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Ben Hope #0.5
Passenger 13
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of the worldwide-acclaimed Ben Hope thrillers comes a brand new series of eBook originals featuring ex-SAS hero, Ben Hope.
PASSENGER 13
A novella by Scott Mariani
Five years before the events of The Alchemist's Secret...
June 2003: the world is still on fire in the aftermath of 9/11. Fresh from the bloody conflict of the Second Gulf War, SAS soldier Ben Hope returns to Britain for some R&R leave, only to find himself embroiled in an intrigue deadlier than anything he's encountered on the battlefields of Iraq.
When a passenger aircraft piloted by Ben's former army comrade Nick Chapman crashed off the Cayman Islands killing everyone on board, the official line was that Chapman committed suicide. But things don't add up, and Ben's old friend is barely in his grave before unfolding events point to something far bigger and more sinister going on. What did Chapman witness that powerful forces would do anything to suppress? Who was the mysterious thirteenth passenger on board the doomed flight?
Following the trail of clues from the rugged Welsh borders to the Caribbean paradise that Chapman had made his home, Ben quickly discovers that some kinds of knowledge will get you killed - fast. Knowledge that threatens to unmask a global conspiracy of shocking proportions and change the way we view the world... and its masterminds have just made Ben Hope their principal target.
PASSENGER 13
A novella by Scott Mariani
Five years before the events of The Alchemist's Secret...
June 2003: the world is still on fire in the aftermath of 9/11. Fresh from the bloody conflict of the Second Gulf War, SAS soldier Ben Hope returns to Britain for some R&R leave, only to find himself embroiled in an intrigue deadlier than anything he's encountered on the battlefields of Iraq.
When a passenger aircraft piloted by Ben's former army comrade Nick Chapman crashed off the Cayman Islands killing everyone on board, the official line was that Chapman committed suicide. But things don't add up, and Ben's old friend is barely in his grave before unfolding events point to something far bigger and more sinister going on. What did Chapman witness that powerful forces would do anything to suppress? Who was the mysterious thirteenth passenger on board the doomed flight?
Following the trail of clues from the rugged Welsh borders to the Caribbean paradise that Chapman had made his home, Ben quickly discovers that some kinds of knowledge will get you killed - fast. Knowledge that threatens to unmask a global conspiracy of shocking proportions and change the way we view the world... and its masterminds have just made Ben Hope their principal target.
Audible Audio
First published July 5, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 27, 2017
After much debating and considering, I have decided to tackle Scott Mariani’s best-selling Ben Hope series. Where better to begin than in the beginning, while Hope was still an active member of the SAS? After an intense tour in Iraq, Hope seeks to enjoy some of his downtime in Wales. However, it’s 2003 and the world is still on edge from the attacks in America and one that shook London. Ben discovers that a close friend (and former colleague) crashed a small plane between the Cayman Islands in an apparent act of suicide. Unsure how Nick Chapman could ever have done something so outlandish, Hope heads there to sift through the ashes and the blowback of the scandal. Soon after he arrives, Hope meets up with Chapman’s daughter, who is equally as baffled about the suicide, even though there is apparent evidence of Nick’s depression within the medicine cabinet. Before his eyes, Hilary Chapman is mowed down and her mobile phone is stolen, the only piece of evidence that Hope has showing that Nick was aware that something was going on. As he tries to piece things together, Hope learns that Nick was a popular pilot and had no reason to do anything so rash. After the authorities prepare their final report, all the passengers from that doomed flight are accounted for when cross referencing the company’s sales, save one; Larry Moss. Jumping on this, Hope seeks to track down Moss and who he might have been. Could this thirteenth passenger hold the key to the entire debacle? A highly curious opening piece in the Ben Hope series, this short story surely has my interest piqued and will surely do the same for many others who have been wondering about the origins of the Ben Hope character and how get got out of the SAS.
When a friend of my suggested I try Mariani’s series, I was quick to take up the challenge, as I have heard much about Ben Hope over the years. It is hard to put a finger on how to describe Ben Hope, for this is only a drop the bucket of the overall character development. I see a lot of other characters with whom I am familiar, but Mariani has done a wonderful job of keeping things somewhat unique. Hope has no family, no ties outside his military work, and seems more than willing to help those he calls friends. With a sleuthing ability, Hope is sure to uncover many mysteries as the series progresses, which has me very interested in seeing where things might go. This short story lays the groundwork for what is sure to be a great collection. I enjoyed the quick pace and the story’s constant advancement. One can only hope that the remaining short stories to begin this collection will keep me as interested before diving into a full-fledged piece of writing.
