Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
30(30%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
37(37%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Absolutely, this is the best book I have read in quite a while. Archer is truly a master storyteller. To me, these twelve stories are among the finest works ever created in the realm of literature.


Ranking the stories, I found "Broken Routine" to be the absolute top in this book. Closely following it, in order, are "The Luncheon", "The Chinese Statue", "Henry's Hiccup", and "The Hungarian Professor". "The Coup", "The Perfect Gentleman", "The Century", "A Matter of Principle" and "The First Miracle" are all excellent stories that deserve attention. The other stories, including "One Night Stand" and "Old Love", are of a romantic nature, and Archer has done extremely well with them too.


Thank you, Whitehorse Mannigham Library, for making this book available. I truly wish to re-read this one sometime in the future. It has left such a profound impression on me that I can't wait to experience these wonderful stories all over again.

July 15,2025
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I simply adored this compilation of short stories. Among them, my absolute favorites were The Century, Broken Routine, The Perfect Gentleman, The Luncheon, and The First Miracle.

The allure of these stories lies not only in the unique style and captivating rhythm of the writing but also in the astonishing twists and unexpected endings that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Each story is a masterclass in storytelling, with Archer skillfully weaving together complex characters and intricate plots.

It is no wonder that Jeffery Archer has earned the well-deserved title of the 'Master Storyteller'. His ability to engage and enthrall readers with his words is truly remarkable.

Whether you are a fan of short stories or simply looking for a great read, this collection is sure to satisfy.
July 15,2025
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I absolutely loved the song 'Don't Stop On The Motorway'.

It has a captivating melody that immediately grabs your attention and keeps you hooked from the very beginning. The lyrics are both meaningful and relatable,讲述了一个关于在高速公路上不停歇的故事,仿佛让人能够感受到那种勇往直前的决心和力量。

The rhythm of the song is also very infectious, making it impossible not to tap your feet or nod your head along.

Every time I listen to this song, it gives me a boost of energy and motivation.

It's one of those songs that you can play on repeat and never get tired of.

I highly recommend 'Don't Stop On The Motorway' to anyone who loves great music.
July 15,2025
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I read the first short story and then promptly started the second one. However, I soon abandoned reading the book altogether. I simply couldn't stand Jeffry Archer's writing style. Maybe remembering his career as a politician had an influence on me, but I could clearly sense an atmosphere of privilege and class arrogance permeating through his words, which I found extremely irritating. It's too bad for me if the other stories in the book were actually better. I guess I'll never know.

I had high hopes for this collection of short stories, but Archer's writing just didn't click with me. The way he presented his characters and the situations they found themselves in seemed to reek of a certain elitism that I couldn't stomach.

Despite my initial interest, I had to put the book down and move on to something else. Maybe I'll give Jeffry Archer another chance in the future, but for now, I'm content to explore other authors and their works.
July 15,2025
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Honestly, the only reason I’ll always remember this book is because of THAT last story.

The others stories were good and fun, but “Old Love” is now officially one of my favorite short stories of all times. It truly touched my heart in a way that I didn't expect.

The story was so beautifully written, with vivid descriptions and characters that came to life on the page. I found myself completely immersed in their world, feeling their joys and sorrows as if they were my own.

Even though I tried to hold back my tears, I couldn't help but be moved by the end. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of love and how it can endure through the years.

Overall, this book was a great read, but it was “Old Love” that really made it stand out for me. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good short story.

July 15,2025
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I have truly relished every single full-length novel penned by Jeffrey Archer.

Therefore, I had high expectations that this collection of short stories would be the ideal choice for my holiday reading.

I settled down, armed with a glass of wine, eagerly anticipating being thoroughly entertained.

However, to my great disappointment, all but the last story turned out to be about as exciting and engaging as a snail race.

The majority of the stories seemed to lack the spark and vitality that I have come to associate with Archer's work.

They failed to grip my attention or draw me into their fictional worlds.

It was a rather underwhelming experience, especially considering my initial excitement.

Thankfully, the last story managed to salvage the situation somewhat and provided a glimmer of the brilliance that Archer is capable of.

Nonetheless, overall, this collection of short stories did not meet the high standards set by his novels.

I will still look forward to reading more of his work in the future, hoping that he will once again deliver the captivating and thrilling tales that I have grown to love.

July 15,2025
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Just love anything by Jeffrey Archer. His works are truly wonderful reading materials.

