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Ben Hope #25
The Silver Serpent
Pre-order now: the 25th Ben Hope thriller, from the Number One bestseller.
People can’t get enough of the Ben Hope series:
‘Compelling from the first page until the last, Mariani and his fabulous protagonist Ben Hope entertain in a gripping tale that will have you turning the pages well into the night’ Mark Dawson
‘Thrilling. Scott Mariani is at the top of his game’ Andy McDermott
‘A high level of realism … the action scenes come thick and fast. Like the father of the modern thriller, Frederick Forsyth, Mariani has a knack for embedding his plots in the fears and preoccupations of their time’ Shots Magazine
‘James Bond meets Jason Bourne meets The Da Vinci Code’ J. L. Carrell
‘History, action, devious scheming and eye-opening detail. Mariani delivers a twisting storyline’ David Leadbeater
'Non-stop action – this book delivers’ Steve Berry
People can’t get enough of the Ben Hope series:
‘Compelling from the first page until the last, Mariani and his fabulous protagonist Ben Hope entertain in a gripping tale that will have you turning the pages well into the night’ Mark Dawson
‘Thrilling. Scott Mariani is at the top of his game’ Andy McDermott
‘A high level of realism … the action scenes come thick and fast. Like the father of the modern thriller, Frederick Forsyth, Mariani has a knack for embedding his plots in the fears and preoccupations of their time’ Shots Magazine
‘James Bond meets Jason Bourne meets The Da Vinci Code’ J. L. Carrell
‘History, action, devious scheming and eye-opening detail. Mariani delivers a twisting storyline’ David Leadbeater
'Non-stop action – this book delivers’ Steve Berry
400 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2022
141 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
June 17, 2022
Scott Mariani is back with another in his Ben Hope series. The story remains strong and takes readers to the opposite side of the world., where things are just as gritty for Hope and those around him. Mariani does well to balance humour and action, with just enough romantic spark to keep readers appeased across the board. A great addition to the series that is sure to keep fans of Mariani’s work quite happy.
While Ben Hope has been enjoying life in France, he knows that his services are so sought after the world over. When his business partner and close friend, Jeff Decker, approaches him with an issue, there is no doubt that Ben will help. Decker’s step-father has gone missing in the Australian Outback and there’s no guarantee that he’s still alive.
After gathering some provisions, Ben gets finds himself soaring above the clouds for the great Down Under alongside Jeff. As they arrive, the kidnapping case gets even more serious, as answers are not plentiful. While Jeff wants to support his mother, he knows that it will take close to a miracle for anything positive to come out of this. However, there is a new angle, one that could really open up some new and exciting opportunities.
It would seem that it’s not only crocodiles and barren wasteland in the Northern Territory, but also an old legend about a major silver mine, one that has many salivating for a piece of the pie, including a ruthless businessman who will stop at nothing to amass riches in the region. Ben and Jeff will have to work their magic, sometimes independently, to find answers before it’s too late. A great addition to the series that will have Mariani fans quite pleased with the latest instalment.
There is something about Scott Mariani’s writing that always gets me excited. I love the thrill of the hunt in these books, where Ben Hope has been forced to evolve and grow for the reader throughout. There is something for everyone in this series, which has not gone stale after so many novels. Well-paced and powerfully penned, Mariani has a winner here for all to see.
Ben Hope has proven himself over the last number of novels, but this is a time for new development and perhaps some added personal insight as well. Ben has been through a great deal and yet never seems to toss in the towel. This piece allows the reader not only to see him on a new terrain, but to come to terms with some of his buried emotions, all while trying to help fight for those who are in need of his brawn. Mariani has done well to ensure his protagonist is anything but one dimensional, adding a little spark of romance to keep things light.
The Ben Hope series mixes some wonderful writing with great plots and an attractive set of characters. Mariani works through a strong narrative to propel the story forward, keeping the reader hooked with short chapters and numerous characters that are well worth the reader’s time. A plot that evolves throughout, taking the reader through many twists and turns. Using some well-developed ideas in Australia, Mariani takes the reader there and leaves them to feel as though they are in the middle of the action, slang and all. I was so pleased to see things develop with ease and am excited to see what is to come with this series that never seems to lose momentum at any point.
