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Ben Harper #1
Twelve Secrets
Du willst die Wahrheit wissen. Doch jemand versucht sie um jeden Preis zu begraben...
Ben Harpers Leben änderte sich für immer, als sein älterer Bruder scheinbar grundlos von zwei Klassenkameradinnen getötet wurde. Der kaltblütige Mord schockierte damals die Welt und katapultierte Bens Familie und ihre idyllische englische Heimatstadt Haddley ins Rampenlicht der Medien. Zwanzig Jahre später ist Ben einer der besten Journalisten des Landes und lebt wieder in Haddley. Als ein Mordfall neue Hinweise zum Tod seines Bruders liefert, beschließt Ben, zusammen mit der Polizistin Dani Cash der Wahrheit auf die Spur zu kommen. Doch je mehr er in die Ermittlungen eintaucht, desto verdächtiger werden diejenigen, die ihm am nächsten stehen...
Ben Harpers Leben änderte sich für immer, als sein älterer Bruder scheinbar grundlos von zwei Klassenkameradinnen getötet wurde. Der kaltblütige Mord schockierte damals die Welt und katapultierte Bens Familie und ihre idyllische englische Heimatstadt Haddley ins Rampenlicht der Medien. Zwanzig Jahre später ist Ben einer der besten Journalisten des Landes und lebt wieder in Haddley. Als ein Mordfall neue Hinweise zum Tod seines Bruders liefert, beschließt Ben, zusammen mit der Polizistin Dani Cash der Wahrheit auf die Spur zu kommen. Doch je mehr er in die Ermittlungen eintaucht, desto verdächtiger werden diejenigen, die ihm am nächsten stehen...
384 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2022
3306 people are currently reading
8734 people want to read
About the author
Robert Gold
13 books256 followersOriginally 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,157 reviews
January 27, 2022
This is a superb crime mystery drama, the first in a series featuring true crime journalist, Ben Harper, who has his own traumatic family history set in London. At the age of 8, young Ben sees his 14 year old older brother, Nick, and his best friend, Simon Woakes, follow schoolgirls, Abigail Langdon and Josie Fairchild, into the Haddley woods. It is Ben who discovers their blood covered dead bodies, leading to the murder convictions of the girls in one of the most sensational national criminal trials, the girls labelled 'evil' by the media. Ben is further traumatised years later by the 'suicide' of his mother when she stepped in front of a train. With a significant anniversary of his brother's killing coming up, his hard nosed editor, Madeline Wilson, who had been involved in the story from the very beginning, a woman who sees exclusives in tragedy, wants Ben to revisit his painful personal traumas and grief and write an article for their news website.
Initially, Ben has no intention of complying with Wilson's relentless demands, but then he hears about a woman murdered in Farsley, Yorkshire, her killing emulating the exact MO used on Nick and Simon. The woman turns out to be Abigail Langdon, living under another name, her death generating little sympathy, as it connects her once again to Haddley. Before long, Ben is questioning whether his mother did in fact commit suicide as he chases the biggest true crime exclusive, his own life story. In a complex and multilayered narrative, the reader is going to need to pay close attention to the numerous characters that form the Haddley and St Marnham local community, and the details of their lives, for they form an intricate web of connections to the long ago historical tragedy and Ben. All harbour secrets, secrets that start to spill, one after another, some downright nasty and some deadly, in this riveting crime read.
Gold is certainly going to make a splash with this, the first of a series, particularly with the creation of his central protagonist, Ben Harper, who has his life derailed as a child with the loss of his beloved brother, Nick, a grief that goes on to be compounded with the loss of the only person he had left, his mother. There is oodles of suspense and tension in this well plotted story with its wide ranging cast of characters, including Elizabeth Woakes, Simon's mother, whose life and family were similarly wrecked by the horrors of the tragedy and a care home worker, Corinne Parsons. I found myself completely immersed and captivated by this dark and engaging crime read, and I can see it doing very well on publication. I think many crime and mystery readers will enjoy this too. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Initially, Ben has no intention of complying with Wilson's relentless demands, but then he hears about a woman murdered in Farsley, Yorkshire, her killing emulating the exact MO used on Nick and Simon. The woman turns out to be Abigail Langdon, living under another name, her death generating little sympathy, as it connects her once again to Haddley. Before long, Ben is questioning whether his mother did in fact commit suicide as he chases the biggest true crime exclusive, his own life story. In a complex and multilayered narrative, the reader is going to need to pay close attention to the numerous characters that form the Haddley and St Marnham local community, and the details of their lives, for they form an intricate web of connections to the long ago historical tragedy and Ben. All harbour secrets, secrets that start to spill, one after another, some downright nasty and some deadly, in this riveting crime read.
Gold is certainly going to make a splash with this, the first of a series, particularly with the creation of his central protagonist, Ben Harper, who has his life derailed as a child with the loss of his beloved brother, Nick, a grief that goes on to be compounded with the loss of the only person he had left, his mother. There is oodles of suspense and tension in this well plotted story with its wide ranging cast of characters, including Elizabeth Woakes, Simon's mother, whose life and family were similarly wrecked by the horrors of the tragedy and a care home worker, Corinne Parsons. I found myself completely immersed and captivated by this dark and engaging crime read, and I can see it doing very well on publication. I think many crime and mystery readers will enjoy this too. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
August 7, 2022
‘Twelve secrets’ is an excellent crime / thriller that is wonderfully constructed and uses the twelve twists in the story to reveal the secrets that have remained hidden for two decades.
A cleverly written plot that explores dark secrets, obsessions, and deception of the worst kind, and an intriguing array of characters that display the worst and best in human nature.
The tone is painfully tragic when the past and the present collide in this multi layered story that is sure to intrigue any crime lover.
Immersive, gripping and immensely satisfying.
The Plot
Investigative journalist Ben Harper is given his chance at a big career break. It is the story that will propel him into the ‘premier league’ for nations best journalists. So why hesitate?
His dilemma is a personal one. It is his story, his pain, his loss but one that will thrust him back into the limelight and back onto the front covers of the nation’s newspaper.
Ben's story is a painful one. His brother and friend were found brutally murdered in a forest clearing, by him, followed by the apparent suicide of his mother 10 years later. So, what do his bosses want from him?. Well, a personal tribute and to unravel the events of 20 years ago, 10 years ago and in the present day, because there are too many unanswered questions, so many things do not tie up.
Ben seems on the verge of resisting the persistent appeals from his strong willed boss until the body of another woman turns up and somehow they are all linked.
Review and Comments in 12 of pluses and minuses
The pluses (+)
- This book had a great story line which involved unravelling the secrets, events and lies over a 20-year period. The plot was twisty, absorbing, and compelling.
- The many themes were handled with care, such as underage sex, child grooming, marital problems and death of two young boys.
- I loved how the book was structured with the twelve secrets laid out in 12 sections providing that atmospheric build that kept me gripped to the end.
- The writing style flowed effortlessly with a pace that was just right.
- The book was consistently good throughout. We had a great start, plenty to satisfy in the middle and a rewarding end.
- The cast of characters brough much to a story and displayed such a wide range of human emotions and characteristics.
- The character of Ben felt believable, you could totally empathise with his dilemma and the pain he was still carrying from childhood when he found his brother dead. Brutally murdered.
- Fabulous debut novel and an author to watch
Ok now for the four downsides
- I felt there were too many characters, a number of which on hindsight added nothing to the story and probably took up too much time that could have been spent adding depth to the main cast.
