The conned:an Oxford don,a revered society physician, a chic French art dealer, and a charming English lord. They have one thing in common. Overnig...
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Oct 27, 2011
Anne
rated it: 
I come by my love of mysteries and thrillers naturally, as both my mother and grandmother are addicts of such books. This book was among their highly recommended reads. I thoroughly enjoyed it the first time around a few years ago, and it was just as much fun this time.
The story features a Bernie Madoff-type villain named Harvey Metcalfe who, despite all his previously ill-gotten millions, takes the opportunity to con a few naive investors in a stock market scam. Among his latest victi More...
The story features a Bernie Madoff-type villain named Harvey Metcalfe who, despite all his previously ill-gotten millions, takes the opportunity to con a few naive investors in a stock market scam. Among his latest victi More...
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Oct 20, 2008
David
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Jeffrey Archer's first book and a grossly over-rated one at that. Although Archer can write well - I was not much impressed by the plot. Four people swindled by a rich man. But he is so rich (several hundred million rich) that the amount he swindled them out of (a quarter of a million each) hardly seems worth the effort!
They make a mutual pledge to get the money back - and each must devise a scheme for doing so. But the feckless "hero" of the book (presumably based on A More...
They make a mutual pledge to get the money back - and each must devise a scheme for doing so. But the feckless "hero" of the book (presumably based on A More...
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Mar 05, 2011
Tom
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Recently, I was in the pub (no surprise there) and I had a very interesting chat with a friend of mine. We were discussing what makes a good book. His view was that the defining criterion for a good book was that it entertain, that it be 'a good yarn'. I begged to differ and suggested a distinction between a good book and good literature. In my view, to entertain is all very well but a truly good book offers something more. After that, we pretty much went round in circles for a couple of pints b
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Sep 06, 2010
Avel
rated it: 
I found Jeffrey Archer's "Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less" very entertaining. It begins with the story of a Polish immigrant boy (Henryk Metelski, later becoming Harvey Metcalf) who goes to work as a messenger on Wall Street and acquires a "streetwise" financial education which eventually enables him to become a millionaire. He makes his millions by taking advantage of any poor innocent who stumbles into his path and then shrewdly investing the profits of his schemes. As h
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Jul 12, 2011
J.
rated it: 
Libro ligero, ameno y de muy fácil lectura. Nos presenta una trama que engancha pero que para mi gusto tiene ciertos altibajos. Al comienzo, por ejemplo, nos presenta a un personaje que aunque va a tener una cierta importancia para el desarrollo de la historia se esfuma tal y como llegó. Es verdad que no deja de ser alguien secundario, pero da un poco la sensación de que el autor no se quiere complicar la vida.
También he tenido la sensación de que las venganzas que preparan para resarcirse More...
También he tenido la sensación de que las venganzas que preparan para resarcirse More...
Nov 11, 2009
Shonali
rated it:
This was his first novel and a very critically acclaimed one, turned in to a TV series and a movie too. Though his list of bestsellers is long , this one according to me, holds the top spot [OK.. Kane And Abel ties with it for the first place :) ]
Though his later day novels turned in to kind of similar concepts predictable twists and turns , his earlier works were really, really good. Archer knows how to hold the attention of the reader with right amount of surprises at the right time and More...
Though his later day novels turned in to kind of similar concepts predictable twists and turns , his earlier works were really, really good. Archer knows how to hold the attention of the reader with right amount of surprises at the right time and More...
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Aug 08, 2009
Michael
rated it:
This is between a three and four star book.
Jeffrey Archer's first novel is basically a novel of revenge and retribution.
Harvey Metcalfe has swindled four men, Stephen Bradley, a mathmetical genius, Dr. Robert Oakley, a society doctor, Jean-Pierre Lamanns, seller of art works, and James Brigsley, an English Lord.
The first part of the novel is a bit slow as we see Harvey's rise from the son of poor Polish emigrants to his ownership of an oil company.
Then he puts out false More...
Jeffrey Archer's first novel is basically a novel of revenge and retribution.
Harvey Metcalfe has swindled four men, Stephen Bradley, a mathmetical genius, Dr. Robert Oakley, a society doctor, Jean-Pierre Lamanns, seller of art works, and James Brigsley, an English Lord.
The first part of the novel is a bit slow as we see Harvey's rise from the son of poor Polish emigrants to his ownership of an oil company.
Then he puts out false More...
May 12, 2011
Shabbeer
rated it:
“Making a million legally has always been difficult. Making a million illegally has always been a little easier.”
Henry Metcalfe, a US born citizen of Polish descent, had devised a system of duping people of their money by creating proxy companies. Due to his good marketing skills, he compelled the common people into buying the shares of his company, and then, once he had enough money, escaped with all the money, through loopholes in the law.
On one such occurrence, David Kesler, a Har More...