Kudos, Mr. Mariani, for another winner. How you do it, I have no idea!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
While Ben Hope has been enjoying life in France, he knows that his services are so sought after the world over. When his business partner and close friend, Jeff Decker, approaches him with an issue, there is no doubt that Ben will help. Decker’s step-father has gone missing in the Australian Outback and there’s no guarantee that he’s still alive.
After gathering some provisions, Ben gets finds himself soaring above the clouds for the great Down Under alongside Jeff. As they arrive, the kidnapping case gets even more serious, as answers are not plentiful. While Jeff wants to support his mother, he knows that it will take close to a miracle for anything positive to come out of this. However, there is a new angle, one that could really open up some new and exciting opportunities.
It would seem that it’s not only crocodiles and barren wasteland in the Northern Territory, but also an old legend about a major silver mine, one that has many salivating for a piece of the pie, including a ruthless businessman who will stop at nothing to amass riches in the region. Ben and Jeff will have to work their magic, sometimes independently, to find answers before it’s too late. A great addition to the series that will have Mariani fans quite pleased with the latest instalment.
There is something about Scott Mariani’s writing that always gets me excited. I love the thrill of the hunt in these books, where Ben Hope has been forced to evolve and grow for the reader throughout. There is something for everyone in this series, which has not gone stale after so many novels. Well-paced and powerfully penned, Mariani has a winner here for all to see.
Ben Hope has proven himself over the last number of novels, but this is a time for new development and perhaps some added personal insight as well. Ben has been through a great deal and yet never seems to toss in the towel. This piece allows the reader not only to see him on a new terrain, but to come to terms with some of his buried emotions, all while trying to help fight for those who are in need of his brawn. Mariani has done well to ensure his protagonist is anything but one dimensional, adding a little spark of romance to keep things light.
The Ben Hope series mixes some wonderful writing with great plots and an attractive set of characters. Mariani works through a strong narrative to propel the story forward, keeping the reader hooked with short chapters and numerous characters that are well worth the reader’s time. A plot that evolves throughout, taking the reader through many twists and turns. Using some well-developed ideas in Australia, Mariani takes the reader there and leaves them to feel as though they are in the middle of the action, slang and all. I was so pleased to see things develop with ease and am excited to see what is to come with this series that never seems to lose momentum at any point.
Kudos, Mr. Mariani, for another winner. How you do it, I have no idea!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 19, 2022
It is much harder to write a review of a book like The Silver Serpent that is part of a long-running series than if it was a one-off. You are in danger of repeating yourself to some extent, and can struggle to find something original to say. At the heart of all successful series are the characters and the worlds they inhabit. They find themselves faced with a different situation each time, but ultimately you keep reading to see these characters do what they do best, and overcome whatever obstacle is put in their path. Whether they are action heroes like Ben Hope, police officers or forensic archaeologists the principle is the same.
Ben Hope’s twenty-fifth adventure takes him to the remote Northern Territory of Australia (I had to get the atlas out), where his friend Jeff’s step-father, Kip, has disappeared, and his mother is understandably frantic with worry. Kip has recently inherited a vast tract of land from his uncle Mick, rumoured to be the location of huge silver deposits that Aboriginal legend calls the ‘silver serpent’, but its exact location has never been found – much to the annoyance of Wiley Cooper, a ruthless local mine owner, with an army of hired guns, determined to get his hands on it at any cost.
The characters are well drawn and believable, some of them extremely nasty, and the setting is vividly brought to life. The immense distances between locations, the extreme heat, and the rough terrain all make Ben’s task more complicated, but he enlists the help of pilot Abbie Logan and has soon worked out what he needs to do. The Silver Serpent is a character-driven adventure story with a gripping plot that moves along at a fast pace and keeps you turning the pages. It is thanks to Scott Mariani’s skill as a writer that this series is still as compelling today as it was at the start. I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping that there will be many more Ben Hope books to come.
Ben Hope’s twenty-fifth adventure takes him to the remote Northern Territory of Australia (I had to get the atlas out), where his friend Jeff’s step-father, Kip, has disappeared, and his mother is understandably frantic with worry. Kip has recently inherited a vast tract of land from his uncle Mick, rumoured to be the location of huge silver deposits that Aboriginal legend calls the ‘silver serpent’, but its exact location has never been found – much to the annoyance of Wiley Cooper, a ruthless local mine owner, with an army of hired guns, determined to get his hands on it at any cost.
