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Detective Lexi Bennett #3
The Innocent Angels
A body in a cave. A family full of secrets. And time running out before the killer strikes again…
The case is one of the strangest Detective Lexi Bennett has ever seen. In a cave beneath a vineyard, ayoung woman wearing angel wings lies dead, her baby daughter crawling nearby.
Among the green vines and the rolling hills, Lexi finds no shortage of motives. The owner of the vineyard claims to be the father of the victim’s child, and his wife was clearly furious with her rival.
But when another woman is found dead in angel wings, her baby abandoned beside her, Lexi is certain the killer is following a strange and personal ritual.
Under pressure to arrest the obvious suspect and out on a limb, Lexi ignores her boss and follows her gut, deep into the past. When she’s attacked, she knows she’s on the right track. But the killer already has his next victim in his sights… and Lexi will have to risk everything to stop him.
For fans of Angela Marsons, Karin Slaughter and Val McDermid, The Innocent Angels will keep you hooked from the first page to the final shocking reveal.
See what readers are saying about the Detective Lexi Bennett
‘ 5 WELL-DESERVED STARS! You will want to read this in one sitting because you are on the edge of your seat the entire time … I was mad at life getting in the way!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ Superb … thrilling… so intense in the lead up to its heart-pounding finale, I needed a good lie down when I was done to get my heart rate back to normal as well as uncurling my fingers from gripping my kindle so tight! ’ Once Upon a Time Book Reviews , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ WOW!!!! This book was AMAZING!!!! Detective Lexi Bennett is such an amazing character and I can’t wait to get to read the rest of this series!!… Absolutely obsessed with this book and cannot recommend it enough!! ’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ WOW . I don't know how to put into words how amazing this book was… I was on my seat the whole time… A MUST-READ .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ I read the last 25% with my heart in my mouth! … a rollercoaster of a read… I’m devastated there are no more to read, I could easily devour another 10!! ’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I have no idea how a written review will do justice for this brilliant book… hooked from the very first page… I devoured in one sitting. My pulse racing from the tension created in the pages … brilliant… impossible to put down .’ Little Miss Book Lover 87 , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ I could NOT put this book down . 5 stars over and over and over again .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The case is one of the strangest Detective Lexi Bennett has ever seen. In a cave beneath a vineyard, ayoung woman wearing angel wings lies dead, her baby daughter crawling nearby.
Among the green vines and the rolling hills, Lexi finds no shortage of motives. The owner of the vineyard claims to be the father of the victim’s child, and his wife was clearly furious with her rival.
But when another woman is found dead in angel wings, her baby abandoned beside her, Lexi is certain the killer is following a strange and personal ritual.
Under pressure to arrest the obvious suspect and out on a limb, Lexi ignores her boss and follows her gut, deep into the past. When she’s attacked, she knows she’s on the right track. But the killer already has his next victim in his sights… and Lexi will have to risk everything to stop him.
For fans of Angela Marsons, Karin Slaughter and Val McDermid, The Innocent Angels will keep you hooked from the first page to the final shocking reveal.
See what readers are saying about the Detective Lexi Bennett
‘ 5 WELL-DESERVED STARS! You will want to read this in one sitting because you are on the edge of your seat the entire time … I was mad at life getting in the way!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ Superb … thrilling… so intense in the lead up to its heart-pounding finale, I needed a good lie down when I was done to get my heart rate back to normal as well as uncurling my fingers from gripping my kindle so tight! ’ Once Upon a Time Book Reviews , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ WOW!!!! This book was AMAZING!!!! Detective Lexi Bennett is such an amazing character and I can’t wait to get to read the rest of this series!!… Absolutely obsessed with this book and cannot recommend it enough!! ’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ WOW . I don't know how to put into words how amazing this book was… I was on my seat the whole time… A MUST-READ .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ I read the last 25% with my heart in my mouth! … a rollercoaster of a read… I’m devastated there are no more to read, I could easily devour another 10!! ’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I have no idea how a written review will do justice for this brilliant book… hooked from the very first page… I devoured in one sitting. My pulse racing from the tension created in the pages … brilliant… impossible to put down .’ Little Miss Book Lover 87 , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ I could NOT put this book down . 5 stars over and over and over again .’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- GenresMystery
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2023
288 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 7, 2023
Another gripping, shocking, and hard to put down book in the Detective Lexi Bennett series! The opening scene grabbed my attention instantly. I knew this was going to be another thrilling and secret-filled book by Belsham! This is such a great series which I highly recommend. This book would work well as a stand-alone, but as it is only the third book in the series, why not start with the first book, The Girls on Chalk Hill.
A shocking and disturbing discovery is made in a cave underneath a winery. A naked dead woman with angel wings attached is found lying on the ground with a baby beside her with angel wings on her back as well. Detective Lexi Bennett is called in to investigate. Those at the scene claim to not know the dead women, but soon the owner of the winery steps forward with a shocking claim. When another dead woman and her baby are found on the grounds of the winery, the search for a killer intensifies and the danger mounts. Will Lexi and Tom be able to catch this elusive killer? This one kept me on my toes trying to come up with my own suspect list.
With the other books in the series, I was hooked from the very first page. I enjoyed the investigative team, especially Detective Lexi Bennett. I enjoy her determination, work ethic, and detective skills. I also enjoy getting glimpses into her personal life as well. As the investigation progressed, I could feel Lexi's frustration as she tried to catch a killer. Many of the characters in this book have secrets, are deceptive and have motives. But that doesn't make them a killer, does it?
I found this book to be well written, well thought out, and perfectly paced. I enjoyed the twists and turns and watching as the team worked to solve this disturbing case. This book is also full of tension and as the team gets closer to the truth, there is a mounting sense of danger as well. Another nice and clever part in the book was the diary/noes of the killer.
Well written, gripping, shocking and tense! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
#TheInnocentAngels #NetGalley #AlisonBelsham
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
A shocking and disturbing discovery is made in a cave underneath a winery. A naked dead woman with angel wings attached is found lying on the ground with a baby beside her with angel wings on her back as well. Detective Lexi Bennett is called in to investigate. Those at the scene claim to not know the dead women, but soon the owner of the winery steps forward with a shocking claim. When another dead woman and her baby are found on the grounds of the winery, the search for a killer intensifies and the danger mounts. Will Lexi and Tom be able to catch this elusive killer? This one kept me on my toes trying to come up with my own suspect list.
With the other books in the series, I was hooked from the very first page. I enjoyed the investigative team, especially Detective Lexi Bennett. I enjoy her determination, work ethic, and detective skills. I also enjoy getting glimpses into her personal life as well. As the investigation progressed, I could feel Lexi's frustration as she tried to catch a killer. Many of the characters in this book have secrets, are deceptive and have motives. But that doesn't make them a killer, does it?
I found this book to be well written, well thought out, and perfectly paced. I enjoyed the twists and turns and watching as the team worked to solve this disturbing case. This book is also full of tension and as the team gets closer to the truth, there is a mounting sense of danger as well. Another nice and clever part in the book was the diary/noes of the killer.
