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Ben Hope #0.6
The Tunnel
From the #1 Kindle and Sunday Times best-selling thriller writer comes the taut and controversial new short story featuring ex-SAS hero, Ben Hope, THE TUNNEL.
ONE MAN
Christmas Eve, 2004. Ben Hope has quit the SAS, but now he's back in full swing and embarking on a deadly one-man operation in the remote winter wilderness of the Scottish Highlands.
ONE MISSION
His target: a man he once respected and served under. His purpose: to seek out the hidden truth about a black-ops mission so covert that not even the SAS knew about it . . . and a secret so shocking that it could never be revealed to the world.
ONE CHANCE
When you're up against the best in the business, there's no surrender, no room for compromise. If Ben's suspicions are proved right, he will have no option but to kill. That's if his enemies don't get him first.
ONE MAN
Christmas Eve, 2004. Ben Hope has quit the SAS, but now he's back in full swing and embarking on a deadly one-man operation in the remote winter wilderness of the Scottish Highlands.
ONE MISSION
His target: a man he once respected and served under. His purpose: to seek out the hidden truth about a black-ops mission so covert that not even the SAS knew about it . . . and a secret so shocking that it could never be revealed to the world.
ONE CHANCE
When you're up against the best in the business, there's no surrender, no room for compromise. If Ben's suspicions are proved right, he will have no option but to kill. That's if his enemies don't get him first.
51 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 27, 2017
Continuing on what is sure to be an interesting journey, I am slowly making my way through the works of Scott Mariani, particularly those involving Benedict ‘Ben’ Hope. In this short piece, Hope has recently left the SAS behind and is a freelancer. Having dabbled a little in the world of Kidnap and Ransom, Hope stumbles upon a former colleague, whose drunken stupor leads him to spill the beans on Operation Solitaire, a highly-covert operation from seven years before. Hope begins to explore Solitaire and those who were involved, learning that many chose to end their lives prematurely, though the circumstances do not entirely add up. All this leads to Liam Falconer, head of the Operation and former superior to Hope himself. After stalking him to his home in Scotland, Hope confronts Falconer with the information he has in his possession, soon learning not only the details of the Operation, but also some of its justification. Now it is up to Hope to make a major decision, with Falconer standing before him. It’s Christmas Eve, 2004. How much cheer does Hope have left? A wonderful piece, short though jammed with wonderful information to keep fans of Ben Hope excited while serving the purpose to lure new fans, such as myself, deeper into this complex series. A great read for beach or rainy day alike.
As I still try to hash out the premise of the Ben Hope character, this piece has done a great deal. Providing the reader with context and backstory, Hope’s past comes alive as Mariani lays out some of the groundwork to present a man that will push through many an adventure in the years to come. Hope’s military background and attention to detail will come in handy as his sleuthing skills are sharpened, but it's the character himself that keeps the reader wondering. The premise of the story was great, set before the backdrop of a snowy Christmas Eve, though the contents of the plot are anything but joyous. I have a much better understanding of Hope and how he portrays himself, but this one-man sleuth will surely have many interesting angles to explore as I find myself deeper into the series and more connected to all those who appear in the stories.
Kudos, Mr. Mariani for another early gem. I can only hope that you have more in store for us and that the Ben Hope character continues to evolve on the written page and in your mind while to place him in numerous adventures.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
As I still try to hash out the premise of the Ben Hope character, this piece has done a great deal. Providing the reader with context and backstory, Hope’s past comes alive as Mariani lays out some of the groundwork to present a man that will push through many an adventure in the years to come. Hope’s military background and attention to detail will come in handy as his sleuthing skills are sharpened, but it's the character himself that keeps the reader wondering. The premise of the story was great, set before the backdrop of a snowy Christmas Eve, though the contents of the plot are anything but joyous. I have a much better understanding of Hope and how he portrays himself, but this one-man sleuth will surely have many interesting angles to explore as I find myself deeper into the series and more connected to all those who appear in the stories.
Kudos, Mr. Mariani for another early gem. I can only hope that you have more in store for us and that the Ben Hope character continues to evolve on the written page and in your mind while to place him in numerous adventures.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
March 5, 2016
Jaw dropping!!
For anyone who gets sucked into cover-up stories you'll love this short story.
