This was an okay book. Slow, a bit like the British detectives such as Mudsommer Murders.
The plot unfolds an jyst when I thought I had uncovered the bad guy, a twist occurred and made me feel foolish. ( )

Another very enjoyable read from Robert Goddard but not enjoyed it as much as I usually enjoy Robert Giddard who is my favourite author. Possibl judge him from too high a standard! 4.5 Stars. ( )

When a psychologically vulnerable young Englishwoman disappears from the island of Rhodes, suspicion falls on the last person to see her before she went missing – British expat Harry Barnett. For the last decade, Barnett has been a caretaker for British MP Alan Dysart's Greek vacation home. Heather Mallender's sister, Clare, was working for Dysart when she was killed by an IRA bomb meant for Dysart. Heather had a breakdown following her sister's death, and Dysart offered his home to her while she recovered. Barnett had befriended Heather before her disappearance, and he is convinced that she is still alive. He hopes that, by following the trail that led her to the place where she disappeared, he can figure out where she went next. Harry's search for Heather hints at deep secrets that someone will go to any length to keep hidden – perhaps even murder.

The first ¾ of the book is a tightly plotted thriller. It unraveled a bit in the last quarter of the book. There are a few too many secrets, and the number of people involved strains credibility. Other characters are too eager to confide in Harry. Harry's retracing of Heather's path reminds me of a Nintendo game where you have to visit different locations and ask the right questions of the people you encounter there. It's like they're all waiting in the designated spot for the next player to appear on the scene. This is one of Goddard's earlier books. I'd like to try one of his more recent books to see how his pace and plotting has improved with experience. ( )

When we first meet Harry Barnett, a middle-aged, overweight, alcoholic Englishman, he's working as a caretaker at the Greek villa of distinguished Member of Parliament Allan Dysart. When young and attractive Heather Mallender arrives, as a guest of Dysart, she and Harry become friends, despite the age difference.

While walking in the hills, Heather vanishes. Harry is with her at the time and becomes a suspect in her disappearance. In an effort to clear his name, Harry begins his own investigation of Heather. She had been seeing a psychiatrist, crushed by the death of her sister, the victim of an IRA bomb. Soon Harry starts to piece together the threads of betrayal, treachery, love, blackmail and murder. As Harry searches for Heather, he discovers his own courage.

This is a suspenseful adult puzzle, filled with clues coming from unexpected places, such as a photograph on a wall or a passing comment someone made. It's complex and sophisticated without being showy. Robert Goddard continues to be one of the most amazing authors around today and I highly recommend any of his books. ( )

Another of Goddard's puzzling mysteries--on Rhodes the failed Harry becomes friends with a young woman, Heather. One day, as they are on an excursion, she leaves him waiting for her at the bottom of a small mountain, Profitis Elias. She climbs the it, saying she'll be back shortly and for him to wait for her. She disappears leaving behind a scarf; at first Harry is accused of murder but when exonerated, he wants to solve the mystery. Is she dead? Is she alive and if so, where has she gone? Harry comes into possession of photos she has taken and they lead him to England. Going to the location where each was was taken leads him closer and closer to a solution, starting with this labyrinthine trail. Well written although somewhat dated in the motivation. I figured out whodunit early on, but I read the whole book for the whys and how things fit together. The book was filled with clues, red herrings, duplicity, venality and blackmail. Secrets are revealed. A good entertainment. ( )