Henry Metcalfe, a US born citizen of Polish descent, had devised a system of duping people of their money by creating proxy companies. Due to his good marketing skills, he compelled the common people into buying the shares of his company, and then, once he had enough money, escaped with all the money, through loopholes in the law.
On one such occurrence, David Kesler, a Har More...
Jun 08, 2011
Chris
rated it:
Not a penny more, not a penny less.
Interestingly, well accidently really, I've read Jeffrey Archers books in anachronistic order. Having read and loved his latest novel last month (Only Time will tell), I was intrigued to read his first novel - which launched his writing career. A novel that thirty years ago had US publishers fighting to grab the rights, and which Jeffrey admits changed his life; but I guess $3 million dollars thirty years ago was considered a lot of money.
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Interestingly, well accidently really, I've read Jeffrey Archers books in anachronistic order. Having read and loved his latest novel last month (Only Time will tell), I was intrigued to read his first novel - which launched his writing career. A novel that thirty years ago had US publishers fighting to grab the rights, and which Jeffrey admits changed his life; but I guess $3 million dollars thirty years ago was considered a lot of money.
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Sep 25, 2011
Johnny
rated it:
Not a penny more, Not a penny Less—is Jeffrey Archer's very first book, and published back in the mid-1970s. It is really a captivating novel of revenge and steel hard retribution. After ignoring it on for a couple of weeks I started in on it -- and finished it in less than a couple of days. It’s a series of very complex yet believable “get you back” cons, enchanting characters with those extra minute details that make them come to life, and skillfully written and wisely balanced collaborat
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Mar 04, 2009
Mike
rated it:
After leaving it sitting on the edge of my table for two or three weeks I finally picked it up again -- and finished it in less than a day. It is by far my favourite Jeffrey Archer book. Most of his books I find to be second tier Tom Clancy-type thrillers, but with this book he did *so* much more: a series of complex yet believable scams, captivating characters with those extra little touches that make them come to life, and deftly written and carefully balanced interactions between them all. I'
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Feb 02, 2012
Lysa
rated it:
Every once in a while, I get on a HUGE thriller/mystery kick. I once spent months reading almost every Kay Scarpetta book by Patricia Cornwell. I'll get to those reviews at some point. So I was looking for another author to fill my thriller fix when I came across Jeffrey Archer.
Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less was an up and down thrill ride for sure. It was filled with plotting and revenge, skepticism and blind trust and lots of money! It's set in some exotic locations which a More...
Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less was an up and down thrill ride for sure. It was filled with plotting and revenge, skepticism and blind trust and lots of money! It's set in some exotic locations which a More...
Oct 08, 2010
Jean
rated it:
This was a very good read with an unanticipated ending. I liked it a lot. There was plenty of suspense and one grows to love the characters.
Four men, strangers to each other are duped in a stock market ruse and are determined to get their money back from the thief by means that are far from the usual. That old saying, "What goes around, comes around," is played out in spades in this story. The four men who are sure in the beginning if they even like each other and who are quite d More...
Four men, strangers to each other are duped in a stock market ruse and are determined to get their money back from the thief by means that are far from the usual. That old saying, "What goes around, comes around," is played out in spades in this story. The four men who are sure in the beginning if they even like each other and who are quite d More...
Jul 12, 2010
Karalee
rated it:
I have read a number of Jeffrey Archer's books but had never read this one, which was published back in the mid-1970s. It is the story of four men who are swindled out of a large sum of money who decide to get revenge on the swindler and hatch a plot to get their money back. The premise is great and the plot moves quickly. Surprisingly, even though it was published more than 30 years ago, the plot stands up to present day (although it clearly would involve more technology and probably larger
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Jan 05, 2009
Michelle
rated it:
I purchsed this for my mom for Christmas, and then promptly borrowed it so I could have something to listen to on a long road trip.
This particular abridged edition was a big disappoitment to me -- I probably only noticed that some stuff was missing just because I've read the book so many times; however, some of the stuff they cut really added to the story as a whole.
I don't believe there's an unabridged version available -- so unless you are visually impaired (like my mom More...
This particular abridged edition was a big disappoitment to me -- I probably only noticed that some stuff was missing just because I've read the book so many times; however, some of the stuff they cut really added to the story as a whole.
I don't believe there's an unabridged version available -- so unless you are visually impaired (like my mom More...
Apr 16, 2010
Paul
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
May 29, 2011
Kajal
rated it:
Combining the expertise of four very ordinary people determined to con an extra-ordinary conman, Archer proves that the basic need for a good book is a good plot.
I read this book for the first time as a 15 year old whose previous reads were only Nancy Drew/Famous Five/ Secret Seven books and it was a revelation. The story is neither too simple nor too complex which is why even 15 years down the line this book has retained its place in my heart and mind.
A brilliant read....
