Over My Dead Body

In this fourth installment of his Detective William Warwick series, Jeffrey Archer once again shows his readers why he's known for his detailed, compelling and layered story lines. I had read the first book in this series years ago but remember very little of the characters and plot. Now I wish I had read books two and three because of larger story arcs and returning characters. Over My Dead Body could be read as a standalone but if you want to understand the whole picture in terms of plot and characters, I suggest starting at the beginning with Nothing Ventured. 

The story kicks off with a murder on a NYC-bound ocean liner. I was quite enthralled with this plot which introduces readers to 17-year-old James Buchanan (who I can't help but think will make appearances in future books). One murder isn't enough for Warwick so readers are then whisked back to London when Warwick learns that his nemesis - millionaire art thief and collector Miles Faulkner who was presumed dead - may still be alive. A cat-and-mouse story ensues, and other cases are added to the docket stemming from Warwick's cold case squad at The Met. 

There is a lengthy list of well-drawn characters - both friend and foe - and with the multiple cases, things get a bit confusing at times but through it all Warwick shines as the main character. I loved his banter with his Mrs. which added levity, but it was ex-undercover agent Ross Hogan who stole the show for me with his mad skills and penchant for not following the rules. Gotta love a good bad boy, right?

This was an interesting story and while the telling is a bit choppy as we jump from case to case, I think readers will enjoy this layered novel and its many different locales. Look for this book in stores October 19th in Canada!

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to HarperCollins Canada for my advanced copy given in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Author: Jeffrey Archer

Genre: Suspense

Series: #4 in the Detective William Warwick series

Type and Source: Trade Paperback from publisher

Publisher: HarperCollins Canada

First Published: October 19, 2021

Opening Line: "Are you a detective, sir?"

Book Description from GoodReads: An unputdownable story of murder, revenge and betrayal from international number one bestseller Jeffrey Archer.

THE CLOCK IS TICKING IN THIS ROLLERCOASTER RIDE OF A THRILLER…

In London, the Metropolitan Police set up a new Unsolved Murders Unit—a cold case squad—to catch the criminals nobody else can. 
 
In Geneva, millionaire art collector Miles Faulkner—convicted of forgery and theft—was pronounced dead two months ago. So why is his unscrupulous lawyer still representing a dead client? 
 
On a luxury liner en route to New York, the battle for power at the heart of a wealthy dynasty is about to turn to murder.
 
And at the heart of all three investigations are Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick, rising star of the department, and ex-undercover agent Ross Hogan, brought in from the cold. 

But can they catch the killers before it’s too late?