I really have loved this series of books. Getting to know Ben Harper, and those characters who inhabit the world around him, has been a real treat and this latest instalment, Nine Hidden Lives, is no exception. We catch up with Ben and his partner, Dani, at a very special stage in their lives as they wait to welcome the birth of their first child. It's a time when Ben should be winding down perhaps, making sure that he is safe and that he is around for when Dani needs him. But that wouldn't be a very exciting book, and the one thing this series is not, is lacking in excitement.

On the 30th anniversary of the murder of a former journalist, his paper run a commemorative spread, partly in a bid to try and reopen the case and to identify a killer who has, until now, remained elusive and unnamed. The victim's daughter is determined to uncover the truth, and with echoes of Ben's own story, it is no surprise that all too soon he finds himself in the middle of things. With threats of violence, and a constant sense of danger just around the corner, you'd think that Ben might want to sit this one out, but that is not in keeping with the brilliant character Robert Gold has created, and what we are treated to instead is a pacy, tension laden story in which nothing is quite what it seems, and a killer is hidden in plain sight.

This is quite an emotional story, as many of the cases have been. Not only is the subject of grief front and centre, but there is an ever pulsing sense of loss that feeds through the book, not just the physical loss of a parent, but the loss of love, be it due to bereavement or the gradual decline of someone to alzheimer's. The author explores this subject with compassion and understanding, whilst really bringing out the various emotions on the page. The story also has links to cases of abuse, both the physical and the psychological, and whilst some elements may prove to be a carefully executed red herring, others point clearly to a potential reason for all of the loss and murder.

Family is a key theme in this book, and I like how the author draws us into the lives of his characters. The nine hidden lives of the title are slowly and gradually revealed to the readers, in the same way the author has counted down the other scenes in previous books, a device that works perfectly as a segway into the next revelation of plot twist. There are a few surprises in store for Ben, and reasons why this case is closer to home than anyone may have suspected. It's a time for building bridges, and whilst the tension builds gradually, with a sharp escalation to the final showdown with the killer, there is also that feeling of many outstanding story arcs being brought to a natural, and perfectly fitting close.

These books are brilliantly written, with a keen sense of place, a brilliant pacing, making the most of a wax and wane of tension to drive the investigation along, and I have loved every one of them. It's sad to say goodbye, even though I understand fully why, but it's a perfect place to allow Ben and Dani a break. If you love a well paced story, once packed with mystery and superbly drawn characters that you will be completely rooting for from the off, then do give the series a go. You won't regret it. Definitely recommended.

If you love crime thrillers with deep-rooted mysteries, Nine Hidden Lives by Robert Gold is definitely worth checking out. This is the fourth book in the Ben Harper series, and I’ve read them all! I personally think it might just be the best one yet. Gold crafts a gripping story that keeps you guessing while tackling tough subjects like domestic abuse and the power of investigative journalism with sensitivity and depth.

The story centre's on a decades-old murder journalist Alaka Jha was killed thirty years ago after exposing cases of domestic abuse. Now, her daughter Uma is determined to uncover the truth and enlists Ben Harpers help. But the deeper they dig, the more dangerous things become. Someone is willing to do whatever it takes to keep the past buried.

Gold strikes a perfect balance between a compelling mystery and well-developed characters. Ben Harper is an engaging protagonist determined, intelligent, and shaped by his own troubled past. He’s not just solving a case; he’s confronting personal struggles that make him feel real and relatable. Uma Jha is equally captivating, blending strength and vulnerability as she fights for justice for her mother. The town of Haddley is packed with secrets, and its residents add layers of intrigue some are helpful, some are clearly hiding something, and others are downright menacing.

The pacing is tight, the twists keep coming, and I found the final reveal intense and deeply satisfying. If you’ve followed the series, you’ll appreciate how this book builds on Ben’s journey. If you’re newcomer you can still enjoy Nine Hidden Lives as a standalone, though starting from the beginning makes the experience even richer. Either way, this is a gripping, unputdownable read perfect for anyone who loves a thriller that keeps them on edge.

The series returns with journalist Ben Harper, along with Sam, his old editor, hot on the heels of another headline story. Thirty years ago, Alaka Jha, a journalist colleague of Sam’s, was brutally murdered. Since becoming an adult, Alaka’s daughter Dr Uma Jha has made it her mission to discover the killer. Who better to help than Ben and his circle of friends.

I absolutely love these books. This is the fourth in the series and although ok as a standalone, it’s to the reader’s benefit to read the previous books to really get to know the background. The characterisation is spot on and the storyline exciting. A little more convoluted than the previous books, the readers does need to concentrate, but that’s not a bad thing.

Sadly, according to the acknowledgment, this is the last in the series. I wish the author well and sincerely hope that more books are forthcoming.

One to recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sphere for my copy of Nine Hidden Lives by Robert Gold.
Journalist Ben Harper is back in his fourth outing, this time he is investigating a decades old murder that was never solved.
Following all the clues and going done various rabbit holes makes this a riveting read.
Most of the characters are back along with a few new ones.
You don't have to have read the three previos novels but it will enhance your enjoyment if you do.
Very good read.

Thank you Little Brown Book Group and Netgalley for the 4th in the Ben Harper series.
This series really is the gift that keeps on giving

This is the fourth in the Ben Harper series and just keeps getting better. This time Ben is re-examining a 30-year-old murder case, while waiting for a baby to be born!!

It is fast paced, interesting, great characters - I'm starting to wish Pamela was my aunt - and I devoured this.

Please can we have another?!

I cannot recommend this series highly enough and would give it 10 including this book

Thirty years ago, journalist Alaka Jha parked her car in a lay-by and then was found brutally murdered. She had been tirelessly campaigning against domestic violence and received numerous threats in the process, but did someone escalate from those threats?

On the anniversary of Alaka's death, her now grown-up daughter Uma asks Ben Harper for help - he has a platform to remind the public of what happened, but when Uma begins receiving threats herself, it seems that a killer may have lay dormant.

Having read the previous three books in this series I was looking forward to reading a fourth and this one is probably the best of the four! It would be a shame if it does end up being the final book, but if it does then the series is going out on a high. 4*.

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. Ben Harper is back and investigating a 30year old case. I have really enjoyed this series and the books just keep getting better each time. I found myself gripped from the start and struggled to put it down. The story was really detailed and interesting with a great group of characters. I highly recommend reading the previous books in this series first so you can appreciate the character development and detailed backstories. A really great thriller that I highly recommend. 5 stars

The fourth of Robert’s books featuring Ben Harper shows no sign of flagging. In this, he’s been tasked with helping re-examined a 30-year-old murder case, still unsolved, and featuring someone who someone dear to him cared for. A murdered journalist hits very close to home for Ben, but quickly he and his heavily pregnant police officer partner are thrown into the deep end of family disharmony, financial entanglements and a whole load of lies. Couple this with the knowledge that a few have kept secrets for over three decades and he’s got plenty to sort out but not a lot of time in which to do it.

An excellent read. This author’s books are always worth reading. Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.