This is a fast paced, police procedural novel with well developed characters, especially Detective Lexi Bennett whose traumatic past gives her an exceptional degree of empathy for the victims. I read this quickly in just over a day. The story, told from two perspectives - the detective and the killer, moves along at breakneck pace. I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to reading the next book in this new series. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced reading copy.

Two girls are found dead. They are a part of a set of triples so where is the third girl? Can Inspector Lexi Bennett work past her own dark history to catch the killer?

This book was fast paced. I loved Lexi as she was such a strong, female character. I love how this book just got straight into the case. I also liked the small glimpse we got of the other characters but I do wish that we got to see more team involvement and got to know them more because at times, it felt like the Tom and Lexi show. I also feel like Colin was completely forgotten about in this? Compared to others, he was hardly mentioned.

I liked how I was kept guessing and I had no idea who the killers was until it revealed. I also loved how it included the killer’s POV, it was so fascinating to learn more about him from his own account, although it added such a creepy element to the story.

However, I did have some issues with this book. First, Lexi shouldn’t have been allowed on this case or to interview the killer. As a result of her remaining on the case, whenever anyone brought up her own dark history, she got so angry with them even though it was essential to know for the current case. I feel like you have to suspend belief for this aspect of the book.

There were also subplots that weren’t fully concluded, which made me question why they were brought into the story in the first place. I also hate when in thrillers, the lead detectives will go off on their own, put themselves in danger and not wait for backup. Despite its flaws, I think this is a great way to start off a new thriller series and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.

⚠️ CWs: murder, blood, child exploitation material, torture, confinement, mental health illness; mentions sex work, child exploitation, sex, derogatory language, sexual harassment, child neglect & excrement ⚠️

* Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book! *

A good police procedural-style thriller with a complex detective team. Lexi Bennett discovers a horrific murder scene that soon reveals links to her past. The investigation is well-paced and allows the reader to be part of the investigation. The antagonist is evil, and their perspective gives the story an underlying menace. This first book in the series builds professional relationships and gives a deep insight into DI Lexi Bennett. I like the detective team dynamics, the intensity and menace of the plot and the complex characterisation of Lexi.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

This was such a welcome deviation from the type of suspense/thriller novels that I pick up, in that it was definitely more of a police procedural than a super creepy I’ll-never-sleep-again thriller. But I was really feeling all the Broadchurch vibes! I would very happily watch a BBC miniseries based on this book and enjoy it very much. Because it was more procedural than straight suspense, we got a more realistic look into how the case unfolded, if you suspend belief for a minute that Lexi would EVER have been allowed to work on this case given her history with the killer…..but I put that aside for the sake of the good story. I really appreciated the lack of red herrings and over-information for every single person we were introduced to, as I felt like I could just sit back and see what happened rather than having to dissect every single tidbit of info in order to try and solve the case myself. I ended up doing that anyway, suspecting literally everyone without a shred of information pointing their way- except, it turned out, for the actual killer (woops). I also appreciated that, unlike so many thrillers, Lexi usually did the smart thing before putting herself into absurdly dangerous situations without a care in the world. It was refreshing to not be screaming at her every other page about what on Earth she was thinking. The climax gave me just enough suspense/edge-of-my-seat action to be very satisfying, and I’m excited to see what Lexi and her team get up to next time!

The story focuses on Detective Inspector Lexie Bennett and her quest to stop a deranged killer. After her time working with the FBI, Lexie returns home to take up the post as head of Canterbury’s Major Investigation Team. On the morning of her first day on the task force, before she met with her team, she went for a run. While on her run, she came across the bodies of two identical teenage girls with their throats cut. Further investigation revealed they were two sisters of a set of triplets and the third sister was missing.

This revelation stirred up painful memories for Lexie. Seventeen years ago, she and her sisters, also triplets, were abducted, but only two survived the ordeal. That experience, along with not knowing what happened to her other sister, haunted her, and she blocked out everything from that painful time. Now with her past crashing into her present she has no choice but to relive that terrible night if she hopes to find Paige, the missing sister, before it’s too late....and get justice not only for her sister, Rose but also for the girls found on Chalk Hill. 

I thought this was a great start to the series. From the first page, I was completely hooked. Now this investigation would take everything out of Lexie because of her personal connection to the case. So much so she made a few unwise decisions. Her determination combined with her desire for the truth made an excellent detective. However, there were moments when her actions rubbed me the wrong way.

