Customer Reviews

Borrowed Time

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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There are three types of mystery novels. The best of them grab you by the throat and pull you along. You give up eating and sleeping to get through them in one sitting. The worst of them can be encapsulized in a page and a half, you've figured out who the killer is in three sentences, and you can safely consign them to the fire without enduring the rest of the writing therein. The third type sits between the two. It's well-written enough, and fine while you're reading it, but you don't feel that compulsion to continue when something else beckons; you don't resent the phone ringing when you hear it. These are the good mysteries (as opposed to the great ones). Robert Goddard writes good mysteries. This is his eighth, the story of how a man on a hike's chance encounter with a beautiful woman gets him (and some members of his family) tangled up in her family's odd twists and turns. It's well plotted, moves along at a steady if not brisk pace, and there are enough satisfying twists and turns to keep the reader occupied. But it doesn't beg to be picked up every time it's put down. Perhaps the problem lies in Goddard's writing style, which is a bit on the thick side; perhaps it's just his characters, who always seem to be teetering on the brink of two-dimensionality without ever actually getting there (that, of course, is a charge that can be laid against many mysteries, including some of the best; Spillane's female characters, e.g., had all the depth of a lasagna noodle). Or perhaps, Borrowed Time just doesn't read as fast as some of its contemporaries. It's certainly not a bad novel, and mystery fans who have grown tired of reading the same authors over and over again might do well to refresh themselves with a dip in Goddard's pool. Just don't be expecting another Lehane, Parker, or Highsmith. ** 1/2

An excellent read! I discovered this author and his books only recently, and I've read almost all of them since. His writing reminds me of the fine writer of novels set in England, Elizabeth George. His characters are well developed and the story keeps you in suspense until the end. I highly recommend this book and other books by Robert Goddard.

In the summer of 1990, five weeks after his oldest sibling Hugh died of a heart attack at forty-nine years old, thirty-seven years old Robin Timariot needs time to decide his future so he plans to hike for six days along the Offa's Dyke ridge in the Welsh Borders. Though he enjoyed his work with the European Commission in Brussels, since Hugh died he finds it oppressive and ponders if he should come home to join the family business since his uncle, mom and the other relatives insist they need him.

On the ridge at a heavenly view, he meets a lovely middle-aged woman whose nearby parked Mercedes seems to put her in the wrong place. They amiably chat about truly changing things before they part. A week later, Robin reads in the Daily Telegraph the shocking article of artist Oscar Bantock raping and murdering Louise Paxton, the woman who impressed him for that short interlude chat on the trail. He tells the truth about their encounter, but finds the reactions of Louise's loved ones odd. Counseling himself to mind his business, Robin still makes some simple inquiries that turn out to be extremely complex and dangerous to anyone who learns the truth.

This is a terrific amateur sleuth tale that overcomes the inherent credibility flaw that hurts much of the sub-genre as the audience readily can see Robin (or themselves) making simple testimony, condolences and curious minor inquiries that twist and turn into something beyond the protagonist's control. It is the plausibility that this could happen to anyone that makes BORROWED TIME a fabulous thriller that fans will devour in one sitting and seek other works by Robert Goddard (see INTO THE BLUE).

Harriet Klausner

A chance encounter with a stranger on a hiking trail near the Welsh border leads Robin Timariot into a maze of murder, intrigue and deceit. The story embraces a wide range of characters and human emotions and presents a sharp exercise in family in-fighting and "looking out for number one". Goddard has mastered the magical secret at the heart of all compelling fiction as he takes you into Robins'nightmare adventure.

Each Goddard book is a real treat, and each is as different from the previous as night from day. Run, don't walk to your nearest bookstore....or library and hop on board the Robert Goddard Express.

I thought this was a very cleverly crafted mystery, a bit slow at first but all of the detail ultimately important to the plot. I live only a mile from where the initial fictional crime occurred, and the author has got the local detail just right. It was good for two long plane flights!

Borrowed Time is the fourth Robert Goddard mystery novel I
have read. Once again, the author brings us a crafty tale of murder, deception and lies. There are enough twists in the
story to keep us guessing - and reading - of what really happened, who is speaking truth, who now is the true culprit. Sadly, the manner of how we come to know the truth
is rather unsatisfying in relation to Mr. Goddard's previous works I've read. The principal character does not come to the ultimate conclusion by way of his own investigative reasoning. The underlying motive of the criminal act - how true and realistic this motive may be - is rather plain . It leaves me hungry, unfulfilled and certainly does not grab me by the throat. This book however still deserves a good rating for the author created a fine intrigue, good twists in the plot and a realistic view of family-life in hard, harsh times. More of Mr. Goddard's work is on my reading-list.

This is the tenth Robert Goddard mystery that I've read. Although it doesn't quite measure up to his best works such as `Past Caring', `In Pale Battalions' and `Debt of Dishonor', it still has all of the elements which characterize Goddard's writing and which make his books so enjoyable - lies, deceptions, tragic character weaknesses, and above all, enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages late into the night.

The plot begins simply. Robin Timariot briefly meets the beautiful Louise Paxton, who is later found raped and strangled. Shaun Naylor, a low-level criminal is quickly apprehended and convicted of her murder. Story ended, but . . .

A few years later, a journalist claims that Naylor is innocent. Then a member of Louise's family confesses to murdering her. Robin is manipulated into trying to find out what really happened. That's when Goddard cleverly weaves together a puzzle that will keep you guessing until he finally exposes the truth.

My only criticism of Goddard's novels is that the endings can be somewhat weak and that sometimes, the characters take actions that seem to be beyond justification. Nonetheless, Goddard still is a master plotter who creates complex, believable characters. I look forward to reading his next novel on my list, `Beyond Recall', which was nominated for the 1999 Edgar Award for Best Mystery.

Goddard, a British author, does not seem to be very well known in the United States. Hopefully, since Dell is now reprinting his books in trade paperback editions, he'll get the readership and praise that he deserves.

Robert Goodard is an under-appreciated mystery writer. This book shows him at the tpo of his game, writing a haunting read with compelling characters. This is not to be missed by fans of his work.

You will not be disappointed in Robert Goddard's books. They are just terrific-spell binding, historical, etc. They are real page turners! Borrowed Time is the first one I read and now I have read almost all of them.

Very enjoybale book, full of suspense, especially in the 2nd half. The story drags on for a little too long however, in the beginning (typical of this author?). I liked this book better than "Into the blue" and "Out of the sun"; the story gets very sophisticated. A "must read" if you liked Robert Goddard books before.

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