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Detective Lexi Bennett #1
Dívky na kopci
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?
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?
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First published June 26, 2023
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June 14, 2023
Triplet madness
Audiobook
With different points of view, we get a good understanding of what happened in the past and what's happening now. The killer's perspective is arrogant and adds a lot to the story.
It's a great setup, where triplets are targeted and there's a hidden clue for our detective, Lexie Bennett. Lexie is new to the job, and the team comes together in an unusual way. She gets along well with the team, except for Colin who has issues with authority. In the first part of the book, Lexie doesn't seem deeply affected emotionally, but maybe that's because the writing style doesn't show it enough. She's disturbed but not extremely upset.
The narrator, Sofia Zervudachi, did a great job bringing the story to life. The flow was good, and her style was engaging. This is a good first book in a new series. It's exciting and keeps you interested. Definitely a series worth following!
I want to thank Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for giving me the opportunity to listen to and review this Audiobook ARC.
Audiobook
With different points of view, we get a good understanding of what happened in the past and what's happening now. The killer's perspective is arrogant and adds a lot to the story.
It's a great setup, where triplets are targeted and there's a hidden clue for our detective, Lexie Bennett. Lexie is new to the job, and the team comes together in an unusual way. She gets along well with the team, except for Colin who has issues with authority. In the first part of the book, Lexie doesn't seem deeply affected emotionally, but maybe that's because the writing style doesn't show it enough. She's disturbed but not extremely upset.
The narrator, Sofia Zervudachi, did a great job bringing the story to life. The flow was good, and her style was engaging. This is a good first book in a new series. It's exciting and keeps you interested. Definitely a series worth following!
I want to thank Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for giving me the opportunity to listen to and review this Audiobook ARC.
June 13, 2023
I enjoyed this introduction to Lexi Bennett. She had an interesting history and relationships and these informed some of her decisions throughout the book. I feel like there is still more to learn about her.
There were a couple spots where I felt a slight slip in the narrative (something is not there, then it is or someone is in one position, then another without adjusting), but overall I thought it was very good and it kept me wondering what was going to happen.
I thought the ending was good, but not great. There were a few bits that just didn't feel quite right and the confrontation was a little anti-climactic. It seemed to build up really well, then ended too quickly. I do like how the surrounding story was left and I think the outside relationships will make good background for the following books.
I listened to the audio book narrated by Sofia Zervudachi. I think she did a wonderful job. It was easy to listen to and engaging.
I'll be interested to read the next book in the series to see where the story takes us.
#TheGirlsonChalkHill #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic audio copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
There were a couple spots where I felt a slight slip in the narrative (something is not there, then it is or someone is in one position, then another without adjusting), but overall I thought it was very good and it kept me wondering what was going to happen.
I thought the ending was good, but not great. There were a few bits that just didn't feel quite right and the confrontation was a little anti-climactic. It seemed to build up really well, then ended too quickly. I do like how the surrounding story was left and I think the outside relationships will make good background for the following books.
I listened to the audio book narrated by Sofia Zervudachi. I think she did a wonderful job. It was easy to listen to and engaging.
I'll be interested to read the next book in the series to see where the story takes us.
#TheGirlsonChalkHill #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic audio copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 22, 2023
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.
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.
June 23, 2023
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.
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.
April 23, 2023
Found another detective series to read. Lexie was a great character. When her past & new case collide, she finally can put some ghosts to rest. This was an extremely good mystery & the writing kept me on edge. I literally can not wait for the next book.
May 18, 2023
If you like the Tracey Crosswhite series then definitely try this book.
August 17, 2023
This is an awesome serial killer thriller/police procedural, which I thoroughly loved and enjoyed. The narrator of the book did a great job.
The story is about Detective Lexi Bennett, who I loved and really related to. She comes across two teenagers who have been killed, and she finds out that they were triplets, and that one of the triplets is still missing. As she was a triplet herself, she resonates with this case, and she sets out to find the missing triplet and the killer. As time goes on, she finds out that the killer is the same person who abducted her and her sisters, killing one of them. She is determined to track him down and put an end to things, once and for all.
