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Be Careful What You Wish For (The Clifton Chronicles) Hardcover – Large Print, March 5, 2014

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 34,161 ratings

While Harry and Emma race to discover the fate of their son after a terrible car accident, Don Pedro Martinez plots to install a puppet chairman at the Barrington Shipping Company and Jessica's nuptials are sabotaged by a poisonous friend. (suspense). Simultaneous.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1410466647
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thorndike Press; Large Print edition (March 5, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 635 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781410466648
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1410466648
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.6 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 34,161 ratings

About the author

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Jeffrey Archer
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Jeffrey Archer is one of the world’s bestselling authors, with sales of over 275 million copies in 97 countries, and is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction (twenty times), short stories (four times) and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries). He was born in London, and brought up in the West Country. He gained a Blue in Athletics at Oxford, was President of the University Athletics Club, and went on to run the 100 yards in 9.6 seconds for Great Britain in 1966. Jeffrey has served five years in the House of Commons as a Member of Parliament, and thirty years as a Member of the House of Lords.

He has written 27 novels, 7 sets of short stories, 3 prison diaries, 3 plays (all of which have been performed in London's West End) and a gospel. His first novel, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less was sold to 17 countries within a year. It was also made into a successful serial for BBC Radio 4, and was later televised in 1990 by the BBC. He won the Prix Relay du Roman d’Évasion, a prize that rewards a novel in which readers can ‘escape from everyday life’, for his novel Paths of Glory, and the Prix Polar International Prize for the best international thriller of the year, for his novel A Prisoner of Birth. The Clifton Chronicles, a series of seven novels published between 2011-2017, topped the bestseller lists around the world.

Famous for his discipline as a writer who works on up to fourteen drafts of each book, Jeffrey also brings a vast amount of insider knowledge to his books. Whether it’s his own career in politics, his passionate interest in art, or the wealth of fascinating background detail – inspired by the extraordinary network of friends he has built over a lifetime at the heart of Britain’s establishment – his novels provide a fascinating glimpse into a range of closed worlds.

Jeffrey is also an amateur auctioneer, conducting up to 20 charity auctions a year. He has been married to Dame Mary Archer, Chair of the Science Museum Group, for 55 year, and they have two sons, two granddaughters and three grandsons. He splits his time between London, Cambridge and Mallorca - where he writes the first draft of each new novel.

The fifth book In his new William Warwick novels - the first of which, Nothing Ventured, was published in 2019 - is NEXT IN LINE which will be out in September 2022.

Photo credit: Toby Madden

www.jeffreyarcher.com

Follow Jeffrey on Instagram - Jeffrey_Archer_Author, Facebook and Twitter @Jeffrey_Archer

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
34,161 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and enjoyable. They describe the book as an easy read with good writing that keeps them hooked. Readers appreciate the engaging characters and families. The book chronicles the life and times of England with accurate historical references. However, opinions differ on the plot variety - some find it clever and interesting, while others find it dastardly.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

1,016 customers mention "Story quality"818 positive198 negative

Customers enjoy the story's skillful plot twists, humor, and excitement. They describe it as an escapism story intertwined with historical events. Readers find the book suspenseful, complicated, and full of surprises. The Clifton Chronicles are compelling reading that captures the era well.

"Great read I have 3 books left in this series. Very Interesting twist and turns. I would recommend all of these books." Read more

"...Harry Clifton is now a best-selling author of detective books...." Read more

"Jeffrey Archer tells a great story and is a fantastic writer. I have been following the Clifton Chronicles...." Read more

"...Jeffrey Archer is a consummate story-teller and this series continues to display his skills in writing easy-reading and page-turning family-based..." Read more

602 customers mention "Enjoyment"570 positive32 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find the storyline interesting and engaging, keeping them reading until the end. The book is described as enlightening and exciting, with humor and excitement.

"Great read I have 3 books left in this series. Very Interesting twist and turns. I would recommend all of these books." Read more

"...The books are enjoyable to read, even though it is getting wearing and annoying waiting to get closure on this family's chronicle. (less)" Read more

"...They are, every one, endlessly entertaining; and they lack the gratuitous and graphic sex and violence that most authors seem to think cannot be..." Read more

"...This fourth volume of the Clifton Chronicles is a great read. But you have to read the books in order! At 385 pages, it's too short...." Read more

424 customers mention "Readability"400 positive24 negative

Customers find the book readable and engaging. They appreciate the good writing and the author's ability to create a compelling storyline that keeps them hooked. The books are described as light reading with unexpected twists. Readers praise Jeffrey Archer as one of the best storytellers of our time.

"Another fantastic and fun book from the talented and prolific Jeffrey Archer...." Read more

"Jeffrey Archer tells a great story and is a fantastic writer. I have been following the Clifton Chronicles...." Read more

"...story-teller and this series continues to display his skills in writing easy-reading and page-turning family-based stories which twist and turn all..." Read more

"...it is quite readable and not pretentious...." Read more

242 customers mention "Character development"211 positive31 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging characters and families in the book. They appreciate that each chapter focuses on a different person, which makes the story more interesting. Readers also mention that the book is written by Jeffrey Archer, a talented and prolific author.

