by Robert Goddard, 1990 (Nord’s book)
Intriguing mystery. Starts out on the Greek Isle of Rhodes. Harry Barnett, middle-aged, over-weight, is hiking with Heather Mallender, young girl (20’s), visiting from England, trying to recover from her sister’s death. She wants to go to the top of Profitis Ilias but Harry doesn’t. She goes on, he sits and smokes and worries. She never comes back. Then starts the search by Harry using 14 pictures she took and was having developed which Harry picked up. Takes him back to England where he meets one after another person. He finally finds Heather, hiding in Athens with a friend. It leads him to his friend, Alan Dysart-the rich, handsome, Government minister, who has taken care of Harry pretty much since Harry hired him at his garage when Alan was 20.
Turns out Alan was a homosexual, with a secret, and to keep it secret, had murdered 2 people, tried to murder a 3rd, and was after Heather. The person he tried to murder but failed, but left mentally scarred and physically maimed (brakes failed) end up killing him with a rake while Harry can only watch. Alan’s secret is his parents, the wealthy Dysart’s, adopted him and made him the replacement of their own son who died. Alan found out his real parents were murderers and that was his deep, dark secret which he had to kill people who found out. Harry saved Alan when his mother left him on the railroad tracks in a box.
Was a good page-turner, lots of interesting characters. I had a feeling it was Alan Dysart about 1/2 way through. Harry Barnett was a real likable, good man. He drinks a lot – English.
Started and read this book in Hawaii. Fond memories.