Published by Sphere
Publication Date: 8th December 2022
Book Description:
A SMALL TOWN. A SHOCKING CRIME.
YOU'LL SUSPECT EVERY CHARACTER. BUT YOU'LL NEVER GUESS THE ENDING.
Ben Harper's life changed for ever the day his older brother Nick was murdered by two classmates. It was a crime that shocked the nation and catapulted Ben's family and their idyllic hometown, Haddley, into the spotlight.
Twenty years on, Ben is one of the best investigative journalists in the country and settled back in Haddley, thanks to the support of its close-knit community. But then a fresh murder case shines new light on his brother's death and throws suspicion on those closest to him.
Ben is about to discover that in Haddley no one is as they seem. Everyone has something to hide.
And someone will do anything to keep the truth buried . . .
My Thoughts:
If you're looking for a new series to lose yourself in, but which hasn't accelerated too far in that you feel like you'll never catch up, then the Ben Harper series from Robert Gold is a strong candidate. (I use the term "new series" loosely here - it's been out for a while, I just somehow managed to leave it 2 years before diving in! Please don't judge me!). There are 3 books so far, with the fourth due out in April this year so not too huge a mountain to climb, but enough to get engrossed in. And believe me, there's plenty going on here!
Ben Harper is a local journalist living in his hometown of Haddley, the tragic loss of his teenage brother twenty years ago being the fact that everyone knows about him. Then the more recent loss of his mum brought his family back into the spotlight. Ben is convinced his method of coping with his losses is the best way - boxing all the emotions up in his heart and mind so he can just get on with his life. But sometimes outside influences force you to open these Pandora's boxes, which is when the twelve secrets (as featured in the title) begin to unfurl. There's a lot going on in this book, so you'll need to concentrate on who's who and how they fit in. But I promise it's definitely worth your brain space - especially if you get the opportunity to read the book in larger chunks so you can truly absorb the plot. Please don't let this put you off in any way!
There are plot twists and shock reveals dotted throughout, some excellent cliff hangers and tantalising titbits of information which you don't realise will come in handy to know later. I was totally absorbed while reading this book, the description of the small town drew a vivid picture in my mind so it wasn't just the people but also the sense of place which held my attention.
Book two in the series is already calling to me as I put down this novel - and the knowledge that there are further instalments of Ben's life to read about has me champing to continue Robert Gold's exceptional writing.
About the Author:
Originally from Harrogate in North Yorkshire, Robert Gold began his career as an intern at the American broadcaster CNN, based in Washington DC. He returned to Yorkshire to work for the retailer ASDA, becoming the chain’s nationwide book buyer. He now works in sales for a UK publishing company. Robert now lives in Putney and his new hometown served as the inspiration for the fictional town of Haddley in Twelve Secrets. In 2016, he co-authored three titles in James Patterson’s Bookshots series.
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