In this new book, we see the return of leading characters Ben Harper and Dani Cash, with the story allowing the reader deeper inside their lives. By introducing new areas of the town, such as the centuries old church standing on the riverbank and the terraced homes built on Haddley Hill, I was also able to bring in new characters and new lives, each one embedded in the darkest parts of Haddley’s past. I loved exploring and imagining new parts of the town and meeting characters who had made Haddley their home for decades. Take a Look at Our Summary of November Highlights, Whether You're Looking for the Latest Releases or Gift Inspiration This is a multi-cast narrative with lots of POVs. We follow a host of characters, but the central figure is Ben. Ben is a journalist, and it’s the 25th (I think) anniversary of the horrific death of his brother and his brother’s BFF. 25 years ago, when Ben was eight, his 15-year old brother was brutally murdered alongside his BFF in the woods. Ben was one of the eye witnesses. He saw his brother following two teenage girls into the woods. The girls were arrested shortly and sent to prison. Then 12 years later, when Ben was 20-years old, his mother killed herself. Poor Ben has been through a lot to say the least. His editor wants him to write an article for the anniversary. Ben is reluctant. Then shortly, the police turn up at his door...His brothers’ killers were set free with new names after serving eight years. And one of them is dead... This is an assured debut, the start of a series and we can't wait to read more of Ben Harper. Bring it on, Gold! Ahead of the release of Robert Gold’s brand new thriller Twelve Secrets in March next year, we sat down with him to find out more about life as an author, working in publishing and writing.

Originally from Harrogate in North Yorkshire, Robert Gold began his career as an intern at the American broadcaster CNN, based in Washington DC. He returned to Yorkshire to work for the retailer ASDA, becoming the chain’s nationwide book buyer. He now works in sales for a UK publishing company. Robert now lives in Putney and his new hometown served as the inspiration for the fictional town of Haddley in Twelve Secrets. In 2016, he co-authored three titles in James Patterson’s Bookshots series. What a tangled web! Brilliantly weaved and then carefully unravelled for the big revelations at the end. A totally gripping read." - Susan Lewis So on top of the excellent plot and writing we also have a whole heap of wonderful characters and I was never quite sure about any of them they all seemed to have something to hide and my head was spinning ….oh it really was such a devilish plot to die for ! Twelve Secrets is a smart, satisfying, one-of-a-kind thriller that entertained me from start to finish. It examines the confluence of family loyalties and dark secrets while keeping the plot boiling." - James Patterson 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.

Summary

Writing a book really is a team effort. It sounds a strange thing to say but working with a team of people at your publishing company is vital. And the closest relationship you have is with your editor. They become almost as close to the story as the author is. Twelve Secrets contains a lot of twists and turns along the way and I worked very closely with my editor to ensure everything came together in the end. Pulling all the threads together was a challenge but ultimately still a hugely enjoyable part of the writing process. I think there is a small bit of me in Ben. When you create a character who shares so much from his point of view you can’t help but have some of yourself. With me growing up wanting to be a journalist, that is definitely playing out in Ben and he also drinks a huge amount of coffee which is something I’ve borrowed from myself! Ben has been through a terrible time in his life a hopefully readers feel a sympathy for him—but because he’s had so many challenges in his life he has learnt not to worry about the little things in life and that makes him a fun character to write—and hopefully read.

Holly - Raped by father in law, man she loves died, daughter kidnapped and threatened at knifepointFast-paced and brimming with superb characters. I couldn't put it down for a single second. Twelve stars!" - Lisa Jewell

The ending was a bit predictable despite the twists throughout. That same old chestnut. It’s the good guys you have to watch. (this does not spoil the plot though!!!). I remember watching the first series of Broadchurch and like so many people was absolutely gripped by it and the intensity of its setting. In creating Haddley, I set out to create a small community where lots of people know each other, and each has their own secrets. Haddley is a fictionalised version of Putney in London where the river and outside spaces play a big part in people’s lives. 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. Absolutely addictive. An unforgettable and nuanced cast of characters, a claustrophobic setting, and a suspenseful and chilling examination of the dark and destructive power of secrets. You will sleep with your eyes open after reading this one. -- GILLY MACMILLAN When you’re not writing you work for Penguin’s sales team. How has it been to experience the other side of the publishing process?

Featured Reviews

So many killed to protect a secret."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. Ben is a sympathetic character, you can really feel his turmoil at having to relive the past. As the story develops we understand the devastation his family and friends went through 20 years previously. The unanswered questions following his mothers unexpected suicide have haunted Ben for 10 years. It's a shame, Robert Gold. There were some good moments in here (and a good murder) but you fudged it up...