The hallmark of a great serialized writer is the ability to make any book in their series accessible, even when read out of order. Jeffrey Archer is one such writer. I discovered this when I picked up the fourth book in his renowned William Warwick series. It wasn’t until I finished the book that I realized it was the fourth installment, yet I never felt lost or unable to follow the story. Intrigued, I delved deeper to see how far behind I was in this detective crime fiction series. Now, I’m determined to read all five books, but for now, let’s focus on ‘Over my dead body.’
So, how the story goes….
As I mentioned, this is the fourth book in Jeffrey Archer’s William Warwick series. It centers on The Met, the police force serving Greater London, led by Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick, and former undercover operative Ross Hogan. Under the guidance of Commander Hawksby, nicknamed ‘The Hawk,’ a cold case squad is formed to bring criminals to justice.
Before diving back into work, Warwick and his wife, Beth, embark on a transatlantic holiday aboard a luxury liner owned by a royal family. However, the trip takes a dramatic turn when the ship’s owner dies under suspicious circumstances. Warwick is drawn into solving a power struggle within the family, assisted by James Buchanan, the ambitious grandson of the deceased, who aspires to join the FBI.
Meanwhile, Warwick’s pursuit of his elusive nemesis, Miles Faulkner—a criminal thought to be dead but suspected of assuming a new identity—continues, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.
What I think…
I thoroughly enjoyed this book because Jeffrey Archer managed to take me on a journey around the world without ever leaving my home—whether it was New York or Paris, the story truly transported me. In most suspense or mystery novels, the thrill lies in discovering the identity of the criminal, but the unique aspect of this book is that you already know who the culprit is. The real suspense comes from watching how much effort the police have to put in to catch him, how wealthy criminals exploit legal loopholes to evade justice, and how the heroes always manage to stay one step ahead.
If we talk about the pace of the story, it starts at a moderate tempo, shifting seamlessly between locations. However, when Ross Hogan enters in full force, the pace becomes electrifying. It’s almost cinematic—if this were a movie, Ross’s action sequences would make you a fan instantly. Archer cleverly illustrates that sometimes even those sworn to uphold the law have to bend it to deliver justice.
As for the characters, the book introduces many of them, and while it can occasionally be hard to keep track, each one leaves an impression. The standout, of course, is Ross Hogan, whose presence drives much of the action. Amidst all the high stakes and chaos, Archer balances the intensity with the loving and heartwarming relationship between William Warwick and his wife, Beth. Their bond adds a tender layer to the story, and William’s storytelling moments with his children are particularly delightful.
When I began writing this review, I explored what others thought about the book. I noticed a divide—some people loved it, while others didn’t like it at all. There was also an odd debate claiming that this book is “only for men.” I don’t agree with that at all. For me, the women in the story played crucial roles, especially in the squad, where they made remarkable contributions. One of the most intense, hair-raising moments in the story also revolves around a female character, proving that the narrative doesn’t lean on gender stereotypes.
The only part I found a bit unclear was James Buchanan’s role in the story. Initially, his connection felt underdeveloped, but I suspect the author plans to expand on his character in the next installment, much like he did with William Warwick’s development throughout the series.
If you enjoy action-packed stories, this book is for you. It’s a thrilling ride filled with lessons, surprises, and high-stakes moments. I’m excited to read all the other parts of this series.
