Past Caring

My first book by this author and what a pleasure it was. A wonderful book, not a wasted word, beautifully narrated, great story, interesting characters. I could not leave it down until I had finished it.

I could not put this book down! An astonishing first novel... our hero appears weak and flawed in many ways, and the circumstances of the story alternately reveal his weaknesses and develop his strengths. The way the seeming coincidences in the story come together to reveal the one pulling the strings is masterful.

A fascinating historical novel full of ambition, greed, fear, romance, ruthlessness, and concern for the feelings and reputation of others. One of the best books I have read for a long time. Highly recommended!

Plot wise, this is a 5 star mystery...not a thriller per se, more of a gradual burner, which builds in sophistication, complexity and urgency. Goddard always plays fair - the characters stay in character, and the inevitable coincidences are believable. The ending is very satisfying and well brought together.
The main characters of Edwin Stafford and his love Elizabeth are beautifully drawn. As an aside, I was able to answer last week's University Challenge's question on who was Prime Minister after Campbell-Bannerman (Asquith)....this came as a bit of a shock to my co-viewers who have me down as a history dunce (and not without reason).

The reason for the 4* rather than a 5* review is because some of the supporting characters are simplistically either good or evil, and are not developed in any level of sophistication, sympathy or understanding - there are too many
'blazing eyes' from various personalities either in passion or in anger. Apart from these lapses, it's a good read.

By the way, it is beautifully narrated by Paul Shelley.

To think i was in two minds whether to give this book a chance is crazy now i've finished it!

This book had me gripped from the start. I'd be at work thinking about it and looking forward to bed to listen to some more! Perfectly read by Shelly who nailed every charactor.

So many twists and the way the book goes back in time is so clever. The way Goddard had written the charactors made you feel like you knew them. A beautiful mystery.I will be going through the rest of his books now.

Even now after finishing the book i still think about the charactors.

Despite the description this isn't exactly a mystery at all. In fact, as long as you can bear to listen through the over descriptive, flowery, and long winded preamble, the answers are given to you with the questions. I was totally disappointed with this book. A mystery, no - apart from why didn't the editor do something to reduce its length, or better still, reduce it to a short story.

Having read Fault Line before this one, I was looking forward to this one. Was not nearly as good, but I do realise this was his first book. Story was ok, but lacked the depth that his later books have. I also thought the narrator sounded too old for the age of the character, had this been the first book I had read I wouldn't be buying another for some time, but as Fault Line was so good, I will try another Robert Goddard in the future

outstanding! A absolute must read if you are in 2 minds about selecting this title

One of the best books I have ever read or listened to. A story within a story, which is worthy of a book by itself. Paul Shelley does a great job with the narration. A book you do not really want to end.

The plot in this mystery is good and the story is fast moving but the reading dulls the experience. The reader seems to have one voice with a slight odd accent which goes for all the characters, I do with they would pay for multiple readers to read the different roles.

What an interesting book. I could not stop listening the whole day.
I thought my hubby was going to drown my I-pod!