Well written, gripping, shocking and tense! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
#TheInnocentAngels #NetGalley #AlisonBelsham
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
October 25, 2023
Detective Lexi Bennett #3
She was lying still, almost as white as the chalk of the cave, the angel wing she was wearing crushed beneath her back. Her head wad turned towards the crying baby sitting nearby, as if she wanted to comfort her. But her wide blue eyes were unseeing. When Detective Lexi Bennett is called to the scene, what she sees makes her heart clench. A young woman in angel wings lies dead, her eyes still fixed on her sobbing child. What kind of monster would leave a baby motherless and alone in the dark? Lexi promises herself she will catch the brutal killer who stole Bethany's future.
A young woman's naked body except for a pair of angel wings, along with her baby, are found in a vineyard. Detective Lexi Bennett is called in to investigate. But Lexi and her team seem to be going round in circles. The suspect list keeps growing.
I'm really enjoying this series. Lexi and her team work well together. This is a well-written police procedural. I was on the edge of my seat, I wasn't sure who was telling the truth. The pace is fast, the plot line gripping, the characters are well-developed, and I can't wait to read book 4 in this series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AlisonBelsham for my ARC of #TheInnocentAngels in exchange for an honest review.
She was lying still, almost as white as the chalk of the cave, the angel wing she was wearing crushed beneath her back. Her head wad turned towards the crying baby sitting nearby, as if she wanted to comfort her. But her wide blue eyes were unseeing. When Detective Lexi Bennett is called to the scene, what she sees makes her heart clench. A young woman in angel wings lies dead, her eyes still fixed on her sobbing child. What kind of monster would leave a baby motherless and alone in the dark? Lexi promises herself she will catch the brutal killer who stole Bethany's future.
A young woman's naked body except for a pair of angel wings, along with her baby, are found in a vineyard. Detective Lexi Bennett is called in to investigate. But Lexi and her team seem to be going round in circles. The suspect list keeps growing.
I'm really enjoying this series. Lexi and her team work well together. This is a well-written police procedural. I was on the edge of my seat, I wasn't sure who was telling the truth. The pace is fast, the plot line gripping, the characters are well-developed, and I can't wait to read book 4 in this series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AlisonBelsham for my ARC of #TheInnocentAngels in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2023
Detective Lexi Bennett does not give up on her cases no matter what obstacles are thrown in her way. In this 3rd book in the series she is called to a disturbing scene at a winery.
A young woman's dead body, naked except for a pair of Angel Wings and her baby crying beside her. Is it murder or suicide, ritualistic or folklore? At each turn there appear to be suspects galore, Lexi and her team have to work hard and dig deep to solve this case.
This series is really growing on me, in each book we see a little more of the characters. From the first to last page the tension did not let up. A great read
Im grateful to have received this advanced copy from Netgalley and Bookouture with no obligation to leave my review
A young woman's dead body, naked except for a pair of Angel Wings and her baby crying beside her. Is it murder or suicide, ritualistic or folklore? At each turn there appear to be suspects galore, Lexi and her team have to work hard and dig deep to solve this case.
This series is really growing on me, in each book we see a little more of the characters. From the first to last page the tension did not let up. A great read
Im grateful to have received this advanced copy from Netgalley and Bookouture with no obligation to leave my review
January 21, 2025
The Innocent Angels is a DI Lexie Bennett crime fiction where Lexie is working on a new case of the murders of two women. With her trusty fellow officers they are using all their skills to find this killer before there is another body.
A gripping, engrossing mystery with surprises and many suspects as the tension builds and so does the danger toward Lexie who is exhausted and at her wits end to solve this mystery. A story that I couldn’t put down.
I love this character and how dedicated she is at doing her job and never giving up even when her life is in danger.
An enjoyable series that I will continue to follow.
A gripping, engrossing mystery with surprises and many suspects as the tension builds and so does the danger toward Lexie who is exhausted and at her wits end to solve this mystery. A story that I couldn’t put down.
I love this character and how dedicated she is at doing her job and never giving up even when her life is in danger.
An enjoyable series that I will continue to follow.
November 13, 2023
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The Innocent Angels, the third book in Alison Belsham's Detective Lexi Bennett series, delivered an engaging and spellbinding police procedural. Based on prior experience, I went into this instalment with high expectations, and it delivered. After reading the first couple of pages, I realize that Lexie faces another complex case. One that will consume her and places her in danger yet again. All the books in the series are stand-alone, however I recommend you read them all. It's definitely worth the binge.
After completing a half-marathon, Detective Lexie Bennett received news about an unexplained death at a vineyard. On her arrival at the vineyard, she was met with a distressing scene. A naked and deceased young woman is found with angel wings attached to her back. Some distance away from the body, Lexie discovered the woman's baby, who also had wings attached, alive and screaming her head off.
At first key persons at the vineyard claim not to know the woman, but when Lexie started digging the owner came forward with a shocking claim. A claim which placed him on top of the extensive suspect list. However, another young single mother turned up dead at the same vineyard and her baby found alive Lexi and her team realized the case is not as clear-cut as they initially believed.
This evenly paced story delivered a complex and compelling mystery with some detestable characters. Once again, Lexie and her team faces the challenge of finding the killer before he strikes again. Lexie's tenacity, dedication, experience and her willingness to find answers no matter the risk was once again on display.
The story gives us a glimpse into the killer's mind through his daily journal entries. It was a challenge figuring out his identity. However, as the story progressed and the pieces slowly started to fit together, the picture became clear.
This was another great addition to the series. Hopefully in future instalments, Lexie will find the balance between her professional and personal life.
Readers who love mysteries and police procedurals would find The Innocent Angels fascinating,This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
After completing a half-marathon, Detective Lexie Bennett received news about an unexplained death at a vineyard. On her arrival at the vineyard, she was met with a distressing scene. A naked and deceased young woman is found with angel wings attached to her back. Some distance away from the body, Lexie discovered the woman's baby, who also had wings attached, alive and screaming her head off.
At first key persons at the vineyard claim not to know the woman, but when Lexie started digging the owner came forward with a shocking claim. A claim which placed him on top of the extensive suspect list. However, another young single mother turned up dead at the same vineyard and her baby found alive Lexi and her team realized the case is not as clear-cut as they initially believed.
This evenly paced story delivered a complex and compelling mystery with some detestable characters. Once again, Lexie and her team faces the challenge of finding the killer before he strikes again. Lexie's tenacity, dedication, experience and her willingness to find answers no matter the risk was once again on display.
The story gives us a glimpse into the killer's mind through his daily journal entries. It was a challenge figuring out his identity. However, as the story progressed and the pieces slowly started to fit together, the picture became clear.
This was another great addition to the series. Hopefully in future instalments, Lexie will find the balance between her professional and personal life.
Readers who love mysteries and police procedurals would find The Innocent Angels fascinating,This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
December 22, 2025
Inspektorka Lexi Bennettová je přivolána k podivného případu – v jeskyních pod kentským vinařstvím Elvington byla nalezena mladá žena – mrtvá, nahá, s andělskými křídly na zádech. A vedle ní batole, naštěstí živé, jen v plence a s malými andělskými křidélky. Jednalo se o tragickou nehodu, sebevraždu nebo vraždu? Lexi si je jistá, že se jedná o to poslední…
(Za poskytnutí recenzního výtisku děkuji Albatros Media.)