This is a superb thriller, which I recommend highly! I loved it so much, and I can't wait to read the next book in this series, which I have already bought, ready to enjoy soon.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
The story is about Detective Lexi Bennett, who I loved and really related to. She comes across two teenagers who have been killed, and she finds out that they were triplets, and that one of the triplets is still missing. As she was a triplet herself, she resonates with this case, and she sets out to find the missing triplet and the killer. As time goes on, she finds out that the killer is the same person who abducted her and her sisters, killing one of them. She is determined to track him down and put an end to things, once and for all.
This is a superb thriller, which I recommend highly! I loved it so much, and I can't wait to read the next book in this series, which I have already bought, ready to enjoy soon.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
October 17, 2023
4.5⭐️
What a thrilling ride. This is a Great new detective series.
The Girls on Chalk Hill is Addictive, compelling story with so many twists.
Sofia Zervudachi Narrated it so beautifully.
This is Book 1 in Alison Belsham’s new series of police procedurals with Detective Inspector Lexi Bennett.
Lexi has newly been appointed to lead the Major Investigation Team based in Canterbury, Kent and yet to meet the new team.
On her run, she finds two teenagers lying side by side on the quiet green hillside, their throats cut. She vowed to get justice for them.
She later finds out these girls are actually two in a set of triplets.. that hits so close to home... It stirred up painful memories for Lexi.
Lexi is also a triplet, and seventeen years ago she and her sisters had been abducted as teenagers and only two of them made it home.
Could it be the same man that abducted her and her sisters or a copy cat?
A great way to start this new series and I'm looking forward to the upcoming books in the series.
I really enjoyed this right from the get go. It moves at a very good pace and its filled with fascinating characters.
The whole depiction of activities of the police force as they investigate the crime was beautifully written, very realistic that you could just picture it all.. like watching a movie.
I exceptionally loved Detective Lexis character, aside her strong personality, there's also a softer side that makes her lovable.
Getting to the end of the book got my heart pounding... the suspense, anticipation and fear really got me at the edge of the seat. So good.
I'm excited about the other books as we'll get to know more about Detective Lexi.
Fans of police procedurals will definitely like this.
Thanks to Bookouture through Netgalley for this Audiobook.
What a thrilling ride. This is a Great new detective series.
The Girls on Chalk Hill is Addictive, compelling story with so many twists.
Sofia Zervudachi Narrated it so beautifully.
This is Book 1 in Alison Belsham’s new series of police procedurals with Detective Inspector Lexi Bennett.
Lexi has newly been appointed to lead the Major Investigation Team based in Canterbury, Kent and yet to meet the new team.
On her run, she finds two teenagers lying side by side on the quiet green hillside, their throats cut. She vowed to get justice for them.
She later finds out these girls are actually two in a set of triplets.. that hits so close to home... It stirred up painful memories for Lexi.
Lexi is also a triplet, and seventeen years ago she and her sisters had been abducted as teenagers and only two of them made it home.
Could it be the same man that abducted her and her sisters or a copy cat?
A great way to start this new series and I'm looking forward to the upcoming books in the series.
I really enjoyed this right from the get go. It moves at a very good pace and its filled with fascinating characters.
The whole depiction of activities of the police force as they investigate the crime was beautifully written, very realistic that you could just picture it all.. like watching a movie.
I exceptionally loved Detective Lexis character, aside her strong personality, there's also a softer side that makes her lovable.
Getting to the end of the book got my heart pounding... the suspense, anticipation and fear really got me at the edge of the seat. So good.
I'm excited about the other books as we'll get to know more about Detective Lexi.
Fans of police procedurals will definitely like this.
Thanks to Bookouture through Netgalley for this Audiobook.
June 10, 2023
I was totalky gripped throughout this story. The Natrator did really well I was able to feel the emotion of the characters and really care about qhere tge story went. The story is told through different characters poinst of view and different timelines. The real skill was now the story were craftly linked together to explain my main character . 2 different events leading fo a fab receal that had me hooked. Cant wait fir tge next one.
