What do you think?
Rate this book
Minotaur
Peter Goldsworthy's new novel features a blind detective determined to deliver justice to the man who shot him, even though his failed assassin has broken out of jail and is equally determined to finish the job. Cleverly structured around the five senses, and with the action confined to one week, it’s pacey and taut, with the cat-and-mouse tension leavened by lighter interludes.
Goldsworthy is interested in all that his protagonist cannot see, as he is forced to meet evil, acting on a trust in his senses, and the ineluctable mystery that is memory.
Goldsworthy is interested in all that his protagonist cannot see, as he is forced to meet evil, acting on a trust in his senses, and the ineluctable mystery that is memory.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2019
18 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Peter Goldsworthy
40 books50 followersPeter Goldsworthy grew up in various Australian country towns, finishing his schooling in Darwin. After graduating in medicine from the University of Adelaide in 1974, he worked for many years in alcohol and drug rehabiiltation. Since then, he has divided his time equally between writing and general practice. He has won major literary awards across a range of genres: poetry, short story, the novel, in opera, and most recently in theatre.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 17, 2019
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Minotaur by Peter Goldsworthy. (2019).
Detective Sergeant Rick Zadow is angry, unmotivated, unwashed, unkempt and almost entirely reliant on his guide dog Scout and his voice-controlled personal assistant Siri to make through each day.
He was left blind after a bullet to the head two years ago and is caught up in workers' compensation battle. His wife has moved out. He can't ride his prized motorbike. But now life gets really interesting when the man who shot him breaks out of jail...
I didn't overly enjoy this book but I stuck with it to the end. Fortunately, near the end was the part I ended up enjoying the most! I won't give spoilers (as always) but the showdown between Rick and his nemesis is definitely worth a read. The overall tone of this novel is quite heavy which for me made it difficult to read for long sessions, I had to keep putting it down or else I wasn't really taking in the words. I found the premise interesting, particularly as the book of broken into sections named after the five senses (smell, sound, touch, taste and sight). The narrative had a few touches of humour, in a dark and gritty kind of way. The back of the copy I had described it as unique and I think that's an accurate description!
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Minotaur by Peter Goldsworthy. (2019).
Detective Sergeant Rick Zadow is angry, unmotivated, unwashed, unkempt and almost entirely reliant on his guide dog Scout and his voice-controlled personal assistant Siri to make through each day.
He was left blind after a bullet to the head two years ago and is caught up in workers' compensation battle. His wife has moved out. He can't ride his prized motorbike. But now life gets really interesting when the man who shot him breaks out of jail...
I didn't overly enjoy this book but I stuck with it to the end. Fortunately, near the end was the part I ended up enjoying the most! I won't give spoilers (as always) but the showdown between Rick and his nemesis is definitely worth a read. The overall tone of this novel is quite heavy which for me made it difficult to read for long sessions, I had to keep putting it down or else I wasn't really taking in the words. I found the premise interesting, particularly as the book of broken into sections named after the five senses (smell, sound, touch, taste and sight). The narrative had a few touches of humour, in a dark and gritty kind of way. The back of the copy I had described it as unique and I think that's an accurate description!
July 28, 2022
A compelling, action packed, sometimes humorous, police thriller about two men seeking revenge. Rick Zadow, previously an undercover police officer, is now blind due to a mishandled hostage situation. He learns the man who blinded him has escaped from prison. Rick expects the man will seek him out and attempt to kill him. Rick seriously injured the man in an unnecessary way!
Rick has issues with anger management and his wife has left him after he hit her. I particularly liked Rick’s conversations with his Apple ‘Siri’. Siri is very helpful to Rick and his seeing eye dog, Scout. Rick lives in Adelaide, Australia.
This book was first published in 2019.
Rick has issues with anger management and his wife has left him after he hit her. I particularly liked Rick’s conversations with his Apple ‘Siri’. Siri is very helpful to Rick and his seeing eye dog, Scout. Rick lives in Adelaide, Australia.
This book was first published in 2019.
November 22, 2019
Excellent read. Intriguing premise that was very well executed. Great writing of flawed characters, the ugly truths of gangs and police set on the streets of Adelaide, Australia. Nailed the dialogue, with a few chuckles to lighten things along the way. Thrilling tension that builds to a gripping conclusion, then a tender ending. Loved this book.