Many suspects came on the team’s radar, which made their job a challenge, especially giving the limited time frame they were working with. I loved the villain’s POV. With his POV, readers are made aware of his motives and know his moves. Knowledge of his identity, however, remained a mystery to almost the end of the story. This is one of those mysteries where readers and the detective discover the truth at the same time. It would seem he was always one step ahead. He was definitely playing a game of cat and mouse with the police.

The tension intensified with each page turn. It kept me on edge as I wondered and hope Lexie will Paige before it’s too late. This addictive and captivating story will have readers turning the pages to learn what happens.

Overall, The Girls on Chalk Hill delivered an interesting story which fans of police procedurals will want to add to their reading list.

My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Girls on Chalk Hill’ by Alison Belsham.

This is Book 1 in Belsham’s new series of police procedurals featuring Detective Inspector Lexi Bennett, who has just been appointed to lead the Major Investigation Team based in Canterbury, Kent.

During her regular morning run D.I. Lexi Bennett is shocked to find the bodies of two teenage girls, lying side-by-side on the chalk hillside close to the Wye Memorial Crown. They are wearing matching white dresses, tiaras, and clutching a red rose. When the victims are identified as Lucy and Eden Carter, Lexi’s blood turns cold as she learns that they were triplets and the third sister, Paige, is still missing.

The case feels increasingly personal given that Lexi was also a triplet and seventeen years ago she and her sisters had been abducted. Two of them escaped yet Lexi’s dreams are still haunted by memories of the faceless man who took them, and of her sister Rose, who she never saw again.

While her boss thinks she’s too close to the case, Lexi is determined to solve it especially given her belief that the same man is responsible for both crimes. No further details to avoid spoilers.

I liked that D.I. Lexi Bennett had just returned from four years with the F.B.I. at Quantico studying criminal behaviour. How will her time in the USA impact on her relationships with the British police system? There was some exploration of this here as Lexi settled into her new role.

Overall, I always enjoy a good police procedural in which the identity of the Unsub is discovered through diligent police investigation. I felt that ‘The Girls on Chalk Hill’ was a promising opening to this series. Two further books in the series are being published this year and I am planning to read them.

Detective Lexi Bennett is back in her home town after spending a couple of years in the US training and working with the FBI. On her morning run, before heading into the office to meet her new team, she comes across a murder scene. 2 girls dressed in matching dresses with tiaras on their head, they are the 2 sisters from a set of triplets. Lexi past is catching up her.
Great introduction to Detective Lexi Bennett and her team, looking forward to more books

Oh this book is absolutely brilliant. I was hooked start to finish. It's dark and twisted with a fast paced plot line that doesn't let up. I can't recommend this book highly enough. A fantastic 5 ⭐ thriller.
They lie on the hillside, wearing matching white dresses, tiaras in their blonde hair. Each of them clutches a red rose. They could be sleeping, but frost shines on the lashes of their wide blue eyes, frozen open forever…

Detective Lexi Bennett is devastated when she finds the two teenagers lying side by side on the quiet green hillside, their throats cut. Convinced this is no ordinary killer, she vows to draw on all her profiling experience to find justice for these beautiful girls who will never have the chance to grow up.

But when the victims are identified as Lucy and Eden Carter, Lexi’s blood turns cold. The sisters were triplets – and the third girl, Paige, is missing. The case suddenly feels frighteningly personal. Lexi was a triplet too, and she and her sisters were abducted as teens. Two of them escaped but Lexi’s dreams are still haunted by memories of the faceless man who took them, and her sister Rose, who she never saw again.

Can Lexi keep it together to get justice for these girls?

I really wanted to like this. I was so looking forward to a new detective series to read that sounded similar to Lisa Regan, Angela Marsons, etc. Another strong female lead character that Bookouture is known for. Unfortunately, and contrary to other reviewers, this one just didn't do it for me. I felt the writing/dialogue forced. I found the scenes to be choppy without a smooth flow between events. I found the characters lacking development and they were hard to connect with or even like.

Thank you #netgalley and #bookouture for the eARC.

The Girls on Chalk Hill by Alison Belsham is such a great start to the new Detective Lexi Bennett series.
This is a fast moving, gripping, chilling and twisty crime thriller.
A well written police procedural. With great characterization.
Alison Belsham has a way of writing that will have you gripped! Once you start reading this book you will be hooked from the very first few page and you will want more. This was truly a fabulous read and I can’t wait to start book two.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

The simple truth is that I am addicted to crime fiction series. I can’t seem to turn them down.
I was drawn to thus new series because it involves triplets, which have always fascinated me.
Lexi Bennett commands a new team and re-enters an old nightmare when she stumbles across two bodies, sisters and part of triplets just like Lexie.
There was a lot of ground to cover in this case and Lexi begins to remember her ghastly ordeal while working this case because they are so similar.
I shivered at the perniciousness of the villain.
It’s a great new series and I can’t wait to read the next book.