"Another fantastic and fun book from the talented and prolific Jeffrey Archer...." Read more

"...Archer can create wonderful, memorable characters -- whether good guy or villain -- and it is no different with this book...." Read more

"...into the 60s with all the usual suspense and the addition of new characters and villains...." Read more

"...Fast pace, always. I love the mix of characters...just like life, and find them portrayed well...." Read more

184 customers mention "Value for money"178 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the book's value for money. They find it an easy read and believable, continuing the saga of two families. The book is described as compelling and exceeds expectations.

"...This is power, wealth and plenty of intrigue and of course a death or two...." Read more

"...historical events and described as only Jeffrey Archer can do - brilliantly...." Read more

"Reading the Clifton Chronicles from the first book, I have enjoyed the journey thus far. For me, the ending of this book was predictable...." Read more

"This book has the usual twists and turns of plot. A good and easy read and believable. The narrative is fast-paced and an easy read...." Read more

76 customers mention "History"67 positive9 negative

Customers enjoy the book's history. They find it informative and well-written, chronicling the life and times of England and the world in mid-century. The author's ability to describe British culture accurately is praised. Readers appreciate the accurate historical and political references and the wonderful glimpse of the time and people over the decades. While some find the book less historically influenced and more about the family, they appreciate learning about English society through the books.

"...In between? Births, deaths, marriages, politics, back-room maneuvering, personalities, ambitions, rewards, revenges, and all sorts of details..." Read more

"...There are some very clever ideas that the "badies" use and he certainly brings in intriging aspects like the IRA connections...." Read more

"...The Clifton Chronicles is a great series, following family generations (the Barringtons and Cliftons) as they are born, grow, and pass on...." Read more

"...It is a story of privilege and social standing from the late 1800's to after the Great War ( WWI)...." Read more

116 customers mention "Plot variety"42 positive74 negative

Customers have different views on the plot. Some find it clever and interesting, with dastardly schemes and creative storytelling. They describe it as an intelligent, fast-paced thriller. However, others feel some chapters are draggy and lack a conclusion.

"...I felt it was too feeble and too contrived. Little did I understand that the middle part of any series is the set up for what's to follow...." Read more

"...it was for someone of the lower classes with great talent to further their education and living standards...." Read more

"...and most of the evil doers are usually described as overdressed, overbearing, loud and obnoxious, while the heroes are lovely, refined and talented...." Read more

"...I know this book will not complete the story...." Read more

91 customers mention "Pace"53 positive38 negative

Customers have different views on the book's pace. Some find it engaging and fast-paced, seamlessly transitioning between events. Others feel the beginning parts drag and the series slows down towards the end.

"...In between? Births, deaths, marriages, politics, back-room maneuvering, personalities, ambitions, rewards, revenges, and all sorts of details..." Read more

"...The last page comes far too quickly and the cliff hanger conclusion has left this reader counting the weeks until the release of the next Clifton..." Read more

"...It's a good read and moves at a pace but don't start if you expect the story to satisfyingly end. You are left hanging!..." Read more

"RATHER FAST READ, BUT TYPICAL OF A CONTINUING SAGA. A LOT OF SLOW READING AT TIMES, THEN THE SAGA WILL PICK UP AGAIN...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2024
    Great read
    I have 3 books left in this series. Very Interesting twist and turns. I would recommend all of these books.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2015
    (Read in 2014) So, we have another cliff hanger after Be Careful What You Wish For (2014), the fourth edition of the interminable Clifton Chronicles, which is as much about the Barrington family. We will have to wait until 2015 to see who survived the explosion on the maiden voyage of the MS Buckingham, the new crown jewel of Barrington Shipping, now under the chairmanship of Emma Barrington Clifton. As there is a book five, we can presume that some, if not all, Barringtons/Cliftons survive.

    At least, in the last two books - Best Kept Secret was book 3, and this family has secrets - Jeffrey Archer takes the cliff hanger and then carries the book on a different path. The books have taken us from the 1920s to 1964. Harry Clifton is now a best-selling author of detective books. Best Kept Secret ends with Sebastian Clifton, son of Harry and Emma, driving to Cambridge to start University, with his friend, Bruno Martinez, who was not supposed to be with him. Bruno is the black sheep of the Martinez family, in that he does not follow in the footsteps of his Argentinian criminal father, Don Pedro, and brothers, Luis and Diego. In Book 3, Don Pedro was impressed with Sebastian and hires him to do a job for him in Argentina, of course, not telling him it was criminal. The plan is foiled, so the "car accident" was to eliminate Sebastian. It's not much of a spoiler alert to figure out who was killed.

    Be Careful What You Wish For becomes Don Pedro's vengeance on the Barringtons and Cliftons in every facet of their lives. Emma's older brother, Giles, who's been Harry Clifton's best friend since their school days at St. Bede's, is rising in the Labour Party. He represents the Bristol district and is a member of Labour despite his wealthy upbringing. The younger sister, Grace, is now a college professor. Martinez attempts to sabotage Giles career.