Má případ společného něco s tajuplnou středověkou legendou o elvingtonském andělovi, nebo se vrah rituálními prvky snaží zmást policii? Nebo mají andělská křídla ještě jiný význam?
V elvingtonském vinařství právě probíhá rušné období sklizně, kdy je nutné vinné hrozny co nejdříve zpracovat, aby se nezačaly kazit, takže majitel Johnny Lycett-Boyd, jeho manželka Marietta i hlavní vinař Will Steadman dávají Lexi najevo, jak nesmírně je probíhající vyšetřování obtěžuje a víc se starají o byznys než o to, že se na jejich vinici našla mrtvá mladá žena.
Navíc se ukazuje, že majitelé i zaměstnanci mezi sebou mají nesváry. Johnny by nejradši prodal svůj podíl na vinicích a věnoval se automobilovým závodům a provozování závodního okruhu. Will Steadman zase chce přejít na biodynamické vinařství, s čímž nesouhlasí Marietta Lycett-Boydová.
Alison Belshamová píše poměrně přímočaře a čtivě, takže jsem se nenudila a knihu přelouskala za dva dny. V Nevinných andělech nechybí složité milenecké vztahy, nevěra, nemanželské děti, lži, hádky, tajemství a intriky nebo akce a napjatá atmosféra. Je tu zmíněn také těžký úděl svobodných matek, domácí násilí i drogy. Prostřednictvím deníkových záznamů můžeme nahlédnout do mysli vraha. V Nevinných andělech se objevuje i lehounký náznak možné romantické linky. Ocenila jsem, že se konečně dozvíme, co se Lexi stalo během jejího posledního případu v USA, kdy pracovala pro FBI.
Lexi je pořád posedlá prací, takže vyšetřuje s poraněným svalem po náročném závodě, a nedokáže si najít chvilku pro sebe. To mě na ní společně s jejími tendencemi vrhat se po hlavě do nebezpečí irituje, protože nemá žádný osobní život, volno a negativně se to projevuje i na jejím zdraví. V Nevinných andělech jí to občas dojde a snaží se s tím něco dělat, ale nakonec zase sklouzne ke svému obsesivnímu chování. Škoda také je, že větší prostor nedostal forenzní psycholog Ed Harlow a téma profilování. Ed je opravdu jen vedlejší postava, ale vzhledem k dramatické osobní lince by si zasloužil víc stran.
Nevinní andělé jsou ve výsledku příjemná, docela pohodová detektivka. Hlavně prostředím vinic mi trochu připomínali knihu Kritik od Petera Maye, i když ta je přeci jen lepší. Celou sérii s Lexi Bennettovou ale můžu doporučit a trochu lituju, že nejsou další díly, protože prostor pro pokračování by tu byl.
3,5/5
(Za poskytnutí recenzního výtisku děkuji Albatros Media.)
Má případ společného něco s tajuplnou středověkou legendou o elvingtonském andělovi, nebo se vrah rituálními prvky snaží zmást policii? Nebo mají andělská křídla ještě jiný význam?
V elvingtonském vinařství právě probíhá rušné období sklizně, kdy je nutné vinné hrozny co nejdříve zpracovat, aby se nezačaly kazit, takže majitel Johnny Lycett-Boyd, jeho manželka Marietta i hlavní vinař Will Steadman dávají Lexi najevo, jak nesmírně je probíhající vyšetřování obtěžuje a víc se starají o byznys než o to, že se na jejich vinici našla mrtvá mladá žena.
Navíc se ukazuje, že majitelé i zaměstnanci mezi sebou mají nesváry. Johnny by nejradši prodal svůj podíl na vinicích a věnoval se automobilovým závodům a provozování závodního okruhu. Will Steadman zase chce přejít na biodynamické vinařství, s čímž nesouhlasí Marietta Lycett-Boydová.
Alison Belshamová píše poměrně přímočaře a čtivě, takže jsem se nenudila a knihu přelouskala za dva dny. V Nevinných andělech nechybí složité milenecké vztahy, nevěra, nemanželské děti, lži, hádky, tajemství a intriky nebo akce a napjatá atmosféra. Je tu zmíněn také těžký úděl svobodných matek, domácí násilí i drogy. Prostřednictvím deníkových záznamů můžeme nahlédnout do mysli vraha. V Nevinných andělech se objevuje i lehounký náznak možné romantické linky. Ocenila jsem, že se konečně dozvíme, co se Lexi stalo během jejího posledního případu v USA, kdy pracovala pro FBI.
Lexi je pořád posedlá prací, takže vyšetřuje s poraněným svalem po náročném závodě, a nedokáže si najít chvilku pro sebe. To mě na ní společně s jejími tendencemi vrhat se po hlavě do nebezpečí irituje, protože nemá žádný osobní život, volno a negativně se to projevuje i na jejím zdraví. V Nevinných andělech jí to občas dojde a snaží se s tím něco dělat, ale nakonec zase sklouzne ke svému obsesivnímu chování. Škoda také je, že větší prostor nedostal forenzní psycholog Ed Harlow a téma profilování. Ed je opravdu jen vedlejší postava, ale vzhledem k dramatické osobní lince by si zasloužil víc stran.
Nevinní andělé jsou ve výsledku příjemná, docela pohodová detektivka. Hlavně prostředím vinic mi trochu připomínali knihu Kritik od Petera Maye, i když ta je přeci jen lepší. Celou sérii s Lexi Bennettovou ale můžu doporučit a trochu lituju, že nejsou další díly, protože prostor pro pokračování by tu byl.
3,5/5
November 8, 2023
Lexi Bennett is at it again, solving murders. This time, a woman is found dead in a wine cellar, with her crying baby beside her. Both are posed with angel wings. While hunting for the killer, Lexi tries to figure out the reason for the posing, the murders, and the live children left without mothers. Meanwhile, she also tries to find a balance between her personal life and the job that demands so much.
Is this a bad book? No. Is it the weakest book of the series? Sadly, yes. The majority of the book involves the detectives tossing theories around, while nothing new comes to light and no tangible progress is made. (Maybe that’s more realistic police work, I don’t know.) While Lexi was very smart and resourceful in the past two books, I found myself a little more frustrated this book, as she made some bad decisions and was slow to figure things out that were apparent to me chapters ago.
I wasn’t all that interested in the characters at the vineyard. They were all icky people and I didn’t care much what happened to them.
The angel posing also seemed a little too reminiscent of the first book’s princesses and something a little more fresh might have been welcome.
My buddy reader and I agreed that, if this had been the first book in the series, we probably would not have read the next two. I think Lexi Bennett has more to offer than this, and I hope we get another book in the future that shows off her best detective work.
Is this a bad book? No. Is it the weakest book of the series? Sadly, yes. The majority of the book involves the detectives tossing theories around, while nothing new comes to light and no tangible progress is made. (Maybe that’s more realistic police work, I don’t know.) While Lexi was very smart and resourceful in the past two books, I found myself a little more frustrated this book, as she made some bad decisions and was slow to figure things out that were apparent to me chapters ago.
I wasn’t all that interested in the characters at the vineyard. They were all icky people and I didn’t care much what happened to them.
The angel posing also seemed a little too reminiscent of the first book’s princesses and something a little more fresh might have been welcome.