- The ending was a bit predictable despite the twists throughout. That same old chestnut. It’s the good guys you have to watch. (this does not spoil the plot though!!!).
- At the beginning the book switched timelines and to different characters without much signage. So a recommendation take note of the separate character groups and timelines that is not immediately obvious at first.
- The relationship between the journalist and the police would be unlikely in real life. The Police divulged some key information which felt wrong and didn’t lock up a journalist who was doing the job for them and in many cases getting in the way.
Overall, an immersive, engrossing, and fascinating story that was so well written and structured that I could only take a point off for the negatives. And what a debut novel.
A cleverly written plot that explores dark secrets, obsessions, and deception of the worst kind, and an intriguing array of characters that display the worst and best in human nature.
The tone is painfully tragic when the past and the present collide in this multi layered story that is sure to intrigue any crime lover.
Immersive, gripping and immensely satisfying.
The Plot
Investigative journalist Ben Harper is given his chance at a big career break. It is the story that will propel him into the ‘premier league’ for nations best journalists. So why hesitate?
His dilemma is a personal one. It is his story, his pain, his loss but one that will thrust him back into the limelight and back onto the front covers of the nation’s newspaper.
Ben's story is a painful one. His brother and friend were found brutally murdered in a forest clearing, by him, followed by the apparent suicide of his mother 10 years later. So, what do his bosses want from him?. Well, a personal tribute and to unravel the events of 20 years ago, 10 years ago and in the present day, because there are too many unanswered questions, so many things do not tie up.
Ben seems on the verge of resisting the persistent appeals from his strong willed boss until the body of another woman turns up and somehow they are all linked.
Review and Comments in 12 of pluses and minuses
The pluses (+)
- This book had a great story line which involved unravelling the secrets, events and lies over a 20-year period. The plot was twisty, absorbing, and compelling.
- The many themes were handled with care, such as underage sex, child grooming, marital problems and death of two young boys.
- I loved how the book was structured with the twelve secrets laid out in 12 sections providing that atmospheric build that kept me gripped to the end.
- The writing style flowed effortlessly with a pace that was just right.
- The book was consistently good throughout. We had a great start, plenty to satisfy in the middle and a rewarding end.
- The cast of characters brough much to a story and displayed such a wide range of human emotions and characteristics.
- The character of Ben felt believable, you could totally empathise with his dilemma and the pain he was still carrying from childhood when he found his brother dead. Brutally murdered.
- Fabulous debut novel and an author to watch
Ok now for the four downsides
- I felt there were too many characters, a number of which on hindsight added nothing to the story and probably took up too much time that could have been spent adding depth to the main cast.
- The ending was a bit predictable despite the twists throughout. That same old chestnut. It’s the good guys you have to watch. (this does not spoil the plot though!!!).
- At the beginning the book switched timelines and to different characters without much signage. So a recommendation take note of the separate character groups and timelines that is not immediately obvious at first.
- The relationship between the journalist and the police would be unlikely in real life. The Police divulged some key information which felt wrong and didn’t lock up a journalist who was doing the job for them and in many cases getting in the way.
Overall, an immersive, engrossing, and fascinating story that was so well written and structured that I could only take a point off for the negatives. And what a debut novel.
August 8, 2022
12 Secrets is an absorbing, puzzling crime thriller. It is multi-layered and complicated, with memorable characters whose past and present secrets collide in this well-constructed, suspenseful novel that is bound to keep the reader on seat's edge.
Ben Harper is presently a well-established crime reporter. He has a background of tragedy and sorrow. He followed his 14-year old beloved brother, Nick and his friend Simon into the woods at age eight. The boys were gleefully following two classmates, Abigal and Josie, girls who had terrible reputations at their school. Ben's life is shattered when he finds the bodies of Nick and Simon brutally murdered and covered with blood. Ben and his mother cling together in their grief, the only remaining family members. Simon's mother is likewise distraught. Years later, his mother appears to be gradually recovering and attempting to start a new life. Ben is horrified when he learns that his mother committed suicide by stepping in front of a train. He cannot believe that she killed herself.
In a well-publicized, sensational trial, the two girls had been sentenced to prison for murder and labelled 'evil' in the media. In later years, Ben's editor demands he write an article on the upcoming anniversary of the murders. He will have to go back and relate how the tragedy affected himself and his mother. Ben knows that reliving the story will further traumatize him, and he refuses. A murder in another town catches his attention. A connected individual has been killed in the same manner as his brother and friend. He realizes that past tragedies are spilling into the present. He senses there are still secrets about the deaths of his brother and mother that he needs to pursue and uncover.
Some of the many characters are friends from Ben's school days and sports team. One boy is from a wealthy, entitled family with a cruel father who exerts control over everyone. There is an older couple nearby who comforted Ben after his mother died. One of the characters is an unhappy, unpleasant health care worker. What can her connection be? Simon's father, the head of the high school, tormented by guilt and sorrow, wandered away from home and died in the woods. In this twisted tale, there are themes of family connections by birth or adoption and stresses in marriage. As Ben progresses in his investigation, some shocking and lethal secrets are revealed.
I was glad to see that the book suggests a sequel by author Robert Gold. This one is named Ben Harper #1. Ben is an engaging, sympathetic character, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series and a further criminal investigation.
Ben Harper is presently a well-established crime reporter. He has a background of tragedy and sorrow. He followed his 14-year old beloved brother, Nick and his friend Simon into the woods at age eight. The boys were gleefully following two classmates, Abigal and Josie, girls who had terrible reputations at their school. Ben's life is shattered when he finds the bodies of Nick and Simon brutally murdered and covered with blood. Ben and his mother cling together in their grief, the only remaining family members. Simon's mother is likewise distraught. Years later, his mother appears to be gradually recovering and attempting to start a new life. Ben is horrified when he learns that his mother committed suicide by stepping in front of a train. He cannot believe that she killed herself.
In a well-publicized, sensational trial, the two girls had been sentenced to prison for murder and labelled 'evil' in the media. In later years, Ben's editor demands he write an article on the upcoming anniversary of the murders. He will have to go back and relate how the tragedy affected himself and his mother. Ben knows that reliving the story will further traumatize him, and he refuses. A murder in another town catches his attention. A connected individual has been killed in the same manner as his brother and friend. He realizes that past tragedies are spilling into the present. He senses there are still secrets about the deaths of his brother and mother that he needs to pursue and uncover.
Some of the many characters are friends from Ben's school days and sports team. One boy is from a wealthy, entitled family with a cruel father who exerts control over everyone. There is an older couple nearby who comforted Ben after his mother died. One of the characters is an unhappy, unpleasant health care worker. What can her connection be? Simon's father, the head of the high school, tormented by guilt and sorrow, wandered away from home and died in the woods. In this twisted tale, there are themes of family connections by birth or adoption and stresses in marriage. As Ben progresses in his investigation, some shocking and lethal secrets are revealed.
I was glad to see that the book suggests a sequel by author Robert Gold. This one is named Ben Harper #1. Ben is an engaging, sympathetic character, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series and a further criminal investigation.
August 29, 2024
"Twelve secrets, a small town, a shocking crime!" As a child, now an investigative true crime reporter, Ben's life was changed forever, with the globally reported, double murder of his teenage brother Nick and his friend by two teenage girls. His family trauma was increased later when his mum committed suicide. When a new crime shines a light not only on his mother's suicide, but the double murder!