Kudos, Mr. Mariani for hooking me already. I cannot wait to see where you will take Hope and how you will develop his character in the many novels to come.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
When a friend of my suggested I try Mariani’s series, I was quick to take up the challenge, as I have heard much about Ben Hope over the years. It is hard to put a finger on how to describe Ben Hope, for this is only a drop the bucket of the overall character development. I see a lot of other characters with whom I am familiar, but Mariani has done a wonderful job of keeping things somewhat unique. Hope has no family, no ties outside his military work, and seems more than willing to help those he calls friends. With a sleuthing ability, Hope is sure to uncover many mysteries as the series progresses, which has me very interested in seeing where things might go. This short story lays the groundwork for what is sure to be a great collection. I enjoyed the quick pace and the story’s constant advancement. One can only hope that the remaining short stories to begin this collection will keep me as interested before diving into a full-fledged piece of writing.
Kudos, Mr. Mariani for hooking me already. I cannot wait to see where you will take Hope and how you will develop his character in the many novels to come.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 6, 2012
I’m wondering if I can claim some sort of compensation from Mr Mariani for the number of dinners I’ve burned because I picked up one of his books for ‘five minutes’ while things were cooking. They greatly accelerate the passage of time whilst simultaneously diverting the attention from, say, the smell of smoke from the kitchen.
Passenger 13, e-book prequel, no less absorbing and action packed as the, count them, seven books in the Ben Hope series and requiring no prior reading of said books to pick up. If you have read any of the others, neither does it spoil any of those.
Now, it is a prequel, so Ben’s a bit younger and a little bit greener than readers of those seven books are used to. But that’s the thing about Ben – he learns fast, acts fast and adapts fast. Almost as fast as he drinks his single malt in fact, which I’m fairly sure he was weaned on.
Yes, we see the traps coming but as ever it’s not about the getting caught, it’s about the getting out again otherwise we’d not see them either and our Ben is nothing if not resourceful. Fans of the series know that Mariani isn’t afraid to make the root of the mystery as shady and far reaching as we dare believe. Passenger 13 gives food for thought that will make the day of any conspiracy theorist out there.
It’s interesting to see what happened before The Alchemist’s Secret and just what drove Hope to follow his own path. You might know it would be no simple matter!
Another rip-roaring Mariani mayhem-fest. I burned not only dinner but also dessert!
Passenger 13, e-book prequel, no less absorbing and action packed as the, count them, seven books in the Ben Hope series and requiring no prior reading of said books to pick up. If you have read any of the others, neither does it spoil any of those.
Now, it is a prequel, so Ben’s a bit younger and a little bit greener than readers of those seven books are used to. But that’s the thing about Ben – he learns fast, acts fast and adapts fast. Almost as fast as he drinks his single malt in fact, which I’m fairly sure he was weaned on.
Yes, we see the traps coming but as ever it’s not about the getting caught, it’s about the getting out again otherwise we’d not see them either and our Ben is nothing if not resourceful. Fans of the series know that Mariani isn’t afraid to make the root of the mystery as shady and far reaching as we dare believe. Passenger 13 gives food for thought that will make the day of any conspiracy theorist out there.
It’s interesting to see what happened before The Alchemist’s Secret and just what drove Hope to follow his own path. You might know it would be no simple matter!
Another rip-roaring Mariani mayhem-fest. I burned not only dinner but also dessert!
August 21, 2017
A quick read with lots of action - the main character, Ben Hope, is a strong fighter, sort of a Jack Reacher type, who seems like he'd just as soon kill someone as anything else. He has no problem taking on multiple strong-armed killers, and is pretty unforgiving if he doesn't like a person. Sometimes he seems a bit too quick to kill someone who may or may not be guilty, but at least he's on "our side."
I'll probably try reading one of the full-length books to see what I think.
I'll probably try reading one of the full-length books to see what I think.
February 2, 2018
Set before the events of the first Ben Hope novel, this short novella is a great starting point.
Fast action packed adventure, Ben investigates the suspicious death of he's friend Nick Chapman.
Fast action packed adventure, Ben investigates the suspicious death of he's friend Nick Chapman.