My buddy reader and I agreed that, if this had been the first book in the series, we probably would not have read the next two. I think Lexi Bennett has more to offer than this, and I hope we get another book in the future that shows off her best detective work.
November 6, 2023
This is a brilliant crime thriller.
Lexi is called when a woman’s body is found at a vineyard in some caves linked to the property. She has been left naked with just some angel winds on her body. Next to her is her daughter, also with angel wings but she has been left alive.
Lexi and the team start questioning those at the vineyard but they’re more concerned about the grape harvest than the dead woman.
Soon another woman linked to the first victim is found jn the grounds of the vineyard and her daughter has once again been left alive next to her body.
There’s lots of characters that are hiding things and Lexi and the team have a challenge trying to get to the truth.
When Lexi is targeted herself, she knows she needs to catch this killer fast.
This is a gripping, fast paced crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
Lexi is called when a woman’s body is found at a vineyard in some caves linked to the property. She has been left naked with just some angel winds on her body. Next to her is her daughter, also with angel wings but she has been left alive.
Lexi and the team start questioning those at the vineyard but they’re more concerned about the grape harvest than the dead woman.
Soon another woman linked to the first victim is found jn the grounds of the vineyard and her daughter has once again been left alive next to her body.
There’s lots of characters that are hiding things and Lexi and the team have a challenge trying to get to the truth.
When Lexi is targeted herself, she knows she needs to catch this killer fast.
This is a gripping, fast paced crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
October 12, 2023
The Innocent Angels (Detective Lexi Bennett Book 3) by Alison Belsham is such a good story. It was quite gripping and addictive. The Innocent Angels is a good serial killer thriller and hard to put down. The book is a thrilling and suspenseful roller coaster ride.
I love Lexi and her team, and I really like the author's writing style, which is engaging, with just enough details that don't bog down the story, and solid characters that you feel connected to.
A gripping story, and I look forward to more in this series.
#TheInnocentAngels #NetGalley @Bookouture
I love Lexi and her team, and I really like the author's writing style, which is engaging, with just enough details that don't bog down the story, and solid characters that you feel connected to.
A gripping story, and I look forward to more in this series.
#TheInnocentAngels #NetGalley @Bookouture
December 10, 2023
The Innocent Angels is the third book in the Detective Lexi Bennett and what an utterly gripping and page turning read it was . Lexi and her colleague Tom are called to a winery where the body of a young woman has been discovered in a small cave and what makes it all the more disturbing is beside the body there is a little baby girl . Lexi and her team just work fast to find the killer before they strike again but then another body is found and the pressure on Lexi and her team increases . Oh my goodness this book just had me captivated from the very start. I do love a good detective series and this is certainly up there with the best of them. An excellently written story with good well developed characters . I did work out who the culprit was about 3/4 way through but it certainly didn’t take away my enjoyment of this book and there were a few OMG moments as well . As mentioned this is the third book in the series and I haven’t yet read the others but this can easily be read as a stand alone. I will however be going back to read the two previous books as I enjoyed this one so much .
October 8, 2023
I’d like to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I was a fan of the first two books in this series so I was excited to start this one. Unfortunately, while still a good read, I had a harder time getting into this one, it didn’t really pick up for me till halfway through. All in all still a good read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
October 22, 2023
The Innocent Angels is the third book in the Detective Lexi Bennett series and this time she is dealing with a killer who murders women leaving them posed in an unusual way. When she is called to a local vineyard to investigate the murder of a women found wearing only a pair of angel wings with her baby daughter alive but close by also wearing a set of wings she knows that she is clearly dealing with someone who is completely heartless. She also has no idea why the body was left in that location until investigations reveal that the vineyard owner is closer to the victim than he first let on.
Lexi and her team seem to be going round in circles with this case. As the investigations progress instead of narrowing down the suspect pool they seem to be widening it. When a second girl is killed and her body again found at the vineyard with her daughter nearby they are no closer to finding the identity of the killer. All Lexi knows is that she has to solve the case before anyone else suffers. You can see how well the team work together, even the previously work averse Colin seems to be pulling his weight and taking on task he would avoid.
The chapters that reveal the motive behind the killing to the reader are intriguing as they don’t give any hint to either their identity or their gender but it does all come together by the end of the book and whilst you cant forgive their actions you do have some modecom of sympathy towards them. Each of the suspects have character traits that make them unlikeable yet belivable and as you follow the investigation you will find yourself flipping between all of them as to the identity of the killer which if I am honest it was not who I expected.
Lexi is also trying to have a personal life and not let work rule her every waking moment however starting something when in the middle of a very perplexing case may not have been the smartest move she makes and may come back to bite her later. It is the only time I have seen one of her colleagues doubt her actions and let her know it. Added to this she is trying to help her friend deal with his own grief and you get the feeling there may be more to their relationship later down the line.
This is quite a pacy book and you can feel the frustration of the team on every page right up to its conclusion. Lexi stops at nothing to catch the killer even when her own life is in danger. This is a great addition to the series and I look forward to the next one
Lexi and her team seem to be going round in circles with this case. As the investigations progress instead of narrowing down the suspect pool they seem to be widening it. When a second girl is killed and her body again found at the vineyard with her daughter nearby they are no closer to finding the identity of the killer. All Lexi knows is that she has to solve the case before anyone else suffers. You can see how well the team work together, even the previously work averse Colin seems to be pulling his weight and taking on task he would avoid.
The chapters that reveal the motive behind the killing to the reader are intriguing as they don’t give any hint to either their identity or their gender but it does all come together by the end of the book and whilst you cant forgive their actions you do have some modecom of sympathy towards them. Each of the suspects have character traits that make them unlikeable yet belivable and as you follow the investigation you will find yourself flipping between all of them as to the identity of the killer which if I am honest it was not who I expected.
Lexi is also trying to have a personal life and not let work rule her every waking moment however starting something when in the middle of a very perplexing case may not have been the smartest move she makes and may come back to bite her later. It is the only time I have seen one of her colleagues doubt her actions and let her know it. Added to this she is trying to help her friend deal with his own grief and you get the feeling there may be more to their relationship later down the line.
This is quite a pacy book and you can feel the frustration of the team on every page right up to its conclusion. Lexi stops at nothing to catch the killer even when her own life is in danger. This is a great addition to the series and I look forward to the next one
November 15, 2023
I have read the preceding two volumes of Lexi Bennett and was absolutely thrilled by them. I found the killings to be original, her story and background, how she gets from the FBI to Canterbury in the end. The author's depictions of how, what, and most crucially, who were cleverly hidden from the reader. Both parts of the book were fast paced, with original subplots that flowed seamlessly into the story, and where the reader was kept in the dark until the very end.
I suppose it needs no introduction. that I have been eagerly awaiting this third Lexi Bennett book.
Although the third volume gains momentum midway, I honestly have to admit that it falls a tad short of the quality of the previous two volumes.
At the outset, I struggled to get absorbed in the narrative and found the modus operandi resembling that of the primary murders, and the story seems to have transformed from a thriller into a police procedural.
The characters on the posh side appear unsympathetic. Also, the contrast between posh versus children growing up in the fostering system seems overly stereotypical. Additionally, Lexi's character lacks depth in this novel. While her whinging may have served as the prelude to further character development and the introduction of another character, I believe the author could have provided a more credible motive. What do you expect when you run half a marathon and keep going and going and going?.
