Scott Mariani is the author of the bestselling thriller series featuring ex-SAS hero Ben Hope. Scott’s novels have topped the charts in his native Britain and are translated into 25 languages. The Heretic’s Treasure: The fourth book in the Ben Hope series centers on an ancient treasure that has been protected for thousands of years but which one man will seek to unearth. Mariani was born in St Andrews in Scotland and studied Modern Languages and Film Studies at Oxford University. [3] He now resides in west Wales, where he first got the idea for the character Ben Hope when out walking. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, he worked in various jobs, including as a translator, professional musician and freelance journalist. He has cited his interests outside of writing to be shooting, archery, photography and astronomy; he is a supporter of the Woodland Trust and the World Wide Fund for Nature. [4] [5] [6] Bibliography [ edit ] Ben Hope [ edit ] The manuscript is reported to have contained the formula for the elixir of life, invented by the brilliant alchemist Fulcanelli decades ago. It was later discovered that other people were also hunting for this precious treasure, but it seems that almost everyone, from the Nazis of the past to the modern Shadowy organization known as Gladius Domini, is determined to discover the secrets of immorality. His books are written in English and have also been translated into more than twenty of the world’s languages. Mariani’s Ben Hope series has been described as “James Bond meets Jason Bourne with a historical twist.”

Mariani discovered the character of Ben Hope when he was out walking one day in the Welsh country side near his home. Scott wanted to develop a character that had all the accessories and virtues of the traditional action-adventure hero, but he wanted them to be a unique character and a little bit deeper than other characters in the genre. Hope has all the training and exceptional abilities, but he is an imperfect guy who goes through the same ups and downs that everyone does and is someone that anyone can empathize with. The author, Scott Mariani, was a student of Film and Modern Languages. A graduate of Oxford University, Scott worked in music, did some translating and pursued numerous other odd jobs before he finally became a full-time writer.

When Ben learns that he could save a child by locating an ancient manuscript, he gladly undertakes the task. He doesn’t realize that the manuscript in question has the formula for the elixir of life and that some really bad men want it. Yes, Scott is a big ‘dog person’ and his canine friends play a big part in his life. He was even once interviewed in the UK’s top dog magazine, Dogs Today, where he spent a lot more time discussing dogs than books! He’s been blessed with the companionship of many different kinds of dogs in his life. One of the most special was a Pekingese named Yoda – and yes, he really was just like Master Yoda of Jedi fame. Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Rottweilers are also among his favourite breeds. But his all-time top choice is (like Ben Hope) the German shepherd. The real-life Storm is Scott’s own dog, but doesn’t get up to as many adventures as his fictional namesake! No, The Hope Vendetta is the title that US publishers Simon & Schuster have given to The Doomsday Prophecy. Other than the title change, it’s exactly the same story! So if you’ve already read Doomsday, please don’t go buying The Hope Vendetta expecting a brand new Ben Hope adventure – you’ll be disappointed. Scott had no intention of creating any confusion with the titles, but being merely the book’s author and not its publisher, he doesn’t get a say in these things! As one might expect from an action hero, it is the sort of tragedy he doesn’t talk about; sufficing to say, Ben has skeletons in his closet and they have defined the decisions he has taken since leaving the SAS.

Opinions surrounding the Ben Hope books tend to vary mostly because the series tends to remind readers of Dan Brown’s novels, with some of the best books including: Scott Mariani was born on the 1 st of January in 1968, which was a Monday. For those readers interested in all things astrological, that makes him a Capricorn, which is one of the Earth signs. The author was walking in West Wales one day when the idea of Ben Hope came to him. Scott wanted to create a traditional action-adventure that had a little more depth to his character. Best Ben Hope Books

There doesn't seem to be an upcoming book in The Ben Hope Series. The newest book is The Tudor Deception and was released on November, 9th 2023. Ben Hope is fairly typical as far as action heroes are concerned. Like many protagonists in the thriller genre, Ben has a military past. As a former SAS operative, Ben Hope is a pretty capable combatant. More importantly, like his many counterparts in the genre, Ben cannot seem to stay out of trouble. Ben Hope doesn’t always seek out trouble. Most of the time, he is just in the wrong place at the wrong time, or he simply happens to know the wrong people. People have described the character as a cross between James Bond and Jason Bourne. There is no question of being inactive or sitting idly in front of the TV in this author’s down-time! Scott has many other interests, which he tries to pursue when he can. Nature photography often takes him out to the beautiful wild places he loves so much. He is a keen archer, and has built his own archery range. Scott also likes to have a blast now and then with his Brown Bess musket, and has a lifelong interest in medieval longsword fighting. When he’s in a more contemplative mood, he will spend time with his astronomical telescope studying the night sky. He loves walking with his dogs. And he’s also a big movie fan, with a very eclectic DVD collection that ranges from Quentin Tarantino to John Ford and absolutely everything in-between. Aside from all that, of course, there’s his lifelong passion for good food and wine. Scott has to admit that he isn’t quite as Spartan in his gastronomic tastes as his character Ben Hope – though Ben could drink him under the table any day…

The Lost Relic: Ben Hope doesn’t know why criminals are out to acquire a worthless Goya Sketch. He didn’t plan to get involved. It all began when he almost ran over a young boy, this while he was in Italy to visit a former SAS colleague. Then he accepted an invitation to attend a gallery exhibition only to be drawn into a deadly mission. The Tudor Deception– It’s 2005: Ben Hope, recently retired from the military, is living in Ireland and using his SAS skills to find and rescue missing children. But when asked to take on the case of two boys who disappeared centuries ago, he walks away, little realizing he’s lit a fuse that will not only destroy the life of someone he cares about but also lead him on a journey that proves old secrets come with a very modern price. Ben must follow the trail across Europe, unraveling the mystery and dodging bullets as only he can. Ben definitely doesn’t realize that he is about to start a whole new chapter of his life, one that will find him saving the world by keeping ancient secrets, tools, and artifacts out of the hands of some very nasty people.

Publication Order of Ben Hope Books

Ben Hope lives on the edge. A former élite member of the SAS, Ben is tortured by a tragedy from his past and now devotes his life to finding kidnapped children. These are the mysteries facing the ex-SAS soldier Ben Hope in his quest to unravel the murderers of his best pal, Oliver. In the middle of the mystery, there is an old letter that was rediscovered after many years which may or may not have been written by Amadeus himself. In the present day, Ben Hope starts out looking for the murderer of his friend’s son. It isn’t long before he is pulled into the hunt for the Heretic’s Treasure. Dogs often seem to feature in Scott’s writings. Is he a dog lover personally, and if so, what’s his favourite kind? The first book in the Ben Hope series is called The Alchemist’s Secret. The Alchemist’s Secret introduces our hero, Ben, as a former elite SAS soldier. He is highly skilled, but tortured by catastrophe from his past. He’s put that life behind him as best he could and now devotes his entire life to rescuing kidnapped children. However, when Ben is recruited to locate an old manuscript that could help in saving the life of dying child. He is inspired to change his mind and ends up embarking on the deadliest quest for his life.