September 8, 2019
Peter Goldsworthy AM (b. 1951) is a versatile author, but Minotaur is, I think, his first venture into writing a thriller. I read most of his novels before I started this blog, so the only reviews here are of his memoir, His Stupid Boyhood (2013), and of
Everything I Knew
(2008) which was shortlisted for the PMs Literary Award in 2009. But I certainly never thought of him as a writer of genre fiction, and I still don't. Minotaur is a thriller, but it's much more interesting than that.This is the blurb:
Peter Goldsworthy's new novel features a blind detective determined to deliver justice to the man who shot him, even though his failed assassin has broken out of jail and is equally determined to finish the job. Cleverly structured around the five senses, and with the action confined to one week, it’s pacey and taut, with the cat-and-mouse tension leavened by lighter interludes.
Goldsworthy is interested in all that his protagonist cannot see, as he is forced to meet evil, acting on a trust in his senses, and the ineluctable mystery that is memory.
The part-man, part-bull Minotaur of Greek legend was so dangerous that King Minos of Crete had it incarcerated in a maze, until Theseus successfully killed it. The significance of this, in terms of the novel, is that both Theseus and the Minotaur were trapped in the maze, and Theseus only escapes through the love of a woman, i.e. Ariadne, King Minos' daughter. In Goldsworthy's novel, Detective Sergeant Rick Zadow is trapped in his house not just by his blindness but also by a desire for vengeance that is not much different to the vengeful escapee's. I won't share whether he is saved by the love of a woman or not, because that would be a spoiler!
There's a small cast of characters. There is Zadow, blinded by a shot from the man who has now escaped from prison. He has an absent wife called Willow a.k.a. Willowpedia because she's a know-it-all, and there are two psychiatrists who will be combatants in the court case to award him compensation. His former colleague Terry drops by to tell him the good news and to suggest possibilities for getting back to work, and there's Annie, a desirable policewoman who shares the same 'flexible' attitude towards administering the law when it suits.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2019/09/08/m...
September 6, 2019
3 1/2 stars. A gritty, fairly warts and all, look at policing, motor cycle gangs and the ugly side of street life in Australia. The story is told by a blind detective who received his injuries during an investigation. The story slowly unfolded slowly and had me perplexed where it was going until all the pieces fell into place.
April 25, 2020
I'm a bit of a fan of South Australian author Peter Goldsworthy and this new book didn't disappoint me. His books generally examine human behaviours and pose ethical questions and moral challenges. In The Minotaur, Goldsworthy turns his examination of human behaviours into an entertaining and educational thriller. A police detective is shot in the head and blinded. Two years later, the criminal responsible escapes from prison and over the course of one week, we see how the detective plots, beckons and executes his revenge. As usual in a Goldsworthy novel, there is a cast of fascinating characters and rich descriptions of locations in South Australia. To hint at the climax would mean a spoiler alert, but lets say that it was the most perfect ending to the story.
I listened to the audio book and was very disappointed with the narrator. His low monontonous voice and delivery was irritating, uninspiring and gave the book no justice.
I listened to the audio book and was very disappointed with the narrator. His low monontonous voice and delivery was irritating, uninspiring and gave the book no justice.
August 8, 2019
A crime novel with a damaged ex-cop trying to get on with his life? It took a while to get into this. Probably a result of reading too much Peter Temple. But Richard Zadow is a fascinating character, right up there with Temple's Steve Villani.
It's the psychological part of the work that works for me. Zadow is violent, manipulative and self-destructive in about equal parts, and most of the action in the book happens around his reactions to psychologists, work colleagues and his ex-wife.
The enduring images for me are the oddly comic ones. The taxi driver who won't take the seeing eye dog in the car.until he's paid double, the blind driving his ex-wife's car, the boozy awards ceremony with an excess of gallows humour.
It's a bit heavy-handed in its exploration of exactly what is wrong with the remaining minotaurs in our society, but it's memorable nonetheless.
It's the psychological part of the work that works for me. Zadow is violent, manipulative and self-destructive in about equal parts, and most of the action in the book happens around his reactions to psychologists, work colleagues and his ex-wife.
The enduring images for me are the oddly comic ones. The taxi driver who won't take the seeing eye dog in the car.until he's paid double, the blind driving his ex-wife's car, the boozy awards ceremony with an excess of gallows humour.
It's a bit heavy-handed in its exploration of exactly what is wrong with the remaining minotaurs in our society, but it's memorable nonetheless.
September 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this.
Why did I not read this sooner, and why have I not read more Goldsworthy in my long Adelaide life?
I think this is the first book I have read that is from the perspective of a blind person. I do not have the knowledge to know whether the portrayal is accurate but the use of technological tools for an unsighted person is intriguing.
Rick Zadow walks the streets of Adelaide assisted by Siri in his iPhone, but he almost doesn't need the help, and his seeing eye dog Scout is often just along for the walk.
Overall there is the feeling of the gritty thrillers from Chandler and Hammett, but in Australia in the 21st century.