The characters are well drawn and believable, some of them extremely nasty, and the setting is vividly brought to life. The immense distances between locations, the extreme heat, and the rough terrain all make Ben’s task more complicated, but he enlists the help of pilot Abbie Logan and has soon worked out what he needs to do. The Silver Serpent is a character-driven adventure story with a gripping plot that moves along at a fast pace and keeps you turning the pages. It is thanks to Scott Mariani’s skill as a writer that this series is still as compelling today as it was at the start. I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping that there will be many more Ben Hope books to come.
August 21, 2022
A story of a jaunt down under to help out Jeff Decker's family, quite an adventure.
Typically as over blown as ever, it's well paced, a good length (but a read so good it could have gone on for longer).
On top of all the usual action, and a war (you can see the glint in Ben Hope's eyes, it is a one man war) against a mining corporation, there's emotion and a new love factor too. The only part that felt a little too OTT was the scene reminiscent of an epic African tribal war film.
Still loved it, really enjoyed it, and on one of the factors mentioned above the book ends on a note that makes you look forward to the next one.
Typically as over blown as ever, it's well paced, a good length (but a read so good it could have gone on for longer).
On top of all the usual action, and a war (you can see the glint in Ben Hope's eyes, it is a one man war) against a mining corporation, there's emotion and a new love factor too. The only part that felt a little too OTT was the scene reminiscent of an epic African tribal war film.
Still loved it, really enjoyed it, and on one of the factors mentioned above the book ends on a note that makes you look forward to the next one.
May 21, 2022
I ADORE Ben Hope and, this thriller, the 25th (I can hardly believe how long I've been reading these books), is one of my favourites, even though it has none of the archaeological mystery of my other favourites. It's set in the Outback of Australia and, while I can't vouch for its accuracy as Ben visits, dominates and sets fire to a place he's never been to before, I can certainly proclaim it exciting and strangely warm, in more ways than one. Good to have a thriller feature more of Jeff, Ben's business partner and comrade. I loved Abbie, I hope we see more of her. Fab!
July 7, 2022
I will always read a Ben Hope adventure, it’s an action movie in a book and they all always great! This is no exception. This time Ben finds himself in Australia helping his partner Jeff with a family mystery and a missing stepfather (hmmm, I wonder who might be good at finding people?). There is also a very interesting subplot involving the indigenous peoples of Australia tying them into the outer story. Another great book from Scott Mariani. I am very much looking forward to the next one Graveyard of Empires.
April 5, 2023
Not a terrible read but definitely not my usual book selection, thought I’d try something a bit different. Too ‘Boys Own’ for my liking and too unbelievable. The whole story is set out in the first quarter of the book and the rest is just about how they get to the end. Not brilliantly written in my option, annoyingly uses the term ‘mate’ way way too much, Australians really don’t use it so haphazardly for sure and the proof reader needs to be looking for a new job! Great if you like action packed storylines, comic strip hero’s like Mad Max, Superman etc
May 24, 2022
One of the worst books I've read recently. Characters straight out of Trope101, unbelievable plot, puerile dialogue. I persevered with it in the hope that something would turn up that would lift it from its mediocrity but, sadly, no.
With this book Mr Mariani has made Jeffrey Archer appear accomplished.
With this book Mr Mariani has made Jeffrey Archer appear accomplished.
June 21, 2022
This is the latest adventure of Ben Hope, former SAS major and now specialist training advisor to various people who need to learn tactical skills.
Kip Malloy lives in Australia's Northern Territory and has not long inherited his Uncle Mick's vast ranch. Kip is abducted when visiting the ranch and disappears off the face of the earth.
Jeff Dekker, Ben Hope's business partner, gets to hear of his stepfather's kidnap and plans on going to Australia to find him. Ben accompanies him and they meet up with Jeff's mum, Lynne. The three of them put their heads together and come up with a plan. This plan doesn't go quite as it should and Jeff and Lynne are also abducted.
