As a retired and widowed hotelier, Monsieur René is suffering from late life depression and finds he needs a new direction. But René is invigorated by his new role as the Permanent President of the International Brotherhood of Concierges and Hall Porters, where he occupies a position of some prominence. Charged with monitoring key players at the Swiss epicentre of world diplomacy, he becomes involved in a master plan; to mount an espionage operation to put half the world's police force to shame.

The gripping tragi-comedy of a bungled kidnapping in a provincial Argentinean town tells the story of Charley Fortnum, the 'Honorary Consul', a whisky-sodden figure of dubious authority, who is taken by a group of revolutionaries. As Eduardo Plarr, a local doctor, negotiates with revolutionaries and authorities for Fortnum's release, the corruption of both becomes evident.

Jeffrey Archer
To Cut A Long Story Short

Within contains a collection of fourteen new short stories, and all with that trademark twist in the tale. Witness love at first sight across the train tracks, the cleverest of confidence tricks, the quirks of the legal profession, and the creative financial talents of a member of Her Majesty's diplomatic service. There's a woman who only appears to her lover every six years, as well as the story of the wealthy man who attempts to discover which of his family and friends will support him in his time of need - only to be shocked by the results.