Goddard's 1990 book Into the Blue was the inaugural winner of the W H Smith Thumping Good Read Award, presented to the best new fiction author of the year. I have read a few Goddard's novels now and have enjoyed them all and this is no exception. There is a reason though for the three stars rather than four. Let me explain. Why did I think it was important to read this book again? Because my feelings about it have remained unresolved for two decades. How could a man so good, kind, and noble as Edwin be so betrayed? What kind of love does not even give the benefit of the doubt, does not even offer the chance for an explanation? So for the second time, I've read this book and my feelings remain unresolved. After this second read, I'm angry at all the characters for what they did to Edwin, and for thinking that any of the fruits of those betrayals were worth protecting. I hate that people kept preying on Edwin's goodness and his love for Elizabeth, and it tears me apart that someone he loved so much never even stopped to ask herself 'what if.' At the start of Goddard's highly entertaining suspense novel, London civil servant Richard Eusden is contemplating "the predictable day and unsurprising week that lie ahead" one Monday morning Continue reading » Goddard's 1997 book Beyond Recall was nominated for the Edgar Award Best Novel prize but lost out to Mr. White's Confession by Robert Clark.

Past Caring by Goddard - AbeBooks Past Caring by Goddard - AbeBooks

British writer Goddard has achieved a steady readership here with his atmospheric novels (Into the Blue; Beyond Recall) in which characters unravel a mystery in their pasts. Photography illuminates Continue reading » Although I enjoyed this book immensely, it was let down by the absurdity of it's main premise: That two people who were very much in love could be broken up by a lie, in the way it was presented here. Past Caring is full of unforeseen surprises, a story of secrets and the far-reaching consequences of decisions made on a whim.The setting and concept are interesting. I always love a story within a story and with Stafford's Memoir we get exactly that. The parts of the book set in 1910, even though they do not concern real people, ring true and conjured Edwardian London in all of its tumultuous glory. For me, Martin's part of the story read a little historical as well, as it's set two years before I was born. It was funny to read about a world where not only did not everyone have a mobile phone, but not everyone had a land line either. The juxtaposition between the contemporary feel of the narrative and those reminders that this was 1977 instead of 2007, never once truly jarred me out the story, it is more a testament to Mr Goddard's wonderful writing. After James Davenall has been presumed dead for 11 years, a man claiming his identity appears, throwing the lives of his family and former fiancee into confusion.``Goddard goes from strength to Continue reading » So far I’ve only read Borrowed time, Into The Blue and Out of The Sun but I’ve loved all of them. Great twisty plots, well researched and intelligently written, I’m looking forward to many more enjoyable reads Reply

Past Caring - Robert Goddard - Google Books

Condition: Very Good. A first edition, first printing published by Hale in 1986. A near fine book without inscription in a very good unclipped wrapper with one small closed tear to the top corner of the front panel, a lovely copy. Past Caring is Robert Goddard's first novel, it received the Booker Award nomination for Best First Novel. Set in 1919, Edgar-winner Goddard’s second James Maxted thriller casts the former English flying ace in the role of a double agent, ostensibly working for German spy master Fritz Lemmer, whom Max, Continue reading » Thirdly, it is similarly inconceivable that Elizabeth would not have told Edwin. When first told herself, her initial reaction would have been one of utter disbelief - evidence notwithstanding. She would have been quite desperate to get to the truth of the matter. She would have gone through as many scenarios as she could imagine that would have exonerated her intended. Bouchercon World Mystery Convention: Anthony Awards Nominees". Bouchercon.info. 2 October 2003 . Retrieved 1 March 2012.

J. Kingston Pierce (28 April 2011). "The Rap Sheet: Matching Edgars with Authors". Therapsheet.blogspot.com . Retrieved 1 March 2012. In summary a very clever writer who creates intriguing plots and interesting characters. Look forward to acquiring and reading more.