Kip has been abducted by Wiley Cooper, an unscrupulous mining company owner, who has heard rumours of a large vein of silver on Kip's newly inherited land.
Ben is told by a local Aborigine working for Kip about the Silver Serpent.
Jeff and Lynne are also abducted in their pursuit of Kip. Eventually they escape and end up in hospital, where Ben finds them and bans Jeff from helping any more. This would be difficult, as Jeff has a broken collar bone and a badly stabbed hand.
Ben enlists the help of a local pilot and also the Aborigines living in the area. They all meet up with Wiley Cooper and his men at Horseshoe Ridge. A battle takes place and Wiley Cooper and his men come a very poor second.
I've read all the Ben Hope stories so far and enjoyed every one of them. They just seem to get better and better. Looking forward to the next one, coming out in November this year.
Kip Malloy lives in Australia's Northern Territory and has not long inherited his Uncle Mick's vast ranch. Kip is abducted when visiting the ranch and disappears off the face of the earth.
Jeff Dekker, Ben Hope's business partner, gets to hear of his stepfather's kidnap and plans on going to Australia to find him. Ben accompanies him and they meet up with Jeff's mum, Lynne. The three of them put their heads together and come up with a plan. This plan doesn't go quite as it should and Jeff and Lynne are also abducted.
Kip has been abducted by Wiley Cooper, an unscrupulous mining company owner, who has heard rumours of a large vein of silver on Kip's newly inherited land.
Ben is told by a local Aborigine working for Kip about the Silver Serpent.
Jeff and Lynne are also abducted in their pursuit of Kip. Eventually they escape and end up in hospital, where Ben finds them and bans Jeff from helping any more. This would be difficult, as Jeff has a broken collar bone and a badly stabbed hand.
Ben enlists the help of a local pilot and also the Aborigines living in the area. They all meet up with Wiley Cooper and his men at Horseshoe Ridge. A battle takes place and Wiley Cooper and his men come a very poor second.
I've read all the Ben Hope stories so far and enjoyed every one of them. They just seem to get better and better. Looking forward to the next one, coming out in November this year.
May 24, 2022
The latest Ben Hope adventure takes to the Northern Territory of Australia where the rumoured discovery of silver threatens the Aboriginal heritage on the enormous farmlands just inherited by the husband of Jeff Dekker’s mother, who has gone missing.
July 29, 2025
what am I going to do without Ben Hope, I haven't got many more to read.
Excellent story and a worthy book to the collection.
Excellent story and a worthy book to the collection.
July 3, 2022
A well written and entertaining book.
Really enjoyed this, Ben and Jeff get into some serious trouble. The ending has a good surprise and can't wait to see how that develops.
Really enjoyed this, Ben and Jeff get into some serious trouble. The ending has a good surprise and can't wait to see how that develops.
September 11, 2022
Jumping on at the 25th book in a series is never the best choice, but Mariani helps paint the picture of his iconic lead character in the opening pages. That being said, the narrative felt very much like a middle aged man’s wet dream. Predictable, dreary and riddled with the insufferable Byronic hero at the centre of it all.
June 15, 2022
The action hero, Ben Hope is back again in the 25th Installment by Scott Mariani. I have been following this series for quite some time and every storyline seems to be unique, set in a different country, and highly adventurous. This edition limelights on Ben’s business partner Jeff Dekker whose family has been residing in the Northern Territory of Australia, where his step-father Kip has inherited enormous farmlands from his uncle Mick. It was rumored that these vast terrains contained huge deposits of silver that led to Mick’s death and has been threatening the Aboriginal heritage who were protecting these green pastures and forestlands from the nefarious mining megalomaniacs.
Following a frantic call from his mother about her husband missing for a couple of days, Jeff and Ben are flying across the world from Le Val to Darwin and there hopping on a private flight to the farmland owned by Kip. En route their journey, they cross paths with a young, energetic, and passionate pilot Abbie, and a friendship waft between her and Ben. Meanwhile, the local police investigating the missing person case, have no leads and whereabouts of where Kip could have gone missing. Ben and Jeff discreetly begin their investigation by talking to Kip’s employees at their ranch, but to no avail. Meanwhile, the police report to have found the car driven by Kip in a remote and deserted hilly terrain but without any trace of him.
