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And Thereby Hangs a Tale
Millions of readers around the world have relished Jeffrey Archer's short stories. Taking inspiration from his favorite short story writers - F. Scott Fitzgerald, Maupassant, H. H. Munro, W. Somerset Maugham and O. Henry - Jeffrey Archer has written five bestselling collections over the years and Macmillan are proud to anno
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2010
477 people are currently reading
3126 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Archer
631 books12.6k 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 618 reviews
August 3, 2016
I always love Jeffrey Archer's works. The attention to detail he gives to his characters is something I love. They seem real and not dipped in frivolity. Every detail seems to serve a purpose to propel the story.
This book contains a total of 15 short stories. 10 of them were based on true events. While the remaining 5 of were the result of the author’s imagination. Truly the book contains interesting short stories, each stories are great quick read with surprise endings. Archer navigates his literary globe to bring us these stories, each with distinctive and international flavour. Some of the stories are cleverly funny meanwhile others are deeply perceptive about human nature.
Let me summarize a few of my favourite stories:-
“Stuck On You”. The character, Jeremy seems gullible but likeable, whereas Arabella holds a hint of suspicion about her. It tells about a story of a young man who is conned by a rich young woman to steal a diamond ring. A spellbinding tale of love and betrayal. The ending will leave you stunned.
One story that has a quirky ending and would make you laugh in disbelief is “The Queen’s Birthday Telegram”.
Then, “High Heels” which is the story of a young insurance detective who seek his wife’s advice on shoes to crack his first independent case. I loved the ending of the story especially.
"Blind Date" is a work of fiction and centres around a man, woman and a waiter in a restaurant. A very cute story indeed, it is really sweet I feel.
Meanwhile “Where There’s a Will” is based on true events of a woman who plans to net on an inheritance, by hook or crook.
“Double Cross” is a true story featuring a detective’s determination to find the stolen jewels with the help of an inmate to find the truth from his cellmate. The ending will bring a wry smile on your face.
I also liked “I Will Survive”, about an antique dealer who desires to sell the Faberge egg to a famous pop singer.
What I like best about AND THEREBY HANGS A TALE is Archer's obvious respect for the tradition of storytelling. Throughout the collection, he weaves clever and compelling tales with straightforward, unadorned prose. His writing is clear and concise, and many of his characters are memorable. But it's really the concept of the story, and the story behind the story, that is at the heart of Archer's elegant and entertaining work.
This book contains a total of 15 short stories. 10 of them were based on true events. While the remaining 5 of were the result of the author’s imagination. Truly the book contains interesting short stories, each stories are great quick read with surprise endings. Archer navigates his literary globe to bring us these stories, each with distinctive and international flavour. Some of the stories are cleverly funny meanwhile others are deeply perceptive about human nature.
Let me summarize a few of my favourite stories:-
“Stuck On You”. The character, Jeremy seems gullible but likeable, whereas Arabella holds a hint of suspicion about her. It tells about a story of a young man who is conned by a rich young woman to steal a diamond ring. A spellbinding tale of love and betrayal. The ending will leave you stunned.
One story that has a quirky ending and would make you laugh in disbelief is “The Queen’s Birthday Telegram”.
Then, “High Heels” which is the story of a young insurance detective who seek his wife’s advice on shoes to crack his first independent case. I loved the ending of the story especially.
"Blind Date" is a work of fiction and centres around a man, woman and a waiter in a restaurant. A very cute story indeed, it is really sweet I feel.
Meanwhile “Where There’s a Will” is based on true events of a woman who plans to net on an inheritance, by hook or crook.
“Double Cross” is a true story featuring a detective’s determination to find the stolen jewels with the help of an inmate to find the truth from his cellmate. The ending will bring a wry smile on your face.
I also liked “I Will Survive”, about an antique dealer who desires to sell the Faberge egg to a famous pop singer.
What I like best about AND THEREBY HANGS A TALE is Archer's obvious respect for the tradition of storytelling. Throughout the collection, he weaves clever and compelling tales with straightforward, unadorned prose. His writing is clear and concise, and many of his characters are memorable. But it's really the concept of the story, and the story behind the story, that is at the heart of Archer's elegant and entertaining work.
January 26, 2024
This is a book of 15 short stories, some of them fiction while others are based on true incidents. First time in ages that I picked a book of short stories, so I was apprehensive about it as I usually read novels. It turned out to be pretty good. None of the stories were boring and some of them were even impressive especially the ones with a twist at the end.
My favourite stories in the book were The Luck of the Irish, A Good Eye, High Heels and Double Cross. This happens to be my first Jeffrey Archer book and I liked his writing style. I look forward to read more of his short stories and also his acclaimed novels.
My favourite stories in the book were The Luck of the Irish, A Good Eye, High Heels and Double Cross. This happens to be my first Jeffrey Archer book and I liked his writing style. I look forward to read more of his short stories and also his acclaimed novels.
August 7, 2020
Read this after a decade and enjoyed it all over again.Archer has been called a born storyteller and I think that is an apt description.
Of course,he has his detractors as well.Some call him a very poor writer.That too, has some merit as several of his novels are rather ordinary and his writing style is not that elegant.
But it is when he is writing short stories that he really comes into his own.His short stories are crisp and have clever plot twists.His stories are inventive and original.
Archer actually spent time in prison and it seems to have done him no harm,as far as writing books is concerned.
The stories of his fellow inmates may even have provided him with further material for his books.Archer acknowledges that some of these stories are based on known incidents.
Crime is the predominant theme in this particular volume of short stories as well.The very first one is very clever.After that,there are several more which entertain.
Love him or hate him for his personal life,one thing is for sure,Archer can tell a good story.
Of course,he has his detractors as well.Some call him a very poor writer.That too, has some merit as several of his novels are rather ordinary and his writing style is not that elegant.