I on the other hand have a great passion for Scott Mariani books so I was always going to like this book, I was right to it was a great story, Ben Hope doing what he does best with a surprising storyline, which I don't believe just so you know!!
So anyone who like short stories, cover - ups, action or just Ben Hope books will surely adore this.
For anyone who gets sucked into cover-up stories you'll love this short story.
I on the other hand have a great passion for Scott Mariani books so I was always going to like this book, I was right to it was a great story, Ben Hope doing what he does best with a surprising storyline, which I don't believe just so you know!!
So anyone who like short stories, cover - ups, action or just Ben Hope books will surely adore this.
June 6, 2021
A delightful little short from Scott Mariani as we continue with the introduction of his hero Ben Hope, At just under 50 pages we get a fully fleshed out story and some fabulous action set pieces.
I have only just been introduced to this series of books so I have started right form the beginning with the three short stories I still have Bring Him Back to read before I dive into the first book.
This already feels like it is shaping up to be a great series in this genre and I am very much looking fwd. to the rest of his books.
Well worth your time and hard -earned cash is just loads of fun.
I have only just been introduced to this series of books so I have started right form the beginning with the three short stories I still have Bring Him Back to read before I dive into the first book.
This already feels like it is shaping up to be a great series in this genre and I am very much looking fwd. to the rest of his books.
Well worth your time and hard -earned cash is just loads of fun.
July 16, 2017
Too short
Wish this had been a full length book. Didn't figure out who the "she" was til the end. Would have been better if this had been longer. Raises new ideas as too what really happened in the tunnel.
Wish this had been a full length book. Didn't figure out who the "she" was til the end. Would have been better if this had been longer. Raises new ideas as too what really happened in the tunnel.
January 8, 2018
Gripping novella about one of Ben Hope's earliest missions - one he gave himself after finding out about a secret operation working within the higher echelons of the establishment.
It gives a bit more backstory to his character and is an engaging story in its own right too.
It gives a bit more backstory to his character and is an engaging story in its own right too.
December 6, 2020
I loved reading more about Ben’s past. This one also had action scenes and another small mission so actually two short missions. This is so far the shortest book in the bunch of 25 (22 plus counting these three BEN HOPE ORIGINALS) having only 5 chapters but I still enjoyed myself with this one
December 28, 2024
Hahahahahahaha, I did not realize what this was until it mentioned that specific date, and I audibly groaned. For some reason, I thought it was going to be about trains 🤣 lmao a mistake, but at least it was over quickly.
June 11, 2026
The first thing my then 14 year old son said when the news broke was “someone’s bumped her off”. To be honest, it wouldn’t surprise me.
This version gives a very good motive for it to have happened. We shall never know…..
This version gives a very good motive for it to have happened. We shall never know…..
July 6, 2018
A very short Ben Hope ebook.
A conspiracy theory which gives the reader food for thought.
A conspiracy theory which gives the reader food for thought.
July 9, 2018
A look back a Ben's life, just after leaving the SAS. A quick read following a well known conspiracy theory.
October 21, 2018
Not bad. A very short read of Ben hope. We can't expect more action and adventure from a short story of about 40 pages.
October 22, 2018
Wasn't aware this was a short-story when I bought it, so was a bit disappointed. For what it is, it's OK.
March 12, 2019
Surprise, Surprise
In always a little dubious about 'chief's stories but this was good with the twist not revealed until the last couple of pages.
Loved it
In always a little dubious about 'chief's stories but this was good with the twist not revealed until the last couple of pages.
Loved it
May 13, 2019
Fact or Fiction
This story about the crash in the tunnel is what a lot of people believe is true. It's a good thing that Ben is on our side, he will find the truth.
This story about the crash in the tunnel is what a lot of people believe is true. It's a good thing that Ben is on our side, he will find the truth.
August 28, 2019
Not the best
The book looks st the conspiracy surrounding the death of peoples princess. Not the usual suspense I was disappointed. The book is also very short
The book looks st the conspiracy surrounding the death of peoples princess. Not the usual suspense I was disappointed. The book is also very short
November 12, 2019
R.I.P Diana
Unexpected end. Thrilling as usual and recommended for quick read. Always holds readers attention from first page to last page
Unexpected end. Thrilling as usual and recommended for quick read. Always holds readers attention from first page to last page
August 22, 2020
Fun, quick read. The plot twist at the end was well done.
