Order of The Clifton Chronicles Book Series

The Clifton Chronicles is an engaging seven-book series by bestselling author Jeffrey Archer. Spanning much of the 20th century, this sweeping saga follows the life of Harry Clifton, a gifted writer from a modest background, as he navigates the complexities of love, ambition, and family amidst a backdrop of historical events and societal changes.

The series begins with Harry's humble beginnings in Bristol, where his extraordinary talent for storytelling emerges. As he pursues his dreams, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including the wealthy and scheming Emma Barrington, with whom he shares a deep and intertwined destiny. The narrative unfolds across multiple generations, weaving together themes of rivalry, betrayal, and triumph as the Clifton and Barrington families confront their pasts while striving for a better future.

Archer masterfully incorporates real historical events into the narrative, from the tumult of World War II to the shifting landscape of post-war England, enriching the personal stories with a sense of time and place. Each book delves deeper into the lives of the characters, revealing their ambitions, rivalries, and moral dilemmas while keeping readers engrossed with unexpected twists and turns.

Known for its intricate plotting and richly drawn characters, The Clifton Chronicles is a testament to perseverance, love, and the enduring strength of family bonds. The series captivates readers with its blend of drama, romance, and intrigue, making it a must-read for fans of epic storytelling.

Order of The Clifton Chronicles Series

# Title Year Rating Book Link
1Only Time Will Tell
By: Jeffrey Archer
2011Amazon.com
2The Sins of the Father
By: Jeffrey Archer
2012Amazon.com
3Best Kept Secret
By: Jeffrey Archer
2013Amazon.com
4Be Careful What You Wish For
By: Jeffrey Archer
2014Amazon.com
5Mightier Than the Sword
By: Jeffrey Archer
2015Amazon.com
6Cometh the Hour
By: Jeffrey Archer
20164.3Amazon.com
7This Was a Man
By: Jeffrey Archer
20164.5Amazon.com

The Clifton Chronicles Series Books Description

"The Clifton Chronicles" is a series of seven novels written by Jeffrey Archer. The series follows the life of Harry Clifton and spans several decades, intertwining the stories of the Clifton family with the Barrington family and various historical events. Here is a brief description of each book in the series:

  1. Only Time Will Tell (2011): The first book introduces Harry Clifton, a boy from a poor background who discovers his talent for writing. It explores his childhood in Bristol, his complex relationships with the wealthy Barrington family, and the secrets surrounding his family history, including questions regarding his parentage.

  2. Best Kept Secret (2013): The second installment focuses on Harry's life as he navigates adulthood, struggles to establish his career as an author, and faces challenges within the Barrington family business. The novel delves into the lives of other characters, including his love interest, Emma Barrington, and introduces conflicts that will drive the narrative forward.

  3. Best Kept Secret (2013): This book picks up the story in the 1960s, showcasing Harry's success as an author, the expansion of the Barrington shipping company, and the various personal and professional challenges they face. The novel explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal.

  4. Be Careful What You Wish For (2014): The fourth book sees the characters grappling with new challenges, including political aspirations and rivalries. The story evolves to explore the ambitions of both Harry and Emma as they try to secure their family's future amidst shifting tides in the business world and personal betrayals.

  5. Mightier Than the Sword (2015): Set in the 1960s and early 1970s, this installment captures the growing tensions of the Cold War and the impact on the characters' lives. Harry's writing gains prominence, and the Barrington family faces external threats while also dealing with internal struggles as secrets threaten to unravel their lives.

  6. Cometh the Hour (2016): This book continues the saga into the late 1970s, where personal and political conflicts escalate. The characters contend with profound changes both in their family dynamics and in the political landscape, making choices that will have lasting repercussions for themselves and future generations.

  7. This Was a Man (2016): The final book brings resolution to the stories of Harry, Emma, and the other characters. It revisits long-standing conflicts and reveals secrets that will alter the course of their lives. The concluding chapters reflect on the legacies of the families involved and tie up the numerous plot threads developed throughout the series.

Overall, "The Clifton Chronicles" is a sweeping saga that combines elements of family drama, romance, betrayal, and historical fiction, captivating readers with its intricate storytelling and well-developed characters.