But it is when he is writing short stories that he really comes into his own.His short stories are crisp and have clever plot twists.His stories are inventive and original.
Archer actually spent time in prison and it seems to have done him no harm,as far as writing books is concerned.
The stories of his fellow inmates may even have provided him with further material for his books.Archer acknowledges that some of these stories are based on known incidents.
Crime is the predominant theme in this particular volume of short stories as well.The very first one is very clever.After that,there are several more which entertain.
Love him or hate him for his personal life,one thing is for sure,Archer can tell a good story.
July 31, 2015
Due to a bad memory, I thought this was a collection of short stories about animals. It's not. There are 15 general fiction stories that were enhanced by a good reader. I've only read "Kane & Able" by Archer & that was years ago, but I enjoyed it. He popped up in my newsfeed for some reason & then I saw the audio book, so I gave it a shot. I'm glad I did.
The stories are:
"Stuck On You"
"The Queen's Birthday Telegram"
"High Heels"
"Blind Date"
"Where There's a Will"
"Double-Cross"
"I Will Survive'"
"A Good Eye"
"Members Only"
"The Undiplomatic Diplomat"
"The Luck of the Irish"
"Politically Correct"
"Better the Devil You Know"
"No Room at the Inn"
"Caste-Off"
According to one reviewer, 10 of the stories are based on true events. I vaguely recalled similar news items for a few of them. A couple of stories were just OK, but they were balanced by a couple that were excellent. Most were quite good. A couple were almost horror stories (real life horror), some funny, & most were quirky. Entertaining & worth reading.
The stories are:
"Stuck On You"
"The Queen's Birthday Telegram"
"High Heels"
"Blind Date"
"Where There's a Will"
"Double-Cross"
"I Will Survive'"
"A Good Eye"
"Members Only"
"The Undiplomatic Diplomat"
"The Luck of the Irish"
"Politically Correct"
"Better the Devil You Know"
"No Room at the Inn"
"Caste-Off"
According to one reviewer, 10 of the stories are based on true events. I vaguely recalled similar news items for a few of them. A couple of stories were just OK, but they were balanced by a couple that were excellent. Most were quite good. A couple were almost horror stories (real life horror), some funny, & most were quirky. Entertaining & worth reading.
October 30, 2019
Synopsis:
The sixth collection of contemporary short stories by Jeffrey Archer, the title of which has been taken from The Taming of the Shrew, a play by William Shakespeare.
The title makes an appearance in two of the stories as well:
The Undiplomatic Diplomat, and
Caste-Off
Out of the fifteen short stories, ten are based on real incidents to which the author says,
Review:
The fifteen short stories are as follows:
Stuck on You
Based on a true incident, a man who works at the bank in a not so flattering position is surprised when an aristocratic lady accepts his proposal. But what happens when she asks him to steal an exclusive engagement ring?
The Queen's Birthday Telegram
It feels funny that something like this really happened. It is about a man who discovers something surprising about her wife on her hundredth birthday. It will give you all the warm and cosy feels and is too cute.
High Heels
I wish I had the time to search for the actual event, but reading it as a short story will do too. This one's a direct interaction of the author with an actuary who never forgot his first case because he smelt something fishy. This was an enjoyable read, especially with everyone expecting a rookie to fail. It ends with an interesting quip by the author.
Blind Date
The first story - the shortest of the lot - with first-person narration by a blind person. And what a charming one!
Where There's A Will
I had a tough time believing that someone actually pulled off this stunt. The title is a pun on the famous phrase. I couldn't help but laugh at the protagonist's deviance in order to provide for herself a better life without having to work for it. But work she did, lots of sly work.
Double-Cross
This is something that I suppose can be real, what with movies also having been made based on this. It opens on a hearing where the defendant seems unwilling to divulge the location of the diamonds he stole in an armed robbery. The story follows with how a Detective Inspector uses another inmate to get the information out of the robber when he's put behind bars. But as the title says ...
I Will Survive
Another real-life happening, where an antique dealer comes across a customer interested in a 1910 signed Fabergé egg. There's a pop star in town too, who gives unbelievable attention to the small-time antique dealer. Is it a genuine transaction? I didn't get the title of the story though.
A Good Eye
A story spanning three hundred years, where it is a chance-based circumstantial tale of how the value of his art wasn't reflected during the artist's lifetime.
Members Only
This one is a true-life story, and thus a rather long one. As is somewhat evident from the title, it is about a golfer's surprise entry into the profession followed by his determination to become a member of a particular club. His journey through some 25 years of his life is quite interesting.
The Undiplomatic Diplomat
Based on a true story, a man who brought embarrassment to the family name as a diplomat decides to rectify it by laying claim to an island based on his memory from having enjoyed a stellar career as an archivist. But, is he successful?
The Luck of the Irish
Another actual happening, the last statement suggests it was narrated to the author by the protagonist. It is a story about a real estate dealer and how he not only makes it big but loses everything as well with the passage of time, and then gains some.
Politically Correct
This one's about a banker who uncovers a terrorist cell at the place where he lives. But, everyone is not who they say they are.
Better the Devil You Know
Never trust the devil. And this is what this story is about when the chairman of a bank who is suffering from cancer makes a deal with the devil for staying as the chairman.
No Room at the Inn
This one was on the sexy side, where a future teacher (who was also reading R.K. Narayan's works, I'm an Indian - had to mention that) is on the last leg of his Italian trip when he meets one of the most beautiful women he has ever laid eyes on. And when there is 'no room at the inn' (or is there?), then what happens is ...
Caste-Off
Based on a true story, this one had me shaking my head because some of the instances were that unbelievable. A Porsche-driving Rajput Prince is smitten with a well-known industrialist's Ferrari-driving daughter, who doesn't give him an inch, on the roads of Delhi. Maybe I am becoming a bit backward in thinking this (an overdose of Bollywood on our cultures, I guess), but I couldn't imagine a Rajput (the Crown Prince, usually belonging to one of the Western/Northern Indian states) in Chennai (South India). I'm saying this in jest because the author mentions in the Foreword that these stories are based on incidents he encountered during the years roughly from 2004-2009. And then this line...