Finding clues from the only evidence they have and from a few of the close aides working on the ranch, Ben’s instinct as an ex-SAS operative kicks in and he wanders through a dangerous path to track Kip. Meanwhile, somewhere in a distant desolate location, Kip is held captive by some kidnappers whose boss is one greedy mine owner Wiley Cooper, who is keen to lay his hands on the location map of the vast reserves of Silver deposit allegedly hidden in Kip’s farmlands and amass huge wealth. With Kip not willing to reveal the location at any costs, Cooper and his henchmen kidnap Jeff and his mother as a way of a bargain.
The plot intensifies from here on as Ben is left all by himself to trace down Copper’s hideout and rescue Jeff and his family. In his pursuit, he is assisted by Abbie to whom he begins to have a liking, and the leader of an aboriginal tribe who is determined to make a last effort to prevent their land from falling into the hands of global mining corporations and masquerading their sacred lands and their beliefs. What follows next is a typical Ben Hope climax with action, packed with firearms and state-of-the-art ware fare against the might of Wiley Cooper.
While the plot is straightforward without any hidden suspense, what makes this storyline so engaging is the amount of research by the author on the history and locations of Australia, its aboriginals, and how they have been protecting their lands for centuries, before the advent of greedy and powerful mining corporations who savaged upon these lands and their wilderness in the quest for huge stakes of money. The plot is fast-paced and keeps the reader on the edge of the seat. Jeff and Ben’s camaraderie is at its best and the introduction of Abbie hopes to give a new meaning to Ben’s lonely life and relationship going forward. I hope to see more of her in the coming series. This is certainly one of those books you don’t want to put down if you are a fan of authors like Wilbur Smith. Way to go Scott Mariani and eagerly looking forward to your next release in the Ben Hope series.
Following a frantic call from his mother about her husband missing for a couple of days, Jeff and Ben are flying across the world from Le Val to Darwin and there hopping on a private flight to the farmland owned by Kip. En route their journey, they cross paths with a young, energetic, and passionate pilot Abbie, and a friendship waft between her and Ben. Meanwhile, the local police investigating the missing person case, have no leads and whereabouts of where Kip could have gone missing. Ben and Jeff discreetly begin their investigation by talking to Kip’s employees at their ranch, but to no avail. Meanwhile, the police report to have found the car driven by Kip in a remote and deserted hilly terrain but without any trace of him.
Finding clues from the only evidence they have and from a few of the close aides working on the ranch, Ben’s instinct as an ex-SAS operative kicks in and he wanders through a dangerous path to track Kip. Meanwhile, somewhere in a distant desolate location, Kip is held captive by some kidnappers whose boss is one greedy mine owner Wiley Cooper, who is keen to lay his hands on the location map of the vast reserves of Silver deposit allegedly hidden in Kip’s farmlands and amass huge wealth. With Kip not willing to reveal the location at any costs, Cooper and his henchmen kidnap Jeff and his mother as a way of a bargain.
The plot intensifies from here on as Ben is left all by himself to trace down Copper’s hideout and rescue Jeff and his family. In his pursuit, he is assisted by Abbie to whom he begins to have a liking, and the leader of an aboriginal tribe who is determined to make a last effort to prevent their land from falling into the hands of global mining corporations and masquerading their sacred lands and their beliefs. What follows next is a typical Ben Hope climax with action, packed with firearms and state-of-the-art ware fare against the might of Wiley Cooper.
While the plot is straightforward without any hidden suspense, what makes this storyline so engaging is the amount of research by the author on the history and locations of Australia, its aboriginals, and how they have been protecting their lands for centuries, before the advent of greedy and powerful mining corporations who savaged upon these lands and their wilderness in the quest for huge stakes of money. The plot is fast-paced and keeps the reader on the edge of the seat. Jeff and Ben’s camaraderie is at its best and the introduction of Abbie hopes to give a new meaning to Ben’s lonely life and relationship going forward. I hope to see more of her in the coming series. This is certainly one of those books you don’t want to put down if you are a fan of authors like Wilbur Smith. Way to go Scott Mariani and eagerly looking forward to your next release in the Ben Hope series.
