"The White Knight" by Scott Mariani is an electrifying and gripping thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Mariani, known for his captivating writing style and engaging characters, delivers yet another enthralling installment in the popular Ben Hope series.
In this novel, we follow the fearless and charismatic protagonist, Ben Hope, a former elite soldier turned troubleshooter, as he embarks on a high-stakes mission. When a devastating attack on the estate of billionaire Auguste Kaprisky leaves the old man clinging to life, a trail of bodies in his majestic mansion, and no clues of the perpetrators, his last surviving relative Valentina Petrova calls Ben, the only person she thinks can be trusted to unmask the face of the nefarious people behind this attack. He learns that pieces of a historical chess set belonging to the Napoleon era have been stolen by the attackers, while the chess board itself has been left behind.
Auguste Kaprisky, known as Tonton to her grandniece, Valentina is the only heir to the Kaprisky estate after her parents’ unfortunate death in a skiing accident in the Alps. Their estate is managed by their family lawyer and longtime friend, Gabriel Archambeau who breaks the news of the devastation at the estate.
Ben Hope dives headfirst into a dangerous investigation that leads him to uncover a sinister plot involving the highest echelons of power. As he navigates a treacherous web of corruption, secrets, and deadly adversaries, Hope's skills are put to the ultimate test. He soon realizes that not only is he now their target, but also he has to dodge their every move, stay alive and protect Valentina. His clandestine investigation takes him to Miami, Bahamas, Rome, and Berlin and, in his quest to unfold the secret behind this missing chess set and the powerful people behind this crime who will go any length to protect their secrets at any cost, he is joined by his comrades from the Lehval training facility, Tuesday Fletcher and Jeff Decker together with the deadly Jayden Wolf.
Mariani's writing is fast-paced and filled with tension, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. From the very beginning, the author skillfully sets the stage for an adrenaline-fueled adventure, and the momentum never wavers. The narrative is tightly woven, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing and eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth. Ben Hope is a compelling and complex protagonist, balancing his tough exterior with a sense of compassion and a desire for justice. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with each character playing a crucial role in the story.
In conclusion, "The White Knight" is an exhilarating and expertly crafted thriller that will captivate fans of the genre. Scott Mariani once again proves himself as a master storyteller, delivering a pulse-pounding narrative, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes. If you're in search of a heart-pounding page-turner, this book is a must-read.