Play To The End

by Robert Goddard

For actor Toby Flood, Brighton is the final week of a long tour. One night he is visited at the theatre by his estranged wife, Jenny, who, visibly scared, thinks she is being stalked. She asks Toby, for old times' sake, to find out what is going on.

Alarmingly he discovers a sinister connection with Jenny's new partner. Spurred on by a desire to win Jenny back, Toby begins to ask some difficult questions. Before he fully understands the risks he is running, he finds himself caught up in a mysterious - and dangerous - tangle of family rivalries and murderous intent. Suddenly the prospects for his survival start to look very far from good...

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, British Literature

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

In a writing career spanning more than twenty years, Robert Goddard's novels have been described in many different ways - mystery, thriller, crime, even historical romance. He is the master of the plot twist, a compelling and engrossing storyteller and one of the best known advocates for the traditional virtues of pace, plot and narrative drive.

Reviews

[Anni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m currently on a Robert Goddard novel binge, this being my fourth - and a long way to go with such a prolific author. The convoluted plot-line in this is similar to the previous one I’ve just read: ‘Past Caring’, (though set in a much different time and place) and follows the typical Goddard trope of male narrator-protagonist having to turn amateur detective in order to undo a past injustice. The thematic similarities don’t matter because Goddard is such a consummate storyteller - and one of the most underrated of our British novelists, in my opinion.

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 3 out of 5]

Play to the End is a well written if slightly tortuous mystery set in Brighton, England, about a stage actor who is determined to win back his estranged wife by digging up dirt on her wealthy fiancé. I had not heard of this author before, and picked the paperback at random out of a box of books donated to me by a neighbour. This was first published in 2004, and set in 2002, so it felt a little dated, and the plot got increasingly far fetched, but it kept me engaged for the most part.

Toby Flood is a middle-aged thespian whose career never really took off. Arriving in Brighton to appear in a newly discovered work by a notorious playwright, he is contacted by his soon to be ex-wife Jenny, who wants his help getting rid of a stalker. Confronting the man, he learns worrying information about Jenny’s lover Roger, a prominent local businessman. Seeing his chance at reconciliation, Toby investigates, but when a friend dies suddenly, he finds he may have taken on more than he can handle.

This is narrated by Toby as a series of audiotape recordings meant to be a day by day account of his life as an actor, but becomes a contemporaneous account of his ill-advised and somewhat bumbling investigation into dodgy goings on at Jenny’s fiancés company. This actually works quite well as we get his thoughts about the events as the week progresses, although it meant he introduces a lot of characters without much explanation or reminders who they are, so I found myself frequently flipping back to work out who he was talking about. His adoration of Jenny is taken as a given - and he takes responsibility for their break-up, but we never really get to see why both men are so smitten.

Toby’s actions become progressively more silly, but he justifies his refusal to go to the police by his need to show up Roger, who seems to be one step ahead of him. I couldn’t decide if I liked Toby or not, he’s amiable enough and means well, but really doesn’t think things through, and some of the plot twists got ridiculous, especially the supernatural one. An easy three star read but I’m glad it was free.

[John Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can remember reading a Robert Goddard novel about 25 years ago but had not read another since , until I read his latest 'The Fine Art of Invisible Detection' a couple of weeks ago. After that one, I decided that this was an author that it was worth rediscovering. When I saw the cover and precis for this one - it sounded different to the RG style that I remembered. I later found out that this was written in 2004 but had recently been released in paperback which would probably explain it.

My memories of Robert Goddard was that he liked to write stories about the present that uncovered another from the Past that intermingled. That was hinted at here with references to Joe Orton's last days in Brighton - where this story is set too but that was never developed

Unusually this book begins as a transcript of a tape recording made by Toby Flood - moderately successful actor who is currently playing the lead in the Joe Orton play ' Lodger in the Throat' in Brighton before, hopefully, being transferred to the London stage.

The story starts when Toby receives a phone call - out of the blue, from his very shortly to be , divorced ex-wife. This simple thread gradually grows into a multi stranded intricate, part psychological drama, in which I couldnt help drawing parallels with the Charles Paris books of Simon Brett.
Goddard definitely has the edge for me and I now look forward to renewing my journey through his work.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Much of the plot was frustrating and tedious. I understand there wouldn't be much of a book if the characters called the police instead of doing their own investigation but I really wished they'd had better reasons for not doing so. Near the end, I got so angry with the stupid stuff the main character did I could barely stand it but hung in hoping it would somehow be explained so it all made sense. It was not. Quite a bummer, this one.

