Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less Mass Market Paperback – May 16, 2004

Very enjoyable.

I think my reading habits have changed since the time I had purchased this book. I had not read it (for over a decade) then I suddenly remembered that this exists. So I went to read it. I won't say I recommend it now. That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the product. It's just not for me any more. 3/5 means bang average.

This is a cute little story of four men scammed by a supreme con artist. They form a cabal dedicated to recovering what they'd lost in a stock scam, "not a penny more, not a penny less" (plus expenses.) Each man is to come up with a plan to recover a portion of the total sum. There is a sweet little twist near the last quarter of the book and one is never sure how the fifth "man" in the plot will work out.The sketch of the con man Harvey Metcalfe and his early life is excellent, but he soon is pushed to the background as the four men take over in their plot to revenge themselves. I found that was a flaw in the book. Archer is a master of creating characters and when one who is so important to the story becomes sort of a dummy, it is annoying.Don't expect the type of family saga Archer is so adept at writing. This is a cute little tale about revenge, with the usual Archer twists and turns. Some people LOVE this novel and consider it one of his best, but I found it basically light reading and not as enjoyable as any of the Clifton novels. However, as a summer "beach read" it's just about perfect. It would have made a great film with Alec Guinness, I can just see it in my head!

Amusing plot - interesting characters - surprises - quick read- enjoyable

Archer's first novel shows his penchant for the 'revenge crime', and the white-collar settings of the business and society worlds.The story is fairly straightforward, with some dry patches that keep the book from ranking among Archer's later classics(having recently read 'A Prisoner of Birth', it's interesting to see how Archer learned to create more nuanced characters.)The 'gang' in this story aren't fleshed out a great deal,compared to protagonists in some of Archer's other works, but eventually, they start to grow on the reader...particularly James, although some of Jean-Pierre's unexpectedly funny lines are also memorable. The touches of humor enhance the story without detracting from it too much...with the possible exception of a few scenes at Oxford! Of course, Harvey is mostly played for laughs, after Archer establishes him with an autobiographical opening that drags on just a bit too long. However, it succeeds in showing that Harvey is a better actor and con man than he is an actual businessman(which accounts for his un-bussinesslike behavior and reactions in some scenes, as other reviewers have complained about),Archer does a good job of peeling away Harvey's reputation for shrewdness, and illustrates the ultimate futility of such convoluted schemes.While the plot doesn't quite race along from start to finish, it's a pleasnt ride. A few well-placed topical references(topical at the time of publication, at least), and the occasional cameo by such historical luminaries as Harold McMillan, Billie Jean King, and Linda Lovelace(Archer should have had the three of them walk into a pub!), and the obligatory 'Archer twist',add up to a fairly good start for the future Lord Archer's second career!

I could tell it is one of his earlier novels--not quite as "thrilling" as his later ones. A little tooooo detailed for me in the planning stages---

In some ways, this is my favourite Archer novel -- the plot and the characters are wonderful.The book suffers from his lack of experience (it was his first published novel). The story is slow to get started (considering the length of the novel) and the ending is more contrived than the endings of his later books. Occasionally, the dialogue is stilted, and there are viewpoint shifts that happen without notice.However, Archer is a great storyteller, and this story just keeps moving. Essentially, this is a revenge tale, in which four men swindled by a master con-artist decide to get back exactly what he stole from them. They embark on a series of scams in order to extract the money from the miscreant. The scams are just barely believable, and one of the strengths of the book is the way that the author drags you in and gets you to believe that these exotic plots can work.This is an excellent short novel, with lots of light suspense and much to admire. It is well worth the time it takes to read.

I love Archer's writing, and I'm only making it through some of his earlier works now. This is one of his better ones.Summary: an English physician, American professor, French art dealer and an English lord put together four cons to get their money back - penny for penny - from the evil man that conned them.Here's my two pennies worth of what I liked and it's drawbacks:- Wonderfully creative premise, executed with cleverness and fun rather than testoterone driven anger one sees so much of in revenge plots.- Enjoyable characters.- A quick read and page-turning action.- Written back in the 70's. Though this version has been slightly updated. It is a pretty timeless tale, and the only time it distracted me was when they began using some fancy spy radios to communicate - when nowadays they'd just use cell phones.BOTTOM LINE: Enjoyable and easy read - just right for the pool or plane trip.

Everyone compliments Jeffery Archer on his ability to spin a good yarn. this book is no exception. Once started it is difficult to put down. Even though the situations created are highly unbelieveable, the characters, the tension and the comedy just draw you along. As with all the books I have read with this author, there is always a twist on the last line.

Archer always tells a good story and this no exception. An original plot of revenge which is a little far fetched at times but which makes a good read. Funny at time. Fairly fast pace and as usual a page turner. The usual very sudden and quick finish.

This is my first Archer book. Really enjoyable caper about 4 people who were swindled and plot to get their money back. Nice and easy to read.

Intrigante lettura negli antefatti, ma inverosimile ed edulcorata successione dei fatti nelle restanti parti. Epilogo adatto alla letteratura infantile

It’s a good read. First chapter is very specific about money and shares etc and I was about to stop reading but I am glad I didn’t. It’s an interesting book.