Nothing Ventured is the incredible and thrilling novel by the master storyteller and bestselling author of the Clifton Chronicles and Kane and Abel, Jeffrey Archer.
This is not a detective story, this is a story about a detective
William Warwick has always wanted to be a detective, and decides, much to his fathers dismay, that rather than become a barrister like his father, Sir Julian Warwick QC, and his sister Grace, he will join Londons Metropolitan Police Force.
After graduating from university, William begins a career that will define his life: from his early months on the beat under the watchful eye of his first mentor, Constable Fred Yates, to his first high-stakes case as a fledgling detective in Scotland Yards Art and Antiques squad. Investigating the theft of a priceless Rembrandt painting from the Fitzmolean Museum, he meets Beth Rainsford, a research assistant at the gallery who he falls hopelessly in love with, even as Beth guards a secret of her own that shes terrified will come to light.
While William follows the trail of the missing masterpiece, he comes up against suave art collector Miles Faulkner and his brilliant lawyer, Booth Watson QC, who are willing to bend the law to breaking point to stay one step ahead of William. Meanwhile, Miles Faulkners wife, Christina, befriends William, but whose side is she really on?
Nothing Ventured heralds the start of a brand new series in the style of Jeffrey Archers number one Sunday Times bestselling The Clifton Chronicles: telling the story of the life of William Warwick as a family man and a detective who will battle throughout his career against a powerful criminal nemesis. Through twists, triumph and tragedy, this series will show that William Warwick is destined to become one of Jeffrey Archers most enduring legacies.
Dive into a world of intrigue and captivating storytelling with Jeffrey Archer's "Nothing Ventured," the thrilling first installment in the William Warwick series. From the master storyteller behind the beloved Clifton Chronicles and the epic Kane and Abel, comes a new saga that promises to enthrall readers with its intricate plot, compelling characters, and signature Archer twists. "Nothing Ventured" introduces William Warwick, a young man determined to forge his own path, much to the chagrin of his esteemed barrister father, Sir Julian Warwick QC. Defying family expectations, William chooses a life of service and joins London's Metropolitan Police Force. This decision sets him on a course filled with danger, deception, and unexpected romance. Follow William's journey from his early days as a rookie constable, learning the ropes under the tutelage of the seasoned Constable Fred Yates, to his rapid ascent into the Art and Antiques squad at Scotland Yard. His first major case plunges him into the high-stakes world of art theft, as he investigates the audacious theft of a priceless Rembrandt painting from the renowned Fitzmolean Museum. During the investigation, William crosses paths with Beth Rainsford, a charming and intelligent research assistant at the museum. As they work together to uncover the truth, a passionate connection blossoms between them. However, Beth harbors a secret, one that could jeopardize everything William holds dear. Will their love survive the web of lies and deceit that surrounds them? The pursuit of the missing Rembrandt leads William into a cat-and-mouse game with the sophisticated art collector Miles Faulkner and his formidable lawyer, Booth Watson QC. Faulkner, a man with a reputation for bending the rules, is determined to stay one step ahead of the law, and William must use all his wit and skill to outsmart him. Complicating matters further is Faulkner's enigmatic wife, Christina, who forms an unexpected friendship with William. But whose side is she really on? "Nothing Ventured" is more than just a mystery; it's a richly woven tapestry of family dynamics, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of justice. With his trademark blend of suspense, intrigue, and unforgettable characters, Archer crafts a narrative that will keep you guessing until the very last page. This is the beginning of an epic series that promises to solidify William Warwick as one of Archer's most memorable creations. Expect a roller coaster of emotions as William navigates treacherous investigations, battles powerful adversaries, and strives to balance his professional life with his growing personal commitments. A must-read for fans of crime fiction, historical mysteries, and family sagas, "Nothing Ventured" is a captivating start to a series that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next chapter in William Warwick's remarkable life. Prepare to be swept away by Archer's masterful storytelling and embark on an unforgettable journey through the dark underbelly of London's art world. This Main Market edition, published by Macmillan in 2019, features 336 pages of thrilling suspense, all within a beautifully bound hardcover. The English language book weights 574 grams and has ISBN-13: 9781509851287 and ISBN-10: 1509851283.