It has taken just over a month, but I finally finished the third volume of the Clifton Chronicles. Why such a long read? I experienced severe headaches this summer that made reading impossible. Once the headaches began to subside, the plotline based in on a local election simply could not hold my attention.
Best Kept Secret opened with the settlement of the Barrington estate after Elizabeth’s will was challenged. That was riveting! Much of the book was devoted to Giles’ jilted wife, Virginia, and the introduction of his political opponent, Major Fisher. While both Virginia and Fisher appear to be vital to the direction of the series as a whole, I found their introduction an unwelcome interruption into the narratives of the Clifton and Barrington families.
However, a new generation of Cliftons has been introduced as well — and that story line was much more exciting and interesting. Harry and Emma’s son, Sebastian, has become unknowingly involved with a Nazi sympathizer. Even though the Great War has ended, there are still enemies that must be dealt with. Harry’s adventures in Argentina in an effort to protect and warn Seb were highly entertaining and saved the merit of this third volume in the series.
Although I ultimately was pleased with the cliffhanger that came at the conclusion of the book and I am very anxious to learn who survived the car accident, I plan to take a respite from Archer’s series. I need to find a new spark for my reading life. No worries, I’ll return to the Clifton Chronicles later this year.
Reading for Me 
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