The man identifies himself as Nicky Lanyon, Chris’ best childhood friend. Nicky’s father had been accused and found guilty of murdering Chris’ great Uncle Joshua in 1947 (It is now the early 1980’s), but Nicky has always believed his father was innocent. Nicky wants Chris’ help in proving the his father was unjustly hanged. Chris is so surprised to see his old friend that he can scarcely reply and gives a noncommittal answer. The next day Chris finds Nicky’s body hanging from a tree, obviously a suicide.

Chris harbors a great deal of remorse at his friend’s death. Somewhat reluctantly he decides to see if he can find any evidence in the long ago death of his Uncle Joshua that may clear his friend’s father’s name. His decision does not sit well with Chris’ father or mother and his sister isn’t real pleased either. However, as he begins to dig into the past Chris finds that his own family may be harboring some secrets and Nicky’s belief in his father’s innocence may be justified.

Robert Goddard first published Beyond Recall in 1997. Despite the fact that twelve years have passed since this novel was originally available, the plot is equally satisfying today. There is nothing in the text to render it untimely, despite the lack of cell phones, email, or other more modern methods of communication or research. The plot, although somewhat difficult to get into as it skips from one time period to another, and involves several families with complex relationships, is tightly woven. There are no inconsistencies or chance meetings where important information just happens into the hands of a person that needs it. It all comes together like a jigsaw puzzle.

Goddard cheerfully convinces his readers to believe one thing until several chapters later, he reveals that he has tricked them into believing a lie. The reader cannot be angry as the means the author has chosen to achieve this belief is so logical and clever. He continues in this vein throughout the book. Just when the solution seems clear. There is another twist and what was thought to be true is not at all.

For his American audience, Goddard describes the British countryside so clearly that one can easily imagine the scene in the mind’s eye. Some of the action takes place in London which is again described in vivid detail. One scene which occurs in a tube station is depicted so accurately that a reader could find that exact spot. The history of both families reaches back into the end of the nineteenth century and extends globally to Alaska allowing a peek at the gold rush days.

As many other British writers do, Goddard alludes to the importance of class and standing in British society. It is interesting to note how important it was (or maybe still is) to the moneyed class in Britain to be recognized as such. Not only is it valuable to have money for what it can buy, but it confers status among those that possess it. The relationships that exist among the characters is as interesting as the underlying story.

That this book is a reissue should only be of concern to diehard Robert Goddard fans. The story being told is timeless and as interesting as it was twelve years ago. Even those folks who were lucky enough to catch this one first time around would do well to reread it.

--Andy Plonka