The Eleventh Commandment

One might assume that, given Archer's proximity to genuine political power for much of his life, he would be in a position to bring a greater realism to his story of high-stakes political manoeuvring than other authors without his experience. He certainly encourages this belief on his page of acknowledgements, which includes a former director of the CIA and FBI and a U.S. National Security Advisor. However, readers anticipating evidence of any great insight into this world should prepare to be disappointed--this is not where the strength of the book lies, although there are some nice touches, and a certain suspension of disbelief is necessary to get the best out of it. Mind you, one doesn't doubt that Archer's eleventh commandment, "Thou shalt not be caught", is a maxim many politicians and power-brokers, himself included, have lived their lives by. Where he does succeed, though, is in story-telling, with a relentless plot and the creation of a sympathetic, if barely plausible, central character capable of drawing readers in and carrying them, thrill-a-minute, to a dramatic, surprising and ultimately satisfying conclusion. --Alisdair Bowles

The reviewers below comment on the plot being implausible--that the CIA would not go around like this assasinating world leaders. I don't think this comment is important. In any novel, we must "suspend our disbelief," and this novel is no different. The more pertinent question in this novel is "What if?" I personally thought it was one of the best plots I have ever read, and I really enjoyed how the characters were one-upping each other. I was really surprised by the twists and turns of the plot as it progressed. And I liked being surprised. An EXCELLENT read.


Breathtaking... the best book i have ever read.   February 21, 2001
 1 out of 4 found this review helpful

As soon as i started reading this i couldnt put it down. Full of twists and turns even the great Agatha Christie couldnt work out. Archer makes the reader sympathise with his main character, that by the end you feel you have known him all your life. By far the best book i have read and Jeffrey Archers best


WOW!   September 30, 2000
 0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Yes, thats all I have to say this one word sums up what I think describes the book most! I'm a great fan of Archer and I'll keep reading this book over and over and over.....


One of the most powerful books Archer has ever written!   March 14, 2000
 0 out of 2 found this review helpful

One of the most powerful books Archer has ever written! He blends suspense, thriller, and finishes it of with his legendary sting in the tail! A masterpiece of modern literature