#LostSouls #NetGalley A little bit slow to get going but boy when it did it had me on the edge of my seat! Third in the series but very capable of being read as a standalone. A gripping story line with plenty of action and twists and turns along the way. The main story is told alongside Dan's continued search for his missing wife - I'm not sure when this man ever slept!! Well written and I look forward to the next in the series.

In a small, quiet church, a young boy is found dead .. his hands posed as if he was praying. Around his neck, a single dark line. He'd been strangled...

Detective Dan Lockhart is working alone on his wife’s missing person’s case when he receives the call, and he rushes to the crime scene at St Mary’s Church immediately.

Lockhart brings in Psychologist Lexi Green to help with a profile. And then another body is found .. a young girl left in a different church, posed exactly like the boy.

When investigating, Lockhart discovers that both children attended the same school, they were both in foster care. And then Lockhart discovers that Lexi has a link to the school. That makes it difficult for Lexi to participate in the case. Are these killings trying to get her attention? Is she in danger?

As Dan makes a breakthrough in the investigation, he receives devastating news about his wife, Jess. But with children’s lives at stake and Lexi in danger, Dan must put his personal emotions aside and chase the killer.

Full of action, the mystery of Lockhart's wife is revealed. The killer is finally unmasked amid twists and turns that lead to a surprising conclusion. Suspense starts at the very beginning and doesn't let go. This is a fantastic series and I highly recommend reading the books in order.

Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

I couldnt put this book down. So many suspects your not sure whats going on . Great characters , great story which makes a great book. This book has you hanging by a thread wanting more.

Another excellent addition to this gripping series, I think it's the best one so far.
It's adrenaline-fuelled, riveting and heartbreaking at times.
As I worked as social worker with children this was a bit hard to read as I met children like those featured in this stories.
I appreciated the empathy of the author and how he avoided any unnecessary gruesome details.
There's plenty of victims in this story but there's also plenty of evil, real evil.
The collaboration between Lexi and Don is great and I love the well thought and relatable characters.
It was an engrossing, emotionally charged and gripping read that kept me turning pages.
Can't wait to read the next story in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This was a great addition to the series and i think its actually the best so far. All the books are compelling and draw you in and this was no exception. Looking forward to reading more.

I love a good cliffhanger & Chris Meritt sure knows his way around one. Lockhart with his quest to find his missing wife progresses with every book in the series but this was the most progression so far! What it means for the Lockhart Green crime fighting duo remains to be seen bit the tension is palpable & has me coming back for more. As for the plot, it was really good but with way too many characters/suspects it was difficult for me to keep track of the story. For someone with less on their mind this might not be the case! I loved seeing Berry's work shine through & as a data analyst myself I whooped for joy when the part of predictive analytics for crime solving came up. I loved this installment of this series & can't wait for the next. Especially as Lockhart seems to be close to the truth seemingly within his grasp!
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture & Chris Meritt for an arc!

This is the third book in the series featuring Detective Dan Lockhart and psychologist Dr Lexi Green and is another thrilling read. Dan calls on Lexi’s help again when the body of a young boy is found in a church with the body posed as if in prayer. They are both shaken with the discovery and Lexi straight away is convinced that it is the work of a serial killer. Her instincts are right when the body of a young girl similarly posed is found in another church. A bible verse was left beside both bodies and they realise that the connection between them is that they have both been in care. Dan, Lexi and the team have a ruthless serial killer to find before he strikes again and he makes more ‘angels’. Dan is still investigating the disappearance of his wife eleven years ago and follows up a sighting of her in Whitstable and we learn more of both his and Lexi’s backgrounds. This is a book you will not be able to put down, full of mystery, intrigue and tension along with plenty of twists and turns. I really look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

This series features one of the most unique pairings in all of the crime/mystery books that I read, and I think that it is one that enhances the investigations they undertake. This is the third book in the series, and Lexi and Dan’s roles are clearly defined. At least, they are to each other. The investigation at hand tangles it all up, though, which keeps the partnership fresh. I like how the author also allows us to get into the mind of the killer. There are also multiple layers to the investigation which (again) keeps it true to life. Another good entry in an interesting series. For a detailed review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of the book.

This is another great book by Chris Merritt. This is the 3rd in the Detectives Lockhart and Green Series.

Detective Dan Lockhart is a great character and I love his growing relationship with Dr Lexi Green, who started out as his therapist and now is a good friend, as well as an excellent help to the murder investigation team with her ability to decipher clues and profile killers, despite initial reservations from some of Dan's colleagues.

The story starts with the murder of a 12 year old boy, found on a London street in a prayer position. When another child is found in the same fate it's a race to stop the killer before he strikes again.

What's interesting is that you also hear the killers thoughts throughout the book and get an insight into what he is thinking and why he is doing things.

