Scott Mariani

Born in St Andrews, Scotland, on January 1, 1968, Scott Mariani is a British author recognized for his bestselling thriller novels. His most famous series features Ben Hope, an ex-SAS Major. Mariani studied Modern Languages and Film Studies at Oxford University. Before dedicating himself to writing full-time, he held various roles, including translator, professional musician, and freelance journalist. He currently lives in west Wales. His interests include shooting, archery, photography, and astronomy. He also supports environmental organizations like the Woodland Trust and the World Wide Fund for Nature.

The Ben Hope novels are often described as a blend of "James Bond meets Jason Bourne, with a historical twist." These thrillers frequently explore themes of ancient history, significant historical events, conspiracy theories, and myths, such as the secret to the elixir of life or mysteries surrounding historical figures and events like Mozart's death and the Great Famine of Ireland. The series has been translated into over 20 languages. Mariani has also penned other series, including "Vampire Federation," "DI Tom McAllister," and "Will Bowman," as well as novellas and a guide on writing thrillers.

The Ben Hope novels are characterized by their intricate plots that frequently weave together elements of ancient history, significant historical events, and pervasive conspiracy theories. A recurring motif involves esoteric subjects and myths, such as the legendary elixir of life, which forms the basis of the initial novel, "The Alchemist's Secret." Subsequent books delve into other historical enigmas, including the circumstances surrounding Mozart's demise in "The Mozart Conspiracy," the mysterious German World War II technology known as Die Glocke in "The Shadow Project," and the historical impact of the Great Famine of Ireland in "The Forgotten Holocaust." This thematic approach positions Mariani's thrillers as explorations of hidden histories and enduring mysteries.

Scott Mariani, born in St Andrews, Scotland, pursued higher education at Oxford University, where he studied Modern Languages and Film Studies. His career path prior to full-time authorship was diverse, encompassing roles as a translator, a professional musician, and a freelance journalist. These varied experiences likely inform the rich detail and broad scope of his fictional narratives. Mariani now resides in west Wales. His personal interests extend to outdoor activities and intellectual pursuits, including shooting, archery, photography, and astronomy. He demonstrates a commitment to environmental causes through his support for the Woodland Trust and the World Wide Fund for Nature.