4.5⭐

The Girls on Chalk Hill introduces readers to Detective Inspector Lexi Bennett. Who after a stint in the US working with the FBI has returned to the UK to take up a new role as head of a major crime unit. And her job gets off to a flying start.

As Lexi out running comes across the bodies of two teenaged girls. Who she immediately realises are twins and a murder investigation ensues.

However, it soon becomes apparent the girls aren't twins but triplets and one of them is still missing.

But which one?

And Lexi herself a triplet. Has a strange connection to the case. As she was abducted seventeen years ago. But Lexi and one sister escaped, leaving the other and the perpetrator behind never to be found.

But it can't be the same person, can it?

Either way, Lexi is determined to stay on the case and solve it. No matter what her colleagues and supervisors say. And push down any memories of her abduction and subsequent escape.

Yet, as the case unfolds the links between the two crimes become more apparent. And Lexi has to face her demons and her sister if she is to have any chance of finding the missing Carter triplet and bring a patient, manipulative, organised killer to justice.

And with fantastic procedural detail, intriguing characters, humour and a storyline that had me hooked. The Girls on Chalk Hill was a cracking read and introduction to both author and detective. And I look forward to reading book two which happily is out in only a matter of weeks.

I would happily recommend this story to crime fiction fans everywhere.

The Girls on Chalk Hill (Detective Lexi Bennett #1) by Alison Belsham is a riveting story about a serial killer who dares to be caught. Belsham takes us on an irresistibly taut ride as we follow Detective Bennett in her first homicide case since returning to the UK after training with the FBI in the US. The killer has other ideas about his relationship with Detective Bennett as he follows her through her quest to catch him before another murder can happen. This novel of baffling and terrorizing cat and mouse game is an utterly gripping story.
#ThankyouNETGALLEYforthisARC. #Throoughlyenjoyableread!

This is the first book of the series of Lexie Bennett. The story starts with the discovery of the bodies of two girls while one of their sisters is still missing. This seems to be a copycat case of when Lexie was a victim herself and she and her sister Amber escape while their sister couldn't. Lexie knew it has to be the same abductor and was determined to save Paige before it was too late.

This was fast paced and a page Turner. There were many suspects and so it was hard to pinpoint who is the real killer. There were some slow moments but overall, the author manage to keep the reader guessing till the end. The flashback scene of Lexie when kidnapped and the killers pov was interesting to read. Overall this book worth four stars.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only

This is a great start to a new series.
Lexi discovers the bodies of two teenage girls whilst out running.
She’s just returned to Kent and it’s a big case for her. It’s also very close to her as the girls who were murdered were triplets and one of them is missing. Lexi is a triplet and was also abducted with her sisters when she was younger. One of her sisters has never been found so her superior isn’t sure she should work on this case but Lexi is determined to find the killer.
As the investigation gets underway it becomes clear that there are links to Lexi’s abduction and she reaches out to a profiler for help.
This is a gripping crime thriller and a great start to a new series.
I look forward to finding out what’s next for Lexi.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Having really enjoyed this author's previous series - The Tattoo Thief - I was quite excited to snaffle this, the Det Lexi Bennett series opener. And I am please to say that it did indeed hit the heady heights I'd hoped it would.
In this book, Lexi's past becomes her present when she discovers two bodies, dead and posed, on a hillside. She has only just returned to work after a secondment and has to hit the ground running with this case. But her world implodes when she discovers that the two dead girls were two of triplets, the third still missing. This is so very similar to an unsolved case from her past. Cos, you see, she herself was one of triplets, who were also taken...
Now, the realist in me knows that there is absolutely no way on earth that Lexi would be anywhere near this case once this link was known. Even with her bosses repeatedly checking she is OK. It's not a matter of being OK, it's compromising the case. But, it's fiction and the rules can be bent a bit of the rest of the story tracks. And it does... So I took one for the team, sucked it up, and carried on... Purists might struggle, however...
Anyway... as well as Lexi's pov we also hear from an unnamed killer. These parts assisted the narrative in progressing and were included at the right times for maximum impact. I did enjoy the fact that we were trying to work out who did what but with the added side order of looking for a missing girl before the worst could happen.
Pacing was good and matched the narrative all the way through, without the needed for added waffle or padding. Characters were well drawn and all acted their parts equally well.
All in all, a cracking opener to a series I am looking forward to continuing... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Detective Inspector Lexi Bennett is on a run before she starts her new job as head of the new Major Investigation Team in Canterbury when she’s stumbles across a crime scene, she can’t believe what she’s seeing it’s 2 dead teenage girls that look like twins.

