Top 10 Jeffrey Archer books ranked - No. 1 is all-time classic thriller

Jeffrey Archer's career has been as colourful as the plots of his bestselling novels. From the House of Commons to the criminal courts and then the bestseller list, Archer has remained one of Britain's most recognisable literary exports.

Since publishing Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less in 1976, the former MP has sold over 275 million books worldwide, building a dedicated fanbase with his blend of politics, revenge, family feuds, and good old-fashioned twists.

His work spans everything from early one-off thrillers to long-running series like The Clifton Chronicles and William Warwick. But which Jeffrey Archer books are the most popular among readers?

According to reviews on Goodreads, where readers rate and review their favourite titles, here are Jeffrey Archer's top 10 most-read books:

10. Cometh the Hour (The Clifton Chronicles #6)

35,376 ratings

The penultimate entry in The Clifton Chronicles series, Cometh the Hour finds the fictional family dynasty in yet more trouble. Set in the 1970s, the book explores Giles Barrington's political choices, Harry Clifton's battle to free a Soviet author, and a dangerous new threat to Emma Clifton's work in the NHS. Full of moral dilemmas and political discourse, this instalment is a turning point for several plotlines that had been going on for years.

9. The Prodigal Daughter (Kane & Abel #2)

40,868 ratings

Following up a global phenomenon like Kane & Abel was no easy task, but Archer didn't flinch. The Prodigal Daughter picks up the story of Florentyna Rosnovski - the daughter of Abel from the original novel - as she battles to make her own name in politics and business.

It's a classic tale of ambition, gender dynamics, and power, mirroring Archer's fascination with American political life. While the title might not be quite as well-known as its predecessor, many readers praise it for its satisfying continuation of the saga.

8. A Prisoner of Birth

40,717 ratings

One of Archer's best standalone thrillers, A Prisoner of Birth is a modern retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, centred on Danny Cartwright - a man wrongly accused of murder and imprisoned. From behind bars, he plots a daring escape and seeks revenge on those who framed him.

It's a gem for fans of courtroom drama, identity swaps and perfectly timed revelations - and widely regarded as one of Archer's most accomplished one-off novels.

7. Be Careful What You Wish For (The Clifton Chronicles #4)

41,377 ratings

By book four, the Clifton and Barrington families are well-established in Archer's saga. In Be Careful What You Wish For, the focus is on family business, corporate sabotage, and the consequencesof past choices.

The novel sees the Barrington Shipping Company on the brink of collapse thanks to a hostile takeover attempt. Political intrigue meets internal backstabbing in a Succession-esque plotline. A favourite among Clifton fans for its tight plotting and surprise betrayals.

6. Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less

44,346 ratings

The book that started it all - Archer's debut, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less, is a con artist story inspired by real-life financial turmoil. When four men are swindled by a ruthless millionaire, they set out to reclaim their money - down to the exact penny.

It's an old-school heist story with an academic, an art dealer, and a French aristocrat as reluctant partners. With charm and wit, the novel introduced Archer's ability to construct tight plots full of irony and justice.

5. Nothing Ventured (William Warwick #1)

48,643 ratings

Archer launched a new series in 2019 with Nothing Ventured, following the career of William Warwick - a character originally written by Harry Clifton in The Clifton Chronicles. This metalinguistic twist was a feast for fans, who enjoyed watching Warwick rise through the ranks of the Metropolitan Police.

It's a return to the crime format, as Warwick investigates art theft, family secrets, and high-society scandals - and the start of a new saga that quickly picked up momentum among Archer's loyal readership.

4. Best Kept Secret (The Clifton Chronicles #3)

50,254 ratings

Set between 1945 and 1957, Best Kept Secret delves into post-war Britain as the Clifton family adjusts to the changing world. With Harry Clifton a successful novelist and Emma running the Barrington empire, the couple face new enemies, family dilemmas, and moral grey areas.

Readers praised the historical setting and the return of Hugo Barrington's lingering influence. As the series progresses, both stakes and twists only get higher.

3. The Sins of the Father (The Clifton Chronicles #2)

65,429 ratings

In this gripping second volume, Archer shifts the focus to courtroom drama and family secrets. Harry's true paternity is questioned, and an international battle for legitimacy plays out in court.

With elements of mistaken identity, legal intrigue, and forbidden love, The Sins of the Father set the tone for the long-running family drama to come later in the series.

2. Only Time Will Tell (The Clifton Chronicles #1)

93,311 ratings

Archer's most ambitious series began in 2011 with Only Time Will Tell, a novel that follows Harry Clifton from the backstreets of 1920s Bristol to the brink of World War II. Spanning class divides, love affairs and dark secrets, the book laid the foundation for a seven-part saga.

It features rags-to-riches elements, cliffhangers and characters who feel like they've anchored in real history. Many describe it as the perfect starting point for anyone new to Archer's books.

1. Kane & Abel (Kane & Abel #1)

127,520 ratings

Unsurprisingly, topping the list is Kane & Abel - Archer's masterpiece and the book that cemented his place on the literary hall of fame. First published in 1979, this sweeping saga follows two men born on the same day: William Lowell Kane, the son of a Boston banker, and Abel Rosnovski, a stuggling Polish immigrant. Their paths cross and collide in a tale of rivalry, revenge and ambition that spans decades.

The book was a critical success, and fans highlight its intricate plotting and satisfying ending as the title's best points. Kane & Abel was adapted into a CBS television miniseries of the same name in 1985, starring Peter Strauss as Abel Rosnovski and Sam Neill as William Kane.