IS Jefferey Archer a better writer of short stories rather than novels

bookwormsnm

I first read, Not a penny More, Not a Penny less, about 20 years ago, and have been a huge fan of his writing, his personal controversies notwithstanding. I read all of his books but with the passage of time, as his books became more ambitious and ornate, there was a sense of deja vu in the plot lines. I mean, the Clifton Chronicles are essentially similar to the plot of As the crow flies in a very broad sense. However, the real revelation was the emergence of Jefferey Archer as a wonderful teller of short stories. There were misses along the way as is bound to happen but I still feel that he is a better writer of short stories, His debut novel however still remains his best body of work.
Any Opinions?

jhsurti

To some extent, both. He has this knack of keeping the reader glued to his tale. There is always an element of suspense towards the end of a chapter and you feel you wish to just read a few lines of the next chapter and that carries on. His short stories have been brilliant - most of them. I agree to the deja vu feel to his latter novels. They became quite predictable and yet, I enjoy reading them somehow. It's his style.
And yes, Not A Penny More Not A Penny Less remains his best book ever.

booklover1980

I agree partly with both the above statements. I too feel that he is a better writer of short stories than.novels, but it is also. True that i love his novels despite the sense of deja vu in a couple if novels. However quite a few of them are totally different like the 11th commandment

realdiamond

His earlier works "novel" were good, now a days the novels he is writting are more like soap opera, going on and on.
His short stories have become better now.

cynic

I prefer his novels to the short stories. That said, he is equally good with short stories.

mirzolino

I would say novels

SamarG

Much prefer his short stories.

vikpan1133

Definitely novels. Kane and Abel was the first ever novel i read which hooked me up.

rentpeproperty

I really enjoyed The Shepherd back when I was 13. The book was captivating despite it being relatively thin. Mr Archer definitely had a 13 year by the edge of his seat!

viksorion

Barring the recent loooooong series.... whats its name. I guess he is good for both the genre. Too bad you have not kept both as an option.
Does anyone have a view to share on his Prison Diaries