callmemadam: (reading)
callmemadam ([personal profile] callmemadam) wrote2008-07-03 03:09 pm
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Sight Unseen




Since discovering Robert Goddard’s books earlier this year, I’ve made sure to have a few on hand for that occasion when I want to escape into a gripping novel. Yesterday was such an occasion and I went for Sight Unseen. The story starts at Avebury in July 1981. A young PhD student, David Umber, is waiting to meet a stranger who has promised him a document to help with his historical researches. As he sits, an extraordinary scene takes place before his eyes: a child is abducted in front of several witnesses. Worse follows. The mysterious contact never shows up. Twenty years later the past catches up with everyone involved and in his attempt to find out what really happened, and why, David is in constant danger from unknown enemies determined to prevent the truth coming out. This being Goddard, the modern story is strangely linked to an eighteenth century historical mystery. Had me enthralled from beginning to end.

[identity profile] debodacious.livejournal.com 2008-07-03 02:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Sounds really good. Are there any particular ones you would recommend or are his books all good? Maybe a gripping read will help me stay awake long enough to finish a book!

[identity profile] callmemadam.livejournal.com 2008-07-03 02:38 pm (UTC)(link)
I started with the three Henry Barnett books, which are best read in order: Out of the Blue, Into the Sun, Never Go Back. Sympatico rumpled old protaganist always in trouble he isn't looking for. I'd recommended those but you might be put off if you started with Past Caring. I'm thrilled there are so many.

You must be working too hard. Wish I could sleep. Grump.

[identity profile] mimmimmim.livejournal.com 2008-07-03 04:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, I was about to say I'd read Past Caring and wasn't taken by it. If his others are better, I might give them a go.

[identity profile] callmemadam.livejournal.com 2008-07-03 06:41 pm (UTC)(link)
I was bored by the memoir in Past Caring, which took up far too much of the book. I think it was his first novel, which would explain it.

[identity profile] dozydormouse.livejournal.com 2008-07-03 07:24 pm (UTC)(link)
I loved this too. It had me gripped from start to finish.

[identity profile] callmemadam.livejournal.com 2008-07-03 08:02 pm (UTC)(link)
The art of story telling is too much despised by the literati, I think.