The Minotaur is a Greek mythological creature who has a man's body and a bull's head and is hidden away in a labyrinth. How does this relate to the blind Rick? The streets of Adelaide are hardly labyrinthine. Perhaps it is about his journey through his psychological problems. 'Doing the work', as the therapist says. Or is the Minotaur Rick's assailant who needs to be captured?
Editing: On page 212 'carthartic' appears with an extra 'r'. Wondered where the spare letter migrated from until I found 'spinkler' on page 286. Page 273: 900 mm nails? A bit too long, I fear.
In several places Goldsworthy talks about the sun pouring its 'warm honey' over the protagonist. It's an expression I am not familiar with. I'll need to look out for that smelly stickiness as summer approaches.
Why did I not read this sooner, and why have I not read more Goldsworthy in my long Adelaide life?
I think this is the first book I have read that is from the perspective of a blind person. I do not have the knowledge to know whether the portrayal is accurate but the use of technological tools for an unsighted person is intriguing.
Rick Zadow walks the streets of Adelaide assisted by Siri in his iPhone, but he almost doesn't need the help, and his seeing eye dog Scout is often just along for the walk.
Overall there is the feeling of the gritty thrillers from Chandler and Hammett, but in Australia in the 21st century.
The Minotaur is a Greek mythological creature who has a man's body and a bull's head and is hidden away in a labyrinth. How does this relate to the blind Rick? The streets of Adelaide are hardly labyrinthine. Perhaps it is about his journey through his psychological problems. 'Doing the work', as the therapist says. Or is the Minotaur Rick's assailant who needs to be captured?
Editing: On page 212 'carthartic' appears with an extra 'r'. Wondered where the spare letter migrated from until I found 'spinkler' on page 286. Page 273: 900 mm nails? A bit too long, I fear.
In several places Goldsworthy talks about the sun pouring its 'warm honey' over the protagonist. It's an expression I am not familiar with. I'll need to look out for that smelly stickiness as summer approaches.
February 17, 2021
I struggled with this book. I can see it's merits, the writing is strong and the story and characters are entertaining in a way.
But I found it so reliant on old misogynist Australian storytelling tropes. The tough cop who has had to do bad things, who even when unkempt and disabled is somehow irresistible to every beautiful woman around him.
And of course the constant, Monday boring descriptions of these beautiful Women - all sexualised, all characterised only in relation to the male protagonist having no greater depth or story or insight outside what he gives them.
The glorification of vulgarity and male violence, even when these are pretending to be presented as unpleasant, is so Australian and I really would like to move on from this admiration that Australian culture seems to constantly promote through these Underbelly/thug/criminal/bikie gang narratives.
I also felt describing it as mythological was a bit misleading - possibly mythic in its adhere to the myth of the Australian 'good outlaw' but that is about it.
I want to like it more because the writing is good, if really slow in parts, but I just couldn't find much likability within it.
But I found it so reliant on old misogynist Australian storytelling tropes. The tough cop who has had to do bad things, who even when unkempt and disabled is somehow irresistible to every beautiful woman around him.
And of course the constant, Monday boring descriptions of these beautiful Women - all sexualised, all characterised only in relation to the male protagonist having no greater depth or story or insight outside what he gives them.
The glorification of vulgarity and male violence, even when these are pretending to be presented as unpleasant, is so Australian and I really would like to move on from this admiration that Australian culture seems to constantly promote through these Underbelly/thug/criminal/bikie gang narratives.
I also felt describing it as mythological was a bit misleading - possibly mythic in its adhere to the myth of the Australian 'good outlaw' but that is about it.
I want to like it more because the writing is good, if really slow in parts, but I just couldn't find much likability within it.
May 10, 2023
How do you write a revenge thriller where the main character (former detective) is blind and knows that his nemesis has just escaped from gaol and is (probably) coming to get him?
Despite having loved Maestro and Honk If You Are Jesus by the same author, I picked this up with much scepticism, but within a few pages knew I was in the hands of a master storyteller.
The story is so well researched and so believable, despite the unlikely scenario, that I found myself not only thoroughly enjoying the tale as it unfolded, but continually gobsmacked by how well the author anticipated and solved the problems of a blind man in such a lethal predicament.
Loved the way the story was divided up into its component parts also - quite profound.
Really fantastic characters - great story - utterly gripping - a masterpiece.
Despite having loved Maestro and Honk If You Are Jesus by the same author, I picked this up with much scepticism, but within a few pages knew I was in the hands of a master storyteller.
The story is so well researched and so believable, despite the unlikely scenario, that I found myself not only thoroughly enjoying the tale as it unfolded, but continually gobsmacked by how well the author anticipated and solved the problems of a blind man in such a lethal predicament.
