Member Reviews
What a sinister opener! I love a sinister opening, sets the mood for a cracking crime thriller and this did exactly that! My attention was taken hostage as soon as I started and was only released on parole as I read the dying words of this fast paced crime thriller. Lockhart and Green are back after the traumatic events of Knock Knock. Lockhart needs the doctor’s unofficial insight into a rather unusual killer. And this killer oh boy! I loved the chapters with our angel of death plotting the next kill. The stalking and planning are unnerving traits to this soul. The chemistry between Lockhart and Green is still bubbling away. But Lockhart is still determined to find his missing wife despite the thoughts of his in-laws. I’m seriously intrigued to know what happened to Jess and will Lockhart ever get the closure he needs in his life. This underlying story thread is one I need to get closure on!! And oh WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!!!!!!!!!!! Dr Merritt!!!! How could you do that to me???! Put it like this, you’re guaranteed I’ll be reading the next in the series for sure!! I couldn’t believe I couldn’t click any further! I seriously enjoyed this twisted crime thriller and I’ve been left wanting for the next!! |
Following the brutal murder of movie producer Charles Stott, the Major Incident Team (aka MIT 8) is called in. Two murders later and they have clues, no DNA or biologicals, no witnesses and no apparent links between victims. DI Dan Lockhart contacts his former therapist, Lexie Green, against orders to get some unofficial help with a profile of the killer and the victims. Lexie thinks they are dealing with a psychopath, but that still doesn't give them anything to go on. Meanwhile, some of the team are also on the case of a bus stop rapist, who up until this point has only sexually assaulted several women, but he is escalating. When these two crimes suddenly cross lines, it leads the team in a different direction. Can they catch the murderer before another body shows up? Will the rapist find another victim? This is book 2 of a series but it was not necessary to have read the first book, however, I have already purchased it and will be reading it shortly. The story is told from the POV of Detective Dan Lockhart, Dr. Lexie Green and the murderer. I found this story to be quite suspenseful because we know early on that the killer has five people on the hit list. As well, with the second case going on, there is always that fear of another victim, including some of the main characters in this story. I do not want to give anything else away because you need to read this one. I also liked getting to know Dan. We learn about the disappearance of his wife and his search for her, his love for his mother and his growing affection for Lexie. The one thing I didn't like was the reliance on alcohol when things go wrong. I understand that is true to life in many cases, but knowing people whose lives were destroyed by alcohol, that is a tough issue for me. Otherwise, this was a well-plotted and developed story. The characters were strong and well-developed, not only the main ones, but many of the secondary ones as well. If you enjoy a thriller and a suspenseful crime story, then you will love this book. |
A thriller according to my heart: gripping, full of twists and turns, with a cast of interesting and complex characters. It’s one of those cases when you start a book thinking “I must read it” and then you are hooked and cannot put it down. The plot is fast paced, character driven and tightly knitted. The different POVs (Lockhard, Green and the killer) shows you different aspects of the story and make you see different aspects of the story and hints about what will happen. I loved the character development, each of the character is well thought and fleshed out. Lockhard is a strong character, damaged, suffering by PTSD, looking for his missing wife but also strong willed and focused on the hunt for the killer. Lexi is also quite strong willed, even if a bit reckless sometimes, and I curious to know how her character will develop. The killer is fascinating and chilling at the same time and I appreciated the empathy of the author toward such a damaged and complex character. My favorite was Smith: down to the earth, not overly enthusiastic of the psychological analysis and somehow very old style. I was kept on the hooked till the last page and had a lot of fun in reading this story. I can’t wait to read the next instalment as I’m curious and want to read about these characters againg It’s strongly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine |
Gary H, Reviewer
My 5th read of Chris Merritt, 2nd in this Lockhart/Green series and it was another solid book. A rich businessman is beaten to death and has a symbol drawn on his neck. Soon after, the same fate befalls a lawyer......badly beaten with a rough drawing on his neck. Detective Dan Lockhart knows he's got a serial killer running loose and enlists the help of psychologist Lexi Green to try and get into the head of the murderer, completely against the direct orders of his superior. If that isn't enough, there is also a "bus stop" rapist running amok and escalating with every brutal encounter. Real life clinical psychologist Merritt once again does an outstanding job giving us glimpses into the disturbed mind of a sadistic psychopath. The characters have grown tremendously in just 2 books as we see glimpses into their personal lives, especially lead character Dan, whose wife vanished without a trace 10 years ago. An intriguing plot, believable characters, something of a unique bad guy and a smooth delivery made this a pretty good mystery. Thanks to Net Galley, Chris Merritt and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. |
