A while ago, rather quite a long time now, I began a new idea here on My Bookshelf. It was A Stranger's Choice. Today I am revisiting this in kind. Not quite the same but similar. Well, you'll see.
On Friday I was assisting a customer in the book store and she was purchasing Jeffrey Archer's Only Time Will Tell and we got to talking about the author. She simply adores his writing and mentioned a few of his works that she has enjoyed. I was happy to inform her that Only Time Will Tell is the first in a new series of Mr. Archer's, the Clifton Chronicles. As we discussed a bit further, she made a recommendation to me. She said I simply must read Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less by Jeffrey Archer.
Curiosity peaked, I did a little investigating and this is what I discovered:
First published in hardback in 1976
The conned: an Oxford don, a revered society physician, a chic French art dealer, and a charming English lord. They have one thing in common. Overnight, each novice investor lost his life's fortune to one man. The con: Harvey Metcalfe. A brilliant, self-made guru of deceit. A very dangerous individual. And now, a hunted man.With nothing left to lose four strangers are about to come together -- each expert in their own field. Their plan: find Harvey, shadow him, trap him, and penny-for-penny, destroy him. From the luxurious casinos of Monte Carlo to the high-stakes windows at Ascot to the bustling streets of Wall Street to fashionable London galleries, their own ingenious game has begun. It's called revenge -- and they were taught by a master.
Interesting fact:
It took Jeffrey some time to find a publisher for this first novel. When it was published, it only sold 3,000 copies in hardback. The paperback did a bit better, selling about 20,000 in the first year. However, as word-of-mouth took over, demand increased. Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less has now been reprinted 57 times.
Marvellously plotted, with just the right amounts of romance, wit and savoir-faire...
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Thanks for posting this. I'm putting it on my list. Most of the books I read are on recommendation so I'm not surprised the book took off once people started spreading the word.
ReplyDeleteAnn
Ann, thanks for the visit and the comment here on what is sure to be high on my priority list of new reads. I love to hear others' recommendations though my to be read list grows on and on! :)
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