He is a proud man, steeped in the Hindi tradition.
Well, Hindi is a language and not a tradition.
But, it is at once a story of sadness and hope and love ... with the author's voice and the title of the collection rounding it up nicely.
P.S. A coincidence, that for this #BnBReadathon I picked his sixth novel and his sixth short story.
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
The sixth collection of contemporary short stories by Jeffrey Archer, the title of which has been taken from The Taming of the Shrew, a play by William Shakespeare.
Out of their saddles into the dirt, and thereby hangs a tale.
The title makes an appearance in two of the stories as well:
The Undiplomatic Diplomat, and
Caste-Off
Out of the fifteen short stories, ten are based on real incidents to which the author says,
... while there may not be a book in every one of us, there is so often a damned good short story.
Review:
The fifteen short stories are as follows:
Stuck on You
Based on a true incident, a man who works at the bank in a not so flattering position is surprised when an aristocratic lady accepts his proposal. But what happens when she asks him to steal an exclusive engagement ring?
The Queen's Birthday Telegram
It feels funny that something like this really happened. It is about a man who discovers something surprising about her wife on her hundredth birthday. It will give you all the warm and cosy feels and is too cute.
High Heels
I wish I had the time to search for the actual event, but reading it as a short story will do too. This one's a direct interaction of the author with an actuary who never forgot his first case because he smelt something fishy. This was an enjoyable read, especially with everyone expecting a rookie to fail. It ends with an interesting quip by the author.
It's often not what you do see that matters, but what you don't see.
Blind Date
The first story - the shortest of the lot - with first-person narration by a blind person. And what a charming one!
Where There's A Will
I had a tough time believing that someone actually pulled off this stunt. The title is a pun on the famous phrase. I couldn't help but laugh at the protagonist's deviance in order to provide for herself a better life without having to work for it. But work she did, lots of sly work.
Double-Cross
This is something that I suppose can be real, what with movies also having been made based on this. It opens on a hearing where the defendant seems unwilling to divulge the location of the diamonds he stole in an armed robbery. The story follows with how a Detective Inspector uses another inmate to get the information out of the robber when he's put behind bars. But as the title says ...
I Will Survive
Another real-life happening, where an antique dealer comes across a customer interested in a 1910 signed Fabergé egg. There's a pop star in town too, who gives unbelievable attention to the small-time antique dealer. Is it a genuine transaction? I didn't get the title of the story though.
A Good Eye
A story spanning three hundred years, where it is a chance-based circumstantial tale of how the value of his art wasn't reflected during the artist's lifetime.
Members Only
This one is a true-life story, and thus a rather long one. As is somewhat evident from the title, it is about a golfer's surprise entry into the profession followed by his determination to become a member of a particular club. His journey through some 25 years of his life is quite interesting.
The Undiplomatic Diplomat
Based on a true story, a man who brought embarrassment to the family name as a diplomat decides to rectify it by laying claim to an island based on his memory from having enjoyed a stellar career as an archivist. But, is he successful?
The Luck of the Irish
Another actual happening, the last statement suggests it was narrated to the author by the protagonist. It is a story about a real estate dealer and how he not only makes it big but loses everything as well with the passage of time, and then gains some.
Politically Correct
This one's about a banker who uncovers a terrorist cell at the place where he lives. But, everyone is not who they say they are.
Never trust a man with a beard. He's probably hiding something.
Better the Devil You Know
Never trust the devil. And this is what this story is about when the chairman of a bank who is suffering from cancer makes a deal with the devil for staying as the chairman.
No Room at the Inn
This one was on the sexy side, where a future teacher (who was also reading R.K. Narayan's works, I'm an Indian - had to mention that) is on the last leg of his Italian trip when he meets one of the most beautiful women he has ever laid eyes on. And when there is 'no room at the inn' (or is there?), then what happens is ...
Caste-Off
Based on a true story, this one had me shaking my head because some of the instances were that unbelievable. A Porsche-driving Rajput Prince is smitten with a well-known industrialist's Ferrari-driving daughter, who doesn't give him an inch, on the roads of Delhi. Maybe I am becoming a bit backward in thinking this (an overdose of Bollywood on our cultures, I guess), but I couldn't imagine a Rajput (the Crown Prince, usually belonging to one of the Western/Northern Indian states) in Chennai (South India). I'm saying this in jest because the author mentions in the Foreword that these stories are based on incidents he encountered during the years roughly from 2004-2009. And then this line...
He is a proud man, steeped in the Hindi tradition.
Well, Hindi is a language and not a tradition.
But, it is at once a story of sadness and hope and love ... with the author's voice and the title of the collection rounding it up nicely.
P.S. A coincidence, that for this #BnBReadathon I picked his sixth novel and his sixth short story.
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
September 11, 2017
I have already repeatedly explained or justified my total weakness for 'twist in the tale' books. And Jeffery Archer is the man who introduced me to the genre so I am going to give him a little extra * for being my first.
There are probably less than dozen stories, some are better than others. A few are a little too long. My favorite was the Queen's Telegram
There are probably less than dozen stories, some are better than others. A few are a little too long. My favorite was the Queen's Telegram
June 28, 2016
I love Jeffrey Archer. He ranks high on my list of favorite authors of all time....but I just can't get into short stories. I either want them to be longer....or I want them to be over. I struggle when they pop up on a "must read" list. But if I must read them...he is my go to author.
I liked the pace of these and they had some his magic woven in. So 3 stars -- because of the author.
I liked the pace of these and they had some his magic woven in. So 3 stars -- because of the author.