Well, I am going to start my review at the end and what a bloody kicker that was! Please tell me we have the 3rd book in the works, on its way, and soon? Also, even though he said no words at all, I have one name to scream loudly…ZAC!!! Woohoo, he made an appearance, I do love that he is in the same world as Dan! Anyhoo, story, well that was a messed up and clever twist, two storylines running parallel to each other, but could they be linked? I thought I had guessed the perpetrator in one storyline, I thought I was on the money, ding ding ding Nope nowhere near! It was great to have Dan and Lexi back, a lot more focus on Dan’s army days and his PTSD. I felt his fear and pain through the pages. Still on the hunt for his missing wife Jess, yet, still there is something simmering with Lexi. The only thing I had an issue with was that Dan was a bit dismissive towards to Lexi and her theories. I mean has she let him down yet? Lexi, oh Lexi you crazy American!! Gung-ho is definitely not her forte but you have to love this girl. Wanting to be a part of MIT in her capacity, overstretching herself and then dealing with such an awful private patient. Urgh! It is a strong second book, nowhere near as dark as Knock Knock but a different kind of book. One which changes a lot of how we see serial killers and twists that on its head. I love the path that Chris chose to go down for this tale of woe. Because as with every serial killer, there is a reason and this was a reason for such woe. The number of pages might put you off, because we know 449 is a lot, but don’t! It does not feel like I have read that many pages. The story flows, I didn’t feel like there was any lull in the book. Every paragraph had a purpose to further the story, further the character development, to further the case. It particularly upped the anty in the closing chapters, I was panicked!! It was nice to see the team again, Max just steals the limelight again as she works the case old school. Khan, well he had a bum deal this time, and we were introduced to Stagg, who works for a different unit but I hope he comes back again! Such a strong cast of characters both leading and minor, it just makes the series pop! Looking forward to the next outing!! |
I always have a weak spot for a good detective and serial killer thriller, so I've been curious about the Detectives Lockhart & Green series ever since I first saw the reviews of book one Knock Knock back in March. I couldn't resist getting a copy of the sequel Who's Next? on Netgalley as a way to make sure I was reading both sooner than later... I guess it worked, as I've now read both books and I'm definitely a fan. My strange obsession with serial killer thrillers is no secret, and Who's Next? definitely gives us another twisted as well as intriguing take on the genre. While this sequel technically could be read as a stand-alone, you will be missing out on background information as well as the changing dynamics between the main characters in play... So I would personally suggest reading the books in order. Both are more than solid reads in the first place anyway! Who's Next? once again focuses on both a new police investigation and developments in the personal lives of both Lockhart and Green. This gives us an interesting fluctuation in intensity and suspense, although things will get pretty intense on both sides as things start to escalate along the way. The story uses a multiple POV structure, where we not only follow main characters Dan Lockhart and Lexi Green, but also other members of Lockhart's team as well as the killer and more than one victim. Despite the many changes, it was quite easy to keep track of the different angles... Especially since we already know Lockhart and his team as well as Green. I always like being able to get a glimpse inside the head of a serial killer, and Chris Merritt once again as created a very intriguing individual to follow. On top of the murder investigation, Who's Next? also focuses on a serial sexual assault case once of Lockhart's team members is helping to solve... Basically a two for one in crime investigations! I particularly liked how we don't just have the typical detective angle with Lockhart, but also have a focus on the psychological aspect of the crimes which is analyzed with the help of Lexi Green's POV. It definitely enhanced the plot; the many different angles in play make for a rich and dynamic plot that is both suspenseful and packs a punch. On top of this, multiple suspects are presented along the way, keeping you in the dark about the real identity and the final reveals definitely came as a surprise. I was totally wrong with my suspicions! This ride will get intense, exhilarating and pretty twisted along the way... It's perfect if you have a taste for dark and disturbing serial killers hunts like me. I'll be looking forward to more Lockhart and Green next year! |
