The Fine Art of Invisible Detection: The thrilling BBC Between the Covers Book Club pick

I’ve been reading Robert Goddard’s novels since the mid 1980’s, when I initially read his debut novel Past Caring (1986), and that’s definitely a 5 star novel I can recommend to anyone who hasn’t read anything by this writer. For the most part, I’ve very much enjoyed the escapism provided by his crime/mystery stories, though it did feel like he was starting to lose his edge with some of his more recent offerings. With The Fine Art of Invisible Detection, I think Mr Goddard has gone back to what he does best, and indeed, seems to have got his mojo back. As with much of his work, the author is able to weave here an intricate plot, yet somehow has that uncanny ability to keep the reader firmly on track. I did like the pace and originality of the tale, and unlike so many novels these days, this one did have an excellent, satisfactory ending.If I was being super critical (and I usually am) I would say that the author could have indulged us more in the Japanese character of Wada. At times, I didn’t get the true sense that she was Japanese, especially as she seemed too in tune with the nuances of the English language, and didn’t appear to have any problem at all communicating with people from all walks of life, despite the various regional accents/colloquialisms she was confronted with in her conversations. Also, apart from her dissatisfaction with the English tea she was occasionally served, she wasn’t particularly presented as being at odds with any of our British customs. One form of etiquette that is ingrained in Japanese people is the formality of bowing, yet I don’t recall any mention of Wada doing this once when she was introduced to someone. So, in many ways, I believe an opportunity was lost there. Nevertheless, that criticism aside, I still found this novel to be a page-turner, and feel that Goddard fans will surely enjoy it.📖 + 📚 = 🙂

‘The Fine Art of Invisible Detection’ was my first experience of Robert Goddard’s writing and I found it an engaging crime thriller with compelling characters.In Tokyo, Japan middle-aged widow, Umiko Wada, works as a secretary to renowned Private Detective Kazuro Kodaka, though prefers keeping her head down. He then takes on a new client, Mimori Takenaga, who has been contacted by a man in London who has important information for her about her father’s death thirty years before. However, as she is unable to travel Kazuro asks Wada to assume the client’s identity and travel to London for the meeting. She agrees.In London, Nick Miller grew up not knowing his father. He is contacted by an old friend of his late mother who says there are things that Nick needs to know about his parents.It transpires that both Wada and Nick are meeting with the same person, who stands them both up. In a bid to find out why they travel to Reykjavík, Iceland to track him down. A series of violent events are triggered linked to their investigations. No further details to avoid spoilers.Before I started reading I had expected a more traditional mystery and was delighted to be drawn quickly into this sophisticated political crime thriller with its fast-paced action, international settings, and quite a body count.I especially loved Umiko Wada, who constantly surprised and delighted me. Kazuro Kodaka said of her that she has “the gift of being invisible. No one noticed her. She was anonymous. She attracted no attention.”Goddard has not confirmed whether there will be another book featuring the invisible detective though the final sentence allows for that possibility. I really hope there will be!4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

I enjoyed all Robert Goddard's early novels, particularly the Harry Barnett series, but didn't really like the Wide World trilogy. This novel is a return to the format of the unlikely man who investigates a mystery, though now with the addition of a Japanese private detective. It's a good read and kept my interest throughout.

I enjoy reading most books by Robert Goddard because the storyline always stretches me beyond the obvious. I didn't think this was one of his best unfortunately but only really because I had difficulty with some of the character names.

I’ve loved Robert Goddard’s books since he started writing (Past Caring is my personal favourite) and this one didn’t disappoint. His usual protagonist is a jaded, less than successful man so it was a nice surprise to find that in this book it is Wada, a middle aged female assistant to a private detective in Tokyo. He is unfortunately killed at the beginning of the book, having persuaded Wada to travel to England under the pretence of being a woman who is convinced that her father was murdered rather than committing suicide. Wada, recently arrived in London, realises that her boss was murdered as a result of an investigation he was conducting and that the man she is due to meet might have some relevant information. She sends for the file he was working on and decides to continue with her assignment, particularly as it appears that she might find the person who was at the heart of the Sarin attack on the Tokyo underground, which recently claimed the life of her husband after 12 years in a coma. As usual in Robert Goddard novels, the investigation takes her hurtling through various towns in the UK and to Iceland via New York. Wada is fearless in her pursuit of the truth, despite encountering injury and danger en route, capitalising on her resourcefulness and ability to fade into the background. I really enjoyed reading about her exploits and hope we will meet her again at some point.