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.

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!

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!!!

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I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Who’s Next?, the second novel to feature DI Dan Lockhart and forensic psychologist Dr Lexi Green.

Charles Stott, a successful film director, is found brutally beaten to death on Wimbledon Common. Called to investigate DI Dan Lockhart would like to think it’s a robbery gone wrong but a crudely drawn symbol on the victim’s neck makes him think otherwise, so he consults with Dr Lexi Green. A second body, a lawyer with no links to Charles Stott, confirms his suspicions.

Who’s Next? is a police procedural with an interesting premise, just what is it that links the victims? It did not, however, hold my attention as much as I would have hoped and I found it easy to put down. The point of view is changeable, mostly Dan and Lexi but it also features the unnamed killer talking about their motivation and the victims’ last minutes alive. I’m not sure what this latter contributes to the story arc. It has the momentary impact of making the victims human but momentary is the word as the novel concentrates on the hunt for a killer and the victims get subsumed into the greater investigation. I dislike, on the whole, hearing from the killer as there is never much depth or nuance in their utterings and this did nothing to dispel my prejudices, violence with convoluted reasoning.

Much of the novel is taken up with Lexi providing theories and potential avenues of investigation and Dan rejecting them. It begs the question, why consult her in the first place? The investigation seems reactive rather than proactive for most of the novel until Dan takes unauthorised initiative towards the end. There is a subplot of the search for a sexual predator and I found it more interesting than the main plot as the perpetrator is much more of a mystery. I must admit that I find it very difficult to identify with either Dan or Lexi. Dan is defined by his hunt for his wife, Jessica, who disappeared 11 years ago And PTSD and Lexi is defined by her attraction to Dan. There isn’t much character definition apart from that.

Who’s Next? is a solid procedural.

I very much enjoyed the first of Chris Merritt's series featuring DI Dan Lockhart, and this is even better; the combination of Lockhart and psychologist Lexi is fascinating and ever-evolving. Dan's back-story, his time in the army in Helmand and its effects on his behaviour, adds greatly to what is an excellent plot. A series of murders seem to be linked in some way and Dan and Lexi must work out the connection; the clever twists and turns lead to a thoroughly satisfying denouement.

This is the second book in Lockhart and Green series and it’s a belter of a read, although this book can be read as a stand-alone in my opinion it would be a shame to miss the first as that one is equally as good as this one.
So we start with the brutal killing of wealthy businessman Charles Stott and Lockhart is called to the scene of what is a really gruesome murder, it looks like a robbery that may have gone wrong but when a symbol is found drawn on the body Lockhart is not convinced. With more murders to follow that have the same MO it seems there is a serial killer on the loose and with another case being investigated at the same time their is a hell of a lot going on in this book !!
The big thing for me in both these books is the characters of Lexi Green and Dan Lockhart they are both fabulously written and with Dan and his continuing search for his missing wife it all adds to a brilliantly crafted storyline.
So with the twist at the end of this book that left me gasping for more I can’t wait for the next instalment.
A well recommended read and many thanks to Chris Merritt it’s a wonderful read.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Police thriller,quite an original story with lots of twists and turns. Sub plot is interesting and we're left with a teaser.

Charles Stott is a well known businessman living near Wimbledon Common where he regularly walks his dog. Unfortunately sometimes having a strict routine isn't a good thing and one evening he is attacked and his body found the next morning.

Detective Inspector Dan Lockhart meanwhile has other things on his mind than what is happening in the capital. A lead on his missing wife's whereabouts has him searching the streets in the coastal town of Whitstable in Kent clutching at the straws which have been all he's had to keep him going for the last decade.

The murder case is disturbing, with the victim well known enough that the publicity savvy DCI Porter is keeping a close eye on everything Dan and his team are doing, while being mainly concerned about his own reputation. The discovery of a strange symbol on Stott's neck leads Dan to friend and psychologist Lexi Green hoping for an insight into the mind of their killer but when a second dead body is found on a golf course he finds her profile hard to accept.

