Although this book is labelled as General Fiction, I was attracted to the premise and knew it was something I would like to read. As a long-time reader of the mystery/thriller/suspense genre I felt the synopsis described a book that could fit well into those genres as well as the General Fiction category. It could also be argued that it would appeal to teens and young adults too as it has a coming-of-age aspect to it. The advance praise from Harlan Coben is spot-on, this is an unmissble novel.

"The Ancient Nine" is a veritable thrill ride if ever there was one! I was pulled into it from the first few pages and found it difficult to put down. Although it is a fairly lengthy novel I managed to get through it rather swiftly as I wanted to know what happened and how the story would conclude. I always love those books that feature a cult-like, secretive society such as The Delphic Club here. I am so pleased I nabbed a copy as it had all the elements I appreciate in a great title - a super interesting plot, excellent writing, and a plot that travels at a fair old pace.

Harvard University is a location that is truly steeped in tradition, Our protagonist, Spencer Collins, thinks life at Uni will be all about Basketball, coursework and workouts, that is until the notoriously elite Delphic Club tries to recruit him. An all-male club comprising mainly white, privileged, and wealthy individuals, Spencer wonders why they are trying to recruit him. As Spencer is being considered for membership he is plunged into the secret world of male privilege but is also exposed to the decade old mystery surrounding the rumoured leadership of the club, a shadowy group of powerful men known as "The Ancient Nine."

There are so many intriguing elements to this book - religion, murder, and to the King James Bible or even the King himself. Smith weaves an unforgettable and unputdownable tale that had me gripped throughout. I do love an intelligent thriller and this book has intrigue aplenty to keep everyone interested. To see how these elements interact with one another and how relevant they are to the story you'll have to read it!

I haven't come across Ian Smith before but I will check out if he has any other books out that are along similar lines as I thoroughly enjoyed this one. This is a title that is well worth investing time in, i'm pretty sure you won't regret it! I feel that it would appeal to a wide audience. An erudite and complex mystery and one that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Please note: Review will be posted to Goodreads, Twitter, Waterstones, WHSmith towards the back end of August. It will be posted to Amazon and Barnes and Noble on 18th September/publication day.

First time reading anything by this author. I found this book compelling and current. Fast paced read. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

An excellent book that hooks the reader from the start. A 1988 story that goes back to the twenties weaves families, friendships, alliances, and secret societies within secret societies to produce a very good novel.