The Alchemist's Secret cover art

The Alchemist's Secret

Ben Hope, Book 1

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The Alchemist's Secret

By: Scott Mariani
Narrated by: Will Rycroft
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About this listen

THE #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Introducing the explosive first Ben Hope adventure

‘Compelling from the first page until the last, Mariani and Ben Hope entertain in a gripping tale that will have you turning the pages well into the night’ MARK DAWSON

Ben Hope lives on the edge. A former elite member of the SAS, Ben is tortured by a tragedy from his past and now devotes his life to finding kidnapped children.

When Ben is recruited to locate an ancient manuscript which could save a dying child, he embarks on the deadliest quest of his life.

The document is alleged to contain the formula for the elixir of life, discovered by the brilliant alchemist Fulcanelli decades before. But it soon becomes apparent that others are hunting this most precious of treasures – for far more evil ends.

When the secrets of alchemy hidden within the pages remain impenetrable, Ben teams up with beautiful American scientist Dr Roberta Ryder to crack the code.

It seems that everyone – from the Nazis during WW2 and powerful Catholic organisation Gladius Domini – wants to unearth the secrets of immortality.

The trail leads Ben and Roberta from Paris to the ancient Cathar strongholds of the Languedoc, where an astonishing secret has lain hidden for centuries…

‘Compelling from the first page until the last, Mariani and Ben Hope entertain in a gripping tale that will have you turning the pages well into the night’ MARK DAWSON

The Ben Hope series is a must-listen for fans of Dan Brown, Lee Child and Mark Dawson. Join the millions of readers who get breathless with anticipation when the countdown to the new Ben Hope thriller begins…

©2007 Scott Mariani (P)2007 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
Crime Thrillers Historical International Mystery & Crime Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Exciting
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What listeners say about The Alchemist's Secret

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  • Overall
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Great read

One of those can't put down books or can't stop listening should I say. Loved it

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Very predictable

Very predictable , the usual doesn't kill the bad guy formulaic story ! In fact the whole book is totally written to a standard formula! Not a single bit of originality ! It's like these authors write books for people with s low iq , dumbed down for the masses I suppose .

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5 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Entertaining & Educational. Good, not great

Overall a good listen. Starts well building nicely with some good character building. The background of the Albigensian Crusade and persecution of the Cathars very interesting. Unfortunately the second half or more fails to match the beginning becoming formulated and pretty unbelievable.

I found Will Rycroft's narration very flat; OK Ben is a cold character but the main narration should not be in that form. He performed most of the characters well but his American female accent is poor, and as Roberta Ryder is a major character in the book this was a major let down.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Series!

I have just listened to every book in the Ben Hope series. Scott Mariani is a great author. The stories are all so different, brilliant, entertaining, exciting and so well written. The characters are all brought to life by superb narration. I am waiting with anticipation for the next book in the Series. Hurry! I will have withdrawl symptoms!! Thank you Lillian

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Enthralling

From start to finish. Nothing is quite what you expect. There are many twists which make this a fantastic read/listen. I must now find more by the same author

The narrator manages to catch the feel of the story & keeps you interested. An excellent performance

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Thrilling adventure

This is the first Ben Hope story I've read. It will not be the last. The narration was brilliantly done, and I liked all the characters in the story.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Awesome adventure & great narration

This is my first book by Scott Mariani. It was brilliant & I loved it from start to finish. Narration was excellent & really caught the emotional rollercoaster ride throughout the book. Now - onto the next Ben Hope adventure.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

How’s he was kept in the dark

Typically the rich trying to be more powerful and use ppl that can do even the talented individuals makes me sick

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great yarn, would make a great movie!

Liked the narration. For the first time, I stopped what I was doing to pay attention. Very enjoyable story.

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Enjoyed it a lot

Good adventure story, like the hero of the piece, some good unexpected turns to the tale

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