September 5, 2023
Not unpleasant just wasn't interesting to me
November 9, 2019
Reminded me of Chris Ryan’s watchmen
October 9, 2011
From amazon
PASSENGER 13
A novella by Scott Mariani
Five years before the events of The Alchemist's Secret...
June 2003: the world is still on fire in the aftermath of 9/11. Fresh from the bloody conflict of the Second Gulf War, SAS soldier Ben Hope returns to Britain for some R&R leave, only to find himself embroiled in an intrigue deadlier than anything he's encountered on the battlefields of Iraq.
When a passenger aircraft piloted by Ben's former army comrade Nick Chapman crashed off the Cayman Islands killing everyone on board, the official line was that Chapman committed suicide. But things don't add up, and Ben's old friend is barely in his grave before unfolding events point to something far bigger and more sinister going on. What did Chapman witness that powerful forces would do anything to suppress? Who was the mysterious thirteenth passenger on board the doomed flight?
Following the trail of clues from the rugged Welsh borders to the Caribbean paradise that Chapman had made his home, Ben quickly discovers that some kinds of knowledge will get you killed - fast. Knowledge that threatens to unmask a global conspiracy of shocking proportions and change the way we view the world... and its masterminds have just made Ben Hope their principal target.
My review
This is my first Scott Mariani book (although not the first in a series, I have no idea how I came across it) I totally loved it. It starts with SAS soldier Ben Hope going to his old friend and comrades funeral believing the ex soldier killed himself and his passengers in a horrible suicide plan. Nicks daughter approaches him after the funeral very cagey and upset and tells Ben that her dad didn't kill himself and she has proof. What follows is a tangled web of murder, lies and deceit for Ben and a fast paced action packed story for the reader.
It goes at a great pace, the characters are easy to remember and for me Ben Hope was brilliant and reminded me of one of my favourite actors from my childhood, Chuck Norris of course. Just the way he behaved, handled the situations he found himself in and ultimate decent good guy that your rooting for.
I would definately read more of his work and may just go and track the books before and after this one, 4/5 for me.
This book is available for the kindle on Amazon.co.uk for only £0.99
PASSENGER 13
A novella by Scott Mariani
Five years before the events of The Alchemist's Secret...
June 2003: the world is still on fire in the aftermath of 9/11. Fresh from the bloody conflict of the Second Gulf War, SAS soldier Ben Hope returns to Britain for some R&R leave, only to find himself embroiled in an intrigue deadlier than anything he's encountered on the battlefields of Iraq.
When a passenger aircraft piloted by Ben's former army comrade Nick Chapman crashed off the Cayman Islands killing everyone on board, the official line was that Chapman committed suicide. But things don't add up, and Ben's old friend is barely in his grave before unfolding events point to something far bigger and more sinister going on. What did Chapman witness that powerful forces would do anything to suppress? Who was the mysterious thirteenth passenger on board the doomed flight?
Following the trail of clues from the rugged Welsh borders to the Caribbean paradise that Chapman had made his home, Ben quickly discovers that some kinds of knowledge will get you killed - fast. Knowledge that threatens to unmask a global conspiracy of shocking proportions and change the way we view the world... and its masterminds have just made Ben Hope their principal target.
My review
This is my first Scott Mariani book (although not the first in a series, I have no idea how I came across it) I totally loved it. It starts with SAS soldier Ben Hope going to his old friend and comrades funeral believing the ex soldier killed himself and his passengers in a horrible suicide plan. Nicks daughter approaches him after the funeral very cagey and upset and tells Ben that her dad didn't kill himself and she has proof. What follows is a tangled web of murder, lies and deceit for Ben and a fast paced action packed story for the reader.
It goes at a great pace, the characters are easy to remember and for me Ben Hope was brilliant and reminded me of one of my favourite actors from my childhood, Chuck Norris of course. Just the way he behaved, handled the situations he found himself in and ultimate decent good guy that your rooting for.
I would definately read more of his work and may just go and track the books before and after this one, 4/5 for me.
This book is available for the kindle on Amazon.co.uk for only £0.99
December 14, 2017
Laughable.
Beyond satire.
I finished this only to witness the great depths it managed to reach.
Anything that manages to mention 9/11, Belfast, Derry, Iraq, the SAS and planetary scheme's to overthrow Government's in the space of about 3000 words isn't worth the effort. Seriously, I'm only thankful it was an Amazon Prime book as I would never have forgiven myself for exchanging money for this drivel.