I found the introduction of the Elvington Angel to be quite original, but I think it could have played a bit of a bigger role. If the first novel hints at a comparison with The Silence of the Lambs, I think this old tale, which is merely briefly mentioned, is actually a missed opportunity, and I also found the vineyard scenes a bit too long.
In the first two volumes you see Lexi travelling to historically famous sites in the Canterbury area anyway, she did a lot less of that here, although of course she did have the trip of a lifetime towards the end of the book.
As stated before, the story is adequate, but lacks the unconventional tone found in the previous two volumes. Nonetheless, I am interested in reading further about Lexi and am growing increasingly fond of her character. I am curious to discover whether she will find love and how her character will evolve in the forthcoming novels.
3.5 stars. Thank you Bookouture for the review copy, I leave my review voluntarily
I suppose it needs no introduction. that I have been eagerly awaiting this third Lexi Bennett book.
Although the third volume gains momentum midway, I honestly have to admit that it falls a tad short of the quality of the previous two volumes.
At the outset, I struggled to get absorbed in the narrative and found the modus operandi resembling that of the primary murders, and the story seems to have transformed from a thriller into a police procedural.
The characters on the posh side appear unsympathetic. Also, the contrast between posh versus children growing up in the fostering system seems overly stereotypical. Additionally, Lexi's character lacks depth in this novel. While her whinging may have served as the prelude to further character development and the introduction of another character, I believe the author could have provided a more credible motive. What do you expect when you run half a marathon and keep going and going and going?.
I found the introduction of the Elvington Angel to be quite original, but I think it could have played a bit of a bigger role. If the first novel hints at a comparison with The Silence of the Lambs, I think this old tale, which is merely briefly mentioned, is actually a missed opportunity, and I also found the vineyard scenes a bit too long.
In the first two volumes you see Lexi travelling to historically famous sites in the Canterbury area anyway, she did a lot less of that here, although of course she did have the trip of a lifetime towards the end of the book.
As stated before, the story is adequate, but lacks the unconventional tone found in the previous two volumes. Nonetheless, I am interested in reading further about Lexi and am growing increasingly fond of her character. I am curious to discover whether she will find love and how her character will evolve in the forthcoming novels.
3.5 stars. Thank you Bookouture for the review copy, I leave my review voluntarily
November 6, 2023
We start with a very harrowing scene. A woman wearing nothing but angel wings is found dead in an underground cave, next to her, thankfully still alive, baby. The cave is associated with the local vineyard and, after initially protesting a strong denial, the owner of the vineyard claims to be the baby's father. Which is news to the deceased woman's partner who has been raising the child as his own. Also upset, obviously, is the owner's wife. A tangled web indeed, and one which will really tax Det. Lexi Bennet as she starts to investigate, in this, her third outing.
But they have only just got started on their investigations when a second woman is also found dead, in exactly the same scenario, along with her baby. This ups the stakes and with pressure on her to get an arrest, Lexi goes off piste, following her instincts, again. Something that has got her in trouble before but also, got her results. But will it also put her in danger...
As with her previous outings, I loved this book. It hit the ground running for me with its explosive opening scene, and the intensity never dipped all the way through to its wholly satisfying ending. I ran around chasing my tail along with Lexi as I also struggled to make any headway into my guessing.
Plotting is tight and well executed, with some really cracking characters making their marks. I especially liked the foray into the ritualistic and folklore possibilities, but had absolutely no idea where we were going for pretty much most of the time!
And without any superfluous waffle or padding, it got on with itself very well indeed, pacing matching the narrative all the way through. Ramping up as it reached the ending which left me both exhausted and satisfied.
All in all, a cracking addition to a now well established series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
But they have only just got started on their investigations when a second woman is also found dead, in exactly the same scenario, along with her baby. This ups the stakes and with pressure on her to get an arrest, Lexi goes off piste, following her instincts, again. Something that has got her in trouble before but also, got her results. But will it also put her in danger...
As with her previous outings, I loved this book. It hit the ground running for me with its explosive opening scene, and the intensity never dipped all the way through to its wholly satisfying ending. I ran around chasing my tail along with Lexi as I also struggled to make any headway into my guessing.
Plotting is tight and well executed, with some really cracking characters making their marks. I especially liked the foray into the ritualistic and folklore possibilities, but had absolutely no idea where we were going for pretty much most of the time!
And without any superfluous waffle or padding, it got on with itself very well indeed, pacing matching the narrative all the way through. Ramping up as it reached the ending which left me both exhausted and satisfied.
All in all, a cracking addition to a now well established series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
November 6, 2023
4.5⭐
DI Lexi Bennett returns for what is without a doubt her most engrossing story to date.
As Lexi minutes after finishing a half-marathon learns from her colleague DS Tom Olsen that a body has been found at a local winery and whilst Lexi knows Tom is more than capable of starting an investigation without her. Lexi is unable to resist the urge to get stuck in.
However, it's a scene that neither Lexi nor Tom will soon forget. As a young woman has been found dead naked except for a pair of angel wings with her baby by her side. A baby that is thankfully still alive. Despite also being naked and wearing angel wings.
And Lexi and Tom have so many questions.
But the winery owner and employees maintain that they have no idea who this young woman and baby are.
And Tom and Lexi are left desperately searching for the victims ID and answers.
Yet, it soon becomes clear that not everyone at the winery is telling the truth.
As just as they are about to interview a potential witness. Whose girlfriend and daughter are missing. Someone from the winery appears and claims that they are the baby's father.
Which leaves Lexi and the team with even more questions and potential suspects.
Then a second victim is discovered at the winery under extremely similar circumstances, and Lexi knows her team must act swiftly if they are to catch the killer before they strike again.
And it's a killer whose motives are revealed as this story develops, and it's certainly one who keeps the reader guessing and Lexi and her well-organised team on their toes.
I would happily recommend The Innocent Angels and the DI Lexi Bennett series to all.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Innocent Angels. 😊
DI Lexi Bennett returns for what is without a doubt her most engrossing story to date.
As Lexi minutes after finishing a half-marathon learns from her colleague DS Tom Olsen that a body has been found at a local winery and whilst Lexi knows Tom is more than capable of starting an investigation without her. Lexi is unable to resist the urge to get stuck in.
However, it's a scene that neither Lexi nor Tom will soon forget. As a young woman has been found dead naked except for a pair of angel wings with her baby by her side. A baby that is thankfully still alive. Despite also being naked and wearing angel wings.
And Lexi and Tom have so many questions.
But the winery owner and employees maintain that they have no idea who this young woman and baby are.
And Tom and Lexi are left desperately searching for the victims ID and answers.
Yet, it soon becomes clear that not everyone at the winery is telling the truth.
As just as they are about to interview a potential witness. Whose girlfriend and daughter are missing. Someone from the winery appears and claims that they are the baby's father.
Which leaves Lexi and the team with even more questions and potential suspects.
Then a second victim is discovered at the winery under extremely similar circumstances, and Lexi knows her team must act swiftly if they are to catch the killer before they strike again.
And it's a killer whose motives are revealed as this story develops, and it's certainly one who keeps the reader guessing and Lexi and her well-organised team on their toes.
