The Templar Secret

Ben Hope #30

by Scott Mariani

An unmissable thriller from the master of the genre

Scott Mariani’s pulse-pounding thrillers mix action, adventure, conspiracy and ancient secrets with modern mysteries and cutting-edge tech – and at the heart of it a hero you’ll never forget. Now join Ben Hope on his 30th adventure – a mission that promises to be his most dramatic yet.

To his many thousands of fans, ex-SAS officer Ben Hope stands tall as a warrior, a protector of the innocent, a defender of those in need, relentless in his pursuit of those who exploit others or prey on the weak.

But Ben is also a man all too aware of his own flaws and weaknesses – a man who knows to become unstoppable, he needs the right team to put together in a crisis. With his network of mavericks, experts and daredevils, he’s always ready to risk life and liberty for the right cause, wherever in the world that call might take him.

Genres: Adventure, Thriller, Fiction

432 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed the work of Scott Mariani, especially his Ben Hope series. While there are a number of novels in the collection, there has never been a waning of the quality. Hope finds himself yet again in the middle of an intense situation, where bloodshed and mystery are guaranteed. After a mysterious and cryptic message is discovered in a crypt, Hope and his team must connect the dots, as others would hope to eliminate him before the truth can be revealed. Mariani delivers another great story that kept me flipping pages well into the night.

Ben Hope has always been one to find trouble, rather than let it cross his path. Even after leaving the SAS and turning to educating the next generation of security personnel, Hope’s facility in rural France seems to be a beacon for those who need help. After a longtime friend brings a mystery to Hope about the Knights Templar, he is sure this is not something he cares to explore any further. However, some people are just too persuasive.

A set of symbols etched into a wall of a crypt, or a flag whose symbols include a castle fortress, even a message that speaks of an unknown group from many centuries ago, all pique the interest of one Ben Hope. However, it is not after his team is attacked and one is left dead that Hope finds himself in the middle of a mess. It would seem that someone has been sent to neutralise him in order to silence these secrets from ever seeing the light of day. Hope is now convinced that he will uncover it all and reveal those who would have it erased.

Fuelled by a sense of retribution and a desire to get to the truth of the matter, Ben Hope thrusts himself into the middle of a mystery that could change the face of Western Civilisation, given the chance. This is no task for a mere historian, but rather a terrible mystery that could change the face of all Hope holds dear. A stellar thriller that shows how well-versed Scott Mariani is with historical and modern mysteries.

This series has never failed to impress me, even thirty novels into the mix. Scott Mariani has been able to craft many wonderful stories and connect them with a strong protagonist and the ever-blossoming curiosity of the series fan. A strong narrative proves to be the foundation to the series, connecting great ideas with a solid collection of historical facts to lure the reader in and not let things go. Great characters help to provide a wonderful set of perspectives and flavour the larger story in ways that cannot easily be described. Short chapters push things along and keep the reader guessing what awaits them. There is a stellar set of plot points and surprises, complemented by historical revelations, that keep the reader wondering until the final reveal in each book. I cannot find myself tiring of this series, as long as Mariani keeps the new and revitalised ideas coming to the surface. I hope others will discover this collection and enjoy them as much as I have over the last number of years.

Kudos, Mr. Mariani, for a series that always excites me for its adventurous content!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay

[Simon Pitman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Mariani and Ben Hope. What can I say. A rollercoaster journey and another brilliant novel that lasted about a day.
Whatever Mariani does next I am excited to see and read.
Ben Hope is a legend!!

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 30th book and the Final one for Ben Hope. The author has decided that this would be Good~bye for one of my beloved characters whose exploits and personal life had become a part of me during the Lockdown. Ben Hope had helped pass the time and made its passage more rich and exciting.