Beyond satire.
I finished this only to witness the great depths it managed to reach.
Anything that manages to mention 9/11, Belfast, Derry, Iraq, the SAS and planetary scheme's to overthrow Government's in the space of about 3000 words isn't worth the effort. Seriously, I'm only thankful it was an Amazon Prime book as I would never have forgiven myself for exchanging money for this drivel.
August 12, 2011
Wow what a great short story read now we know why we love Ben Hope and what drives him on. Throughly recommend
September 15, 2023
Passenger 13" by Scott Mariani is great book and deserves every one of its five well-earned stars.
From the very first page, Mariani throws you into the high-stakes world of espionage, danger, and adrenaline-pumping action. The story is an expertly crafted rollercoaster ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Mariani's storytelling prowess is nothing short of exceptional, creating a gripping narrative that is impossible to put down.
At the heart of this gripping tale is the indomitable character of Ben Hope, a former SAS soldier turned troubleshooter. Ben is a protagonist who commands your attention, a modern-day hero with a complex past and an unwavering dedication to justice. His unwavering determination and razor-sharp instincts make him a character you can't help but root for, and his relentless pursuit of truth and justice adds a layer of depth to the narrative.
Scott Mariani's writing is a literary thrill in itself. His prose is crisp, evocative, and charged with a sense of urgency that keeps your heart racing. He masterfully paints vivid pictures of exotic locales and harrowing situations, immersing readers in the gritty world of espionage and intrigue. His meticulous research and attention to detail shine through, making every scene feel incredibly authentic.
What truly sets "Passenger 13" apart is its expert blend of genres. Mariani seamlessly weaves together elements of espionage, action, and mystery, creating a narrative that is as multifaceted as it is engaging. The plot is a labyrinth of secrets, betrayals, and pulse-pounding chases, with twists and turns that will leave you breathless. Mariani's ability to keep you guessing until the very end is a testament to his skill as a storyteller.
The pacing of the novel is impeccable, with a narrative that unfolds at a heart-pounding tempo. The action sequences are expertly choreographed, and the character interactions add depth to the story. The plot is a symphony of surprises and revelations, with a climax that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
In conclusion, "Passenger 13" by Scott Mariani is a literary tour de force that should be at the top of every thriller enthusiast's reading list. It's a thrilling tale of espionage, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice that will leave you breathless and craving more. Scott Mariani has firmly established himself as a master of the genre, and "Passenger 13" is a shining example of his exceptional talent. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and I eagerly anticipate more adventures with Ben Hope.
From the very first page, Mariani throws you into the high-stakes world of espionage, danger, and adrenaline-pumping action. The story is an expertly crafted rollercoaster ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Mariani's storytelling prowess is nothing short of exceptional, creating a gripping narrative that is impossible to put down.
At the heart of this gripping tale is the indomitable character of Ben Hope, a former SAS soldier turned troubleshooter. Ben is a protagonist who commands your attention, a modern-day hero with a complex past and an unwavering dedication to justice. His unwavering determination and razor-sharp instincts make him a character you can't help but root for, and his relentless pursuit of truth and justice adds a layer of depth to the narrative.
Scott Mariani's writing is a literary thrill in itself. His prose is crisp, evocative, and charged with a sense of urgency that keeps your heart racing. He masterfully paints vivid pictures of exotic locales and harrowing situations, immersing readers in the gritty world of espionage and intrigue. His meticulous research and attention to detail shine through, making every scene feel incredibly authentic.
What truly sets "Passenger 13" apart is its expert blend of genres. Mariani seamlessly weaves together elements of espionage, action, and mystery, creating a narrative that is as multifaceted as it is engaging. The plot is a labyrinth of secrets, betrayals, and pulse-pounding chases, with twists and turns that will leave you breathless. Mariani's ability to keep you guessing until the very end is a testament to his skill as a storyteller.
The pacing of the novel is impeccable, with a narrative that unfolds at a heart-pounding tempo. The action sequences are expertly choreographed, and the character interactions add depth to the story. The plot is a symphony of surprises and revelations, with a climax that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
In conclusion, "Passenger 13" by Scott Mariani is a literary tour de force that should be at the top of every thriller enthusiast's reading list. It's a thrilling tale of espionage, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice that will leave you breathless and craving more. Scott Mariani has firmly established himself as a master of the genre, and "Passenger 13" is a shining example of his exceptional talent. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and I eagerly anticipate more adventures with Ben Hope.
