Eldritch Swan is a dead man. Or at least that is what his nephew Stephen has always been told. Until one day Eldritch walks back into his life after 36 years in an Irish prison. He won’t reveal any of the details of his incarceration, insisting only that he is innocent of any crime.

His return should be of interest to no-one. But the visit of a solicitor with a mysterious request will take Eldritch and his sceptical nephew fromsleepy seaside Paignton to London, where an exhibition of Picasso paintings from the prestigious Brownlow collection proves to be the starting point on a journey that will transport them back to the Second World War and the mystery behind Eldritch’s imprisonment.

In 1940, he was personal assistant to a wealthy diamond dealer in Antwerp, whose collection of modern art was the envy of many. The subsequent disappearance of those paintings began a trail of murder and intrigue which was to have a catastrophic effect on Eldritch’s life. But untangling the web of murky secrets, family ties and old betrayals that conceals the truth will prove to be a dangerous pursuit for Eldritch and Stephen. Before long, a mysterious enemy is doing everything possible to stop the truth emerging – at whatever cost…

Robert Wins an Edgar Award

Watch a video of Robert receiving the Best Paperback Original Award for Long Time Coming at the 2011 ceremony in New York. Watch the video

‘This is a complicated, subtle, revenge and redemption story.’
- Jessica Mann, THE LITERARY REVIEW

‘Long Time Coming is one of Roberrt Goddard’s strongest novels for some time. The template is familiar – a chance event throws an ordinary youngish man into a life-changing adventure with a dash of romance and a historical dimension. But Goddard manipulates his rich slew of ingredients with enormous panache and produces an absorbing story that gains an extra dimension from the sidelights it casts on the past.’
- Andrew Taylor, THE SPECTATOR

‘Goddard has been writing thrillers since 1986 and from this read it’s clear why he’s a bestseller. His plotting is satisfyingly complex without being baffling and the action is well paced, drawing you in from the start. There’s also plenty of suspense, thanks to Goddard’s clever use of time throughout the novel. Long Time Coming is Goddard’s 21st novel; I now look forward to catching up on his previous 20.’
- Sarah Kingsford, THE DAILY EXPRESS

READER REVIEWS:
'I enjoyed the book really very much - as I enjoyed reading all books by Robert Goddard. Intriguing plots, and all those turning points and new suspenses……., it is really a page turner.'
- Erika Houkes

'This story has a lovely pace to it and draws the reader in taking the reader on journey that covers a complicated plot, to untangle a web of deceit set against a convincing backdrop of London, Dublin and Antwerp during the 1940s and 1976. Goddard cares about his characters and carefully embroiders detailed persona for: Eldritch Swan and his nephew, Stephen Swan (who never knew his uncle existed until now). Together they avoid an elusive enemy as they unravel a plot that sets fake Picasso and Irish politics and murder during troubled times. The plot is convoluted but as a thriller Goddard excels at getting the historical feel right and war time Antwerp seems the most unfriendly place to be, a place to escape from urgently! And he adds an element of romance for young Stephen. A cracking good read and must be highly recommended!'
- Kay Beer

' Set in 1940s England/Ireland and 1970s England, Long Time Coming is a thrilling novel about art fraud, personal feuds, shadowy politics and international espionage. Eldritch and Stephen Swan are strong, vivid and well-rounded characters. Furthermore, Eldritch’s interesting backstory added to the story’s psychological depth. The narrative is intelligent, exciting and the pace never flags. Historical details about wartime Ireland, Picasso paintings, WW2 Anglo-Irish negotiations and 1970s England (particularly the IRA bombings) made the story even more interesting.'
- Stephan Konrad

If you would like to add your review of this book email : robertgoddardbooks@randomhouse.co.uk