Closed Circle

by Robert Goddard

Book Overview

A spellbinding tale of love, murder, and betrayal, this is the story of two English scam artists, Guy Horton and Max Wingate, and their plan to con the beautiful daughter of a wealthy munitions dealer.

When two con men, traveling to England in 1931 aboard a transatlantic liner, decide to fleece a wealthy heiress, they become enmeshed in a deep and dangerous mystery involving betrayal, deceit, and intricate political machination.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671890921
• ISBN13: 9780671890926
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Washington Square Press
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

THE MOVING FINGER WRITES, AND HAVING WRIT MOVES ON..

If you are a fan of Agatha Christie or Daphne DuMaurier's early works, you will enjoy this "period piece" by Goddard. Although published in 1993 it possesses the atomospheric and evocative flavor of the 1930's (the era in which it is set). We are pulled into the lives of two con-men, Guy and Max, friends since their college days, as a chance meeting results in a set of circumstances that threatens not only their friendship but their very lives. A conspiracy cover-up, love, murder, avarice and betrayal are all wrapped up in this tantalizing little tale. Goddard takes advantage of his personal knowledge of history (he taught at Cambridge)in developing a story that is credible and ingenious.(Maybe things really did happen as he imagines.) Once again, he has delivered an entertaining tome that will keep you spellbound.

Another suspenseful adventure by Mr Goddard

Mr Goddard's novel is set in England in 1931. Two "unprincipled adventurers who understand the value of nothing except money", Max Wingate and Guy Horton, are returning back to London from America where they used to deal in illegal activities for the past thirteen years. On board the "Empress of Britain" they are introduced to Diana Charnwood, daughter of Fabian Charnwood, head of Charnwood Investments. Since people like Max live by their wits and can never afford to relax completely, Wingate quickly becomes aware that "the man who wheedles his way into Diana Charnwood's affections wheedles his way into a fortune." And indeed, shortly after having been introduced to Diana Charnwood, Max writes the following promissory note: "I hereby undertake to share equally with my good friend Guy Horton all financial proceeds, however and/or actual marriage I contract with Miss Diana Charnwood if and whenever it may occur." Is this note going to be good luck charms or, as Guy soon comes to suspect, the omens of ill fortune? As usual in Mr Goddard's novels, this splendidly old fashioned affair is full of thuggery, cross and double-cross, plot and counter-plot and the reader feels like being on a roller coaster with never ending twists and bends.

Love, murders, lies and more...

This novel starts as a naive story with two crooks trying to find an easy way to make money - the only way they know. but slowly the plot becomes complicated and opens a Pandora box which free secrets one after the other... I couldn't put the book down until I finish it all - till the surprising epilogue...

Like Watching a Hitchcock Movie

Robert Goddard's books are all pretty much alike - and they're all pretty good: Crimes committed in the past coming back to haunt the protagonists later on.Written in beautiful prose, the likeable and believable characters in Mr. Goddard's novels stumble through twists and turns, uncovering truths that turn out to be lies in the end.A lot of research and a great feel for the times that the story takes place in (the 1930's in this case) are another trademark of Mr. Goddard's skills. Reading any Robert Goddard novel is like watching a Hitchcock movie, and "Closed Circle" is one of the best.

Wonderful!

I picked this up because I had read British author Goddard was a master at writing a clever plot and was, in fact, called "the prince of plotting". I was impressed by how well the story developed and the unexpected turns he takes you through. I can't wait to read the rest of his books!! The official review posted online gives too much away though.....I never read those anymore for fear they might reveal something they shouldn't, but rather skip to the customer comments.Could anyone out there tell me which of his novels are the very best, and in which order? I've tried to order Past Caring, which I hear is fantastic, but haven't gotten a copy yet. Thanks!