June 22, 2022
Not Scott's best effort, to the point you wonder if Ben Hope has run out of steam. Scott sends Ben to Australia and the book is just dripping in references. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to get Australian phrasing right and in most case he is well off the mark to the point it becomes cringe worthy. Many of the terms he sprinkles in virtually no one uses any more. He also pads out the story with a 'white man bad' story. While what he says about miners is based on historic reality, he does not include recent changes in community expectations- when he quotes the recent (deplorable) destruction of cave art by a mining company, he neglects to mention that the CEO had to resign in shame- something that would not have happened in the past. As someone who has read every Ben Hope story, this one was boring, plodded along, and was just farcical at the end. The romance in the book was utterly pointless. I will give the next book a go, but Scott really needs to focus on plot rather than just pumping out books.
September 24, 2022
Another absolutely amazing and brilliant story! I am so in love with the character of Ben Hope, I cannot get enough of him quite literally.
I'm so happy we got to see another book with the active participation of Jeff. I like his sass and want to see a book where he is a fully engaged participant and they work together with Ben - talk about the dream team. Not that we didn't get plenty of him here, I'm pretty fond of Jeff, he's so much fun with his more than a dark and dirty sense of humour, how can one get enough of these?
The story - is bloody brilliant. I love the scenery and country change. Australia is a new grown for both us and the character which is a great plot choice, there is plenty to explore on new grounds. I'm probably having a bit too much fun with the dark and sassy elements but I think this is what makes Ben Hope such a successful and beloved book character. Needless to say, I can't wait to see, well read, more of him soon!
I'm so happy we got to see another book with the active participation of Jeff. I like his sass and want to see a book where he is a fully engaged participant and they work together with Ben - talk about the dream team. Not that we didn't get plenty of him here, I'm pretty fond of Jeff, he's so much fun with his more than a dark and dirty sense of humour, how can one get enough of these?
The story - is bloody brilliant. I love the scenery and country change. Australia is a new grown for both us and the character which is a great plot choice, there is plenty to explore on new grounds. I'm probably having a bit too much fun with the dark and sassy elements but I think this is what makes Ben Hope such a successful and beloved book character. Needless to say, I can't wait to see, well read, more of him soon!
May 29, 2022
Amazing story, Scott Mariani smacking the top note in my favourites once again.
I've read olive Scott's Ben Hope series to date and I have my own personal favourites. The Silver Serpent rates 3rd in the list beaten only by what is known as the African twin duo which still hold places 1&2.
Colin Mace has narrated all I've listened to and does a superbly engaging job of them all with this as no exception by a good few miles. If you like the story to come further to life then I highly recommend you give Colin a go.
Trouble for me now is finding another yarn to replace this one. Rest assured in Arnie's words, "I'll be back!" When I redo this one as there's always more that I skimmed over.
I've read olive Scott's Ben Hope series to date and I have my own personal favourites. The Silver Serpent rates 3rd in the list beaten only by what is known as the African twin duo which still hold places 1&2.
Colin Mace has narrated all I've listened to and does a superbly engaging job of them all with this as no exception by a good few miles. If you like the story to come further to life then I highly recommend you give Colin a go.
Trouble for me now is finding another yarn to replace this one. Rest assured in Arnie's words, "I'll be back!" When I redo this one as there's always more that I skimmed over.
June 15, 2022
If you have ever read any of the Ben Hope series, you know you are in for a real ride of adventure and action, this story is no exception.
This time he is in the wilds of the Northern Territory of Australia with his friend and colleague Jeff Decker.
When Jeff gets a call from Australia from his mum Lynne, who had moved out there and married a local croc rancher Kip Malloy. Lynne tells them that Kip has gone missing…So both Ben and Jeff fly out to see if they can help…
What is the silver serpent, who is Sammy Mudrooroo?
Then when Jeff and Lynne get kidnapped, Ben decides it’s time for some action and he doesn’t mess about!
I enjoyed it, we need more Ben Hope stories !
This time he is in the wilds of the Northern Territory of Australia with his friend and colleague Jeff Decker.
When Jeff gets a call from Australia from his mum Lynne, who had moved out there and married a local croc rancher Kip Malloy. Lynne tells them that Kip has gone missing…So both Ben and Jeff fly out to see if they can help…
What is the silver serpent, who is Sammy Mudrooroo?
