What do You think about Caught In The Light (1999)?
A struggling photographer, Ian Jarrett is given the chance to photograph Vienna in the winter. While there he is presented with the opportunity to emabrk on a short and passionate affair with a beautiful woman - no ties. Seems like a opportunity too good to pass, which he dosn't. But the reasons why the liaison took place are soon to become apparant. When Jarrett returns to the UK his life slowly unravels as his past is picked apart and his future destroyed. Who is doing this- and why - are slowly exposed through the parallel story of Marion Esguard who may have been the first person to discover modern photogtaphy. Goddard deals with paranoia, obsession, depression and heart wrenching, inevitable and unstoppable pain. On a par with the the "Bourne"s pace and twists as Jarrett races to stop his tormentor taking him to the ultimate destination in the destruction of the mind.By far the best Goddard I have read to date. Incredible story and exceptionally well told.
—Jeremy
Diving into a Robert Goddard novel is like diving into a million knots. The thrill is watching how his intricate plots unravel all the knots. But in the end, the novel is judged by how well Goddard put the original knots together. Caught in the Light is a great page-turner; a quick-as-lightning read... but when looking on the plot's construction, it's not a crisp and logical as his best works, which are Past Caring and In Pale Battalions. Those book's mystery knots are just as fantastical as this book's, yet still being believable and emotional.This novel is a great summer beach read, but not the "gut-punch" that his better works are.
—FittenTrim
I think Robert Goddard is incapable of writing a bad book. I first discovered him years ago when I ran out of books on vacation and picked up one of his titles at a bookstore at Heathrow Airport. Sadly, his books are not nearly as popular in the US as in his native England -- a real shame in my opinion! Whether the story is contemporary or takes place decades or centuries ago, his characters are well drawn and the narrative superb. It's hard to put one of his books down, but most are too long to read at one sitting! Although I've seen his books classified as mysteries, I wouldn't necessary put them there. However, they are more than just "fiction" -- kind of a combination of adventure/mystery/fiction. The plotting is very complex, yet easy to follow. And just when you think you have something figured out, Goddard throws you a curve. Any and all of his novels are pure delight to read.
—Linda Schwartz
