What do You think about Beyond Recall (1997)?
A better-than-average run through of several genre tropes, from the past that won't stay buried to the mystery woman with an even more mysterious vendetta. But the moral conundrums on display don't impress as much as the author apparently believes--there's a lot of special pleading to make the black sheep narrator much the most honorable member of his family. And the plot twists, while not egregiously out of left field, are merely expedient. Flipping back after each rug-pull to the relevant conversations, there's mostly no hint of revelations to come, no pleasant little shiver at the diligent spadework done to pay off down the line.
—Bruce Reid
This is the tenth Robert Goddard novel I've read in my quest to read his novels in chronological order. This one seems back on track after a couple of not-so-good ones with plots that didn't seem to be terribly realistic. The male protagonist in this one is, as usual, flawed, but seems to have acquired a reasonable backbone for the inevitable role he assumes. The plot, as usual, has its twists and turns, including its places where you think some minor mystery is explained, only to have it snatched away later. The families involved, as usual, are relatively dysfunctional; it's sometimes hard to keep track of whom is whom, but that seems a common thread, too, in Robert Goddard novels.On to the next one...
—Bryan Higgs
I've read quite a few Goddards now, and it has to be said that like many authors he has a particular style. In fact, he has a very particular style. Fortunately for me, it's a style I like. I'm not going to give plot details as they are available elsewhere. Beyond Recall is typical Goddard, a mystery moving between related stories in different timelines. As such, it's an enjoyable read with quite a few twist and turns, some I saw coming, others not. For the most of the book, it was a solid 4 stars. However, the last ten percent (ish) of the book just didn't quite work for me, things tied up a bit too easily. For Goddard, it was a bit of a let down. Overall, I would probably rate if 3.5 stars for the overall experience, but with the ending there's no way I can give it 4. Goddard fans will enjoy it, but first timers should start with an earlier book.
—Joe Stamber
