HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT: A Detective William Warwick Novel
Jeffrey Archer
St. Martin’s Press
ISBN-13: 978-1250200785
Hardcover
Mystery/Historical Police Procedural

Tony Bennett is famously noted for stating that truly creative people don’t stop being so as they get older, but get better. Exhibit A in support of that proposition would be Jeffrey Archer. While Archer has engaged in a number of careers over the course of his extremely interesting life, he did not begin what has become an extremely successful vocation as a man of letters until his mid-thirties. Archer celebrated his eightieth year of life in 2020 and shows no signs at all of slowing down, having introduced a new character to his literary universe last year in the form of Detective William Warwick of Scotland Yard. The newly published HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT is the second of what will be three --- at least --- historical police procedural novels featuring Warwick and finds Archer upping his already considerable game with this trilogy in progress.

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT opens with Warwick --- known as “Choirboy” to his unit --- being promoted to Detective Sergeant and transferred to the drugs squad. Life seems for Warwick, both personally and professionally, given that on the latter of those two fronts he is engaged to the wondrous Beth, who seems to be a perfect match for and with him. Problems abound, however, within the “plain sight” of the title and in the form of Miles Faulkner, Warwick’s nemesis from NOTHING VENTURED, the first book in the series. Faulkner is an extremely wealthy and brilliant criminal mastermind whose ability to skate exceeds Hans Brinker, at least as far as paying for his misdeeds with serious imprisonment is concerned. Faulkner’s ongoing freedom is certainly a burr under Warwick’s saddle and it manifests itself throughout HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT as each man jockeys for position. Warwick utilizes an acquaintance from his past to gain an advantage over Faulkner, with somewhat mixed results. In the meanwhile, Warwick’s squad is tasked with bringing down a mysterious and powerful drug lord known only as “The Viper.” Nothing about the individual, from their name and residence to the location of their drug processing plant, is known to the police so that they are literally building their case from the ground up, as it were. There are plenty of ups and downs and twists and turns which occur as Warwick attempts to accomplish his goals, and things are still playing out for Warwick on the domestic front right up to the last page of HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT, and beyond.

Those readers encountering Warwick for the first time in HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT may find the first few pages of the book a bit bouncy, given that Archer throws the reader right into the pool, so to speak, by bringing the supporting characters of this police ensemble novel in quickly and with little explanation while also introducing one or two new ones. Things sort out quickly enough, however, and the plotting sweeps one up and moves right along so that this slight shortcoming can be easily forgiven. This second installment in the Warwick series is complete in itself but leads into the third, with enough issues dangling that one can only hope that it is not an entire year before the next installment in this fine series is published. Recommended.

Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
© Copyright 2020, The Book Report, Inc. All rights reserved.

3 1/2 rounded to 4 stars

Number 2 in the Detective William Warwick series did not disappoint! This light-read, British police procedural novel could be consumed as a stand alone. William Warwick has been promoted after professional success in book one, and his team is transferred to the Drug Squad, where they track down a notorious London dealer. Rome, Hampshire and London created wonderful backdrops for the story.
Similar to his other novels, Mr. Archer has a way of pushing the “insert local/historical fact here” right to the edge but not over. It was a pleasure to reunite with the detailed characters from book one, especially The Faulkners, whose marriage always adds some delectable plot twists. The downside to the digital copy was the dreaded unanticipated last page, but the jarring cliffhanger will segue nicely into #3.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press Publishing for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Hidden in Plain Sight is the second book in a new series by Jeffrey Archer, featuring English Detective William Warwick. Warwick was formerly on the Arts & Antiquities Squad, but he was promoted and moved to the Drugs Squad along with his team. The plot of this book combines elements of both areas of interest. The narrative is a mix of police action and courtroom drama. It takes place in 1986, so well before the proliferation of cell phones and other electronic devices. I have not read the first book in the series, but it seems that this book picks up where the first one leaves off. I felt the author provided enough backstory to help me understand what had happened in the first book. Warwick’s nickname on the force is “choirboy” so that will give you an idea of his reputation. He is up against a rather ingenious villain, Miles Faulkner, who apparently was featured in the first book.. I was enjoying the book until I got to the end. Cliffhangers are a pet peeve of mine and I was unhappy that Archer chose to end Hidden in Plain Sight that way. That reduced the number of stars I’m giving from 4 to 3.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the chance to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