Who are the main characters of The Clifton Chronicles Series

"The Clifton Chronicles" is a compelling seven-book series written by Jeffrey Archer, following the lives of the Clifton and Barrington families from the early 20th century through the decades that follow. Here are the main characters of the series:

  1. Harry Clifton: The protagonist of the series, Harry is born into a poor family but shows remarkable talent as a writer and musician. His journey from a humble background to becoming a successful author is a central theme throughout the series. He is determined, resourceful, and devoted to his family.

  2. Emma Barrington Clifton: Harry's wife, Emma, is the daughter of the wealthy Barrington family. She is strong-willed, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. Emma balances her responsibilities as a mother and a businesswoman while navigating the challenges posed by her family's legacy.

  3. Sir Giles Barrington: Emma's brother, Giles is a complex character who becomes involved in politics and social issues. He struggles with his personal life and relationships, often placing duty and ambition before personal happiness.

  4. Lady Virginia Fenwick: A cunning and manipulative character, Lady Virginia is driven by ambition and power. She is often in opposition to Emma and Harry and plays a significant role in the family’s conflicts throughout the series.

  5. Sebastian Clifton: Harry and Emma's son, Sebastian grows up surrounded by privilege and expectation but often finds himself searching for his own identity and place in the world. His character develops through various challenges and personal growth throughout the series.

  6. Jessica Clifton: The daughter of Harry and Emma, Jessica is strong-willed and independent. She seeks to carve out her own path, often defying traditional expectations placed upon women of her time.

  7. Hugo Barrington: Emma’s estranged father, Hugo is a significant figure in the family’s history. His actions and decisions have lasting repercussions for both families and create tensions that echo throughout the series.

These characters, along with a host of supporting players, are woven into a rich tapestry of love, ambition, betrayal, and perseverance, making "The Clifton Chronicles" a captivating saga that spans generations.

Interesting facts about The Clifton Chronicles Series

"The Clifton Chronicles" is a captivating series written by Jeffrey Archer, comprising seven novels that follow the life of Harry Clifton and his family across several decades. Here are some interesting facts about the series:

  1. Time Span: The series covers an extensive timeline, starting from the early 1920s and continuing through the late 20th century, allowing readers to experience historical events intertwined with the characters' personal lives.

  2. Family Saga: At its core, "The Clifton Chronicles" is a family saga that dives deep into themes of ambition, love, rivalry, and betrayal. It focuses on the Clifton and Barrington families, exploring their relationships and challenges over generations.

  3. Inspired by Real Events: Archer draws inspiration from several historical events and figures, which adds depth and realism to the narrative. The backdrop of World War II, the publishing industry, and political maneuvers plays a significant role in the character's journeys.

  4. Prolific Author: Jeffrey Archer is a bestselling author known for his gripping storytelling, and "The Clifton Chronicles" has been one of his most successful series, selling millions of copies worldwide.

  5. Structured Narrative: Each book in the series is structured to provide a satisfying, cliffhanger ending, encouraging readers to continue with the following installment. The books are titled sequentially, from "Only Time Will Tell" to "Cometh the Hour" and "This Was a Man."

  6. Character Diversity: The novels feature a wide range of characters, from the ambitious and talented Harry Clifton to his formidable counterpart, Giles Barrington, showcasing differing motivations and moral complexities.

  7. Critically Acclaimed: The series has not only garnered commercial success but has also received acclaim from critics for its engaging plot and well-developed characters. Archer's mastery of suspense and plot twists is particularly noted.

  8. Television Adaptation Consideration: Due to its rich narrative and engaging storylines, there has been interest from producers in adapting "The Clifton Chronicles" for television, which highlights the series' cinematic potential.

  9. A Focus on Literature and Art: Throughout the series, there are numerous references to literary works and famous authors. Harry Clifton's journey as a writer parallels Archer's own career in publishing, adding layers to the narrative.

  10. Personal Element: Jeffrey Archer imbues his characters with personal experiences, as many elements of their lives reflect Archer's own challenges and triumphs throughout his literary career and political life.

Overall, "The Clifton Chronicles" presents a blend of history, rich character development, and intricate storytelling that has captivated readers around the globe.