December 4, 2021
Este libro es realmente una recopilación de 15 relatos o historias cortas: 10 de ellos están basados en hechos reales y 5 son fruto de la imaginación del autor. Llegados a este punto es donde hay que decir que muchas veces la realidad supera la ficcion, o que entre la realidad y la ficción hay una finísima línea que las separa... aunque no las divide.
Una colección de relatos para disfrutarlos. Y mucho.
Una colección de relatos para disfrutarlos. Y mucho.
September 19, 2012
The book is a collection of 15 short stories. Out of which 10 stories are based on true incidents. The stories based on true incidents are marked by an asterisk.
1. Stuck on You*
I would rate this as an excellent story. While reading we know what is going to happen, but don’t know how.
2. The Queen's Birthday Telegram*
I would rate this as an excellent story. The story ends with a smile on your face.
3. High Heels*
Again, I would rate this as an excellent story. The comment at the end of the story by Jeffrey is a masterstroke.
4. Blind Date
Even though I guessed correctly how the story is going to end; I would still rate this as an excellent story. Loved the way it was delivered.
5. Where There's a Will*
This is one of the best short stories I have read. I would rate it extraordinary. Brilliant story. Hats off to the real lady in this story.
6. Double-Cross*
Now this one I would rate it as just good. Somehow I left this story lacked the excellence.
7. 'I Will Survive'*
This one is a very good story. Half way through the story I guessed how this is going to end. And I was not wrong. I felt Jeffery gave away the surprise factor which could he could have avoided. If that line was removed, this qualifies for an excellent story.
8. A Good Eye
Though this story is not based on a true incident, it sounds very realistic.
9. Members Only*
I would rate this one as boring. I wish Jeffery had not included this in this book. You may give it a miss or read this one last if time permits.
10. The Undiplomatic Diplomat*
I would rate this one as okay. The story promises an excellent ending, but ends on a lower note.
11. The Luck of the Irish*
I would rate this one as very good. No doubt this one is based on a true incident.
12. Politically Correct
I would rate this as an excellent story. The story has a much unexpected ending.
13. Better the Devil You Know
I would rate this story as good. I expected a better ending, but it was rather disappointing.
14. No Room at the Inn
I would rate this one as an excellent story. This one will make you smile for sure.
15. Caste-Off*
I would rate this one as a boring. Read only if time permits.
1. Stuck on You*
I would rate this as an excellent story. While reading we know what is going to happen, but don’t know how.
2. The Queen's Birthday Telegram*
I would rate this as an excellent story. The story ends with a smile on your face.
3. High Heels*
Again, I would rate this as an excellent story. The comment at the end of the story by Jeffrey is a masterstroke.
4. Blind Date
Even though I guessed correctly how the story is going to end; I would still rate this as an excellent story. Loved the way it was delivered.
5. Where There's a Will*
This is one of the best short stories I have read. I would rate it extraordinary. Brilliant story. Hats off to the real lady in this story.
6. Double-Cross*
Now this one I would rate it as just good. Somehow I left this story lacked the excellence.
7. 'I Will Survive'*
This one is a very good story. Half way through the story I guessed how this is going to end. And I was not wrong. I felt Jeffery gave away the surprise factor which could he could have avoided. If that line was removed, this qualifies for an excellent story.
8. A Good Eye
Though this story is not based on a true incident, it sounds very realistic.
9. Members Only*
I would rate this one as boring. I wish Jeffery had not included this in this book. You may give it a miss or read this one last if time permits.
10. The Undiplomatic Diplomat*
I would rate this one as okay. The story promises an excellent ending, but ends on a lower note.
11. The Luck of the Irish*
I would rate this one as very good. No doubt this one is based on a true incident.
12. Politically Correct
I would rate this as an excellent story. The story has a much unexpected ending.
13. Better the Devil You Know
I would rate this story as good. I expected a better ending, but it was rather disappointing.
14. No Room at the Inn
I would rate this one as an excellent story. This one will make you smile for sure.
15. Caste-Off*
I would rate this one as a boring. Read only if time permits.
January 27, 2016
It's a while since I've read Jeffrey Archer. I remember enjoying his books Cain and Abel, Prodigal Daughter, Shall We Tell the President and Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less so I had high expectations of And Thereby Hangs a Tale. The title references a quote (or quotes) from Shakespeare and is itself included in three of the stories - including the last line of the last story.
And Thereby Hangs a Tale is a collection of short stories, most of which are apparently drawn from stories told to Archer by people he has meet and drawn from real life. Archer uses an omniscient narrator with finesse and usually has a twist at the tale of the story (something I remember well from the other books I've read). He has an easy almost methodical style.
I did enjoy some of the stories while others were either predictable or a bit hum drum. 'Caste-Off', 'A Good Eye', 'Members Only' and 'The UnDiplomatic Diplomat' were probably my favourites because of the greater depth in background, setting, humour or motivation. And I did like the twist in 'The Queen's Birthday Telegram' and 'Blind Date.' However, I was a bit disappointed to find virtually nothing on google search relating to Friedrich Bloch (a supposedly real historical figure in 'The Good Eye'. There is a Carl Bloch who painted the Last Supper, but he is Danish not Bavarian, and lived 200 years later.)
On reflection, Archer has what seems to me to be a distinctly male point of view - with money, status, pay-back and turning the tables, and getting the girl, his main subject areas. The emotion is too pared back, the motivation superficial and the romance more about the chase and acquisition (where it is not just about the sex) for my taste.
So while the writing is good and I did enjoy many of the stories, the style and subject matter was mostly not 'my cup of tea.'
And Thereby Hangs a Tale is a collection of short stories, most of which are apparently drawn from stories told to Archer by people he has meet and drawn from real life. Archer uses an omniscient narrator with finesse and usually has a twist at the tale of the story (something I remember well from the other books I've read). He has an easy almost methodical style.