Karen C, Reviewer
Book 2 in the Lockhart and Green series. I absolutely loved the first book Knock Knock so I was really looking forward to this one. And it definitely didn't disappoint. It started with a bang and kept up the fast paced twists and turns to the very end. Dan is a great complex character and with Lexi's insight they make a great duo. I can't wait to see how their relationship develops. I was hooked from the start and I absolutely raced through it. So looking forwad to book 3 now! Will definitely recommend this series and it's a big 5 stars from me. |
Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I read the first book int his series earlier this year and really loved it. I really like Dan Lockton and I enjoyed the psychological bits from Dr Green too. I found her profiling fascinating. I used to watch Criminal Minds and it reminded me of this a little. This time we are working a case of brutal murders that have Dan and his team stumped! I was so suspicious of everyone that I just didn’t know who the murder was. We also see some chapters from the murderers POV. I love reading multiple POVs so this was fun for me. I love, love getting inside different characters heads. I guessed something early on that I won’t ruin but I think it was a good thing to highlight. I won’t say any more on it because it will totally ruin it but I was very pleased about it. I was very frustrated in this book for Dr Green. She had some solid ideas and she just got dismissed. Like why ask for her opinion if you are just going to dismiss it. That really irritated me. Dan is having really personal issues in this book that kept his eye off the game too. This book highlighted some serious issues like PTSD and sexual assault. I think its good that these are highlighted and the real fall outs of these. I was glad that Chris was honest about how these people were affected. There were some other personal issues too that are discussed. Chris is realistic in his stories which I like. There is a real mix of the personal and the case. I think this is good for those who do want to read the whole series as you have something to come back for time and time and not just another case. Don’t get me wrong I like the cases too but it’s the personal aspects that bring people back and really make it a series. I honestly can’t wait to read the next one! |
Who's Next by Chris Merritt is the next instalment of the Dan Lockhart and Lexi Green series, the first being 'Knock Knock'.I loved 'Knock Knock' so was very happy, to say the least, when Bookouture came up with this blog tour. Dan is a D.I and Lexi a forensic psychologist who were introduced in the first book. A series of murders occur, with no witnesses or even forensics and the Major Incident Team have no clue. Dan feels in his gut these are not robberies gone wrong as his superior is thinking. He decides to throw caution in the wind and gets back in touch with Lexi for her expertise again, this is against his DCI's wishes. Dan's wife went missing and whenever he has spare time, he still looks for her, no matter that she may not be alive or even want to be found. He will not stop searching for her. I love Dan's drive and determination in his search, clutching at straws and carrying on even after a decade of searching he still goes on. An excellent follow up to the first book, an original storyline with great characters that keep you engrossed and an ending that yoh don't expect. I would maybe advise to read the first book initially to find out Dan and the teams backgrounds before you jump into this one. Many thanks to Bookouture for the book so I could take part today with my review. |
I thoroughly enjoyed this author’s Knock Knock. It had a winning combination of compelling characters, unique perspectives, and page-turning action. All continue in Who’s Next. I particularly like how the author gives us periodic insights into the killer’s mind, dropping hints about motivation. The clues are there, but only the reader is privy to them directly from the killer…the team has to find them another way. This makes it different from books that only allow readers to see the clues that the investigators find. It’s a welcome addition. The two protagonists, Lockhart and Green, are still grappling with their past baggage (his missing wife, her experiences from the last book) while also trying to define their relationship. Therapist/patient? Co-workers/friends? Something more? I like how they’re both real people with real issues. The case itself is another good one. The initial murder is treated as a standalone homicide, and only the reader knows that there is more to come. I love this “I know something you don’t know” feeling that I get over the investigators. Especially as the bodies start appearing and the team has to connect the dots to figure out what they all have in common Additionally, one of the team is working on a parallel investigation of a serial rapist. Are the two cases related? Is there some connection that they keep missing? (You know you have to read it to find out). Suffice to say that in spite of having “inside info” from the killer, you won’t see this one coming. While this can certainly be a standalone, I definitely recommend starting with the first book, if just to get background on the Lockhart and Green. It will make this one even more enjoyable than it already is. |