January 23, 2024
"Passenger 13" by Scott Mariani has captured the attention of readers with its riveting plot and well-executed action sequences. This fast-paced thriller introduces Ben Hope, a former CIA operative, who becomes embroiled in a high-stakes conspiracy while on a luxury cruise. The breakneck pacing and nail-biting tension make this book a compelling read for enthusiasts of the thriller genre.
One standout feature of "Passenger 13" is the author's adept characterization. Ben Hope emerges as a complex and likable protagonist, complemented by a well-drawn supporting cast. The villains, with their chilling portrayal, contribute to the palpable sense of danger throughout the narrative. Mariani's attention to detail in crafting the characters enhances the overall realism of the story.
The expertly crafted action scenes, featuring a mix of hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, and intense chases, contribute to the book's adrenaline-fueled atmosphere. The author's meticulous attention to detail, particularly regarding the workings of a cruise liner, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative. Mariani's evident knowledge of ships and the sea shines through, elevating the reading experience.
The plot of "Passenger 13" is marked by unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The narrative takes sharp and unpredictable directions, providing a wild and exhilarating ride. This unpredictability, combined with a gripping plot, ensures that the book maintains its hold on readers, urging them to stay up late into the night to uncover the next twist.
As a prequel to the Ben Hope series, "Passenger 13" serves as a tantalizing introduction to the character. The book takes readers on a global journey, from Wales to the Cayman Islands, unraveling a shocking secret with potential world-altering consequences. Mariani's writing style, characterized by action, suspense, and historical intrigue, aligns well with the expectations of fans of authors like Dan Brown, James Rollins, and Steve Berry.
In conclusion, "Passenger 13" stands as a must-read for thriller enthusiasts, offering a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled adventure with well-developed characters and an intricately woven plot. Scott Mariani's dedication to authenticity and his storytelling prowess make this novella a compelling addition to the Ben Hope series.
One standout feature of "Passenger 13" is the author's adept characterization. Ben Hope emerges as a complex and likable protagonist, complemented by a well-drawn supporting cast. The villains, with their chilling portrayal, contribute to the palpable sense of danger throughout the narrative. Mariani's attention to detail in crafting the characters enhances the overall realism of the story.
The expertly crafted action scenes, featuring a mix of hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, and intense chases, contribute to the book's adrenaline-fueled atmosphere. The author's meticulous attention to detail, particularly regarding the workings of a cruise liner, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative. Mariani's evident knowledge of ships and the sea shines through, elevating the reading experience.
The plot of "Passenger 13" is marked by unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The narrative takes sharp and unpredictable directions, providing a wild and exhilarating ride. This unpredictability, combined with a gripping plot, ensures that the book maintains its hold on readers, urging them to stay up late into the night to uncover the next twist.
As a prequel to the Ben Hope series, "Passenger 13" serves as a tantalizing introduction to the character. The book takes readers on a global journey, from Wales to the Cayman Islands, unraveling a shocking secret with potential world-altering consequences. Mariani's writing style, characterized by action, suspense, and historical intrigue, aligns well with the expectations of fans of authors like Dan Brown, James Rollins, and Steve Berry.
In conclusion, "Passenger 13" stands as a must-read for thriller enthusiasts, offering a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled adventure with well-developed characters and an intricately woven plot. Scott Mariani's dedication to authenticity and his storytelling prowess make this novella a compelling addition to the Ben Hope series.
February 21, 2018
Ah, Ben is just as crazy as always and that's what I love about him. I think he's my true soulmate (why such perfect humans only exist in books?) because I'm just as crazy as him. We'd be perfect for each other. :D
I interrupted the reading of these series because I don't have yet the eight book and I was postponing it for some time but soon I'll catch up again. I loved to read how everything started about Ben, the exact reason for him quitting the army. Well, I do understand why and he made the right decision. The private sector is better for him.
Passenger 13 is one great title of a book. Especially for a thriller, it has to grab the attention from the very first moment. It should be both intriguing and with a bit of a hint but not too much. After all, you don't wanna give too many clues about the subject if it's meant to be more mysterious not like Excalibur or Atlantis or something else very famous historically.