As a continuation of the first two books, the story of Dan's wife, Jess, who went missing three years ago is also a big part of the book. Dan perseveres in the hunt for Jess, and uncovers some incredible, and devastating news regarding what may have happened to her. I love the way it is one big story in itself, weaved through the main narrative and alongside everything he does due to the way it has affected him.

This is a brilliant series. Chris Merritt is an excellent author. Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of the book in return for an honest review. I have since purchased on audiobook as well and throughly enjoyed it.

Another case for Detective Dan Lockhart.
A twelve year old boy named Donovan Blair is found dead in a local church his hands in a prayer pose.
Donovan was a troubled young boy but he was a great footballer.
Donovan was in the care system .
Dan calls in Dr Lexi Green hoping she will be able to help him profile this killer.
Can they find the killer before another young soul is taken.
Great read
Thanks NetGalley

Another great story in the Lockhart and Green series. This book sees the detective and psychologist put their heads together to try to take down that most heinous of murderers, the child killer. In the meantime Dan is still trying to track down his missing wife after he receives new information which places her alive as little as two years ago.
There are lots of suspects in this book and any one would be believable as the killer as they are all despicable in their own way. The identity of the killer, however, came as a total surprise to me, the murderer was someone I didn't suspect at all. Can't wait for the next book.

TRIGGER WARNING: this book involves child murder
Vulnerable children are 'saved' by a killer whose twisted logic makes murder acceptable. Dan Lockhart leads the investigation and once again calls upon psychologist Lexi Green to assist. She profiles the killer but her own boyfriend fits the criteria: is she dating a murderer...?
Lost Souls drops us into Lockhart and Green's world 8 months after the previous book. Dan is still searching for information about his missing wife while Lexi has moved on from their 'spark' and is dating someone new. Lockhart's search for his wife takes unexpected twists in this book leaving questions as to what will happen in this plot line in the next book.
Despite being in the middle of a pandemic in real life, few books have mentioned it so I enjoyed the inclusion of coronavirus to add little details in the story. For example, not shaking hands, being wary about distancing. This added a relevance and realism whilst also being bang up to date.
The majority of the book is told through the perpective of the police team but there are also chapters written from the killer and victim viewpoints. This ramps up the anticipation about the impending actions that we see unfolding. The characters were believable and I enjoyed the natural feel to the relationship dynamics.
The situations for the children are heartbreaking and were difficult to read as a mum. Yet working at a school, I know the terrible experience some children have and fully believe the dreadful statistics cited by the author. The motives of the killer were almost understandable based on the trauma of his past that is revealed over the course of the book. I had no idea as to the identity of the killer and kept guessing until the very end.

**Book Three in a Series**

I love me some Chris Merritt. I love his writing style and the fast pace of his stories make the reading fly by. You want to read quickly to keep up with the pace of the story.

A murderer is targeting children and with the help of Dr, Lexi agree, DI Dan Lockhart and his team work to solve the case before the body count rises. Lexi helps with profiling the killer, while Dan and his team track down leads. One of the leads takes them to the children’s school, and their teacher, who happens to be Lexis boyfriend. How will she deal with her boyfriend being a suspect, does she start to see him that way too?

Dan is also continuing his search for his missing wife, following leads to determine where she is, or what happened to her. More of that story is told in this book.

The one thing that I disliked would be the many different perspectives within this book. We see the story unfold as both Dan and Lexi, but also as the killer, his victims, and two detectives on Dan’s team. Narrowing it down would of made the book a little less overwhelming.

Sign me up for book 4!

Having read the first 2 books in this series I couldn't wait to read this one and it certainly didn't disappoint.
Meeting the main characters again felt very comfortable but did not detract from this fast paced story line which had me racing to the end.

12 year old Donovan is found murdered in a church. His body has been well cared for and is accompanied by a reading from the bible. Detective Dan Lockhart is leading officer on this case and gains the help from clinical psychologist Lexi who has helped with profiling on other cases. She predicts further murders and this happens with limited clues as to the perpetrator.

A university student is looking at missing children's cases in the London area and his request for information to help him proves a vital link in the solving of this case.

We also see Dan to continue his personal hunt for his missing wife with additional information being uncovered.

Brilliant read....highly recommend

Thankyou to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author, Chris Merritt, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of Lost Souls in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
This author never let's me down. Absolutely love the roller coaster ride that is promised and always delivered, in my mind at least.
The storyline was well thought out and written. The characters were well described and the tense , atmospheric scenes keep you turning the pages.
Well worth the read.