I first began reading the second book in this series and liked it so much that I went and bought and read this, the first in the series. With sympathetic and realistic characters in a well created contemporary London reality this book ticked all the boxes for me. I insist that a solid realistic reality with multi layered characters sets up mysteries, horror, urban fantasy perfectly. It's why so many of Stephen King's books works so well, he spends as much time, if not more setting the base reality before eviscerating it! It might be the Londoner in me, but I get so embedded with this reality. It's the little things, the primary female detective having a partner in a wheelchair (attacked on duty as police); the friendship between two five-year-old kids of the supporting cast; Ben's boss being so pragmatic, that she's hear to generate engagement = money and not really to spare his feelings etc. etc. It's all in the detail. Oh, and the overall mystery and plotting is top drawer, but I feel maybe because of all the peripheral detail. Rambling? Am I making sense, solid well thought out reality, sets everything up to work? A storming 8 out of 12, Four Star jam :)
2024 read
I first began reading the second book in this series and liked it so much that I went and bought and read this, the first in the series. With sympathetic and realistic characters in a well created contemporary London reality this book ticked all the boxes for me. I insist that a solid realistic reality with multi layered characters sets up mysteries, horror, urban fantasy perfectly. It's why so many of Stephen King's books works so well, he spends as much time, if not more setting the base reality before eviscerating it! It might be the Londoner in me, but I get so embedded with this reality. It's the little things, the primary female detective having a partner in a wheelchair (attacked on duty as police); the friendship between two five-year-old kids of the supporting cast; Ben's boss being so pragmatic, that she's hear to generate engagement = money and not really to spare his feelings etc. etc. It's all in the detail. Oh, and the overall mystery and plotting is top drawer, but I feel maybe because of all the peripheral detail. Rambling? Am I making sense, solid well thought out reality, sets everything up to work? A storming 8 out of 12, Four Star jam :)
2024 read
April 8, 2022
High Five – both the gesture, and the stars!
Ben Harper’s life has been marred by tragedy.
Twenty-two years ago, when he was eight-years-old, his teenage brother Nick, and best friend Simon Woakes were lured into the Haddley woods, and murdered by two fourteen-year-old female classmates.
Then, twelve years later, his mum (Clare) jumped in front of a train on her morning commute to work.
Now an online journalist, Ben’s editor asks him to write a ‘story of survival’ type article from his POV to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of his mother’s death. He initially refuses, but then there’s another murder, eerily similar to Nick’s and Simon’s, prompting Ben to start his own investigation. But, Haddley is a village with many secrets, and the shocking revelations Ben unearths regarding his friends and neighbours alters his life in ways he couldn’t have foreseen.
Twelve Secrets was an uneasy, suspenseful, tense, claustrophobic, menacing, character-driven psychological thriller. What a debut! The novel successfully conveyed a deliciously creepy sense of being watched – a killer living, and hiding in suburbia is one of my favourite mystery tropes. As is domestic noir incorporating cold cases. Oh, and thrillers with a ‘woods’ setting. There were so many phenomenal twists, subtle hints and uncovered clues, and cliffhangers, but it was the emotional aspect that raised my stress levels, especially the closer it got to the end.
The characterisations were amazing, especially the protagonist Ben, and PC Dani Cash. There were a variety of characters, and ages, and the author wrote and juggled all of them effortlessly, from kids right through to the elderly. And, he writes ‘evil’ well too. The dialogue and relationships were perfection – Ben and Dani’s banter, Ben’s next door neighbour’s admonishing mothering, and the little details, like Ben’s unhealthy diet, and Dani’s issues with her work colleagues, really made character’s individual.
Grief was a prominent theme, and Ben’s, and other character’s, loss was palpable, unresolved, and affecting throughout. Even though Nick and Clare were barely in it (as the author only used one flashback chapter) their familial love and bond with Ben was crystal clear.
The novel was divided into twelve parts, each starting with a couple of lines of crucial dialogue or thought contained in the upcoming group of chapters – a tantalising taste of one of the many secrets to come, an original use of foreshadowing, and a clever way to come up with your title.
Haddley was a small English village on the outskirts of London, bordering the Thames. It was picturesque, and even with all bad stuff that had happened there, character’s (Ben included) loved living there, called it home, couldn’t fathom moving away, and outsiders were drawn to it. The close proximity of Haddley woods, the scene of more than one tragedy, was a character in itself, inescapable, unavoidable, ever-present, atmospheric, looming over everything. It once represented a playground for Ben, a place of fun, beauty, and exploration, summer days spent hanging out with his brother and his friend’s, until that fateful day when Nick was cruelly taken from him. The woods were where various characters met in secret, its main path connected Haddley to the neighbouring village, and it’s entrance was visible from Ben’s house, as well as neighbouring residents.
I am thrilled to bits that Twelve Secrets is the beginner in a series starring Ben Harper, as I would love another mystery set in Haddley, with Ben once again using his journalist investigative skills, with Dani in tow. I have a feeling there were character’s introduced that have stories yet to be told.
Ben Harper’s life has been marred by tragedy.
Twenty-two years ago, when he was eight-years-old, his teenage brother Nick, and best friend Simon Woakes were lured into the Haddley woods, and murdered by two fourteen-year-old female classmates.
Then, twelve years later, his mum (Clare) jumped in front of a train on her morning commute to work.
Now an online journalist, Ben’s editor asks him to write a ‘story of survival’ type article from his POV to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of his mother’s death. He initially refuses, but then there’s another murder, eerily similar to Nick’s and Simon’s, prompting Ben to start his own investigation. But, Haddley is a village with many secrets, and the shocking revelations Ben unearths regarding his friends and neighbours alters his life in ways he couldn’t have foreseen.
Twelve Secrets was an uneasy, suspenseful, tense, claustrophobic, menacing, character-driven psychological thriller. What a debut! The novel successfully conveyed a deliciously creepy sense of being watched – a killer living, and hiding in suburbia is one of my favourite mystery tropes. As is domestic noir incorporating cold cases. Oh, and thrillers with a ‘woods’ setting. There were so many phenomenal twists, subtle hints and uncovered clues, and cliffhangers, but it was the emotional aspect that raised my stress levels, especially the closer it got to the end.
The characterisations were amazing, especially the protagonist Ben, and PC Dani Cash. There were a variety of characters, and ages, and the author wrote and juggled all of them effortlessly, from kids right through to the elderly. And, he writes ‘evil’ well too. The dialogue and relationships were perfection – Ben and Dani’s banter, Ben’s next door neighbour’s admonishing mothering, and the little details, like Ben’s unhealthy diet, and Dani’s issues with her work colleagues, really made character’s individual.
Grief was a prominent theme, and Ben’s, and other character’s, loss was palpable, unresolved, and affecting throughout. Even though Nick and Clare were barely in it (as the author only used one flashback chapter) their familial love and bond with Ben was crystal clear.
The novel was divided into twelve parts, each starting with a couple of lines of crucial dialogue or thought contained in the upcoming group of chapters – a tantalising taste of one of the many secrets to come, an original use of foreshadowing, and a clever way to come up with your title.
Haddley was a small English village on the outskirts of London, bordering the Thames. It was picturesque, and even with all bad stuff that had happened there, character’s (Ben included) loved living there, called it home, couldn’t fathom moving away, and outsiders were drawn to it. The close proximity of Haddley woods, the scene of more than one tragedy, was a character in itself, inescapable, unavoidable, ever-present, atmospheric, looming over everything. It once represented a playground for Ben, a place of fun, beauty, and exploration, summer days spent hanging out with his brother and his friend’s, until that fateful day when Nick was cruelly taken from him. The woods were where various characters met in secret, its main path connected Haddley to the neighbouring village, and it’s entrance was visible from Ben’s house, as well as neighbouring residents.