Thank you netgallery and book culture audio fir my arc
Thank you netgallery and book culture audio fir my arc
July 11, 2023
Is it mere coincidence that while out running one morning Detective Lexi Bennett stumbles across the bodies of two teenage girls? After having worked for the FBI in America for several years, Lexi is back in the UK and now has a case that eerily resembles her past. There is a killer with a plan. A plan that includes Lexi Bennett.
The bodies were identified as Lucy and Eden Carter. This fact is quite chilling to Lexi, especially once she learns that they are part of a set of triplets, with the third sister still missing. The reason that this shocks Lexi is that this case is reminiscent of her past, as she too was one of a set of triplets. She and her sisters had also been abducted when they were teens.
This Detective Lexi Bennett book begins a new series by Alison Belsham. I had this book in audio format and found this book very well written and truly compelling, and it was made all the more intriguing due to the excellent narration. The story itself came full circle when it came to Lexi’s past and the tension when it came to the current case never let up. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, The Girl’s Last Cry, in very short order.
Many thanks to and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The bodies were identified as Lucy and Eden Carter. This fact is quite chilling to Lexi, especially once she learns that they are part of a set of triplets, with the third sister still missing. The reason that this shocks Lexi is that this case is reminiscent of her past, as she too was one of a set of triplets. She and her sisters had also been abducted when they were teens.
This Detective Lexi Bennett book begins a new series by Alison Belsham. I had this book in audio format and found this book very well written and truly compelling, and it was made all the more intriguing due to the excellent narration. The story itself came full circle when it came to Lexi’s past and the tension when it came to the current case never let up. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, The Girl’s Last Cry, in very short order.
Many thanks to and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
April 26, 2023
First, thank you to netgalley and bookoutour audio for an audio copy of this book!
Second, the narrator is fantastic! I really enjoyed her, even down to the lisp the killer had! Perfect!
I really enjoyed this police procedural along with getting a POV of the killer every once in a while!!
Second, the narrator is fantastic! I really enjoyed her, even down to the lisp the killer had! Perfect!
I really enjoyed this police procedural along with getting a POV of the killer every once in a while!!
August 9, 2023
Long book.
November 30, 2023
The Girls on Chalk Hill is the first book in the Detective Lexi Bennett series. Lexi has a difficult past. She is a triplet and all three of them were abducted as teens. Rose was never found, while she and her other sister escaped. Not wanting to remain in the UK, she left for the United States and became a profiler with the FBI. She has now returned and on her first day in her new job as lead detective in Kent, there is a gruesome discovery. Two girls are found posed on Chalk Hill, dressed in white dresses with tiaras. They are identified as Lucy and Eden Carter, sisters, two of three triplets, with Paige still missing. This case has become personal for Lexi.
This was a great introduction to the series, with a dramatic introduction to the main character. Lexi is a strong character who has established herself as a standout Detective regardless or in spite of her background. It soon becomes apparent to the reader that the culprit is the same one from Lexi's past. The chapters are told from Lexi's and his perspective and he is creepy. It added that bone chilling feeling as I read. Although her boss wants her to step back, she is determined to see this case to it's end with the goal of bringing Paige home alive. I enjoyed the build up with the reveals and a few twists, but I did think the ending was a bit too quick and convenient. Having said that, I enjoyed the story and want to read more to see what is next for Lexi. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sofia Zervudachi. She is a new narrator to me, but I will listen to other books she performs on. She had a good flow and expression while bringing the story and its characters to life. If you enjoy a crime thriller/police procedural, then I recommend you pick up, The Girls on Chalk Hill in any format.
