Name to a Face

I always look forward to a book by Robert Goddard. He keeps you guessing until the last page.

A British amateur sleuth mystery/thriller with a historical background, told SPOV. This is not great writing. It will not give you new insights into human nature or change your life. Characters are adequately described; the dialog is serviceable; the settings (Monaco, Dulwich, Deal, Penzance, Lincoln, Munich and the Scilly Isles) are attractively depicted, but the plot's the thing. It grips. Be warned that if you start this book and have a lot of stuff to do, like papers to write, or deadlines to meet, or getting some sleep you may not get it done.

British author Robert Goddard has been called "the master of the clever twist" and has achieved worldwide acclaim for producing nearly 20 thrillers within the past few decades. There are many authors out there who excel at keeping the pages turning and mastering plot elements to keep readers off balance --- but there may not be anyone writing today who does it as consistently and effectively as Goddard. NAME TO A FACE was originally released in the U.K. in 2007, and now this excellent book is seeing publication in the U.S. As Goddard's reputation has grown, and as more stateside readers have been introduced to his fine work, we have begun to see more and more of his previous titles released in the U.S. Reading a Robert Goddard novel is the equivalent of viewing M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense for the first time. The unexpected twist at the end of that film had fans reeling, and you now come to expect the same from all his succeeding efforts. However, where Shyamalan has failed to repeat the thrill of that initial success, Goddard has effectively pulled out all sorts of shocking twists from each of his novels. It is almost distracting when reading one of his books as you are constantly anticipating what surprises the master has in store for you. With NAME TO A FACE, as with many of his novels, the mystery that transpires takes place in both the past and the present. The protagonist, Tim Harding, has offered to represent his tax-exile friend, Barney Tozer, at an auction in Penzance. The intention is to purchase a ring that has sentimental value to Tozer. However, Harding has no idea that this apparently simple task is actually just the tip of the iceberg surrounding the history behind this antique ring. The ring is actually tied to three tragedies that have taken place throughout history: the sinking of the HMS Association off Sicily in 1707, a murder in Penzance 30 years later, and the drowning of a journalist diving at the Association wreck site in 1999. Harding is quickly alarmed to find that the ring in question is stolen prior to the auction. As he seeks to take action in reclaiming it, he begins to uncover some of the infamous history behind it. Before Harding can get going with his search, a shocking murder takes place that instantly propels him into a web of conspiracies surrounding the history of the ring. Most suspiciously, Harding has an eerie déjà vu experience as he sees a young woman who he swears he has met before, but doesn't know where or when. Harding takes on the additional task of uncovering who this mystery woman is, having no concept of the fact that there are those nearby who will go to any lengths to keep Harding from discovering the truth behind both the mystery woman and the stolen antique ring. Harding's life begins to swirl out of control as he finds himself trapped within a mystery that is almost surreal. What Harding is experiencing is actually a signature of many of Goddard's works --- the protagonist who ste

Eight years ago, landscaper Tim Harding moved to Monte Carlo following the death of his wife. His best client is Barney Tozer, who has given him investment advice. When Barney's Uncle Gabriel dies, he asks Tim to do him a favor that he will be greatly compensated for. He wants Tim to go Cornwall where his uncle died and has placed his estate in auction. There he wants Tim to bid on a ring that he swears Gabriel stole from his father. Tim reluctantly agrees as he feels guilty over having an affair with Carol, the wife of his benefactor. Tim tries to do his assignment only, but is stunned with the drowning death of journalist Kerry Foxton who looks like Hayley Winter whom he met at the Tozer family home. He also learns the ring is gone; someone stole it before he could bid on it. As he begins to dig deeper, Tim begins to learn the tragic lethal centuries of history of the ring. Filled with the usual Robert Goddard zillion twists and spins that never let the reader or Harding settle back into a comfort zone, NAME TO A FACE is an exhilarating suspense thriller. The story line in some ways feels like a seven day tour with Sunday being Monte Carlo, Monday in Cornwall, Tuesday in the Scilly Isles, etc. Although Harding is not an engaging "hero", fans will be hooked just like he is wondering what is going on and whether what has happened remains plausible. This is another terrific tale as Mr. Goddard keeps the tension high throughout. Harriet Klausner

A must read - easy to follow with an engaging story line about a century old mystery and intrigue. The characters are solid and have depth which is a great match to the story line that spans centuries. Must read!