Who's Next? is the 2nd book featuring Chris Merritt's detectives Lockhart and Green. Who's Next? begins with the killing of a wealthy businessman, found on Wimbledon Common as the streets close by are bustling and well-lit. Charles Stott is covered in bruises lying just a few feet away from his luxury home. Called to the scene, Dan Lockhart notices the markings on the victim's neck: a small symbol has been crudely drawn in black ink. Realising he needs to get inside the perpetrator’s mind, he contacts psychologist Dr Lexi Green. When a successful compensation claim lawyer - Martin Johnson - is discovered with similar markings, the media is quick to report the semblance. As developments escalate, Dan uncovers a new lead on his missing wife, Jess, who disappeared eleven years ago and so he is torn between tracking down a serial murderer or finding Jess. With its slow build, Who's Next? had a terrific plot and I had plenty of time to become re-invested in the main characters, as well as receiving the backstory of occurrences prior to the murders. DI Dan Lockhart is an ex-soldier with a missing wife and is currently working as part of the Major Investigation Team (MIT) in London. The characters of both Lexi and Dan are fabulously written by Chris Merritt and with Dan continuing the search for his missing wife, it all results in a brilliant storyline. The two have a great working relationship and they make a good team even though they are supposed to be on separate assignments. I also enjoyed the contributions from Dan's assistant DS Maxine (Max) Smith in this story who was smart and professional, and she worked really well with him. At 400+ pages, the novel is slightly longer than my usual reads, but it is a tense, exciting and superbly crafted police procedural, and the author uses the extra words to introduce and develop his characters really well. I appreciated the delightfully depraved MO of the serial killer and it made for compelling reading. The use of a psychologist to create a probable profile of the killer was captivating and there are some shocking twists in this dark tale. Chris Merritt managed to keep me guessing right up to the riveting conclusion. A remarkably good story that I can confidently recommend. Lockhart and Green make a brilliant duo and I can't wait to read more of them! I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion. |
Who’s Next is the second instalment in the Detectives Lockhart and Green series and can be read as a standalone. I do recommend you reading the first, Knock Knock, not because you won’t be able to follow along, as Chris Merritt gives the reader enough background, but because you would be missing out on another fantastic read. Chris Merritt has crafted another stellar addition to this series and as I have come to expect from his work, kicks things off in spectacular fashion. As with Knock Knock, Who’s Next opens with another paragraph that chilled me to the bone. “For as long as I can remember, I wanted to know what it would be like to kill someone! Oh my I still get goosebumps reading this! The plot is intriguing and has been well thought through and expertly executed. Chris Merritt really is a master storyteller and showcases his skill set to the highest level with this book. I was immediately caught up in its web and was held captive unable to tear myself away. When I had to, I couldn’t stop thinking about it until I could pick it back up again! Chris Merritt has a very unique writing style that is so captivating. He is able to draw you in where he captures as well as holds your attention. I can be easily distracted when reading, but there was no danger of that happening with this book! The writing also extends to the cast of characters that have all been brilliantly portrayed as each comes to life through the pages. All up Who’s Next is a belter of a read! It is gripping, intense and with its almighty bang of a cliffhanger, now has me impatiently waiting for the next instalment! It was my absolute pleasure to be able to read and review Who’s Next which I highly recommend. Thank you to Chris Merritt, Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Who’s Next which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. |
Pat B, Reviewer
A series of brutal murders has MIT 8 (Major Incident Team) stumped with no clues, no forensics, no witnesses and no apparent links between victims. DI Dan Lockhart reaches out to his former therapist, Lexie Green, for a bit of unofficial help with a profile of the killer. Lexie thinks the brutality of the killings signifies the victims were selected specifically and there is a lot of hate involved. That’s all very well but what links these victims? The one thing everybody can agree on is that there will be more killings. Of course Dan’s boss, DCI Porter, is doing his best to hamper the investigation forcing Dan and his sidekick, DS Max (Maxine) Smith, to come up with some innovative workarounds. At the same time other officers are investigating a series of sexual attacks on women waiting alone at bus stops late at night. Max is across both these cases and another of their unorthodox