I am thrilled to bits that Twelve Secrets is the beginner in a series starring Ben Harper, as I would love another mystery set in Haddley, with Ben once again using his journalist investigative skills, with Dani in tow. I have a feeling there were character’s introduced that have stories yet to be told.
July 25, 2022
Five ⭐️ for the writing five stars for the compelling enjoyment I got from this book.
Ben Harper is a accomplished journalist his past will either break him or make him stronger, he has suffered much in his life but he knows that he has to find the truth about his older brother Nick & his best friend Simon Woakes who were killed by female class mates in the woods at Haddley.
His partner MadelineI [aka Min] wants him to write a story of what happened that day 20 years earlier, but Haddley has its secrets & the residents will not give him the answers he wants.
Another murder has happened in the town of Haddley exactly the same as his brother & Simon who could do such a thing & why?
This is a character driven novel that is eerie to the point of you never know who is hiding in the Haddley woods I could not put this down., I can’t believe this is a debut well done Mr Gold I can’t wait for book 📚 2 in this outstanding series.
Ben Harper is a accomplished journalist his past will either break him or make him stronger, he has suffered much in his life but he knows that he has to find the truth about his older brother Nick & his best friend Simon Woakes who were killed by female class mates in the woods at Haddley.
His partner MadelineI [aka Min] wants him to write a story of what happened that day 20 years earlier, but Haddley has its secrets & the residents will not give him the answers he wants.
Another murder has happened in the town of Haddley exactly the same as his brother & Simon who could do such a thing & why?
This is a character driven novel that is eerie to the point of you never know who is hiding in the Haddley woods I could not put this down., I can’t believe this is a debut well done Mr Gold I can’t wait for book 📚 2 in this outstanding series.
October 28, 2021
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHER FOR THIS REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
A psychological thriller with a dozen interconnected characters. Nick and Simon were murdered by fellow two girls, 20 years ago. Ben and his mother tried their best to move on in their life, until after a few years Mother stepped in front of a train. Ben wants to forget everything but his boss doesn't want him to. Ben is an award winner crime journalist and his boss wants an article covering his tragic past.
There were so many characters that made it so hard to remember all of them immediately plus the story kept jumping from one to another. After halfway, I finally remembered them but I couldn't feel for any of them. They were so many for my taste and one dimensional too. It took me around 15 days to finish the book. There wasn't anything extraordinary about this plot. Police kept telling confidential information to a journalist and he kept telling it to everyone he knows, I mean WHY?. So many characters grossed me out. The pace was so slow and the plot felt boring to me.
A psychological thriller with a dozen interconnected characters. Nick and Simon were murdered by fellow two girls, 20 years ago. Ben and his mother tried their best to move on in their life, until after a few years Mother stepped in front of a train. Ben wants to forget everything but his boss doesn't want him to. Ben is an award winner crime journalist and his boss wants an article covering his tragic past.
There were so many characters that made it so hard to remember all of them immediately plus the story kept jumping from one to another. After halfway, I finally remembered them but I couldn't feel for any of them. They were so many for my taste and one dimensional too. It took me around 15 days to finish the book. There wasn't anything extraordinary about this plot. Police kept telling confidential information to a journalist and he kept telling it to everyone he knows, I mean WHY?. So many characters grossed me out. The pace was so slow and the plot felt boring to me.
March 13, 2022
I am so happy to see that this book is listed as Ben Harper #1. From the very start of Twelve Secrets, I had so many questions and wondered where this story would take me. It was fantastic. The plot was unpredictable and compelling and I found myself really emotionally attached to Ben and his story. It was twisty and really cleverly done. I am already looking forward to reading more in this series.
Ben Harper is a true crime journalist and he has lived his own true crime past. When he was 8 years old, his 14 year old brother, Nick was murdered with his best friend Simon. 2 teenage girls were arrested and charged with the murders. 10 years ago, Ben's mother was killed when she jumped in front of a train. His life has been turned upside down and he has had alot of trauma to deal with. As an anniversary approaches, Ben's editor wants him to write his story but his doesn't not want bring it all back. That is until somebody with a connection to the case is murdered. Then he sets off to find out what really happened to his mother.
With plenty of ways that this story could have gone, the ending was truly shocking. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Hachette Australia for sending me an advanced copy of this book to read. Published March 8th.
Ben Harper is a true crime journalist and he has lived his own true crime past. When he was 8 years old, his 14 year old brother, Nick was murdered with his best friend Simon. 2 teenage girls were arrested and charged with the murders. 10 years ago, Ben's mother was killed when she jumped in front of a train. His life has been turned upside down and he has had alot of trauma to deal with. As an anniversary approaches, Ben's editor wants him to write his story but his doesn't not want bring it all back. That is until somebody with a connection to the case is murdered. Then he sets off to find out what really happened to his mother.
With plenty of ways that this story could have gone, the ending was truly shocking. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Hachette Australia for sending me an advanced copy of this book to read. Published March 8th.
April 18, 2022
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Twelve Secrets by Robert Gold Robert Gold is a debut and a gripping page-turner! I’m excited there are more books to come for the protagonist Ben Harper whose character in the book is a true crime writer.
I found the plot fast paced, dark, unpredictable and totally intriguing. There is an abundance of characters that will keep you guessing how they are all connected and plenty of twists as you wonder where all these threads are heading. The layers are well constructed and come together in the story as secrets surface.
When Ben was a young child his fourteen old brother Nick and best friend Simon were murdered by two teenage girls in Haddley woods where Ben saw it all happen. The girls were charged with murder and served eleven years in jail.
Ben is further traumatised when his mother commits suicide stepping into the path of an oncoming train. The killings were huge news in the media and it’s coming up to the ten year anniversary of his mothers death.
Ben’s editor Madeline wants Ben to tell his story to boost up the ratings for their media news site. Ben wants to put it all behind him and not dredge up the past that’s ripped his life apart.
But then a new murder occurs that is somehow linked to Nick’s and Ben decides to pursue it further and find out the truth but what he discovers is not what he expected. Ben finds an ally in Dani Cash a police officer who has her own troubles.
I really enjoyed Twelve Secrets, it’s an exciting debut and I’ll certainly be reading the next book Robert Gold releases, I liked Ben’s character a hell of a lot!
Publication Date 08 March 2022
Publisher Hachette Australia (Imprint Sphere)
Thank you so much Hachette Australia for a copy of the book.
Twelve Secrets by Robert Gold Robert Gold is a debut and a gripping page-turner! I’m excited there are more books to come for the protagonist Ben Harper whose character in the book is a true crime writer.
I found the plot fast paced, dark, unpredictable and totally intriguing. There is an abundance of characters that will keep you guessing how they are all connected and plenty of twists as you wonder where all these threads are heading. The layers are well constructed and come together in the story as secrets surface.
When Ben was a young child his fourteen old brother Nick and best friend Simon were murdered by two teenage girls in Haddley woods where Ben saw it all happen. The girls were charged with murder and served eleven years in jail.
Ben is further traumatised when his mother commits suicide stepping into the path of an oncoming train. The killings were huge news in the media and it’s coming up to the ten year anniversary of his mothers death.
Ben’s editor Madeline wants Ben to tell his story to boost up the ratings for their media news site. Ben wants to put it all behind him and not dredge up the past that’s ripped his life apart.
But then a new murder occurs that is somehow linked to Nick’s and Ben decides to pursue it further and find out the truth but what he discovers is not what he expected. Ben finds an ally in Dani Cash a police officer who has her own troubles.