SUPER police procedural crime thriller dealing with finding a perp committing the devastating act of murdering children, Dan & Lexi are great characters adding to the depth of the plot. Totally enjoyed this well written storyline blended with lots of suspense, leading up to a great ending. Thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

My 6th read of Merritt, the 3rd in his Lockhart/Green series and another solid entry. Children are being abducted, murdered and then posed in a praying position inside churches. Detective Dan Lockhart's initial investigation is frustrating in it's inability to gain traction so, once again, he enlists the help of Psychologist, Dr. Lexi Green, to try and get into the mind of a serial killer. Why is the killer doing this ? What might the victims have in common ? Why the posing of them at the churches ? Who might be next ? As always, the strengths of Merritt's writing are the strong characters and the glimpses we get into a serial killer's mind. Thanks to Net Galley, Chris Merritt and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This is the first time I have met Dan Lockhart and his team, but wow what an introduction to them. This book is the the third in the series but it can easily be read as a standalone, and after reading this instalment I shall definitely be heading off to read the other two.

The story starts with Dan still trying to find out what has happened to his wife, Jess. She disappeared years ago but he needs to find out why and whether her own brother is involved.

His personal life has to take a back seat when the body of a teenager is found, posed in a church. A quote from the bible is found next to the body. To understand the killer’s thinking he consults Dr Lexi Green, a psychologist. They have worked together before and he knows her knowledge will assist the case. So when her prediction comes true he knows he can rely on her.

His new boss, however has new ideas, she is reluctant to let him bring in outside and makes it very clear, it is her way or no way.

When the killer strikes again, the team have to use all their combined skills to find them. The trouble is there are so many suspects that all fit the profile that Lexi gives. I found myself thinking it is them, only to be wrong a few times. The author is very clever with his red herrings, as at one point any of them could have done it.

This is a very well written thriller, it is quite a bold move to write about the murder of children, however the author shows the reasoning of the killer which I think helps create a more rounded character. This helps to show although they commit atrocious acts, they truly believe that they are perpetrating a greater good.

A great ending sets the scene for the next book and whether Dan will finally find out what happened to Jess.

Highly recommended.

Lost Souls by Chris Merritt is the third installment of a series focused on Detective Dan Lockhart and Dr Lexi Green. Having unintentionally missed the second book of the series, I was concerned about feeling a little out of step, but this one can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel.

A young boy is found dead in a church, his hands clasped as if in prayer. Dan is immediately on the case, setting aside the work he is doing to solve his wife's disappearance. Attempting to glean an understanding of the killer, Dan calls in friend and colleague Dr Lexi Green to help cobble together a working profile of the suspect. When a second child is found murdered at another church, also posed as if in prayer, Dan and Lexi must race to find links between the two victims before a killer can strike again.

This is another propulsive read, and the door is left wide open for an ongoing continuation of this compelling and highly appealing series. The relationship between Dan and Lexi continues to develop, and I look forward to seeing how it evolves as we move forward.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

Lost Souls is the 3rd in the Lockhart and Green series by Chris Merritt, but also works well as a stand-alone. It’s a nail-biting page-turner of a thriller, with suspense that draws you further into every character, the deeper you go…

There’s a philisophical truth in the beginning of the book about life, death, new choices, new resolutions that’s pertinent to everyone and indeed the characters in Lost Souls. The philosophy being presented is almost lyrical in style and then it digs a little deeper and the intrigue builds. It’s a well-written book full of intrigue and suspense, with interesting and good turns of phrases to be found here and there. It culminates into a nail-biting conclusion.
This is book 3, in the series but it is also okay to read it as a standalone, that works fine too.

The book tackles issues of the care system a little within it and how, especially killers may interpret The Bible. There is a clear insight into the victim’s life and a picture of who Donovan was is soon built. The thought of who a person was is valuable to not just the case, but takes into account of human life and isn’t swept away and helps progress the detailed case along and adds another layer.

Throughout the book the emotions of Lockhart are revealed as is his determination to solve the case and the reasons why this is so apparent come to light in the backstory. Lockhart’s personal life is also complex, which is also very interesting to see unfold and gives readers an understanding of his character/personality and cause and effect.

There are insights, perhaps, some unsurprising ones, into the NHS, through Dr. Lexi Green of how things can be quite tight within the NHS and how hard it is with all that red-tape. The character Dr. Lexi, because of her job, brings much more of a unique psychological perspective to the book, which is incredibly fascinating as she delves into people’s lives. The book also recognises current events ie. Covid, but this is not the crux of the plot, but does give a bit of insight into some of the psychological effects and more.. It makes it all a very timely piece of writing as it just pokes through just enough to not over do it, but shows how serious it is and weaves nicely and neatly into the storyline; yet each time, moving swiftly back to the murder case and deducing who the murderer is, in this in-depth, page-turning case, which is very compelling and has a lot at stake and the force cannot afford to make any mistakes.
The entire book with its many components that create a rounded look at all that’s going on with the case and within the lives of the main recurring characters that make up the team. It all builds up to a very tense, page-turning, nail-biting final few chapters…