This was a great introduction to the series, with a dramatic introduction to the main character. Lexi is a strong character who has established herself as a standout Detective regardless or in spite of her background. It soon becomes apparent to the reader that the culprit is the same one from Lexi's past. The chapters are told from Lexi's and his perspective and he is creepy. It added that bone chilling feeling as I read. Although her boss wants her to step back, she is determined to see this case to it's end with the goal of bringing Paige home alive. I enjoyed the build up with the reveals and a few twists, but I did think the ending was a bit too quick and convenient. Having said that, I enjoyed the story and want to read more to see what is next for Lexi. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sofia Zervudachi. She is a new narrator to me, but I will listen to other books she performs on. She had a good flow and expression while bringing the story and its characters to life. If you enjoy a crime thriller/police procedural, then I recommend you pick up, The Girls on Chalk Hill in any format.
June 25, 2023
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.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Girls on Chalk Hill.
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.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Girls on Chalk Hill.
June 17, 2023
This was absolutely THE BEST thriller of 2023 in my opinion! It is the first murder mystery I have read in recent memory during which I had NO IDEA who the killer actually was. And, to be honest, for a lot of this book I wasn’t even remembering to try and sus it out. I was simply captivated by the story and enjoying it so much that my mind seldom had to opportunity to disengage with the drama unfolding to begin wondering how it would all play out.
I’m so delighted that this book is the first in a new series because I definitely want more just like it! I highly recommend it to all of you lovers of crime novels!
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Bookouture Audio for a free copy of the audio arc in exchange for my honest review.
I’m so delighted that this book is the first in a new series because I definitely want more just like it! I highly recommend it to all of you lovers of crime novels!
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Bookouture Audio for a free copy of the audio arc in exchange for my honest review.
December 20, 2024
This has got to be the worst detective making the most careless decisions. Not how police-work works.
June 30, 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.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
The Girls on Chalk Hill is the first book in the Detective Lexi Bennett series. It’s also my first time reading the author’s work. Intrigued by the blurb, I quickly signed up for a review copy. Suspense and a well-executed mystery await readers of police procedurals.
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. Imagine taking an early morning run and stumbling on the bodies of two teenaged girls with their throats cut. That's Lexie's experience on the morning of her first day working with the task force. 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 as she, too, was one part of a set of triplets. Seventeen years ago, she and her sisters 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 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 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.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
June 6, 2023
The Girls on Chalk Hill by Alison Belsham
This is the first book in the Detective Lexi Bennett series, DI Bennett has come home to work in her hometown after working abroad in the United States with the FBI. Her first day back, before she even meets her new team, she goes for a run and stumbles upon two dead teenage girls. The girls, who look identical are dressed up as princesses and their throats cuts.
The two females are identified as Lucy and Eden, two sisters of a triplet set and the third sister, Paige, is still missing. This creates panic in the team, but mostly for Lexi, who begins to relieve the nightmare that happened to her and her sisters so many years prior.
Lexi herself is part of a triplet set and her and her sisters were kidnapped seventeen years prior. She and her sister Amber escaped, but her sister Rose was never seen again. Lexi has been haunted by the decisions she and Amber made the night they escaped ever since and has been on a quest to seek answers.
Lexi's past collides with the present and she needs to race for time to try to save Paige's life before she falls for the same fate as her other two sisters. This story was good from start to finish I was fully in for the ride, and I personally like female detectives. The story reminded me of another author who I love and read every book in the series is Robert Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite series. If you like that series, you will definitely like this one. I loved the writing and the pacing of the story it kept you engaged from start to finish.
The book was narrated by Sofia Zervudachi who did a such a great job bringing Lexi to life and the other characters. It was easy to listen to and her voice kept me going while I enjoyed this five-star read. I cannot wait to the next book in the series comes out to see what Lexi is up to next.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookcuture Audio for a free audio copy of The Girls On Chalk Hill for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the first book in the Detective Lexi Bennett series, DI Bennett has come home to work in her hometown after working abroad in the United States with the FBI. Her first day back, before she even meets her new team, she goes for a run and stumbles upon two dead teenage girls. The girls, who look identical are dressed up as princesses and their throats cuts.