I would happily recommend The Innocent Angels and the DI Lexi Bennett series to all.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Innocent Angels. 😊
November 15, 2023
Another (Mostly) Solid Entry In Series. This was a solid entry in the series for the most part, though perhaps it did have a touch of pacing issues. And yet I've struggled for nearly a week now to come up with words to put "on paper" about my experience with the book. Perhaps that is more on me though, as I really do think I'm reaching the limits of my own "hyper reading" abilities as new/ more pressing interests and needs come to bear in my life.
The book itself was intriguing in so many ways. The manner of murder, the placement, the investigation... and the personal, for the team. Specifically, I actually particularly enjoyed how an injury Lexi suffers at the beginning of the tale is worked throughout this story and isn't just some random detail to make her "more relatable" - although it certainly does, to anyone who has ever trained for and ran a half marathon themselves. (Though to be clear, I managed to run 2 of them - separated by several months - completely injury free, back in my own running days. But getting injured during training or racing is actually a very common thing that I simply managed to be lucky enough to avoid.)
There were enough callbacks to the earlier books here to link it in series without being a spoilerfest for those books, so readers new to the series actually *could* enter it here - but I still recommend going back to Book 1 and entering the series there. On the other end, there wasn't any real sense of continuation *needed* by the reader, so while I hope this series continues, it also wouldn't feel incomplete if it ended as a trilogy. Still, here's hoping we get many more books here, as I really do like the writing style and characterizations.
Very much recommended.
The book itself was intriguing in so many ways. The manner of murder, the placement, the investigation... and the personal, for the team. Specifically, I actually particularly enjoyed how an injury Lexi suffers at the beginning of the tale is worked throughout this story and isn't just some random detail to make her "more relatable" - although it certainly does, to anyone who has ever trained for and ran a half marathon themselves. (Though to be clear, I managed to run 2 of them - separated by several months - completely injury free, back in my own running days. But getting injured during training or racing is actually a very common thing that I simply managed to be lucky enough to avoid.)
There were enough callbacks to the earlier books here to link it in series without being a spoilerfest for those books, so readers new to the series actually *could* enter it here - but I still recommend going back to Book 1 and entering the series there. On the other end, there wasn't any real sense of continuation *needed* by the reader, so while I hope this series continues, it also wouldn't feel incomplete if it ended as a trilogy. Still, here's hoping we get many more books here, as I really do like the writing style and characterizations.
Very much recommended.
November 2, 2023
Detective Lexi Bennett has just been called out to her latest case, a woman found murdered in the caves under Elvington Vineyard wearing just a pair of angel wings, but the strangest thing about this is that her child is sat next to her, very much alive, wearing angel wings too. Who could be so cruel to do this to a young child and it's mother and what is the motive behind it? Then another woman is found dead with her baby next to her, left in the same pose as the first and Lexi knows she needs to act fast before there's a third victim, but has she got the right perpetrator in her sights and is her life in danger too?
The Innocent Angels is the latest in the Detective Lexi Bennett series by Belsham which is fast becoming another favourite of mine. Like the first two, book three is fast paced and an intriguing read, with some quite unlikeable characters but Lexi is a no nonsense kick ass detective who takes no prisoners (apart from those she arrests) when trying to solve the cases she's up against. Her tenacity and sheer determination means that once she gets the bit between her teeth she will not let go until she gets all the answers, regardless of the danger she finds herself in along the way. I love the relationship that we see developing between Lexi, Tom and the rest of the team and can't wait to see how that progresses through the series. I guessed quite early on who the perpetrator was but that didn't, in any way, detract from my enjoyment of this latest instalment and I'm looking forward to book four!
I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
The Innocent Angels is the latest in the Detective Lexi Bennett series by Belsham which is fast becoming another favourite of mine. Like the first two, book three is fast paced and an intriguing read, with some quite unlikeable characters but Lexi is a no nonsense kick ass detective who takes no prisoners (apart from those she arrests) when trying to solve the cases she's up against. Her tenacity and sheer determination means that once she gets the bit between her teeth she will not let go until she gets all the answers, regardless of the danger she finds herself in along the way. I love the relationship that we see developing between Lexi, Tom and the rest of the team and can't wait to see how that progresses through the series. I guessed quite early on who the perpetrator was but that didn't, in any way, detract from my enjoyment of this latest instalment and I'm looking forward to book four!
I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
December 8, 2023
The third book of the Detective Lexi Bennett series "The Innocent Angels" has the Detective investigating the murder of a woman who has been left naked next to her crying baby in a dark cave of a winery. When Lexi and her team discover that there is a personal connection between the woman and the owner of the winery, the team try to ascertain who had the most to gain from the murder. But the murder of another woman within the winery, someone who has no connection with the suspects, throws a curve in the investigation. What starts as a regular whodunit becomes a convoluted mess of lies, half-truths and hidden motives, with the team trying to catch the killer before he claims another victim.
The story started off on a promising note with the murder case strange and complicated enough to hold the reader's interest. But three latter half of the story fails to live up to the expectations it created. Certain events are long and winded; particularly the fight between Lexi and the suspect in the end was too lengthy. The identity of the murderer was easily guessable; the final twist regarding the matter just doesn't land well as there is no proper lead towards it.
Overall, this is a not-so-bad police investigative thriller which doesn't reach the point of greatness.
The story started off on a promising note with the murder case strange and complicated enough to hold the reader's interest. But three latter half of the story fails to live up to the expectations it created. Certain events are long and winded; particularly the fight between Lexi and the suspect in the end was too lengthy. The identity of the murderer was easily guessable; the final twist regarding the matter just doesn't land well as there is no proper lead towards it.
Overall, this is a not-so-bad police investigative thriller which doesn't reach the point of greatness.
December 17, 2023
"The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness"
This was a good police procedural thriller with lots of twists and turns along the way. The plot was intriguing and I was invested enough to make me keep on reading. I liked the different POVs and I'm always into having a POV from the villain as it makes for a much more interesting read. I liked that we got to see the killers childhood history because it really helped the reader get a better insight into their mind.
However, they were two things that bothered me with this read.
The first being the FMC, I had problems connecting with her. The second being how obvious it was who the killer was. I had the book figured out at around the 75% mark which isn't bad but it completely took away from the shock value for me.
Overall, it was a good read and I also liked the ending, despite the fact that I wasn't blown away. It didn't wrap up too quickly and as a reader I like seeing the detectives put the final nail in the coffin when it comes to wrapping up the case.
I give this one 3.75 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley, the Author and Bookouture for my eARC copy of this read. All opinions are 100% my own.
This was a good police procedural thriller with lots of twists and turns along the way. The plot was intriguing and I was invested enough to make me keep on reading. I liked the different POVs and I'm always into having a POV from the villain as it makes for a much more interesting read. I liked that we got to see the killers childhood history because it really helped the reader get a better insight into their mind.
However, they were two things that bothered me with this read.
The first being the FMC, I had problems connecting with her. The second being how obvious it was who the killer was. I had the book figured out at around the 75% mark which isn't bad but it completely took away from the shock value for me.
Overall, it was a good read and I also liked the ending, despite the fact that I wasn't blown away. It didn't wrap up too quickly and as a reader I like seeing the detectives put the final nail in the coffin when it comes to wrapping up the case.