Then when Jeff and Lynne get kidnapped, Ben decides it’s time for some action and he doesn’t mess about!
I enjoyed it, we need more Ben Hope stories !
July 25, 2022
25th book in the non stop Ben Hope series.
Ben and Jeff reaches wilderness and vastness of Northern Australia to find Jeff's Step-dad Kip Malloy who is missing. Later Ben and Jeff find out there is more to his dad's missing case than eye meets.
When they start digging for clues, they separately ran into problems. They are against a mining company founder who is rooting for Kip's land which he inherited from his uncle Mick Malloy.
Jeff got abducted along with his mom Lynne. Can Ben save his friend and his family before its too late?...
Ben and Jeff reaches wilderness and vastness of Northern Australia to find Jeff's Step-dad Kip Malloy who is missing. Later Ben and Jeff find out there is more to his dad's missing case than eye meets.
When they start digging for clues, they separately ran into problems. They are against a mining company founder who is rooting for Kip's land which he inherited from his uncle Mick Malloy.
Jeff got abducted along with his mom Lynne. Can Ben save his friend and his family before its too late?...
April 16, 2023
A new continent for Ben
A nice change of place and good to have Jeff more involved in the adventure.
As usual Scott recounts the very interesting history of the treatment of the native Australians. He seems to have an affinity with all people who have been mistreated through history and tells that story too.
The body count rises with each book but the story is always well told.
Scott keeps up the interest every time. An exciting adventure, an injustice righted and a little romance.
I still wish he'd give up the Gauloise, though.
A nice change of place and good to have Jeff more involved in the adventure.
As usual Scott recounts the very interesting history of the treatment of the native Australians. He seems to have an affinity with all people who have been mistreated through history and tells that story too.
The body count rises with each book but the story is always well told.
Scott keeps up the interest every time. An exciting adventure, an injustice righted and a little romance.
I still wish he'd give up the Gauloise, though.
February 14, 2025
4.5* was given this book to read and even though I haven’t read any of the other books in the series I really enjoyed it. I didn’t feel at all disadvantage for not reading any of the others.
I found the book interesting and it was laugh out loud funny in parts, I especially enjoyed - “That’s right boss. I mean, what kind of sick piece of shit would blow a man’s bollocks off? And Hope did it from about a thousand bloody yards away, with one shot, in the dark. I’m telling you, the guys not human. It’s going to take a bloody army to stop him.”
I found the book interesting and it was laugh out loud funny in parts, I especially enjoyed - “That’s right boss. I mean, what kind of sick piece of shit would blow a man’s bollocks off? And Hope did it from about a thousand bloody yards away, with one shot, in the dark. I’m telling you, the guys not human. It’s going to take a bloody army to stop him.”
May 16, 2022
Excellent!
Scott Mariani is one of my favourite authors. His writing is stunning, detailed and exciting. The latest in his Ben Hope series is filled with twists and turns, well researched locations and Australian history. The plot is complex, the characters well written, moments of thrill interspersed with a touch of romance and humour. If you are a fan of high octane thrillers and mysteries, you will enjoy this.
Scott Mariani is one of my favourite authors. His writing is stunning, detailed and exciting. The latest in his Ben Hope series is filled with twists and turns, well researched locations and Australian history. The plot is complex, the characters well written, moments of thrill interspersed with a touch of romance and humour. If you are a fan of high octane thrillers and mysteries, you will enjoy this.
May 24, 2022
Another brilliant book by Mr Mariani.
Brilliantly written, sublimely descriptive, the feeling of being in the Australian bush is unreal.
Every book that this man writes is a adventurous classic but he's outdone himself with this one.
The characters are so believable and loved it hated in equal measure.
There will be no plot spoilers from me, just buy this and you will not be disappointed.
Brilliantly written, sublimely descriptive, the feeling of being in the Australian bush is unreal.
Every book that this man writes is a adventurous classic but he's outdone himself with this one.
The characters are so believable and loved it hated in equal measure.
There will be no plot spoilers from me, just buy this and you will not be disappointed.