approaches in the sexual assault case gives them an important lead. After the last book I read in which the main character spent much of her time drunk off her face, I did not enjoy reading about a couple of the characters in this book getting wasted and hung over. Repeatedly. Apart from that though there are a lot of things to like in this book. The villain was great, and very different from the usual type of baddie. Max Smith was a delightful character, she really exemplifies how you would expect a professional police officer to act. And while the story started quite slowly it picked up a lot as it progressed and as the ending approached it got very suspenseful indeed. This is book 2 of a series but it was not necessary to have read the first book. I do, however, want to read book 3 now as the very, very end gave us an interesting clue about an aspect of Dan’s personal life that has been troubling him for a long time. For me it was an entertaining and enjoyable read. Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Chris Merritt for providing a review copy. My opinions are my own. |
This is the second book in the Dan Lockhart series and it’s a great read. The body of a film director is found brutally beaten in a park and Lockhart and the team are asked to investigate. Dan spots a strange symbol that seems to have been drawn on the victim but is unsure what it means. He contacts Lexi, a psychologist who helped him on a previous case and together they try and work out who the killer is. Another body is soon discovered and again has the symbol drawn on the body so they need to catch the killer before they strike again. Lockhart and his team are not meant to be working with Lexi but as before, her help is invaluable. Smith is also working on a case where women are being sexually assaulted and the attacks seem to be escalating. The reader is led to question whether they linked to the murders being carried out. We also have chapters from the killer’s perspective which I found quite insightful. This is a gripping crime thriller that completely had me hooked throughout. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. |
This is the second book in a series featuring Dan Lockhart and Lexi Green and having enjoyed Knock Knock, I was keen to reacquaint myself with the detective and psychologist duo wondering what case will bring this pair together again. On this occasion it’s the death of well known film producer Charles Stott, found in wooded area in Wimbledon Common that reunites them. This is either an horrific mugging gone wrong since his watch and wallet are missing or else a brutal murder, the reason for which is of course unknown. The latter seems the more likely scenario as the only clue left behind at the scene is a symbol drawn on the man’s neck. What could it mean? Is this a one off act of extreme violence or an indication that the killer could strike again and the symbol is part of an MO?? Definitely sounds like one for the attention of Lockhart and his team, some of whom will be familiar if you’ve read the previous novel in this series. Welcome back to Max Smith, my favourite character alongside Mo Khan and DCI Porter, proverbial thorn in Lockhart’s side. Yet again they are at odds as to how to proceed with a case offering no leads, Porter thinking primarily of his possible promotion to superintendent, should they successfully wrap this case up with the minimum of fuss. However that is quickly taken out of the SIO’s hands when another body is discovered on a golf course, that of compensation lawyer, Martin Johnson, who’s also been marked with a symbol. Clearly the two murders are connected but how to find the killer and what, if anything links them? You’ve guessed it, utilise the expertise of Lexi Green, even though it goes against Porter’s express wishes. To further add to the workload, Max is also working with colleague Eddie Stagg on Operation Braddock, a case involving the ‘bus stop attacker’, an individual preying on lone women,subjecting then to increasingly severe sexual attacks. Again, what relevance does this case have to the main one, if one at all? Rest assured, I knew if anyone could discover possible links it would be due to the combined efforts of Lockhart, Green and Smith. Written in an easy to read format the narrative switches between the ongoing police investigations and the voice of the killer so that the author succeeds in keeping hold of your attention. However I did feel the pace was too sedate, mirroring the fact Dan and his team struggle for any real leads in Operation Thorncross so I appreciated the fact there was a second case to solve. Whether or not they are connected is for the reader to discover, with one case that is full of red herrings, rife with potential suspects to keep the reader on their toes whilst the other case is in complete contrast, the prospect of finding the killer like looking for a needle in a haystack. I could feel the team’s frustration but thank heavens for Lexi Green!! I didn’t learn anything new about Dan or Lexi which I admit to finding dissatisfying and I’m not sure I like the fact a psychologist is portrayed as a more capable detective than the real one! Dan’s personal life is still troubling him, his search for missing wife Jess ongoing and his PTSD causing