As part of his promotion to DS, William Warwick and his team will move to Drug Squad to bring about the capture of several high profile drug dealers. As with real world policemen, the team must work several cases at the same time, using every clue and information they can gather, This leads to many exciting, tension filled incidents that endanger each character along the way. As a police procedural, it's ironic that the prosecuting attorneys are Warwick's father and sister.

Warwick's personal live is moving along quickly too. But his law enforcement duties do have a habit of intruding into his "off duty" time.

Jeffrey Archer is probably best known for the Clifton Chronicles and the world class writing skills that made millions of us Clifton groupies....devouring one book as soon as it was published only to suffer until the next one. The Detective William Warwick series is showing signs of capturing and holding hostage our reading time too.

Having read Nothing Ventured, the first book in Jeffrey Archer’s new series featuring William Warwick, a detective, who also appeared in The Clifton Chronicles, I looked forward to reading Hidden in Plain Sight. Archer does not disappoint. I will admits that it was a little slow at first. Miles Faulkner is still an antagonist for the Warwick family. Having received a suspended sentence in the first book, he is now facing drug charges. William’s father, Julian, and sister, Grace, represent the Crown. Warwick receives a promotion to Detective Sergeant, but he is transferred to an elite drug squad. He also marries Beth.

Of course, Miles gets in more trouble. At this point, the plot thickens and becomes a fast read full of interesting characters and many twists and turns. Since this book is part of a series, the reader is left facing lots of cliffhangers. Now we have to wait. I totally enjoyed this book as a weekend read and look forward to the next book. Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.

I am a big fan of the sagas by Jeffrey Archer. This William Warwick novel is very satisfying. The author engages the reader with a mystery and makes you care about the characters.

It's 1986, William Warwick has been promoted to DS, he's moved to narcotics cases, and he's getting married. There are several villains at play here- first and foremost being Khalil Rashidi, aka the Viper. Then there's Miles Faulkner, a former foe now being prosecuted for drugs by Warwick's father. He's determined to throw a wrench into Warwick's wedding to Beth. The blend of investigation and courtroom is nicely done; US readers might learn something about the British judicial system. This followup to Hidden in Plain Sight is perfectly enjoyable as a standalone although it's not as captivating, I think, as the first one. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Archer is a storyteller and as always, the plot carries the day.

I have read everything Jeffrey Archer has written but this book was so disappointing. In the second book about Detective Sergeant William Warwick has been reassigned to the Drugs Squad. They are immediately tasked with apprehending Khalil Rashidi, a notorious drug dealer, who operates out of South London.

As the investigation progresses, William runs into enemies: Adrian Heath, from his school days, and financier Miles Faulkner. Mixed in with the investigation, William and his fiancée Beth making preparations for their upcoming wedding and start a family. The story was very confusing and the end especially so. I did not enjoy this book at all.

I've read several books by Jefferey Archer and have enjoyed them all. His books are easy to follow and very fast paced. Many times I had to stop reading and didn't want to. I highly recommend this book and anything else that he's written.

This story has more twists and turns than a mountain road in the Italian Alps and is just as terrifying in parts and kept me on the edge of my seat reading far into the night with leaden eyes that finally would no longer stay open, but after slumber, I was again riveted to the narrative.
Jeffrey Archer has another winner in this series of books about William Warwick a newly promoted Detective Sergeant and assigned to the Drug Squad.
There is a nasty drug dealer who poses as a benign head of a tea company and they very much want to capture him and put an end to his drug trade.
In the meantime his old nemesis Miles Faulkner is also involved in some dirty dealings and he wants to take him down as well. Both of these takedowns are intricately plotted and executed like a well-rehearsed dance.
The methods used are ingenious and totally captivated me as I read through the book and they unveiled their plans.
Say what you will about Jeffrey Archer he is a master storyteller and this book proves that point. There are just enough loose ends to make me wish the next volume were already available but I shall wait. Patiently. OK, impatiently for it to be published.

