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20th out of 32 books
—
136 voters
Twelve Red Herrings
Jeffrey Archer, the internationally bestselling author of Honor Among Thieves, As The Crow Flies, and Kane & Abel, now serves up this inventive new collection of a dozen short stories -- with a twist. Cleverly styled, with richly drawn characters and ingeniously plotted story lines, each of the twelve pieces ends with a delightfully unexpected turn of events.
An impriso...more
An impriso...more
Paperback, 384 pages
Published
August 30th 2005
by St. Martin's Paperbacks
(first published 1994)
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Uno de los síntomas relacionados con la adicción a la lectura que padezco es que necesito comprar un libro en cada ciudad nueva que visito. En el ex libris que pongo en cada uno de mis libros incluyo la ciudad donde lo compré, y esa es la raíz de muchos de mis males. Me compré este libro en Pina de Ebro, en parte porque necesitaba un libro para el viaje a Barcelona y en parte porque era una ciudad (bueno, más bien un término municipal) que no tenía en mi base de datos de libros. Esta manía mía m...more
Twelve Red Herrings is exactly as the title says. A red herring is a false trail, bait that is meant to be taken, leading to the wrong conclusion. Jeffry Archer is a master with this style, and wrote twelve short stories, each with a red herring dropped somewhere in it. The book boasts differentiating plots, and is a careful collection of stories that deal with humorous and farcical realities. They are all rather interesting in their own way, but they all seem to share a link which doesn’t exist...more
Twelve Red Herrings contained a good mixture of stories. Some took me a while to get through, but I'm such a fan that if Jeffery Archer wrote the ingredients of bread on a bag, I'd read it.
Some of the stories were high tension and others were like a Sunday morning stroll. And then there was the final story, One Man’s Meat. Only Archer could pull of telling a story with four possible endings. Of course, being an Archerholic I had to read all four, though he invited the reader to ‘select one and...more
Some of the stories were high tension and others were like a Sunday morning stroll. And then there was the final story, One Man’s Meat. Only Archer could pull of telling a story with four possible endings. Of course, being an Archerholic I had to read all four, though he invited the reader to ‘select one and...more
1 like · like · see review
My rating is 4.2. I love jeffrey Archer! Alongside of roald dahl he is IMHo the master of the short story. there are some very good gems in here!
1 Trial and error- 5 stars- Simply a brilliant tale of murder, deception, betrayal and more. Archer remains the master of the short story.
2- Cheap at half the price- 4 stars- A delightful deception...some folks have all the luck
3- Dougie mortimor's right arm- 3 stars- The Herring is quite as tasty in this story as the previous 2. Still a decent light re...more
1 Trial and error- 5 stars- Simply a brilliant tale of murder, deception, betrayal and more. Archer remains the master of the short story.
2- Cheap at half the price- 4 stars- A delightful deception...some folks have all the luck
3- Dougie mortimor's right arm- 3 stars- The Herring is quite as tasty in this story as the previous 2. Still a decent light re...more
Though I've thoroughly enjoyed every one of Jeffrey Archer's books I've read so far, it never crossed my mind to pick up one of his short-story collections. After reading this one, I realised what I'd missed. What is really admirable about his writing style is that he can connect with any generation pretty well. I personally found it difficult to believe that Kane and Abel and False Impression were penned by the same author. Even in this collection each story is different from the other and ther...more
I quite enjoy Archer's stories - they are often quite easy to read and typically involve interesting situations. The characters can be a little one-dimensional at times, and can be stereo-typical, but I can handle that in small doses.
This collection of short stories disappointed, largely because the trumpeted "twist in the tail endings" did not, in most cases, come to me as a surprise. And I don't think that this is because I am any great intellect - I think the so-called twists were sing-posted...more
This collection of short stories disappointed, largely because the trumpeted "twist in the tail endings" did not, in most cases, come to me as a surprise. And I don't think that this is because I am any great intellect - I think the so-called twists were sing-posted...more
The term "Master Storyteller" is perhaps overused but in this case, Jeffrey Archer earns the moniker. Each of these stories I read between other people's novels, in order to space them out. It is a testament to the quality of these stories that I found myself wanting to get past the particular novel I was reading so I could get to the next Archer short story. Some of these stories have twists and some have irony, but they all have that exceptional phrasing that I have come to expect from Mr. Arc...more
I almost want to give this three stars but it was oddly compelling. I didn't know it was a collection of short stories until I started reading it. And though not all the stories were as rewarding as I would have hoped, there was still something compelling about them.