[LG · Rating 3 out of 5]

If this book were a matinee performance at the local theater, I’d probably pay the ticket price for it to while away an agreeable couple of hours, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it didn’t get to the West End of whatever I meant by “local.” Our hero Toby Flood is affable enough, but I just couldn’t buy his protestations that he still loved Jenny, his leading lady. More likely, he was willing to give up his own onstage engagements and play detective because he had got bored of the production he was in and didn’t actually feel like playing it to the end. Then he causes a terrible accident and thereafter feels obliged to personally get to the bottom of things and correct all wrongs as they arise.

The action builds up in solid Goddard fashion until local weirdo Derek Oswin goes MIA, and then the plot thickens absurdly and the third act resolves things as best it can. Along the way are amusing enough characters, including – for a completely random reason I still can’t fully explain to myself – Hergé’s Captain Haddock and Red Rackham. It’s as if Goddard picked unseen ingredients from a mixed bag (Colbonite plastics, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tintin comics, Brighton country mansion, old photos, family secrets … and, of course, murder) and said, “Right, let’s see what I can make out of these.” The result just about holds together until the final bow.

[martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think someone else has said that he/she was wondering why the main characters don't just call the police instead of trying to play Miss Marples. Valid question - the idea that Toby wants to win back his wife so much that he wants to "do what a man's gotta do" is a bit thin. He's a fading actor not an action hero.

Anyway the plot is clever (relying a little too much on Flood reacting predictably to follow clues set by someone who has never met him before though) and there's little chance you'll guess the ending - except that the ending in the sense of the "why did he do it and what did he do" comes well before the end of the book.

One thing, Brighton does come alive in this book - got the feeling it was a labour of love for Goddard describing the "city".

[Bryan Higgs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number 16 in my anal, Robert Goddard novel reading quest.

This one's a good one. Unlike the previous two, it doesn't go far-afield at the end, to explain what has been happening -- either geographically, or plot-wise.

A common characteristic of a Robert Goddard novel is that you don't know what's happening, but the layers of the plot onion are slowly peeled away, and then you think that you know what happened (or a little of it), but then -- sudden clever twist (for which Goddard is famous) -- and no you don't. This one certainly fits that mold, and is cast (pun intended!) in a different situation -- the protagonist is a stage actor.

Recommended -- but then, I haven't read one of his yet that I wouldn't recommend.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting: Brighton, UK; 2002. When actor Toby Flood arrives in Brighton for the last week of the touring production of the Joe Orton play in which he plays a leading role, he is approached by his estranged wife for help regarding a man who she believes is stalking her. Confronting the man, Toby is drawn into a maelstrom of events involving his wife's new fiance and his family, who ran (and closed down) a medium-sized plastics factory based in Brighton. Amid allegations of dodgy dealings and industrial injuries, Toby finds himself totally out of his depth whilst trying to get to the truth...
A real rollercoaster of a ride, thoroughly gripping and absorbing as have previous Robert Goddard novels I have read - 8.5/10.

[Ann Dewar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having recently read and loved The Fine Art of Invisible Detection I was excited to come across this in a local charity shop.

This is one of his much earlier novels and the plot, characters and writing was really nothing like the level of his current work.

Actor Toby Flood has a problem, he is still in love with his soon-to-be-ex wife and has only his short stint in Brighton in a rediscovered Joe Orton play to change her mind. Before he knows it, he is embroiled in a strange mystery involving the family of his wife’s new boyfriend. Can he prove to her that he deserves a second chance before it’s too late?

[Cliff · Rating 2 out of 5]

A typical Goddard novel, with the past influencing the present. Set in Brighton which I know, so that was a bonus. Written in the form of a transcription of an audio diary. The main character, Toby Flood comes across as likeable, but not much of a 'luvvie'. The best character is Sydney Porteous, a 'hail fellow, well met' kind of guy. I could imagine him so clearly. However, I am not happy (as a retired solicitor) with the author's take on the laws of intestacy. I do not think a child would inherit on intestacy from the husband of his mother, that child being an illegitimate child of mother. Also, the industrial injuries claim would not have been paid by that estate, but by the company's insurers. Two glaring errors in the plot. As he had been brought up by father, he may well have had a claim, but only through the courts. Downgraded to 2*. I don't like improbabiltiees magnified by total errors

[Hilary G · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's strange how many things are set in Brighton, though it is a really interesting place. This story didn't really make the most of it, I think the pier(s), the Lanes and the Royal Pavilion only got the briefest of mentions. This has nothing to do with my review, it's just curious!
It was a very quick read, shorter even than the demanding schedule the author had set himself by having all the action take place inside a week. This kept things moving, but also stretched credulity. The parts about Joe Orton were interesting. The characters were a bit cariacature-ish, not one of them was anything like anyone I know or have even read about! It was an entertaining read, though, so I won't trash it, though I thought the ending was unlikely and disappointing. I think it would have been a better book if we had been left to wonder what happened next.