They are diverse in many aspects. Some stories are set in different time periods, while others explore various themes such as love, betrayal, and redemption.

What makes his books even more captivating is that they usually have a little surprise or twist at the end. This unexpected element adds an extra layer of excitement and keeps the readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

Whether you are a fan of mystery, thriller, or drama, you are sure to find something to enjoy in Jeffrey Archer's books. So, pick up one of his novels and get ready to be entertained.
July 15,2025
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I was in need of something light and effortless to read in between those harder books.

And this compilation of short stories truly fulfilled its intended purpose.

Jeffrey Archer may not be my absolute favorite author. In fact, some of these stories I discovered to be a little annoying.

However, when considering the overall picture, it was still a good selection for an easy and entertaining read.

It provided a nice break from the more challenging literary works and allowed me to relax and enjoy some simple storytelling.

The variety of stories within the collection added an element of interest, although not all of them were to my personal taste.

Nonetheless, for those looking for a quick and enjoyable read, this collection could be a worthy option.

July 15,2025
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My first encounter with the author's book left me with a mixed bag of feelings.

On one hand, I truly relished the short stories within. The ones that boasted an interesting and unexpected ending were particularly captivating. They had the ability to keep me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to discover the final outcome.

However, on the other hand, the constant theme of money and status that pervaded throughout the book became a bit tiresome after a while. It felt as if the author was overly fixated on this particular aspect, which at times detracted from the overall enjoyment of the stories.

All in all, it was a good solid read. The writing was engaging, and the stories had their moments of brilliance. But due to the overemphasis on the theme of money and status, it didn't quite make it to the top of my list of favorite books. It was an enjoyable experience, but not one that I would rush to recommend to others.
July 15,2025
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Love the Endings and Plot Twists


Endings and plot twists have the power to make a story truly unforgettable. They can turn a good narrative into a great one, leaving the reader or viewer in a state of shock, awe, or even a mix of emotions. The element of surprise that comes with a well-crafted plot twist can add an extra layer of excitement and engagement to the story. It makes us question our assumptions and forces us to look at the events from a different perspective.


When we love the endings and plot twists of a story, it often means that the author or filmmaker has done an excellent job of building anticipation and leading us on a journey. They have managed to keep us guessing until the very end, and when the twist finally reveals itself, it feels both unexpected and yet completely fitting. It ties together all the loose ends and gives the story a sense of closure and completeness.


Whether it's a mystery novel with a shocking revelation, a romantic comedy with an unexpected turn of events, or a thriller with a heart-pounding climax, the endings and plot twists are what make these stories stand out. They are the elements that make us want to recommend the story to others and keep coming back for more. So, the next time you read a book or watch a movie, pay attention to the ending and the plot twists. You might just discover a new favorite story that will stay with you for a long time.
July 15,2025
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Jeffrey Archer has penned a remarkable book that consists of 12 short stories.

Personally, I have never been a huge enthusiast of short stories. However, I must admit that Archer's collection is truly well-written.

Each story in the book seems to have its own unique charm and吸引力. Archer's writing style is engaging and captivating, making it difficult to put the book down once you start reading.

The characters in the stories are vividly described, and the plots are filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Despite my initial hesitation towards short stories, this book has managed to change my perspective. It has shown me that short stories can be just as powerful and entertaining as longer works of fiction.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read, regardless of whether they are a fan of short stories or not.

Jeffrey Archer has once again proven himself to be a talented and skilled writer with this collection of short stories.
July 15,2025
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It's been quite some time since I last delved into a novel, and this particular one served as an excellent segue back into the captivating world of fiction.

Moreover, it marked my first encounter with an Archer book, and I must say I thoroughly relished his unique brand of dry humour and straightforward style of description.

Some of the stories within this collection concluded with an unexpected twist of wit that left me pleasantly surprised, while others, unfortunately, failed to resonate with me as strongly.

To be completely candid, I would probably rate only about 5 or 6 out of the 12 short stories as truly enjoyable.

However, all things considered, it was still a decent read.

Archer has a remarkable ability to encapsulate the rawness of human nature and the very essence of humanity, encompassing emotions such as love, hate, lust, competition, and envy, through highly relatable mediums of motivation.

This makes his work not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, as it forces the reader to confront the complex and often contradictory aspects of our own nature.

Overall, I would recommend this book to those who appreciate well-written short stories that offer both entertainment and a deeper exploration of the human condition.
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