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

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The Vanishing Half is an utterly mesmerising novel. It seduces with its literary flair, surprises with its breath-taking plot twists, delights with its psychological insights, and challenges us to consider the corrupting consequences of racism on different communities and individual lives. I absolutely loved this book.” Bernardine Evaristo, winner of the Booker Prize

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Random House, UK for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes. When Umiko Wada's private detective boss takes on a new case exploring the suspicious circumstances around someone's supposed suicide 40 years ago, Wada finds herself in England, catapulted into the middle of a mystery that is bigger than it first appeared. This book felt very much like a contract filler from Mr Goddard who ran out of ideas with this book. Thank you very much to the publishers Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book for an honest opinion.As part of the investigation, Wada leaves Tokyo for London. She is to meet an Englishman, Martin Caldwell who may have some information. This book surprised me.....I think it was the title that first attracted me, and I found it just that little bit different. Overall though, it’s a good, intelligent thriller with plenty of meat on the bones of the plot. I’ve read a lot of books by Robert Goddard over the years and enjoyed them and this is no exception. Buy this book from Bookshop.org or hive.co.uk to support The Reading Agency and local bookshops at no additional cost to you. There is something in the way that, what I shall call a 'good' ( for want of a better adjective) author starts to write a story. It doesnt have to be dramatic but it draws you in and makes you feel welcome and you just know that you are going to enjoy the experience.

Umiko Wada is a secretary to a private detective in Japan. She's happy in her life, not looking for any excitement or something truly out of the ordinary. But life has other plans. Wada appears to be a meek & mild character, wouldn't say boo to a goose & this unobtrusive air works in her favour - but underestimate her at your peril - she can certainly channel her inner ninja when needed! She's such an endearing character you're willing her on all the way (even if, admittedly, some of her escapades may be a little if a stretch!) Their latest case, though, needs her active involvement. Mimori Takenaga and her mother are convinced that her father, Shitaro Masafumi was murdered, forty-two years earlier, when he was on vacation in London. While ruled a suicide, his family suspect a young student interpreter calling himself Peter Evans. A much-delayed response to a newspaper appeal featuring a blurry photo of the young man sees Umiko flying to London to meet, posing as Mimori, one Martin Caldwell. A fascinating and satisfyingly complex mystery with dark tones..Wada is a superb character... very enjoyable. New Books Having not read this author before I didn't know what to expect but from the cover thought it might be a gentler mystery though not a cosy as such. What I got was an intelligently written, gripping tale that's very readable despite the complications of the plot.As a secretary to a private detective, her life is pleasingly uncomplicated, filled with coffee runs, diary management and paperwork. I have had other Robert Goddard books on my e-shelves since but never actually got around to them. Things will change now.

One of the best authors in the business . . . another intriguing and sophisticated plot, with stylish prose and dialogue.’

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It is a great thriller that doesn’t always take it self too seriously but entertains and thrills at the same time. Already impersonating another in the course of her investigation, Umiko finds it necessary to trespass into an English flat and engage in commercial espionage. Then to save her life, she has to perform sleight of hand with some cuffs, sneak into a Japanese tour group, and conduct a sensitive hostage negotiation with a criminal. Umiko Wada, PA detektif Kodaka. Suaminya mati selepas 12 tahun koma dek serangan gas sarin di Tokyo. Menerima tugas bahaya, Wada terima panggilan bosnya mati dilanggar lari. Dia segera terbang London untuk mencari jawapan, atau melarikan diri? Siapa kawan, siapa lawan?

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