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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?… (more)
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 - 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
As mentioned earlier, it was written in a rushed manner. Also too much information, hence the speed reading as I can't just drill into the scheme of things! I had to admit it was plotted and written well. Thankfully entertaining. ( )
'Jorg expect $7 million from Credit Parisien in the No. 2 account by 6 pm tonight, Central European Time, and place it with first-class banks and triple "A" commercial names. (Prologue)
Making a million legally has always been difficult.
Quotations
Last words
'Oh well,' said Stephen 'I suppose we'll have to work out a plan for how to give it all back.'
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?
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