Twelve Secrets: A Gripping Town Crime Thriller by Robert Gold - Fiction - Hardback

Title:
Twelve Secrets

Format: Hardcover

Overview:
Twelve Secrets plunges readers into the charged heart of a small town where a terrible crime from two decades ago still ripples through every hallway, kitchen table, and whispered conversation. Ben Harper, the sharp-eyed true-crime journalist at the center of this narrative, returns to Haddley after years away, drawn by a fresh murder case that casts new light on his brother Nick’s unsolved death. The town that once offered solace now feels claustrophobic, its neat façades peeling away to reveal a network of loyalties, resentments, and guarded memories. As Ben begins to investigate, he discovers that the people he trusted—friends, neighbors, even colleagues—may be hiding more than a few well-placed alibis. The investigation tightens around a web of secrets that threaten to unravel the life he rebuilt and the family he loves. Robert Gold crafts a suspenseful, character-driven thriller that balances grit with compassion, using Haddley as a living character: a place where the past is never truly gone, and the truth always carries a price. The hardcover edition from Sphere delivers a gripping, immersive reading experience with a dark undertow and a series of twists that will keep you turning pages well into the night.

What You’ll Discover Inside:
This inaugural Ben Harper thriller immerses readers in a meticulously layered mystery where the present reverberates with history. As Ben reopens an old case, familiar faces become unfamiliar, and every conversation carries a hint of hidden motives. The plot unfolds with carefully paced twists—enough misdirection to keep readers guessing, but grounded in emotional truth that anchors the suspense. Themes of memory, loyalty, and the ethics of reporting collide with the pleasures and perils of small-town life, inviting you to question how well you really know the people around you. Gold’s writing invites close attention to motive and opportunity, rewarding readers who enjoy building a personal map of suspects while savoring the tension that comes from a place where everyone has something to hide. The result is a propulsive, addictive read that balances clever plotting with tender, human moments—perfect for fans of domestic thrillers and twist-driven crime fiction alike.

Who It’s For:
Twelve Secrets is best suited to adult readers who relish twisty, character-driven crime stories with a strong sense of place. It speaks to fans of domestic suspense, where intimate relationships become the engine of the mystery, and where the truth emerges through careful, incremental revelations. This hardcover edition is an ideal gift for readers who enjoy immersive narratives, complex moral questions, and a fast pace that still allows space for reflective moments. It’s also well-suited for book clubs seeking a contemporary, boundary-pusting thriller that prompts thoughtful discussion about family secrets, community dynamics, and the line between right and wrong in pursuit of justice.

Key Highlights:

• Inaugural Ben Harper thriller from Robert Gold
• Intricately plotted mystery with multiple strands of suspense
• Atmospheric small-town setting that feels fully realized
• Character-focused storytelling alongside high-stakes investigation
• Propulsive pace with well-timed twists and revelations
• Standalone entry that stands strong within the Ben Harper series universe
• Hardcover edition by Sphere, crafted for a premium reading experience
• Ideal for gift-givers and readers seeking a modern, engaging crime novel

About the Author:
Robert Gold is the British author behind the Ben Harper series, a set of gripping crime thrillers centered on Haddley and its determined investigative journalist. Born in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Gold began his career as an intern at CNN in Washington, D.C., before returning to the U.K. to work in book retail and publishing. He later created the Haddley universe, bringing to life Ben Harper’s careful, relentless pursuit of truth against a backdrop of intimate friendships and hidden agendas. The Ben Harper novels—beginning with Twelve Secrets and followed by titles such as Eleven Liars and Ten Seconds—are known for their taut plotting, sharp characterization, and vivid sense of place. Gold’s background in media and storytelling informs a writing style that is precise, immersive, and powered by practical, real-world detail, making his work feel both authentic and endlessly readable.

Why You’ll Love This Book:
If you crave a contemporary crime novel that marries intricate plotting with deeply human stakes, Twelve Secrets delivers. The narrative invites readers to move beyond surface clues and examine how a community’s history shapes present choices, often with lifelong consequences. The hardcover format enhances the immersive experience, offering a tactile, premium reading encounter that aligns with the book’s serious themes and suspenseful atmosphere. For fans of twist-heavy, character-driven thrillers, this title provides a satisfying blend of clever detective work, emotional resonance, and a finale that lingers in the mind. It’s an excellent choice for solo reading marathons or for discussion in a thoughtful reading group, where every revelation invites new questions about truth, memory, and what people are willing to hide to protect those they love.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.