The two females are identified as Lucy and Eden, two sisters of a triplet set and the third sister, Paige, is still missing. This creates panic in the team, but mostly for Lexi, who begins to relieve the nightmare that happened to her and her sisters so many years prior.
Lexi herself is part of a triplet set and her and her sisters were kidnapped seventeen years prior. She and her sister Amber escaped, but her sister Rose was never seen again. Lexi has been haunted by the decisions she and Amber made the night they escaped ever since and has been on a quest to seek answers.
Lexi's past collides with the present and she needs to race for time to try to save Paige's life before she falls for the same fate as her other two sisters. This story was good from start to finish I was fully in for the ride, and I personally like female detectives. The story reminded me of another author who I love and read every book in the series is Robert Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite series. If you like that series, you will definitely like this one. I loved the writing and the pacing of the story it kept you engaged from start to finish.
The book was narrated by Sofia Zervudachi who did a such a great job bringing Lexi to life and the other characters. It was easy to listen to and her voice kept me going while I enjoyed this five-star read. I cannot wait to the next book in the series comes out to see what Lexi is up to next.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookcuture Audio for a free audio copy of The Girls On Chalk Hill for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 12, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and to Bookouture Audio for the availability to preview this audio book.
Also, thanks to the narrator for making the story a gripping one! What a great job well done!
In this first of the Detective Lexi Bennett series, DI Bennett has come back to work in her hometown after working abroad in the United States with the FBI. Her first day back, before she even meets her new team, she goes for a run and stumbles upon two teenage girls. The girls, who look identical are dressed up as princesses and their throats cuts.
The two females are soon identified as Lucy and Eden, two sisters of a triplet set and the third sister, Paige, is still missing. This creates panic in the team, but mostly for Lexi, who begins to relieve the nightmare that happened to her and her sisters so many years prior.
Lexi herself is part of a triplet set and her and her sisters were kidnapped seventeen years prior. She and her sister Amber escaped, but her sister Rose was never seen again. Lexi has been haunted by the decisions she and Amber made the night they escaped ever since and has been on a quest to seek answers.
Despite Lucy, Eden, and Paige hitting a thread so close to home, Lexi focuses on her job and puts all her effort into finding the missing teen before it’s too late. As she finds more answers she begins to believe Paige has been abducted by the same man who abducted her and her sisters and she will stop at nothing to find Paige alive and to find justice for her sister.
As the book went along the intensity of the story increased, which I loved. The individual who was behind the abductions is someone I never would have guessed and truly right under one’s nose. The kidnapper wants Lexi, as he is obsessed with her, so he taunts her and dangles items from her sister in front of her, which adds to the level of intensity and intrigue to the book. Can’t wait to read book 2!
Also, thanks to the narrator for making the story a gripping one! What a great job well done!
In this first of the Detective Lexi Bennett series, DI Bennett has come back to work in her hometown after working abroad in the United States with the FBI. Her first day back, before she even meets her new team, she goes for a run and stumbles upon two teenage girls. The girls, who look identical are dressed up as princesses and their throats cuts.
The two females are soon identified as Lucy and Eden, two sisters of a triplet set and the third sister, Paige, is still missing. This creates panic in the team, but mostly for Lexi, who begins to relieve the nightmare that happened to her and her sisters so many years prior.
Lexi herself is part of a triplet set and her and her sisters were kidnapped seventeen years prior. She and her sister Amber escaped, but her sister Rose was never seen again. Lexi has been haunted by the decisions she and Amber made the night they escaped ever since and has been on a quest to seek answers.
Despite Lucy, Eden, and Paige hitting a thread so close to home, Lexi focuses on her job and puts all her effort into finding the missing teen before it’s too late. As she finds more answers she begins to believe Paige has been abducted by the same man who abducted her and her sisters and she will stop at nothing to find Paige alive and to find justice for her sister.
As the book went along the intensity of the story increased, which I loved. The individual who was behind the abductions is someone I never would have guessed and truly right under one’s nose. The kidnapper wants Lexi, as he is obsessed with her, so he taunts her and dangles items from her sister in front of her, which adds to the level of intensity and intrigue to the book. Can’t wait to read book 2!
