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Now, in the perfect embodiment of life imitating art, the latest chapter in the disgraced former Conservative's turbulent career looks set to become a thriller far more exiting than any of his fictional creations.
It had appeared that Lord Archer, recently arrested over allegations of attempting to pervert the course of justice, was re-emerging as a public figure.
He is poised to appear in a West End production of his own play, The Accused, written in the aftermath of his controversial departure from the race for London mayor.
Accused of murdering his own wife, the lead character's fate is placed in the hands of the audience which votes on the character's innocence or guilt following the courtroom speeches.
Close to tears
In an interview given after his removal as the Conservative's mayoral candidate, Lord Archer confessed that the departure had brought him close to tears.
He said he felt "total despair, a total feeling of failure, having let people down".
He added: "I could have done that job and would have enjoyed immensely doing it and will regret for the rest of my life my own stupidity."
Prior to the interview, Lord Archer remained at home in Cambridge, uncharacteristically avoiding the media.
Spending time with his wife Mary, he left his then spokesman Stephan Shakespeare to field the press through a sustained round of TV and newspaper interviews.
Lord Archer's return to public life was followed two weeks ago by the news that he had slipped into his old seat on the backbenches of the House of Lords to listen to question time.
Five year banishment
The move came after his five-year banishment from the Conservative Party - after having been a member all his adult life.
Lord Strathclyde, Opposition leader in the Lords, said he had "no problem" with Lord Archer's decision to resume his seat as a precedent had been set by in the 1980s by a late peer who had also lost the Tory whip.
And only last week, publishing giant Harper Collins appeared to aid Lord Archer's comeback with the announcement that it would be signing him up for three more books.
The deal was thought to be worth a seven-figure sum and was believed to have been struck after a tough battle involving at least one other major publishing house.