SWINDON LITERARY FESTIVAL REVIEW: IT is difficult to categorise the work of novelist ROBERT GODDARD - but it is probably all the better for that.

His books probably fit most comfortably into the pigeonhole marked "Mystery", but you are unlikely to find a grizzled detective or a dogged amateur sleuth on the trail of a murderer.

Goddard's novels strive to be a tad more original, and certainly unpredictable, and it is this he discussed with an appreciative audience at West Swindon Library yesterday lunchtime.

It began with the origins of his storytelling prowess how he would read from the local newspaper to his ageing grandmother and, as this became more boring, he would embellish the stories, with the consequence that there was suddenly a rise in the murder rate in the community.

It was an interesting and amusing discourse from a man whose books sell in huge quantities but who proved to be a most entertaining talker, his style perfectly suited to this intimate and enthusiastic gathering, who eagerly took part in the question and answer session at the end.

By Stephen Webb