Customer Reviews

Closed Circle

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

 

 

If you are a fan of Agatha Christie or Daphne DuMaurier's early works, you will enjoy this "period piece" by Goddard. Although published in 1993 it possesses the atomospheric and evocative flavor of the 1930's (the era in which it is set).

We are pulled into the lives of two con-men, Guy and Max, friends since their college days, as a chance meeting results in a set of circumstances that threatens not only their friendship but their very lives.

A conspiracy cover-up, love, murder, avarice and betrayal are all wrapped up in this tantalizing little tale.

Goddard takes advantage of his personal knowledge of history (he taught at Cambridge)in developing a story that is credible and ingenious.(Maybe things really did happen as he imagines.)

Once again, he has delivered an entertaining tome that will keep you spellbound.

Robert Goddard's books are all pretty much alike - and they're all pretty good: Crimes committed in the past coming back to haunt the protagonists later on.

Written in beautiful prose, the likeable and believable characters in Mr. Goddard's novels stumble through twists and turns, uncovering truths that turn out to be lies in the end.

A lot of research and a great feel for the times that the story takes place in (the 1930's in this case) are another trademark of Mr. Goddard's skills.

Reading any Robert Goddard novel is like watching a Hitchcock movie, and "Closed Circle" is one of the best.

This novel starts as a naive story with two crooks trying to find an easy way to make money - the only way they know. but slowly the plot becomes complicated and opens a Pandora box which free secrets one after the other...

I couldn't put the book down until I finish it all - till the surprising epilogue...

Mr Goddard's novel is set in England in 1931. Two "unprincipled adventurers who understand the value of nothing except money", Max Wingate and Guy Horton, are returning back to London from America where they used to deal in illegal activities for the past thirteen years. On board the "Empress of Britain" they are introduced to Diana Charnwood, daughter of Fabian Charnwood, head of Charnwood Investments. Since people like Max live by their wits and can never afford to relax completely, Wingate quickly becomes aware that "the man who wheedles his way into Diana Charnwood's affections wheedles his way into a fortune." And indeed, shortly after having been introduced to Diana Charnwood, Max writes the following promissory note: "I hereby undertake to share equally with my good friend Guy Horton all financial proceeds, however and/or actual marriage I contract with Miss Diana Charnwood if and whenever it may occur." Is this note going to be good luck charms or, as Guy soon comes to suspect, the omens of ill fortune?
As usual in Mr Goddard's novels, this splendidly old fashioned affair is full of thuggery, cross and double-cross, plot and counter-plot and the reader feels like being on a roller coaster with never ending twists and bends.

Things are never quite the way they seem in this unpretentious, easy read. Goddard moves the story along quickly. He has a nice way of building suspense without keeping the reader guessing too long. There's always another twist waiting, so no need to dwell on the prior one.
If you like Goddard's frequently used device of combining a plot in the present with a mystery from the past, be warned: Closed Circle largely stays in one time period, the 1930's (except for minor references to earlier events).

I have been a book addict since little and specailly a mistery novel fan. Recently, I often got so bored with junk publication of mystery novels but When I first encountered his book I knew that he was genius! TAKE NO FAREWELL, PAINTING THE DARKNESS, PAST CARING, INTO THE BLUE, HAND IN GLOVE, BEYOND RECALL, OUT OF SUN.... I still have more Goddards to read but my personal top 3 so far would be PAINTING THE DARKNESS, PAST CARING and INTO THE BLUE. CLOSED CIRCLE is a good book although it may lack the twist and mystery compared to other books by Goddard. But I am so attached to this book and keep reading in order just to reach the ending, which is my favorite part and the most beautiful ending by Goddard which envoke visual and emotional sensation as if I were there. The last few sentences, I can even recall as it is so beautiful and so sad. (This novel is not as sad as other Goddard's books, though) I would love to read sequal if any.

I picked this up because I had read British author Goddard was a master at writing a clever plot and was, in fact, called "the prince of plotting". I was impressed by how well the story developed and the unexpected turns he takes you through. I can't wait to read the rest of his books!! The official review posted online gives too much away though.....I never read those anymore for fear they might reveal something they shouldn't, but rather skip to the customer comments.

Could anyone out there tell me which of his novels are the very best, and in which order? I've tried to order Past Caring, which I hear is fantastic, but haven't gotten a copy yet. Thanks!

This was the third Goddard title I read .. & I was a little disappointed. I wouldn't recommend reading this title first .. try (say) In Pale Batallions or Hand In Glove first. I've given it 4 stars because the writing/language is still superb Goddard. I deducted one star only because (personally) I found the ending a little far-fetched.

Two con men try their luck at seducing an heiress in the hope that her father will buy the lucky one off, only to find that they are the prey rather than the predators. Intricate plotting saves the book, as the characters are all such scumbags it's difficult to care what happens to them.