    Emma decides to get involved in the family shipping business, founded by her great-grandfather, run into the ground by her father, Hugo. She ascends to the chairmanship, beating out Alex Fisher, Harry and Giles' nemesis from school, who ran against Giles in one election, and is now serving on the Barrington board at the behest of Martinez.

    While recovering in hospital, Sebastian befriends a banker, Cedric Hardcastle, who hires Sebastian, and later joins the board of the shipping company. Later, Hardcastle hatches a plan for everyone to exact revenge against Martinez, which builds intrigue toward the cliff hanger ending.

    Then, there's Jessica, Harry and Emma's adopted daughter, the mystery surrounding her, and the cloud that hangs over the cast's relationship to each other. At the very beginning, in Book 1, Only Time Will Tell, Harry's mother, Maise, had a one-time affair with Hugo Barrington, right before she is to marry Arthur Clifton. Arthur, who worked at the docks, mysteriously disappears shortly after the marriage, meaning Hugo could be the father of Harry, as well as Giles, Emma and Grace, and that the four could be half siblings. This is not known until Harry and Emma are about to say their wedding vows in the church. This delays their marriage.

    Hugo flees to London and shacks up with a Jewish refugee (Book 2, The Sins of the Father). He returns to Bristol upon his father's death, but the woman tracks him down, kills him and herself, and leaves a baby. Since Harry is older than Giles, and Hugo may have been the father of both, the inheritance of the estate becomes a national cause celebre. Harry has no interest in the inheritance, though, he grew up poor. Emma tracks down the orphaned baby. Jessica becomes their daughter, although she may be a half sister to Emma, Giles, Grace, and maybe, Harry. Maise has been mentioned maybe once in the last two books combined. The Clifton and Barrington family trees are at the beginning of Be Careful What You Wish For.

    I thought maybe Jeffrey Archer drew the Chronicles out so DNA samples could prove the truth. Jessica, who in Book 5 is an award-winning artist at college, finds out her secret, but not the way Harry and Emma wanted.

    The books are enjoyable to read, even though it is getting wearing and annoying waiting to get closure on this family's chronicle. (less)
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2014
    Another fantastic and fun book from the talented and prolific Jeffrey Archer.

    This book starts by resolving the cliff-hanger at the end of book 3, and ends with another, even more exciting one. In between? Births, deaths, marriages, politics, back-room maneuvering, personalities, ambitions, rewards, revenges, and all sorts of details small and large to keep the reader involved and interested.

    I'll read as many of Archer's books as he cares to write. They are, every one, endlessly entertaining; and they lack the gratuitous and graphic sex and violence that most authors seem to think cannot be done without in order for a book to be successful.

    This man has a devious mind ... I'm not so sure I'd like him as a next door neighbour. Or a creditor! But he's absolutely ace in my books (no pun intended!) as an author. And I hope he keeps writing for a long time to come.
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2014
    Jeffrey Archer tells a great story and is a fantastic writer. I have been following the Clifton Chronicles. At the end of each novel, he sets up a suspenseful situation but you have to buy his next book to see how it is resolved. What I did not like: After the family put itself in jeapardy to help the British Government against Don Pedro Martinez, it is hardly likely that the government would not have set up protection for the family knowing that he is a revengeful man. I found this too contrived. Lord Barrington is drugged to falsely indicate that he has had a heart attack to ruin some of his political career. The author then says that the press lost interest in him. Hardly! At the end of the book, police on board the ship knew that IRA terrorists were on board before the ship set sail. They even see Don Pedro Martinez on the wharf and then leaving. Even in those days, I hardly think that the police would have had the boat set sail.. However, I am waiting for 2015 for the next novel. I recommend this book to anyone.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Manuel Jackl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beste Buchreihe
    Reviewed in Germany on September 19, 2024
    Gerade wenn man denkt, die Geschichte läuft sich jetzt etwas aus, kommt Jeffrey Archer und zaubert eine neue Wendung aus dem Hut!
  • shailesh
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good read
    Reviewed in India on May 29, 2024
    You HV to read this book as it's gripping. The language is so clear and lucid . You are carried away in the era
  • Kris
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un thriller
    Reviewed in France on September 25, 2022
    De plus en plus de vrais « méchants » très dangereux. L’action est à couper le souffle et l’on souffre pour nos chères familles Barrington et Clifton. Arriveront-ils à surmonter tous les obstacles et traquenards que leurs sèment leurs ennemis ?
  • RLS
    5.0 out of 5 stars Novela muy bien manejada
    Reviewed in Mexico on January 8, 2019
    te tiene interesado todo el tiempo y definitivamente atraído a leer toda la colección de "Clifton Chronicles"
  • Nicoletta Benassero
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bellissimo una vera rivelazione
    Reviewed in Italy on May 8, 2019
    Autore che non conoscevo, ho iniziato con un libro (il primo della serie dei Clifton) acquistato con il Giornale, poi il secondo e infine il terzo e poi.......non essendoci il 4 e il 5 in italiano l'ho acquistato in inglese e li ho divorati. veramente ben scritto e coinvolgente.