June 29, 2023
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! *
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! *
August 16, 2024
The Girls on Chalk Hill is a strong start to the new Detective Lexi Bennett series. Detective Lexi Bennett has spent the last four years learning to be a profiler at Quantico. She is finally home and ready to lead her new department. Before she can meet her new team, she finds two bodies with identical white dresses and tiaras on her run. Her team quickly finds that the two girls are actually triplets, and the last girl is still missing. As the investigation continues, Lexi can't help but notice the similarities to her own case. When she was a child, Lexi and her two sisters were abducted by a man named the Triplet Killer and only Lexi and one of her sisters were able to escape. Can this man and the Triplet Killer be the same person?
This was a great start to the series. I enjoyed Detective Bennet's thoughts into the investigation as she confronts her past with her own case. The killers POV throughout the investigation was eerie and made me want to know his reasoning for his infatuation with Detective Bennet. I still had some questions by the end of this book, mainly with Detective Bennett's time in the states and hope the next book will delve deeper into her past at Quantico.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to review The Girls on Chalk Hill. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a great start to the series. I enjoyed Detective Bennet's thoughts into the investigation as she confronts her past with her own case. The killers POV throughout the investigation was eerie and made me want to know his reasoning for his infatuation with Detective Bennet. I still had some questions by the end of this book, mainly with Detective Bennett's time in the states and hope the next book will delve deeper into her past at Quantico.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to review The Girls on Chalk Hill. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 24, 2023
This was GRIPPING. One of the best mystery & thrillers I’ve read in a while.
I was constantly on the edge of my seat, trying to second guess what was going to happen but I never managed to peg it. I enjoyed every single chapter and couldn’t read through quick enough as I just needed to know what was happening.
The audiobook was fab and I just sat there for hours effortlessly listening to it unravel. The story was so compelling and there was a real race against time feel which had me racing through.
It was great following Lexi, through the case of the Triplet Killer and frantic battle to save the missing girl. It was so engaging and I loved the split between her own previous experience with this killer and the here and now crime. It was great all in all and I can’t wait to see how this series develops.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this audiobook on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
I was constantly on the edge of my seat, trying to second guess what was going to happen but I never managed to peg it. I enjoyed every single chapter and couldn’t read through quick enough as I just needed to know what was happening.
The audiobook was fab and I just sat there for hours effortlessly listening to it unravel. The story was so compelling and there was a real race against time feel which had me racing through.
It was great following Lexi, through the case of the Triplet Killer and frantic battle to save the missing girl. It was so engaging and I loved the split between her own previous experience with this killer and the here and now crime. It was great all in all and I can’t wait to see how this series develops.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this audiobook on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
June 23, 2023
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.
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.
October 28, 2023
Detective Lexi Bennett finds two identical murdered girls on her first day at a new job. When she learns they are triplets and the third is missing, the case becomes personal. Lexi is a triplet that was abducted along with her sisters years ago. She vows to find the missing girl and find the monster that may have abducted them all!
This book was fast paced from the beginning! It’s a serial killer thriller that reads like a Criminal Minds episode. I really liked the character of Lexi Bennett and look forward to reading about her in future books!
June 12, 2023
Grade: A
Sometimes books are excellent because they are the best at what they are--they aren't anything that subverts tropes or turns readers on their heads. They take a genre and excel at it. This is one of those books.
This is the first in a new procedural crime series, and it succeeds on both counts. As the first in a series, we meet Lexi Bennett, a detective who has returned to her hometown in southern England after spending several years in the United States to study profiling with the FBI (is this a thing people do? I don't know, and I don't care. I bought it). While the mystery is fully fleshed out, Belsham skillfully drops hints in the narrative to inform us that Lexi has a history and hooks us into wanting to know more about her in future books. We also meet a few secondary characters that might play a bigger role down the line.
