Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Coronet Books (1980), Edition: New Ed, 272 pages
Description
Jeffrey Archer is at his captivating best in this, his first novel, an intricate tale of deceit, dishonor, and sweet revenge. What can an Oxford don, a respected society physician, a chic French art dealer, and a charming English lord have in common? Very little, except they've all been swindled out of every cent they had by Harvey Metcalfe, the man who wrote the book on international stock fraud. They haven't a prayer of ever seeing their money again. Or have they?
User reviews
LibraryThing member cmbohn
My favorite of Archer's books. I think the scheme at Oxford is the best of the four. But the very end is just great.
CMB
CMB
LibraryThing member moonstormer
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book. As usual, Jeffrey Archer delivers. The only reason I could not give it 5 stars was because as I was reading it I was fully aware of how dated it had become. This is not a sign of poor writing by any means, but merely that certain things are no longer relevant.
LibraryThing member nidhisheth
Excellent book. Thoroughly enjoyable. Jeffery Archer's way of writing book is very good. The only thing I didn't understand in this book is how can a person so intelligent be made fool so easily. That is the reason of 4 rating.
LibraryThing member mikedraper
Archer's first novel begins slowly as we see Harvey Metcalfe's rise from the son of poor Polish emigrants to the owner of a corperation. Many of his achievements are done by bribes and shady deals.
In the second part of the novel we see the fun Archer has with characterization and language.
Metcalfe
Somewhat authbiographical since Archer was close to bankruptcy and resigned from public office to write this book in hope of repaying his creditors.
An enjoyable read for the patient reader.
In the second part of the novel we see the fun Archer has with characterization and language.
Metcalfe
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swindles four men, Stepehn Bradley, a mathmatical genius, Dr. Robert Oakley, a society doctor, Jean-Pierre Lamanns, owner of an art store, and James Brigsley an English lord.Somewhat authbiographical since Archer was close to bankruptcy and resigned from public office to write this book in hope of repaying his creditors.
An enjoyable read for the patient reader.
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LibraryThing member ashishg
It's a very insipid book, as far as revenge thriller story goes. It's author's first and favourite book, so I gave it a try - and it's quick read no doubt - but immaturity of writing reflects. Story is patchy, schemes just okay. Worst thing is characterization. You supposedly have four smart people
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who not only want revenge but will cook up huge plans, break laws, and take efforts to take it, but very same people were stupider than average Joe when they lost money. Similarly you have a global mastermind who plays stock market to his advantage and then just signs a cash check in the name of university chancellor without question. Harping on "no a penny more" was getting irritating in the end. Last share of $250k was not even winning from scheme, but voluntary gift by Harvey to his daughter. Parts of stories are left hanging, such as detective who was investigating stock market scam and fate of fall-guy David. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jiraiya
Most popular books have durability but this one is not among them. Reason is that the last 3 chapters or so were stabs at comedy that went wide off the mark. Although my enjoyment and my remembrance of this book and my smile faltered near the end, for most of the story I pronounced it a perfect
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5/5. I enjoyed it immensely. Nevertheless the plot in retrospective seems less clever in the cold light of the day. It was one of those books that don't have much staying power and cannot be enjoyed a second time. I should mentioned though that as an author, Jeffrey Archer has grown on me and I'm curious about his books. Watch this space. Show Less
LibraryThing member RobertBerry
I love Jeffrey Archer's writing but this book was probably one of my least favorites among the books of his that I have read. With that said he is such a good author that I still gave the book three stars.
LibraryThing member tabascofromgudreads
The first proper thriller I've ever read. Many years ago. Great fun, clever plot.
LibraryThing member LARA335
Four strangers who have been duped get together to reclaim their losses in a series of stings. A light-hearted romp full of stereotypes including a charming Frenchman and an ignorant but wealthy American. And a lot of name-dropping of expensive wines.
LibraryThing member HenriMoreaux
I very much enjoyed this little romp of revenge - a shadowy businessman runs a sharemarket pump and dump scam stealing a million dollars from four investors. Upon realising they've been scammed the four people join forces to recover the exact amount, not a penny more, not a penny less, back through
The various schemes and developments in the story line keep the pages turning as you keep wondering if they're really going to pull it off or if this is the time they'll get caught making for an entertaining and captivating read.
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various schemes.The various schemes and developments in the story line keep the pages turning as you keep wondering if they're really going to pull it off or if this is the time they'll get caught making for an entertaining and captivating read.
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LibraryThing member Craftybilda
The first Jeffrey Archer book I ever read and I thought it brilliant, it still is...
LibraryThing member nordie
Don't get mean, get even...One million dollars - that's what Harvey Metcalfe, lifelong king of shady deals, has pulled off with empty promises of an oil bonanza and instant riches. Overnight, four men - the heir to an earldom, a Harley Street doctor, a Bond Street art dealer and an Oxford don -
Very much dated now (it was written in the 1970s), with things like: 98p train fare between Ascot and Oxford, managing to get a seat on the commuter trains between Oxford and London where there's only a £2 price difference between first and second class tickets...HA! This story details, in great detail of how the 4 men get their money back after being swindled by Harvey Metcalfe.
Sometimes I like Archer's detail, but this book just felt remarkably smug and so I felt a little dirty at the end
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find themselves penniless. But this time Harvey has swindled the wrong men. They band together and shadow him from the casinos of Monte Carlo to the high-stakes windows at Ascot and the hallowed lawns of Oxford. Their plan is simple: to sting the crook for axactly what they lost. To the penny. Very much dated now (it was written in the 1970s), with things like: 98p train fare between Ascot and Oxford, managing to get a seat on the commuter trains between Oxford and London where there's only a £2 price difference between first and second class tickets...HA! This story details, in great detail of how the 4 men get their money back after being swindled by Harvey Metcalfe.
Sometimes I like Archer's detail, but this book just felt remarkably smug and so I felt a little dirty at the end
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Subjects
Awards
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 1976)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1976
ISBN
0340255730 / 9780340255735