This is the second book in Jeffrey Archer's William Warwick series. Warwick has been promoted to Detective Sergeant, but along with the promotion came a transfer to the Drugs Squad. The rest of his team has come along to the new unit, and their first assignment is to capture Khalil Rashidi, considered the most dangerous drug dealer in London. They must find Rashidi first, and then develop a plan to take him down. While working on the drug investigation, Warwick also encounters enemies from the past (unscrupulous Miles Faulkner from the first book in the series as well a drug dealer Adrian Heath, a friend from his school days). He manages to turn Heath into a confidential informant, but the best laid plans often go wrong. And Faulkner is as slimy as they come and he will continue to haunt Warwick with his ability to avoid conviction. Jeffrey Archer will probably not win the Pulitzer Prize for Literature but he certainly writes an entertaining, fast-paced story. I must "complain" though that there is too long a wait between books - so I found myself struggling to remember what had happened in the previous one. My thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review the ARC of this book, .

Another work of genius from the master storyteller, Jeffrey Archer. This follow up novel to the William Warwick series gives readers more insight into the detective's life and adds a timeless mystery that ranks up there with the great detectives.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Jeffrey Archer, and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Jeffrey Archer returns with another stellar novel in the William Warwick series. Taking readers back to the glory days of the 1980s, this police procedural is sure to impress many, particularly those who have a great affinity for Archer's Clifton Chronicles.

William Warwick has been given a rare treat at work, a long overdue promotion to Detective Sergeant. However, with this comes a move to the Major Drug Squad for an intense case that could bring much notoriety. Large amounts of heroin have made its way into London, a drug that has crippled 1986 England and sent waves throughout the Metropolitan Police. 

Warwick's promotion brings a new member to the team, DC Paul Adaja, whose interest in getting things done helps pave the way to a successful addition to the team. Working through the handful of confidential informants (CIs) at their disposal, Warwick and the team learn that there is a weekly meeting that could garner a great deal of potent arrests, though the location of the Viper remains a well-guarded secret. Through a series of mad car chases, working off crumbs of CI intel,  Warwick is none the wiser when it comes to landing this big fish, but refuses to give up too swiftly. 

On a personal note, Warwick and his fiancee, Beth, are eager to share their nuptials, planning a small ceremony that turns out to be anything but calm. Well-known criminal mastermind, Malcolm Faulkner, makes his presence known and tries to destroy any credibility Warwick might have, though the power of love appears to prevail.

When news comes that Faulkner is about to receive a shipment of drugs that could end him away for the foreseeable future, it's all hands on deck to make the bust. Faulkner cries foul and does anything he can to keep the changes from sticking, though the prosecutorial team is none other than Sir Julian and Grace Warwick, the father and sister duo of our beloved William. The case proceeds and the jury is empanelled, leaving the courts to decide the fate of Faulkner once and for all.

When Warwick discovers where he can find the Viper's Nest, he's quick to rush in that direction, though it won't be a peaceful arrest by any means. Casualties could be massive as these are the roughest of the rough, Warwick will soon learn that this is the least of his concerns. Entertaining throughout, Archer shows that he is still at the top of his game.

I have long been a fan of most anything that Jeffrey Archer puts to paper, having amassed a large quantity of high quality novels. This new series, which is actually the collection of writing referenced repeatedly throughout the Clifton Chronicles, may be set in the 1980s, but can easily hold the attention of the dedicated  thriller fan.

William Warwick returns and plays a wonderful protagonist. While he is a sensible cop, his outgoing nature endears him to many. Always looking for the next big break in a case, Warwick works his magic in ways only Jeffrey Archer could connive. With his strong ties to family and his workplace, Warwick's character develops throughout this piece and there are hints that he will have to branch out in the upcoming novel, as he is sure to take on a new role or two.

