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Lost Souls

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He’s doing the holiest work – murder.

When LAPD Homicide detective Marcy Kendrick and her partner Angel Reyes investigate the bizarre death of a drug dealer in an abandoned warehouse, they discover he was waterboarded - with baptismal water.

It isn’t long before the killer strikes again. This time the victim is a young woman. Her hands and feet were bound, she was decapitated, and her heart was cut out. Traces of baptismal water are found in her wounds.

As the death toll continues to rise, it becomes clear the killer is on a religious mission. It’s the kind of sensational case the press loves, and they make the most of it, stirring up a frenzy, dubbing the killer the Templar.

With the investigation under intense public scrutiny, Marcy’s boss demands a quick resolution. But that’s easier said than done because there doesn’t seem to be any connection between the victims.

Marcy finds herself hunting a killer who thinks he’s on the side of the angels, with no idea where he’ll strike next. Can she stop the Templar before he kills again?

Lost Souls – book 6 in the thrilling series featuring Detective Marcy Kendrick.


What readers are saying about Lost Souls:


“…another terrific story. …a story that grabs you and won't let you go (as usual in this series)…” -Booksprout Reviewer

“A good storyline, realistic characters, suspense. I didn't want to put it down. I can thoroughly recommend this series.” -Booksprout Reviewer

“The plot was interesting and it flowed to the end. I recommend this book, it was well written.” -Netgalley Reviewer

Another winner in the Marcy Kendrick series.” -Netgalley Reviewer

“…a strong sixth entry in the Detective Marcy Kendrick series… Theo Baxter wrote this perfectly…” -Netgalley Reviewer

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2024

166 people are currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

Theo Baxter

47 books183 followers

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5 stars
193 (62%)
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90 (29%)
3 stars
21 (6%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Donna Mallery.
958 reviews91 followers
November 20, 2024
Another winner in the Marcy Kendrick series. In fact all of Theo’s books are worthy reads. The characters in the Marcy series are all well developed, and the mysteries are just the right balance of suspense with a little terror sprinkled in. I do get frustrated at the romances, and I’m sure that is exactly Theo’s intent! You can’t help love both partners and their relationship with each other. I’m waiting patiently for the next in the series! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Profile Image for Zoé-Lee O'Farrell.
Author 1 book244 followers
November 21, 2024
So I haven't read the previous 2 books so I need to catch up but this is the darkest one yet. A religious theme, demons and unpredictability - can it be any more terrifying?

Marcy has a lot of juggle so does Angel. They work well together, and probably even better together together but Frank and Callie stand in the way. Reyes is much more honest with himself about his feelings.

This book was a wild ride. I didn't know how it would end, how could they stop the murderer when there was no rhyme or reason? When the dots finally connect I breathed a sigh of relief!! Now it was a real race around the clock as they realised just who was the next target.

New people in charge, still some idiots but life is calmer without Jordan( sound alike I need to catch up on that!!) and a steady beat is now flowing.

I love this series. Marcy is badass and come so far since we first met her!
9,376 reviews140 followers
December 3, 2024
Another great book by this talented author. He once again brings strong characters and an intriguing storyline. He pulled me in and kept me turning the pages with all the action, suspense and twists. He brings the pages to life with his descriptive scenes and moves the story fluidly delivering a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
Profile Image for TheLisaD.
1,110 reviews20 followers
December 3, 2024
Book Review: Lost Souls by Theo Baxter

Theo Baxter’s Lost Souls is a gripping and intense installment in the Marcy Kendrick series, proving once again why this saga has captured the hearts of thriller fans. Combining relentless action, a chilling antagonist, and compelling character growth, this book delivers everything readers have come to love—and more.

Marcy Kendrick returns from a much-needed vacation, only to be thrust into chaos as a string of gruesome murders grips her city. The tension escalates quickly with the introduction of a terrifying new threat: a mysterious “demon killer” leaving a trail of bodies in their wake. Baxter expertly ramps up the stakes as Marcy, alongside her fiercely loyal partner Angel, races against time to unravel the mystery and stop the killer before more lives are lost.

One of the series’ standout features is its dynamic character development, and Lost Souls is no exception. Marcy has come a long way since the first book, and it’s fascinating to see how her experiences have shaped her resilience and instincts. Her partnership with Angel remains a highlight, offering a balance of camaraderie, banter, and mutual respect that adds depth to the relentless action.

Baxter’s pacing is impeccable, pulling readers in from the first page and keeping them hooked with expertly crafted suspense. The danger feels immediate and personal, especially as the bodies pile up and the killer grows bolder. The narrative is peppered with unexpected twists, ensuring that readers are kept guessing until the final reveal.