I noticed how at this time Ben was beginning to develop some of his problem-solving abilities which we're very familiar with in the main series. But he's one kind of a badass character and I really enjoy his rather too honest sarcastic humour (somewhat like mine). He makes me laugh out loud and sometimes it's too hard to resist not to laugh when I'm in public (like public transport). But anyway, you have to read this series, you'll enjoy the plots and Ben Hope, I guarantee it!
I interrupted the reading of these series because I don't have yet the eight book and I was postponing it for some time but soon I'll catch up again. I loved to read how everything started about Ben, the exact reason for him quitting the army. Well, I do understand why and he made the right decision. The private sector is better for him.
Passenger 13 is one great title of a book. Especially for a thriller, it has to grab the attention from the very first moment. It should be both intriguing and with a bit of a hint but not too much. After all, you don't wanna give too many clues about the subject if it's meant to be more mysterious not like Excalibur or Atlantis or something else very famous historically.
I noticed how at this time Ben was beginning to develop some of his problem-solving abilities which we're very familiar with in the main series. But he's one kind of a badass character and I really enjoy his rather too honest sarcastic humour (somewhat like mine). He makes me laugh out loud and sometimes it's too hard to resist not to laugh when I'm in public (like public transport). But anyway, you have to read this series, you'll enjoy the plots and Ben Hope, I guarantee it!
May 28, 2021
Passenger 13 By Scott Mariani.
I have had The Alchemist's Secret sitting on My TBR shelf forever and a day and dusted it off to read then a friend said "have you read the prequals"?
So here I am and if the main body of work are as good as this little short then I guess I will be in for a right treat.
Passenger 13 is set five years before the events of The Alchemist's Secret and we still find Ben Hope in the British SAS recovering from an active mission when the news reaches him that an old friend and former comrade has committed suicide and so our story begins.
For such a short novella I have to say this is really good and reads like its a full novel we have really good character development and a fully fleshed out story and plot.
The writing is good the action set pieces are well choregraphed and exciting and Mariani lays the foundations for what is to come in the main books.
It is My understanding that Mariani has wrote three of these prequals and I intend to read all three before I tackle the main books.
This is a really good read if this is your genre of choice well worth your time and hard-earned cash.
I have had The Alchemist's Secret sitting on My TBR shelf forever and a day and dusted it off to read then a friend said "have you read the prequals"?
So here I am and if the main body of work are as good as this little short then I guess I will be in for a right treat.
Passenger 13 is set five years before the events of The Alchemist's Secret and we still find Ben Hope in the British SAS recovering from an active mission when the news reaches him that an old friend and former comrade has committed suicide and so our story begins.
For such a short novella I have to say this is really good and reads like its a full novel we have really good character development and a fully fleshed out story and plot.
The writing is good the action set pieces are well choregraphed and exciting and Mariani lays the foundations for what is to come in the main books.
It is My understanding that Mariani has wrote three of these prequals and I intend to read all three before I tackle the main books.
This is a really good read if this is your genre of choice well worth your time and hard-earned cash.
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July 8, 2017
Audio Book - 4 hours 50 minutes - 4 stars out of 5
I don't know why, but I appear to have neglected Scott Mariani's "Ben Hope" books and I have the whole catalogue in my audio books library. So I listened to "Passenger 13" which was written as a stand-alone eBook in 2011 and is a prequel to the 16 Ben Hope series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was a little sceptical at first, but as I was laid up on bed-rest, I stuck with it and found it very hard to hit the pause button on the iPod when I was required to eat, drink, take medications, etc. At least Ben could accompany me whenever I attended to nature's calls:-) This book gave me every reason to add more "Ben Hope" books to my iPod as I am sure I will enjoy them in the future.
I don't know why, but I appear to have neglected Scott Mariani's "Ben Hope" books and I have the whole catalogue in my audio books library. So I listened to "Passenger 13" which was written as a stand-alone eBook in 2011 and is a prequel to the 16 Ben Hope series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was a little sceptical at first, but as I was laid up on bed-rest, I stuck with it and found it very hard to hit the pause button on the iPod when I was required to eat, drink, take medications, etc. At least Ben could accompany me whenever I attended to nature's calls:-) This book gave me every reason to add more "Ben Hope" books to my iPod as I am sure I will enjoy them in the future.
Read
February 9, 2020An opener to the Ben Hope series!
