Nothing Ventured

Ever since the age of eight, William Warwick  had wanted to become a detective, while his father wanted him to study law and join the firm.  In 1982, William reported to Hendon Police College.  Sixteen weeks later he was in uniform.  However, it would be some time before he could write the detectives exam.

Pass the exam and an invitation to Scotland Yard.  William has been invited to meet Commander Jack Hawksby.  Hawksby sends William to learn the ropes in Peckham.  However, moments after his interview, Hawksby has changed his destination; he will now be working in Arts and Antiques.  However, he still has some time to complete in uniform and it isn’t going to end well.

Newly minted DC William Warwick’s first case with the Art and Antiques team involves a man who steals art and then makes deals with the insurance company to return the item.  He has quite a team to aid and abet the crimes.  Two have been caught, but refuse to give up their leader.  While in jail, their loved ones are well looked after.

That isn’t the only case on the detectives plates, and William is given a couple of cases to solve.  Unexpectedly, William finds himself on the way to Rome following a forger.  Based on pictures they have, it is assumed that he has been forging old Spanish silver coins.  The team also assumes that the money man behind this scheme is the same who is behind the art thefts.

Meanwhile the investigation into the Art thief continues with unexpected help.  Will the team finally get their man?  Author Jeffrey Archer’s first mystery in this series is full of excellent investigative work, court room drama and a few surprises with a complete plot twist on the final page.  This was an extremely top notch read, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.