I really enjoyed Twelve Secrets, it’s an exciting debut and I’ll certainly be reading the next book Robert Gold releases, I liked Ben’s character a hell of a lot!
Publication Date 08 March 2022
Publisher Hachette Australia (Imprint Sphere)
Thank you so much Hachette Australia for a copy of the book.
December 11, 2021
3.5 stars
Review to come nearer publication
Review to come nearer publication
February 18, 2023
I technically did finish this but I skim read at least 100 pages so I don’t want it count for my goodreads goal. There will be spoilers below, stop reading if you don't want to know.
This book is trauma porn.
Examples
Holly - Raped by father in law, man she loves died, daughter kidnapped and threatened at knifepoint
Ben - Brother died, best friend died, mother died, surrogate mum is a serial killer, best friend being raped
Francis - serial rapist
Jake - serial killer, adopted (aka taken from mother who was raped by Francis)
Mrs C - Serial killer, raped
Corinne - murdered two boys, raped, gang raped
Nathan - adopted, son of murderer, potential child of rape (this one isn't explicitly said is rape but it is implied and sounds like it to me)
The amount of rape in book is actually uncomfortable. It is used constantly to give reasons why women are miserable or continue to be miserable. I shouldn't be able to count on more than one hand how many characters in your book were raped or were rapists. Women can feel unhappy or have trauma that isn't linked to rape. Let's say it again WOMEN CAN FEEL TRAUMA WITHOUT BEING RAPED. There is no greater point being made, there is no discussion about rape culture. This is simply rape for rapes sake.
Also the outskirts of London isn’t a small town. I get it might feel like it but if you are 15 minutes away from central London then it isn't a small town.
This book is trauma porn.
Examples
Holly - Raped by father in law, man she loves died, daughter kidnapped and threatened at knifepoint
Ben - Brother died, best friend died, mother died, surrogate mum is a serial killer, best friend being raped
Francis - serial rapist
Jake - serial killer, adopted (aka taken from mother who was raped by Francis)
Mrs C - Serial killer, raped
Corinne - murdered two boys, raped, gang raped
Nathan - adopted, son of murderer, potential child of rape (this one isn't explicitly said is rape but it is implied and sounds like it to me)
The amount of rape in book is actually uncomfortable. It is used constantly to give reasons why women are miserable or continue to be miserable. I shouldn't be able to count on more than one hand how many characters in your book were raped or were rapists. Women can feel unhappy or have trauma that isn't linked to rape. Let's say it again WOMEN CAN FEEL TRAUMA WITHOUT BEING RAPED. There is no greater point being made, there is no discussion about rape culture. This is simply rape for rapes sake.
Also the outskirts of London isn’t a small town. I get it might feel like it but if you are 15 minutes away from central London then it isn't a small town.
April 6, 2022
Thankyou Hachette for sending me a copy of this book for review.
First of all with an endorsement from James Patterson I knew I couldn't go wrong with this book. Robert has co authored 3 books with him.
This book was an engaging story that had you turning the pages to find out the next secret.
The book moves at a fast pace to keep the story flowing.
Now there are numerous amounts of characters in this book so be on the ball to know whats going on. They all play a role in the twelve secrets.
The plot of this is basically Ben's brother was murdered by two young girls 20 years ago . They went to jail. Served their time . But then people who are connected with the crime start dying. What the heck is going on.??? Ben is determined to find the truth.
So many twists and turns for those who love them, this is the book for you then.
It does have some sensitive subjects such as rape and child killing. But I felt that it didnt talk about that part too much.
Loved Roberts writing style and look forward to reading many more books.
For me this book was totally unpredictable and I didnt predict the ending at all.
The timeline in this book goes from 20 years ago to now.
The story is told by numerous points of view but mainly Ben who the story is centered around.
The ending is a " what the heck I didnt see that coming" . It ties all the secrets up.
Highly recommend.
First of all with an endorsement from James Patterson I knew I couldn't go wrong with this book. Robert has co authored 3 books with him.
This book was an engaging story that had you turning the pages to find out the next secret.
The book moves at a fast pace to keep the story flowing.
Now there are numerous amounts of characters in this book so be on the ball to know whats going on. They all play a role in the twelve secrets.
The plot of this is basically Ben's brother was murdered by two young girls 20 years ago . They went to jail. Served their time . But then people who are connected with the crime start dying. What the heck is going on.??? Ben is determined to find the truth.
So many twists and turns for those who love them, this is the book for you then.
It does have some sensitive subjects such as rape and child killing. But I felt that it didnt talk about that part too much.
Loved Roberts writing style and look forward to reading many more books.
For me this book was totally unpredictable and I didnt predict the ending at all.
The timeline in this book goes from 20 years ago to now.
The story is told by numerous points of view but mainly Ben who the story is centered around.
The ending is a " what the heck I didnt see that coming" . It ties all the secrets up.
Highly recommend.
December 29, 2022
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Twelve Secrets by Robert Gold. (2021).
Ben'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 his family and their hometown, Haddley, into the spotlight. 20 years later Ben is one of the best investigative journalists in the country and settled back into Haddley with the support of its close-knit community. But then a fresh murder case shines new light on Nick's death. Ben is about to discover that in Haddley no one is as they seem...
This is a tricky one to review because when I started it I was really into it and thought it was quite interesting, but then by the end I was just waiting for it to be over. I found the twists to be fairly predictable, none of them gave me a shock as you would expect it to in this type of novel. There was quite a few different character perspectives, and plots within plots; it felt a bit untidy and unnecessary at times.
Overall: I didn't love or hate this one, it was average for me so while it wouldn't be one I would go out of my way to recommend, it's worth a read if the synopsis interests you.
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Twelve Secrets by Robert Gold. (2021).
Ben'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 his family and their hometown, Haddley, into the spotlight. 20 years later Ben is one of the best investigative journalists in the country and settled back into Haddley with the support of its close-knit community. But then a fresh murder case shines new light on Nick's death. Ben is about to discover that in Haddley no one is as they seem...
This is a tricky one to review because when I started it I was really into it and thought it was quite interesting, but then by the end I was just waiting for it to be over. I found the twists to be fairly predictable, none of them gave me a shock as you would expect it to in this type of novel. There was quite a few different character perspectives, and plots within plots; it felt a bit untidy and unnecessary at times.
Overall: I didn't love or hate this one, it was average for me so while it wouldn't be one I would go out of my way to recommend, it's worth a read if the synopsis interests you.
February 14, 2023
What on earth were those last 100 pages about?? I loved the first two hundred pages and was going to give this book a solid four stars, but there were too many twists, man! You know what they say? Too many twists spoil the plot... (I hope that worked).
So did Jake or Mrs C kill Abigail, who had murdered Nick and Simon? Abigail was manipulated by Jake, but we thought that Francis was manipulating her. And Abigail manipulated Josie? And Josie decided to come back because she wanted to exact revenge on Jake by putting a knife to Alice's back even though she wanted to kill him. And she claimed that she never wanted to kill the two boys and she seemed content with her new life in Deal. Was she worried that Jake was going to kill her? Oh and Jake pushed Michael (a friend) into a road but Holly thought that she had hit him with her car and Francis covered it up and also raped Holly. Oh and Nathan is Josie and James' son - oh wait no, he's now Will's son...
READ THE ABOVE AGAIN. THAT is how conFUSING this plot was!! (I haven't actually proofread the paragraph because I really couldn't care less about this book tb honest.)