As for being a procedural, this is also a win. Belsham takes the time to go into the procedures the police follow when trying to solve this crime. As for the crime, don't be fooled by the mention of "girls" in the title. This is not another saga of an alcoholic, unreliable female narrator. This is a crime involving girls--two dead and one missing; and one missing and two recovered. The crime is intricate and absorbing, especially as we not only follow Lexi and her team as they scramble to solve the crime before another death occurs, but we also hear from the culprit, which is fascinating and unsettling. The reveal floored me, and I applaud Belsham for completely surprising me.
Only one factor kept this book from hitting an A+. I could not understand why Lexi, with her history as outlined in the summary of this book, would ever be in charge of this investigation! I'm not sure if this is a US/UK difference (there is no police department in the US that would allow her to lead this investigation, but I don't know about the UK) or if it is something that requires us to suspend our disbelief to make the story work. There were also a few threads that were never fully explained, and I felt as though they had been "cut for time." Neither of these was a huge distraction for me, but I noticed them enough to factor them into my grade for the book.
A good book series makes me want to read the next entry. An excellent book series makes me want to buy the next entry RIGHT NOW! My greatest disappointment is that the sequel is still forthcoming. But I'll be watching for it, and I can't wait to follow Lexi Bennett to solve her next crime.
In return for an honest review, I was given an electronic ARC of this book from Bookouture through Netgalley.
Sometimes books are excellent because they are the best at what they are--they aren't anything that subverts tropes or turns readers on their heads. They take a genre and excel at it. This is one of those books.
This is the first in a new procedural crime series, and it succeeds on both counts. As the first in a series, we meet Lexi Bennett, a detective who has returned to her hometown in southern England after spending several years in the United States to study profiling with the FBI (is this a thing people do? I don't know, and I don't care. I bought it). While the mystery is fully fleshed out, Belsham skillfully drops hints in the narrative to inform us that Lexi has a history and hooks us into wanting to know more about her in future books. We also meet a few secondary characters that might play a bigger role down the line.
As for being a procedural, this is also a win. Belsham takes the time to go into the procedures the police follow when trying to solve this crime. As for the crime, don't be fooled by the mention of "girls" in the title. This is not another saga of an alcoholic, unreliable female narrator. This is a crime involving girls--two dead and one missing; and one missing and two recovered. The crime is intricate and absorbing, especially as we not only follow Lexi and her team as they scramble to solve the crime before another death occurs, but we also hear from the culprit, which is fascinating and unsettling. The reveal floored me, and I applaud Belsham for completely surprising me.
Only one factor kept this book from hitting an A+. I could not understand why Lexi, with her history as outlined in the summary of this book, would ever be in charge of this investigation! I'm not sure if this is a US/UK difference (there is no police department in the US that would allow her to lead this investigation, but I don't know about the UK) or if it is something that requires us to suspend our disbelief to make the story work. There were also a few threads that were never fully explained, and I felt as though they had been "cut for time." Neither of these was a huge distraction for me, but I noticed them enough to factor them into my grade for the book.
A good book series makes me want to read the next entry. An excellent book series makes me want to buy the next entry RIGHT NOW! My greatest disappointment is that the sequel is still forthcoming. But I'll be watching for it, and I can't wait to follow Lexi Bennett to solve her next crime.
In return for an honest review, I was given an electronic ARC of this book from Bookouture through Netgalley.
April 28, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed The Girls on Chalk Hill. This procedural mystery was a fun, fast read and I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery of the missing/murdered triplets along with DI Lexie Bennett. I can honestly say that I'm looking forward to more books with Lexie Bennett in them!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Alison Belsham for providing me with an ARC audio of this book for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Alison Belsham for providing me with an ARC audio of this book for my honest review.
June 15, 2023
This was a really great crime thriller and had me hooked right from the very beginning. So dark, so tense. I absolutely flew through it, resenting every time I had to stop listening.
Detective Lexi Bennett is such a fabulous character and I’m so pleased this is the start of a series so I can meet her again and learn more of her story.
Definitely a book I’d recommend and a series I can’t wait to read more of!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Lexi Bennett is such a fabulous character and I’m so pleased this is the start of a series so I can meet her again and learn more of her story.