I did enjoy some of the stories while others were either predictable or a bit hum drum. 'Caste-Off', 'A Good Eye', 'Members Only' and 'The UnDiplomatic Diplomat' were probably my favourites because of the greater depth in background, setting, humour or motivation. And I did like the twist in 'The Queen's Birthday Telegram' and 'Blind Date.' However, I was a bit disappointed to find virtually nothing on google search relating to Friedrich Bloch (a supposedly real historical figure in 'The Good Eye'. There is a Carl Bloch who painted the Last Supper, but he is Danish not Bavarian, and lived 200 years later.)
On reflection, Archer has what seems to me to be a distinctly male point of view - with money, status, pay-back and turning the tables, and getting the girl, his main subject areas. The emotion is too pared back, the motivation superficial and the romance more about the chase and acquisition (where it is not just about the sex) for my taste.
So while the writing is good and I did enjoy many of the stories, the style and subject matter was mostly not 'my cup of tea.'
July 25, 2011
The good news is that Lord Archer still has that amazing gift of storytelling, the bad news is that the twists seem to have been blunted a bit. Its probably the sheer amount of content that we encounter, or the tendency to predict the author's twist, or the way reality beats fiction these days, but compared to the author's earlier works, this one didn't induce the jaw-dropping.
It'd be tempting to say that since 10 of the 15 works are based on real life, the scope for the twist is limited by facts. Indeed, the way the author unfolds the story, the pace he sets are all vintage Archer. But even the remaining 5, while interesting enough, fall short of the author's high standards of twists.
My favourites would be "Blind Date" for the sensitivity displayed, "Where there's a will" for the subtle variation in a done-to-death plot, "Double Cross', again for a subtle twist well delivered, and "The Undiplomatic Diplomat", for a strong plot and a superb ending. The India story - "Caste - off", which I remember him mentioning (that he had got an idea for a story) when he visited Bangalore for 'The Prisoner of Birth' tour, is precisely that - typically Indian, and that perhaps, is why, it didn't appeal much to me. :)
Having said all of that, the book is still a good read simply because Archer still hasn't lost his mastery over words.
It'd be tempting to say that since 10 of the 15 works are based on real life, the scope for the twist is limited by facts. Indeed, the way the author unfolds the story, the pace he sets are all vintage Archer. But even the remaining 5, while interesting enough, fall short of the author's high standards of twists.
My favourites would be "Blind Date" for the sensitivity displayed, "Where there's a will" for the subtle variation in a done-to-death plot, "Double Cross', again for a subtle twist well delivered, and "The Undiplomatic Diplomat", for a strong plot and a superb ending. The India story - "Caste - off", which I remember him mentioning (that he had got an idea for a story) when he visited Bangalore for 'The Prisoner of Birth' tour, is precisely that - typically Indian, and that perhaps, is why, it didn't appeal much to me. :)
Having said all of that, the book is still a good read simply because Archer still hasn't lost his mastery over words.
April 10, 2013
3 to 3.5 stars for this short story collection by Jeffrey Archer.
I absolutely love Jeffrey Archer's short stories & I think he's one of the best atleast among the current crop of writers. That being said, I have to say I was left slightly disappointed by 'And Thereby Hangs A Tale'.
This collection has 15 stories, of which 10 happen to be inspired from real events. I think this must be the only compilation of his which has so many of these. Sorry to say, most of these inspired tales lack the spark that's often the most cherished element of Archer's short stories. He seems to do much more with his imagination than inspiration.
Not that all of it is bad. One gets that feeling of epicness while reading this one story partly set during the Second World War, a theme Archer is very adept at writing about in his short stories. The stories did get better as I read on & in trademark Archer style, he concluded it with a bittersweet ending.
All in all, a decent compilation but certainly not his best work in the genre. Recommended only for Archer fans.
I absolutely love Jeffrey Archer's short stories & I think he's one of the best atleast among the current crop of writers. That being said, I have to say I was left slightly disappointed by 'And Thereby Hangs A Tale'.
This collection has 15 stories, of which 10 happen to be inspired from real events. I think this must be the only compilation of his which has so many of these. Sorry to say, most of these inspired tales lack the spark that's often the most cherished element of Archer's short stories. He seems to do much more with his imagination than inspiration.
Not that all of it is bad. One gets that feeling of epicness while reading this one story partly set during the Second World War, a theme Archer is very adept at writing about in his short stories. The stories did get better as I read on & in trademark Archer style, he concluded it with a bittersweet ending.
All in all, a decent compilation but certainly not his best work in the genre. Recommended only for Archer fans.
June 14, 2020
And 'Thereby Hangs A Tale' consists of fifteen short stories.
None can be said to be extraordinary but most of them are really good and most of them are true.
With some you would know 'where its leading' but with Jeffrey Archer it is not the 'where its leading'as much as the 'how did it get there'which is important.
One story that really has a quirky ending and would make you laugh in disbelief is 'The Queen's Birthday Telegram'. You know that the Nurse in 'Where There's a Will' is out to get the Old Man's Inheritance but how does she do it.
The other stories are good but sort of forgettable once you read a few Jeffrey Archer short stories.
"Stuck On You"
"The Queen's Birthday Telegram"
"High Heels" "Blind Date"
"Where There's a Will"
"Double-Cross"
"I Will Survive'"
"A Good Eye"
"Members Only"
"The Undiplomatic Diplomat"
"The Luck of the Irish"
"Politically Correct"
"Better the Devil You Know"
"No Room at the Inn"
"Caste-Off"
None can be said to be extraordinary but most of them are really good and most of them are true.
With some you would know 'where its leading' but with Jeffrey Archer it is not the 'where its leading'as much as the 'how did it get there'which is important.