This is an excellent book, with two first class mysteries to solve. The author's first book in this series is one of my favourite books of the year and once again the storyline is original, the characterisation first class, and the procedural aspects extremely well done. I do want to tell Dan to listen to Lexie, she knows what she's doing and for her to assert herself more but that's a small problem and in no way spoils the experience although if it carries on too much longer it might do.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to fans of Chris Merritt and police procedural fiction in both cases they are in for a treat.

The second book in this series to feature Detective Dan Lockhart and Lexi Green. Dan a fractured man who is still suffering from PTSD In the form of flashbacks when under excessive stress. He is also searching for his wife who disappeared when he was coming home from a tour in Afghanistan. Lexi Green a forensic psychologist has the ability to get in the mind set of killers and has been helping the police. The main story is about a series of brutal murders with no apparent reason. The side story, a serial rapist who attacks at out of the way us stops. I must congratulate the author for inventing this killer. Stone cold, feisty and a real ball breaker, say no more. I devoured this book in one sitting, sat on the edge of my seat and constantly holding my breath. Two stories for the price of one and it has definitely left me wanting more as Dan has been given some news which blew me away. MORE PLEASE NOW !!!!
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

Who’s next by Chris Merritt is the second book in the Detective Dan Lockhart and Green series. It’s a continuation of the last book. Dan is still suffering from PTSD and searching for his wife that disappeared a 11 years ago. But her family, her brother especially has other ideas. He wants to make it officially that she is gone.
Back at the Major Incident team, Lockhart is investigating two cases. The first of a film director in Wimbledon brutally murdered with a triangular symbol drawn on his neck and the other on a man attacking women at knifepoint at bus stops. Lockhart asks the help of Green to help with the cases. Even though it’s unpaid and secret from his boss DCI Porter. But her help gets results otherwise they would be lost without her.
This is another well written thriller, with an interesting plot. I thought a bit slower paced than the last one. I would suggest you read the first one before this to get the full picture of the story. And I liked the twist at the end so you will come back for more. 4 stars from me.

When a series of murders occur with no witnesses or forensics, MIT8 - Major Incident Team, are left scratching their heads.

DCI Marcus Porter believes they are robberies gone wrong but DI Dan Lockhart’s gut tells him he is wrong. Against DCI Porter’s wishes, Dan contacts Dr Lexie Green for her help again.

Whenever Dan has some down time, he still looks for his missing wife, can she still be alive after all these years?

This is the second book in the series and I would suggest reading book 1 first so that you have the background on Dan and the team.
There is plenty going on to keep you engrossed in the book. Great characters throughout and it’s interesting learning about them and their problems. The ending had me gobsmacked and left me desperate for the next book in this exciting series.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of "Who's Next?" in exchange for my honest review.

This is the Second Book in the Detective Lockhart and Green series. While it would be a great read on it's own, it would be best read in order because there are many references to Book One and it makes the story so much better if you can follow along.

The story is told between Day One and Day Eighteen, then followed by 10 Days Later and 2 Months Later. The main characters are DI Dan Lockhart, Dr. Lexi Green and DS Maxine Smith. DCI Marcus Porter appears throughout the book - at times he appears to hinder more than help.

A middle aged man is found killed along with his dog in Wimbledon Common. He is found with an interesting symbol on his neck. DCI Porter and certain staff are insisting that this is a robbery turned violent and orders DI Lockhart who has a feeling that there is more to this, to stop bothering the family and friends of the victim.

The thoughts of the person committing these murders, is spread out through the book, giving insight into what they are planning. Another thread through the book is the continued search by DI Lockhart for his missing wife Jess. He's convinced that given enough time he will find her. Her family has decided that she's been gone for 11 years so they should have her declared legally dead. Something Dan is not prepared to do - ever.

When another body is found this time at the Wimbledon Park Golf Course, DI Lockhart is convinced that they have a serial killer on their hands, which DCI Porter continues to dismiss the evidence before him.

There is a parallel investigation being run looking into a serial rapist that is attacking women in lonely bus stops at night. Lavender Hill DS Eddie Stagg is leading that investigation.

The third body is found in Streathan Cemetery. The team is racing to find the link between these people before there is another body.

