The Babylon Idol (Ben Hope) Paperback – May 4, 2017

Having read several of Scott's books, I find some of his escapes from danger that are life-threatening, but feasible. I am amazed that he is obsessed with finding a years-old vehicle that still has gas that hasn't evaporated, and can be started with a crank. (See the Shadow Project). He uses excessive violence, as in Star of Africa and Devil's Kingdom, but then that is Ben's chosen profession. I still enjoy reading his works, having read only 8 of them.

I really like this writer.I like the characters and I am waiting to read how Ben's friend is doing and whether he will ever rejoin the love of his life: the doctor.The new book is already on my wish list.For those who have only just met Scott Mariani I recommend that they start at the beginning and read them all. For people who don't want to invest so much energy start from about No 10. It should give you a good basis. But you will be missing a lot of reading pleasure.

Although a bit formulaic, the series is fun....it is always interested to see the creative way Mariani devises to get our hero out of one impossible situation after another. Note to author: I see you are a target shooter - "no injured animals" yet it seems one or more is either maimed or killed in every book......??

Same well-heeled plot line used a thousand times: a hidden relic, good guys, bad guys, lots of travel between countries, predictable end. However, Ben Hope , Book 15, was a fast paced and well written novel by an author who can weave a good story and keep your interest. Well worth the purchase. I plan to read some of Scott's earlier Ben Hope books. So should you.

A real thriller -- and at the same time, very informative. A good read. The man character is almost unbelievable; he is teflon and ironclad, an impossible figure. But, after all, it's a thriller and some scenarios are bound to be unrealistic. That's the fun of it. Read on. Ben Hope is a superman.

I am a Ben Hope fan. I have read all his books and can't really say which was the best one. Every one of them are exciting and gripping. They are educational, full of action and fun. I would recommend any one who wants to start reading his books to start from his first book. It would be time worth spending. Having said that, the stories are not connected so starting from any book will be great fun.

this story started out strong as all of the Ben Hope books do, but then got a lot involved in details, as well as too much description of the wars that are happening now...some might have been needed, but for me there it dulled the story down. Then, in my minds eye, if someone is evil enough to try to kill you, and you are protecting yourself...put them out of YOUR misery! And then there was 67 chapters... Earlier books have been much better.

Well, the same scenario... just another stupendous, action packed magnificent Ben Hope thriller!! Someone from Ben's past is out for blood, Ben's. Jeff Dekker is shot by a sniper in front of Ben. More of his friends will die .A disgraced Cardinal, thanks to Ben, wants Ben to die, slowly. Then, throw into the mix a golden statue from Babylonians glory days.... An absolutely tremendous read!!

I won't lie, sometimes I wonder why I keep going with this series, other times I know exactly whyThe previous 2 books in the series, based in Africa I hated, but given that I had enjoyed earlier books kept at it. This one is betterThey are beach/holiday books, nothing wrong with that, but just to set the expectations of othersThis time round Ben is the target, the story revolves around a previous adversary coming back to seek revenge. The treasure hunt is almost a side story. All the main characters are known from previous books, so not much to explain there. However is the usual Ben way, things look bad, then really bad before everything turns out for the best

‘You take care,’ she said. ‘Don’t do anything stupid.’ ‘Why change the habit of a lifetime? I’ll be in touch.’After the mess in Africa, Ben is back at Le Val alongside his best friend Jeff and newfound ally Tuesday. Their peace doesn't last long as Jeff is shot in a violent sniper attack.'They wanted blood. They were going to get it.'As Ben tries to figure out what's going on, more of his past allies are falling victim in Grisly ways.Old friends and even older enemies battle it out in search of the Babylon Idol and revenge.Another brilliant adventure with the legendary Ben Hope! Couldn't fault it at all.‘Let me get this right. You break into someone’s home to pay them for the car you just stole?’ ‘Where else can I leave the money? Someone might steal it.’

Same incredible writing skill. Same stunts. Same bits of historical facts. Same bible stuff. But still damn loving it.I can't help it. Even at the fifteenth read, I was still hooked. Ben Hope, a hero who never dies (hero never dies), keeps me spellbound. Even if I know at every turn of the page, he will still be there. Even if I know the historical bits may not be all true. Even if you know the author is going to churn out more of Ben Hope. I don't care. I'm going to read them all.The adventure is raw. The fight is described in gruesome details. You can even smell the blood. And the weapons... maybe this is not for the faint hearted. But just know that this is just fiction. Fiction at its best.I could imagine how the author moves out of his seat to ammo-play each role. Like a kid with a play gun, pretending he is Ben Hope or the bad guys, inflicting injuries in a fight scene. That is worth a read.If just for the excitement to keep your heart pumping, read Ben Hope.

Another novel that I read sitting on the edge of my seat as Ben went from one crisis to another in his fight for justice!Once again this is a story that takes Ben through various countries taking on the world against all the odds. Of course he triumphs but does Ben and all his comrades live happily ever after? Well the the time being they do, until the next story when Ben will have another war to fight!

As always Scott hit the mark and had me glued to the pages as I feasted on another great thrilling yarn with Ben Hope. It's gripping, fast paced and I dare you to put it down even for a moment.Having read all Scott Mariani's novels I find myself for the first time awaiting his next novel to be released. What a pleasure it has been, and someday I plan to repeat it all. A life of a book worm hasn't been fulfilled until you've had a good helping of Ben Hope and his adventures. I thoroughly recommend the series to anyone. Just make sure you have a good sleep before you start and get lots of coffee to get you through those small hours of page turning frenzy that is going to hit your life like an express train..Have fun, I definitely have ;)