This is a L-O-N-G book!

I was hooked by the audio narration early on, as well as Harry's likeable-schmuck-in-a-fix persona. Rhodes setting proved a strong start, with Inspector Melteades being a character I'd hoped to see more of (spoiler: we don't). I won't say the story gets "bogged down" in the middle, rather that so much happens that I had trouble keeping straight who was who; so, I paused partway through, coming back to the book after several days away. I'd say that helped as the tension escalates in the final third of the book. Strong finish with a surprise twist - at least I would never have seen it coming!

Definitely recommended, even with the complicated plotline making the story a bit of a chore to get through at times.

4 people found this helpful

Thumping Good Listen

Won the 'W H Smith Thumping Good Read Award' in 1990 for this story
First of three books about Harry.

The second is 'Out of the Sun'
'Never go Back; is the third (not yet available through Audible)

And yes it is a good story. 22 years later it is still a good yarn. And well read by Paul Shelly.

10 people found this helpful

Better than most, but not the best Goddard

Beautifully written as he always is, intricate and surprising as usual, but not his best book. If you are new to Goddard start with Painting the Darkness or Caught in the Light, which I think are better. Narration is wonderful as always. I wish every author could use narrators of this quality.

2 people found this helpful

kept you guessing

What was one of the most memorable moments of Into the Blue?

The're quite a few as it twisted and turned and filled with suspense.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The story make you feel for the lead character as he tried to figure but where she had vanished to

2 people found this helpful

What a great tale and so well performed.

Would you consider the audio edition of Into the Blue to be better than the print version?

Though I haven't read the print version, there's just something about having all of the international characters come to life with their accents and foibles that really makes the performance superior.

What other book might you compare Into the Blue to and why?

Ian Rankin's Scottish detective series. I guess because both sets of heros aren't ashamed of their flaws- they both drink and smoke too much and are well past their prime but still have some guile when they need it.

What about Paul Shelley’s performance did you like?

His ability to take on such a wide sweep of character dialogues.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It's a perfect book for a looong drive at 18 hours. I usually prefer about 8 hours but this definitely kept outr interest for a long vacation drive this summer.

Any additional comments?

Into the Blue has a great mix of mystery and adventure with many characters drawn in great detail. It was one that I didn't have to cringe to listen to with my wife and family the way I sometimes do with a lot of sex and violence and profanity.

1 person found this helpful

Goddard never lets me down. Another great book.

I have to say, I have yet to pull a rock when choosing a Goddard title. They always have the best narrators. Even though you start to pick up a formula to his books, he is one of the few authors that can pull it off and make you want to come back for more. Everything about this book I enjoyed. The characters, scenes, plot and twists. Classic Goddard. Highly recommend to anyone.

5 people found this helpful

Elegant writer, solid plot

I like Robert Goddard. He's evidence of a solid liberal arts education. There's nothing showy in his writing. It's more like a glass you can see through than a decorative object to admire.

The plot works, with the hero having only a couple (one big) stupid moments that serve to propel the plot without being reasonable. That's the reason I didn't give 5 stars.

8 people found this helpful

Convoluted plot with too many characters

It takes great concentration to keep up with all the characters in Harry’s life. The addition of gratuitous sex scenes just cheapened it more. I have rarely read many books with sixty plus chapters. I gave up after forty and the completely unnecessary graphic sex scene.

Intriguing with multiple twists and turns

What made the experience of listening to Into the Blue the most enjoyable?

The story and the narration were both really enjoyable. Reminded me of one of my favorite authors, Eric Ambler, where a naive and romantic individual gets sucked into a situation he does not understand and, despite being duped and manipulated, finds his way through without losing his honor.

Which character – as performed by Paul Shelley – was your favorite?

Jack Cornelius

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Cornelius' last appearance in the book.

Favourite of his so far

I was all set to find the middle section long, based on the other reviews, but I didn't at all. Nor did I find any characters or storylines abandoned, but maybe I missed it! This is my third Robert Goddard book and it seemed perfectly paced. There is lots to keep one's interest along the way and much to reveal at the end.

I find that I can't listen to his books one right after another, because of the similar elements (revenge, betrayal, nothing is what it seems, etc.), but after a brief rest, I'll return for more. Clearly, it doesn't seem to matter what the external circumstance is in terms of plot and setting, because he makes it a good story in each case. I'm fond of plots with political overtones myself because it lifts things out of the merely personal into a wider sphere. I'll look forward to the next one soon! I'll have to remember to have a dictionary nearby next time for the occasional new word. That's the mark of a good novel for sure!