelijke werkwijze van laatstgenoemde komen daarin opnieuw goed tot uiting, waardoor het contrast met vader en zoon Warwick, die een en al rechtschapenheid vertonen, niet groter kan zijn. Hun onderlinge confrontaties in de rechtszaal leveren in ieder geval enkele mooie scènes op. Alle personages, inclusief degenen die zich minder nauw aan de wet houden, hebben het nodige charisma en de persoonlijkheid van de meeste van hen is zonder meer innemend.
Het verteltempo van Archer is overwegend bedaard, maar het verhaal heeft daarentegen een overwegend vlot verloop. Dit komt onder andere door de kleine sprongen in tijd, maar ook omdat er betrekkelijk veel gebeurt. Diverse wendingen zorgen voor voldoende afwisseling, alhoewel een te verwaarlozen aantal daarvan een licht voorspelbaar karakter heeft. Van een zinderende spanning is nergens sprake. Dit is echter geen enkel gemis, want diverse situaties hebben een dermate gespannen lading dat de lezer ze wel als zodanig interpreteert. In de slotfase zet de auteur – bijna traditiegetrouw – de deur wagenwijd open voor wat de lezer in het volgende deel van de serie kan verwachten. Hierdoor krijgt de lezer in feite al zin om in een boek te beginnen dat hier nog niet eens is uitgebracht.
Ondanks de iets beperktere, maar niet minder belangrijke rol die William Warwick deze keer heeft, is Een oogje dicht een aangenaam en over het algemeen ongedwongen verhaal over zijn – nu nog prille – carrière bij de Metropolitan Police.
Inspecteur William Warwick is een van de getuigen in de rechtszaak tegen de door hem gearresteerde drugscrimineel Assem Rashidi. Tegelijkertijd wordt hij – undercover – ingezet in een nieuw opgezette eenheid die corruptie bij de politie gaat onderzoeken. Hierbij gaat hun speciale aandacht uit naar rechercheur Jerry Summers, die een nogal luxueus leventje leidt. Warwick en zijn collega's komen erachter dat het corruptieschandaal verder gaat dan ze aanvankelijk dachten. Gaat het hen lukken om de verdachte politiemensen te ontmaskeren?
Ondanks de cliffhanger aan het eind van het vorige deel van de 'Warwick'-reeks heeft Archer ervoor gekozen daar in Een oogje dicht niet rechtstreeks op door te gaan. Toch gaat de auteur wel degelijk verder met het verhaal, want het eerste hoofdstuk in dit boek kan bij wijze van spreken beschouwd worden als het eerstvolgende van In het volle zicht. Er wordt dan ook regelmatig gerefereerd aan voorgaande gebeurtenissen en omstandigheden, dus de serie op volgorde lezen is zonder meer een pre, temeer omdat de personages nagenoeg dezelfde zijn en een aantal daarvan zich verder ontwikkelt. Een gedeelte van de plot is eveneens een vervolg op wat is geweest, maar het leeuwendeel draait nu om de corruptie bij de politie, een thema dat van alle tijden is.
Behalve het onderzoek naar het corruptieschandaal, waarbij zich een aantal interessante wendingen voordoet, bevat het verhaal een paar rechtszaken die de rivaliteit tussen de advocaten Sir Julian Warwick en Booth Watson goed weergeven. Het slinkse karakter en de nogal bedenkelijke werkwijze van laatstgenoemde komen daarin opnieuw goed tot uiting, waardoor het contrast met vader en zoon Warwick, die een en al rechtschapenheid vertonen, niet groter kan zijn. Hun onderlinge confrontaties in de rechtszaal leveren in ieder geval enkele mooie scènes op. Alle personages, inclusief degenen die zich minder nauw aan de wet houden, hebben het nodige charisma en de persoonlijkheid van de meeste van hen is zonder meer innemend.
Het verteltempo van Archer is overwegend bedaard, maar het verhaal heeft daarentegen een overwegend vlot verloop. Dit komt onder andere door de kleine sprongen in tijd, maar ook omdat er betrekkelijk veel gebeurt. Diverse wendingen zorgen voor voldoende afwisseling, alhoewel een te verwaarlozen aantal daarvan een licht voorspelbaar karakter heeft. Van een zinderende spanning is nergens sprake. Dit is echter geen enkel gemis, want diverse situaties hebben een dermate gespannen lading dat de lezer ze wel als zodanig interpreteert. In de slotfase zet de auteur – bijna traditiegetrouw – de deur wagenwijd open voor wat de lezer in het volgende deel van de serie kan verwachten. Hierdoor krijgt de lezer in feite al zin om in een boek te beginnen dat hier nog niet eens is uitgebracht.
Ondanks de iets beperktere, maar niet minder belangrijke rol die William Warwick deze keer heeft, is Een oogje dicht een aangenaam en over het algemeen ongedwongen verhaal over zijn – nu nog prille – carrière bij de Metropolitan Police.
May 16, 2021
Always nice to read a good solid book by a good solid author. The main focus is legal and courtroom proceedings with steadfast characters and enough tension to offset the low-key action. Jeffrey Archer is no stranger to the workings of the judiciary system and I would not be surprised if DI William Warwick’s father Sir Julian is based on a real legal eagle. Mr Booth Watson QC is suitably slippery defending his client, a corrupt drug manufacturer Mr Assem Rashidi (drug baron Ahmed Rashidi in some publications). Naturally there’s the handsome, irresistible DS Jerry Summers who uses his charms for evil not good.
The main women get reasonable roles and while the relationship between William’s wife Beth and Christina Faulkner, the ex-wife of Miles, a criminal financier, is stretching it, I thought the character of William’s sister Grace shows the appropriate aplomb. Overall generally there is stereotypical typecasting. The top cop is The Hawk, William Warwick is Choirboy, and Pankhurst and Bailey are WPCs with a quick title add to DC and PC. There are touches of well-worn humour but I liked the church confessional scene and the undercover 'taxi driver' cop Danny who picks up William, much to the frustration of genuine passengers.
The plot is not written in the present day which accounts for the marked lack of computer and mobile phone usage (remember the telephone on the hall table?) and most startling is the lack of security cameras which leave room for blind spots in the plot. This story contains many characters and while author Jeffery Archer uses short chapters and different visual names, for me it proved to be a book difficult to pick up and launch into of an evening. I read a couple of books in Archer's The Clifton Chronicles and did not continue so perhaps this will be the case with DI Warwick. However, it is a series I would certainly recommend for the mature reader.
The main women get reasonable roles and while the relationship between William’s wife Beth and Christina Faulkner, the ex-wife of Miles, a criminal financier, is stretching it, I thought the character of William’s sister Grace shows the appropriate aplomb. Overall generally there is stereotypical typecasting. The top cop is The Hawk, William Warwick is Choirboy, and Pankhurst and Bailey are WPCs with a quick title add to DC and PC. There are touches of well-worn humour but I liked the church confessional scene and the undercover 'taxi driver' cop Danny who picks up William, much to the frustration of genuine passengers.
The plot is not written in the present day which accounts for the marked lack of computer and mobile phone usage (remember the telephone on the hall table?) and most startling is the lack of security cameras which leave room for blind spots in the plot. This story contains many characters and while author Jeffery Archer uses short chapters and different visual names, for me it proved to be a book difficult to pick up and launch into of an evening. I read a couple of books in Archer's The Clifton Chronicles and did not continue so perhaps this will be the case with DI Warwick. However, it is a series I would certainly recommend for the mature reader.
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