There are many surprises in this book. The biggest being the identity of the serial killer and the serial rapist. Dr. Green puts herself in the line of danger to help a team where she doesn't always feel wanted or valued. DI Lockhart and someone near and dear to him also face grave danger.

This book was a true page turner and I honestly did not want to put it down. Chris Merritt wrote a brilliant follow up to "Knock Knock". I can't wait to see where the next book will take the team.

This is the second in the series featuring Detective Dan Lockhart and psychologist Lexi Green, and for the two of them, it's pretty much same old, same old. Lockhart is still wrestling with bouts of PTSD and with finding the beloved wife who disappeared 11 years ago. Green is still being largely ignored by the police department even though her profiling expertise has helped them solve cases, and for the most part ignored by Lockhart as well.

The plot involves two scenarios, the first of which is the gruesome murder of a well-known man in Wimbledon; the other is an attacker of women at bus stops. For the most part, Lockhart concentrates on the former, where the only clue seems to be a strange mark on the victim's neck, while colleague Max Smith follows up on the latter. Lockhart calls on help from Green, but he's called to task for doing so by his boss so has to solicit her advice on the sly (after which he seems to consider her persona non grata, making me wonder why in the heck she keeps going back for more, especially when she's spending hours working for Lockhart but not getting paid a dime). If there's supposed to be any sort of romantic "connection" between Lockhart and Green, I didn't feel it in the first book - nor did I in this one.

At any rate, two chases are on, with Lockhart inserting a third as he continues to be hung up on finding the wife that her brother and parents insist is long since dead. Green, smarting from being shut out of the police investigation, decides to go off on her own (quick: get her in a cozy mystery series - she's a perfect fit for the typical never-listen-to-reason heroine). Everything comes together nicely in the end (well, except maybe for Lockhart and Green). A cliffhanger, paves the way for the next book, which came as a surprise mostly because it made me wonder why what happens didn't happen years ago. Of the two books in the series so far, I enjoyed the first one a bit more, but this one makes a more-than-decent follow-up. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

A great thriller , lots of suspense and a good, interesting plot. I liked the main characters very much . My one criticism would be that I found the book dragged a little in places, but having now completed it, I understand why some parts seemed slower.
This book follows a trail of murders and a side story is a series of rapes at bus stops in London. There is not much to go on because the victims are totally unrelated . The book is written from different viewpoints, including that of the murderer and the motives are gradually revealed. Solving the crimes is a crytic puzzle, very interesting and sometimes using unorthodox methods to get information . No real twists in the murder case, but there are definitely parts of the story that I did not see coming.
The main detective, Dan has a past that affects him now. I hope this is further expanded in a future book ...
Thank you to Net Galley, the publisher and Chris Merrit for a great read . I will certainly read more by this author

A new book by this author: woohoo! A book with 449 pages by this author: double woohoo!

It means spending more time with the amazing characters he created and the captivating, enthralling web he wove around them to entertain the readers. 

I really like Dan, but sometimes I really like to kick his backside too. I am glad that he realized it in the end and gave himself one (mentally). ;)

I also have to applaud the author for inventing such a fierce and feisty killer. It must be very hard to be the victim of injustice. Some people can cope. Others deal with it in a different way...

Although the author started this series with a new detective he reserved (like he did in the first book) a small role for his main character from the previous series. I like it that he did not forget about him.

The book would not let me go. It begged me to read one more chapter, and then one more, and I honestly could not resist its pleas. I listened, I gave in, I read on and I did not regret it one bit. 5 stars. Let the countdown begin again.

I haven't read the first book in the series but it did not affect my reading much as there was enough back story covered in this installment.

A well written thriller and I actually enjoyed reading it. Both Lexi and Dan are strong and interesting characters, with equally enjoyable supporting characters. Both the cases in the plot were engrossing, interesting and filled with twists and surprises. I did try to guess the suspect but was unsuccessful.

Its's amazing how the book ends on a cliffhanger. I am eagerly waiting for the next book to see what happens.

Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

I really enjoyed this book and will give it a huge thumbs up. With a great story line and excellent main characters - I would highly recommend this book.