Who’s next is the second in the Det Lockhart and Dr. Green series and another great instalment.

Dan and his team are called to a supposed mugging in the Wimbledon area where wealthy businessman Charles Stott has been found pummelled to death so much so its difficult to identify him. DCI Porter wants Lockhart to wrap this one up quickly and to put it down to a mugging, however, Dan and his team are not so sure when a symbol is found on the back of the body if this will be a one off!

Another ongoing case is that of a sexual predator roaming the bus stops at night assaulting young women, the team are up against it with so much going on and those in power not exactly being supportive.

Really enjoyed this latest instalment, it was intense, gripping, addictive, an unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists, you will not regret picking this one up. Chris Merritt never fails to deliver, can’t wait for the next one.

Oh my goodness, after one hell of a start to this book, having now just finished it, my heart is literally racing.

Like I say, the start to this story grabbed my attention straight away. I knew just from reading that, that I was in for one thrilling ride and the author did not disappoint. It was great to be back with Lockheart and Green who are easily becoming one of my favourite crime fighting duos. The dynamics between them both make for some very interesting reading indeed. There is also a bit more to do with Lockheart's missing wife of which the author knows how to leave you wanting more!

There are two threads that run alongside each other in the story. Not only do they have a killer on their hands but a rapist also. Two very despicable crimes which finds Lockheart confiding in Green, which could jeopardise his job. There is a certain melancholy around Lockheart, more so than in the previous book. We also get to see more of Green and her personal and working life. This humanised them more and have to say I felt for Green with one particular patient of hers.

Who's Next? was a tense and thrilling read that had me powering through the pages. The story takes some unexpected turns which made for an exhilarating reading experience and that ending! Please tell me we don't have long to wait as am desperate to get my hands on the third book in the series.

Grim. Grim grim grim grim. And I like my gritty thrillers. Found it hard to like either of the lead characters. And animal cruelty turns my stomach.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.

DNR due to severe post-covid asthenia. Cause still being researched. Will review when possible. Sorry for this delay.

I hadn't read the first book in this series but in no way felt this hindered the enjoyment of this book. Fast paced, in depth characters and twists throughout.

Dan Lockhart finds a number of brutally murdered bodies on his patch. Hitting a blank wall, he engages the help of his previous psychologist to try and understand a profile of the killer.
Running alongside this investigation is another long on going case in relation to a serial rapist. Luck falls on them when the murderer becomes a victim of the rapist. Although it remains difficult to track either of these perpetrators down, evidence begins to suggest that a member of the police force may be the next target. The case reaches a climax as dans family are pulled into the plot with potentially devastating consequences.

Absolutely loved this book, absolute corker of a twist on the last page.

There another serial killer running around the streets and DI Lockhart needs help from Dr. Lexi Green, even if his boss doesn’t want him too. Together, Lexi and Dan work together to get into the mind of a psychopath before it’s too late.

I do enjoy these books by Chris Merritt. Fast paced with short chapters and an easy to follow story. There were a few mentions to what happened in his first book following Dan and Lexi, so I would suggest reading Knock Knock first to understand, however, the actual story is a stand alone (just mentioning small things about what happened last case).

I felt the ending was very abrupt. It’s going well and then it was just over, that’s why this one is not a 5 star for me.

A brutal murder and a serial sex attacker lead Detective Dan Lockhart to seek advice from psychologist Lexi Green again, going against the orders of his superior officer. Meanwhile Dan's personal life is at the fore with the search for his missing wife and flashbacks to his army days.
Who's Next? is the second is Chris Merritt's Lockhart and Green series (I have previously reviewed Knock Knock, the first book)
I really love Dan's character. He is so human and realistic, with guilt about his tangled emotions towards his wife and Lexi, devotion to his mum and dedication to his work. Lexi's character is also engaging with her tenacity and anxiety over real life struggle (financial) that many of us can identify with.
We also see the killer's perspective via chapters that use a first person narrative. This helps us to understand their motivation despite the heinous crimes they commit. It also provides us with an insight that the police are struggling to uncover, particularly dangerous as we find out that Lockhart is on the list of planned victims...
The entanglement of the two cases makes for an intricate plot that is entertaining but also a little lengthy. Meanwhile, the personal element to Dan's search for his missing wife keeps the human interest relevant until the very last page.
Who's Next? is a good police procedural book. I think the writing style is high quality and the personal element is realistic which raises the standard of the whole book even further.

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

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!

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.

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.