Ben, Jeff and Tuesday are scouting for a much bigger property than Le Val in line with their plan of expanding their famous security training business. While inspecting one of the properties, there was an incident and a discovery of a hidden passage, this led to a missing American and when Ben went back to investigate the property because their agent got beaten up within an inch of his life and Tuesday got killed by those who beat up their real estate agent, all due to what was etched on the walls of the secret cellar. Then he was hit on the head by the missing American's "wife" who turned up to be Roberta and who was not a wife but a colleague of the missing person. Both, Ben and Roberta, will have their final adventure and maybe end up married since Ben is apparently retiring. We had a good run, Ben. Farewell and ALL the Best.

[Gail and Alfie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad

After reading and following the many adventures of Ben and his team, can't believe it's been 30 books! I have enjoyed every single one of them, yes it's fiction but I feel like I know the characters and I am sorry it's the last chapter.Thank you Scott.

[Maxine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a fairly run of the mill adventure story, with lots for fights violence and daring do. It was OK, it all seemed fairly obvious what was going to happen, the plot was not terribly engaging, but if you like that sort of thing is was pretty stereotyplical.

[Razan · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a shocker, killing off that main character. The beginning of the end for this previously superb book series?

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite series and this book did not disappoint. However, this is potentially the first one in the series to get an emotional reaction and I really feel like I need time to grieve because of events that happened in the book, both at the beginning and the end. Still amazing though

[Dawn Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

My guilty pleasure! Didn't disappoint. Unfortunately the last book in the series. No more Ben Hope. Will have to try his new character series.

[Wayne Fielding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mariani you complete and utter git 😢😂

[AJRXII · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end. What a series of books. Superb, I doubt we've seen the end of Ben though?

[Ray O'Hare · Rating 4 out of 5]

that's 30 Ben Hope books read and enjoyed.
I don't think I've given any of them 5 stars in case Scott Mariani managed the impossible and produced a one to beat them all. so can I give the series 5 Stars.

[Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always another excellent read from Scott Mariani. Ben Hope does what Ben Hope does best. Happiness and tragedy go hand in hand. I’m absolutely gutted that this is the last Ben Hope, I have been an avid reader of the books from day one and really sorely miss my updates on his adventures. All I will hope is never say never to a return. Thank you Scott for the hours of escapism.

[Silver Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

For twelve years I have read the Ben Hope book, but all good things come to an end. As usual, a page turner, but with a history lesson about the Templars. Fascinating stuff. Than you, Scott Mariani for twelve years of excellent reading.

[Mel Horne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh oh oh ! This is the last book in The series , it has been fun ! It was a comfortable episode to end on, no great finale but an open ending and an intriguing future beckons . I think I might have to return to book one and start again ! I find I want to read how he lights a match with one shot again . Thank you Ben Hope for so many rollicking adventures .

[Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had to end at some point.

This series has been an absolute delight. Ben Hope is my favourite book character. Alongside Harry Bosch and Dan “Spider” Shepherd.

The plot was very fascinating and it was a welcome change to focus on historical fiction, certain the aspects I enjoy the most.

The shocking events in the early chapters killing off that character. Quite possibly my second favourite character in the series, set the tone.

Absolutely gutted at the fate of that character.

If this is indeed truly the end.

‘Au revoir Monsieur Ope!’

When in doubt ‘**** it!…always turn left’

Thank you Mr Scott Mariani for an absolutely thrilling series.

[Sean Loone · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you like formulaic and cliched action books then this is for you. Having read several of the Ben Hope books thought I’d give this a try as the backstory is based on the Templars but what a lot of twaddle! Silly in the extreme but the one thing which put me off the most again is the completely unnecessary violence. It’s one of the reasons I gave up Reacher.Killing people is one thing slaughtering them is another! The abrupt end proves this perfectly. So, if you like this kind of well-written action books you will like it far better than I do. Still if you’ve taken the time to read this review you’ll no doubt find out what I mean.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining book and reasonably well written, a pretty good choice to occupy the hours during a holiday. I had been left flat by my last book and wanted something that was going to stir up the juices, not challenge me (too much) and entertain and this certainly ticks all those boxes. As an added bonus we get a tour of parts of France, parts of Spain and parts of Portugal which left me grabbing the holiday brochures!