Definitely a book I’d recommend and a series I can’t wait to read more of!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2023
Absolutely amazing! Fast paced, creepy, atmospheric, and an ending that I could have never guessed!
DI Lexi Bennett just might be my favorite new fictional detective, ever. Alison Belsham has created a serial killer procedural like no other I've read before with her "Triplet Killer", a unique and totally evil villain. FIVE GIANT STARS! I'll be picking this one up in print to add to my shelf.
I also cannot say enough how much I enjoyed listening to Sofia Zervudaci narrate. She narrated at just the right pace and her tone/pitch changes for each character made them easily distinguishable and believable as individuals.
Run, don't walk, to your nearest book shop to get a copy of The Girls on Chalk Hill!
PS. A huge thank you to NetGalley (as well as Alison Belsham and Bookouture) for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
#TheGirlsonChalkHill #NetGalley
DI Lexi Bennett just might be my favorite new fictional detective, ever. Alison Belsham has created a serial killer procedural like no other I've read before with her "Triplet Killer", a unique and totally evil villain. FIVE GIANT STARS! I'll be picking this one up in print to add to my shelf.
I also cannot say enough how much I enjoyed listening to Sofia Zervudaci narrate. She narrated at just the right pace and her tone/pitch changes for each character made them easily distinguishable and believable as individuals.
Run, don't walk, to your nearest book shop to get a copy of The Girls on Chalk Hill!
PS. A huge thank you to NetGalley (as well as Alison Belsham and Bookouture) for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
#TheGirlsonChalkHill #NetGalley
June 28, 2025
Hodnocení: 3,5/5 ✩
Autorka zvolila velmi zajímavý a originální způsob, jak čtenáře seznámit s novou hlavní inspektorkou Lexi Bennett, která stojí v čele této nové krimi série. Pro mě osobně šlo zároveň o první setkání s tvorbou autorky, a musím říct, že příběh se četl plynule a nabídl svěží přístup, který dokáže zaujmout.
Přestože jsem si čtení užila a oceňuji jeho neotřelost, nemohu říct, že by mě příběh plně pohltil nebo hluboce vtáhl do děje – ačkoli nedokážu přesně pojmenovat, čím to bylo. Hlavní hrdinka Lexi má bezesporu zajímavé zázemí a potenciál k dalšímu rozvoji, to vše podtržené tragickou historií, nicméně jsem k ní zatím nedokázala vytvořit hlubší vztah. Vedlejší postavy, včetně jejího týmu, na mě působily spíše ploše, i když některé náznaky – slibují zajímavý vývoj v dalších dílech.
Celkově jde o slibný začátek nové série, který sice ve mně nevzbudil silné emoce, ale rozhodně mě zaujal natolik, že dám ráda šanci i dalším dílům.
Autorka zvolila velmi zajímavý a originální způsob, jak čtenáře seznámit s novou hlavní inspektorkou Lexi Bennett, která stojí v čele této nové krimi série. Pro mě osobně šlo zároveň o první setkání s tvorbou autorky, a musím říct, že příběh se četl plynule a nabídl svěží přístup, který dokáže zaujmout.
Přestože jsem si čtení užila a oceňuji jeho neotřelost, nemohu říct, že by mě příběh plně pohltil nebo hluboce vtáhl do děje – ačkoli nedokážu přesně pojmenovat, čím to bylo. Hlavní hrdinka Lexi má bezesporu zajímavé zázemí a potenciál k dalšímu rozvoji, to vše podtržené tragickou historií, nicméně jsem k ní zatím nedokázala vytvořit hlubší vztah. Vedlejší postavy, včetně jejího týmu, na mě působily spíše ploše, i když některé náznaky – slibují zajímavý vývoj v dalších dílech.
Celkově jde o slibný začátek nové série, který sice ve mně nevzbudil silné emoce, ale rozhodně mě zaujal natolik, že dám ráda šanci i dalším dílům.
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