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.