It's a shame, Robert Gold. There were some good moments in here (and a good murder) but you fudged it up...
Ok I have proofread and after saying that I cba to explain the plot and go on to explain the plot...
So did Jake or Mrs C kill Abigail, who had murdered Nick and Simon? Abigail was manipulated by Jake, but we thought that Francis was manipulating her. And Abigail manipulated Josie? And Josie decided to come back because she wanted to exact revenge on Jake by putting a knife to Alice's back even though she wanted to kill him. And she claimed that she never wanted to kill the two boys and she seemed content with her new life in Deal. Was she worried that Jake was going to kill her? Oh and Jake pushed Michael (a friend) into a road but Holly thought that she had hit him with her car and Francis covered it up and also raped Holly. Oh and Nathan is Josie and James' son - oh wait no, he's now Will's son...
READ THE ABOVE AGAIN. THAT is how conFUSING this plot was!! (I haven't actually proofread the paragraph because I really couldn't care less about this book tb honest.)
It's a shame, Robert Gold. There were some good moments in here (and a good murder) but you fudged it up...
Ok I have proofread and after saying that I cba to explain the plot and go on to explain the plot...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2023
That overused cliché 'unputdownable' is something I never use in reviews. It's frequently used as an object of mockery. Well, here goes. Twelve Secrets is UNPUTDOWNABLE! I only put it down when I could no longer keep my eyes open, like 1:00am in the early hours when sleep took over. This book WILL f**k with your mind, it will screw you over with more twists and turns than the mind can cope with. It's ridiculously brilliant, grips you by the cojones and doesn't let go leaving you breathless by the end. How can this be a debut novel?! But it is.
Set in Haddley on the River Thames just outside London based on Robert Gold's home town of Putney. Ben Harper is a renowned investigative journalist whose life changed for ever the day his older brother, Nick, was murdered by two classmates. A crime that shocked the nation and threw Haddley into the spotlight. Twenty years on Ben has settled back in the close knit hometown when a fresh murder case shines new light on his brother's death. Suspicion falls on those closest to him. Everyone has something to hide. Layers of SECRETS unwound that had me in a complete spin. And then more is revealed and more and more...
I can honestly say that Twelve Secrets is the best thriller I have read bar none. And that is some accolade. Just get a copy and read it!
Set in Haddley on the River Thames just outside London based on Robert Gold's home town of Putney. Ben Harper is a renowned investigative journalist whose life changed for ever the day his older brother, Nick, was murdered by two classmates. A crime that shocked the nation and threw Haddley into the spotlight. Twenty years on Ben has settled back in the close knit hometown when a fresh murder case shines new light on his brother's death. Suspicion falls on those closest to him. Everyone has something to hide. Layers of SECRETS unwound that had me in a complete spin. And then more is revealed and more and more...
I can honestly say that Twelve Secrets is the best thriller I have read bar none. And that is some accolade. Just get a copy and read it!
August 15, 2022
Twelve Secrets (Ben Harper #1) by Robert Gold
Synopsis /
Ben Harper, true crime journalist, is about to unravel his most shocking story yet……his own.
The day his older brother was murdered was the day Ben Harper's life changed forever.
In one of the most shocking crimes in national history, Nick and his friend were stabbed to death by two girls their own age. Police called the killings random, a senseless tragedy.
Twenty years on Ben is one of the best true crime journalists in the country. He has left the past behind, thanks to the support of his close-knit hometown community.
But when he learns about a fresh murder case with links to his brother's death, Ben's life is turned upside down once more. He soon finds himself caught in a web of lies, one that implicates everyone around him. And on his quest for answers, Ben discovers one very important truth:
Everyone has secrets. But some secrets are deadlier than others.
My Thoughts /
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: suggestions of child grooming, sex with minors, child deaths.
In Twelve Secrets, we are introduced to investigative journalist, Ben Harper.
Ben’s life has been fraught with tragedy. When Ben was only eight years old, his teenage brother Nick and Nick’s best friend, Simon, were lured into the woods, and once there, were murdered by two teenage female classmates - Abigail Langdon and Josie Fairchild. The murders shook the small town of Haddley. Ben’s dad left the family after the murder of his eldest son; so it was just Ben and his mum left to help each other through their grief.
Twelve years after the death of her son, Ben’s mother Clare, went out one morning and never came home. It was reported that she jumped in front of a train, taking her own life.
Fast forward to the present, which is now 20 years later, and another murder has been committed, miles away from the small town of Haddley; but it appears this murder links back to Haddley and the murders of Nick and Simon. Once again, Haddley is in the spotlight and EVERYONE is now a suspect.
Secret, by definition, means something that is or is kept secret, hidden, or concealed. And this book has a lot of them! What it also has a lot of, are characters. Is it a case of too many characters spoil the plot? I suspect not, but it will require patience and a little persistence to recall who is who. Once you immerse yourself into this story it will all make sense. Gold has done a wonderful job connecting the past with the present and there are some genuinely shocking twists as Ben Harper finally begins to unravel the truth behind what happened to his family.
The cast of supporting characters are strong. Ben’s boss, Madeline Wilson – with the 10year anniversary of Ben’s mother’s death on the horizon, she wants him to write a story about it – titled ‘Remembering Clare Harper’ and to be written purely from his perspective. Ben is reluctant; he recognises his past holds secrets; secrets he would rather remain buried. Policewoman, Dani Cash – Dani is a good cop, but has had a chequered career which has suffered setbacks – she is now working hard to cement her place on the force.
This is a solid thriller, told through the POV of a range of characters each, with their own secrets to hide. Gold does an excellent job tying everything together; including adding in some twists as Ben finally begins to unravel the truth behind what happened to his family.
Synopsis /
Ben Harper, true crime journalist, is about to unravel his most shocking story yet……his own.
The day his older brother was murdered was the day Ben Harper's life changed forever.
In one of the most shocking crimes in national history, Nick and his friend were stabbed to death by two girls their own age. Police called the killings random, a senseless tragedy.
Twenty years on Ben is one of the best true crime journalists in the country. He has left the past behind, thanks to the support of his close-knit hometown community.
But when he learns about a fresh murder case with links to his brother's death, Ben's life is turned upside down once more. He soon finds himself caught in a web of lies, one that implicates everyone around him. And on his quest for answers, Ben discovers one very important truth:
Everyone has secrets. But some secrets are deadlier than others.
My Thoughts /
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: suggestions of child grooming, sex with minors, child deaths.
In Twelve Secrets, we are introduced to investigative journalist, Ben Harper.
Ben’s life has been fraught with tragedy. When Ben was only eight years old, his teenage brother Nick and Nick’s best friend, Simon, were lured into the woods, and once there, were murdered by two teenage female classmates - Abigail Langdon and Josie Fairchild. The murders shook the small town of Haddley. Ben’s dad left the family after the murder of his eldest son; so it was just Ben and his mum left to help each other through their grief.
Twelve years after the death of her son, Ben’s mother Clare, went out one morning and never came home. It was reported that she jumped in front of a train, taking her own life.
Fast forward to the present, which is now 20 years later, and another murder has been committed, miles away from the small town of Haddley; but it appears this murder links back to Haddley and the murders of Nick and Simon. Once again, Haddley is in the spotlight and EVERYONE is now a suspect.
Secret, by definition, means something that is or is kept secret, hidden, or concealed. And this book has a lot of them! What it also has a lot of, are characters. Is it a case of too many characters spoil the plot? I suspect not, but it will require patience and a little persistence to recall who is who. Once you immerse yourself into this story it will all make sense. Gold has done a wonderful job connecting the past with the present and there are some genuinely shocking twists as Ben Harper finally begins to unravel the truth behind what happened to his family.
