An Eye for an Eye: Jeffrey Archer

By Dean Poling

Arriving home from the book store, to my surprise, I discovered what I thought was a Jeffrey Deaver book was actually a Jeffrey Archer book.

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Deaver writes the Colton Shaw (“Tracker”) and Lincoln Rhyme series, as well as stand-alone novels. I usually see Deaver and pick up the book. Apparently, I usually see Jeffrey and pick up the book. That’s what happened here.

So, Jeffrey Archer was a discovery for me, even though he’s been writing novels for decades. he’s one of those writers whose author’s notes claims “sales of over 300 million copies in 115 countries and 48 languages.”

“An Eye for an Eye” is apparently part of a series that is winding down. Up front, this book ends with a cliffhanger. The next book, due out late this year, is scheduled to be the last novel in the series with a tentative title “William Warrick: The Final Novel.” 

There’s nothing on the cover that claims “An Eye for an Eye” is part of any series. Reading the book, one can quickly surmise that its characters have been previously introduced to readers but Archer writes in a manner that a new reader can easily settle into the action … though it takes several pages to get the numerous characters straight. A little post-read research reveals it is the seventh of eight books in the William Warrick series. 

The set-up: A British representative has traveled to the Middle East to forge a multi-billion-dollar arms deal with the Saudis. In a club, he witnesses a prince murder an Italian arms representative. The Brit is framed for the murder, sparking international headlines.

Meanwhile, a rich criminal is about to be paroled and he wants vengeance against the officer and the officer’s family. These are the characters who seem to be recurring actors in this series. 

Throw a Thomas Jefferson-penned copy of the Declaration of Independence into the mix and there’s plenty of plot to go around.

Archer writes in a gripping style. He’s most definitely a British author, who is also a member of the House of Lords. The book’s characters are British. The setting revolves around England and Saudi Arabia. The time period is roughly the end of the 20th century/start of the 21st century. 

Not sure I will go seek the first six books of the series but I am glad to have mistakenly picked up “An Eye for an Eye.” Yes, I will pick up the next book later this year.

The Avengers

By Dean Poling

Like many recent comic book series, the introduction of a new creative team means starting a title over. Past events and adventures for the featured character(s) still happened but the title starts its count over. For example, the first issue of “The Avengers” was released in 1963. But there was also an “Avengers” No. 1 released in 2010, in 2018, etc. In 2023, Jed Mackey took over the writing reins and the latest No. 1 issue of “The Avengers” was released in May 2023.

Closing in on two years, it’s been a good run. Mackey upended the Avengers roster. Captain Marvel is the leader and she forms a team based on the idea that each member represents something. She is the star. The Sam Wilson/Falcon version of Captain America is the icon. Scarlet Witch is the witch. The Vision is the construct. Thor is the god. Iron Man is the engineer. Black Panther is the king. Other past Avengers have made guest appearances but these named characters have been the core members of Mackey’s Avengers.

The team has dealt with alien threats, with Mackey creating new enemies and challenges for the Avengers. The team has also dealt with Marvel corporate crossovers with a twist. Instead of using the regular team for the massive “Blood Hunt” vampire crossover storyline, Mackey used the Steve Rogers Captain America, Hercules, Quicksilver, the Kate Bishop Hawkeye and Hazmat. Possibly the best “Blood Hunt” tie-in.

The Jed MacKay “Avengers” is worth reading. It’s not too far into its run so back issues should be easy to find, as well as trade paperback collections, or the digital online Marvel Unlimited.