unwanted flashbacks to his time in Helmand. Dan’s reluctance to face the possibility his wife may no longer be alive gives him an air of vulnerability, a chink in his tough persona that sees his drinking spiralling out of control on more than one occasion.His only temporary respite from these anxieties are his love for swimming in the Thames and his obvious caring relationship he has with mum Iris. Professionally he is still at loggerheads with his superior DCI Porter, disobeying orders and going off grid but he’s a character very much in command of and respected by his team. If like me you had been expecting a development in the professional relationship between Dan and Lexi, a crossing of the boundary into one of a more personal, romantic nature, then you’ll be disappointed. Dan is still not entirely convinced of Lexi’s profiling insights in terms of helping solve this current case, much to her chagrin, although I couldn’t help thinking without her this MIT would still be clueless! I actually found her character rather annoying in this book, with her actions on a couple of occasions extremely foolhardy but there’s no denying the connection between them, that frisson of sexual tension present in many of their encounters. Whether the author is going to keep us wondering ‘ will they or won’t they’ remains to been seen. I actually prefer Max Smith’s character, she’s such a down to earth ordinary individual, one who still believes in grass roots policing, sniffing out potential suspects the usual way, rather than relying on seemingly far fetched unheard of theories. Her distrust of Lexi is just as evident here as in the previous novel, which I think stems partly from her desire to protect Dan. As Max is so likeable I almost wish she was Lockhart’s right hand woman instead of Lexi who I find rather cold. All this background character information makes me feel the reader would benefit from having read book 1, although I don’t think it’s detrimental to the overall enjoyment of this storyline. Did I feel as if the wrapping up of both storylines is anti-climatic? Yes I did although the final scene is one that causes you to exclaim out loud, ‘Don’t stop there!!!’ acting as a great device to ensure you read book number 3 (which I will!). I enjoyed this instalment in the Lockhart and Green series, although I don’t think I felt as invested in the storyline as much as I did in the previous book. My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read. |
I thoroughly enjoyed the Zac Boateng series and I am really enjoying this series too :) Dan is trying to solve some puzzling murders on his patch, helped by Lexi (who isn't supposed to be helping), and trying to do his job whilst his boss is fixated on a promotion. Max is by his side, although she isn't a fan of Lexi's, which doesn't help things. Dan is also still trying to figure out what happened to his wife, even though she has been missing for 11 years. The murders keep on piling up and there is even more at stake when a member of Dan's family is in danger as well. Excellent police procedural, looking forward to the next book in the series. 5 stars from me. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. |
Julie H, Reviewer
This is the second book in the series. It is a well written thriller and a compelling read. I liked finding out more about Lexi and Dan and I hope there are more books to come. Thank you to Netgalley for my copy. |
Thank You Netgalley and Bookouture for providing an unpublished version of this book!! This review is strictly based on my true honest opinion. This is the second book of the series Detective Lockhart and Green but this is the first book I have read from this author. It' s not really necessary to read the first book though. A wealthy film director was murdered brutally by the street side and Detective Lockhart was called to scene. Besides beating the director into a pulp there was a strange symbol drawn by the killer on the neck of the victim. Together with the psychologist, Dr. Green, the two work together to tackle the killer. Meanwhile, a series of sexual assaults are happening around London and DC Smith is in charge of trying to catch the pervert. I really enjoyed reading this book--this book is filled with turns and twists that will make the reader guess and aching to know what is going to happen next. Also what I really like about this thriller is this is actually fast paced so I was so hooked into the story that I really wanted to know who is this violent killer. Amid of all these murders and sexual assaults going around, I also like the personal background of the story, about how Detective Lockhart was trying to locate his wife, who went missing years ago, while he was on duty in Afghanistan. The thriller itself to me was like a roller coaster ride and I couldn't simply put the book down as I want to know, what is going to happen next. I also like the part where Dr. Green is trying to help Detective Lockhart as she has some secret feelings towards him. The only thing about this book is I wish the author has written the killer's part not as a chapter but as a separate page, maybe written in italics so to differentiate the killer's part with the story. But I do like how the author put the killer's part so we do know what his/her next action is going to be and her/his motive and we can get a dig at what he/she is going to do next. Overall this is a fast paced thriller with unexpected twists and turns that would make the reader yearn to read more. Worth four stars in my opinion! |
