Play to the End

This is my first Robert Goddard novel, but it certainly will not be my last. This story is wonderfully plotted, fluid and intelligent. Duplicity and intrigue are the order of the day and will keep you reading. Unlike most mystery/suspense novels, Mr. Goddard's manipulations and story telling expertise do not "telegraph" the ending when your half way through the book. Others have described the plotline, I will not do so. Just know that if your in the mood for some engrossing storytelling, this is the ticket.

Toby Flood, who almost got to play James Bond, is on his way down. His divorce to the woman he loves is almost final; his career is fading. Life isn't too bright for Toby at the moment. He's in Brighton, doing the last few performances of a play that isn't going to make it to the big-time. Brighton just happens to be where his soon to be ex-wife lives with her new lover, the rich scion of a local industrial family. Oh woe is Toby. He brightens when his beloved calls and asks his help. She owns a millinery in town and she is, she believes, being stalked. Toby, brave man, confronts the stalker, Derek Oswin, a local man who seems more than a bit odd. Toby extracts a promise from Derek that he will leave his almost divorced wife alone, a promise quickly broken. Derek at first appears to have more than a few screws loose, but it turns out that he has a genius for manipulating Toby Flood. Shrewd enough to realize that Toby will do anything to regain the love of his wife, Derek maneuvers Toby into becoming his weapon against Roger Colburn, Jennifer Flood's fiance. The Colburn family has a past and secrets to hide: secrets so dangerous that Roger will stop at nothing to keep them hidden, even if it means murder. I won't spoil things by saying more. Suffice it to say that Robert Goddard's characters are richly endowed: if you're a fan of old British films, you'll see a young Alec Guiness playing Toby Flood. Or maybe even Michael Caine. Richard Burton would have made a perfect Roger Colburn. Every character in Goddard's book suggests its own player. The plot and sub-plots are totally delicious. There are a number of surprises along the way and Goddard keeps things moving fast enough so that they remain surprises. Altogether a marvelous offbeat mystery and a delightful read. Jerry

While taking the monotonous train to Brighton, actor Toby Flood muses about his career in which the highlight was years ago when he was a strong candidate to replace Roger Moore as James Bond. Not long after failing to be selected as 007, Toby's career stopped ascending and began the dive that continues today. He knows that though he has top billing in a Joe Orton play, deputy stage manager Mandy Pringle sees support actor Martin Donahue as the near term future. Perhaps adding to his melancholy mood of failure, Toby regrets that his wife Jenny, whom he still loves, has field for divorce. Brighton hat shop owner Jenny calls Toby to demand he stop the stalker. Hex explains he has not hired any stalker, but will look into it especially when she claims he has a video of one of Toby's films. Toby confronts Derek Oswin, who promises to stop staring at Jenny stating he only used her as a means to meet his hero, Mr. Flood. However, when Derek fails to live up to his agreement, Toby follows up, even missing a performance, However, he will soon miss a lot more as Toby, in his quest to recapture Jenny's love, has become entangled in a domestic dispute involving the affluent Colburn family. Robert Goddard is one of the best suspense writers on the market today (see BORROWED TIME). As always his tales star a seemingly average individual (this time a B actor who missed his fifteen minutes) placed in lethal situations in which the outcome remains up in the air until the final climax. PLAY TO THE END does that and more as Toby's desperation ploy to regain his beloved turns into a nightmare. Harriet Klausner

(I read this book when it came out in the UK two years ago. I haven't seen this edition but I assume it's the same.) All the elements of the classic Goddard formula are on display here: the downcast hero who's managed to screw up his own life, the links to a past wrong, a touch of history that's just enough to thrill those who know the references without being too precious to alienate those who don't. Play to the End tells the story of an actor who is trying to salvage his career and the opportunity presented by a lead role in a lost (and imaginary) Joe Orton play when he's drawn into a mystery involving the ex-wife he still loves. It's the usual thrilling ride with Goddard at the helm. What sets Goddard apart from the hundreds of other thriller writers of today is his ability to marry those twists with a compelling narrative style, genuine character development and intelligent subject matter. Fans of Robert Goddard will embrace this latest of his thrillers to hit the States. For newcomers who want a mystery/thriller that isn't dumbed down this book is a good entry into the world of the surprise twist that Goddard does so well.

Difficult to put down. Lots of plot twists. Very satisfying ending. Robert Goddard's books are a favourite of mine, and this is one of the best I have read so far. If you like going to live theatre then this book gets into that world which adds more interest to this book. Try it.