I liked the slow build up of the plot with a number of strands which are gradually brought together. This book is book 2 in the series, although you could read this as a standalone. BUT it has been left wide open for another, and this one does talk about the previous story so would recommend reading as a series. Sitting down to write a second novel is an oddly daunting experience. I’m sure every author writes their first novel more in hope rather than in expectation. The idea of anyone reading that first book is something of a pipe dream, even as the story and characters come to life. A second novel is a different experience, one which often begins with your editor asking, “When will it be finished?”. Gold's writing reads easily, and I am enjoying the Cash\Harper interactions. Both Ben and Dani are engaging, likeable characters albeit with complex lives, and you can certainly feel sympathy for them. Cash's life in this book is far from stable and you are left wondering how that's all going to end up. You’re left starting this book thrust straight into action with Ben Harper saving a masked man from a burning building but this would open up a can of worms when a body is found cast into the foundation of a derelict building.

Bob Mortimer wins 2023 Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction with The Satsuma Complex ELEVEN LIARS is a great follow up to the first book in this series, Twelve Secrets. This book continued a lot of the plot points from the first book that weren’t really explained and really explained them and a lot of things added up. There were a lot of new characters with big secrets and it was really interesting reading about them all and how all their secrets connected. I hope this turns into a very long series as I would happily keep reading about Ben and Dani’s investigations! Their growing closeness, despite Dani’s husband, adds an extra level of interest and we can’t help but root for them to become more than just friends. Added on top of that is a really engaging writing style that is so easy to enjoy. I don’t think you need to have read Twelve Secrets to enjoy this novel, but it will help you better understand some of the references.As Ben investigates the circumstances around the death, it is clear that his small town has a number of secrets that it would rather remain hidden. With Ben's help the person escapes, only to flee the scene before they can be identified. Now the small town of Haddley is abuzz with rumours. Was this an accident, or arson? This was a really enjoyable book and definitely an author I will follow in the future. A really well developed, intelligent story which pulls you along with gentle ease bringing you towards a really satisfying conclusion. Just when you think you have it all worked out, some final twists just make you catch your breath.

When I sat down to begin writing Eleven Liars, I wanted it to be a story that would grip new readers while offering a degree of familiarity to returning readers of Twelve Secrets. For that reason, I chose to set the story once again in the fictional London suburbs of Haddley and St Marnham. The small town and village, nestled on a bend of the River Thames, create a closeness of community which might not be immediately associated with big city novels. The ending had me heartbroken and crying but I really liked the ending and felt like it sets the scene nicely for the third book (which I need immediately!). As the police investigate the fire long buried human remains are discovered which turn out to have a major significance for Ben’s friend, Dani Cash who is a policewoman who has helped Ben on a previous case. Whilst helping Dani to look into the case, Ben discovers some long buried secrets which a number of local Haddley residents have reason to hope will never see the light of day. Robert Gold’s second novel must be one of the best books I’ve read. I would even say that it’s better than the first one, which is amazing because Twelve Secrets was brilliant. Right from the very beginning we dive straight into the story and become totally immersed in the world of Ben Harper and Dani Cash. There are a few references to Ben’s recent discovery about the death of his mother, but the main plot of this story goes even deeper into intrigue and, as the title suggests, the many lies that people tell to protect those closest to them. Needless to say, there are lots of red herrings as the story twists and turns its course throughout the book and quite a few times I was caught in the trap of believing that everything had been fully revealed. Of course, it goes without saying that the story wasn’t over until the final sentence. Even then, there’s the usual thread hanging in the air, which we just know will lead into the next chapter in this magnificent series. HARLAN COBEN MEETS HAPPY VALLEY IN THIS ROLLERCOASTER NEW THRILLER FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHORIn Twelve Secrets we met the characters who live around Haddley Common, and the story told of the entangled lives they shared. For Eleven Liars, I realised I could broaden out the community, allowing the reader to see different parts of the Haddley, while still maintaining the claustrophobic sense of fiercely guarded secrets. With Ben’s help the person escapes, only to flee the scene before they can be identified. Now the small town of Haddley is abuzz with rumours. Was this an accident, or arson? I also like how this book is written a lot more than the first - it doesn’t waste time with unnecessary details, it just gets straight to the point. This book is exactly what I wanted the first one to deliver. One night on his way home, Ben Harper stumbles across a community centre on fire. Rescuing someone within the building, who subsequently runs away, leaves him confused. As does the discovery of a body within the building who appears to have been there for a long time

Eleven Liars is a superbly written thriller it’s the second book in the Journalist Ben Harper series, you don't really have to read TWELVE SECRETS to appreciate this one but I would strongly recommend it so you have an idea of the characters and relationships. Gold has meticulously plotted a book that has it all, mystery, and deliciously placed twist and turns that reveals a complex web of years-old secrets and tangled lies. Gold throws you straight into the action and the plot develops at a startling pace from then on in.

Eleven Liars is a superbly written thriller. It’s the second book in the Journalist Ben Harper series. You don’t really have to read TWELVE SECRETS to appreciate this one, but I would strongly recommend it so you have an idea of the characters and relationships. Gold has meticulously plotted a book that has it all, mystery, and deliciously placed twist and turns, that reveal a complex web of years-old secrets and tangled lies. Gold throws you straight into the action and the plot develops at a startling pace from then on in. I was throughly surprised when I read this book. Walked into this book was zero expectations and left feeling surprised and happy it wasn’t a flop. A short time earlier - Ben Harper, taking a shortcut through the local cemetery, stumbles upon the fire and sees someone trapped inside. He manages to free them, only for the stranger to flee, leaving Ben wondering, why? Dystopian Fiction Books Everyone Should Read: Explore The Darker Side of Possible Worlds and Alternative Futures This ended on a cliffhanger and ended quite abruptly so it’s definitely open to a third book in the series and I can not wait to continue this series!