Into the Blue

The protagonist of the story is Harry Barnett, a middle-aged, run-down Englishman who looks after a friend's villa on the Greek island of Rhodes and leads a somewhat unsuccessful life. He is frequently characterized as a flawed but tenacious "underdog" who finds meaning in his pursuit. The abrupt and unexplained disappearance of Heather Mallender, a young visitor to the villa, while out on a mountain hike serves as the plot's impetus. Harry turns into the main suspect.

Harry, who is obsessed with the mystery and determined to clear his name, starts tracking Heather's whereabouts, which brings him back to England and makes him face a previous scandal involving the Mallender family. Heather takes a series of photos that contain clues that show more help with the investigation.

The narrative delves into themes of identity, confronting the past, hypocrisy, and how long-forgotten events can still impact the present. The plot involves a web of betrayal, political connections, and long-buried secrets. I would recommend this novel as an excellent, literate, and engrossing mystery/thriller that highlights a character study of a flawed hero with its expertly constructed, twisting plot show less

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. show more 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. show less

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 show more 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. show less

Actually, I listened to the audio version of this book. It was very well read (Paul Shelley) and quite enjoyable. Surprisingly, it really held my interest. I suggest surprisingly, because the protagonist, Harry, is a kind of bumbler and ne'er-do-well who gets caught up in the disappearance of a young woman. They were climbing a small mountain on the Greek island of Rhodes. He gives out before reaching the top, she continues, and disappears. Harry is left a suspect and with nothing more than some pieces from Heather's scarf and some photographs. Harry is convinced she might still be alive and returns to Britain to track her down. Each picture leads him further along in the mystery as he uncovers numerous secrets. Excellent.

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 show more 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. show less

Owes a lot to the many paranoia-driven literary mysteries that followed on Name of the Rose & Foucault's Pendulum, but does a similar thing with it's own style and a very good (rather unique in his common-ness) main character. Strong echoes also of Fowles, Coe, Sam Taylor--some who came before this novel was written some after. All in all a sophisticated conspiracy-type mystery whose only major fault lies in going on for about 75 pages too long.

In the best tradition of British storytelling, here murder, deceit, family honor, and intrigue are intricately woven into a compelling drama.