May 25, 2022
Another pulsating Ben Hope page turner …
In the remote Australian outback Ben and Jeff find themselves against the odds coming to the aid of Jeff’s family facing a powerful, ruthless and vicious enemy at home in the barren unfamiliar landscape.
Will Ben’s ingenuity be enough to balance the odds this time even with the help of some local knowledge ?
If you like a fast tempo read with a few twists thrown in then this is your summer read. Enjoy !
In the remote Australian outback Ben and Jeff find themselves against the odds coming to the aid of Jeff’s family facing a powerful, ruthless and vicious enemy at home in the barren unfamiliar landscape.
Will Ben’s ingenuity be enough to balance the odds this time even with the help of some local knowledge ?
If you like a fast tempo read with a few twists thrown in then this is your summer read. Enjoy !
July 15, 2022
I absolutely love Scott Marianis books. They grip you from the start and this one is no exception. In this book Ben Hope our hero travels for the first time to Australia. In this book Jeff Bens sidekick in France has family problems. Cue the two of them head off to Australia on a mission to find his uncle and figure out what is going on. The story is great and the action non stop. It makes for a non-put-downable book. Loved it!
January 10, 2023
Silver Serpent
A brilliant book and well written. I had no idea the terrible, terrible things Australian white people had done to the indigenous peoples of Australia, The Aborigines. But they're not the only ones all of us whites have done something bad to someone!!!!
But the book really opens your eyes to what we are all capable of doing to another human being.
I look forward to your next book Scott Mariani and learning something. Thank you.
A brilliant book and well written. I had no idea the terrible, terrible things Australian white people had done to the indigenous peoples of Australia, The Aborigines. But they're not the only ones all of us whites have done something bad to someone!!!!
But the book really opens your eyes to what we are all capable of doing to another human being.
I look forward to your next book Scott Mariani and learning something. Thank you.
December 30, 2024
4.5 stars. An action filled adventure set in the wild beauty of Australia's outback. When Jeff Dekker hears news from his mum about his missing stepdad, he is determined to deal with it alone, but Ben Hope is determined to support his friend. This is a fortuitous decision as it seems Kit has been kidnapped by very dangerous people with dark intent. Ancient aboriginal land and legend lies at the core. Greed is the motive.
January 7, 2025
Ben Hope flies to Australia with mate Jeff to locate Jeff's landowner stepfather, who has gone missing. What follows is a confrontation with corruption and evil on a grand scale involving a ruthless businessman and an aboriginal tribe whose homeland is threatened, and all because of the mysterious Silver Serpent. An excellent, adrenaline-fuelled story, ending with a bang that is both exciting and rewarding. Superb.
January 21, 2025
When I first bought this book, I didn't realise that it was very far into an already long-running series.
Luckily, that didn't seem to impact being able to understand/follow along with the story so I think it can be read as a standalone if needs be.
If you're in the mood for an entertaining, action-packed story with a super cool main character with a hint of romance, I'd say give this a go!
I think I will see about checking out the previous 24 books haha
Luckily, that didn't seem to impact being able to understand/follow along with the story so I think it can be read as a standalone if needs be.
If you're in the mood for an entertaining, action-packed story with a super cool main character with a hint of romance, I'd say give this a go!
I think I will see about checking out the previous 24 books haha
May 26, 2022
The Silver Serpent. Scott Mariani
As par for the course.... another stupendous action packed novel by Mr. Mariani. Ben Hope is helping his closest friend and business partner Jeff Dekker to locate a kidnapped or possibly dead family member in the desolate Australia outback. Non stop action on every page!! A magnificent read!!
As par for the course.... another stupendous action packed novel by Mr. Mariani. Ben Hope is helping his closest friend and business partner Jeff Dekker to locate a kidnapped or possibly dead family member in the desolate Australia outback. Non stop action on every page!! A magnificent read!!
February 5, 2023
I liked this one.... usually on this series, Ben is dealing with everything alone and he use to find some "local" support, but this time it's a situation for Ben and Jeff from the first minute.
Finally Ben is again dealing everything alone with some "local" support.... but being a situation involving not only Ben but his closest colleague makes it slightly different :-)
Finally Ben is again dealing everything alone with some "local" support.... but being a situation involving not only Ben but his closest colleague makes it slightly different :-)
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