In addition to its pulse-pounding plot, Lost Souls explores deeper themes, including justice and the moral dilemmas faced by those in law enforcement. The backdrop of repeat offenders and the frustration of seeing criminals released adds an extra layer of tension, grounding the story in a sense of real-world urgency.

Verdict:

Lost Souls is another standout in Theo Baxter’s Marcy Kendrick series, delivering an electrifying mix of suspense, action, and character-driven storytelling. Fans of the series will appreciate the continued evolution of Marcy and Angel, while new readers will be captivated by the gripping narrative. With its relentless pacing and chilling villain, this book is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts. Baxter once again proves his mastery of the genre, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Profile Image for Robin Reviewer.
1,011 reviews12 followers
February 9, 2025
Not as good as previous books - read on KU

The plot was interesting. However, the detectives did a crappy job. (Tiny spoiler) From the book description, you know the killer was using baptismal water. You learn fairly early on that 2 of the people killed went to the same church, but it takes until about the 70% mark for them to think to look for the culprit at a church. We know at the very beginning that it is someone from the church, so that's why I don't mind giving away that tiny spoiler.

I'm a little bored with Marcy and Frank's relationship. I also think it's unfair to anyone Marcy or Angel date because they love each other more than they'll ever live anyone else. I understand why Marcy refuses to date her partner, but I wish they'd go there already.

This is the 2nd or 3rd book with the new lieutenant. I don't think the author and/or editor understand the way southerners use the word y'all. While you might sometimes hear someone say "all y'all," someone with better grammar, as the lieutenant has, would understand y'all is the contraction of you all and wouldn't say that. They would either not use the contraction or not add the extra all. Also, I think the editor carries more weight with the grammar as collective nouns are treated as they are in the UK and not as in the US. In the US, collective nouns are seen as acting as a singular group and are treated as a singular and not plural. The opposite is true in the UK. While I wouldn't ding a rating for this, I think the grammar should follow the rules of the setting of the book and not the grammar rules of the editor when there is a conflict.

I do like this series. It has so many things going for it. The pacing is probably its best feature. There are a lot of inaccuracies in many aspects of both the police work and other facets, but those are outweighed nby the engaging stories that are hard to put down.
Profile Image for Stanley McShane.
Author 10 books59 followers
December 6, 2024
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

The main character is a strong female detective who has been around the corner a few times and knows the ropes. Marcy Kendrick seems to be pretty intuitive and often sparks off of her partner Angel Reyes.

There are three points of view; the perp, Marcy, and Angel. It’s obvious Marcy really likes Frank, but does she love him? This is a subplot until Angel makes a change that throws Marcy. When it’s the perp’s turn for the POV, dread takes over.

The antagonist has multiple problems, including PTSD from a stint in Afghanistan. When it’s his POV, his thought processes run a chill up the spine. He is truly whacked.

Both Marcy and Reyes are in relationships, though Reyes harbors a secret love of Marcy to which she appears oblivious. Frank is coming off medical leave but is balking on going back to work. He decides he needs a dog—a malamute puppy. Marcy seems to willfully accept Timber and in the meantime, Frank makes another critical decision.