September 7, 2020
Always the best.
Again a book you cannot put down.Have not yet read one of his books which wasn't tops.Trust thre will be many more.
Again a book you cannot put down.Have not yet read one of his books which wasn't tops.Trust thre will be many more.
December 26, 2020
Intrigue
This book had a long drawn out until phase which eventually lead to an intriguing completion with more than a ring of possibility to it.
This book had a long drawn out until phase which eventually lead to an intriguing completion with more than a ring of possibility to it.
January 22, 2023
Scott Mariani short story
Scott Mariani triumphs once again ! His hero, Ben Hope , never disappoints and this story is no different . I recommend this to all Ben Hope fans.
Scott Mariani triumphs once again ! His hero, Ben Hope , never disappoints and this story is no different . I recommend this to all Ben Hope fans.
April 3, 2023
Interesting
Interesting conspiracy theory for the dreadful events in the Paris tunnel all those years ago, Ben Hope is always a good read though, well done Scott.
Interesting conspiracy theory for the dreadful events in the Paris tunnel all those years ago, Ben Hope is always a good read though, well done Scott.
April 11, 2026
A fast and furious Ben Hope read as is the action which leaves you wondering. What if?!
July 6, 2021
Brilliant short story from Scott. Excellent prequel to the Ben Hope series. And fantastic reveal at the end.
May 29, 2016
I like a good conspiracy theory storyline based on real events and August 31st 1997 was one of those days that you know exactly where you were when you heard the news.
All of that mixed in with Ben Hope, a hot summers day and a couple of hours to relax in the garden with a short book - perfect!
I really enjoyed it, I wasn't sure whether a Ben Hope book could be made in to a short, but I thought it worked really well. Some of the storyline could have been expanded and could easily be made in to a full length book, but I found this length and format perfect.
Still got plenty of books to read in this series so I am now off to make a start on another one!
All of that mixed in with Ben Hope, a hot summers day and a couple of hours to relax in the garden with a short book - perfect!
I really enjoyed it, I wasn't sure whether a Ben Hope book could be made in to a short, but I thought it worked really well. Some of the storyline could have been expanded and could easily be made in to a full length book, but I found this length and format perfect.
Still got plenty of books to read in this series so I am now off to make a start on another one!
October 22, 2024
The Tunnel este o lectură captivantă care oferă o privire intrigantă asupra universului lui Ben Hope. Deși scurtă, nuvela reușește să livreze o poveste intensă și bine structurată, ideală pentru fanii seriei și pentru cei care apreciază thrillerele militare cu accente de conspirație. Pentru cei familiarizați cu evenimentele din Paris și anumite personalități, povestea poate oferi o perspectivă interesantă.
January 25, 2016
I usually love Ben Hope novels but this was strangely lacking as a short story. It's a conspiracy story that doesn't really sit well from the presentation to the end of the story, the story was far too short and didn't really coalesce into a coherent story. I am slightly disappointed by an underwhelming showing from a usually brilliant author
September 14, 2015
The tunnel. Scott Mariani
A short novella in which Ben Hope, discovers a secretive group of elite SAS soldiers who are assassin's, cold blooded killers....who answer to no one. They will never be arrested or prosecuted for there crimes. But Ben Hope will...a short but great read!
A short novella in which Ben Hope, discovers a secretive group of elite SAS soldiers who are assassin's, cold blooded killers....who answer to no one. They will never be arrested or prosecuted for there crimes. But Ben Hope will...a short but great read!
September 16, 2015
Yet another winner from Scott Mariani. A short story based on Ben delivering justice to someone he once respected. An interesting view on the events in Paris and a certain lady I'll say no more. Bring on the next full length adventure.
January 30, 2016
The Tunnel is a Ben Hope short. The problem.....it is too short. Love Ben Hope.
In The Tunnel Ben finds an elite group of SAS soldiers that answers to no one. That alone causes them to be dangerous. They are assassins and Ben plans to stop them.
In The Tunnel Ben finds an elite group of SAS soldiers that answers to no one. That alone causes them to be dangerous. They are assassins and Ben plans to stop them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews



