One story that really has a quirky ending and would make you laugh in disbelief is 'The Queen's Birthday Telegram'. You know that the Nurse in 'Where There's a Will' is out to get the Old Man's Inheritance but how does she do it.
The other stories are good but sort of forgettable once you read a few Jeffrey Archer short stories.
"Stuck On You"
"The Queen's Birthday Telegram"
"High Heels" "Blind Date"
"Where There's a Will"
"Double-Cross"
"I Will Survive'"
"A Good Eye"
"Members Only"
"The Undiplomatic Diplomat"
"The Luck of the Irish"
"Politically Correct"
"Better the Devil You Know"
"No Room at the Inn"
"Caste-Off"
October 3, 2011
While I always prefer Archer in his full length, this collection of stories was quite interesting. Some were great, others so-so, but overall, I enjoyed them. I found some that had me sitting on the edge of my seat, while others checking to see how many pages until they ended.
Archer can be fickle, or at least I find myself being fickle when reading him. I either love the story or I can't be bothered. Such was the case here. The dry wit of some stories kept me interested, while the drawn out and silly nature of others I could not be bothered to enjoy. I know he is the master of language and storylines, when given much space and time, which is why I remain patient when reading him. You just have to catch him on the right day.
A fair piece of work!
Archer can be fickle, or at least I find myself being fickle when reading him. I either love the story or I can't be bothered. Such was the case here. The dry wit of some stories kept me interested, while the drawn out and silly nature of others I could not be bothered to enjoy. I know he is the master of language and storylines, when given much space and time, which is why I remain patient when reading him. You just have to catch him on the right day.
A fair piece of work!
January 6, 2021
A fun read, typical Archer. Stories did not feel as thrilling as earlier ones, but all of them have a twist at the end. Favorite would be ‘Stuck on You’, ‘Where There’s a Will’, ‘Members Only’, ‘No Room at the In .’ Just two (very minor) things that irritated me in ‘Caste-Off’ - there is no ‘Hindi’ culture, & we certainly don’t ‘dance around’ the sacred fire.
May 26, 2020
A collection of short, mostly crime fiction / mystery focused stores, all with an attempted neat twist at the end. Amongst these tales that are from numerous places around the globe, are quite a few gems. 7 out of 12
January 31, 2026
4 Specious Stars
A collection of 15 stories by a recent-to-me author who presents this quote before the collection of stories begins:
"GRUMIO: First know my horse is tired, my master and mistress fallen out.
CURTIS: How?
GRUMIO: Out of their saddles into the dirt, and thereby hangs a tale."
from The Taming Of The Shrew
1. 💥STUCK ON YOU – 5stars
Engaged within weeks of meeting at Ascot Racecourse, Jeremy & Arabella from opposite sides of the London tracks, plan a De Beers' jewel heist.
2. 💥THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY TELEGRAM – 5stars
Yes, the Queen Mother sends a birthday telegram to all of Her Majesty's Subjects on their Centennial Birthday! Be sure yours doesn't get lost in the mail....
3. 💥HIGH HEELS – 3stars
Alan Penfold, a loss adjuster with the agency of Redfern & Ticehurst investigates the case of a devastating fire at a highly insured high-end shoe factory in Romford, his first solo case; as told by Alan to the author while seated next to eachother at Lord's for the first day of the Second Test against Australia.
4. Blind Date – 4stars
As any date of this kind should be, short & sweet.
5. 💥WHERE THERE'S A WILL – 4stars
Miss Lynn Beattie, defunct actress with a fruitful finish at an escort agency, earns a nursing diploma. At Jackson Memorial "she's interviewed by a panel of three, two of whom,including the Director,weren't convinced that she came from the right sort of background to be a nurse. The third bumped into her in the carpark on his way home...the next morning he convinced his colleagues to change their minds 🤔.
6. 💥DOUBLE CROSSED – 4stars
A front-page diamond heist; a currently incarcerated fence, looking for a sentence reduction, earns the newly incarcerated diamond-thief for his cell-mate; paste or genuine gems?
7. 💥I WILL SURVIVE - A left-handed homage to Gloria Gaynor! 5 stars!
8. A Good Eye - 3.5 stars
From Germany comes the tale of a priceless oil painting that has remained in the same family for over two hundred years, until...
9. 💥Members Only - 4 stars
With a 14 year wait-list there really is only one sure fire way to gain membership to The Royal Jersey Golf Club!
10. 💥The Undiplomatic Diplomat - 4.5stars
Sent to Paris as an assistant seccretary he might have survived the posting had he not told the French President's wife at a government reception that the world was overpopulated & she wasn't helping matters by producing so many children. He had a point,as the lady in question had 7 offspring & was pregnant at the time,but he was still to be found packing his bags soon thereafter.
❤Love this guy!
11. 💥The Luck Of The Irish - 3.5stars
What happens when a tinker's son-turned-estate-agent from Cork suffers sunburn while in Majorca on a rare vacation...
12. Politically Correct - 4stars
An upstanding Londoner's report to police, after making an unwitting misidentification of a neighbor, leads to arrest.
13. Better The Devil you Know - 4stars
A mean & miserly Bank Chairman, diagnosed with cancer, makes a Faustian bargain.
14. No Room At The Inn – 4.5stars
Hiking in Italy, a young attractive British backpacker at the bottom of his budget is mooning over Melanie, the girlfriend who abandoned him. Arriving, tired and hungry in Monterchi, he enters a small hotel. In spite of his exhaustion he attempts to flirt with Carlotta, the cool and beautiful front desk receptionist, who apologetically informs him that the hotel is fully booked, and is then instructed to wait upstairs out of the way until midnight in the event that a reserved party fails to check-in.
15. 💥Caste-Off - 3.5stars
The successful playboy son of a Maharaja is single-mindedly smitten 💘.
The author asserts that several of the stories are "based on true incidents." Those particular stories have been marked with a💥preceding the title.