[Tweedledum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Goddard certainly knows how to get a tiger by the tail! In typical Goddard style "play to the end " starts innocuously enough with a story that seems likely to be exceedingly boring and a lead character who is far from attractive. Yet we are slowly but surely drawn into the web of confusion and deceit. Why is Derek Oswin making a minor nuisance of himself around Toby Flood's ex wife's business? What is so important about his oh so boring history of a Brighton plastic firm that has been closed down a good many years ago. And so the page turning begins ending with a cliff hanger scene at Beachy Head itself!

A very satisfying read.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Robert Goddard novel, but it certainly will not be my last. This story is wonderfully plotted, fluid and intelligent. Duplicity and intrigue are the order of the day and will keep you reading. Unlike most mystery/suspense novels, Mr. Goddard's manipulations and story telling expertise do not "telegraph" the ending when your half way through the book. Others have described the plotline, I will not do so. Just know that if your in the mood for some engrossing storytelling, this is the ticket.

[Erich Sysak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple plot, but well-written. Moves fast. Lively first person voice and an enjoyable main character. Silly ending, but OK. Many of these thrillers don't end well."

[Cybercrone · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another story where the plot is completely driven by brain-dead decisions by the protagonist.

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

And I thought Steven Moffat was the king of convoluted and unnecessary plot twists.

[David Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent page-turner with the familiar and highly satisfying pattern of a first person (flawed like us all) central character who, faced with a life-changing dilemma, goes for broke rather than rueing his misfortune. The leaps from one small clue to revealing interview lead inevitably to perilous chance-taking causing this reader to feel glad he’s only reading about it… escapism I think it’s called.
Briefly, Toby Flood (surely no relation to the contemporaneous England international rugby player of that name), at one time touted as the next Bond (or Lions captain perhaps) but now sadly fading is starring in a lacklustre adaptation of a touring Joe Orton play. Reaching the final week and Brighton he is pleased to receive a message from his estranged wife who needs his help with a stalker. Sensibly he tells her where to go and resumes his relatively humdrum existence - just kidding - he still fancies his chances of a reconciliation and learns some interesting and worrying information about her new beau about whom she’s unwilling to hear anything negative. Especially from Tobe.
Fitting in his investigations between performances proves tricky but if he is successful (and alive) a West End run and a fresh start is just possible.
Excellent characterisation, particularly of the city of Brighton in bleak mid-winter and some heart-stopping moments. Prepare to have to keep reading when you really should have gone to bed by now as you have to be up early.

[Laura jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toby Flood is an actor and appearing in the play Lodger in the Throat which moves to Brighton which is coincidentally where his soon to be ex wife is living with her new partner Roger Colborn. To his surprise he gets a phone call from her asking him to help her. Jenny his wife says opposite her millinery shop is a cafe and a man has been sat in there watching her shop for days. Shes asking for help so Toby sets off to the cafe.
It appears Derek is an oddbod but seemingly harmless. He goes to Derek's home and finds out his watching has been so he can make contact with Toby. It appears that Jenny's new partner has a sinister contact and Toby starts to ask awkward questions which will possibly win him Jenny back.
The risks he does not fully appreciate and so he finds himself in a very mysterious and dangerous situation a tangle of family rivalries and murderous intent.
Suddenly survival seems to be under threat and very much danger is on the cards.
I did not get on that well with the book at first it seemed almost a sort of amateurish writing but then when i carried on writing it seemed to get better then and before I got too close to the end it started to get really intriguing and tense.
I never saw what the conclusion was and who was behind it all. I would recommend this book and in the end really enjoyed it

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Toby Flood is an actor who has played better days. Now in Brighton with a Joe Orton play. His wife Jenny is living with another rich man Roger she intends to marry. She fears she is being stalked and asks Toby to put the man off. The stalker is not after Jenny but Toby – this is the first of many improbabilities, involving a medium able to communicate with the dead, the psychology of Toby himself and of Roger – how could he be so bad and Jenny canlt see through any of it? The plot is Goddard, intensely complicated and probably the most unreal f his I have read so far. Yet it’s fast, draws you in from the start the writing so clear. Toby is not very likeable, being manipulated by everyone until the end, where he is saved by a deus ex machina type ending. 3* because it’s so clearly written, but really he can plot more convincingly than this.