The cast of supporting characters are strong. Ben’s boss, Madeline Wilson – with the 10year anniversary of Ben’s mother’s death on the horizon, she wants him to write a story about it – titled ‘Remembering Clare Harper’ and to be written purely from his perspective. Ben is reluctant; he recognises his past holds secrets; secrets he would rather remain buried. Policewoman, Dani Cash – Dani is a good cop, but has had a chequered career which has suffered setbacks – she is now working hard to cement her place on the force.
This is a solid thriller, told through the POV of a range of characters each, with their own secrets to hide. Gold does an excellent job tying everything together; including adding in some twists as Ben finally begins to unravel the truth behind what happened to his family.
January 16, 2023
Twelve secrets started as 3 star but I hit the half way mark then it changes to a 4 star.
For me this book starts slowly and then you hit the half way... And bang your on a twisty ride right to the end, you think you've worked it all out and then all of a sudden you realise no you haven't you don't know anything.
This book is full of secrets, murder and a town full of people who are involved with each more than your average town.
Definitely worth a read 📚
For me this book starts slowly and then you hit the half way... And bang your on a twisty ride right to the end, you think you've worked it all out and then all of a sudden you realise no you haven't you don't know anything.
This book is full of secrets, murder and a town full of people who are involved with each more than your average town.
Definitely worth a read 📚
March 7, 2022
Yes, Ben Harper #1, as the book is labelled, is the start of a great new series. Ben is quite a complicated character, but the authors has given him all the right traits. Ben is intelligent, curious but not nosey, a good journalist and a very empathic man. At the start of the storey he refuses his boss Madeline to write a piece about the 10 year anniversary of his mother’s death. She just wants it to attract more readers to her website and he doesn’t want to explore his mother’s life and especially not her death. But when he learns about certain circumstances he delves deeper in his mother’s past and of course his own and that of his murdered brother. He finally finds a lot of secrets but also a lot of truths and in the end he discovers how the lives of his family and other families in the village are intertwined. Some in a good way, some in a bad way.
Not only Ben is a great character, the other people we get to know in this story are also painted with real depth, whether they are good or bad. This book was a real pleasure to read because the story flowed as it should. It is not easy to delve into your past and find out things about yourself that you may not like.
I hope to see another book with Ben Harper very soon.
Thanks to Netgalley and Little Brown for this review copy.
Not only Ben is a great character, the other people we get to know in this story are also painted with real depth, whether they are good or bad. This book was a real pleasure to read because the story flowed as it should. It is not easy to delve into your past and find out things about yourself that you may not like.
I hope to see another book with Ben Harper very soon.
Thanks to Netgalley and Little Brown for this review copy.
October 14, 2021
A really addictive psychological thriller that holds the attention throughout and has some excellent characters.
A journalist looks into his tragic family past and starts to uncover hidden secrets surrounding the murder of his brother years earlier.
Really well written and plotted Twelve Secrets has plenty of twists and a good sense of the unexpected. Not easily predictable and with some intriguing central themes it is a classic page turner, both entertaining and emotional.
Really enjoyed it. Recommended.
A journalist looks into his tragic family past and starts to uncover hidden secrets surrounding the murder of his brother years earlier.
Really well written and plotted Twelve Secrets has plenty of twists and a good sense of the unexpected. Not easily predictable and with some intriguing central themes it is a classic page turner, both entertaining and emotional.
Really enjoyed it. Recommended.
March 29, 2022
Should of been 6 secrets not 12..
Such a shame as it had high reviews from two of my favourite authors, Karin Slaughter and Lisa Jewell - absolutely nothing like their writing.
1.5 stars. Not an awful book but very underwhelming, far too many characters / narrators with absolutely zero depth. The dramatic ‘twists’ had no build up and were thrown at you in one page.
The characters and plot also felt very unrealistic and I felt nothing for any of them. Each ‘character’ boiled down to brief event that happened to them, with no feeling or purpose other than a crude plot device.
The ending really felt like it was trying to reach a word count, chapters turned into two pages each which was annoying and distracting. It was very much AND THEN THIS HAPPENED AND AND AND THEN *THIS* with very little depth, meaning or consequence.
The writing style it self was also very basic and lacklustre. I believe it’s his first book so maybe great things to come?
Such a shame as it had high reviews from two of my favourite authors, Karin Slaughter and Lisa Jewell - absolutely nothing like their writing.
1.5 stars. Not an awful book but very underwhelming, far too many characters / narrators with absolutely zero depth. The dramatic ‘twists’ had no build up and were thrown at you in one page.
The characters and plot also felt very unrealistic and I felt nothing for any of them. Each ‘character’ boiled down to brief event that happened to them, with no feeling or purpose other than a crude plot device.
The ending really felt like it was trying to reach a word count, chapters turned into two pages each which was annoying and distracting. It was very much AND THEN THIS HAPPENED AND AND AND THEN *THIS* with very little depth, meaning or consequence.
The writing style it self was also very basic and lacklustre. I believe it’s his first book so maybe great things to come?
June 25, 2022
DNF 20%. The only thing I remember is that I never want to return to it.
August 30, 2022
I liked this one a lot but its not my favourite thriller
February 22, 2024
“audible hopes you’ve enjoyed this production” HELL YEAH I DID. finally a good thriller!!! listened to the audiobook while cleaning and the amount of times i would just stop what i was doing and look in the direction of my phone like o.O :o
anyway, this is a series and i will read all of them and inevitably be disappointed by the second book
anyway, this is a series and i will read all of them and inevitably be disappointed by the second book
July 28, 2024
Internet journalist Ben Harper’s brother and his friend were murdered twenty years ago by two female schoolmates. After their release from prison, they started new lives under assumed names. When one of them is found murdered in the same brutal manner as the victims, Ben pursues the truth about what happened in their small town so many years ago and also whether his mother really committed suicide ten years ago or was she also targeted. As the story is revealed, so are twelve secrets held by twelve local residents.
This is listed as the first in the Ben Harper series. It will be re released on August 2, 2024 and according to Amazon, so will books 2 and 3. There are quite a few characters in this tale, but with some concentration, it is fairly easy to keep track of them. Some are likable, others not so. Ben is a sympathetic but strong main character. Well plotted, there are twists and red herrings in this fast, engrossing read.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.
This is listed as the first in the Ben Harper series. It will be re released on August 2, 2024 and according to Amazon, so will books 2 and 3. There are quite a few characters in this tale, but with some concentration, it is fairly easy to keep track of them. Some are likable, others not so. Ben is a sympathetic but strong main character. Well plotted, there are twists and red herrings in this fast, engrossing read.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.
May 27, 2022
Entretenido, aunque seguramente saltar de un personaje a otro en la narración sea un poco confuso y no le guste a muchos. Tiene varios giros, algunos se ven venir más que otros pero creo que el final le restó mucho. Le seguiré la pista a esta serie.
January 1, 2022
Twelve Secrets by Robert Gold is the first in the Ben Harper series.
Ben is an award-winning True crime Journalist. When he is asked by his boss if he can write about his own family history. When he was an eight-year-old child his brother Nick and his friend Simon was murdered in the woods by two schoolgirls Abigail Langdon and Josie Fairchild. The pair were convicted and served their time. After their release they were given new identities. His mother committed suicide ten years later.
Present day Abigail Langdon body is found she has been murdered. Has it got to do with what happened all of them years ago?