Based on truth or otherwise, I enjoyed how most of these stories mislead the reader in an assortment of ways making for some satisfying short interval reading 💛🧚♀️🙋🏼👍.
A collection of 15 stories by a recent-to-me author who presents this quote before the collection of stories begins:
"GRUMIO: First know my horse is tired, my master and mistress fallen out.
CURTIS: How?
GRUMIO: Out of their saddles into the dirt, and thereby hangs a tale."
from The Taming Of The Shrew
1. 💥STUCK ON YOU – 5stars
Engaged within weeks of meeting at Ascot Racecourse, Jeremy & Arabella from opposite sides of the London tracks, plan a De Beers' jewel heist.
2. 💥THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY TELEGRAM – 5stars
Yes, the Queen Mother sends a birthday telegram to all of Her Majesty's Subjects on their Centennial Birthday! Be sure yours doesn't get lost in the mail....
3. 💥HIGH HEELS – 3stars
Alan Penfold, a loss adjuster with the agency of Redfern & Ticehurst investigates the case of a devastating fire at a highly insured high-end shoe factory in Romford, his first solo case; as told by Alan to the author while seated next to eachother at Lord's for the first day of the Second Test against Australia.
4. Blind Date – 4stars
As any date of this kind should be, short & sweet.
5. 💥WHERE THERE'S A WILL – 4stars
Miss Lynn Beattie, defunct actress with a fruitful finish at an escort agency, earns a nursing diploma. At Jackson Memorial "she's interviewed by a panel of three, two of whom,including the Director,weren't convinced that she came from the right sort of background to be a nurse. The third bumped into her in the carpark on his way home...the next morning he convinced his colleagues to change their minds 🤔.
6. 💥DOUBLE CROSSED – 4stars
A front-page diamond heist; a currently incarcerated fence, looking for a sentence reduction, earns the newly incarcerated diamond-thief for his cell-mate; paste or genuine gems?
7. 💥I WILL SURVIVE - A left-handed homage to Gloria Gaynor! 5 stars!
8. A Good Eye - 3.5 stars
From Germany comes the tale of a priceless oil painting that has remained in the same family for over two hundred years, until...
9. 💥Members Only - 4 stars
With a 14 year wait-list there really is only one sure fire way to gain membership to The Royal Jersey Golf Club!
10. 💥The Undiplomatic Diplomat - 4.5stars
Sent to Paris as an assistant seccretary he might have survived the posting had he not told the French President's wife at a government reception that the world was overpopulated & she wasn't helping matters by producing so many children. He had a point,as the lady in question had 7 offspring & was pregnant at the time,but he was still to be found packing his bags soon thereafter.
❤Love this guy!
11. 💥The Luck Of The Irish - 3.5stars
What happens when a tinker's son-turned-estate-agent from Cork suffers sunburn while in Majorca on a rare vacation...
12. Politically Correct - 4stars
An upstanding Londoner's report to police, after making an unwitting misidentification of a neighbor, leads to arrest.
13. Better The Devil you Know - 4stars
A mean & miserly Bank Chairman, diagnosed with cancer, makes a Faustian bargain.
14. No Room At The Inn – 4.5stars
Hiking in Italy, a young attractive British backpacker at the bottom of his budget is mooning over Melanie, the girlfriend who abandoned him. Arriving, tired and hungry in Monterchi, he enters a small hotel. In spite of his exhaustion he attempts to flirt with Carlotta, the cool and beautiful front desk receptionist, who apologetically informs him that the hotel is fully booked, and is then instructed to wait upstairs out of the way until midnight in the event that a reserved party fails to check-in.
15. 💥Caste-Off - 3.5stars
The successful playboy son of a Maharaja is single-mindedly smitten 💘.
The author asserts that several of the stories are "based on true incidents." Those particular stories have been marked with a💥preceding the title.
Based on truth or otherwise, I enjoyed how most of these stories mislead the reader in an assortment of ways making for some satisfying short interval reading 💛🧚♀️🙋🏼👍.
May 1, 2020
Short, sweet, breezy & entertaining. Jeffrey Archer rarely disappoints. I wouldn't call this his best work, but its decent and a fun book. A couple of stories are fantastic, one or two are very predictable and the rest are somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. A solid 3.5/5.
June 24, 2015
As expected from Jeffrey Archer. I've never actually read his full-length novels, but from this collection I'm pretty sure I'd like his stories.
This tome packs stories he'd gathered all over the globe, some based on true stories, some imagined. The writing style was modest, sometimes a little formulaic or too indulgent in my opinion, but overall it's good in the name of entertainment.
Not to say that I like all or even one of the characters in the many short stories; many of them were almost caricature-like (although strangely, still believable), and the stories don't always end up in a happy ending either. But for passing time, it steps up to the purpose and does leave me musing (mostly in agreement) at the drama that is called the human being. So the four stars is more for entertainment value rather than anything else.
This is the perfect companion when snacking or having meals, making cakes...ermm I'd better stop there. I'm currently more into short stories for lack of time really.
This tome packs stories he'd gathered all over the globe, some based on true stories, some imagined. The writing style was modest, sometimes a little formulaic or too indulgent in my opinion, but overall it's good in the name of entertainment.
Not to say that I like all or even one of the characters in the many short stories; many of them were almost caricature-like (although strangely, still believable), and the stories don't always end up in a happy ending either. But for passing time, it steps up to the purpose and does leave me musing (mostly in agreement) at the drama that is called the human being. So the four stars is more for entertainment value rather than anything else.
This is the perfect companion when snacking or having meals, making cakes...ermm I'd better stop there. I'm currently more into short stories for lack of time really.
June 18, 2018
Added 8/14/15.