[Amanda Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book - because in truth I did enjoy it.
I found it easy to read, and I did want to know how it would resolve.

But there was just enough farce there, just enough requirement to suspend disbelief that it felt a bit like an episode of a British murder serial.

I think that's why my first impressions were that this was a black comedy that forgot to be darkly humorous. The characters had it in them - but it just never took that turn, and in the end it felt disappointing.

If you want a quick and relatively uncomplicated read - much as when you want to watch an episode of Midsomer Murders - go for it. If you're after something real and or clever, maybe seek elsewhere.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once Toby Flood played a Bond-like hero in a Hollywood film. Now he’s serving a sentence in a crippled traveling production of a newly unearthed Joe Orton play—a play that might have saved Toby’s career if only someone enjoyed watching it. Painfully, the show’s swan song is coming in Brighton, where Toby’s wife happens to be living happily with another man in anticipation of a divorce decree. Then, almost as if he were scripted, a stranger enters the scene....

A stalker is frightening Toby’s wife, Jenny, who believes the man is probably one of her estranged husband’s fans. When Jenny asks Toby to confront the man, Toby leaps at the chance. Soon, he’s moonlighting from the stage lights and heroically pursuing... something.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 and 1/2 stars. Toby is an actor and the play he is in is showing in Brighton where his soon to be ex wife now lives. She asks him to help her out with a problem concerning a young man who is stalking her. Convoluted intricate mystery where the police should have been called in at the beginning but then Toby couldn’t have solved it in the end, could he? His soon to be ex is living with Roger Colborn a wealthy investment financier. His family used to own a plastics manufacturing business that closed down some 13 years prior. A huge percentage of the workers have either got cancer or died from it.

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goddard never fails to write a great mystery, and this is up there with his best.

The plot centres around Toby Flood, an actor with a dying career, who longs to win back his ex-wife. She appears out of the blue, asking for his help to scare off a man who appears to be stalking her. This is where the true mystery begins, as Flood learns why the man is acting strangely, and learns sinister truths about his ex-wife's future husband.

As always, there are many twists in this novel that have you on the edge of your seat. This novel proves why Goddard is still going strong.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goddard has produced an excellent novel. Toby Flood, a known TV actor in England, is now playing in a second rate play in Brighton. His curiosity draws him into an intrigue involving a once prosperous local industrial giant and the family, and his soon to be ex-wife. To say the least, Toby's life becomes more complicated as he balances his acting appearances, unraveling the intrigue, and trying to win back his wife. A very good read.

[D.A. Fellows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. I’ll be kind and give 4, because it wasn’t a corpse-a-minute forced thriller like some recent previous Goddards I’ve read. The writing is mostly good, although there’s not really much of a mystery to be found here, and as for twists (something Goddard has blown me away with in the past) there’s almost none at all…or if there are, they’re inconsequential and unimpressive. Anyway, the package is forgettable, but at least it isn’t offensively bad.

[Elaine Maxwell · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only good thing about this book was that the writing style was perfectly acceptable. But the characters were cardboard and the plot implausible, banal and meretricious. I forced myself to the end as I almost never give up on a book and this had the saving grace of being short. It reminded me of crap detective shows for a comforting Sunday evening.

[Jane Hoskyns · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my normal type of book but I found it on the bookshelf and wanted something light and mysterious. It certainly is a page turner and I found myself reading quite late to finish it. Having said that it's quite a convoluted story and I found the plot rather far-fetched. I was expecting more of an unreliable narrator and was disappointed; it could have had a much more engaging plotline

[Ella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Het eerste boek wat ik van Goddard lees. Viel heel erg tegen. Misschien was de vertaling slecht. Het zou een thriller moeten zijn maar ik vond het allemaal nog al knullig. Je wilt het toch uitlezen maar eigenlijk was het zonde van mijn tijd.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt like reading the script of a tv whodunnit series. Not really my cup of tea and I struggled to work out the time period it was set in to start with. Some strange characters and a rather convoluted plot.

[Michael Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid Mystery novel. A bit Enid Blyton for adults.