Twenty years ago Ben Harper's older brother was brutally murdered by two classmates. Years later Ben's mother committed suicide. On the 10th anniversary of his mothers suicide Ben's boss at an online news website encourages him to write an article documenting his side of the story. Ben is initially reluctant to dredge up the past but when the police turn up to ask Ben about a murder miles away it raises questions about the original murder.
This debut novel from Robert Gold had me gripped from the start. A double murder followed by a suicide had me wondering what had happened and intrigued to know more.
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.
The setting of the small town of Haddley, a close knit community, offers a range of characters. Characters who've grown up together, suffered the same shock and supported each other. As Ben investigates events of the past it's like layers of an onion being peeled away and secrets are discovered. The main question though is who is willing to commit murder to keep their secret hidden.
Twelve Secrets by Robert Gold will be published on 3rd March 2022 in hardback, ebook and audio format. My thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown UK for a review copy.
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