I give this one 3.75 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley, the Author and Bookouture for my eARC copy of this read. All opinions are 100% my own.
September 30, 2023
A body of a young mother was found in the tunnel beneath Elvington vineyard, her terrified child beside her in the dark. Both are wearing Angel wings.
Detective Lexi Bennett is called to the scene and realises there are many suspects, as it is harvesting season. But who would want to see this young woman dead? The owner of the vineyard claims to be the father of the child.
A few days later, a second woman is found dead in the vineyard, and her baby is crawling close by, both are wearing Angel wings.
These seem like sacrifices, and Lexi has to find the murderer before there is another death.
This book is so well written! The police investigation, the many suspects, the motive - it all ties together in the end. I like Lexi, she is a dedicated Detective, and is not afraid to ask for help.
This was definitely an edge of the seat thriller, and I wouldn't have guessed the murderer, in fact, I was quite stunned when I found out.
I have to award 5/5 stars. Alison Belsham kept the tension going through the entire book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Lexi Bennett is called to the scene and realises there are many suspects, as it is harvesting season. But who would want to see this young woman dead? The owner of the vineyard claims to be the father of the child.
A few days later, a second woman is found dead in the vineyard, and her baby is crawling close by, both are wearing Angel wings.
These seem like sacrifices, and Lexi has to find the murderer before there is another death.
This book is so well written! The police investigation, the many suspects, the motive - it all ties together in the end. I like Lexi, she is a dedicated Detective, and is not afraid to ask for help.
This was definitely an edge of the seat thriller, and I wouldn't have guessed the murderer, in fact, I was quite stunned when I found out.
I have to award 5/5 stars. Alison Belsham kept the tension going through the entire book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2023
This is my fifth book Alison Belsham book in as many months, and she is an absolute force in the thriller and crime writing genre.
The Innocent Angels is the third in the Lexi Bennett series and follows a series of murders centered around an English winery where Bennett is racing to discover the killer when the potential criminal and the potential motives don’t seem to sync up. You also delve deeper into Bennett’s extended team from a professional growth perspective and their families and relationships.
I’ve said this in previous reviews, but there is something about the way Alison writes that draws you in and makes you forget that you are reading and you are just a part of the story. I love how we learned more about all of the characters in this book, and I’m hopeful that there will be another in the series that gets even more in-depth into the stories and relationships that have lurked in the background over the last three books. If you haven’t read this series or her Sullivan and Mullins series (set in the world of tattoo artistry), I highly recommend them both. Alison has auto-buy status on my bookshelf!
The Innocent Angels is the third in the Lexi Bennett series and follows a series of murders centered around an English winery where Bennett is racing to discover the killer when the potential criminal and the potential motives don’t seem to sync up. You also delve deeper into Bennett’s extended team from a professional growth perspective and their families and relationships.
I’ve said this in previous reviews, but there is something about the way Alison writes that draws you in and makes you forget that you are reading and you are just a part of the story. I love how we learned more about all of the characters in this book, and I’m hopeful that there will be another in the series that gets even more in-depth into the stories and relationships that have lurked in the background over the last three books. If you haven’t read this series or her Sullivan and Mullins series (set in the world of tattoo artistry), I highly recommend them both. Alison has auto-buy status on my bookshelf!
October 7, 2023
This is the third book in the Lexi Bennett detective series, and I was very excited to receive an ARC from Netgally. Especially since I read the previous books and loved them! Detective Lexi Bennett, at her core, is an excellent profiler who tirelessly fights for justice on all her cases, despite any obstacles in her way This new case finds Lexi called to a tunnel beneath Elvington Vineyard, where a young mother was found dead, wearing nothing but angel wings. Her terrified baby crying beside her, also in wings Was it suicide? Murder? Alison knows how to write a story that will pull you in from the first page. Her characters are so well developed and nuanced that you can't help but love and/ or hate them. I love how the suspect pool is so vast, making it difficult to pin down an actual suspect. So many are lying and hiding secrets that I was guessing up until the end. The Innocent Angels delivered a clever, suspenseful, and engaging story with twists that left my jaw gaping. I look forward to reading more of @alisonbelsham books in the future
Want to read
November 6, 2023The Lexi Bennett series has quickly become a favorite for me, with its brave heroine facing terrible crimes and constantly saving the day.
This time, a woman’s body is found in a winery, her baby crawling around the room crying. Lexi begins to investigate, and is unable to catch the killer before he strikes again.
The crimes are absolutely brutal and horrific to picture, with the addition of the babies being found alive at the crime scenes. The killer’s motivation is twisted but clear when it finally comes out, and I did not solve the mystery before Lexi did.
I adore Lexi’s character, but wow is she terrible at taking care of herself. She has put her own life in danger in each book so far, and this one adds a special trip along the way. I did like seeing her go on a date finally and bond a bit more with her team, making her a more well rounded character.
I found the ending to be just a bit abrupt this time, and would give it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This time, a woman’s body is found in a winery, her baby crawling around the room crying. Lexi begins to investigate, and is unable to catch the killer before he strikes again.
The crimes are absolutely brutal and horrific to picture, with the addition of the babies being found alive at the crime scenes. The killer’s motivation is twisted but clear when it finally comes out, and I did not solve the mystery before Lexi did.
I adore Lexi’s character, but wow is she terrible at taking care of herself. She has put her own life in danger in each book so far, and this one adds a special trip along the way. I did like seeing her go on a date finally and bond a bit more with her team, making her a more well rounded character.
I found the ending to be just a bit abrupt this time, and would give it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 22, 2025
I was eagerly looking forward to this third-in-series book of the Detective Lexi Bennett series. The tagline “He takes the mothers. He leaves the children.” is so compelling.
The book is, too.
We get to revisit favorite characters in this book, which is always a plus. While Lexi’s family doesn’t take up as many pages as I might like, we learn a lot more about Ed. Lexi’s team also continues to develop. It’s the new cast—specific to this book—that really grabs my attention this time. This story’s mystery begins at a winery, and the owners and manager live deliciously decadent and egregiously immoral lives. It’s this lifestyle that leads to so many suspects in this twisted plot.
Why would mothers be killed and babies left as witnesses, both dressed in angel wings? It’s a puzzling mystery to solve, and the story unfolds quickly. I guessed the killer long before the detectives did, so it was more about learning the motive for me, and the reveal was satisfying.
This is a solid mystery in a solid series that readers of the genre will enjoy. I’m now anticipating the next one.
The book is, too.
We get to revisit favorite characters in this book, which is always a plus. While Lexi’s family doesn’t take up as many pages as I might like, we learn a lot more about Ed. Lexi’s team also continues to develop. It’s the new cast—specific to this book—that really grabs my attention this time. This story’s mystery begins at a winery, and the owners and manager live deliciously decadent and egregiously immoral lives. It’s this lifestyle that leads to so many suspects in this twisted plot.
Why would mothers be killed and babies left as witnesses, both dressed in angel wings? It’s a puzzling mystery to solve, and the story unfolds quickly. I guessed the killer long before the detectives did, so it was more about learning the motive for me, and the reveal was satisfying.
This is a solid mystery in a solid series that readers of the genre will enjoy. I’m now anticipating the next one.