While it’s not fast paced, it’s an interesting storyline but stumbles on the romance angle of the MCs rather often. The conclusion came barreling in although I had to wonder about the climax scene and thought it pushed disbelief.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through @NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Laura Moylan.
1,516 reviews
December 4, 2024
Once again Detectives Marcy & Angel have to deal with another serial killer. This one takes a bit to figure out for them. Frank & Marcy had gone on a cruise for vacay for two weeks and had a great time, although Marcy felt that it took a bit too long and she needed to get back to work. Angel only took a week off to visit his family in Mexico with his girlfriend Callie. I was shocked when I heard what happened there. I love the new Lieutenant, Lukas Chenevert, but then again, almost anyone is better than Marcy’s ex, Jordan, as he went totally mental. There is more going on tho on Frank’s side and Marcy is worried about him. I felt really bad for Marcy and the things that go on in this book. There was one really cool thing tho- that had me practically bouncing around while reading about it. You’ll see! Lol. I wish people who have the wherewithal to get their meds to help themselves with mental health actually took them. This book really shows that. There are some parts that had me giggle, laugh, squee with glee, bounce on the bed, need the AC because worry or steam… plus, the story was totally engrossing, because I wanted Angel and Marcy to find the serial killer. This one was a doozy. Sheesh. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I like Frank but, I’ll always be team Angel. lol.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,003 reviews3 followers
January 28, 2025
The last book in the series is a strange case. A misguided soul with mental issues thinks he is ridding the world of demons. These murders are all different and seemingly unconnected making it difficult for the detectives.
"When LAPD Homicide detective Marcy Kendrick and her partner Angel Reyes investigate the bizarre death of a drug dealer in an abandoned warehouse, they discover he was waterboarded - with baptismal water.
It isn’t long before the killer strikes again. This time the victim is a young woman. Her hands and feet were bound, she was decapitated, and her heart was cut out. Traces of baptismal water are found in her wounds.
As the death toll continues to rise, it becomes clear the killer is on a religious mission. It’s the kind of sensational case the press loves, and they make the most of it, stirring up a frenzy, dubbing the killer the Templar.
With the investigation under intense public scrutiny, Marcy’s boss demands a quick resolution. But that’s easier said than done because there doesn’t seem to be any connection between the victims.
Marcy finds herself hunting a killer who thinks he’s on the side of the angels, with no idea where he’ll strike next. Can she stop the Templar before he kills again?" synopsis copied
560 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2024
BOOK: LOST SOULS
AUTHOR: THEO BAXTER
PUB DATE: 01 DECEMBER 2024
🕵🏼‍♀️🕵🏼‍♂️
REVIEW- 3.8 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🕵🏼‍♂️🕵🏼‍♀️
THINGS I LIKED
1. The pace was kinda slow, but I felt it was perfect for the book.
2. I liked the ending.
3. The MCs were okay when they were not crushing over each other.
4. Marcy's relationship with Frank.
5. Learning about Nathan's condition
🕵🏼‍♀️🕵🏼‍♂️
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
1. Angel's confusion about his relationship, it was annoying
2. Justifying the USA's presence in Afghanistan and sending its soldiers where it was none of their business. In addition to this, the Taliban, while guilty of many offenses, doesn't magically erase the USA's offenses while in Afghanistan. The author 'nicely ' brushed off America's crime against Afghanistan and even against their own soldiers.
🕵🏼‍♂️🕵🏼‍♀️
It was an okay read for me. It's part of a Series, but it didn't feel like I was missing anything.
🕵🏼‍♀️🕵🏼‍♂️
444 reviews12 followers
July 5, 2025
This series just keeps getting better, and Lost Souls might be one of the most intense books yet. I’ve followed Marcy Kendrick from the beginning, and I love how each book adds more depth to her character while keeping the suspense high.

In this one, Marcy and her partner Angel are dealing with a disturbing case—a killer who believes he’s hunting demons. The murders are brutal, and the killer’s mindset is seriously chilling. The story had me hooked right away, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

What I really enjoy about this series is the balance between the crime-solving and the characters personal lives. Marcy is tough and smart, but she’s also dealing with a lot emotionally—especially when it comes to her relationship with Frank and her complicated feelings about Angel. There’s tension, jealousy, and a few moments that made me stop and wonder what direction things might go in the future.

Angel continues to be one of my favorite characters. The suspense kept building, and the ending was great.
Profile Image for Tina Lincoln.
466 reviews6 followers
November 13, 2024
What do you see...?
If you saw a person as 'other than' in your eyes, that the person went from looking like a person, but rather as a demon, what would you do?
Detective Marcy Kendrick has her hands full with this whole scene—and it's not just work-related, either! A new puppy from Alaska helps to round out her relationship, but she finds that her bed gets more than she realizes.
Her partner, whom she loves and protects, gets into a position that makes Marcy react instinctively!
There are many life-related issues both at work and home that keep Marcy busy and curious. Why is she jealous of her partner's new girlfriend?
Thank you, Theo Baxter, for another great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
1,484 reviews25 followers
November 24, 2024
This is another terrific story. This time there's a killer at large seeing demons everywhere and trying to rid the world of said demons. All a bit terrifying and the method of killings certainly lives up to this. Marcy and Angel are assigned the case as well as being called out to normal daily situations needing police assistance.