Loved the way the story was divided up into its component parts also - quite profound.
Really fantastic characters - great story - utterly gripping - a masterpiece.
December 24, 2019
Excellent book. Believable characters, some I liked and some I didn't - personal preferance I'm sure.
The book covers emotions, blindness, psychiatrists, swearing, South Australian towns, love interests, police, government and a whole lot more.
Definitely worth reading - I couldn't put the book down I was enjoying so much.
Thanks to a friend I was 'led' to read this book - I thank him very much for the advice.
Not for the easily shocked but definitely what I believe to be 'real life'.
Give yourself an opportunity to read this book and see what you think.
I'm sure you'll be entangled with the story just like I was.
The book covers emotions, blindness, psychiatrists, swearing, South Australian towns, love interests, police, government and a whole lot more.
Definitely worth reading - I couldn't put the book down I was enjoying so much.
Thanks to a friend I was 'led' to read this book - I thank him very much for the advice.
Not for the easily shocked but definitely what I believe to be 'real life'.
Give yourself an opportunity to read this book and see what you think.
I'm sure you'll be entangled with the story just like I was.
August 16, 2019
Goldsworthy is always entertaining and I enjoy that his novels are so different. This was a real romp of a read - a detective crime fic, but one with some real heart to it. The clever psychological insights into our character brought him to life in all his flawed ways and I enjoyed never knowing exactly where he sat on that slide between good and evil as his back story unfolded and his complicated story with his ex-wife unfurled.
August 19, 2019
Another great book by this outstanding Australian writer.
Goldsworthy writes beautifully and with an intimate and sensitive portrayal of character, and this is no exception. This time, a more pulpy genre perhaps than usual (at least in my reading of him), but when adopted by such fine craftsman it becomes a breezy page turner that offers more than most.
Goldsworthy writes beautifully and with an intimate and sensitive portrayal of character, and this is no exception. This time, a more pulpy genre perhaps than usual (at least in my reading of him), but when adopted by such fine craftsman it becomes a breezy page turner that offers more than most.
July 28, 2020
I was interested to read Peter Goldsworthy's author's notes. His editing includes reading the book out loud. Whilst reading I thought this would make a good TV script. The book was spoiled by some glaring improbabilities - the main one being a Siri who converses and flirts with the main character. The penultimate scene could have been more realistic.
September 6, 2019
Not my favourite genre at all, but I enjoyed the writing style. It was well crafted, and the characters came to life. I still don’t understand why crime and violence is such a popular topic for authors.
November 9, 2019
As an Adelaide resident I always enjoy Peter Goldsworthy's books, especially those based here. This was an enjoyable book in a new genre for Goldsworthy and without the "yukky" shock factor that has been common in many of his other novels.
December 28, 2019
Peter Goldsworthy at his best! Detective Zadow was blinded whilst on duty two years ago. As he comes to terms with the reality of this new existence he learns that the criminal who tried to kill him has escaped from prison and it is time to exact his own revenge. A great read!
September 18, 2021
I listened to most of this book via Audible, and the use of Siri voicing her own dialogue in the book worked really well. The plot and characters were entertaining, and it was fun listening to a story set in Adelaide. A recommended read & I’d be keen to check out more of Goldsworthy’s writing.
December 25, 2019
A violent and angry rage of a man not coping with what life gave him. It’s not realistic.
December 28, 2019
Gritty and raw with an interesting blind detective as the protagonist. PG's foray into crime writing is to be regarded as successful. Originality with good writing is to be lauded.
January 29, 2020
Crime novel with an interesting main character. Brutal, blunt.
February 19, 2020
Good plot, well written with a number of great set pieces, but marred by some dubious sexual politics.
March 22, 2020
Interesting concept of blind man luring the inflictor of his blindness into his home to take revenge.
June 13, 2020
This is very different kind of style from the other Goldsworthy books that I've read. I really liked Wish. Great that he tries different styles but the hot headed blokey cop wasn't for me.
December 29, 2021
Couldn't put it down. Blndsight will have to check if it's real. Loved the location . Memories of walking the city and the smells,although the central market and Chinatown I remember.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2022
An interesting premise hooked me and I enjoyed the wry humour, However too long and repetitive for me. I skimmed to the end.
January 10, 2023
Detective noir that reveals more than just the average crime novel. The ending was a touch sentimental and predictable, but otherwise well written.
May 7, 2023
Didn't finish. Not enjoying the book so didn't continue.
July 21, 2023
Difficult to get into. I’m not much of an action girl, so I lost interest quite quickly. But it did get better for me and was ultimately an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews