Nove vite segrete

Ben Harper #4

by Robert Gold, Giuseppe Maugeri (Translator)

I segreti sopravvivono solo dentro l’oscurità.
Un venerdì sera, a tarda ora, una donna parcheggia l’auto in una piazzola di sosta di Haddley, un sobborgo di Londra attraversato dal Tamigi. Spegne il motore e scende. Nascosto nel bosco vicino alla strada, il suo assassino la sta aspettando. La vittima è Alaka Jha, giornalista del Richmond Times, che con le sue inchieste ha dato voce a molte donne vittime di abusi domestici.
Trent’anni dopo, sua figlia Uma sta ancora tentando di scoprire la verità sulla morte della madre e per questo si rivolge a Ben Harper, brillante giornalista investigativo della stessa testata.
Anche Harper in passato ha perso in modo violento chi amava. E ha lottato per anni in cerca della verità. Non può dunque tirarsi indietro e si tuffa nell’indagine.
Ma scavare nel passato, a volte, porta lontano da dove si credeva di arrivare, in un intreccio di misteri e bugie insospettabili. Quando qualcuno inizia a minacciare di morte Uma, a poco a poco si scopre che troppe persone sono coinvolte. E tutte, da oltre trent’anni, hanno qualcosa da nascondere…
Dopo i successi di Dieci secondi, Gli undici inganni e I dodici segreti, con 16 edizioni in tre anni, Robert Gold torna con un romanzo in cui suspense e colpi di scena tengono il lettore con il fiato sospeso fino all’ultima pagina.

Genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

Originally from Harrogate in North Yorkshire, Robert Gold began his career as an intern at the American broadcaster CNN, based in Washington DC. He returned to Yorkshire to work for the retailer ASDA, becoming the chain’s nationwide book buyer. He now works in sales for a UK publishing company. Robert now lives in Putney and his new hometown served as the inspiration for the fictional town of Haddley in Twelve Secrets. In 2016, he co-authored three titles in James Patterson’s Bookshots series.

Reviews

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series featuring investigative journalist Ben Harper. Nine Hidden Lives was another very twisty page turner that kept me reading late into the night. I feel that we have really gotten to know Ben well through the 4 books so far, he would be who I would ask for help if ai needed it.

This time Ben is working on a 39 year old cold case, of his friend and colleague Alaka Jha, who was murdered. Nobody has ever been caught,, and her daughter still wants answers. Uma ask Ben for help and the pair find themselves in plenty of danger trying to solve the mystery. While Ben is doing all of this, his girlfriend Dani is waiting to give birth to their child.

There is never a dull moment in these books, with something happening all the time. There are a lot of characters and side stories going on but I never feel confused. I loved Pamela being back and having a bigger part in this story. She does make me laugh. It was very clever how this story unfolded and came together, a brilliant crime book.

Thanks so much to Bookouture on NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on April 10th.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story and all the characters from the previous books make their return. Lots of twists and turns some of which I thought I had sussed but no! So sad to hear of the authors diagnosis. Hope he gets the chance to write more books as I, for one, would be buying it

[The Book Review Café · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love crime thrillers with deep-rooted mysteries, Nine Hidden Lives by Robert Gold is definitely worth checking out. This is the fourth book in the Ben Harper series, and I’ve read them all! I personally think it might just be the best one yet. Gold crafts a gripping story that keeps you guessing while tackling tough subjects like domestic abuse and the power of investigative journalism with sensitivity and depth.

The story centre's on a decades-old murder journalist Alaka Jha was killed thirty years ago after exposing cases of domestic abuse. Now, her daughter Uma is determined to uncover the truth and enlists Ben Harpers help. But the deeper they dig, the more dangerous things become. Someone is willing to do whatever it takes to keep the past buried.

Gold strikes a perfect balance between a compelling mystery and well-developed characters. Ben Harper is an engaging protagonist determined, intelligent, and shaped by his own troubled past. He’s not just solving a case; he’s confronting personal struggles that make him feel real and relatable. Uma Jha is equally captivating, blending strength and vulnerability as she fights for justice for her mother. The town of Haddley is packed with secrets, and its residents add layers of intrigue some are helpful, some are clearly hiding something, and others are downright menacing.

The pacing is tight, the twists keep coming, and I found the final reveal intense and deeply satisfying. If you’ve followed the series, you’ll appreciate how this book builds on Ben’s journey. If you’re newcomer you can still enjoy Nine Hidden Lives as a standalone, though starting from the beginning makes the experience even richer. Either way, this is a gripping, unputdownable read perfect for anyone who loves a thriller that keeps them on edge.

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[The reading corner ~ pensa meno e leggi di più · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ci ho messo una vita a leggerlo perché ultimamente sono molto presa, non è da me impiegarci così tanto!
Un giallo tranquillo e ben scritto in cui però non succede niente di rilevante ai fini della trama fino pagina 200… una lettura comunque gradevole che tratta con tatto il tema della violenza sulla donne. Assolutamente attuale

[Karen Chong · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 / 5.0

An easy read from start to finish, it’s a short cozy read that will fly by! Not only do we get a twist historic case, but this time we have more insight in Bens personal like, as he navigates through his girlfriend pregnancy and his personal trauma and grudges with his own dad. It’s an emotional book where each character has something going on.

This story is centred around an unsolved 30 year old case, which Ben agrees to help re- examine. The victim this time is a journalist who at the time before her murder published a series of shocking interviews of domestic abuse/violence. Her daughter wants closure to find out who was responsible and why. But as Ben investigates threats are made against the vicitm’s daughter, the more he discovers newest information the web of lies and deception only increase. Some people what to keep secrets forever that they are willing to do what it takes to protect them.

It’s a great book, definitely worth a read (but it isn’t anything police procedural). The journey you go on reading this book is worth the time investment!

[Tabitha Sadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve got used to eagerly waiting for the next update in these wonderful characters lives every Easter when a new book comes out. I hadn’t read the authors social media update on his stage four cancer so it took me by surprise at the end. I had a long cry for this great author and that the series has come to an end. I really hope he is able to fight this horrible disease. He is one of the most talented authors I’ve had the pleasure to read.

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say I'm throughly confused as the synopsis on here is not what I remember the book being about, so I don't really know how to leave a review 🤔🤔

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirty years ago, Uma's mother, a reporter working for Sam's newspaper, was found murdered. To this day, the killer has not been found. Uma enlists Ben's help to publish an article about her mother, to shine one final spotlight on her life and death, and maybe discover new clues and answers. After all, Ben knows exactly what Uma is going through, as he's been in that very same position himself. But of course, people who have been keeping secrets for so long will do whatever it takes to keep them safe, and it doesn't take long for Uma to start receiving threats.

Just like its predecessor , 'Nine Hidden Lives' was a book of two halves for me. The first part reads more like a soap opera; an opportunity to catch up with the lives of the residents we've come to know over the course of the previous books. Uma is a GP, who's keeping a very close eye on Dani. Dani's now living with Ben and they are expecting their first child. There's Pamela - who I thought was absolutely brilliant -, who often helps out her friend Maggie to give her a break from looking after her husband. Karen, the police officer, and her new colleague are being kept busy also. So you see, it's not like there isn't anything going on but I didn't find it particularly thrilling and I was in desperate need of some oomph.

I knew I had to be patient, though. That sticking with it would pay off in the end. And it did. The second part drew me in and held my attention throughout. This is where the pieces of the puzzle finally start to come together. When events and things from the first half, that seem somewhat mundane, are suddenly part of a much bigger picture. When the skeletons start to fall out of the closets, and the secrets are being revealed, and you sit back and think how cleverly Robert Gold plotted this tale.

In hindsight, I probably enjoyed 'Nine Hidden Lives' more than I thought while I was reading it. There is a sense of grief throughout the story, for things and people that are lost to some of the characters. There is quite a lot of reflection on events of the past. But it is also a tale of reaching out, of building bridges, of forgiveness, of families, and of new beginnings. In that way, it is the perfect goodbye. If you've been on this journey with Ben from the beginning, then you will think so too.

[Ellie (bookmadbarlow) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced mystery / Thriller following journalist Ben and what happens when his paper publish a story about a 30 year old murder.
Each chapter flicks between a different character, which I found a bit confusing at first, but I soon found my stride and the short chapters propelled me through in 24hrs.
There was plenty of mystery and threads that were woven together so well.
I loved the characters and even though this was book 4 in a series, I didn't feel I had missed too much. It does mean I can go back and read the others though!

[Stephi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Se c’è una cosa che amo dei libri di Gold è come scorrono in fretta le pagine. Quello che però mi lascia insoddisfatta in questo volume è quanto in fretta scorre anche la trama, che si svela in un finale davvero troppo veloce per essere gustato a pieno come successo nei precedenti romanzi. Rimane una lettura piacevole, con personaggi cui ormai sono decisamente affezionata, ma meno entusiasmante del solito. Peccato!

[Jessica Wilczynski · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Nine Hidden Lives.

Journalist Ben Harper is writing a story about the thirtieth anniversary of the death of a journalist from his town named Alka. Her murder has gone unsolved all this years and her daughter a local doctor in the town asks Ben to write a story to try to help solve her case. Uma her daughter begins receiving threats just like her mother but she is determined to get justice for her mother no matter the cost.

This is the fourth book in this series and I enjoyed this one. The plot was good it was a little difficult keeping the characters straight but I still enjoyed it.

[Denise Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book difficult to get into for some reason. The story was told from several points of view but it wasn't always clear immediately as to which character it was so could be confusing. A name at the chapter heading would have helped. There were lots of twists and turns and lots of mentions of Ubers!

[Nicoletta Micillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

ritorniamo a Haddley dove per risolvere un cold case , si portano a luce segreti nascosti da tempo

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. It was great to catch up with characters from the previous three books, and to be introduced to some new characters. I did not suspect the killer as the books is full of twists and turns. Such a shame the author is poorly as he is a fab author.

[Steph Ollman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great novel in this series.

[Marlie Stander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book with likeable characters. Good twists. Enjoyed the different stories coming together at the end. Did find the ending to be a little bit rushed.

[Davide · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dopo trent’anni Uma sta cercando di scoprire la verità sulla morte della madre, uccisa in un sobborgo di Londra da qualcuno senza ancora un’identità.
Per il triste anniversario si rivolge a Ben Harper, giornalista investigativo, per smuovere un po’ le acque. Il passato però è pronto ad inghiottirli.
Dopo I dodici segreti, gli undici inganni e dieci secondi, Nove vite segrete è il nuovo libro di Robert Gold che segue un misterioso ma intrigante countdown nella piccola comunità di Haddley.
Seppur la scrittura, la struttura e il coinvolgimento siano sempre a buoni livelli, ho notato in Nove vite segrete un appiattimento della trama. Sembra come se l’autore cercasse in più punti di dar fuoco alla vicenda senza mai riuscirci realmente.
Inoltre la presentazione di nuovi personaggi, utili alla storia ma dispersivi nelle descrizioni, hanno reso la lettura ai miei occhi leggermente slegata.
Anche il finale mi sembrava poco a fuoco per il lettore, un po’ confusionario nei legami e negli indizi.
A mio parere Nove vite segrete è il libro che soffre di più in tutta l’intrigante serie ma sono sicuro che Robert Gold riuscirà a stupirci col prossimo! Otto… otto… otto cosa saranno?

Puoi trovare questa e altre recensioni sul mio profilo Instagram “I libri di Dede” www.instagram.com/ilibrididede o sul mio blog/sito www.ilibrididede.it 📚
Se non vuoi perderti neanche una recensione c’è anche il canale telegram: https://t.me/ilibrididede

Mi è stata inviata una copia gratuita di questo libro da parte della casa editrice che ringrazio.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

[Beatrice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stavolta no, non mi ha convinta praticamente nulla.
Oltretutto il solito espediente di saltellare da una storia all'altra per allungare il brodo non funziona perchè le storie non sono ne abbastanza ne sufficientemente intrecciate.
Non avevano (secondo me ) senso una parte di personaggi che sono stati forzati per aumentare il fitto della trama (dal cugino e diversi parenti di Uma agli amici di Maggie e Pamela).
Inizialmente ho apprezzato i rimandi ai libri precedenti: i Baxter, la dottoressa Jha che Pamela ci ha gia fatto conoscere.. ma boh non ho sicuramente sentito nessuna necessità dell'esistenza o presenza di Sam in questo libro.
****
Liam e Cheryl tanto stereotipati quanto pompati nella trama. Le parti senza soggetto una volta servivano alla trama, qui a volte diciamocelo non servono a niente ma sopratutto cambiano un po troppo spesso punto di vista. La trama di Fiona ed il marito totalmente abbandonata, si parlava del fatto che lui non fosse il vero padre POI?? Scopriamo che Simon abusa di lei ma molla la palla così?
Per non parlare della presenza pressoché inutile del patologo George Lennon che conosciuto da Cheryl perchè compra droga saltuariamente, era figlio di Mark l'altro uomo morto affogato.. che ci viene detto essere stato collega di Fiona ma non può essere padre perchè era fuori città? Allora perchè si prendono la briga di dirci che era al processo del marito di Fiona che la uccide? Riprenderà la storia?
Mi scusi signor robert gold ma a volte rivedendo i capitoli ha aggiunto qualche dettaglio così per allungare la storia? pare . Poi sto cambio di povero mark Simon ci dice felicemente " ah è morto per caso dovevano fare l immersione in due.. ma zio bricco siete seri??? personaggio totalmente a caso, niente ragazzi non è una pedina , è cascato un fagiolo sul campo di scacchi, uguale!)
Perché quando Alan urla dello scambio di orari dice LARRY? Poteva non fare nomi invece dice Larry, lo dice a Larry! Poteva dirlo quando erano tutti assieme così avrebbe avuto senso scambiarli invece no, ci sono solo Larry Maggie Alan e Pamela, Simon manco ha sentito. quindi? Serviva solo a SVIARCI.
Susan la nipote in prigione, non è colpevole.. sembra aver ucciso lo zio ma non è vero, abbiamo deciso sia stato Simon . Forse non sapremo mai la verità (spoiler è vero non la sapremo per davvero) DECIDO di credere che Maggie e Pamela concordino di svincolare la nipote dalla responsabilità ed accusare Simon pure di questo, così dai ci sta è vecchio.
E poi, la trama migliore di tutte, l'agente Cooke è umana ! Va a letto con il collega sposato.
Wow, scandalo. Dovevano presentarcelo in questo modo? Era necessario parlare di lui quindi hanno inventato sta trama molla e per niente interessante? BOH CHISSENEFREGA
che fatica, che flop, 3 regalato
ps congratulazioni Dani è vero c'eri anche tu!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really have loved this series of books. Getting to know Ben Harper, and those characters who inhabit the world around him, has been a real treat and this latest instalment, Nine Hidden Lives, is no exception. We catch up with Ben and his partner, Dani, at a very special stage in their lives as they wait to welcome the birth of their first child. It's a time when Ben should be winding down perhaps, making sure that he is safe and that he is around for when Dani needs him. But that wouldn't be a very exciting book, and the one thing this series is not, is lacking in excitement.

On the 30th anniversary of the murder of a former journalist, his paper run a commemorative spread, partly in a bid to try and reopen the case and to identify a killer who has, until now, remained elusive and unnamed. The victim's daughter is determined to uncover the truth, and with echoes of Ben's own story, it is no surprise that all too soon he finds himself in the middle of things. With threats of violence, and a constant sense of danger just around the corner, you'd think that Ben might want to sit this one out, but that is not in keeping with the brilliant character Robert Gold has created, and what we are treated to instead is a pacy, tension laden story in which nothing is quite what it seems, and a killer is hidden in plain sight.

This is quite an emotional story, as many of the cases have been. Not only is the subject of grief front and centre, but there is an ever pulsing sense of loss that feeds through the book, not just the physical loss of a parent, but the loss of love, be it due to bereavement or the gradual decline of someone to alzheimer's. The author explores this subject with compassion and understanding, whilst really bringing out the various emotions on the page. The story also has links to cases of abuse, both the physical and the psychological, and whilst some elements may prove to be a carefully executed red herring, others point clearly to a potential reason for all of the loss and murder.

Family is a key theme in this book, and I like how the author draws us into the lives of his characters. The nine hidden lives of the title are slowly and gradually revealed to the readers, in the same way the author has counted down the other scenes in previous books, a device that works perfectly as a segway into the next revelation of plot twist. There are a few surprises in store for Ben, and reasons why this case is closer to home than anyone may have suspected. It's a time for building bridges, and whilst the tension builds gradually, with a sharp escalation to the final showdown with the killer, there is also that feeling of many outstanding story arcs being brought to a natural, and perfectly fitting close.

These books are brilliantly written, with a keen sense of place, a brilliant pacing, making the most of a wax and wane of tension to drive the investigation along, and I have loved every one of them. It's sad to say goodbye, even though I understand fully why, but it's a perfect place to allow Ben and Dani a break. If you love a well paced story, once packed with mystery and superbly drawn characters that you will be completely rooting for from the off, then do give the series a go. You won't regret it. Definitely recommended.

[Chiara LibriamociBlog · Rating 3 out of 5]

C’è un silenzio che dura trent’anni. È quello che avvolge la morte di una giornalista coraggiosa, uccisa in circostanze mai chiarite nei sobborghi londinesi. Alaka Jha dava voce a chi non ne aveva: donne abusate, storie dimenticate, verità scomode. Ma qualcuno ha deciso di metterla a tacere.

Sua figlia Uma è cresciuta con il peso di quel mistero e, ormai adulta, è determinata a rompere il muro di omertà che circonda l’assassinio della madre. Per farlo si rivolge a Ben Harper, giornalista d’inchiesta dalla reputazione impeccabile, ma anche uomo segnato da un lutto profondo che ha cambiato per sempre la sua vita.

Insieme intraprendono un’indagine che li porta a scavare nel passato di una comunità all’apparenza tranquilla, ma in realtà piena di zone d’ombra. Minacce, connessioni insospettabili e bugie sepolte da decenni iniziano ad affiorare, mentre qualcuno, nell’ombra, fa di tutto per impedire che la verità venga alla luce.

Il quarto romanzo di Robert Gold con protagonista Ben Harper mantiene l’alto livello di coinvolgimento e la qualità della scrittura, sempre avvincente e ben calibrata.

Tuttavia, rispetto ai precedenti capitoli della serie, questo libro mi è sembrato leggermente sottotono. I personaggi sono davvero tanti, forse troppi, e fatica a emergere una coesione narrativa tra di loro, rendendo la lettura in alcuni tratti più dispersiva. La trama procede con lentezza e si ha spesso la sensazione che l’autore stia tergiversando, rallentando l’arrivo dei momenti di vera suspense. I colpi di scena si fanno attendere a lungo, rischiando di far perdere al lettore quella tensione che nei precedenti volumi era uno dei punti di forza.

Inoltre, la trama risulta a tratti confusionaria: troppe coincidenze, troppi personaggi che si conoscono tra loro in un quartiere che, per rendere credibili tali dinamiche, dovrebbe contare sì e no una ventina di abitanti — cosa poco plausibile in un sobborgo londinese.

Manca anche una vera e propria ricostruzione finale dell’indagine: gli eventi si succedono, ma non si percepisce una reale messa a fuoco dell’intero disegno narrativo. I tasselli vengono svelati, sì, ma senza incastrarsi in modo soddisfacente, lasciando il lettore con la sensazione che manchi qualcosa nella risoluzione complessiva.

In sintesi: scrittura sempre di altissimo livello, atmosfera coinvolgente, ma una trama che questa volta fatica a reggere il confronto con i precedenti romanzi della serie, risultando meno incisiva e più artificiosa.

[Julie Maleski (juliereads_alot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 E-ARC BOOK TOUR BOOK REVIEW 📚

Nine Hidden Lives By Robert Gold
Publication Date: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Bookouture

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
(Rounded Up to 5⭐)

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

📚MY REVIEW:

I was so happy to receive the request from Jess at Bookouture to be a part of the book tour for Nine Hidden Lives, the fourth installment of Robert Gold's Ben Harper series. I have absolutely loved each and every page of this crime thriller series, and I was honored to be a part of this tour!

Once again, Gold absolutely crushed it when it came to a fast-paced and twisty mystery! I was enthralled by the way the multiple perspectives and storylines in this read came together, like the perfect pieces of a puzzle, to intersect brilliantly in the mystery's conclusion.

Again, we get to spend time with our favorite residents of Haddley as they try to finally uncover the truth behind the unsolved murder of local investigative journalist, Alaka Jha. Of course Ben and Dani are back, along with all of the other characters we've come to love, and there are so many sweet moments in this book to complement the twists and the thrills of the mysteries within these pages.

Reading the author's note at the end of the book, I was so saddened to read of Gold's recent cancer diagnosis. I've become such a fan of his books through this series and I'm sending out good vibes and positive hopes for his healing as he focuses on his health and well-being. Robert, I am cheering for you and looking forward to reading your next book -- whatever that may be.

I know I've said it before, but it bears saying again: THIS SERIES IS A MUST-READ! If you're a fan of crime thrillers and characters you'll truly love, along with heart-pounding mysteries and books that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, you simply have to read these Ben Harper books!! This series deserves ALL the hype you might be hearing -- and as of April 10th, all four books are available and ready for you to devour!!

#NineHiddenLives #RobertGold #Bookouture #BenHarperSeries #booktour #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #bookreviews #thrilleraddict #thrillerlover #thrillerreads #crimethrillers #thrillerseries

[Brittany Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Bookouture and Robert Gold for the ARC! 🙏✨

💥 I have absolutely loved the Ben Harper series, and this latest installment?? Hands down the BEST one yet! 🏆

🧠 What I loved most:
Ben is back—this time investigating a 30-year-old cold case that's been haunting a small town for decades. What really stood out was the journalist POV—a fresh take that pulled me deep into the mystery without the typical police procedural vibe. Loved every twisty second! 📰🕵️‍♂️

🔍 What to expect:
✅ Twisty cold case murder mystery
✅ Deep dive into complex family secrets
✅ A large cast of shady suspects 🫣
✅ Short, snappy chapters that keep the pages flying 📖💨
✅ Tension, suspense, and a slow unraveling of truth
✅ Zero gore—just high-stakes drama 🔥

📌 Do you need to read the whole series?
Nope! You can totally jump in here. There are a few nods to previous books (and some light spoilers), but it works great as a standalone crime thriller.👌

⚡ Pacing:
The short chapters kept the momentum up, and while there are a lot of characters to track early on, I was hooked by the 20% mark. 🎯

👍 Do I recommend it?
YES! If you're a fan of gripping mysteries, cold case thrillers, and suspenseful plots without graphic violence, this book is for you! 🖤📚

Perfect for fans of:
💥 Lisa Regan
💥 Robert Dugoni
💥 Kendra Elliot

Mood: Intense 🧩 | Suspenseful 🕵️ | Addictive 📖

Read if you like:
🔎 Cold case mysteries
🧠 Smart main characters
🎤 Journalist-led investigations
🧬 Family secrets and past trauma

[Eyejaybee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Robert Gold’s novels featuring investigative journalist Ben Harper. They are set in Haddley, a fictional West London suburb of London (probably not dissimilar to Putney), but have an almost rural feel. Haddley seems to be an area where people are content to spend much of their lives. Indeed, Ben still lives in the house of his childhood, although he now shares it with his (heavily pregnant) partner, Detective Constable Dani Cash, who also grew up nearby.

As the novel opens, Ben is deputising as editor of his news website while his boss recovers from the ravages of the previous novel. Ben has just published an article marking the thirtieth anniversary of the death of a woman who had worked as a reporter for the site, and whom had been murdered during one of her investigations. The murderer had never been identified or arrested.

Despite the passage of years, the murder is clearly on the minds of certain local residents, because almost immediately after publication of the article, the victim’s daughter (now a local GP) starts receiving threatening messages. Then her car is torched.

There are several other intricate plot threads woven into the main story. All of them are well constructed and adroitly managed, and the story progresses well. Robert Gold is particularly adept at challenging his readers with wholly unexpected tangential plot shifts, and they are kept guessing right until the end.

[Matt Peet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine Hidden Lives by Robert Gold

This gripping thriller is the fourth—possibly final—installment in Robert Gold’s Ben Harper series, and what a send-off it is. It blends a cold case mystery with emotional depth, social justice themes, and a strong personal storyline for Ben.

Ben Harper, journalist and amateur investigator, is pulled into the decades-old murder of fellow reporter Alaka Jha after her daughter, Uma, pleads for help. What follows is a dual-timeline narrative that peels back layers of buried secrets in a small community. A threatening message—“Stop asking questions while you still can”—kicks the suspense into high gear.

The first half is slower, focusing on characters and setting the emotional stakes. But once the puzzle pieces start falling into place, the pace builds and the tension soars. The second half is full of twists, revelations, and a truly satisfying conclusion.

Gold balances a complex cast well—Ben, Dani (now pregnant), Uma, and a host of townspeople all feel distinct and purposeful. There are real moments of heartbreak and healing, especially as the story draws on themes of grief, family, legacy, and redemption.

If you’re a fan of character-driven crime fiction with a strong investigative core and emotional resonance, this is a must-read. It works as a standalone, but longtime readers will appreciate the sense of closure it brings.

A twisty, emotional, and satisfying thriller. Gold knows how to hook you—and keep you guessing until the very end.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

When journalist Ben Harper agrees to investigate a 30-year-old murder, he’s drawn into a chilling mystery. The victim, a fellow journalist, was silenced after exposing stories of abuse. Now, her daughter, Dr. Uma Jha, wants the truth.
But as threats begin and secrets surface, it’s clear someone will do anything to keep the past buried. And Ben is running out of time.

I’m genuinely sad to have finished Nine Hidden Lives, the final installment in the brilliant Ben Harper series by Robert Gold. I know I’ve said it before, but this series truly is a must-read for any thriller fan.
In this final book, we return to Haddley, where Ben and the team delve into the decades old murder of local investigative journalist Alaka Jha. The familiar cast of characters pulls you in immediately, and the mystery is gripping from start to finish. Although it’s the culmination of a series, Nine Hidden Lives can also be enjoyed as a standalone, though I’d highly recommend reading the earlier books to fully appreciate the depth of the story and characters. Robert Gold delivers once again with a fast-paced, twist-filled thriller that keeps you guessing to the very end.

It was heartbreaking to read in the author’s notes about his cancer diagnosis and that this book had to mark the end of the series. Wishing him strength and a full recovery, and hoping this isn’t the last we’ll hear from his remarkable voice in fiction.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to the Ben Harper series and having read the acknowledgements at the end I know, sadly, it’s probably the last.
Ben is a journalist in Haddley, a small town on the edge of London, running the newspaper in his boss, Madeleine’s absence.
When the local doctor asks him to help investigate the murder of her reporter mother 30 years earlier, Ben is keen to help as Uma’s mother, Alaka, was a journalist working for the same newspaper. An article on her murder is published
and as soon as the article is run, Uma receives anonymous threats. Ben and Dani, his heavily pregnant policewoman girlfriend realise that they are on to something and continue to investigate.
When more murders occur they realise that someone has a secret they do not want revealed and that they will do anything to keep it.
I really liked all the characters- the author developed them very well particularly Pamela, Dani’s godmother who gets involved in the investigations. She was really likeable and the chapters from her point of view were very enjoyable.
Some serious subjects were discussed including dementia and the loneliness of old age.
I think the author tied up the series extremely well and I will definitely look forward to reading any other books he writes although I will miss this wonderful series. I certainly wish him well.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

[Sian Morant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Gold has come up with yet another perfect crime thriller. Nine Hidden Lives is the fourth book in the investigative journalist Ben Harper series. The story is gripping and keeps you guessing throughout.
The premise centres around the cold case murder of Alaka Jha thirty years ago. At the time of her murder, Alaka was working on an exposé of domestic abuse. Now, on the 30th anniversary, Sam, Alaka’s boss, decides to bring her murder back into the news, hoping new evidence will appear. In addition. Alaka’s daughter Uma is on a personal mission to find out what happened to her mother. determined to uncover the truth and enlists Ben Harper's help. But as they start to reveal bits and pieces of information, warnings appear, and before the end, more murders will occur.

This is a complex mystery with intelligent pacing and beautifully crafted characters. The twists come thick and fast until the ultimate reveal. If you love a clever thriller, you will love this book.

As a postscript, I was devastated to learn of Robert Gold’s diagnosis and can only wish him well and that the treatment comes through for him. I understand perfectly that there will probably be no more Ben Harper novels. It’s perfectly fitting, then, that Nine Hidden Lives is the best book in the series so far.

[Amanda Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having enjoyed all of the books in the Ben Harper series, this one was no different. I quickly got hooked in by the quick moving storyline and loved all of the near constant twists and turns. I really like Robert Gold’s writing style and his books are also an addictive but easy read. Dani and Ben’s characters have really developed and it is good to see them settled down in this book which is set 6 months after the last. It feels fitting that they have ended up together and Ben finally seems content. Sam is ever present as in the other books but it is Pamela who shines in this book and really helps solve the case. My only issue with the book is that there are perhaps too many characters at times but it’s an interesting and well thought through plot - with a lot of lies, deception and death.

I was very sad to read about Robert Gold’s recent cancer diagnosis and completely understand why he has chosen to end the Ben Harper series prematurely with this book. This ending for the character makes sense and I’m glad he got to finish the series. I certainly hope he makes a good recovery and is able to write further books as I’m sure if they are anything like this series he will have some fab new characters and cases to investigate.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling read - highly recommended.

Yet again, Robert Gold has written one of the best books that I have read in a long time. He is a very talented writer who contrives intricate and complex plots that keep the reader engaged. I found it very hard to put this book down. The way he introduced us to each of the characters gradually and fully was very entertaining and helped ease our way through the twists and turns of the whole investigation. Yes, the plot was complex and heavily entwined but the way the author guided us through it made it very enjoyable. I loved the personal side to Ben Harper’s life and the ending was very sweet and provided full closure to this absolutely brilliant series. I am very sad to learn of Robert Gold’s health issues, and I really do hope that his treatment is successful. I was so looking forward to being able to enjoy this series for much longer, but I think he has made the right decision to rest it now, at the end of what I think was the best so far. I’m really hoping that he will be able to write more books as he will be much missed in the book world. I really do recommend anyone who hasn’t read any of his books yet to get stuck in – you won’t be disappointed.