Best Kept Secret

The Clifton Chronicles, Book 3

By: Jeffrey Archer

Narrated by: Alex Jennings

Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jeffrey Archer, the Clifton Chronicles continues with Best Kept Secret.

1945, London. The vote in the House of Lords as to who should inherit the Barrington family fortune has ended in a tie. The Lord Chancellor's deciding vote will cast a long shadow on the lives of Harry Clifton and Giles Barrington. Harry returns to America to promote his latest novel, while his beloved Emma goes in search of the little girl who was found abandoned in her father's office on the night he was killed. When the general election is called, Giles Barrington has to defend his seat in the House of Commons and is horrified to discover who the Conservatives select to stand against him. But it is Sebastian Clifton, Harry and Emma's son, who ultimately influences his uncle's fate.

In 1957, Sebastian wins a scholarship to Cambridge, and a new generation of the Clifton family marches onto the page. But after Sebastian is expelled from school, he unwittingly becomes caught up in an international art fraud involving a Rodin statue that is worth far more than the sum it raises at auction. Does he become a millionaire? Does he go to Cambridge? Is his life in danger? Best Kept Secret, the third volume in Jeffrey Archer's bestselling series, will answer all these questions but, once again, pose so many more.

©2013 Jeffrey Archer (P)2013 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Alex Jennings and Emilia Fox's dual narration captures a range of intriguing characters and a variety of English accents…the narrators' polished performance of the family's escapades keeps the listener engaged.” —AudioFile Magazine

“Archer's storytelling combines history, romance and intrigue, and the audiobook is outstandingly read by Alex Jennings and Emilia Fox.” —Inside Jersey

“[Archer's] well-drawn characters are outstandingly portrayed by readers Alex Jennings and Emilia Fox.” —The Star-Ledger

Great read, characters and chronological Novel;

I disagree with other reviewer. Plot has lots twist and turns...nice development of characters.and not predictable. I recommend reading in order to understand all characters.

Not exactly fond of the endings in this series

You HAVE to get the next book...which is both good and a pain. Right now I'm out of credits...have to wait two days.

Another Excellent Addition to the Series

I'm not one to stick with series, but Archer has a knack for pulling you into the next book and keeping you there. I was determined I was going to listen to another author when I finished Best Kept Secret yet found myself starting number four after yet another cliff-hanger. An amazing storyteller augmented by a first-rate narrator.

Excellent

This series is absolutely excellent. I can't wait for the next follow up book.. The story line is brilliant. Thank you.

A Missed Opportunity to Continue a Good Series

What did you like best about Best Kept Secret? What did you like least?

I liked best that this book answered the cliffhanger from Book 2 of the series. I did not like the character or storyline development. I also did not like that the book ended with another cliffhanger. I prefer when books, although in a series, stand independently. Archer's cheap shot ending worked, because I will read the next book, but I'm not happy about it.

What was most disappointing about Jeffrey Archer’s story?

I never had the opportunity to invest in the characters. It seemed that Seb and Jessica were the developing characters, but their stories were disjointed and empty.

Which character – as performed by Alex Jennings – was your favorite?

I was beginning to really like Seb and his interaction with Tibbie. Still, the development was too shallow.

Could you see Best Kept Secret being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No. This book cannot stand alone.

Any additional comments?

This is the third Archer book I have read. If the next one isn't significantly better, it will likely be my last.

abrupt ending

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

yes

If you’ve listened to books by Jeffrey Archer before, how does this one compare?

Not as good as initial writing

Would you listen to another book narrated by Alex Jennings?

yes - he was very good.

Could you see Best Kept Secret being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No unless ending is fixed.

Any additional comments?

The boy just dies - that was the ending why?

wait for book 4 before reading

Great series, but the cliff-hanger ending is frustrating, with nearly a year to wait for the next installment. I should have waited before starting the series, particularly this book.

Love the Clifton Chronicles!

Narrator is excellent, found the story gripping and am anxious to move on to the next book!

Each book in this series gets better and better.

Absolutely wonderful and creative. I highly recommend this series.. The author has created an amazing series.

Amazing!

Alex Jennings is a gifted narrator. I'm enjoying this series for the richness of the stories, but Jennings adds a priceless touch to the experience.