As well as being a story that grabs you and won't let you go (as usual in this series), we have a bit more personal stuff going on to keep things balanced. This duo are terrific, particularly Marcy who is a tough leading character who still has some vulnerable moments. There are also some heart in mouth moments throughout this to keep you on edge. Bring on the next book!
Profile Image for Vickiec192.
260 reviews19 followers
April 26, 2025
This series has been so good, but I have to say that I'm pretty sure this is my favourite so far! It is definitely the darkest.
Marcy and Angel are, once again, faced with a dark crime scene and another twisting game of cat and mouse. I personally think that this is the most gripping plot, which says a lot as all the others have been 4⭐ or 5⭐ so they're all fantastic.
Yet again, more food consumed by Marcy, I thought I had a sweet tooth, but Mary takes the biscuit (pun not intended!). I really enjoy the progression of the characters through this series, and not just with Angel and Marcy. Love Love Love! Fast paced and gripping from the start.
Crime thriller fans, this is definitely a series you need to read.
514 reviews12 followers
December 3, 2024
Although I have read a number of Thoe Baxter's books, this is my first of the Detective Marcy Kendrick's. I did manage to read this as a standalone, and enjoyed it , so I have ordered the previous books.
It's a well written gripping storyline and plot and features interesting strong characters, and a very different type of killer.
I liked the characters of Marcy and Angel who work well together and watch each others backs. I also like the way the descriptive took you into the mind of the killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from beginning to end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
871 reviews
November 30, 2024
I have really enjoyed this series and this latest book did not disappoint. I completely relate to Marcy's feelings of being frustrated by the current practice of releasing criminals without punishment. Despite this, she continues to cares and performs her job to protect the innocent and to capture the guilty person.
The story was a quick read, balancing the personal relationships interactions along with the search of the serial killer to an entertaining story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
2,816 reviews20 followers
December 6, 2024
I am sure this storyline isn’t for everyone. As evidenced by a few reviews. That being said they knew the storyline before starting to read it so please don’t let their negativity steer you away from reading this outstanding thriller. Theo’s thrillers are not for the faint of heart. Once again he completely drew me into the story. I was surprised by the developments regarding Angel and Frank but love the new dynamic. Can’t wait for the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for K.
528 reviews28 followers
May 3, 2025
Book six in the series, and this one had an absolute banger of an opening chapter - I loved it! Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours for my copy.

I really liked the consulting expert on the occult for this - it reminded me of Henry from a previous book, and I enjoy it when other people are brought into an investigation. It makes sense to me that they wouldn't know everything themselves, and I love occult-y stuff.

I think overall this book was quite a sad one; this kind of perp is a tougher read. His story was handled well.
Profile Image for Martha Brindley.
Author 2 books34 followers
December 2, 2024
I like this series of books featuring Detective Marcy Kendrick and this can easily be read as a stand alone. The pacing is slow throughout but it worked out well with the plotting. The characterisation is well developed with plenty of romance throughout and it is a quick read with an ending which came just a little bit too fast. A good read from the author in a well developed series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
824 reviews9 followers
December 6, 2024
Love this author. I will read anything that he writes for sure. This is the 6th book in his Detective Marcy Kendrick series and it doesn't disappoint. When Marcy and her partner Angel investigate the death of a drug dealer and find that he was waterboarded with baptismal water things are definitely not as they seem. Before they can solve that murder the killer strikes again and Marcy and Angel have to race against time to find the killer before they strike again.
2,190 reviews28 followers
December 6, 2024
This is a good finish to a series that I have enjoyed from book one to the end of this one! I love the way that the author brings these characters to the page and keeps me invested in the story!!! I Highly Recommend! I Loved It!!! No Spoilers!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for patrick Lorelli.
3,768 reviews37 followers
January 16, 2025
A very good book with murder suspense and enough back-and-forth between all of the characters to keep you interested in the story. Marcy and her partner are looking for the killer while fighting with the higher-ups in the department who want a fast closer so it is out of the news. An excellent book with excellent characters.
664 reviews
November 15, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book, just as much as the previous ones in this series. A good storyline, realistic characters, suspense. I didn't want to put it down. I can thoroughly recommend this series.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
7,766 reviews50 followers
December 1, 2024
I found this book interesting Asher trying his best to help with the check in, had a touch of comedy to the story. The plot was interesting and it flowed to the end. I recommend this book it was well written.
Given arc by Net Galley and Inkubator Books.
1,549 reviews12 followers
December 1, 2024
Intense suspense and chocked full of action. Marcy and Angel make the best partners always having each others back especially during dangerous situations. Be prepared for the heart pounding twists that are shocking and the mangled and eerie mind of a killer.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
2,950 reviews48 followers
December 24, 2024
Edge of your seat reading that keeps you turning the pages until the end. Complex characters to follow along as they try to find the killer. Lots of twists and turns. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Huguette Maillet.
37 reviews
December 7, 2025
Excellent book!!

Love this book! Can't wait to read the next if there is another... Very highly recommended. It is a great series. I really wish there was another book to continue reading about Marcy and Angel...
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,383 reviews8 followers
November 26, 2024
This was a really good book. There is a definite good vs. evil thing happening here and Marcy has the task to find out who is doing it. It is suspenseful, and easily draws you into the story.

226 reviews4 followers
December 2, 2024
Another great story, love the characters especially Marcy and Angel. Looking forward to more!!!
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