Debbie D, Reviewer
Loved this suspense. Got me hooked immediately and kept me reading through the night. There are actually two different cases being investigated by the detectives in Lockhart's unit. One is of a serial killer, seeming to attack people who otherwise have no connection. But the killer leaves a mark on them each time, and Lockhart turns to Dr. Green, a psychologist, to help him interpret what the killer could mean by the symbol. Simultaneously, a man is sexually assaulting woman who are alone at night, usually at a bus stop. Working against the clock to solve both cases is physically and mentally draining. Add in some personal demons and it becomes more than anyone can handle. But Lockhart and his team never give up and do whatever it takes to figure out who is behind these vicious attacks, and stop them before anyone else dies or gets raped. Truly looking forward to the next book, can't wait to see what happens next. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. |
BLOG TOUR REVIEW Review for 'Who's Next?' by Chris Merritt Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous Publication date 11th September 2020 This is the second book that I have read by this author. I enjoyed the other book I read which was called 'Knock Knock' and is the first in the 'Detectives Lockhart and Green' series. This book is the second in that series. I was originally drawn to this book by its colourful cover and intriguing blurb. I also enjoyed the first book in the series so have been looking forward to this one. I must admit I was also biased due to the author being Chris Merritt and the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! If I needed another reason there is also the fact that it states it is perfect for fans of Angela Marsons who is one of my favourite authors so fingers crossed it lives up to my high expectations!!! (Written before I started reading the book). This novel consists of 96 chapters which are short in length so ideal to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case! This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Dan Lockhart and Lexi Green. I enjoy books written in third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters This book is based in in the UK. I love books set in the UK as I live in Wales, UK and sometimes I have been to the places mentioned so I 'see' it more clearly when reading. Although this book is the second in a series it can be read as a standalone. Any references to previous cases are explained shortly and as needed without repeating too much for those who have read the first book. What a an absolute non stop action packed page turner!!! Very well written and I was sucked straight into the pages from the beginning to the cliffhanger ending!!! What can I say? Poor Dan had enough on his plate anyway and it was constantly piled on throughout the book. I felt sorry for Lexi on many occasions when all her hard work seemed to be ignored. Max is a strange one. I really like her at times but at others she can be a bit of a horrible cow!! All the characters are very strong, well defined and have very unique personalities. I loved meeting them again and I'm looking forward to meeting them again in what promises to be a fantastic new novel if this one is anything to go by. All the 'background' characters also have lots of personality and are unique. It has been brilliant to watch how the characters relationships have shaped and grown. I think Chris's writing skills have definitely strengthened. Although I enjoyed the first book there were parts that seemed to go off on a tangent. However, this book was completely solid, gripping and packed with suspense. The descriptions were great pulling me straight in and making it easy to believe I was on the hunt with the team. The storyline was unique and I absolutely loved the cliffhanger ending which will leave me thinking about it for a while. This series has definitely kept me intrigued and I am very much looking forward to more of Chris Merritt's books!!! I really enjoyed that I got to read from both the Killers insight and the victim perspectives. It gives such a bigger picture and helps to identify why they are doing what they do. It would be interesting to see this turned into a movie. Overall a page turning psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat in the day and awake turning the pages at night. Genres covered include Police Procedural, Crime and Mystery, I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as ANYONE looking for a page turning read. 449 pages. This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!! Rated 5 /5 (I loved it!! ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook. Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews #WhosNext #ChrisMerritt #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour @ChrisMerritt @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86 https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?ref=bookmarks https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__tn__=%2As-R |




