The Sins of the Father

February 27, 2012
In his sequel to Only Time Will Tell, Archer continues the Clifton Chronicles with another heavily plot-driven story that has little to hold on to in terms of character development or writing style. The novel begins hastily with Englishman Harry Clifton meticulously detailing his experiences in the American prison where he landed as a result of recently switching identities in 1939 with Lt. Tom Bradshaw, who died on the cruise liner that had rescued Clifton after his merchant marine ship was sunk by a U-boat, and who just happens to have been charged with murder. Meanwhile, the mother of Harry’s child and love of his life, Emma Barrington, crosses the Atlantic as a ship’s receptionist, hoping to glean information on Harry’s whereabouts, but without much feeling or deeply rooted motivation. As Harry accepts his fate as an inmate and Emma continues her search, the narrative rotates between one too many characters before winding back to Harry and Emma. Finally, a last-minute cliffhanger foreshadows the continuation of the story in book three of the five-part series, though Harry’s one-dimensional (albeit fast-paced) adventure in this volume does little to make subsequent Clifton Chronicles seem worthwhile. 300,000 announced first printing. Agent: Jonathan Lloyd, Curtis Brown LTD.

August 20, 2012
This latest installment in Archer's Clifton Chronicles series follows the multiple trials, tribulations, and sometime triumphs of working class Englishman Harry Clifton, his lady love Emma Barrington, and their numerous respective family members as they struggle, fight, and love their way across three continents during World War II. The tale is told from the point of view of several characters, and Alex Jennings and Emilia Fox provide narration that ably captures those characters, and render myriad voices and international accents--everything from from New York City cabbies to German officers and the stiff-upper-lipped British aristocrats. Fox particularly shines in chapters recounting the adventures of the stalwart Emma, who sets out on a mission to learn the fate of her lover that takes her from the comfort of her English homeland to the wilds of New York City. Fox skillfully brings this plucky, never say die character to life in this fast, entertaining summer listen, perfect for long drives or relaxing days in the sun. A St. Martin's hardcover.