I read this book for the first time as a 15 year old whose previous reads were only Nancy Drew/Famous Five/ Secret Seven books and it was a revelation. The story is neither too simple nor too complex which is why even 15 years down the line this book has retained its place in my heart and mind.
A brilliant read....
Jul 14, 2009
Vishwas
rated it:
Jeffrey Archer's first book and arguably his finest. Some would argue that Kane and Abel with its vast sweep of the decades and an epic saga was better but I would beg to differ.
This book has an endearing feel-good quality that Archer has matched since only in "The First among Equals". The dialogue is brilliant and the humour simply makes you burst out laughing.
An author could not have begun his career better!
This book has an endearing feel-good quality that Archer has matched since only in "The First among Equals". The dialogue is brilliant and the humour simply makes you burst out laughing.
An author could not have begun his career better!
May 23, 2009
Heather
rated it:
I loved this book--the basic plot is that these four guys get cheated out of some money, so they decide to try and get their money back--not a penny more, not a penny less than they lost. It was kind of difficult to keep track of the different characters, but it was thoroughly enjoyable book with a great twist at the end. My mom read it and passed it on to me and she enjoyed it as much as I did.
Nov 04, 2011
Four men are swindled by the one man, and they join together to get their money back - not a penny more, not a penny less. The book tells the story of how they get their own back.[return][return]I think this is the most dated of Archer's books. It's definately "of its era" which is something that Archer manages to ditch in later books.
Aug 20, 2011
Dick
rated it:
An interesting read. Story about 4 separate guys in England who get fleeced on a bogus oil company stock deal. After the stock goes bust, they find each other and decide they should try to get their money back. It is somewhat like the "Leverage" TV show. They run various cons on the top guy responsible to try to get the money. The schemes seem rather weak, but the story and writing is enjoyable.
May 06, 2011
Jenn
rated it:
The premise for this book was intriguing. I have to admit, I was so anxious to figure how the story ended and how the characters pulled off this con, that I started reading the last two chapters! This is how intriguing this book was to read.
The writing is simple and easy with a lot of great dialogue.
A fun who-did-it novel.
The writing is simple and easy with a lot of great dialogue.
A fun who-did-it novel.
Nov 16, 2011
Bhuvanesh
rated it:
Jeffrey Archer is definitely the master of storytelling. I loved this book for its elegant language flavored with the plot which was swell and intense. He keeps the suspense and beauty right from the prologue to the end. The amusement escalates chapter by chapter and you can't avoid falling in love with the book.
May 02, 2011
Adele
rated it:
My Dad got me to read this when i was younger.
at first i was thinking oh do i have to, then i really got into it. this bok was like a rollercoaster for me, it had it's exciting bits(the ups),and the boring bits(the downs).
i should find my copy and re read it. so i can make an opinion as an adult.
at first i was thinking oh do i have to, then i really got into it. this bok was like a rollercoaster for me, it had it's exciting bits(the ups),and the boring bits(the downs).
i should find my copy and re read it. so i can make an opinion as an adult.
Dec 26, 2010
Mansee
rated it:
This book holds a special place bcoz this was the first book that I read after my 10th boards...a first jeffrey archer too. After this came my phase of 4 months of voracious reading...I enrolled myself in a library and read @ 1 book per day/2days at most...
A good read! Loved the climax ;-)
A good read! Loved the climax ;-)
Jan 24, 2011
Mary
rated it:
Another Jeffrey Archer. This book literally had me on the floor laughing so hard, I was gasping for breath with tears rolling down. I was literally howling in uncontrollable laughter! The book is rather outdated but I promise, it will be one of the funniest books you will ever read.
Jan 12, 2011
Ephi
rated it:
Found this book in Bras Basah, for SGD 2, who could resist.
The "revenge" plot is very simple, but in the hand of someone who would become a best-selling author, it added freshness to the story. The intricate detail plastered to the text makes it quite interesting.
The "revenge" plot is very simple, but in the hand of someone who would become a best-selling author, it added freshness to the story. The intricate detail plastered to the text makes it quite interesting.
Jan 19, 2012
Paras
rated it:
Of course not of the standard of Kane and Abel or The fourth state but still a good read. However at many places it did turn a bit childish when the whole game depended on luck and fortune and they four guys were able to make everything and dodge Harvey.
Jan 17, 2012
Jill
rated it:
I thought this book would have a predictable ending, and I thought i knew what was going to happen, but it did surprise me a little. It is always refreshing to read from different authors in a genre that you enjoy. I'm sure I will read more of his books.
Dec 08, 2009
Prince
rated it: 
This is the boring novel i have ever read in Jeffery Archer Collection.
The 4 main characters in this story get cheated by a bussinessman and this story narrates how the get back the lost money.I somehow feel ,i never enjoyed the book ....
The 4 main characters in this story get cheated by a bussinessman and this story narrates how the get back the lost money.I somehow feel ,i never enjoyed the book ....
