Master storyteller who’s sold more than 300 million writing last book | Books | Entertainment

Jeffrey Archer is by no means everyone’s cup of tea. A Duracell Bunny of a man, even at 85 he is a whirling ball of energy in person. Three years ago, in his eighth decade with the clock ticking, he told me that, even though not a believer, he had “a tendency to ask, ‘Can I do another book, please?’”

Since then, he’s written two more books and Adam and Eve, which he says will be his last full-length novel, will be his 32nd book by my reckoning. Readers will be devastated that Archer is putting down his pen. The critics, less so.

Despite selling more than 300 million copies of his books around the world, and becoming beloved of readers, it’s fair to say the writer has never been universally admired by the literary establishment. Critics have grudgingly (and rightly) accepted his ability to drum up a plot but often poured scorn on his writing.

Did it matter? Not a bit. Readers loved Archer’s thrilling tales, often with a blockbuster twist, whether they were reviewed well or not. And the sales showed it. He even admitted his books were pirated widely in places like India. When a new book came out, it was immediately ripped off. He remains deeply flattered.

“I’d rather be read than dead,” he told me. “I’m a competitor by nature.”

Given that, and given Archer’s huge energy and enthusiasm, which hasn’t dimmed a jot, I’d be surprised if Adam and Eve really is his last book. He loves writing short stories and admits he might still pick up his pen. His readers will be keeping their fingers crossed.

Matt Nixson