Ben Hope gets sucked into a crisis amongst the Templars while he is hunting for a property to expand his business with. Cue lots of shooting, car chases, dramatic (and sometimes highly suspect) escapes and battles which leave not a scar. A goodly amount of historical information, if you believe what he is saying, if not just go along with it, about the Christian Church and the formation of the belief structure within that.

As with all these sorts of tales, success relies on some third party with limitless pockets and resources to provide everything needed to ensure our hero succeeds. In this case that 3rd party even has a fully equiped and staffed private hospital on their French estate. As well as jets, helicopters and so on. My, Ben Hope is fortunate to have such friends.

The trouble with this topic is that it is very much like the Loch Ness monster, everyone wants to believe the story of the Knights Templar but no-one really wants to prove it, or disprove it so Scott Mariani can't really conclude the story. The way he ends the tale and leaves it all unresolved is pretty clever though. Shame about the BMW, but it is just a car.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want to start, or finish, this book. The main reason being that it's the last story about former SAS Major, Ben Hope, at least for a while. There have been twenty nine stories and thirty books, as one of the stories was told over two books,
Ben Hope, Jeff Dekker and Tuesday Fletcher travel from Le Val to the south of France. They're looking to buy a big property with plenty of land and to develop the site into a bigger training place than the one they have already. They're shown the first of two shortlisted properties, but before they can look at the second, the three men have their attention diverted by criminals, who are looking for historical secrets about the Templars.
As Ben and his friends are being used as targets for shooting practice, one or them is killed. Ben and the other survivor carry on with the fight and hunt. They eventually get caugtht and put in the cells by the local police. Needless to say, their incarceration was not a long one.
Ben and some of his men from Le Val manage to find the hiding place of the Templar's Secret Treasure. They liberate it, and arrange for those other interested parties to meet up to discuss their ownership. But things don't go as expected.
I understand why there won't be any more Ben Hope books for the forseeable future, but I'll miss them. I'd always buy the latest story and look to see when the next one would be published. Looking forward todifferent novels by Scott Mariani.

[Laura Lougher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven’t read any of this series before, so no preconceptions. I enjoyed the writing and the characters but found some things a bit cliched and some of the exploits a bit far fetched. It’s a bit Mission Impossible style I suppose. The plot was clever and I liked the way the author chose to leave things for the last book of this character’s series. For some reason the description of the words said by the Scottish character towards the end absolutely set my teeth on edge - like Rab C Nesbitt on paper🤢🫣🤯 even though I’m not Scottish. Some people have said the Templar angle wasn’t explored enough 😳 I think there was more than enough. Overall quite enjoyable, not sure I will be rushing out for the other 29 but would probably read one if I came across it.

[D.S. Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If in doubt, turn left."

Au revoir Monsieur Ope!

What a ride that has been! Ben Hope will forever be one of my favourite ever characters. Sad to see the end of his story but also exciting for what comes next.

Ben's last outing is as usual and action packed adventure, with returning loved characters and one epic shock!

I left that quote at the top because I always say it to my partner when we're out on a dog walk, and reading the last few chapter I spotted that quote. Realising Ben Hope is the reason I say it. 🤣

For anyone wondering Scott is moving to a historical setting next with The Pilgrims Choice! With a new leads medieval adventures for us to devour.

[Melly Dimitrova · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was unexpected in so many ways. I had no idea it is the final book in the series - I'll sure miss Ben Hope, he's my favourite action hero!
I can't say much without spoiling the book. I never expected this kind of ending. I got attached to these characters and this new chapter, new development... It's so unexpected and sad. I hope one day a new novel will pop up and we can follow Ben's journey again, as settling isn't for him, it doesn't seem like it. Even in his older age, he'd be the hero, but please, no Indiana Jones stuff, I can't stand the new "girl boss" narrative everywhere, it's so fake and pushed onto people.

