There are three types of mystery novels. The best of them grab you by the throat and pull you along. You give up eating and sleeping to get through them in one sitting. The worst of them can be encapsulized in a page and a half, you've figured out who the killer is in three sentences, and you can safely consign them to the fire without enduring the rest of the writing therein. The third type sits between the two. It's well-written enough, and fine while you're reading it, but you don't feel that compulsion to continue when something else beckons; you don't resent the phone ringing when you hear it. These are the good mysteries (as opposed to the great ones). Robert Goddard writes good mysteries. This is his eighth, the story of how a man on a hike's chance encounter with a beautiful woman gets him (and some members of his family) tangled up in her family's odd twists and turns. It's well plotted, moves along at a steady if not brisk pace, and there are enough satisfying twists and turns to keep the reader occupied. But it doesn't beg to be picked up every time it's put down. Perhaps the problem lies in Goddard's writing style, which is a bit on the thick side; perhaps it's just his characters, who always seem to be teetering on the brink of two-dimensionality without ever actually getting there (that, of course, is a charge that can be laid against many mysteries, including some of the best; Spillane's female characters, e.g., had all the depth of a lasagna noodle). Or perhaps, Borrowed Time just doesn't read as fast as some of its contemporaries. It's certainly not a bad novel, and mystery fans who have grown tired of reading the same authors over and over again might do well to refresh themselves with a dip in Goddard's pool. Just don't be expecting another Lehane, Parker, or Highsmith. ** 1/2
Shall I compare the plot of this drama-mystery to a cricket match? Or maybe a hike through the twists and turns of the English countryside. It does take its time to unravel, but narrator Robin Timariot makes a pleasant enough companion, if not always forthcoming. It’s ironic that he makes so much of Paul Bryant’s affable reticence when that trait could very well be applied to him – he only hints, for instance, at the depth of his relationship with Bella. She turned out to be my favorite character, even though her side of the story stretched my credulity. It seemed more deus ex machina than genuine solution, but I suppose the journey had to end somehow. And since it’s the journey that counts, I’d say Goddard’s masterful storytelling kept propelling me forward. If only he would get better at his titles!
What do You think about Borrowed Time (2006)?
Once again, Goddard managed to keep me flipping the pages because of his intelligent characters, interesting commentary, solid plot and ingenious twists. What I appreciated about Borrowed Time is that it starts with a single event (in this case, a bit of small talk between two strangers) and expands it into a plot that stretches into the past and future. The central event is always the narrative's reference point, which prevents the story from getting too unbalanced and, furthermore, always makes the ending quite satisfying. The various elements, such as impressionist art, the protagonist's struggling family-run cricket manufacturing firm and the complex, wealthy and secretive family of the victim were all weaved into this twisty, well plotted mystery.
—Stefan
Excellent vacation read for the mystery lover. The writing is uniformly pleasant and the plot twists are really well done. I particularly liked the way that I kept forming and reforming an opinion of the victim's character, as the facts were reinterpreted in light of new information. It made me think about how often we do make character judgments on incomplete information based on what is plausible in light of the information known. And the book is available on Kindle from the library; what could be better! I will definitely look for more books by him.
—Catherine Aceto
I love Robert Goddard, and since discovering him a few years ago I've been working through his work in chronological order (sort of) by reading one every now and then. His books are always enjoyable, and sometimes excellent. He has quite a rich writing style, pleasant to experience with the odd exotic (to me!) word that requires a bit of thought.Goddard's novels twist and turn and often the protagonist develops in a similar way. The reader never knows which characters to believe, what is actually going on or whose side anyone is really on. Everything gets worked out, then everything changes. And then again.The journey the reader takes is always enjoyable and often thrilling. On this occasion the trip deserves a good 4 stars, about par for Goddard. It is left to the conclusion to drag it back to 3 stars and elevate it to 5 stars. For so long I expected Borrowed Time (what?) to hit me with a hammer at the end for 5 stars. If Borrowed Time was a meal it would be a great starter, brilliant main course and then a succession of sweets, none of which really satisfy. Goddard had me, but then lost me, but still earns a strong 3 stars.
—Joe Stamber
