Jeffrey Archer returns with the third instalment of the Clifton Chronicles, and Best Kept Secret doesn’t miss a beat. Picking up in 1945, just as the Second World War has come to a close, this chapter in the Clifton-Barrington saga plunges us deeper into the trials, triumphs, and tangled loyalties of two families bound by blood, business, and secrets.
Harry Clifton, now an established novelist and a devoted husband to Emma Barrington, is settling into life as a family man. But peace, as ever, is fleeting. Their son Sebastian, bright, ambitious, and already a magnet for trouble, takes on a larger role in this novel, and his emergence as a key player in the family’s future adds a fresh layer of energy to the story.
Meanwhile, Emma’s brother Giles is climbing the ranks of British politics, though not without facing formidable rivals and personal dilemmas. At the heart of the drama is the battle for control of the Barrington Shipping Company—a legacy built on generations of ambition, and now under threat from the slippery and calculating Alex Fisher. The courtroom battle that unfolds is tense, clever, and deeply personal, with Archer keeping readers guessing until the final ruling.
One of the great pleasures of reading Archer’s work is his talent for juggling multiple storylines without losing emotional focus. In Best Kept Secret, he seamlessly blends political intrigue, family drama, and corporate power struggles, all while continuing to grow the inner lives of his characters. By now, the Cliftons and Barringtons feel like old friends. You know their flaws, you cheer for their victories, and yes, you brace yourself for the inevitable betrayals.
Sebastian Clifton, in particular, stands out in this book. He’s clever, a bit impulsive, and not quite ready for the shadow of responsibility that looms ahead—but his journey is captivating. Archer sets him up beautifully as the next generation’s torchbearer, with promise, heart, and plenty of challenges ahead.
Set in post-war Britain, the novel captures the tension of a country rebuilding itself while navigating changing social and political tides. Archer has a knack for weaving real historical touchpoints into his fiction without making it feel like a history lesson. Whether it’s the corridors of Westminster, the boardrooms of Barrington Shipping, or the bustling streets of London, the settings feel rich and authentic.
That said, Best Kept Secret does occasionally feel a bit overstuffed. There are moments where the sheer number of subplots and supporting characters can make things feel slightly crowded, and readers unfamiliar with the earlier books may struggle to keep up. The courtroom scenes, though central to the plot, can drag on at times, especially for those more invested in the emotional arcs than the legal details.
Still, these are minor quibbles in what is ultimately another strong addition to the series. Archer keeps the pace brisk, the dialogue sharp, and the stakes high. He’s a master of the cliffhanger, and just when you think things are settling down—he throws in a twist that has you reaching for the next book.
In the end, Best Kept Secret is exactly what fans of the series will be hoping for: layered, dramatic, and completely absorbing. It’s not meant to be a standalone—it’s a continuation of a much larger story—and that’s part of its charm. For those already invested in the lives of Harry, Emma, Giles, and now Sebastian, this book delivers the next chapter with all the drama and heart we’ve come to expect.
Highly recommended for lovers of family sagas, historical drama, and multi-generational tales of power, pride, and perseverance.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The third novel in Jeffrey Archer’s compelling saga, the Clifton Chronicles
1945. 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 march onto the page. 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?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR | WEBSITE
Jeffrey is published in 114 countries and more than 47 languages, with more than 750,000 5* reviews with international sales passing 275 million copies.
He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction (nineteen times), short stories (four times) and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries).
Jeffrey has been married for 53 years to Dame Mary Archer DBE. They have two sons, William and James, three grandsons and two granddaughters, and divide their time between homes in London, Cambridge and Mallorca.
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