I'm not sure if I could find the "red herring" in all of them but some of the twists sure were fun! I thought some of the stories (like Shoeshine Boy and Dougie Mortimer's Right Arm) were a little less than awesome but the first and...more
I'm not sure if I could find the "red herring" in all of them but some of the twists sure were fun! I thought some of the stories (like Shoeshine Boy and Dougie Mortimer's Right Arm) were a little less than awesome but the first and...more
Jeffrey Archer, the internationally bestselling author of Honor Among Thieves, As The Crow Flies, and Kane & Abel, now serves up this inventive new collection of a dozen short stories -- with a twist. Cleverly styled, with richly drawn characters and ingeniously plotted story lines, each of the twelve pieces ends with a delightfully unexpected turn of events.
An imprisoned man is certain that his supposed murder victim is very much alive....A female driver is pursued relentlessly by a menacin...more
An imprisoned man is certain that his supposed murder victim is very much alive....A female driver is pursued relentlessly by a menacin...more
(2.5 stars)
I quite enjoyed Jeffrey Archer as a teenager, so thought I should revisit this volume to see whether the writing holds up at all as an adult. It's a collection of short stories, all of which contain a twist. While twist fiction is generally held to be a little hackneyed these days, it's not something I mind personally. When you know there's going to be a twist, however, it's hard not to focus on predicting it, instead of just letting the plot unfold.
Trial and Error
Long and rambling,...more
I quite enjoyed Jeffrey Archer as a teenager, so thought I should revisit this volume to see whether the writing holds up at all as an adult. It's a collection of short stories, all of which contain a twist. While twist fiction is generally held to be a little hackneyed these days, it's not something I mind personally. When you know there's going to be a twist, however, it's hard not to focus on predicting it, instead of just letting the plot unfold.
Trial and Error
Long and rambling,...more
Amazing short stories!!! I used to love the Jeffrey archer Novels but now I am great short story fan of his too :-)
Must reads are "
* Do Not Pass Go
* Shoeshine Boy
* You'll Never Live to Regret It
* Never Stop on the Motorway
* An Eye for an Eye
* One Man's Meat"
* Do Not Pass Go
This is the first story I read and it is full of drama and action I would say. Thrilling one...
* Shoeshine Boy
Nice and funny one. Makes you giggle!
* You'll Never Live to Regret It
Full of twists and turns and keeps you...more
Must reads are "
* Do Not Pass Go
* Shoeshine Boy
* You'll Never Live to Regret It
* Never Stop on the Motorway
* An Eye for an Eye
* One Man's Meat"
* Do Not Pass Go
This is the first story I read and it is full of drama and action I would say. Thrilling one...
* Shoeshine Boy
Nice and funny one. Makes you giggle!
* You'll Never Live to Regret It
Full of twists and turns and keeps you...more
Sometimes all I need are short stories. Archer created 12 stories that throw a twist (or red herring) into the mix. One Man's Meat... even includes 4 alternate endings. I somehow always choose the sad sack ending.
Do Not Pass Go was quite a good story about an Iraqi man just trying to fly home from Turkey. Cheap at Half the Price was a little....ballsy for a woman but also made me cheer for her. Never Stop on the Motorway has been told before, many many times.
There were only a couple of stories t...more
Do Not Pass Go was quite a good story about an Iraqi man just trying to fly home from Turkey. Cheap at Half the Price was a little....ballsy for a woman but also made me cheer for her. Never Stop on the Motorway has been told before, many many times.
There were only a couple of stories t...more
Kind of an "eh" book for me. It's a collection of short stories, some that are somewhat mysteries and others that are just slice of life stories. I can't quite tell whether Archer set out to create an O. Henry type collection or not and some stories do work better than others.
For the most part, the stories felt like Archer had a clever conceit he wanted to explore and most of the stories could (generously) be called "clever." Others, however, had the twist overly telegraphed early on and the sto...more
For the most part, the stories felt like Archer had a clever conceit he wanted to explore and most of the stories could (generously) be called "clever." Others, however, had the twist overly telegraphed early on and the sto...more
I don't generally like books of short stories, as the author doesn't usually have time to develop much of a plot or to flesh out the characters. But this was Jeffrey Archer, so I took a chance. The twelve stories were actually quite good. Reminded me of episodes of the old Alfred Hitchcock Hour. Each story was very different, but each had a surprise twist at the end. Archer limited the number of characters so the reader is able to get to know them a bit. I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the book...more
Jeffrey Archer did a great job in putting a series of short stories together into one book- The Twelve Red Herrings. There are stories that has a good & a great ending. Cheap at Half a Price captured my humor! I also liked the fact that Jeffrey Archer offered the readers their chance to choose the endings of the story in One Man's Meat. He definitely captured the readers attention. I would love to read his other novels. I enjoyed reading the whole book and carving for more. Fantastic job! :)
I approached these tentatively, but found they were really good. "Trial and Error" was very clever, "Do Not Pass Go" really excellent. All the stories are good, many based on real life incidents - "embellished with considerable license" (as he says). Page turning quality and emotional integrity. I detect a problem with women, but cannot be churlish. These are damn good stories.