Thank you, Little Brown, for a copy of Twelve secrets by Robert Gold. This story is told in multiple points of view and at first you don’t realise what the significance of each one is until the very end of the story. It is an intriguing story with lots of twists and turns. But I sometimes felt a bit overwhelmed with so many POV’s which left me a bit unclear of what was happening. Overall, it was a good storyline but could be a bit straightforward. 3.5 stars from me.
Ben is an award-winning True crime Journalist. When he is asked by his boss if he can write about his own family history. When he was an eight-year-old child his brother Nick and his friend Simon was murdered in the woods by two schoolgirls Abigail Langdon and Josie Fairchild. The pair were convicted and served their time. After their release they were given new identities. His mother committed suicide ten years later.
Present day Abigail Langdon body is found she has been murdered. Has it got to do with what happened all of them years ago?
Thank you, Little Brown, for a copy of Twelve secrets by Robert Gold. This story is told in multiple points of view and at first you don’t realise what the significance of each one is until the very end of the story. It is an intriguing story with lots of twists and turns. But I sometimes felt a bit overwhelmed with so many POV’s which left me a bit unclear of what was happening. Overall, it was a good storyline but could be a bit straightforward. 3.5 stars from me.
April 23, 2022
Unlike the majority of reviews, I’m not going to thank anyone for giving me this book for an honest review. I chose and paid for it myself, before a long haul flight. Have I read the same book as all these “amazing!” reviews? So many beige characters given no time breathe. Too many similar characters, none which I felt any kind of empathy for. And surely the author could make the chapter lengths longer than a few pages, and without the tiresome last line reveal every time.
Every chapter I could hear the author thinking”Netflix or channel 5 are gone love this!”
Unfortunately I didn’t.
I now think I need to bin Goodreads, if the pay to play reviews are this obvious.
Every chapter I could hear the author thinking”Netflix or channel 5 are gone love this!”
Unfortunately I didn’t.
I now think I need to bin Goodreads, if the pay to play reviews are this obvious.
April 17, 2022
Solid 4 star read, because I lost count of all the secrets. Were there twelve? I’m going to trust the author with that.
Ben has been asked by his somewhat pushy editor to write a retrospective - Ben’s older brother was killed, along with his friend, by a couple of local girls, a random tragedy that impacted upon his, and his mother’s, life.
Then the news report comes in: one of the girls, freed after serving time and living under a new identity, was murdered in the same way that Ben’s brother was. The spotlight is back upon the small village Ben and his lifelong friends live in - why did Ben’s mother take her life? How many secrets live amongst everyone there? And: who???
Ben has been asked by his somewhat pushy editor to write a retrospective - Ben’s older brother was killed, along with his friend, by a couple of local girls, a random tragedy that impacted upon his, and his mother’s, life.
Then the news report comes in: one of the girls, freed after serving time and living under a new identity, was murdered in the same way that Ben’s brother was. The spotlight is back upon the small village Ben and his lifelong friends live in - why did Ben’s mother take her life? How many secrets live amongst everyone there? And: who???
May 11, 2023
Ben Harper è un giornalista d'inchiesta ma nel suo passato ci sono delle ombre: il fratello ucciso da due ragazzine e la madre morta suicida.
Adesso, al centro della sua inchiesta, ci sono proprio le persone che ha amato di più. Solo che a Haddley, cittadina in cui la famiglia Harper ha sempre vissuto, niente e nessuno è come sembra. Ciascuno ha un segreto. E qualcuno è disposto a tutto pur di mantenere la verità sepolta.
Datemi un thriller psicologico, una pletora di personaggi con tanti segreti e una trama che, sul finale, ricongiunge tutto a un unico punto, e fate di me una donna felice.
Però sappiate che Robert Gold mi ha già resa molto felice.
La scrittura dell'autore è chiarissima e super scorrevole, non c'è un momento morto durante la narrazione: le riflessioni sono acute, i colpi di scena sorprendono, i personaggi sono ben strutturati (anche se avrei preferito un maggior approfondimento di alcuni di quelli secondari).
Tutti i fili che Gold dispiega all'inizio del libro vengono a poco a poco tirati e tutti, insieme, senza perdere un colpo, creano un unico gomitolo. Un gomitolo pieno di segreti svelati, crimini risolti e passati che, da sepolti, vengono rivangati. Sinceramente l'ho adorato!
Il finale devo ammettere che mi ha un po' fregata e un po' no: avevo indovinato qualcosa... ma non tutto.
Da quando l'ho puntato sapevo che mi avrebbe appassionata e infatti avevo ragione.
A questo punto aspetto con ansia il seguito!
Adesso, al centro della sua inchiesta, ci sono proprio le persone che ha amato di più. Solo che a Haddley, cittadina in cui la famiglia Harper ha sempre vissuto, niente e nessuno è come sembra. Ciascuno ha un segreto. E qualcuno è disposto a tutto pur di mantenere la verità sepolta.
Datemi un thriller psicologico, una pletora di personaggi con tanti segreti e una trama che, sul finale, ricongiunge tutto a un unico punto, e fate di me una donna felice.
Però sappiate che Robert Gold mi ha già resa molto felice.
La scrittura dell'autore è chiarissima e super scorrevole, non c'è un momento morto durante la narrazione: le riflessioni sono acute, i colpi di scena sorprendono, i personaggi sono ben strutturati (anche se avrei preferito un maggior approfondimento di alcuni di quelli secondari).
Tutti i fili che Gold dispiega all'inizio del libro vengono a poco a poco tirati e tutti, insieme, senza perdere un colpo, creano un unico gomitolo. Un gomitolo pieno di segreti svelati, crimini risolti e passati che, da sepolti, vengono rivangati. Sinceramente l'ho adorato!
Il finale devo ammettere che mi ha un po' fregata e un po' no: avevo indovinato qualcosa... ma non tutto.
Da quando l'ho puntato sapevo che mi avrebbe appassionata e infatti avevo ragione.
A questo punto aspetto con ansia il seguito!
May 14, 2022
The strength of this book was in its characters - from Katherine to Corrine, they were very real.
But by page 232 I was so sick and tired of this novel. The writing was good but the story wasn't enjoyable. Somehow it turned out to be a book chock full of unexpected rape, graphic at times, and male dominance, which I found tedious asf. The only thing that kept me going was that it was almost over. Aside from this, as the ending approached the plot grew more and more ludicrous. And I do mean unbelievably preposterous (chapter 80+?? Just...as if? 🤨). The book grew frustrating, until the final scene where all I could think was, "...sure, whatever." As I skimmed the epilogue, I was detached and disinterested.
If you want to read a mystery for the sake of one, and if you are willing to read anything, then you'll likely enjoy it the same as you would any competent piece of writing telling a stock story. Anyone slightly more discerning than that...skip it.
But by page 232 I was so sick and tired of this novel. The writing was good but the story wasn't enjoyable. Somehow it turned out to be a book chock full of unexpected rape, graphic at times, and male dominance, which I found tedious asf. The only thing that kept me going was that it was almost over. Aside from this, as the ending approached the plot grew more and more ludicrous. And I do mean unbelievably preposterous (chapter 80+?? Just...as if? 🤨). The book grew frustrating, until the final scene where all I could think was, "...sure, whatever." As I skimmed the epilogue, I was detached and disinterested.
If you want to read a mystery for the sake of one, and if you are willing to read anything, then you'll likely enjoy it the same as you would any competent piece of writing telling a stock story. Anyone slightly more discerning than that...skip it.
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