"Welcome home and open the floodgate of doubt..."

A prodigal son's return, a golden anniversary and a new marriage - the Napier family has much to celebrate. But for Chris Napier the event quickly loses its luster as an old, childhood friend is discovered hanging from a tree where the two boys once played.

This is not the homecoming Chris expected and his former buddy's death brings to the surface some old doubts about how his family came by its wealth. When Chris encounters a mysterious, seductive woman who claims to be privy to his family's deep, dark secrets Chris can't resist the temptation to seek the knowledge she seems to possess.

As the skeletons of the past are exposed and a series of violent acts jeopardize the Napier clan's serenity, it appears it might have been better for everyone if the prodigal son had not returned.

First published in 1997, this reprint of Robert Goddard classic mystery grandly illustrates why he has been compared to such British literary luminaries as A.S. Byatt, Charles Dickens and P.D. James. Is he really that good? Read "Beyond Recall" and decide for yourself!

Reviewed by Bob Walch
Posted April 9, 2009