[Tom - Reader of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben Hope has had 30 adventures and this one sees the series go sort of full circle, back to the start. A fitting way to bring the series to a close or at least a temporary pause. The books have always worked best when focused on the religious and historical elements and they sing in harmony here.

The characters we know and love combined with pacy action and a genuine shock, had me gripped. I admire Mariano for taking a step back after this to focus on newer characters and stories, the series had a few duff entries of late but not this one. A rewarding end.

[Annie Weatherly-Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this being the last of the Ben Hope books, Mr Mariani certainly shook up the story with a lot of big bangs. History of the Templars told in unhurried story telling, but with on glaring mistake when it came to the Story of Luke's Gospel. Still no matter. It was a good yarn, lots of twists and turns and an explosive end. Worth a read.

Having read a lot of Ben Hope books I must say I did enjoy this one immensely. Why didn't I give it 5 stars? Well when you read it you might just realise. Ho Hum.

Well done Mr Mariani for a good series.

[Robyn Balmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that “The Templar Secret” by Scott Mariani was an okay (3-star) read but I think I am over books with lots of violence. I thought that the operatives in this story were not as excellent as they were perceived, as they sometimes failed in their situations. There were also a few occasions where the rescues of the main characters were a bit unbelievable.
Mr Mariani is amazing with research, and the story is told well. I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates violence and religion.

[Kevin Heathcote · Rating 3 out of 5]

Passing through the book section in the local supermarket, I picked it up and thought I'd give it a go having not read any of the previous 29 adventures of Ben Hope.

The book sets off at a decent pace, lots of action and got my attention. As the story developed I just started to feel parts were a little contrived, and that the situations Ben found himself in and how he dealt with them were a bit unbelievable, but then again this is a fiction book right?

It's a decent enough read, is it enough to make me want to read one of the other 29? Probably not

[Alun]

Another rip roaring adventure with Ben Hope and his gang. Escapism full of thrills, violence! twists and turns. A bit Danbrownesque when discussing the Gnostic Gospels- which of course are the truth! - and not the Biblical Canon as is. But hey ho you need a bit of theological imagination to kick the establishment.

Llyfr antur darllenadwy sy'n llawn o ddirgelwch ac mewn gwirionedd mae ôl ymchwil manwl i wahanol elfennau fel tirwedd Ffrainc, hanes y Croesgadwyr a'r Efengylau Gnosticaidd wrthodwyd fel rhan o'r Canon Beiblaidd.

Rhwydd ymgolli am gyfnod yn rhuthr a rythm y stori.

[TJ Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came into this book, thinking it was a prequel to the series as the audiobook said it was book #0, however I was far enough in when I realized it was in fact book 30 that I persisted. The book was easy enough to continue on with at that point and relationships that required a taster of backstory were offered just that. Not recommending you start here, but if you’ve never read a Ben Hope book, you won’t be lost in jumping in here. You just miss out on a few reveals that would have been reaarding for long standing fans of the series!

[Ian Birtwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately this is the last one in the Ben Hope series! It's been a long term project reading all of these and I've enjoyed every single one of them. Yes, you know what you're going to get but the characters are well written and are, for the most part, different in every book with a cadre of core characters that keep popping up. The Templar Secret was as good as the rest of the books and left the way open for a further adventure if the mood ever takes the author (Scott Mariani). If you like the Ben Hope genre then this won't disappoint!

[Balthazar Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of revenge. Usually Ben Hope goes into bat for others who have no where else to turn. But this time, following an attack upon himself and his friends, he sets out on revenge for himself and his dead friend. The problem is he doesn't know who is responsible, or why it happened, and finding the guilty party is not an easy task. However, a love interest from his past is able to help with this and he goes on the attack.

This is the final book in the series and it's classic Ben Hope. I enjoyed this with it's mix of myth, history and religion.