Oct 03, 2011
Lisa Tanoetirta
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
to-re-read,
short-stories
Kumpulan cerita pendek karya Jeffrey Archer.Selesai baca bertahun-tahun lalu.
One of my fav books.
Mungkin juga karena salah satu novel adult - english yang pertama sukses gue baca sampai abis di jaman remaja. Hayah.
Suka sama buku ini.
This book is on the list to read again. I'll write better review setelah baca ulang.
genre : suspense, drama, short stories
One of my fav books.
Mungkin juga karena salah satu novel adult - english yang pertama sukses gue baca sampai abis di jaman remaja. Hayah.
Suka sama buku ini.
This book is on the list to read again. I'll write better review setelah baca ulang.
genre : suspense, drama, short stories
A enthralling read- these stories are so different from each other but with the same theme of the human behavior in dealing with a critical situation. I loved some of the stories immensely, particularly Chunnel Vision and Shoeshine Boy.
Do grab a copy today.. because it has all the elements of Jeffrey Archer's worthy writing skills.
Do grab a copy today.. because it has all the elements of Jeffrey Archer's worthy writing skills.
if you like short stories,then you will like this book,some clever and interesting twists in the stories,also the last story has 4 different endings,of course you were compelled to read all 4,well i was anyway,but i think this was something different which i have not come across, i am not sure but i think also that this was the book when he was in prison himself, the first story i actually thought was about him.very good and very clever read.
I couldnt find all the red herrings, but just as my friend who recommended it said - great short stories, good book to re-read and try to solve the mysteries. I specifically liked the last story with the multiple ending options, sometimes I try to think of better endings myself so this was perfect!
This book is a selection of short stories written by Jeffrey Archer. I really enjoy him. This was a bit of a departure from what I have read from him before. I especially liked the first story of the book. Entertaining if you are looking for something different. A quick read.
This is good bedtime reading, as most of the stories can be finished in under half-an-hour. For those who have not read Archer before, this is a good introduction to his storytelling style. This will not be confused for great literature, but is definitely a good yarn. Cheap and easy.
Another typical Jeffrey Archer book. Read it if you are a fan of his. Some stories stand out while others peter away buried deep in the memory forgotten. Some one will remember for a long time. There is one of a wife who has killed her cruel husband and is hoping to plead not guilty. The way the solicitor elicits the truth out of her is superb.
Loved Jeffrey Archer short story book. This is the second book of his that I read and I absolutely loved it. His language was simple yet interesting and funny. The stories were funny too. I often laughed or smiled at his choice of words and of course at the story as well. Most of them were claimed to be based on actual incident. How come his life is full with such a fascinating thing....or simply it was his great great talent that turned every simple event into a captivating story. Once you star...more
I didn't realize this was short stories when I picked it up, but I enjoyed listening anyway. Some of the stories were really cute, others made you think. If you like short stories, this is a good book to try.
A very enjoyable book, I can particularly recommend, after having dealt with a heavy classic. The stories in the book are lightly digestable, sometimes a tad frustrating, but always satisfying. I particularly liked the surprise in the last story.
I loved these short stories with some kind of "twist" in the plot. This author definitely knows the meaning of "cat and mouse" when toying with his readers. A very fun and entertaining book to read.
I took a long time to finish. I should have enjoyed it more but lacked concentration. My attention was often distracted, so l had to let go of some of red herrings. However, I don't think this is one of JA's best. It was still good for me because I was able to study contemporary prose writing. There's a big gap between "Twelve Red Herrings" and "Middlemarch" in terms of the writing of English. Times are witnesses.
It was different from the rest. And I quite liked the break between stories. Gave you the freedom to pick it up after a few days coz u don't have exactly lose the link if you do that. :D
I stopped reading it mid way. Probably read 6-7 of the 12. About 2 of them were quite good. others were quite normal.Thought that it woule be wise to switch to something else....
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What are the twelve red herrings in this book? | 2 | 17 | Dec 12, 2012 06:32am | |
| twelve red herrings | 2 | 30 | Sep 29, 2011 01:03am |
Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare (born 15 April 1940) is an English author and former politician.
He was a Member of Parliament and deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, and became a life peer in 1992. His political career, having suffered several controversies, ended after a conviction for perverting the course of justice and his subsequent imprisonment. He is married...more
More about Jeffrey Archer...
He was a Member of Parliament and deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, and became a life peer in 1992. His political career, having suffered several controversies, ended after a conviction for perverting the course of justice and his subsequent imprisonment. He is married...more
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May 12, 2011 04:55am