October 22, 2023
Member Review
The Innocent Angels (Detective Lexi Bennett Book 3)
by Alison Belsham
Pub Date: 7 Nov 2023
Review by
michelle f, Reviewer
Last updated on 22 Oct 2023
Thanks to Bookoture and netgalley for this arc. Lexi Bennett 3...... This series gets better and better, in my opinion. When lexi and the team get a call to a murder in a vinyard, on their arrival, they find a naked lady who has died and beside her a child who has angels wings attached to her..... why???? What is going on? Lots of suspects. Lies deception, affairs a plenty. Who is telling the truth????? Will Steadman runs the vineyard, marietta lycett boyd along with her husband john are the owners, but all is not as it seems............ It was intense, i didn't know which way the story would go, I had to keep reading!!!!!! If you like crime, police procedurals, you will love the lexi Bennett series. Book 4, please? Highley recommend
The Innocent Angels (Detective Lexi Bennett Book 3)
by Alison Belsham
Pub Date: 7 Nov 2023
Review by
michelle f, Reviewer
Last updated on 22 Oct 2023
Thanks to Bookoture and netgalley for this arc. Lexi Bennett 3...... This series gets better and better, in my opinion. When lexi and the team get a call to a murder in a vinyard, on their arrival, they find a naked lady who has died and beside her a child who has angels wings attached to her..... why???? What is going on? Lots of suspects. Lies deception, affairs a plenty. Who is telling the truth????? Will Steadman runs the vineyard, marietta lycett boyd along with her husband john are the owners, but all is not as it seems............ It was intense, i didn't know which way the story would go, I had to keep reading!!!!!! If you like crime, police procedurals, you will love the lexi Bennett series. Book 4, please? Highley recommend
October 26, 2023
I am a huge fan of this series - Lexi and Tom are great characters and the books are so well written.
This book started well, with a body, as expected! I was excited to see how the plot would unravel, however for me, it was very obvious who the killer was very early on. There was much more to it than that, and so it didn’t spoil my enjoyment at all, as the twists at the end were very clever and brilliantly executed, concluding a complex and detailed plot.. I feel that a change in the conversation that gave it away, could be edited to make it less obvious.
I really enjoyed the deepening friendship between Lexi and Ed and getting to know more about Ed’s personal life too.
All of the new characters in the case were well developed and although I am loving this series, I do believe this book will work well as a standalone read as well.
Can’t wait for the next one!
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Alison Belsham and Bookouture for an ARC in return for an honest review.
This book started well, with a body, as expected! I was excited to see how the plot would unravel, however for me, it was very obvious who the killer was very early on. There was much more to it than that, and so it didn’t spoil my enjoyment at all, as the twists at the end were very clever and brilliantly executed, concluding a complex and detailed plot.. I feel that a change in the conversation that gave it away, could be edited to make it less obvious.
I really enjoyed the deepening friendship between Lexi and Ed and getting to know more about Ed’s personal life too.
All of the new characters in the case were well developed and although I am loving this series, I do believe this book will work well as a standalone read as well.
Can’t wait for the next one!
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Alison Belsham and Bookouture for an ARC in return for an honest review.
November 10, 2023
I was lucky enough to start this series with book one. And while this could easily be read as a stand alone, the series is great and worth the time.
I really like Lexi. She is a relatable character and I really enjoyed her work ethic and the determination she shows as she tries to solve the case. I’ve enjoyed the character development that is happening across the books with both Lexi and her team. I enjoy the complexity of the case and the possible suspects. Many had their own secrets, but Lexi and her team must sux out which one has deadly secrets.
I was gripped from the start and didn’t want to put this one down. The story moves along at a brisk pace and the tension kept me on the edge of my seat. And it seems that Lexi always ends up in the cross hairs in the case. This is another great installment making me want more in the series.
You definitely need to pick this up if you are a fan of crime series.
I really like Lexi. She is a relatable character and I really enjoyed her work ethic and the determination she shows as she tries to solve the case. I’ve enjoyed the character development that is happening across the books with both Lexi and her team. I enjoy the complexity of the case and the possible suspects. Many had their own secrets, but Lexi and her team must sux out which one has deadly secrets.
I was gripped from the start and didn’t want to put this one down. The story moves along at a brisk pace and the tension kept me on the edge of my seat. And it seems that Lexi always ends up in the cross hairs in the case. This is another great installment making me want more in the series.
You definitely need to pick this up if you are a fan of crime series.
October 13, 2023
Well hello again DI Lexi Bennett. I was so looking forward to this author's next book in this thrilling series and finally the title popped up on my schedule. Time to sit back and enjoy, but I did not really have the time to sit back. It was more like I was glued to the edge of my seat, because this was such a roller coaster. And boy oh boy did I enjoy it!
Lexi is so determined that everything has to be put on the back burner when a new case lands on her desk. She even forgets to take good care of herself until she is forced too and she does not hesitate to put herself on the line in order to safe the victims.
One little sentence pushed me in the right direction and I thought I knew it all now. I could not have been more wrong. LOL
Great story with heartbreaking moments and filled with suspense, lies and manipulation. I loved it. 5 stars
Thank you
Lexi is so determined that everything has to be put on the back burner when a new case lands on her desk. She even forgets to take good care of herself until she is forced too and she does not hesitate to put herself on the line in order to safe the victims.
One little sentence pushed me in the right direction and I thought I knew it all now. I could not have been more wrong. LOL
Great story with heartbreaking moments and filled with suspense, lies and manipulation. I loved it. 5 stars
Thank you
October 27, 2023
This is the book #3 in the Detective Lexi Bennett series. I couldn’t put this one down. I highly recommend the read and eagerly await the next book😊
Detective Lexi Bennett is called to the scene when a murder victim is found and the circumstances are extra disturbing. The young woman was posed with angel wings and her baby girl was left alive near her body. Who would do such a thing?
Lexi finds that there are several potential suspects and must sort out the truth from lies because it seems like everyone is hiding something.
When another victim is found with her child nearby, Lexi is under fire to find the killer before anyone else is targeted. Can she catch the perpetrator in time?
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Lexi Bennett is called to the scene when a murder victim is found and the circumstances are extra disturbing. The young woman was posed with angel wings and her baby girl was left alive near her body. Who would do such a thing?
Lexi finds that there are several potential suspects and must sort out the truth from lies because it seems like everyone is hiding something.
When another victim is found with her child nearby, Lexi is under fire to find the killer before anyone else is targeted. Can she catch the perpetrator in time?
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2023
Lexi Bennett is called out to a local vineyard. In the caves below a young woman lies dead dressed in just a pair of angel's wings. A baby- also with wings sits crying beside her. This is definitely a start that keeps the reader engaged- what is behind the way she is posed? Who left her & the baby there? The vineyard owner seems only intent on getting his harvest in & nobody is particularly helpful. When another girl & child is found on the vineyard grounds Lexi is mystified. Can she catch the killer before any more bodies turn up?
This is the third in a very enjoyable series. It could be read as a standalone, but as always I think you get more out of a book where the characters have had time to develop. It was a great read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book- already looking forward to the next one!
This is the third in a very enjoyable series. It could be read as a standalone, but as always I think you get more out of a book where the characters have had time to develop. It was a great read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book- already looking forward to the next one!
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