I tried reading Archer's short stories in his book, "And Thereby Hangs A Tale." I didn't enjoy the stories I read. I found them dry and too filled with uninteresting twists. In order to reach the "surprise endings", you have to read through too many explanations about the various paths the characters have to enact in order for the reader to reach the surprise ending.
Another reason I didn't enjoy Archer's short stories is that his characters aren't likable. It's no fun reading about dishonest people who get away with their crimes.
6/17/18 - I tried listening to the audio version loaned from Crandall Library. Some of the stories are good but they are a bit too drawn out. I listened to the first 2 stories. I may go back and try again.
I tried reading Archer's short stories in his book, "And Thereby Hangs A Tale." I didn't enjoy the stories I read. I found them dry and too filled with uninteresting twists. In order to reach the "surprise endings", you have to read through too many explanations about the various paths the characters have to enact in order for the reader to reach the surprise ending.
Another reason I didn't enjoy Archer's short stories is that his characters aren't likable. It's no fun reading about dishonest people who get away with their crimes.
6/17/18 - I tried listening to the audio version loaned from Crandall Library. Some of the stories are good but they are a bit too drawn out. I listened to the first 2 stories. I may go back and try again.
July 27, 2011
This book has shattered almost all of my Archer-is-a-good-story-teller opinions. This book is a collection of 15 short stories, some being Archer's own experiences while others just fiction. However what is common between both the kinds is their ordinary quality. Most of the stories failed to keep me engrossed and considering Archer's style of writing, the twists (if they can be called so) by the end of the stories were predictable. Few of them were, as a matter of fact, horribly disappointing.
June 6, 2017
A few of these stories were weaker than the others, but overall a fun collection to listen to on the train. I always find Archer's writing relaxing; his relentless obsession with money - having it, buying status symbols with it, using it to impress and seduce women, losing it and regaining it against all odds - is so overblown and utterly absurd, it's like watching an episode of Robin Leech's "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" brought into a tidy textual format. I feel as though this is a man who continues to purchase lottery tickets even though he has achieved the successes he desired in life, simply because the only measure of happiness he truly understands is "more money". While I get that this is the core underpinning of the capitalist consumer culture I have grown up in, it still feels like reading an anthropologists' report on some other way of living. Growing up a middle-class Canadian, I suppose I've achieved a comfortable plateau of earnings and have very little incentive to lust after more. I remain happy to buy on-sale bread at Food Basics or No Frills and send my child to the local public school, driving around in my elderly hatchback, rather than perusing the exotic marzipan display at Harrods, putting baby on the list for Eton, and drooling over a Ferrari or Porsche that would cost more to insure for a year than my vehicle cost to purchase outright... yet it's still highly entertaining to read about it, not as an aspirational work, but rather like ogling the diary of someone with an incurable disease, where only Saville Row suits, top shelf brandy, and rooms at the Ritz can feed their peculiar addiction to the trappings of wealth. I finish the book feeling catharsis - relief that I do not suffer from the same ailment, and pitying the author, who thirsts endlessly for these shiny baubles that represent a caste he wasn't born into, and can only hollowly emulate.
March 28, 2021
And thereby hangs a tale.. well quite literally..Coz you will not want the book to end
I have off lately been into short stories, even in your busy schedule you can just read one and go off to sleep. And when its Jeffery Archer, you know its going to be real gold
So the book is comprised of 15 short stories some of which are inspired from true incidents while others are a work of fiction. Every story was unique in its own way and so complete ! In my earlier experiences, there have been times when I have felt the short stories were left incomplete but the author manages to make the stories wholesome.
So here's a list for trying out short stories-
Pros:
1. Handy
2. Can read one story at a time
3. For people who want to develop the habit of reading
4. You dont feel the urgent need to complete the entire book
Cons:
None
To conclude, Jeffery Archer has always been a treat to read and never has ever disappointed. So go for it
I have off lately been into short stories, even in your busy schedule you can just read one and go off to sleep. And when its Jeffery Archer, you know its going to be real gold
So the book is comprised of 15 short stories some of which are inspired from true incidents while others are a work of fiction. Every story was unique in its own way and so complete ! In my earlier experiences, there have been times when I have felt the short stories were left incomplete but the author manages to make the stories wholesome.
So here's a list for trying out short stories-
Pros:
1. Handy
2. Can read one story at a time
3. For people who want to develop the habit of reading
4. You dont feel the urgent need to complete the entire book
Cons:
None
To conclude, Jeffery Archer has always been a treat to read and never has ever disappointed. So go for it
September 27, 2019
Short collection of tales. Some felt very unfinished.
I never realized until now that JA’s characters all have the same arch: overlooked/poor/young/person with ambition, achieves whatever it is that they want, then die/get injured/lose everything.
If you have anything better, or any OTHER JA book in the house, read that instead of this.
I never realized until now that JA’s characters all have the same arch: overlooked/poor/young/person with ambition, achieves whatever it is that they want, then die/get injured/lose everything.
If you have anything better, or any OTHER JA book in the house, read that instead of this.
August 29, 2024
um.. super random library pickup didn’t know anything about this author or book going into it. weird and outdated and bland british ass writing. it’s like the stories would almost get good but never have a satisfying ending. every story has some misogynistic writing. … mildly entertaining at best but still giving low score for how the author wrote about women like it’s the 1940s even tho this was published in 2010. almost finished but couldn’t get thru the last story. hope this author has a terrible day.
December 10, 2020
Always loved his writing style. It is engaging and clever use of words. So is the collection of stories in this book. Giving it a 4 star because I couldn't connect with a couple of the stories. But otherwise enjoyed the book. Some stories were quite effective.
July 4, 2024
A great collection of short stories.
October 19, 2025
Good book of short stories
May 27, 2022
I absolutely love Jeffrey Archer! He’s a master story-teller! He just has this ease with which he grips the reader, reveals plots without being too banal and has a pretty cool sense of humor too. As an added bonus, his writing style is just exceptional!
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