Archer does well developing some of his secondary characters as well, who surely help enrich the story in many ways. From the others in the Warwick clan to those who work within the Met, each flavours the narrative effectively and advances Archer's ever-developing plot. While some are recurring characters, there are a handful of strong one-timers, all of whom keep the reader entertained throughout.

The book proves highly entertaining, advancing the series well while keeping things highly realistic. Set in the late 1980s, Archer uses this backdrop to develop a strong story with numerous plotlines that are sure to keep the reader guessing. There is not a 'dated' feel to the book, though surely the lack of technology mentioned is sure to be noticed by those scouring the narrative. Archer uses his wonderful style to take the reader on this twisted journey, as they lose themselves in the strong narrative. With decent length chapters, Archer uses his style to inject detail into the story, leaving the reader to picture things as they occur. Cliffhangers throughout and some great subplot development that makes wishing for the next book all but essential.

Kudos, Lord Archer, for another success. I can't get enough of your books and look forward to the next publication.

The second in the William Warwick series. An enjoyable read, and incredibly popular with library customers. Whatever you may think of the author, he writes a good story.

Continuing the story set out in the first book, I enjoyed it. I liked the characters that are connected to his original series and have followed them for years. While it isn't the strongest mystery series I've ever read, I'll continue to read and keep up with them.

you know that a police procedure book is good when the criminals and everybody else you're supposed to despise are actually people that you despise and want to see have some level of justice come to them over the course of this book and then further books along the line. Finally a real nemesis! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Hidden in Plain Sight is the second book in the Detective William Warwick series. I love British detective novels and this was a good one. William Warwick has been promoted to Detective Sergeant and they assigned him to the Drug Squad. His team is chasing a notorious drug lord in South London, the most involved case they have ever handled. William devises a complicated, innovative plan to take him down.

Warwick is a good character with strong moral values and a good work ethic. His nickname at the office is "choirboy". I think this book could standalone and a reader would be satisfied without having read the first book, although it would obviously provide more background and context if the first had been read. I found the book a little slow at the beginning, but soon enough I was engrossed. And, of course, there are cliffhangers - so I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment!

Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.

I set the bar pretty high when I read a Jeffrey Archer book. He’s already treated us to one of the best books series, the seven-book The Clifton Chronicles. His new series, Detective William Warwick, had a great starting point as Warwick was the hero of Harry Clifton, an author and the main protagonist of Archer’s Clifton saga. Book #1 in the new series was excellent and so is Book #2, Hidden In Plain Sight.

The story picks up in 1986. William has advanced to Detective Sergeant and is now leading an elite unit created to track down London’s top drug baron and take him out. In addition, his nemesis from Book #1, Miles Faulkner, avoided a jail sentence for his crime in the art world and Warwick wants to finally get him. Archer brings us a colorful cast of characters, both good and evil, and provides us with lots of interesting policework and an intense trial. William is preparing to marry Beth, who works at the Fitzmolean Museum, which suffered at the hands of Faulkner. We know William is destined for great things and it is very enjoyable to watch his progression.

It’s a pleasure to read a Jeffrey Archer book as he is such a good storyteller. You can easily read this book if you haven’t read the first one but go back and read Book #1. You’re sure to get hooked and look forward to Book #3. Since Hidden In Plain Sight takes place during the 1980s, you know there’s lots more to come and I simply can’t wait.

Mr. Archer never disappoints and this latest book in his new series is an excellent read. His characters, his dialogue and the overall plot points always ring true. I started reading his books with Kane and Abel and was so glad to see he was spinning off a new series from The Clifton Chronicles with Inspector Warwick. I already look forward to his next Warwick mystery!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC of this book. It is the second in the William Warwick series and further explores the characters and plot lines from book one. While interesting enough to keep one reading, it is pretty predictable and reads more like a long chapter in a book rather than a stand alone. Still I will read the next.