So why do I give it four stars? The reason for this is that Goddard is a very good story-teller and even if some aspects of the story are rather daft he still does a good job telling it.


A very enjoyable read.   May 3, 2001
I enjoyed this novel, the characters became familiar with ease and although the plot was a little far-fetched, the story kept you intrigued as it progressed. This is the first Robert Goddard novel I have read and I am interested to read more.


Below par Goddard   March 29, 2001
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Into the blue was terrific. Full of twists and turns and delivered at a pace to keep you truly hooked. This is predictable and really too far fetched for credibility. The story just doesn't hang together and the whole thing becomes a bit illogical and silly. It's a long way from his best work (Past Caring, In pale battalions, Painting the darkness) though he is - or was - a great storyteller.


A welcome second outing for Harry   February 20, 2001
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Goddard's reluctant and unlikely hero Harry Barnet returns for another set of adventures in this intriguing sequel to "Out Of The Blue" I don't know what prompted the author to make this the only occasion to date that he has brought a character back, but having just read the first book I was more than happy for another helping. This time Harry discovers a long lost son just as he has fallen into a diabetic coma. As always nothing is what it seems and natural causes don't come into it. Harry seems to adopt the heroic mantle much more readily second time around and he embarks on a continent-hopping and dangerous series of escapades. Perhaps lacking the dark and mysterious fluency of "Into The Blue", the book nevertheless keeps up Goddard's edge-of-the-seat tradition. A definate winner, with the odd cursory nod to the original, and a similarly suprising but optimistic ending. Best read in correct sequence, the two books make the perfect omnibus!