What a way to start a new job and she hasn’t even met her new team yet.

I was really intrigued by Lexi, even more so when I discovered that she’d spent 4 years in America working in the FBI and hunts about her past that may be connected to this current case.

What can I say other than WOW!. I stayed up hours passed my bedtime just to see the conclusion to this book, I was utterly consumed by it.

The book reads like an instant bestseller, it’s got all the components to be the perfect book, the team and Lexi are all well formed characters that are perfect for the series going forward.

I’ll recommend this book to all my friends who will adore it.

WOW. This was the first Alison Belsham book I have read and I can tell you it won’t be the last. This is one of those forget all responsibilities and have to finish in a day type reads. Absolutely loved it. I was right there with the FMC as she hunted for justice and loved that I had no clue who the killer was before it was revealed. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Bookouture for a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

A great start to a new Detective series! DI Lexi Bennett has returned to Canterbury after a stint with the FBI in the United States. Before her first day on the job she goes for a run and finds two girls bodies on the top of Chalk Hill. Lexi hasn't even met her new team yet and has stumbled onto her first case!

Description:
They lie on the hillside, wearing matching white dresses, tiaras in their blonde hair. Each of them clutches a red rose. They could be sleeping, but frost shines on the lashes of their wide blue eyes, frozen open forever…

Detective Lexi Bennett is devastated when she finds the two teenagers lying side by side on the quiet green hillside, their throats cut. Convinced this is no ordinary killer, she vows to draw on all her profiling experience to find justice for these beautiful girls who will never have the chance to grow up.

But when the victims are identified as Lucy and Eden Carter, Lexi’s blood turns cold. The sisters were triplets – and the third girl, Paige , is missing. The case suddenly feels frighteningly personal. Lexi was a triplet too, and she and her sisters were abducted as teens. Two of them escaped but Lexi’s dreams are still haunted by memories of the faceless man who took them, and her sister Rose , who she never saw again.

Her boss thinks she’s too close to the case, but Lexi is sure the monster who took her is back with a message. She throws herself into the investigation, hunting down every clue, certain that time is running out to save Paige.

Then she returns home to find the back door open and Rose’s diary on the kitchen table. As she traces her beloved sister’s handwriting, her heart breaking, Lexi swears she will not rest until this brutal monster is caught. Will the diary help her find him before Paige is killed? Or is she walking into a trap designed just for her?

My thoughts:

This book has a gripping plot and moves at a good pace. The detective is fresh and I feel like we have a lot more to discover about her, so I'm looking forward to more books in this series. Her team seems accepting of her, except for one who seems to have some authority issues. The investigation kept my interest throughout.

Thanks to Bookouture through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book is planned for publication on June 26, 2023.

Detective Lexi Bennett Book 1.

Detective Lexi Bennett is devastated when she finds the two teenagers lying side by side on the quiet green hillside, their throats cut. Convinced this is no ordinary killer, she vows to draw on all her profiling experience to find justice for these beautiful girls who will never have the chance to grow up. But when the victims are identified as Lucy and Eden Carter, Lexi's blood runs cold. The sisters were triplets - and the third girl Paige is missing. The case suddenly feels frighteningly personal. Lexi was a triplet too, and she and her sisters were abducted as teens. Two of them escaped but Lexi dreams of the faceless man who took them, and her sister Rose, who she never saw again.

Lexi was out missing when she came across two bodies. This case feels familiar to her as Lexi and her sisters were abducted seventeen years ago. Detective Lexi Bennett has just returned to the UK after training with the FBI in profiling suspects. She found the girls on the morning she was due to start her new job. The similarities to what had happened to Lexi and her sisters was uncanny. This was a great read. Was it coincidence or a copycat? Or has her abductor resurfaced after all these years? The pace is fast and there's lots of suspects to choose from. There is some violence that some readers might not like. A great start to a new series.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AlisonBelsham for my ARC of #TheGirlsONChalkHill in exchange for an honest review.