I thought I would have a break from the norm and read one of the shorter versions that stars our intrepid hero! And it is safe to say that it doesn't disappoint! If you are an avid fan like myself then start with this one . There are so many twists and turns that takes Ben from England to the Cayman Islands, back to Wales and then culminating back in the Caymans. A most gripping read and enjoyable. Highly recommend it.
I thought I would have a break from the norm and read one of the shorter versions that stars our intrepid hero! And it is safe to say that it doesn't disappoint! If you are an avid fan like myself then start with this one . There are so many twists and turns that takes Ben from England to the Cayman Islands, back to Wales and then culminating back in the Caymans. A most gripping read and enjoyable. Highly recommend it.
May 31, 2021
I am reading these in order and so this is book #01 for me. A good introduction, if very much the same as Government is bad and tries to kill its spies and operatives. I like Mr Hope's initial character. A Rupert, but a toughie. This was a good book and there were several twists in it. Could not really work out the plot as it was more about action and bashing people than a thriller and a whodunnit.
January 3, 2024
A novella that managed to pack in a lot of action, intrigue and mystery. Having listened to "The Alchemist's Secret" it was interesting to get a bit more of Ben Hope's back story and by doing it as a novella, Mariani has managed to avoid the need for back story overload in in any of the current stories yet still give the reader some insight into hopes motiviations.
April 3, 2018
Timely story...
Good Ben Hope short story. Our hero discovers a friend's suicide is anything but and decides to find out what really happened. Typical of the genre bit still a good quick read.
Good Ben Hope short story. Our hero discovers a friend's suicide is anything but and decides to find out what really happened. Typical of the genre bit still a good quick read.
April 30, 2018
If you enjoy action thrillers, this book will entertain you. Ben Hope is shocked to discover that a good friend deliberately crashed a plane killing all the passengers on board. Of course, all is not as it seems as Ben unravels the mystery and tracks down leads.
May 7, 2018
Mrs l.
I could not out it down, I tried to get to sleep but couldn't as I just had to know what was going to happen next.
A cracking good read.
Scott Mariani does not let the reader down, his books are Brilliant.
I could not out it down, I tried to get to sleep but couldn't as I just had to know what was going to happen next.
A cracking good read.
Scott Mariani does not let the reader down, his books are Brilliant.
February 13, 2019
Hope leaves service
While slightly preposterous that yet another villain wants to recruit our hero for an evil organization, this ebook at least fills in some background and amuses. Are their no evil recruiters to source evil midlevel leaders?
While slightly preposterous that yet another villain wants to recruit our hero for an evil organization, this ebook at least fills in some background and amuses. Are their no evil recruiters to source evil midlevel leaders?
February 15, 2019
I am not quite sure what to think of it. I will read another two books before I make a final conclusion. It is sort of an English Jack Reacher meets an English John McClane.
But it is an easy read, you should need Hyper Focus to get through this book.
But it is an easy read, you should need Hyper Focus to get through this book.
August 2, 2018
Greta holiday read Ben Hope does it again
Enjoyed it hugely. Action adventure at its best. Good pool side reading when on holiday. Now looking for the next Ben Hope.
Enjoyed it hugely. Action adventure at its best. Good pool side reading when on holiday. Now looking for the next Ben Hope.
October 7, 2018
If you're looking for a good action story this is it. It's not really what I'm into personally but I still enjoyed the book. I might continue with this series.
September 18, 2018
In this novella we will finally get to know why our hero Ben Hope quit SAS. In seeking the mystery behinds his friend death, he came with a startling revelation which changes his course of life..
May 9, 2019
A hero
As always Scott mariani brings another spell binding read in Ben hope passenger 13 looking forward to read the rest of the Ben hope series
As always Scott mariani brings another spell binding read in Ben hope passenger 13 looking forward to read the rest of the Ben hope series
July 28, 2019
Brilliantly written
Read all of Scott Mariani's apart from the prequels.
Passenger 13 fills in the gap between Ben Hope's army days to his times of rescuing stolen people.
Read all of Scott Mariani's apart from the prequels.
Passenger 13 fills in the gap between Ben Hope's army days to his times of rescuing stolen people.
January 6, 2020
Great story
A great little read. Ben Hope at his best. You hurt a friend, everyone involved will pay with their life.
A great little read. Ben Hope at his best. You hurt a friend, everyone involved will pay with their life.
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