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But when he learns about a fresh murder case with links to his brother's death, Ben's life is turned upside down once more. He soon find himself caught in a web of lies, one that implicates everyone around him. And on his quest for answers, Ben discovers one very important truth: Thank goodness my wish was granted and I got access to this book. It’s one I’ll be urging people to read when it is eventually released. Twelve Secrets‘ is incredibly well written. Throughout the story, I could see the scenes playing out in front of my eyes and I think it would make an excellent tv show. It’s fabulously plotted, very cleverly done, and with truly delightful twists and turns. Most of which I didn’t see coming at all and honestly, that doesn’t happen all that often these days. ‘Twelve Secrets‘ had me hooked from start to finish and kind of took me by surprise. In a good way. While the description sounded really enticing, I was worried that I’d have to pull out my “been there, read that” t-shirt but no! Not even close. I wrote Twelve Secrets during 2019 and then found an agent at the start of 2020. It was the second half of 2020 by the time I agreed a publishing deal with Hachette whose preference was to then wait to publish the book in early 2022. We completed the editorial process around April or May last year and very sadly my dad passed away at the end of April. It meant he never got to read Twelve Secrets, so for me on a personal level that has been the most challenging thing. I know my mum feels the same sadness that he didn’t get to read the book, but I have dedicated it to him, and readers will see I find a small way to bring him into the story itself.
Take a Look at Our Summary of November Highlights, Whether You're Looking for the Latest Releases or Gift Inspiration Sitting down to write a second novel is an oddly daunting experience. I’m sure every author writes their first novel more in hope rather than in expectation. The idea of anyone reading that first book is something of a pipe dream, even as the story and characters come to life. A second novel is a different experience, one which often begins with your editor asking, “When will it be finished?”. Ben Harper è un giornalista d'inchiesta ma nel suo passato ci sono delle ombre: il fratello ucciso da due ragazzine e la madre morta suicida.
THE RICHARD AND JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK FOR DECEMBER 2022
Ben Harper– is in his mid-thirties and is a prize winning investigative journalist. When he was just eight years old, his older brother was murdered. His father made himself scarce, so it was just Ben and his Mum to help each other through their grief. Then, ten years ago, Ben’s mother jumped in from of a train… With the ten year anniversary of his mother’s death looming, his boss, Madeline Wilson, wants him to write a story. The only thing is… it is HIS story. At first Ben is highly reluctant to do what his boss is demanding, but as time and events develop, he thinks that it might just be what he needs to find some answers, some justice, and some much needed closure. Books offer us so many things – entertainment, education, learning, investigation, insight – but I think every author must want on some level the reading experience to be an enjoyable one. So, for me, the aim is to entertain the reader and let them enjoy the story as it unfolds.
As an author, and even more as a debut author, sitting down with a blank screen or blank sheet or paper at the start of the writing process can be the most intimidating thing in the world. Ben Harper was engaging and sympathetic. As this is touted to be the first in a series featuring Ben Harper, I am confident that I will try to follow this series to its conclusion. After reading an interview with the author, I understand that PC Dani Cash will have more of a presence in the second novel in the series. – I am anxious to find out more about her character. I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Sphere (an imprint of Little, Brown UK) via NetGalley – at my request, for my own reading enjoyment and the writing of this review.
Gold makes it obvious there’s more to the original murders than uncovered at the time (or there’d be no need for this book!) but does a good job at meting out new facts and details… mostly uncovered by Ben along with Dani, a cop returning to work after an ‘incident’. For some reason this novel reminded me somewhat of an episode of the television drama " Unforgotten". There were a LOT of characters and at first you cannot figure out how they are connected. As the story evolves you discover that they are indeed connected and it all makes sense. Secrets is an absorbing, puzzling crime thriller. It is multi-layered and complicated, with memorable characters whose past and present secrets collide in this well-constructed, suspenseful novel that is bound to keep the reader on seat's edge. Investigative journalist Ben Harper is given his chance at a big career break. It is the story that will propel him into the ‘premier league’ for nations best journalists. So why hesitate? Secrets are always fascinating fodder for a novel. They can bind people together, they can destroy dreams, they can damage lives. Twelve secrets here as the title suggests. Twelve secrets that have impacted Ben Harper’s life in the most profound way.
This has to be hands down one of the best mystery thrillers I have ever read. I loved how every chapter was from a different person's POV. Well this book took me completely by surprise. In a good way. a very good way. I’m not sure quite what I was expecting when I started reading, but what I found was a story that was compelling from the off, my interest well and truly piqued as we are introduced to journalist Ben Harper. It’s clear from the very beginning that his family history is not that of your run of the mill journalist, and when he is asked to produce a personal piece for his paper on the anniversary of his mother’s death, he agrees to do so, but only on his own terms. For Ben’s brother was murdered and his mother died in very difficult circumstances, but something inside of Ben is telling him there is far more to the story than the tragedy that the world has so far been told. And boy is there.Top Five Tuesday: 5 books that I’m thankful for in 2023 #Top5Tuesday #TuesdayBookBlog @MeeghanReads#TopFiveTuesday November 21, 2023 Before I wrote Twelve Secrets, I worked as a co-author with James Patterson on three of his short books, Bookshots series ( The Hostage, The Verdict, Kidnapped). Unquestionably, James is the world’s greatest storyteller, and he is unique in the way he has entertained readers with so many different stories and characters.
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